Whatcom County in Washington is home to five Adventist churches, and recently these churches joined together for an education rally at Baker View Christian School (BVCS).
District pastors Michael Demma and Pat Grant felt strongly that the time was right to focus the attention of their church members on one of the area’s major ministries—Adventist education.
The county-wide rally for the Bellingham, Everson, Ferndale, Lummi and Open Door churches attracted more than 350 people to the school's gymnasium.
The education rally featured many school and church groups, including an all-church guitar group and a student skit and musical performance.
After Grant's sermon, Bruce Cowin announced an anonymous challenge grant of $10,000 to the attendees. School leadership hoped the rally would provide the opportunity for the churches to meet the donation challenge.
When the donations were added up, the constituent members had not only met the challenge, but exceeded the goal by more than $3,000, for a total contribution to BVCS of nearly $24,000.
"This is a great example," said Lon Gruesbeck, Washington Conference vice president for education, "of what happens when churches unite together for the benefit of Adventist education."
The education rally, leaders said, allowed the five congregations to foster unity, experience fellowship and fund Adventist Christian education. The main question to church leaders now is: “When can we do this again?”
Baker View Christian School students Karisse Grant and Haley Ponnech sing "Jewels" during a five-church education rally. (Keith Lindsey)
More than 350 people from five churches show their support for Adventist Christian education by attending an education rally, which raises nearly $24,000. (Keith Lindsey)
Amy Harmon shares her children's experience at Baker View Christian School during an interview with Pastor Michael Demma. (Keith Lindsey)
