Today our story is about a boy from the Philippines. Did you know that there are many people from the Philippines who are living in Vienna, Austria? Many of them go to Sabbath school and church at the International Seventh-day Adventist Church there. Part of our Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will go to help construct a new building for this church.

An Adventist School

Mohammad lives in Zamboanga, Philippines. Even though his family is Muslim, Mohammad studies at an Adventist school.

Mohammad had been attending another school in the city when someone told his father about the Adventist school.

His parents visited the school. The old building needed much repair, and the principal explained that the school would be replaced soon. But Mohammad’s parents didn’t see the leaky metal roof or the holes in the screens. They saw happy children who loved their teachers and teachers who really cared for the children. They decided to send Mohammad to the Adventist school.

Reluctant New Student

Mohammad didn’t want to change schools and leave his friends. But he obeyed his parents’ wishes. On the first day of school, Mohammad stepped into the class wondering whether he would make any friends there. Even before class started, several children welcomed him. At lunchtime, some boys invited Mohammad to eat with them and join their games at recess. By the end of the day Mohammad had made several new friends. Maybe his new school wasn’t so bad after all!

After a little while Mohammad said, “I do like this school! And I’m glad we have Pathfinders. I especially like camping and learning new skills such as knot tying. And I enjoy learning new songs.”

The New School

Then one day near the end of the school year, his teacher announced that when they returned from summer vacation they would have a new school. Everyone cheered. The children helped their teachers box up the textbooks, clear out the closets, and empty the shelves.

Mohammad and his family went on vacation, so he didn’t see his old school torn down or the new one rise in its place. But when he returned from vacation and saw the new school, it was beautiful. Some of the classrooms still needed painting, so the classes met in the church until the rooms were ready. Everyone was happy and excited.

Mohammad likes his new school, but he insists that the building isn’t as important as what happens inside the classroom. “Here in this school I learned to pray to God in a special way that makes me realize that Jesus is really my friend,” he says. “I’ve learned to love God here.”

Thank you for bringing your offerings to Sabbath school. These offerings will help children who have moved from the Philippines to Austria to have a better place for Sabbath school and worship!