Evangelism is in the air with many Hope for Our Day meetings taking place. Great Lakes Adventist Academy (GLAA) is excited their students are also involved in spreading the gospel.
Christina McNeilus and Brad Smith, GLAA seniors, began an evangelistic campaign October 1, 2004, on the campus of Central Michigan University (CMU) in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Over 75 GLAA students are working with them — greeting the visitors, providing music, and helping out in many ways.
With more than 28,000 students, CMU was fertile ground for the Bible workers who prepared the way there since July 1. So, how did this get started? Seeing examples of young people active for Christ, Denzil McNeilus, Christina's father, approached GLAA last year with the idea for a student-led evangelistic campaign. The enthusiastic staff launched plans last fall. Located only 30 minutes away, with many young people who need to learn about Christ, the decision was made to hold the meetings there.
A Health Expo, conducted by 50 GLAA students, preceeded the first four evangelistic meetings. Led by Cindy Peterson, Bible and health teacher at GLAA, these students trained and practiced for weeks. Guests at the Health Expo visited eight stations, each targeting one of the eight laws of health. They could also have their body fat, lung capacity, blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels tested. Other stations included massage, health age analysis, and the Harvard Step Test. At the final station, an adult was available to review and explain the data.
Christina and Brad feel privileged to be a part of this awesome opportunity. “I am so excited to see everyone working together, but more importantly to see God transform the hearts of the people coming to the meetings, and to see Him make changes in my own life as I reach out to others,” said Christina.
“I am so amazed to see the way the kids at GLAA are supporting us. People come up to me all the time and tell me they are praying for us. That is really encouraging! I know that the Lord is going to bless, not only at CMU, but also at GLAA,” Brad stated.
Christina and Brad have both been involved in the ASI Youth for Jesus program, giving evangelistic series in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Mickey Mallory, Cedar Lake pastor and outreach project coordinator, stated, “The history of our church demonstrates that God can do incredible things through young people. With the second coming of Christ very near, one would expect God to use young people in an extraordinary way to help finish His work on earth.”
We know the students of GLAA will be blessed through these efforts, but we also pray that the enthusiasm these young people have for Jesus will catch on and light a fire for Him on the campus of CMU.
Arlene Leavitt is the Lake Union Herald GLAA correspondent.
