Blue Mountain Academy Students Spend Spring Break Serving Others

Story by Tami Horst

This year, Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) students and staff didn’t just use spring break as a time to relax or have fun—they stepped into mission. Three teams traveled to different parts of the world, serving in Brazil, South Korea and Mexico.

In Brazil, students combined hands-on service with meaningful connection. They spent four days painting and helping build a home, visiting church members and worshipping together. The group later enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the beach in Belém. They spent Sabbath at Faculdade Adventista da Amazônia (Amazon Adventist College). Scott Haakenson, BMA boys’ dean, led worship Friday evening and unexpectedly taught Sabbath School in the morning. Many students from the college responded to his appeal to go wherever God calls.

BMA’s bell choir, La Sonnette, ministered through music across South Korea, performing at an English Language Institute, a hospital, a Filipino church and a local middle school—sharing hope through every note. Along the way, students experienced Korean culture firsthand, visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, touring the Korean Demilitarized Zone and exploring a Korean Folk Village.

In Mexico, the Bel Canto choir and the Aerial Aires gymnastics team partnered in ministry at Universidad de Montemorelos. Bel Canto performed during Sabbath School and evening vespers, while Aerial Aires shared the gospel through a gymnastics program attended by more than 700 people. The group also spent a day cleaning and painting at Instituto Soledad Acevedo de los Reyes and mininstered at Soledad Acevedo de los Reyes Adventist Secondary School. 

In between ministry opportunities, they hiked a mountain, explored Matacanes Canyon and visited the Museo del Desierto.

School leaders say that these types of mission experiences shape lives, strengthen faith and give students a deeper understanding of what it means to live a life of service. At BMA, education goes beyond the classroom. Students don’t just learn about the gospel—they live it, share it and carry it with them wherever they go.

Learn more about the BMA experience and enroll your student today at bma.us.