Blue Mountain Academy Students Make Big Impact During Spring Break

Story by Esther Hernandez

How did you spend spring break? At Blue Mountain Academy (BMA), 74 students and staff chose to impact the world. Divided into three groups, they headed in different directions with one mission: to serve God by making a difference in the lives of others.

Six female students, accompanied by Daniel Provost, a plant services assistant, Eunices Rodriguez, the operations administrative assistant, and Manuel Gonzalez, the drama club leader and the auditor at the Pennsylvania Conference, traveled to El Naranjo in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to help build a local church in need of a sanctuary. Although passionate about finishing their eightyear church project, members often had to redirect funds to evangelism. For 10 days, students worked alongside them—painting, digging, mixing cement and doing electrical work—most of which they’d never done before.

“Even though the girls were working in an environment they weren’t used to and doing tasks they’d never done before, the Lord gave them strength and a good attitude,” says Gonzalez. “They had fun, built friendships and marveled at the beauty of God’s creation.”

Another group of 37 students partnered with Lipa Adventist Academy in the Philippines for a studentled evangelistic outreach. The two academies led simultaneous meetings in Lipa City, where students preached, prayed and led music, sharing Jesus boldly with the community.

Coordinated by Gay Tanamal, BMA CFO/ business manager, the school also conducted a Week of Prayer at Lipa and performed with the Arial Aires team—a ministry that blends gymnastics and drama to share the gospel. Five BMA students— David Sipes, David DeSousa, Isaak Cortazar, Jordan Stifka and Joel Perez—served as evangelists.

“Their passion and commitment left a lasting impact, both on the people they served and on their own spiritual growth,” says Kevin Costello, Pennsylvania Conference treasurer. The team also included 47 pastors and spouses and 12 health professionals. So far, more than 1,350 people have been baptized as a result of this project.

Meanwhile, 28 students and staff served at Camp Kulaqua (Fla.)—waking each day to the roar of a lion from the camp’s zoo. They painted, weeded, cleaned, inflated more than 100 tubes for the lazy river and helped set up the grounds for summer ministries.

“Our kids were such good volunteers! They completed everything planned for us, and the Kulaqua staff had to find us more jobs,” shares chaperone Diana Engen. “They worked willingly, and the difference was visible. Our worships were meaningful, and Sabbath was extra special with Cowboy Camp, zoo time and a prayer walk around the springs.”

Whether stateside or abroad, leaders say these mission trips gave students the chance to grow in faith, serve others and experience the joy of selfless ministry. They returned not just with stories—but with a renewed commitment to live as Christ’s hands and feet wherever He leads.