Sunday, August 11, 2013

Lost



Lost

By Jordyn Consignado, Class of 2016
Charlotte, North Carolina

Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55:22

            It was the summer of 2006 on the day after my birthday. My dad, my step mom, whom I call Ms. Anita, her three children, my 4-year-old younger brother, Logan, and I went to the Wild Waves Theme Park in Federal Way, Washington, for my 8th birthday.
            At the pirate-themed water park my dad and Ms. Anita were sitting on beach chairs while my siblings and I were splashing each other with the cold water. The water made us cold so we decided to leave and go to the hot tubs adjacent to the huge wave pools.
            It had been 15 minutes or so when my dad noticed that Logan, my brother, was missing. He told us to go look for him and meet back at the hot tubs if we found him. Immediately, I got out of the hot tub, along with my siblings, and searched for my little brother. I became very worried,  thinking of the terrible things that could happened. Eventually, I started to cry. I was crying and wandering around like a lost child. I felt as though I had searched the whole theme park for Logan! I decided to give up and sat on a bench near the park. I began to do something my parents and school had taught me my whole life -- pray. And that's exactly what I did. "Dear Jesus, please help me or someone to find my brother. Help him to be safe. Amen."
            As soon as I finished that prayer, I heard someone crying. I turned my head expecting to see an upset infant, but I was wrong. It was my baby brother in Ms. Anita's arms crying like a baby. I ran up to them, crying, and gave them a huge hug. At that moment, I realized God had answered my prayer.
            I was scared, worried, and anxious. But then I prayed to God and He answered my prayer. I have learned from this experience that when I am lost, I can call on Him to help me. He never lets me down.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

I Am Here



I Am Here

By Shayna Garrison, Class of 2013
Fairview, North Carolina

Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls,
it will grind him to powder! Luke 20:18

            We  often think of brokenness as a condition we are left in after the world has had its way with us -- that we come to God broken, asking Him to put us back together. When we allow the world to break us, we come to God with a pile of pieces crumbled by human hands, asking the Master to reform them.  But if we allow God to break us, the pieces are formed by His hands, and He will reconstruct us in a pattern designed from the ground up.
            What does it mean to be truly broken? Why do we need to be broken at all? We are going to fall at some time or another. The question is when we fall, are we going to be on or under the stone? When we fall, do we want the Lord to be able to pick us up again, or will we be completely destroyed? When we fall, are we falling to our knees in reverence and worship, or are we falling from heights reached with our own avarice?
            Everyone will fall one day. Those who fall in humility will be broken on the stone and transformed into a man of honor. Those who erect themselves and reject the life of righteousness, their kingdoms will fall and become dust.
            Brokenness is being on the ground in front of the Lord--even when it starts getting a little uncomfortable. Being broken is having the heart of a sinner, looking toward heaven, and crying out, “I’m here!”  God says in Isaiah 1:18 “…though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (NKJV). Praising God is not about being perfect. He asks us to come to Him as we are, so that He can restore us to all that we are worth. I throw a challenge to all who choose to accept. Give God a chance to repair, restore, and replenish you.

Angel on a Jet Ski



Angel on a Jet Ski


Robin Clifford, Class of 2016
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Surely God is my Salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord,
the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense,
He has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2
    
