Happy Sabbath everyone! This was a good week. We had the opportunity to watch (and film) some of MVA's first soccer games (which, by the way, they won the last one). We saw progress with both the Elementary School handbell choir and Cascabel (MVA's handbell choir). We had the opportunity to connect with old alumni from MVA as we put together an academic profile for the school. We had some great laughs in the office and the cafeteria with the students and staff. We have multiple leads on filling the maintenance taskforce position. We also have the strong possibility that we will be getting a new taskforce food service assistant, our very own Genevieve Cuva, MVA class of 2009. Most importantly though, the official word in the alumni newsletter is that Mount Vernon Academy is currently enrolling 97 students. This not only way above our projections for the year, but if I'm not mistaken, it is also above what our enrollment was last school year, even at its peak. We praise God that the Academy continues to inch its way back towards solid footing, with credit certainly being owed to the staff and administration who are allowing God to work through them to bless this school.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
We Got Mail!
Actually, we got a box of devotional books delivered by one of MVA's board members. We want to thank the Bellefontaine SDA Church for their donation of books for the devotional book library. We also received a call from the Akron SDA Church today regarding the project. It is exciting to see God pouring out his blessings on this school.
Also, enrollment has continued to climb this year at MVA. While it is lower than where the school once stood four years ago, it is not only beyond what we projected and beyond what we budgeted for, it is slowly increasing day by day. We thank God that He has counted MVA worthy to be entrusted with these students, who continue to impress and amaze. We also thank God for the progress being made on projects such as the promotional video (thank-you Khari Williams), teaching handbells at MVE (Mount Vernon SDA Elementary School), and on helping teachers with projects such as Mr. Lee's science equipment (thank-you Adan Rodarte).
Continue to keep MVA in your prayers!
Also, enrollment has continued to climb this year at MVA. While it is lower than where the school once stood four years ago, it is not only beyond what we projected and beyond what we budgeted for, it is slowly increasing day by day. We thank God that He has counted MVA worthy to be entrusted with these students, who continue to impress and amaze. We also thank God for the progress being made on projects such as the promotional video (thank-you Khari Williams), teaching handbells at MVE (Mount Vernon SDA Elementary School), and on helping teachers with projects such as Mr. Lee's science equipment (thank-you Adan Rodarte).
Continue to keep MVA in your prayers!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Lake Day
Today was Lake Day for the Academy, an annual event where the students spend time at Pleasant Hill Lake competing in class competitions (such as the annual tug of war), riding on boats, playing on the beach, and bonding together as a family. We took some great footage for the promo video and had a wonderful time connecting with the kids, who we are growing quite attached to. Some amazing stories were shared, reminding me once again what an amazing group of young people God has entrusted to MVA.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
So Many People
Today, once again, we have a few people to thank. Firstly, Adan Rodarte has once again proven to be a lifesaver, managing the main office, filing papers, fixing phones the Elementary school, and just being a general blessing to all he comes in contact with.
The second is Jennie Downing, who has been helping with filing the medical paperwork and preparing the medical binders in coordination with Dean Sheila.
The third is Shari Bellchambers, who has been at the Academy throughout this week helping Dean Sheila and helping with paperwork.
The fourth is Ricky Woodruff, who came in this afternoon and jumped right in helping with paperwork too.
All of these people made it possible for me to get away from the office (though it was fun having to call recent alumni and talk with classmates I haven't spoken with in quite some time). I was able to take some shots for the promo video and do a little bit of teaching at the Elementary School. It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated community of people that are focused on seeing Adventism thrive so it can minister to the community of Mount Vernon and the greater community of Ohio through the work of Mount Vernon Academy.
Additionally, I want to thank all the dedicated staff at MVA that make it a great place to be, whether it's the cook with his excellent food (thank-you Sam Hutchinson for those amazing chimi-changas), Jeff Morris who makes the office go round, Principal Kittle with his amazing vision for the school, the campus Chaplain whose vision of ministry is inspiring, the teachers such as Keri Conwell or Lynn Lee who are working hard to provide their students with the best education possible, or all the staff who make this school a tremendous work environment.
