Interns Connect With Students at Week of Prayer
The Hawaii interns, filled with excitement, arrived at Kapaa SDA Elementary for an intern-led Week of Prayer. Our goal was to share God’s love with these wonderful kids and remind them that they’re not just children—they’re a vital part of His amazing plan.
The theme, “Not Just a Kid,” beautifully conveyed that no matter their age or the challenges they face, they are cherished by God and capable of doing His work. We connected with the kids through fun games, engaging trivia, and short lessons that made the message truly resonate.
Each day, a different pair of interns shared inspiring stories about young Bible figures who made a difference. Jean-Luc spoke about David’s patience in God’s plan, while Isaiah and Jonathan shared the story of Samuel’s calling. Shelby and Mariella highlighted Josiah’s journey of young people influencing adults, and Nick and Sam reminded everyone that God sees their incredible potential—even when others might not. The kids were so engaged, fully participating in worship and activities with joy.
Beyond worship, we joined them at recess, participated in their school activities, and explored their favorite spots together. We also had a fantastic visit to their farm, where they confidently gave us tours and picked delicious samples for us to enjoy. We even helped weed their garden plots, taking the time to get to know the students better. The week wrapped up with a memorable river trip, filled with laughter and moments of connection.
By the end, it was clear that we weren’t just guests; we became part of their community. They sent us off with lovely cards and heartfelt thanks, and we left feeling incredibly blessed. This Week of Prayer was much more than teaching—it was about forging real connections, spreading love, and witnessing how God works through every child.
Interns:
- Sam Ottinger
- Nicholas Lesch
- Isaiah Lawrence
- Shelby Spears
Academy Students Connect With Küpuna
In a world where kindness can often be overlooked, small gestures of compassion can leave a lasting impact. This was evident through the actions of Sophia Nelson, a senior at Hawaiian Mission Academy, who demonstrated the power of service and remembrance through a heartfelt Thanksgiving project.
For Sophia, The Plaza in Kaneohe was more than just a senior living facility; it was where her beloved Papa had lived for nearly five years before his passing. Rather than allowing grief to deter her, she led an initiative to bring her classmates to The Plaza, creating an opportunity for them to connect with the residents in a meaningful way.
Under Sophia’s leadership, the students engaged residents in games and arts and crafts, fostering laughter and storytelling. Many elderly residents recognized Sophia from her past visits with her Papa, and their heartfelt recollections painted a touching picture of deep bonds formed over the years.
The impact of the day extended beyond planned activities. In a moving gesture, a resident, deeply touched by the students’ presence, handed the supervising teacher a $2,000 check as a token of appreciation. Understanding the importance of integrity in such a contribution, Miki Nelson, the Superintendent of Education for the Hawaii Conference, responsibly contacted the resident’s family to confirm their awareness of the donation, reinforcing the school’s commitment to caring for their küpuna.
Sophia’s initiative resonated with both residents and staff, with one employee later expressing hope for future student visits. Her leadership and compassion exemplify the values of kindness, courage, and community that define Adventist Education Hawaii. Her story is a testament to the idea that even the smallest acts of service can create lasting connections and profound change.
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By Miguel Manzo
