Indiana—Southside Church members have always believed in Christian education, and they have faithfully helped their children attend an Adventist school. Most of the members live near the church, which is located on the very south side of Indianapolis. It has taken true dedication to carpool the children more than 16 miles one way to have access to an Adventist Christian education, but they have done so for many years.

The members have always dreamed of having their own church school. As the parents with young children pursued the possibilities, excitement began to mount! Much discussion and many, many prayers ascended to God. A study to see how many school-age children were possible students was presented at a church business meeting. The results were encouraging, and the vote was unanimous. Everyone wanted a school.

Members wondered where money would come from for the initial school set-up. The church had a large room that could serve as a classroom, but not one thing to put in it. They would have to raise money for desks, chairs, library books, and other basic education materials. Trusting God wanted them to open a school, Southside members knelt in prayer. Brian Yensho, Southside pastor, asked the Lord to clear the way for the church to come up with the necessary money.

The next morning Lavon Siador, one of the members, reminded her husband Abe about a Christian school that closed four years earlier. She wondered what had been done with all its school equipment. So Abe and Lavon investigated. When they arrived at the closed school, the very person in charge of the equipment was there, and he invited them in. They told him about the school their church was starting and asked if he had anything left that could be donated to their school. He was most cordial, and immediately gave them desks, chairs, shelves, blackboards, bulletin boards, and library tables. There is even a possibility they will receive some playground equipment.

As they talked, the man said he now knew why he had kept all the school supplies for four years. He then asked Abe and Lavon if they had books for their school. As he spoke, he opened a door where they saw a complete library filled with books, including many written by Adventist authors. "You can have the whole thing," the man said.

In 24 hours, God had affirmed Southside members' decision to open a school! He had provided nearly everything they needed to have a school! Lavon said, "We serve an amazing God! Before we called, He had already answered! Praise God!"

The school will open for the 2007–08 school year! For additional information, contact Joseph Stoia, school board chairman, by e-mail at stoiarj@gmail.com or call 317-894-2450.

Judith Yeoman, Indiana Conference correspondent, as told by Lavon Siador, Southside Church member