Southeastern California Conference
SECC Schools Spiritual Environment Theme Results in Students Accepting Jesus
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uring the 2015-2016 school year, Southeastern California Conference schools focused on creating an environment where students would intentionally be presented with opportunities to accept Jesus as their Savior, friend and companion. “This theme led to testimonies from schools that tied directly to students being baptized, to students living out that relationship with Jesus in how they treat others,” said Don Dudley, superintendent of schools. Many academies found themselves in situations in which their teachers and students were serving their communities as missionaries. “The influence is impacting our children from the home, school and the church, which creates a dynamic where our students can be blessed by being connected with Jesus,” Dudley said, referencing an inspirational story from Escondido Adventist Academy.
“My kids all left your school with nothing but good things to say about you, your team and your fans,” Valenzuela wrote. “You all live what you preach, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for you and your school.” When asked about this mission-minded representation, Davis said, “We know that when we take the floor, be it at our school or on the road, we represent something bigger than ourselves. We represent our God, our school and our families. The opportunity goes far beyond basketball.” Davis encourages his athletes to be gracious, to always compete with character, and to “win or lose with class.”
Calexico Mission School
At Calexico Mission School, Adventist teachers and students often find themselves representing something bigger than themselves. Ninety percent of attendees at Calexico are Catholic students who live in Mexicali, Mexico. But because the academy is on the U.S. side of the Escondido Academy On Feb. 24, 2016, the men’s varsity basketball team at Escondido was border, it presents challenges for evangelism. Susan Smith, principal participating in the first round of the California Interscholastic Federation during the 2015-2016 school year, explained that the staff are not as San Diego Section Playoffs. They played against Southwest IV High School involved in the lives of students as they would like. “Some of the teachers have visited homes across the border, but it is not and lost. The next morning, Escondido coach Bill Davis received a note from the Southwest coach Ruben Valenzuela, commending Davis and the something the students’ parents are used to or really want,” Smith said. This year, Bible teacher Jakob Serns and his brother, Dustin, held a team for their hospitality and kindness. Week of Prayer that garnered an unprecedented response. “Sixty-six students filled out decision cards requesting not only baptism, but to join the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” Serns said. “We were thrilled with the response, but we must admit that our unique situation presents many challenges as well.” Serns noted that the most important step is to connect the interested students with a local church.
Escondido Adventist Academy’s basketball team competes against Southwest IV High School at the California Interscholastic Federation San Diego Section Playoffs on Feb. 24, 2016.
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Jakob Serns, a Bible teacher at Calexico, poses with students Sofia Montoya, Ivette Nevarez and Thalina Guizar at the Zaragoza church in Mexicali, Mexico.