Moses Lake Academy Mission Trip
Written by Zanele Malaba
“In the highest sense of the work of education and the work of redemption are one, for in education, as in redemption, ‘other foundation can no man lay than is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ (1 Corinthians 3:11).” Ellen G. White, Education, page 30.
One day as Jesus walked alongside the coasts of Judea, mothers who desired the utmost blessing for their little ones brought them to Him that He might lay his hands on them and pray. Evidently the disciples were not amused by this act which they saw as a great distraction to kingdom building work that they were focused on with the Master. But what an incredible teaching moment Jesus provided for everyone that day. A teaching that has transcended time to our day and will be taught on until Jesus bursts through the clouds to take us home. Jesus instructed his presently overzealous followers to “suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. “(Matthew 19: 13-14)
Because God considers educating children about Jesus and the redemption story to be a high calling in the work of salvation, Build and Restore International likewise considers building and restoring Seventh Day Adventist schools a high mission priority. Therefore, when Pastor Clinton approached Build and Restore founder Ostap at GYC 2018 with the request for a team of missionaries to come and restore some school structures at Moses Lake Adventist Academy, the answer given was an immediate yes!
Upon inspection of the work to be done, it was discovered that the school had someone local that would help the school with all the materials needed to complete the work and what was needed was just willing workmen. 13 volunteers responded to the call to serve. These volunteers included some staff from school as well as other volunteers from the local Seventh Day Adventist Church. The mission involved putting new trim around the walls and installing carpet in 14 classrooms. Moses Lake Academy is located in Central Washington and the climate in the winter time is a very cold one. Therefore, carpet allows for a warmer surface, a cozy base for when the students settle on the floor for story time as well as a safe landing pad for the occasional falls.
As the mission was underway, God evangelized older members of the community through the laborious actions of the volunteers. The elderly people from the community came to watch the work being done and many were impressed and moved as they witnessed young people give so freely of their time and effort in diligent service for the Lord.
One of the teacher’s aides at Moses Lake Adventist Academy had an uncle whose career is in construction. However, as he is a non-believer, the teacher’s aide was hesitant to invite him to be a part of the work. After some encouragement, an invitation was extended to the uncle. While he was unable to come and assist due to work commitments, he was very curious to know why Build and Restore was conducting this work free of charge. He was also extremely keen on inquiring about faith as he had several questions. The teacher’s aide’s uncle was so keen that he set an appointment for 7am to come to the school and meet with Ostap to discuss his questions before going on his way to work. This provided very fertile ground for the gospel to be shared. Everywhere the Lord places us He has precious souls that are hungering and thirsting in search of truth. May our eyes and ears be attentive to the Lord’s leading as He guides us to witness to precious souls, even when that means stepping aside for a moment from the primary work that the Lord will have called us to at that time. This is all a part of the great work.
Dominic is a shy and quiet teenager who also volunteered to be a part of the mission. His family occasionally attends the local SDA Church. Dominic’s mother expressed gratitude for how he had learned new trade skills, was able to meet other young people who came to the mission and connect with Ostap who served as a mentor for Dominic. To date Ostap continues to encourage Dominic, planting and watering seeds in his life that have led to spiritual growth. Dominic looks forward to being a part of another mission project in the future.
On the Sabbath that followed the conclusion of the mission, Ostap shared a message on discipleship. The congregants expressed their appreciation of the timely message shared and thanked God for how the mission project had brought out members who had not been to Church in a while. God foresaw this blessing and made a way for the mission to be carried out, He is worthy to be praised for His marvelous workings.
The friendship and ministry partnership with Pastor Clinton continues to grow as he has donated glow tracks on several occasions that are in various languages and useful to share the light as Build and Restore International does mission projects all over the world. It is in working together in such beautiful harmony that the Kingdom building work advances and we will hasten the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!