            I spent most of my summer at the lake. It was refreshing to splash around in the cool green water and not have to worry about school work. One particular sunny day, me and my brother were being pulled behind the boat on an inner tube. My dad and some friends were in the boat, and my brother and I were thrashing around in the roaring waters behind. We were having so much fun with nothing to worry about. Every once in a while, my brother or I would let go, and we would be left in the lake. The one still on the tube would scream and holler until the people in the boat swung back around to pick up the “lost one.” There were a lot of people out that day, so the water close to the house was crowded. In order to avoid crashing, we decided to go to the other side of the island that was empty of people. We spun in circles and zig zags, trying not to fall off. Somewhere in the crazy ride, my brother lost his grip. He slid into the water without me noticing. After several minutes I suddenly realized he was gone.
            With panic rushing through my veins, I screamed at my dad to turn around and find him. As he slowed the roar of the boat, I craned my neck in all directions to see my little brother floating on the waves. I looked as hard as I could, but I couldn't find him. I was shaking with worry as we drove around looking for him. No one was around to see him fall, so we didn’t know exactly where to look for him. Just when I thought my brother was gone for good, I heard the weak roar of a Jet Ski. I whipped around to see who was coming, and there was a man on a purple jet ski with my brother right behind him. My mom was crying as the man helped my brother into the boat. Thinking about it now, I don't remember seeing a Jet Ski like that ever on the lake before. I'm sure it was an angel that God sent to save my brother. Without that man on the purple Jet Ski, we could have lost him.
            I am so thankful that God protects every one of His children. I was reminded that day that when we place all of our trust in Him, there is no need for me to be afraid of anything.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Lost and Found



Lost and Found
By Abby King, Class of 2016
Charlotte, North Carolina

For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Luke 15:24

            When I was eight years old my family and I took a trip to Disney World. We had a blast, but unfortunately family vacations never last long enough.
            One of the last things we decided to do before we went home was to see one of the parades. We arrived on Main Street early that day to make sure we got a good spot, and we did. My sister Tori and I soon became restless and tired of waiting, as many six and eight year olds get.  So, we decided to go look in one of the stores. My dad and grandparents stayed at our parade spot while my mom, Tori, and I went into the nearest shop. We looked around for a while and we ended up finding a toy that we wanted. While we were checking out at the cash register I began to wander off, looking at some of the other items on display.
            Once my mom finished buying our toy,  my mom and sister began to walk back outside without even noticing I was not with them. After a few moments of looking around the store,  I turned around to realize Mom was not there anymore; she had disappeared and taken my sister with her, leaving me all alone. I was frantic and did not know what to do.  I was lost! My mom soon realized too that I was no longer with her and she was in a bigger panic than I was. She assumed I had probably left the store and could be anywhere in the park by then.
            Meanwhile a kind lady that worked at the store found me and decided we’d better call my mom. As the phone was ringing, I saw my mom running towards me, arms open wide welcoming me in. As I ran into her hug, I was so happy she had found me. I was very lucky to be found so quickly.
            When I remember this story, I am reminded that Jesus is always there waiting for us with outstretched arms. He will always welcome us in, even if we’ve strayed away.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Blessings in Obedience



Blessings in Obedience

By Joshua Cale, Class of 2013
Candler, North Carolina

If you listen obediently to the Voice of  God, your God, and heartily obey all his commandments that I command you today,  God , your God, will place you on high, high above all the nations of the world. All these
blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God. Deuteronomy 28:1,2

            I have lived my life believing that if you follow the path that God has set for us, He will give us a future. But this is really the first time I have seen and recognized this occurance in my own life. 
            During my years of school I didn't get the best grades in the world, but I managed to get by.  In high school, I struggled with and failed a couple of classes, and I had to take correspondence classes to make those classes up. It was challenging  to do that, but, I survived it, and I passed them. 
            As for SAT testing, I was not real concerned about it.  I did not spend time preparing at all.  Consequently, my test scores were not the best I could have gotten.
            If you had asked me a few months ago, with my grades and SAT scores, if  I was going to be able to get into any college, much less a decent one, I might have shrugged and said, “who knows?”  In fact, many people in my shoes would probably have even given up on attending a four-year college and hoped to attend a community college for a while.
            But I and my family prayed about it a lot.  I committed to live my life in such a way that was honoring, obeying, and glorifying God.  I claimed His promise to bless me.  I had to stand strong in my faith and trust that He would help me go where He wanted me to attend (despite my scores).  So, I applied to six colleges, and so far, I have been accepted by two of them.
            God is so good.  He has even given me choices!  I promise to honor Him by doing my absolute best and serving Him wherever I go.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Changing Lives



Changing Lives

By Kali Huskey, Class of 2014
Belton, South Carolina

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us. Romans 5:8.