Lastly, I want to thank all the students who have made me feel so proud to be back home at my Alma Mater, Mount Vernon Academy. Whether it's Kari with his music, Alyssa with her spiritual plans for the campus (she is the SA spiritual VP), DeAndre with his cheerful attitude, or David Jr. with all of his helpfulness, each of these students has made me feel welcomed and loved here at MVA.
The second is Jennie Downing, who has been helping with filing the medical paperwork and preparing the medical binders in coordination with Dean Sheila.
The third is Shari Bellchambers, who has been at the Academy throughout this week helping Dean Sheila and helping with paperwork.
The fourth is Ricky Woodruff, who came in this afternoon and jumped right in helping with paperwork too.
All of these people made it possible for me to get away from the office (though it was fun having to call recent alumni and talk with classmates I haven't spoken with in quite some time). I was able to take some shots for the promo video and do a little bit of teaching at the Elementary School. It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated community of people that are focused on seeing Adventism thrive so it can minister to the community of Mount Vernon and the greater community of Ohio through the work of Mount Vernon Academy.
Additionally, I want to thank all the dedicated staff at MVA that make it a great place to be, whether it's the cook with his excellent food (thank-you Sam Hutchinson for those amazing chimi-changas), Jeff Morris who makes the office go round, Principal Kittle with his amazing vision for the school, the campus Chaplain whose vision of ministry is inspiring, the teachers such as Keri Conwell or Lynn Lee who are working hard to provide their students with the best education possible, or all the staff who make this school a tremendous work environment.
Lastly, I want to thank all the students who have made me feel so proud to be back home at my Alma Mater, Mount Vernon Academy. Whether it's Kari with his music, Alyssa with her spiritual plans for the campus (she is the SA spiritual VP), DeAndre with his cheerful attitude, or David Jr. with all of his helpfulness, each of these students has made me feel welcomed and loved here at MVA.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Fun with the Camera
Yesterday I taught a 6th-8th grade handbell choir while Adan fixed phones. I also continued working on paperwork at the Academy and typing up documents while...Adan fixed phones..AND, he started working on our video. Here is a sampling of some of his shots. We want to thank David Nino Jr. for offering us ideas and helping us find some video editing software. Samples of the audio editing (using Audacity) will show up later.
Continue to pray for this project. A special thanks to God again for all the amazing students I continue to be impressed by at MVA as well as the incredible staff!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
A Great Start
Greetings everyone! I wanted to thank-you all for your prayers. God has blessed with a tremendous start and I can see His spirit moving here in Mount Vernon, Ohio. I'm sorry this took so long to post; let me fill you in where we are at.
On Friday Adan and I had the chance to meet the new staff including the assistant boys' dean, the chaplain, and the Principal, along with catching up with returning staff. We were excited by the various suggestions each made for ways we could be helpful. Some of the things we are now working on include:
Friday night we were able to join the students for vespers, which was a bonfire up by the athletic fields. After the music was done, seven students went up to share what they were thankful for and light a candle representing a day of the week. Without fail, every single student thanked God for the opportunity to be back at MVA. What a blessing to see how these young people are enjoying their experience at MVA and that God is blessing them. It was also a blessing to hear Paul Torchia, speak to the students on what it means to be still and know that God is there for us even when we try doing things on our own. His talk about letting God lead and never getting to that point where we quit following and messed up, was fantastic. Afterwards, Adan and I had a chance to pray with several students and then meet with several of them (in addition to the ones we met earlier in the day). This is an incredible group of young people!
Adan and I also had the opportunity to join the students for Sabbath School at the Academy and church at the Hill Church. Praise God for the work he is doing through the staff at MVA to minister to these young people. We also want to praise God for sending Anthony Czaja (an MVA Alumnus) our way to provide us with a video camera for making the promotional video, as well as an additional willing hand to help out at the school.
