For the students at HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Colorado, the past year has been about reading, math, science and social studies. But it has also been about connection, purpose and preparing to share their faith.
After months of reaching out to neighbors, building friendships, and serving their community, HMS was ready to open its doors last November for a weeklong event titled God Is.” Each evening the HMS gym was filled with music, student-led messages, and doors open wide in welcome. The 45-minute nightly programs were designed to bring people together, offering encouragement, inspiration and a message of hope through the eyes and voices of HMS students.
For over a year, the HMS seventh- and eighth-grade classes had been researching, writing and preparing sermons rooted in Bible truths they believe need to be shared. These aren’t typical classroom assignments; their messages were born from personal study, prayer and conviction. Each sermon was written and delivered by the students themselves, reflecting their growing understanding of who God is and what His promises mean for the world today. Jordan emphasized that they wanted every person to feel that God is real, God is near, and God still changes lives.
“Our students poured their hearts into this,” said Carey Jordan, principal of HMS Richards Adventist School. “They spent months praying, studying and asking how they can best represent Jesus to their community. It was inspiring to watch them grow in faith and courage.”
The entire event was student-led from start to finish, with grades five through eight managing every part of the program—from sound and stage management to pew hosts, greeters, sermon introductions, music and praise time. “We wanted this to be more than a presentation,” Jordan explained. “Every student had a role and a purpose in sharing God’s love.” Each evening also featured free giveaways, including books, gift cards and small gifts.
The HMS commitment to sharing faith extends beyond the event itself. The fifth- and sixth-grade students have prepared a follow-up Bible study podcast series, written, presented and recorded by the students. The first episodes launched last December, with QR codes distributed to HMS neighbors to listen from home and explore more of the topics introduced during the God Is series.
The God Is meetings were the culmination of a year-long effort to connect on a personal level with Campion residents who live around HMS. “Before we could share our message, we wanted to truly know our community,” Jordan said. “Our students have learned that ministry begins with friendship, and that faith grows best when it’s shared through kindness and conversation.”
God Is was part of the North American Division’s Pentecost 2025 initiative, a continent-wide movement encouraging schools and churches to share the good news of Jesus and pray for a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Information provided by Carey Jordan, principal of HMS Richards Adventist School in Colorado.