            Going to Nicaragua on a mission trip was truly amazing.  I was really nervous about preaching a Share Him campaign. I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out.
            My first night preaching I had about thirty people there.  I was really excited.  I had never preached to that many people before. Something else that was really exciting was that fifteen of the people at my meeting were children. When I saw all of the kids surrounding me, my heart was filled with peace and love. It amazed me that all of those kids came to listen to me preach.
            On my fourth night the kids really started to open up and talk to me. I could understand them for the most part, but I couldn’t really respond to them. (I don’t know Spanish very well.)  So when I would try to say something, they would laugh at me.
            My second week there, on one of the nights I talked about baptism, I made a call to anyone who wanted to be baptized.  Six people came forward.  Praise God!  It brought me to tears knowing that I -- no, not me, but God -- had touched that many peoples’ lives.  That little group continued to study and by the end of the series were ready to be baptized.
            The last Sabbath there we all piled into a cattle truck and headed to my friend Mazin’s preaching sight.  We were going to meet up with his group and all go down to the river for baptism. He had a good many that wanted to be baptized, as well. All six of the people that came up front to my call that night were baptized on that beautiful Sabbath.
            It is so amazing to see how God works in peoples’ lives.  It was very exciting to see them grow stronger in Him throughout each meeting.
            I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to go and preach the word of God to others.  It really touched my heart and helped me realize that no matter where we are, we are a missionary.  And each of us can do something to share God with others.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Journey with God



Journey with God  

By Drew Couser, Class of 2013
Candler, North Carolina

Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.  1 Thessalonians 5:24

            Have you ever questioned God’s existance?  I have.
            Throughout my childhood I questioned the existance of God. I grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist home. My dad worked for the Kentucky Conference as a pastor, so as you can tell, I had a Christian upbringing. Going to church every weekend became just a routine thing to me; it had no real meaning. I never really tried to pay attention to my dad’s sermons or focus on getting something from the service. My mind was always focused on different things.
            As the years passed I made the decision to stop going to church. Every aspect of church seemed pointless in my eyes. It was just a place to go and see friends. I started getting into trouble, developing bad habits, making bad decisions, and slacking in my school work. I was so wrapped up in all these distractions that I totally lost focus on God in my life and my purpose in God’s kingdom.
            However, I reached my breaking point! Everything finally hit me. It was mid summer going into my junior year at Mount Pisgah Academy. I became so sick of the way I was living my life: a life without purpose, without meaning, and a life without a future. So, I decided one weekend to attend a church in Asheville. I remember feeling nervous about plunging back into a church environment again. But something felt different that week.  After the service I remember feeling so spiritually “full.” I kept coming back and something in my mindset about church and God started to change in my head. Suddenly there seemed a need to read my Bible and pray. As I began to draw closer and closer to God I noticed that the desire to do the things of this world faded away.
            As I continue my walk with God, I am seeking to know Him more, and understand Him more. Applying God in my life was the best decision I have ever made. I struggle every day, but God is keeping me on the right path and pushing me to do more and be more for His name’s sake.
            So I urge you to keep pushing to seek God. He is always right there, just waiting on your invitation to be in your life completely. Seek Him!

Sunday, August 4, 2013

The Little Things Matter



The Little Things Matter

By Marijean Reis, Class of 2013
Bishopville, South Carolina

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. Proverbs 10:12

            When I was in middle school, there was this one boy who rode the bus with me. He would always run home as soon as the bus dropped him off. Not knowing what he was running to or from, the other kids on the bus and I would laugh and make fun of him every day. One day, he missed school.  A week afterwards, he stopped running home after the bus dropped him off.  We were curious about his behavior.
            What the other kids and I did not know was that he ran home because he wanted to make sure his sister had not killed herself while he was gone at school each day.
            As you can imagine, this story did not end well.
            I learned that year not only to not judge anyone before knowing their story, but to not conform to what other people are doing.
            Be the “odd” one. Do not let people be a bad influence. Do well, because God puts people in our lives to test us, to see how we will treat them. It may not always be as serious as this, but even the little things matter.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Music to My Ears



