Blue Mountain Academy Encourages Spiritual Growth

Story by Tamyra Horst

“Before coming to Blue Mountain Academy (BMA), I had a Bible and went to church, but I didn’t really like either of those things,” shares Malachi Christiansen. “I would go to church and not even listen. I would just long for the time I wasn’t at church.”

Christiansen felt the same way when he began his freshmen year at BMA. But gradually, his life began to change. He found himself enjoying the sermons and reading the Bible. “Thanks to leaders in the dorm and others around me, I didn’t just like the time when I had to study or go to church,” he explains. “I decided to either wake up earlier or study by myself. I chose to go to Bible activities. BMA changed me so much that my favorite time of the day was when I was studying or at church.”

His experience didn’t just change his life—it also impacted his friend Kyle Foulke, whose parents and grandparents are BMA alumni. Foulke found himself worried about fitting in and making friends. “But God, in His awesomeness, allowed me to meet an amazing young man, Malachi,” he says. The two became roommates, causing Foulke to feel more confident about school. “Little did I know there was nothing to worry about at BMA,” says Foulke. “I found the most loving and kind environment that glorified God and implemented Him in every aspect of life. I was surprised by BMA, and I know this experience will make me a man of God.”

Adam Bially, BMA’s lead pastor and chaplain, states, “Kyle and Malachi have both experienced a great revival since coming to Blue Mountain Academy. We intentionally strive to provide a Christ-centered education that impacts students and deepens their relationship with God—through inspiring worship, stimulating Bible classes, FOCUS weeks, Power Weekends and opportunities to put spiritual learning into practice by serving others, the community and the world around them.”

This intentional focus on spiritual growth is designed to not only change lives during a young person’s high school years but impact the rest of their lives.

Senior Adriana Campos sums up the BMA experience, saying, “I have learned to always trust God through every trial and every step of the way. I will take these lessons [with me] for the rest of my life so that I can continue growing spiritually each and every day.”