As the new school year began at Gem State Adventist Academy, before even officially welcoming students back, a group gathered on Sabbath afternoon for a prayer walk, covering the school and all who will live, work and study there with prayer for the year.
The next day, 78 students arrived to check in for another great year of learning, growth and fun as part of the GSAA family. It was also a great time to show off the new gym floor, which was completely refinished and repainted over the summer.
To wrap up the first week, students participated in a long-standing GSAA tradition by heading to Lizard Butte for the first vespers of the year. High on the hill, overlooking the valley and the Snake River, students ended the week and welcomed the Sabbath together.
During the second week, GSAA students experienced the annual blessing of spending a few days at Camp Ida-Haven for spiritual focus, service opportunities and fun in the beautiful nature.
This year's GSAA theme is "I Tell You the Truth — Things Jesus Said." Jonathan Sumner, Idaho Conference education superintendent, and Ashley Dávila, GSAA Church pastor, focused on the journey with Jesus for their retreat talks. A highlight of the days at Camp Ida-Haven was the celebration of two baptisms. Kendra Hamel and Gabriel Hiebert both took an important step on their own journeys with Jesus. All of heaven, as well as the GSAA family, rejoiced!
Making time to bond as a family and grow closer to God right from the beginning sets the tone for the year and helps advance GSAA’s mission of engaging in service, training in leadership and preparing for eternity.
GSAA starts the new school year with the annual spiritual retreat to Camp Ida-Haven.
Credit: Marta Stone
Over the summer, the GSAA gym floor was refinished and repainted.
Credit: Marta Stone
During the annual spiritual retreat, two students are baptized at Camp Ida-Haven.
Credit: Marta Stone