Music to My Ears

By Megan Robertson, Class of 2015
Candler, North Carolina

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our Salvation.  Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. Psalm 95:1, 2

        I'm the type of person that can hear a song and start crying or get goosebumps just over the words. Music has always been a big deal to me, and I've loved it ever since I was little. I love listening to music, and I especially love singing! One of the definitions of music is: "The art or science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion."  Music brings out so many emotions in people. It can make a person sad, happy, mad, excited, inspired, and so much more! But for me, it is my way to connect to God and focus on Him. It is my favorite tool to use for worshipping and praising God.
        Just recently I got the opportunity to go to Prayer Conference at Camp Kulaqua. I had such a great time there and made so many memories and friends! The whole atmosphere and experience was amazing, but what really spoke to me was the music. Every day we had the privilege to enjoy and sing along with Southern Adventist University's praise team. They were amazing and picked the best variety of songs! Although I loved our speaker, Jackie James, I personally wished we could have just sung the whole time. I can't tell you how many times I got goosebumps when I heard that huge chapel ringing with music and praises to God! All the many harmonies and the fullness of all the voices joining together to worship spoke to me in ways I can't even explain!
            I believe that God has gifted me with the ability to sing, and after this experience, I am going to use my voice to glorify Him and Him only! Being in that environment helped me remember that God created us to worship and praise Him, and one of the ways we can do that is through song. If you are the type of person that loves music and is impacted by it, then I want to challenge you to try something new. Next time you have a devotion, start it out by listening to one of your favorite Christian songs, and just think about what it means to you and how it could apply to your life. Another thing you could try, would be to just spend some alone time with God listening and singing along to music. You never know what blessing you could get out of it.
                    "Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from Heaven to the soul."


Friday, August 2, 2013

Opening Doors



Opening Doors

By Manuel Onate, Class of 2014
Waynesboro, Virginia

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

            WHY?! Why did I do such a stupid thing? I was sitting there in the office thinking of everything that was going on. What would I do if I got expelled?  What about my friends?  What would they think?  Where would I go to school?   What about my family?
            As I waited for administration to make their decision on my fate, I said potential good-byes to my friends.  But I hoped that my good-bye would not be permanent.  I prayed that things would work out for me to stay at that school.  However, when I spoke to the dean, I was dissappointed to hear that I would need to leave immediately and would not be allowed to return.  Now what?
            I decided that I wanted to attend Mount Pisgah Academy.  But my mom wanted me to stay home.  We argued about it for a couple of weeks, then she said that if the school would take me, I could go, but that she wouldn’t pay for it.  At least I had hope.
            I earnestly prayed and told God, “Lord, if you want me to go to MPA, please give me a sign and find a way to pay the school.”  When I was at the other school, my grandmother was paying the monthly payments, so after talking with her, she agreed to keep on helping me.  I still had to come up with the entrance fee.  I spoke with my aunt about it, but I didn’t think she would help.  But two days later, she told me that she would give me $200 and that she had contacted my other grandparents and that they had agreed to pay $1000. When she told me that, I was thanking the Lord in so many ways! I was so full of joy. God gave me more than what I asked for. God showed huge confidence in me, and I will not let Him down.
            Now I’m at Mount Pisgah Academy, and I love it here. Without God’s help this wouldn’t be possible.  But He opened doors for me and is drawing me ever closer to Him.
            Trust that His plans are for the best for you too, and have faith in His plan for your life.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

At the Lowest



At the Lowest

By Christopher Bankes, Class of 2013
Asheville, North Carolina

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10.

