In June 2005, Rocky Aldrich and Mike Carpenter, two former classmates at Grand Ledge Academy, organized Alumni Ministries to reach those who "fell through the cracks" after leaving Adventist schools. Rocky and Mike want to reach classmates no longer involved in church. Their mission is to assure these individuals they are significant, and inform them someone cares and prays for them.

Jari Morgan was their first contact. Rocky inquired about Jari, his former Grand Ledge Academy roommate, for over three years. He discovered Jari lived homeless so Rocky drove three hours and Mike traveled twelve hours to Detroit to search for him.

They found Jari, known as the "window man" on the streets because he washes windows for various businesses. Jari was thrilled to see Rocky and Mike and soon recounted the events of his life. The friends sat in a tire garage, and Jari shared a poem he carries in his wallet and played a few songs he wrote with his guitar.

Jari was greatly impressed his classmates cared enough to look him up and spend time with him. Even though it was September, Jari said, "This is my best Christmas present ever!" He continued, "I wish someone would have come to see me long before this." Jari's friends encouraged him to locate a rehab program and he has since graduated. He is now faced with decisions about his future. Jari hopes his story will help someone else.

Rocky also talked with classmates in Mancelona, Grand Rapids, Flint, Grand Ledge, Lansing, Washington, D.C., North Carolina, Kansas, and Georgia from five academies. Each one he spoke with doesn't attend an Adventist church any more. They echoed similar questions and frustrations. Messages received in school seemed contradictory. "True or not, that was their perception," Rocky says.

The question Rocky often hears is, "Why did they have those rules?" Former classmates wrestle with this and have found no one to provide answers. Rocky says the bitterness, and often anger, accompanies almost every conversation. His classmates say some teachers seemed more interested, at times, in what they wore, ate, drank, and how they entertained themselves than preparing them for college or nurturing a Christian lifestyle.

Rocky doesn't want to place blame on academy leaders or teachers as he helps former classmates. He says, "All of us can make our own decisions, and continue to make choices every day." But Rocky would like to see his church reach out to those who used to be among us. He believes many more would begin to come back if someone would just show an interest. Rocky encourages alumni and even former teachers to contact students to let them know you care. In some cases, he says an apology may be in order if mistakes were made.

Rocky and Mike have experienced appreciation shown by those they contact. They feel their job is to sow the seed; the Holy Spirit will do the rest. If you would like more information, contact Rocky by e-mail: aldrichr@arenaceastern.org.

Rocky Aldrich is the superintendent of Arenac Eastern Schools in Twining, Michigan, and Diane Thurber is the Lake Union Herald managing editor.