The academy began 2025 with a week-long discipleship and evangelism training program led by Pastors Mark Howard and Kameron DeVasher of the Emmanuel Institute. The goal? To train, equip, and send out an "army of youth" ready to share the gospel in their communities and beyond. [Photos by Beth Wallace]
Pews were replaced with rows of tables, each seat lined with books and materials. It looked less like a place of worship and more like a tactical training ground — fitting, considering the mission at hand.
The academy began 2025 with a week-long discipleship and evangelism training program led by Pastors Mark Howard and Kameron DeVasher of the Emmanuel Institute. The goal? To train, equip, and send out an "army of youth" ready to share the gospel in their communities and beyond.
“Our goal is more than just spiritual inspiration,” said GLAA Principal Delwin Garcia. “It’s intentional discipleship and practical training. Soldiers aren’t just recruited — they’re trained for battle. And our students are being trained to fight a spiritual one.”
Garcia, drawing on his 20 years in Adventist education, believes in the potential of young people to lead. “They are driven, passionate and resilient. If we want to reach the world, it starts with them,” he said. “As Ellen White wrote, ‘With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained...’ — that’s exactly what we’re doing here.”
For junior Elena Potter, the experience was both powerful and personal.
“I walked in not knowing what to expect and walked out feeling more confident in my faith and how to share it,” she said.
Each day started with personal devotions, followed by school-wide worship. The training sessions covered practical topics like leading Bible studies, engaging in spiritual conversations, and understanding the church’s core doctrines. Breaks between sessions included music led by Pastor DeVasher on the ukulele — a favorite moment for many students.
“They made it fun and engaging,” Potter said. “And even the serious stuff felt doable because of how they taught it.”
Afternoons were hands-on. In small groups, students practiced giving Bible studies to staff volunteers acting as “study interests.” Though initially hesitant, Potter said the practice built her confidence.
“I was nervous — teaching people isn’t really my thing,” she admitted. “But by the end, I actually felt ready to do it for real.”
That readiness was put to the test each evening as students ventured into surrounding neighborhoods for community outreach. Equipped with surveys, tracts and the support of their peers, they knocked on doors and offered Bible studies and prayer.
“I’m introverted, so the thought of talking to strangers was scary,” Potter said. “But after a few houses, I felt God helping me. People were kind and open. Praying with them was my favorite part.”
The spiritual impact was tangible. Thirty individuals accepted Bible studies and 50 more responded positively to the services offered. Evening worships became times of testimony and praise as students shared stories from the field — some humorous, some awe-inspiring.
“One group kept dropping their GLOW tract at a door, and because of that delay, they ended up meeting the homeowner face-to-face. That was the only survey they got that night,” Potter recalled. “It was like God timed it perfectly.”
Garcia said the event aligned with a larger vision cast earlier in the school year: to disciple students in Adventist beliefs, equip them for outreach and train them to lead.
“This wasn’t just a one-time event,” Garcia emphasized. “We’ve effectively mobilized a trained, Spirit-led group of young people who will now collaborate with their churches and impact their communities.”
He added, “And the best part? This model is reproducible. Other academies can do this, too. The Spirit is moving — we’re just following.”
As for Potter, the week left her inspired and ready for more.
“God really used us,” she said. “And I know this is just the beginning.”
Lake Union Herald staff