            This past year has been rough. Rough like sandpaper. Somehow I have made it through a lot of testing endeavors, and I think there is a reason for it. I have deviated from what God may have wanted for me in a lot of ways, but it has taught me a lot. He finally gave me a real eye opener at the end of the summer when I woke up in the hospital one morning.
            I had overdosed the night before. I was so unhappy with myself and at such a seemingly low point in life, that I didn't even want to continue. I felt like I was at the point where there wasn't any going back to even try and return to normal life. I thought there was no where to turn. Thankfully, God proved me wrong. He kept me alive after that night, and He has helped me so much the past few months. He has showed me reasons to continue life, and shown me that I really do have potential.
            Last summer I was at the lowest point that I've ever felt. I thought I was alone in the world, but God has been there by my side through everything that has happened. Even after all of the mistakes I've made, and poor decisions and actions I've chosen, God still accepts me. He loves me, and His love is always growing stronger for me.
            Whenever hard times approach, just always rely on God and know that things will always get better. God has great plans for each and every one of us, and He will always be the one sticking by your side through difficult times. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10


Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Little Lower than Angels



Little Lower Than Angels


By David Feist, Class of 2014
Kernersville, North Carolina

For Thou hast made man a little lower than the angels, and hast
crowned him with glory and honour. Psalm 8:5

            Have you ever felt really down on yourself? Felt depressed, tired, and worthless? Think that there is no purpose to life and that you are so insignificant that even God has abandoned you? I felt this way frequently when I was around the age of twelve years old. I felt that I was nothing more than another animal roaming this earth and that I would never contribute anything of worth to this planet, let alone in the eyes of a perfect deity, to whom "even your greatest works are as filthy rags." How could I embrace life feeling so insignificant and filthy? Many dark thoughts began to come to my mind, making me feel even less like a significant human, and more like just another beast that roams on all fours. I kept asking God for answers to questions that are impossible to explain.
            "If you love your children so much, why have we come this far?" I screamed into the air. "Why is it that there is so much pain under your ‘loving’ reign? Why do you allow people to suffer so much? Is there no justice under the sky?"
            This kind of attitude towards God stayed with me for the next few years.  But as I grew older I began to see and understand more.  I see now that not everything is that painful. Not everyone suffers. And though God may often seem silent, He works in very strange ways to find an outcome that suits His plan. The fact that you are on this beautiful earth means that you are a part of His plan -- that you are significant for something or someone. You might never be the new Einstein and you may never make your way into the history books. But, to someone close to you, your life can make all the difference in theirs.
            We are special in God's eyes.  We were created not only a little below angels, but in His own divine image! How then, can we feel as though we are not special and worth something to Him? God has taken so much care in creating us. 
            When I think of the troubles of this world, I think about what my dad used to always tell me, "Son, don't sweat the little stuff, and trust me, its ALL little stuff."


Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Barrels Are Evil



Barrels Are Evil


By Jared Cove, Class of 2014
Ottowa, Ontario (Canada)

They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord,
cut them off. Psalm 118:11

            Those who know me can be sure of one thing: I love video games.  There is one thing I can always count on in my favorite game: barrels.  In fact, no matter what game it is, there will almost always be barrels. They come in different shapes and sizes, some industrial, some old-fashioned. Often, they hide items which are pivotal to progressing the game. They do not attack, but even so their position is unquestionably hostile. The way I play, there is not one barrel undestroyed in an area I have cleared.
            Barrels are silent. It is as though they are just waiting to laugh at the character’s struggle. Sometimes, the especially diabolical barrels, hide traps such as bees or darts. The ambitious barrels will even explode and force a “game over.” The average barrel will only hide things from the character, such as coins or keys, or the occasional apple or carrot. Many times I have missed vital keys and other help because I did not destroy all the barrels.
            Barrels in video games are like our troubles. Often they surround us, holding the keys to unlocking life to the fullest, their color making them difficult to see. Just like barrels though, when they are overcome, they can yield tremendous results, their contents expediting your escape from hardships.  Never be afraid to take on the “barrels” or troubles in your life, remember God will always be with you. Even if they bring temporary pain, know that there is a greater reward at the end of the “game” which more than makes up for the hardships endured in the meantime.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Shelter In the Storm



Shelter In The Storm

By Jessica Purple, Class of 2014
Candler, North Carolina

For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling;
He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5

