In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Alex attends a Seventh-day Adventist school that goes until preschool. When he faced challenges attending school on Sabbath, it emphasized the need for expanding the Adventist school up to high school. The community seeks support through the 13th Sabbath Offering to provide higher education for more students.
Alex attended the only Seventh-day Adventist school on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands sit in the Bay of Bengal. They are part of India even though they sit closer to Southeast Asian countries of Myanmar and Indonesia.
Alex has fond memories of learning at this island school.
“I love the teachers in this school because they teach me very kindly.”
The school's curriculum is based on the Bible. They only have three teachers. But what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality of teaching.
“The school starts with prayer. Then, after that, before they go to classes, they start with some story related to the Bible so after telling that, they will teach them one memory verse every day.”
This school has a positive reputation in the community. Every parent wants to see their child succeed, which is why Alex’s parents trusted the Adventist school to educate their son.
Unfortunately, the school only offers nursery and preschool levels for kids. The students have to look for other education options once they finish preschool.
Last year we had 32 students. Among those, nine have graduated. That means they finished lower kindergarten and upper kindergarten, then went to another school because we don't have higher studies than primary school.
At his new school, Alex was required to attend class on the Sabbath, but thanks to his prior education, he was able to defend his faith to his teacher!
“I told my teacher that in the fourth commandment we have to follow the Holy Sabbath. So I have to go to the Sabbath because I will obey God. So I told my teacher that if I don't listen to my Lord, then how is it possible to listen to you? So I have to go to church.”
After discussions between the teacher and Alex’s parents, Alex now has Sabbath off. Alex is not alone in facing the challenge of attending school on Sabbath; other Adventist students face the same problem. That’s why this quarter we can help expand the Adventist school beyond preschool all the way through high school!
“Please pray for our church ministry in Andaman Nicobar Islands. All our church members are praying for the Adventist school for higher level. That is still up to high school because all Adventist children should continue their education here itself without any problems, without any difficulties.”
A portion of your 13th Sabbath Offering this quarter will help build the new Seventh-day Adventist English School in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, providing a higher level of education so more people can learn about the love of Jesus.
“Thank you so much for supporting us through your 13 Sabbath offerings.”
