After much prayer and counsel, Spokane Junior Academy’s (SJA’s) board and constituent church members have voted to move their campus.
Last November, SJA bought a 32-acre track of land about two miles from its current facility, west of the city in a more natural setting. SJA has operated in the Greater Spokane, Wash., area since 1939.
Fundraising to develop the new campus is now under way, as a pay-as-you-go, four-phase project, with construction expected to begin this year.
Fundraising ventures include auctions, canvassing area businesses, soliciting private donations, and students’ sales.
SJA staff recently used the new property itself to reach out to the community, while raising funds.
Every May, the city of Spokane hosts Bloomsday, a festival built around a 7.5-mile run/walk event, with more than 50,000 annual participants.
Since the new SJA property is located prominently on the Bloomsday route, Don Bryan, SJA principal, led out in posting two large signs that announced the school’s relocation to the area.
Students spruced up the property and roadside, removing 1,300 pounds of roadside refuse.
Then, on Bloomsday, faculty members manned a booth that offered refreshments and information. While raising several hundred dollars, staff members discovered the witnessing and advertising potential of the new location.
Several Bloomsday participants inquired about the new school and were excited to find that Adventists in the area are looking ahead to the future.
Many Adventists who took part in the run/walk wore special T-shirts that depicted a runner crossing a finish line, with a cross in the background and the caption, “Our victory is through the Cross-Seventh-day Adventist Churches.”
SJA students, staff, and supporters are praying that God will lead in every step of their effort to relocate the campus.
With enrollment growing and dedication to education strong among parents, they and Upper Columbia Conference leaders believe God has awesome things planned for Adventist education in Spokane.
More information about the relocation campaign is available by phoning (509) 325-1985. •
A 32-acre track of land west of Spokane will become the new home of Spokane Junior Academy.
