Across Upper Columbia Conference, Christian education has become such an important aspect in a young person’s life. Milton-Stateline Adventist School, located in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, realized that significance and wanted to provide Christian education to as many children as possible with God’s help.
“As long as I can remember there have been individuals who have made donations of various amounts to the school that we used for financial aid,” shared Jeanne Goodhew, Milton-Stateline principal. “However, there are still many students that we wish to provide education to.”
Every summer Goodhew made it a point to contact as many donors as possible, although funds were received, they never amounted to enough to provide significant financial aid. According to Goodhew, about eight years ago, a donor suggested that the school should accept students from low paying families after school budget needs had been met.
“We were not too sure about the idea,” explained Goodhew, “but after much prayer we decided we would not turn anyone away because of finances.”
As the students began to enroll that year, staff would take it to the Lord and ask that He send the finances to cover the expenses. As the word got out that Milton-Stateline did not turn students away for financial reasons, more donors came forward with money. The donations varied from $50–$10,000. Every year the donations total around $100,000.
“Some of the donors were members of the constituent churches, former students, people whose children went to Milton-Stateline years ago, some wanted to pay it forward after receiving help themselves and some were foundations that donated every year,” said Goodhew. “I still contact others about donating again each year, however God is the one who directs most of the people to come to us.”
Leaving funding in God’s hands can be scary. Goodhew shared that one year they were low on funds and one of their staff members prayed that God would impress someone to donate at least $10,000. “A couple of days later I received a call from a gentleman who said God kept impressing him that he needed to donate $10,000. It was a direct answer to prayer that really bolstered everyone's faith.”
According to Goodhew, God continues to provide and every family that wants their children to get a Christian education should be given that opportunity.
“We truly feel that this is God’s school, and He will send the students who need to be here as well as the funds to support them,” said Goodhew.
