Adventist education is in my blood. Both my parents were educators; my father served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, while my mother taught for many years. As a child, I spent countless hours helping with lesson plans, grading papers, and decorating classrooms. I often took Adventist education for granted, even wishing at times to attend public school where faith and learning felt more separate. I was a sheltered child, unaware of how deeply this faith-based community would one day hold me together.
At 15, I entered academy eager to experience all it had to offer me as a village student. I was involved in everything—sports, choir, class leadership, and it appeared all was going according to plan. Then one afternoon everything changed; my mother was in a devastating accident. Though she survived, she was left an invalid, bedridden, and in constant pain. My father and I suddenly carried the full weight of our household. Each day, I wondered if my mother would survive another week.
That crisis opened my eyes to just how much I had taken for granted, not only at home but also at school. With my mother no longer able to support me, I saw how deeply my teachers had been supporting me all along.
Algebra II was a particular struggle for me. But my teacher stayed after school with me day after day, always encouraging, never complaining. Only later did I learn that she, too, was facing her own private crisis. Yet in the midst of her pain, she used her gifts to minister to her students, showing me what it meant to persevere with faith. She taught me that God’s strength shows up most clearly when we are going through a crisis.
My Bible teacher, “Uncle” Larry, guided me to make my faith my own. He taught me to study the Bible with intention, to live with integrity, and not to let difficult circumstances dictate my attitude. His mentorship changed how I viewed my relationship with God.
Then there was Gale Jones Murphy, my choir teacher. She saw I was struggling and immediately took me under her wing. She put me in the elite traveling choir–though I was definitely not at the level of the other chosen members–and brought me along to a music conference as her assistant when I hadn’t made the audition cut. Through her, I found a built-in community and stability I so desperately needed.
These were just a few of the mission-driven, Christ-centered educators who supported me when my world fell apart. They prayed with me, included me, and treated me like family. They modeled what it means to live a life of faith, not just talk about it. Even during my elementary years, teachers were pouring love and spiritual wisdom into my life, I just hadn’t realized it because my home life had been so stable.
God didn’t remove the hardships, but He placed Adventist educators in my life to walk with me. They helped me grow my faith when I was hurting and questioning, showing me how to depend on God when life didn’t make sense. These moments of crisis became the foundation of a faith that has carried me through other devastating times.
Yes, Adventist schools are known for their academic excellence. But that’s not the main reason I promote them. The true strength of Adventist education is in the way it equips students spiritually and emotionally. In a world full of trials, our children need more than academics; they need faith, community, and teachers who will model Christ’s love through their actions.
I’m grateful my parents made Adventist education a priority. My teachers helped me depend on God and showed me what it means to live for Him. I wish they knew the full impact they had on my spiritual journey.
Adventist educators don’t just teach, they disciple. They help students build a faith that holds, even when everything is falling apart. And for that I will always be thankful.
Lynnette Struntz is the Dakota Conference education superintendent, HR director, and associate youth director.
