Above and beyond all the warm and winsome myths of Christmas is the divine story of redemption, a Word that became flesh and dwelt among us for an eternal purpose.
I was raised on stories. Aside from daily infusions of other essential nutrients like green beans and potatoes and homemade bread, tales of miracles and missionary adventures found fertile soil in my young imagination.
Columbia Adventist Academy (CAA) in Battle Ground, Wash., is blessed to have an increase in the number of students this year but as we all know, “it’s quality, not quantity.” This truism is supported by biblical stories like Gideon and the small gathering in the upper room prior to Pentecost with the ensuing outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Cascade Christian Academy (CCA) in Wenatchee, Wash., participated in Make a Difference Day on Oct. 26, 2017, with projects for all of their students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Some of the projects they were involved in included:
Portland Adventist Academy media and persuasion (MP) students are asking tough questions about how screens are shaping their generation and how they can be different.
As digital natives, most teenagers don’t know a life without convenience and entertainment at their fingertips. But to examine their media habits, the MP students, all seniors, chose to fast from screen-media for four days. They called their project-based learning (PBL) “PAA Unplugged.” More than 40 students and staff participated.
More than 300 children's ministries leaders from around the North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC) attended the NPUC Children's Leadership Conference (CLC) held Oct. 12–15, 2017, in Portland, Ore.
The event theme of "God's Construction Zone" promoted a vision of "building leaders for today's kids." Sherri Uhrig, North American Division children's ministries director, cut the "construction site" ribbon to open the session. Everyone was given a hard hat to complete the construction motif. The energy of the event was heightened throughout by well-known keynote speaker José Rojas.
Charles Byrd recently answered the call to pastor Oregon's Grants Pass and Cave Junction churches. When asked how he and his wife, Karen, were led to southern Oregon, the response was direct: “I want to be where the Lord leads.” In ministry, Byrd hopes others will seek a connection to Jesus. He wants everyone to desire to share the gospel.
Upper Columbia Academy (UCA) in Spangle, Wash., experienced week of prayer in October presented by Jason Calvert, youth pastor of the Kettering Church in Ohio. Eric Johnson, UCA principal, led staff in morning prayers asking God to bless the students and Calvert during these special opportunities to connect with Christ.