Story by Lisa Moller
The big screen at Spring Valley Academy’s (SVA) Performing Arts Center flashed sports highlights and dynamic ESPN-style graphics to introduce the theme for the upcoming 2021–22 music season: “SVA Sports Spectacular.”
This theme, a close secret kept by band conductor Donald Huff and choral conductor Cristy Doria, set the agenda for a daylong field trip to Indiana, where band and choir members visited the Hoosier Gym, Lucas Oil Stadium and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV).
Early in my childhood, my mom made decisions that were best for me. She chose warm clothes, healthy food and safe toys. When I was older, my mom chose Desmond T. Doss Academy for me because she wanted me to have a “solid foundation.” I didn’t grow up going to church. My mom taught me prayers and read me stories from a children’s Bible, but she wanted me to know more. I knew who God and Jesus were, but it wasn’t until later that I learned how I could be saved.
“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer” (Ps. 4:1, NKJV).
When I was 3 years old, my mother left me with family in Guatemala to immigrate to the United States. She wanted to give me a better future. My aunt guided me in the ways of God, but I asked Him why my mother left me. I suffered every Mother’s Day because all my friends hugged their mothers and gave them gifts, and I did not have my mother. I could not tell her about my sufferings. When I felt alone or needed a hug, she was not there.
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears My voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20, KJV).
This verse gives me comfort because it reassures me that God will always be there for me, ready to come to my aid at any moment. I grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist home, but I didn’t have a personal relationship with God. When I got older, I felt like something was missing.
I grew up thinking about love and how I wanted someone to make me feel complete. I began dating, and every relationship started out great, but some of the guys wanted more than just love. This made me feel like I wasn’t good enough for anyone. I was tired of chasing guys and looking for someone to love me.
On behalf of the Office of Education, local administrators presented the following academy graduates and stuents with Caring Heart Awards for their dedication to service and witnessing.
Blue Mountain Academy–Everaldo Paim de Araujo (pictured with Principal Burney Culpepper)Highland View Academy–Ana LopesLake Nelson Adventist Academy–Amy ColonPine Forge Academy – Caleb WilliamsRichmond Academy – Karyle CortiguerraShenandoah Valley Academy – Ceiry Nicoll FloresSpencerville Adventist Academy – Daniela CruzSpring Valley Academy – Lewis O’NealTakoma Academy – Lauren Cone