Saturday evening Adan and I had the privilege of helping out with vespers. Adan, myself, Chaplain Torchia, and several students lead music and then Adan gave a message about the reality of spiritual warfare but how God has won the victory for us. Several students throughout the evening and following day approached him to thank him for the great work God did through him (which of course, we thank God for, as all the credit goes to Him). Afterwards, we were blessed to be able and participate in one of the first Student Association events of the year. It was great to watch the classes competing with one another and see the strong student leadership exemplified in the SA officer.
An unexpected area God was able to use us was at the local Adventist elementary school. God has blessed the school with the highest enrollment they've seen in years and it is a privilege to be able to help this, another one of God's institutions, with their program. On Sunday Adan and I went to MVE (Mount Vernon SDA Elementary) where he reprogrammed phones while I picked out music and organized the handbell curriculum which I will get to teach for the next five weeks. I am excited to be working with the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and introduce them to the art of ringing and the excitement of music.
Lastly, Adan and I ended our day with spending time at MVA figuring out shots for the promotional video. We were blessed with the unexpected privilege of being able to help with supervising the open gym time, where we were able to hang out with more of the students, play games with them, and get to know them a little bit better. I am so excited for the work God is doing at MVA through the staff and volunteers. I have been tremendously blessed by each student I have met and I am grateful to God for the amazing work Adan Rodarte, my partner in this adventure, is doing to help out. God is moving!
I want to end this long post by saying we have updated the projects list (check that tab regularly). If you see a project you can help with, let me know. Our biggest needs right now are:
On Friday Adan and I had the chance to meet the new staff including the assistant boys' dean, the chaplain, and the Principal, along with catching up with returning staff. We were excited by the various suggestions each made for ways we could be helpful. Some of the things we are now working on include:
- Substituting for the Handbell choir (Cascabel)
- Finding a taskforce maintenance worker for the Academy (we have contacted the SM program directors at several SDA Universities and are awaiting replies)
- Filing papers and compiling statistics for an academic report for the school
- Answering phones and fixing the phone screens / voice-mail messages (thanks Adan)
- The 40 Day Devotional study with the kids (the books have arrived and are at the Academy. We will begin after the class pastors are elected)
- Forming a devotional book library (we are waiting to hear back from churches)
- A Mission Spotlight video for the alumni and constituents
- Making a 5-7 minute promotional video for overseas recruiting for MVA
Friday night we were able to join the students for vespers, which was a bonfire up by the athletic fields. After the music was done, seven students went up to share what they were thankful for and light a candle representing a day of the week. Without fail, every single student thanked God for the opportunity to be back at MVA. What a blessing to see how these young people are enjoying their experience at MVA and that God is blessing them. It was also a blessing to hear Paul Torchia, speak to the students on what it means to be still and know that God is there for us even when we try doing things on our own. His talk about letting God lead and never getting to that point where we quit following and messed up, was fantastic. Afterwards, Adan and I had a chance to pray with several students and then meet with several of them (in addition to the ones we met earlier in the day). This is an incredible group of young people!
Adan and I also had the opportunity to join the students for Sabbath School at the Academy and church at the Hill Church. Praise God for the work he is doing through the staff at MVA to minister to these young people. We also want to praise God for sending Anthony Czaja (an MVA Alumnus) our way to provide us with a video camera for making the promotional video, as well as an additional willing hand to help out at the school.
Saturday evening Adan and I had the privilege of helping out with vespers. Adan, myself, Chaplain Torchia, and several students lead music and then Adan gave a message about the reality of spiritual warfare but how God has won the victory for us. Several students throughout the evening and following day approached him to thank him for the great work God did through him (which of course, we thank God for, as all the credit goes to Him). Afterwards, we were blessed to be able and participate in one of the first Student Association events of the year. It was great to watch the classes competing with one another and see the strong student leadership exemplified in the SA officer.
An unexpected area God was able to use us was at the local Adventist elementary school. God has blessed the school with the highest enrollment they've seen in years and it is a privilege to be able to help this, another one of God's institutions, with their program. On Sunday Adan and I went to MVE (Mount Vernon SDA Elementary) where he reprogrammed phones while I picked out music and organized the handbell curriculum which I will get to teach for the next five weeks. I am excited to be working with the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and introduce them to the art of ringing and the excitement of music.
