Success has been defined “to accomplish what is attempted or intended.” Great Lakes Adventist Academy (GLAA) seniors, Brock Willey and Brooke Durst, disagree. As vibrant, young Christians, they believe a more accurate definition of true success is “to accomplish what is attempted with God’s help and to do what He intended.”

In September 2006, GLAA held its third consecutive evangelistic series, presented this year at the Cedar Springs Middle School in Cedar Springs, Michigan. Opening attendance records show 21 guests and approximately 25 supporting church members. Some guests arrived 30 minutes before the seminar began! Excitement ran high as Mickey Mallory, Cedar Lake Church pastor, and the GLAA student evangelism team prepared for the first presentation.

Brock and Brooke took turns preaching and found that every night turned into a blessing. Each presentation required a lot of work. Brock said, “A few nights when I spoke I wasn’t too sure about my topic, but when I stood up to speak I felt like I’d been studying that topic for weeks. God put the words directly in my mouth.” Both Brock and Brooke agreed “He never let us down.”

Brock recalls, “Time after time, I wanted to quit. My grades were suffering. Sometimes it seemed Satan was winning the battle. There were always problems. But God had other plans. And through Him, lives were changed—including mine.”

Brooke added, “My faith has been strengthened, and I’ve learned to depend on God, even when I wanted to give up. If for no one else, Brock and I have been blessed. Fortunately though, we weren’t the only ones touched by God’s grace.”

Michelle Roderick, senior, shared health talks, and Chet Clayton, junior, video recorded each presentation. “I really enjoyed sharing about even common health topics, which hopefully inspired them,” said Michelle. Many GLAA students were actively involved giving special music, greeting, and reaching out to the guests.

With the help of Three Angels Fellowship, thousands of invitations were mailed to Cedar Springs-area residents. Hundreds of books and pamphlets were circulated throughout the community. Several good connections were made, and during the six-week campaign approximately 35 guests attended. Supporting Three Angels Fellowship members visited guests in their homes. These visits ended in beautiful friendships. Ultimately, three people made their decision for baptism.

Every time a new truth was presented, the guests seemed happy and thrilled to receive it. Brooke said, “I loved being the speaker because I was able to see the joy of Jesus on their faces for an entire hour!”

Brock and Brooke agree that with God’s help they succeeded in Cedar Springs. God continues to open doors. Baptismal candidates are worshiping God, and people are enthusiastic about what Jesus has done for them. We firmly believe the GLAA young people have accomplished what they attempted and have done what God intended. Though it might seem like the work is over, it has actually only just begun. The Holy Spirit continues to touch lives.

"This will be an event I’ll remember for all eternity!” said Brooke.

Arlene Leavitt is the assistant alumni/development director for Great Lakes Adventist Academy.