September 21 - Bring Your Own Desk

An Adventist school in Dominica had to shut down the registration because it was completely full. Students were begging for space, asking if they could bring their own desk so they can have a spot in the school.

The island of Dominica
is commonly mistaken

for the Dominican Republic.

But it’s actually its own beautiful
island nation

in the middle of the Caribbean islands,

separating the Atlantic Ocean
and Caribbean Sea.

It’s full of waterfalls, tropical beaches
and hot springs.

The island is also full of children
who need a good education.

The Ebenezer SDA Primary School
has become

one of the most respected schools
on the island.

They would like every child
to receive education,

but many challenges are now facing them.

This school is special because
I can see God's miracles in this school.

A school that is so crowded,

it is located between two main highways,
I would say.

There is noisy construction.

And the school within all of these
situations and challenges,

is doing so well.

It's among the top ten on the island

and I'm always amazed to see
how God works at this school.

The school stands
right next to a large river

that leads to the ocean.

Whenever hurricanes or strong rains come,

the river floods the school.

This is only one of the challenges
they face.

We also face the challenges
of having road repairs

done by the government right next to us

and the machines working
constantly throughout the day

while exams and classes are going on.

We had to battle all of that.

The Ebenezer Primary School
has become so popular

they have to turn away students
looking to enroll.

Even the 200 students they have now
overcrowd the school.

Before you know it,
we had to shut down the registration

because of the number of persons
that were coming in and begging for space,

asking if they could bring a desk,
if they could bring a bench.

Whatever the situation currently,
as it is,

we just do not have the space
to take any other child.

The school has started construction
on a new building

that they hope will solve these issues.

The facility will accommodate 300 students

as well as provide new resources.

We will look at ten classrooms
in terms of space.

We are looking at having a computer lab,
a science lab.

Also, the yard space needed
in terms of for the students

to be able to to play and enjoy themselves

also will be larger than
what we presently have.

The Ebenezer SDA Primary School

already has a good reputation
in the community.

They’re now awaiting funds
to complete the construction

of their new school building.

Part of your 13th Sabbath offering
will go to help finish the construction

of the new Ebenezer
SDA Primary School building

and inspire the next generation
of students.

I assure you your contribution
will not be lost.

You will look back and maybe who knows,

these same children whom we are educating

will serve you and your generations
in the years to come.

These children,
who you are contributing to,

will end up being, who knows,
the next general conference president,

who knows, the next education director.

Please pray for the education work
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

around the world and
the growth in Dominica.

Thank you for your support
of projects like this.