Lastly, Adan and I ended our day with spending time at MVA figuring out shots for the promotional video. We were blessed with the unexpected privilege of being able to help with supervising the open gym time, where we were able to hang out with more of the students, play games with them, and get to know them a little bit better. I am so excited for the work God is doing at MVA through the staff and volunteers. I have been tremendously blessed by each student I have met and I am grateful to God for the amazing work Adan Rodarte, my partner in this adventure, is doing to help out. God is moving!
I want to end this long post by saying we have updated the projects list (check that tab regularly). If you see a project you can help with, let me know. Our biggest needs right now are:
- Finding people with video knowledge to help shoot and edit the promo video
- Finding a task-force maintenance worker for the Academy (we want to thank James Syvertson, former MVA student, for his willingness to help in the search process)
- Calling churches to solicit donations of used devotional books for our library (we want to thank Jennie Downing, an MVA alumnus, for her willingness to help with phone calls)
- Prayer for this school and this project (we want to thank all who have been praying for us; your prayers are being answered)
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Grateful
Today, as Adan and I pack up and prepare to leave Washington and Idaho for the magnificent Midwest, I count my blessings as to how God has blessed this project, even before reaching Ohio:
- Emily Rose (MVA class of 2012) and the Stillwater SDA Church (Dayton, Ohio) that graciously offered to donate books to the MVA Devotional Book Library
- Alden Thompson's WWU Sabbath School class that donated approximately $500 of devotional books to MVA
- Paul Torchia, MVA's chaplain, with his leadership and willingness to let us come in and work with him to make MVA a spiritually nurturing environment
- Dan Kittle, MVA's principal, with his amazing leadership and willingness to let us to come in and work with him to make MVA a better place
- The incredible staff and faculty at MVA
- The awesome prayer support from MVA alumni and staff, Ohio church members and MVA constituents, WWU students and staff, Camp Sunset Lake Staff, and others all across the nation
- The amazing willingness of people like Adan Rodarte (WWU student) and Ricky Woodruff (MVA class of 2009) to step in and lead in making this project a reality, and, in the case of Adan, being willing to fly all the way from Idaho to volunteer his time to serve MVA
- God and the way He has lead in making this project come together piece by piece
"Nothing is impossible with God. Every good and perfect gift is from above."
(Luke 1:37 and James 1:17)
Monday, August 13, 2012
Mini Miracles
MVA began registering freshman yesterday and the rest of the student body registers tomorrow! Praise God for the start of another school year.
We also want to praise God for the generosity of Dr. Alden Thompson and his Walla Walla University Church Sabbath School class. Not only are they helping us find devotional books to give to Mount Vernon Academy, but they are going to help us obtain the 40-day devotional book we would like to go through with the students at MVA, starting hopefully at the end of this week or the next. We praise God for providing through Dr.Thompson on such short notice. It is through little miracles like these that we are reminded that God is not finished reaching young people at MVA. We also want to thank the chaplain, Paul Torchia, for his amazing leadership at MVA and for his graciousness in allowing us to work with him in sharing the good news with the youth entrusted to Mount Vernon Academy.
We also want to praise God for the generosity of Dr. Alden Thompson and his Walla Walla University Church Sabbath School class. Not only are they helping us find devotional books to give to Mount Vernon Academy, but they are going to help us obtain the 40-day devotional book we would like to go through with the students at MVA, starting hopefully at the end of this week or the next. We praise God for providing through Dr.Thompson on such short notice. It is through little miracles like these that we are reminded that God is not finished reaching young people at MVA. We also want to thank the chaplain, Paul Torchia, for his amazing leadership at MVA and for his graciousness in allowing us to work with him in sharing the good news with the youth entrusted to Mount Vernon Academy.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
First Set of Specific Projects
Hello Again Friends,
Let us begin with the news that one of our project partners, Ricky Woodruff, is accepting a job in Traverse City, Michigan and therefore will not be physically present with us through most of the project. However, he remains an important link as he is still coordinating a lot of our spiritual goals and will continue to remain a partner with us in prayer.
