Shining His Light: Discipleship in Action

Story by Beth Villanueva

What does it look like when a school sees every day as an opportunity to point students to Jesus? Educators at Atholton Adventist Academy (AAA) believe Adventist schools are called to be evangelism centers—places where faith is lived, shared and nurtured daily. Their theme this year, “Shining His Light, Proclaiming His Love,” reflects that calling.

To that end, participating in North American Division’s Pentecost 2025 initiative was a natural fit for AAA, since many of the school’s long-running programs and events flowed seamlessly into the initiative’s focus points of prayer, community engagement, proclamation and discipleship. One new activity for students, however, has been prayer walking. In the fall, students and teachers twice walked the neighbor-hoods around campus, praying for the community.

For many, this was their first experience praying publicly. Students learned that prayer is not limited to church but is an active expression of Jesus’ love for others. Several shared that praying for people who live and work around their school changed how they view the neighborhood and helped them feel a deeper responsibility to reflect Christ through kindness and service.

During one prayer walk, a neighbor asked what the group was doing. “When she learned our students were praying for the community,” says Chaplain Mark O’Ffill, “she thanked us and asked for prayer for a family concern.” The conversation also allowed the group to invite the woman to attend a family vespers event, which allowed for students to witness how simple, Spirit-led acts of prayer can potentially open doors and gently share the care of Jesus.

The Spirit was again at work in the lead-up to AAA’s annual student-led week of prayer, termed SHINE chapels (Student-led, Heartfelt, Inspirational, Nurturing Experiences). While preparing his sermonette for the final day, junior Daniel Quispe felt led to prepare a call for students; not just an invitation to check boxes on a decision card, but a call to stand up and move forward for Jesus. Little did he know, his call would end up being just one of the special events of the day.

During the final SHINE chapel service, eighth grader Mark Wolfer was baptized. As he stood in the baptistry, the whole school spontaneously rose to their feet in support. Wolfer says, “I felt appreciated and cared for.” Minutes later, when Quispe gave his altar call, students rose again as nearly the entire school responded by walking forward to commit their lives to Jesus (pictured).

“AAA is all about developing spiritually attuned leaders who are willing to listen to God’s leading,” O’Ffill says. “Students calling students to choose Jesus is so powerful.”

This is the epitome of AAA’s purpose: to provide a Christian environment in which to mentor and disciple the next generation of Adventist Christian leaders who will go out into the world, “Shining His Light, Proclaiming His Love.”