The Youngest Evangelists

Story by Ruth Nino

Schools across the union were a vital part of the evangelistic vision of Pentecost 2025, using funds for special evangelism events to reach their students and communities. In the 70-plus participating Columbia Union schools, students of all ages—elementary through university level—experienced the joy of allowing the Holy Spirit to work through them. 

Atholton Adventist Academy, Chesapeake Conference  
With the theme “Preparation, Proclamation, Preservation,” the school actively engaged students, families and the constituent church in prayer, worship, service and outreach, including prayer walks around the campus and community, and a worship workshop led by ninth-grade students, equipping parents to nurture faith at home.  

Columbus Adventist Academy, Allegheny West Conference  
During Week of Prayer, students in grades K–10 took part in activities focused on prayer and reflection, keeping journals to record prayers and answers. High school students also participated in a spiritual retreat. Five students were baptized, and several others have begun Bible studies. One student shares, “Because of this retreat, I’m more confident in who I am and who God is calling me to be.”  

Lake Nelson Adventist Academy, New Jersey Conference  
During a special service, students brought the story of Pentecost to life by acting out a dramatization of the moment when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers. Their pastor shared a message about Pentecost and the vision of Pentecost 2025, and the entire school was reminded that the same Spirit which moved then is still moving today, calling us to witness, to serve and to be transformed.  

Waldwick Adventist School, New Jersey Conference  
Students led chapel presentations each Friday, sharing messages of faith from January through April. As a result of students distributing 500 invitation cards in their community to attend an upcoming evangelistic event at the school, parents and community members joined online and in person, filling the sanctuary that Sabbath.  

Washington Adventist University   
A powerful Pentecost 2025 Tent Meeting brought revival to campus. In the face of strong winds and bad weather, faculty, staff and students gathered to pray for the storm to calm. The winds stopped—and the meeting continued under clear skies. “We prayed for the wind to stop, and it did,” comments Jiwan Moon, university chaplain. “What did we expect?” The messages provided just what attendees needed to hear; over the course of the week, three students made decisions for baptism.