Students Live Their Faith by Learning to Serve

Story by Tracy Morgan

Oleta Emerson stood in her driveway with tears in her eyes as she waved goodbye to the final van of students. Before they left, she prayed with each vanload and thanked the 20-plus Highland View Academy (HVA) students for spending the day helping her with her family’s farm. It was a simple moment, but one that captured the heart of service- based learning.

David and Oleta Emerson operate a farm and holistic treatment ministry for cancer patients who have exhausted conventional options. One of HVA’s service groups spent the day assisting with practical needs—chopping wood for a wood-burning fireplace, cleaning grapevines and garden beds, and completing various maintenance projects. While the work was physical, the experience reminded students that service often begins by meeting everyday needs with compassion.

At HVA, service is more than an activity; it is a core pillar of the school’s mission. The school believes that teaching students to lead by helping others is an essential part of training disciples for Christ, living out the biblical truth that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17, NIV). Each quarter, students participate in a dedicated service day, serving throughout the community by raking leaves, cleaning roadsides, canvassing neighborhoods, doing yard work for the elderly, visiting nursing homes, and volunteering at homeless and animal shelters.

In addition to organized school-wide service projects, students are encouraged to lead their own initiatives. Before Christmas, Student Association President Juliana Clayton felt impressed to find a way for students to serve the community. Her search led her to Girls Inc., an organization that helps at-risk girls in the community. Given a list of 50 names and their specific needs, students wrapped donated gifts and included handwritten notes of encouragement for each recipient. The response from the Girls Inc. staff and the young ladies was overwhelming, and the experience left a lasting impact on the students who participated.

Through planned service days and spontaneous calls for help, HVA students are learning that service is a way of life. By serving with willing hands, compassionate hearts and putting their faith into action daily, they are discovering the true meaning of following Christ.