            When I was about six years old, I lived in Michigan.  During the summer my entire family went to camp meeting on Great Lakes Adventist Academy’s campus. Although my least favorite part was the meetings, playing outside with my friends was my favorite.  One day, I decided to skip the meetings altogether. I knew my mom would be upset, but I wasn't thinking about it. I just wanted to be outside having fun.
            My friend and I stayed out all day and we decided to go back to our rooms when we thought it was getting dark. We saw the sky slowly turn grey and purple and noticed there was no one to be found. We checked the time and it wasn't even close to sundown. We got scared and parted ways.
            I searched but I couldn't find anyone.  The place looked abandoned.  I didn't know what to do.  Then, seemingly out of nowhere, my mom swept me up and took me downstairs. There, I learned that we were having a tornado watch and everyone was taking cover.
            It turned out that the tornado went entirely around the camp ground and never hurt anything or anyone around campus. The feeling of God’s protection surrounded me.
            I am thankful for that experience because I learned that no matter what people are thinking at the moment, God is thinking of us every moment.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Strength to Overcome



Strength to Overcome

By Allie Bermudez, Class of 2014
Advance, North Carolina

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
           
            The sound of an alarm clock brought me from my sleep into a new day. Tired and worn from days past, I felt overwhelmed and doubtful. But I got up and read out of God’s Word. I still didn’t trust completely. Then I got on my knees and prayed, telling God that I needed Him. I asked Him to give me words to speak and to give me strength. An impression came to my mind to open my Bible to a place that I had marked with a sticky note. So I opened it to the page marked. As I was scanning through the page, I came upon Philippians 4:13. I sat in awe just reading those assuring words.
            Every day, trials come for me to endure. I can become so frustrated by something to the point where tears fall. The enemy throws every temptation he can to discourage any connection with God. There is a struggle every moment for my salvation. If I am not focused on God, on the path to Him, I can easily fall down the steep slopes of sin. But I can’t do anything without being connected to Him. (See John 15:4-5) That is why I take the  time to spend with my Savior every day. I know He has perfect plans for me. All I have to do is trust that He will carry me through anything and everything. I know He has already started a good work in me. (See Philippians 1:6) He has changed me to be His girl. He is molding and making something new of me, especially when I pray. He has and is giving me opportunities to show His amazing love. He is expanding my knowledge and understanding to share, for His kingdom to come.
            I am willing to put Him first day by day, because He put me first. I accept His promises to be true because I have seen them fulfilled in my life. I am confident to obey and honor the One who took my place. I realize that anything I accomplish is done through my Maker. He is the strength in whom I depend. Whatever challenge it may be, I will overcome all through Christ who overcame.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Path to Heaven



Path to Heaven


By Lisa Cho, Class of 2014
Seoul, South Korea

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

            As a child, I grew up believing in Buddhism because my whole family was Buddhist. I had to go to a Buddhist temple every weekend with my grandparents. Every time I asked my grandmother about God, she always told me that God is not true and the bible is just a perfect story that one smart guy made up. So every time I would see people who go to church, I thought they were crazy and just wasting their time.  Also, I wouldn’t hang around with people who read a bible or talked about God in front of me.
            When I was in middle school, my friends told me to go to church on Sunday with them, convincing me by telling me that there were a lot of cute guys in that church. Since I never saw any cute guys in the Buddhist temple, I went to Sunday church for the first time. I didn’t know anything about God and had no clue what a Christian church looked like. At first, it seemed weird and boring, but after several months of attending and getting to know more about God, I started to wonder if God really did exist. My cousin told me that I was crazy going to church every weekend, but I felt something was really leading me to go to church.
            After several years, I heard about Mount Pisgah Academy and made a hard decision to leave South Korea and move all the way to North Carolina to attend there. When I first came to Pisgah, I was shocked and surprised. I have never seen a school like this! Everyone was a true Christian believer and prayed to God everywhere they went. The one thing I was most shocked about was that there were a lot of differences between the Sunday churches and Seventh-day Adventist church. I have been studying at Pisgah about two years and I have learned a lot about God. I have also learned about kindness, friendship, and peacefulness. Mount Pisgah has done a lot for me and has given me a new life. Whenever I think back about how I became a Christian after being a non-Christian, I feel God helped me find the right path to heaven.