"I wouldn't trade being here for the world!" exclaimed Floyd Collins, a very outgoing freshman at Great Lakes Adventist Academy (GLAA).

Floyd's parents divorced when he was too young to remember. He first lived with his mom, but when he began to get into serious trouble in third grade, he moved in with his father. As he grew older, some of his friends' favorite activity was to smoke marijuana, and some were even drug dealers. Occasionally, Floyd's friends tried to involve him, but he didn't join them. He was required to come straight home after school to do his homework. Because of this and other lifestyle challenges confronting Floyd in the inner city public school system, his parents wanted a better environment for him.

Floyd's family applied to a Seventh-day Adventist boarding school where several of his cousins attended, but his application was denied. Floyd resigned himself to attending public school again. He didn't know what God had in store for him.

One week before school started at GLAA, Floyd was at his grandma's house when the phone rang. At the end of the phone call, his grandma put the receiver down and looked at him with a big smile. She announced, "You're accepted!" Floyd was shocked. "To where?" he asked incredulously. Then his grandma explained that they had applied to GLAA, and he had been accepted.

Floyd was glad to come to GLAA, although he knew he would miss his friends. Upon arriving, he sensed caring students and staff, and began to appreciate the spiritual atmosphere on campus. The one spiritual influence Floyd previously had in his life was his grandma. Whenever he went to her house, she took him to church on Sunday and tried to tell him about God, but he wasn't really listening.

Surrounded by spiritual influences at GLAA, Floyd began to have a change of heart. The first Friday vespers program was held at the Chapel in the Pines, a beautiful setting outdoors. After music and inspirational talks, Floyd jumped up from where he sat and came forward quickly when a commitment call was extended. He, along with others who responded, was invited to give his life to Jesus.

Floyd's relationship with God was developing even though it appeared to be on and off again. Although he had a rocky start at GLAA and got into trouble frequently, he felt encouraged by peers. "I became tired of getting into trouble and disappointing my mom," he said. "I wanted to change. A lot of people prayed with me."

Fall Week of Prayer came, and speaker Mark Ferrell, pastor of the San Francisco Central Adventist Church, presented a series of powerful messages. The Holy Spirit was working and touched Floyd's heart. Mark took a special interest in him, praying and talking with Floyd. At the end of the week, Floyd was sure he wanted to give his heart to God and be baptized.

Floyd and 18 other students joined a baptismal class led by Jeremy Hall, GLAA's chaplain. Week after week, Floyd learned more about the God who loves and cares for him.

Satan did not abandon his efforts against Floyd once he decided to make a stand. But through the challenges, Floyd still continued to attend and ultimately finished the class just before first semester ended. On January 6, Floyd publicly gave his heart to God through baptism, and his new church family was there to support him. It was a day filled with joy and love.

Keeping his faith alive has had its challenges for Floyd. One of his great aunts is a Seventh-day Adventist, but he only sees her about once a year. Some family members argue with him about the day he worships on. Floyd says he just smiles and keeps praying for them.

The boys' deans at GLAA played a major role in Floyd's change and in his spiritual journey. "I could always talk to Dean Hill, any time, day or night, and he would listen and pray with me. Dean Peterson helped me so much when I was angry. He would listen and encourage me."

During a time of trial and questioning, God specially sent Floyd a fellow student who helped him on the path God had laid out for him. David Fernandez, a junior, is enthusiastic for the Lord and actively involved in spiritual activities on campus. One evening after dorm worship, David and Floyd talked. They have been close friends ever since. Floyd attributes a great deal of his spiritual resolve to the strength and encouragement he received, and still receives, from David.

"Working with Floyd and being his friend has blessed me because I've been able to watch both of us grow spiritually from this experience. I've been able to see Floyd accept Christ fully into his life, and that's brought me a lot of joy. I pray he will stand strong through everything," says David.

Floyd has had a chance to see God answer prayers firsthand. His mother has struggled with her health as long as Floyd can remember. She recently underwent several major surgeries, and miraculously came through them. Floyd knows his prayers for her were answered. He says she is happier and healthier than he can ever remember.

"If I hadn't come here (to GLAA), I would have had way less of a chance of coming to know Christ. I'm so happy!" said Floyd with a huge smile.

Arlene Leavitt is assistant alumni/development director for Michigan Boarding Academies Alumni Association, Great Lakes Adventist Academy.