We are meant to stand out, to be different. We go to Adventist schools, and sometimes we don't always get the chance to be an example and witness for Christ. So when do we get a chance to testify? In the community! Hinsdale Adventist Academy (HAA) has always valued ministry and witnessing as a key issue in the lives of its Christian students. And so we all have been putting ourselves out there and trying to reach others in any way we can.

The Hinsdale girls' and boys' basketball teams went to Texas this year to participate in the annual basketball tournament held at Southwestern Adventist University. Now, you are probably thinking to yourself, "How can basketball teams witness when they are competing with other teams and playing a sport?" I'll tell you how. Our basketball teams went with eagerness to play and have fun, but they also went knowing that they could be examples of Christ to others. In each game or event, they were never afraid to pray and glorify God for His help. When they competed, they made sure to act as Christians to their fellow teammates and show good sportsmanship. By these actions, people were able to see God at work in the players’ lives.

The Service Outreach class is an elective that was just added to our school curriculum this year. This class has tremendously helped our school to be more involved with the community. The students in Service Outreach have gone to the Salvation Army where they helped pack boxes. They also visited a nursing home, and they helped pack things for the homeless. They demonstrated that they were Christians, happy to go out and help those less fortunate. Many lives were reached and touched by these community service projects.

This year Lawrence Galera, our new choir and band teacher, has helped us develop our singing and playing abilities to move others and bring more lives to Christ. Our performance schedule has been tight with one performance after the other, but all that means is more witnessing. We have visited many churches in and outside of the area. By singing and playing songs about God, we have, hopefully, brought more people to the feet of Jesus.

We should never be afraid to stand up for what we believe in or to tell others the good news that we carry in our hearts. We, the HAA students, not only have been able to witness to others but have grown spiritually ourselves from these witnessing experiences. As Christians, we should demonstrate God’s love, and here at HAA, we will continue striving each day to reach others—to touch our community for Him.

Jennifer Wollemberg has just completed her junior year at Hinsdale Adventist Academy.