Are Adventist boarding academies still relevant today? Are they still effective and able to fulfill the mission of their founders? Is it still a worthwhile investment?
Sunnydale Adventist Academy students believe it is. Here’s what they are saying.*
“At Sunnydale, I have learned that God is a relationship that you have to put effort into, that it’s not something that [is] automatically there. You need to allow God into your life, and without coming to Sunnydale, I would have probably never learned how to gain my own relationship with Him. … I’m ecstatic that Sunnydale has this environment where you don’t have to be ashamed to get to know God.” — Dawn, Junior
“I’ve learned that God is with you through thick and thin. And that you can talk to Him at any time, that talking to God is like talking to your best friend. You don’t need to get on your knees every time you talk to Him. You might want to talk or pray to Him before a test or a meeting—whatever it is, He wants you to talk to Him and tell Him your problems even though He already knows them.” — Harmony, Junior
“Sunnydale has helped me a lot through its Student Leadership Program. [It has taught me] to be bold in sharing the love of God and how He has worked in my life. While He has helped me grow in the bad times, He has taught me to be grateful and patient in the good times.” — Chrissy, Junior
“My walk with Christ at Sunnydale has been a struggle. At points I think to myself, ‘Why [is God] letting this happen to me?’ However, when I hear pastors or students give testimonies, I realize how God [has] a purpose [for me]. … God knows my struggles and knows what I need and not what I desire. I have chosen to dedicate my life to Him, to know my worth in His eyes, to worship and lift His name, and to never forget He is the one and only who died for my sins.” — Elise, Junior
There is no doubt that God is at work in the hearts and minds of our students. With nearly 170 students enrolled, we are preparing for mission trips to Tanzania and India, as well as currently doing outreach projects for our neighbors and the local community. The music department has begun touring to area churches, and the sports programs are in full swing. We are busy and blessed, and God is working in so many ways.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we and our fellow academies continue our mission to make heaven crowded!
*Student names have been changed at their request.
