Shenandoah Valley Academy Students Live Great Commission Through Missions

Spring break for many students around the country is full of catching up with friends, forgetting about schoolwork and focusing on themselves. However, for some Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) students, that isn’t the case.

Story by Chris Simons

Many SVA students dedicated their spring break to living the great commission. Members of the school’s band, orchestra, handbells, chorale and the Shenandoans, the select touring choir, traveled to Germany and Austria to share the Good News.

“It was exciting to be in Europe with fellow [Seventh-day} Adventists, but still have a sense of mission,” says Joshua Goines, choir director. “What we have at SVA is special, and our German and Austrian brothers and sisters are interested in sharing the gospel the same way we do.”

SVA students pose with Joshua Goines, choir director,
in front of Ludwig van Beethoven’s memorial monument
in Vienna.

Their performances included an impromptu concert in the streets of a market in Munich. It started when Buz Menhardt, assistant pastor of the New Market (Va.) church, started playing a song on his guitar. Several students joined in on the violin, bass and fiddle. The jam session progressed to a full, worship-filled concert presented by student musicians dressed in their tuxedoes and concert gowns. After playing two songs, a restaurateur invited the group to play for the patio-seated guests at her establishment.

The trip was also rich in cultural and musical education. “It was a whirlwind trip, but we saw so many amazing places: Munich; Nuremburg, Vienna and Salzburg,” says Kelly Weidemann, music department chair. “To walk and perform where the great composers walked and performed … It doesn’t get much better than that!”

SVA students and volunteers pause their hard work in the sun long enough to smile for a picture.

Other students joined a mission trip to the Issachar Calling School in Waterflow, N.M., an Adventist elementary school serving the Native American community. Students built structures for the school and held daily Vacation Bible School meetings for the children. The students took Christ’s words to heart: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25:40).

Tim Harley, SVA chaplain and religion teacher, says the school’s director told him, “SVA students accomplished more than we could have done in six months.” Harley adds, “I was very proud of the work and ministry of our students on the mission trip.”

“What an experience!” says sophomore Luke Fogg. “It feels incredible to see the difference you make when looking at the faces of those you are helping. The people were wonderful. The children were happy to see us—they loved the worship songs we sang and Bible stories we told.”
Lives were definitely changed this spring break, shares Harley. “It’s truly amazing to see the Lord work through His children.”