Michigan — The week of Mar. 22–26 was set aside as mission emphasis week at Battle Creek Academy. Each student in grades 8–12 is required to perform 25 hours of community or foreign mission service each year. This year 18 seniors went to Puerto Rico and 21 students went to Libertad, Mexico, on mission trips, while the remaining 34 students served in the local community.

The missionaries to Puerto Rico spent the week building an outdoor amphitheater at Elias Burgos Youth Camp. See their story in Beyond Our Borders on page 7.

The work in Mexico, coordinated by the Battle Creek Tabernacle, included medical clinics, construction of a Sabbath school facility, Vacation Bible School, and evening evangelistic meetings. Coordinator Bonnie Velez said, "The students became leaders who exercised flexibility and good judgment in dealing with an incredibly hectic schedule … yet still found time to make life-long friends with the local youth. Many expressed that they had come closer to Christ during this trip than at any other time in their lives." The results of their time and effort are demonstrated by the 40 adults and 50 children that continue to come to the church for their spiritual and physical needs.

Locally, students volunteered at a variety of facilities, including Mercy Pavilion, Creekside Manor, Marshall Center for Children, Salvation Army, and the Branch County Library. One group of young people volunteered to help a local resident clear some downed trees. The goal was to split and stack enough wood to last through next winter. During the week’s work they were able to put up enough wood for the next two winters.

Principal Kevin Kossick observed, "To experience authentic service in your own community can be difficult because of the comforts of home. However, the youth serving in greater Battle Creek each had to experience the vulnerability of seeking a service site, performing at an acceptable level, and risk the evaluation of the project supervisor. I was pleased with the project choices and the quality, quantity, and variety of the services provided. They truly experienced the art of serving and making the community a better place."

Michelle Cain, Battle Creek Academy marketing director