SVA Students Ignite Faith Through Service
CORRALES, N.M. – Students at Sandia View Academy (SVA) participated in a Week of Prayer last fall with Cory Jackson, pastor of the New Covenant Church in the South Central Conference. The theme for the week was “Faith on Fire.” Students dove deep into scriptures such as Deuteronomy 6:5, which admonishes, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
Jackson creatively engaged students, offering practical applications of God’s Word. He formed small groups, and students began their journey by taking off their shoes to symbolize their committed desire to follow wherever God might lead. Throughout the week, Scripture urged them to physically walk toward God despite distractions. They were challenged to hold heavy objects over their heads for two minutes, and as their arms began to quiver, they were reminded to lift burdens to our Lord.
The latter part of the week focused on God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves with the compassion described in Matthew 19:19. Students explored how Jesus modeled compassion by reaching out to the least of these. Through a deep dive into the parable of the Good Samaritan, students learned the critical need to accept all people despite differences.
The week culminated in a back-to-back community service initiative at the Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico and the New Mexico Dream Center, which serves youth victims of human trafficking. Students engaged in organizing storage rooms, packaging hygiene products, cleaning recreation areas and stocking the onsite clothing store. These activities were so rewarding that students eagerly shared their experiences with their Pathfinder leaders, pastors and families, inspiring them to also share their time, talent and treasures with the least of these.
After this joyful week of prayer, SVA staff and students decided to remain consistent change agents in a world that often feels divided. Students are volunteering monthly, demonstrating the power the Holy Spirit gives when we ask to keep our faith on fire. Students are quickly becoming beacons of hope, bringing together individuals from diverse conferences, communities and backgrounds to ignite positive change in Albuquerque. This initiative is driven by the belief that faith is not just a personal journey but a collective mission to serve others and uplift those in need.
Founded on the principles of compassion, empathy and community engagement, the Faith on Fire initiative encourages individuals, schools, churches and organizations to collaborate and participate in service projects that address pressing social issues. Current and future projects include expanding the current food drive into a larger mobile food distribution effort with the Roadrunner Food Bank, providing mentoring programs, clean-up efforts for senior citizens and support for the homeless and trafficked youth. These initiatives aim to foster a spirit of giving and meeting the least of these where they are.
The initiative also emphasizes community engagement, empowering individuals to take action, building relationships across diverse backgrounds and encouraging participants to live out their faith through service. In the next year, the Faith on Fire initiative will launch several impactful projects, such as community clean-up days, involving volunteers from local congregations to clean parks, streets and private/public spaces and promoting environmental stewardship and community beautification. Additionally, the initiative will host Bible and educational workshops for youth, focusing on the Bible, life skills, mental health awareness, post-secondary and vocational exposure and leadership development.
The Faith on Fire initiative welcomes everyone! Whether you are a seasoned volunteer or looking to get involved for the first time, there are countless opportunities to make a difference.
During a recent visit to the bank, the branch manager heard about our outreach and eagerly requested more information—proof that Faith on Fire is spreading like wildfire. Hallelujah!
Our 2024 Fall Week of Prayer catapulted us to become sermons in shoes! The SVA Faith on Fire initiative exemplifies the power of collective action rooted in faith and Jesus’ command to show compassion to the least of these. By uniting in service, we can create a brighter future, fostering love, understanding and support.
To learn more, visit our website at SVAKnights.org or contact us at 505.898.0717 or 317.919.4371.
