Transforming Schools Through Meaningful Support

MUSKOGEE, OKLA. – There’s something special about the experience of buying a tangible object—something you can see, touch and feel. Often, when giving tithes and offerings, we don’t experience that same immediate gratification because the impact isn’t always directly visible. To address this, the Education Department of the Oklahoma Conference introduced a way to directly support our schools through Amazon Teacher Wish Lists.

Adventist schools in Oklahoma have needs that extend beyond basic supplies. Each teacher was asked to create a wish list for their school, including items that would benefit both teachers and students.

Teachers added items like basketball hoops, STEM kits, air conditioning units, books, paper and dry-erase markers. The conference communication team shared this opportunity to support schools through social media, email and promotions at conference events. So far, 13 teachers across five schools have created wish lists, and the response has been overwhelming. 

Muskogee Seventh-day Adventist Christian Academy, in particular, has an inspiring story. The school’s principal, Svetlana Willbanks, shared: “I added all of the things we needed at our school to the Amazon Wish List program suggested by the Oklahoma Conference. Then, big boxes started arriving. The kids were curious and asked about the deliveries. I explained the wish list, and they were thrilled. We received acrylic paint, paintbrushes, posters, books for our library, printer paper, a bulletin board and many other needed items. It was amazing!

“Interestingly, one donor had trouble ordering printer paper and asked if she could substitute a different kind. She ended up sending six times as much as we had requested! We were blown away. We discussed these blessings with the students and decided to pray for everyone who donated and thank God for His wonderful provision. We’ve received everything on our wish list and are now submitting more items because of the tremendous response. Our church family is incredibly supportive of our school, and we are so grateful. Our God is so good!”

Thank you to everyone who has purchased items and supported our local teachers. The need continues, and the teachers are truly grateful! 

Visit OkAdventist.org/Education to find your favorite school’s wish list and purchase items with just one click. It’s fun—you should try it!

‍