Romans 12:13 was a continuing theme for the students, staff, families of Boise Valley Adventist School (BVAS), and members of the Cloverdale Church in Boise, Idaho, after learning the needs of one school family.
The events of a Wednesday in January and days to follow would change the life of the Smith* family. “Kyle* is never absent, and I worried that something might be wrong when he didn’t show up for school,” recalls Kyle’s teacher, Stacee Campbell.
The school quickly learned that Kyle and his family had been in a car accident that totaled the vehicle and sent his parents to the hospital. After a day in the hospital the parents were released only to be readmitted hours later for complications. Kyle’s mom suffered a concussion, and his dad suffered a heart attack that required open-heart surgery and an extended stay in the hospital. As if that weren’t enough, Kyle’s grandma passed way unexpectedly, which added stress to the already strained situation.
When asked what the school could do to help, the family replied, “Pray!” The school staff, families and church members instantly rallied to support the Smiths. Carpools were organized to transport Kyle to and from school, two area pastors visited the family while in the hospital, donations were made to cover hot lunches and tuition for the remainder of the school year, and prayer groups were formed.
We are fortunate to continually have a supportive school and church family but the outpouring of love and care for this family has been especially touching through this experience.
The culminating event came during a school assembly a week and a half later when a church member and school staff were able to present the Smiths with a vehicle. “That was the best moment of the day,” recalls one attendee. The vehicle was obtained through a new church ministry at the Cloverdale Church that provides vehicle maintenance and repair for those in need. Thanks to the church members and a school family, the car was repaired and prepared for the presentation.
The expression of love and selfless giving has inspired the students and staff to serve other families in need. In Romans 12:13, God commissions, "Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." That is what the students, staff and families of BVAS and church members of the Cloverdale Church did.
View the car presentation online.
*Names have been changed.
A church member and staff member present the Smith* family with a vehicle from the school and the church car ministry.
A church member and staff member present the Smith* family with a vehicle from the school and the church car ministry.
