HEY, THAT’S MY ISLAND!

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

The campus of Southern Adventist University (SAU) in Tennessee, United States, echoed with a cheerful voice one autumn day. A man pointed excitedly at the student missionary recruitment banner, exclaiming, “Hey, that’s my island!” Gracelyn Lloyd, staffing the Guam-Micronesia Mission recruitment booth, observed the interaction from afar. The man, Edwin, hailed from Yap, as indicated by the image of a triangular thatched-roof hut on the poster.

During lunch, Gracelyn caught up with Edwin to learn more about his story. Edwin, a graduate of the Guam Micronesia Mission (GMM) high school on Yap, was now studying construction management at SAU. His testimony mirrored the purpose of their recruitment efforts: to send students back to the islands to make a difference.

Edwin shared how the Seventh-day Adventist school in Yap and the student missionaries who taught there had profoundly impacted his life. Despite humble beginnings and challenging circumstances, Edwin’s parents sought the best education for him. They discovered that the Seventh-day Adventist school offered quality education with English-speaking teachers.

Starting school with minimal English proficiency, Edwin initially struggled and even faced suspension in second grade. However, he was drawn to the school’s environment and found solace in playing with other children during recess. Upon his return, Edwin’s experience at the school began to change for the better. Teachers and principals became mentors, guiding him through academic and spiritual growth.

Despite facing personal challenges and struggles with bullying, Edwin’s faith journey blossomed through the influence of the Adventist school. He graduated as valedictorian, and his relationship with Jesus deepened, leading him to baptism after moving to the United States.

Edwin’s transformative experience exemplifies the impact of GMM schools. Volunteers who teach in the missionary play a crucial role in shaping lives academically and spiritually across the islands. The education department of GMM is its most active ministry, spreading the gospel daily through its schools. The majority of students are non-Adventist, drawn to the dedicated and mission-hearted teachers. Many alumni have gone on to become influential leaders in various fields, but more importantly, they have been led into a closer relationship with Jesus.

Please, pray for our missionaries, volunteers, and Global Mission Pioneers. Your faithfulness sustains their ministry.

CHALLENGE FOR THE FAMILY: Make a commitment as a family to pray regularly for missionaries, students, and schools in Micronesia this coming week. Set the alarm to remind you about it.