STORY
Spring Valley Academy Holds Convocation
August 19, 2023
Francis Tuffour
Spring Valley Academy began its school year this week and has held a convocation Sabbath service today for staff, families, and students at Fritzsche Center for Worship and Performing Arts on campus in Centerville, Ohio. This year’s convocation theme was “Awe of God.”
During the Sabbath School, Nico Chaij, an alumnus of SVA, shared a testimony about how his great-grandfather named, Nicholas Chaij, who prayed for him as a baby. When Nico was born, his great-grandpa was 91 years old. Both of them were born on January 19. He was a pastor, and he dedicated Nico when he was born. When Nico was nine years old, he was 100 years old, and it was during that time he gave Nico a Spanish Bible with his handwritten message, but he could not read it in Spanish at the time. So the Bible sat on a shelf and collected dust. Some few months after receiving the Bible, his great-grandfather died. After Nico completed high school, he got some impressions to go into ministry. He kept ignoring the prompts until he decided to go to Andrews University to study Theology. Nico saw his great-grandpa’s Bible on his shelf while packing for Andrews. Since he took some high school Spanish classes, he could read then. He found this message on the front cover:
"Dear Nicholas,
Your name has a beautiful meaning. It means a conqueror. I trust that you'll be victorious. Jesus is gonna help you. So I'll see you in heaven with the rest of the family. If the Lord calls you to be a pastor, accept.
Your great grandpapa,
Nicholas." Nico ended his testimony today: "When you say yes to that tug from the Lord in whatever form it might come, I promise you won't regret it.”
In his welcome address, Ken Knudson, High School Vice Principal of SVA, reported it had been an exciting beginning with 64 staff members and a record enrollment of nearly 530 students this year.
In his testimony during the service, the principal, Spencer Hannah, emphasized that God is unpredictable, but he encouraged worshippers to put their trust in God. “You may not always know how it’s gonna work out, but He will make you work out,” Hannah added.
Before offering a special prayer for teachers, the school's Board Chair, Ron Connovich, asked them to hold hands as a gesture of oneness in Christ.
Mark Finley, a renowned Adventist televangelist, and pastor, was a guest speaker. Through his sermon, he pointed out three key things that the worshippers should remember at all times about God:
1. He stressed that “He is the God who cares for you. He will take your little and make something out of it.” He continued and said God’s blessing is beyond imagination because He cares.
2. Finley stated that "He is the God who forgives," and a sinner could have a life devoid of guilt and condemnation through His grace.
3. "He is the God who empowers" believers, and since Jesus is a winner, Christians would win with Him.
“Students, when you're going through some challenges this year, when you're going through some problems this year, when the journey is long in school, when the valley is dark, when the mountain is high, Jesus caress and He knows the solution to the problem, even before that solution manifests to you,” he admonished.
After the service, there was an outdoor bring-your-own family picnic where people gathered and shared their meals.
share this
Related Stories
Led by Elder Mark Mirek and Diana Mirek, teachers at Piqua Adventist Christian School, eight students played a central role in leading Education Day at the Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church, highlighting the value of Adventist Christian education. The students actively participated in the worship service, taking part in Scripture reading, prayer, congregational singing, and instrumental music. Their musical contributions featured a variety of instruments, including the keyboard, banjo, double bass, cajón, and castanets. A highlight of the service was a powerful personal testimony shared by Elder Mark Mirek. He spoke emotionally about his journey from atheism to faith in Jesus Christ, and how that transformation ultimately led him to a calling in Adventist education. His message resonated deeply with the congregation and underscored the life-changing impact of faith-based learning. The presence and participation of the students were a meaningful blessing to the church community. “It was truly inspiring to see these young people so engaged in worship and ministry,” said First Elder Courtney Simons. “Their involvement is a testament to the strong spiritual foundation being built at Piqua Adventist Christian School.” Following the service, members expressed appreciation for the students’ contributions and the school’s commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and Christian character. Events like Education Day continue to strengthen the connection between the church and its school, reminding all in attendance of the importance of investing in the next generation. At Piqua Adventist Christian School, students are provided with an environment that integrates faith and learning, encouraging them to develop spiritually, academically, and socially. Programs like Education Day offer students valuable opportunities to serve, lead, and share their faith within the broader church community.
On Sunday, April 26, the Ohio Conference Youth Ministries Department hosted a training event for the Alive in Jesus Sabbath School curriculum at the First SDA Hispanic Church of Columbus. Approximately 65 teachers representing the Baby, Beginner, Kindergarten, and Primary divisions attended, united in their commitment to strengthening children’s ministries. The training was conducted in both English and Spanish, allowing for broader participation and engagement. Participants took part in practical sessions focused on effective teaching and long-term discipleship. They also received resources to support and strengthen their local Sabbath School programs. The Ohio Conference Youth Ministries Department acknowledged the North American Division instructors for leading and enriching the training experience. The department also recognized the strong participation and the commitment to guiding children into a growing relationship with Jesus. For more information about the curriculum, visit: https://www.aliveinjesus.info
Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Christian School’s robotics team recently earned top honors at a FIRST Lego League regional competition held at Takoma Academy in Maryland, securing a championship invitation after an outstanding all-around performance. In preparation for the event, the team dedicated extensive time to building and programming an autonomous LEGO robot designed to complete a series of challenges on the competition field. In addition, students researched a real-world problem, developed a creative solution, and presented their findings to judges. Competing under the name “Archaeolo-Cows,” the team demonstrated excellence beyond technical performance. They received the Core Values Award for their strong collaboration, positive attitude, and encouragement of fellow competitors. The team also earned second place overall, reflecting high achievement across all areas of judging. Their success has earned them an invitation to the FIRST Lego League Adventist Robotics Championship, which will take place at Forest Lake Academy in Apopka, Florida. The team is composed of students in grades 4–8, bringing together a range of experience and enthusiasm. Zedd, a four-year veteran of the robotics team, said, “What I enjoyed about the tournament was meeting new people and seeing different styles of teams.” Felisa, one of the younger team members, added, “It was really fun working with our team.” Those interested in supporting the team’s journey to the championship may contribute through the Archaeolo-Cows’ GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-archaeolocows-reach-nationals
STAY UP TO DATE
GET CONFERENCE'S LATEST
Receive monthly updates from the conference, and get a heads up on upcoming events.
Contact Us
