In the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald of August 27, 1931, there was an article entitled “Where Shall I Attend School the Coming Year?” The article pointed out that previous columns of the Review had carried warnings against attending worldly educational institutions and that, as far as possible, SDA youth should attend our denominational schools. It was considered a great privilege to attend these schools.
In those days, there was a strong missionary and soul-winning emphasis in the curricula and other programs of the schools. Even the names of the institutions reflected their missionary purpose. Those who did not attend Adventist educational institutions were viewed as not secure in their faith.
As I was growing up, I remember overhearing adults talking about this or that wayward youth. The discussion would often include a comment that they had not attended an Adventist school. I remember the sacrifices my parents made just so my brother, sister and I could attend Adventist schools.
Back in those days, the only distinction made was between Adventist and non-Adventist educational institutions. Perhaps there was less of a need to make distinctions when SDA schools were strongly emphasizing missions and soul winning. The denomination often depended on our own schools to provide evangelists, pastors, missionaries and other church workers.
But today things have changed. Now there is a need to make a greater distinction. Denominational schools have lost that missionary focus in their curricula. Even the names of the institutions have changed, and no longer carry the “M” word. It is almost impossible to find a school that shares the spiritual vision of those earlier versions of Adventist education. It is impossible to find a denominational institution that is actually attempting to follow the principles (sometimes called the “blueprint”) of education found in the Bible and in the writings of Ellen White. The result is lower standards, secular curricula and the ever-present sports, all of which model secular institutions and all in the name of accreditation, of course. The secularization of Adventist schools is, in many cases, covered only by a veneer of spiritual culture.
Where do parents turn for a spiritual education for their children? Often they opt for home schooling or self-supporting institutions. Perhaps that can help their children through twelfth grade. But where do parents send them when their minds, hearts and bodies are maturing? Where can students best develop and crystallize their vision in God’s cause? They need influences that will focus them on soul winning, self-sacrifice and commitment to missions.
That is one key reason God raised up Hartland College. It is perhaps the best four-year Adventist missionary training college in the world. Youth can train at Hartland College for marketable skills, but more importantly, they train for soul winning. I am thrilled as I see the burden for souls in the youth and graduates of Hartland College.
Our recent 20th anniversary camp meeting featured graduates from Hartland who are ministering around the world. It was amazing and inspiring to hear their testimonies and mission reports, and to see just how many of them are serving the Lord in some kind of mission and soul-winning endeavor.
If you know of youth who have a spiritual commitment to the Lord and want to be properly and thoroughly trained for God’s service, order a FREE copy of the new video on Hartland College and share it with them and other members of your church. Call my office at 540-672-3100 ext. 285 or e-mail stewardship@hartland.edu and we will see that you get your video with our compliments.