Another important individual that needs to be mentioned is the new campus Chaplain, Paul Torchia. We were able to dialogue with him this week and we are excited to be working under his guidance as we strive to give MVA the highest quality spiritual environment possible.
With that being said, we are going to try and begin with some small projects.
PROJECT ONE: We would indeed like to get a devotional library developed in each dorm. If you have devotional books that you have already gone through, or know people that do, we would like to compile them and give them to the Academy as a donation. Books can be either delivered or mailed to myself. Feel free to contact me at ldowning24@gmail.com for a place to send the books. Also, if you think you could get an announcement made in your church, that would be helpful.
PROJECT TWO: This is like a smaller version of the Kohl's Cares project. Target is giving away money and school supplies to the most voted for schools on their Facebook page. Search for Mt Vernon Academy and spread the link around. https://apps.facebook.com/givewithtarget/
PROJECT THREE: If you know of any churches that have contact with students who might benefit from coming to MVA, we would love to come and either speak for the service, help with the service, or just come and meet with the student and their family. We want to spread the word about what God is doing at MVA. Feel free to again contact me for more information.
PROJECT IN PROGRESS: Lastly, we are hoping to do a 40-day devotional with the students using Dennis Smith's "40 Days of Prayer and Devotions to Prepare for the Second Coming." This project we are still coordinating with the chaplain but should it take place, it will require the purchase of about 45 to 50 books with costs being projected at $300-$500. Once again, feel free to contact me about how donations for that can be made. If we decide to go ahead with that project, we are hoping to make it so donations can be made in a tax-deductible form directly to the school.
Thank-you for your continued prayers and support. Remember to spread news about these projects to your local churches and to your friends and family. Thank-you, and God bless.
UPDATE: We would also like to mention that we have updated our project mission statement and goals page. We also have been in contact with another MVA Alum, Nick Leonard, who has graciously volunteered his graphic design abilities to helping out MVA.
Let us begin with the news that one of our project partners, Ricky Woodruff, is accepting a job in Traverse City, Michigan and therefore will not be physically present with us through most of the project. However, he remains an important link as he is still coordinating a lot of our spiritual goals and will continue to remain a partner with us in prayer.
Another important individual that needs to be mentioned is the new campus Chaplain, Paul Torchia. We were able to dialogue with him this week and we are excited to be working under his guidance as we strive to give MVA the highest quality spiritual environment possible.
With that being said, we are going to try and begin with some small projects.
PROJECT ONE: We would indeed like to get a devotional library developed in each dorm. If you have devotional books that you have already gone through, or know people that do, we would like to compile them and give them to the Academy as a donation. Books can be either delivered or mailed to myself. Feel free to contact me at ldowning24@gmail.com for a place to send the books. Also, if you think you could get an announcement made in your church, that would be helpful.
PROJECT TWO: This is like a smaller version of the Kohl's Cares project. Target is giving away money and school supplies to the most voted for schools on their Facebook page. Search for Mt Vernon Academy and spread the link around. https://apps.facebook.com/givewithtarget/
PROJECT THREE: If you know of any churches that have contact with students who might benefit from coming to MVA, we would love to come and either speak for the service, help with the service, or just come and meet with the student and their family. We want to spread the word about what God is doing at MVA. Feel free to again contact me for more information.
PROJECT IN PROGRESS: Lastly, we are hoping to do a 40-day devotional with the students using Dennis Smith's "40 Days of Prayer and Devotions to Prepare for the Second Coming." This project we are still coordinating with the chaplain but should it take place, it will require the purchase of about 45 to 50 books with costs being projected at $300-$500. Once again, feel free to contact me about how donations for that can be made. If we decide to go ahead with that project, we are hoping to make it so donations can be made in a tax-deductible form directly to the school.
Thank-you for your continued prayers and support. Remember to spread news about these projects to your local churches and to your friends and family. Thank-you, and God bless.
UPDATE: We would also like to mention that we have updated our project mission statement and goals page. We also have been in contact with another MVA Alum, Nick Leonard, who has graciously volunteered his graphic design abilities to helping out MVA.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)