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AGA Worship Week Inspires Loving More

By Karen Carlton, November 19, 2025

In early October 2025, Amazing Grace Academy participated in a transformative week of worship as part of the Pentecost 2025 initiative through North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. The initiative, which emphasizes revival and commitment across Adventist schools and churches, invited campuses to focus on spiritual growth and connection with Jesus.

At AGA, students and staff gathered each morning for worship led by Les Zollbrecht, Big Lake Youth Camp director. With a mix of energy, humor and stories that kept the kids listening, Zollbrecht shared messages that centered around the theme of “Loving More.”

Throughout the week, Zollbrecht drew from his experiences in Nepal, his adventures in mountain climbing and powerful biblical stories to illustrate what it means to truly love as Jesus did. His storytelling connected with students of all ages, helping them see that loving more is both a calling and a daily practice.

Through his lessons, Zollbrecht invited students to consider what love looks like in action. “Loving More” means empowering others, serving others and including others — not just the people who are easy to love, but everyone around us. His stories painted vivid pictures of teamwork, courage and compassion, helping students understand that God’s love grows when it's given away.

“This week of prayer was really interesting,” shared one student. “I enjoyed how he used his outdoor experience to show us how to love others. If we listen to God, He will show us what needs to be done.”

Another student said, “I found week of prayer empowering. It helped show that even in times of need and struggle, God will provide.”

On Thursday, Zollbrecht invited students to make a commitment to follow Jesus or to express their interest in baptism.

Seventeen students indicated a desire to be baptized, while 58 students made a personal commitment to follow Jesus more closely in their daily lives.

AGA, located in Palmer, Alaska, serves students in preschool through 12th grade. While about 30% of the student body comes from Adventist families, the remaining 70% come from families within the local community who value the school’s Christian foundation.

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Les Zollbrecht, Big Lake Youth Camp director, brings powerful stories and lessons to inspire students to love more.

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AGA unites in faith after an unforgettable week of worship.

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Ryan Rogers, Palmer Church pastor, leads praise music during AGA’s week of worship.

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Featured in: January/February 2026

Author

Karen Carlton

Amazing Grace Academy principal
Section
Alaska Conference
Tags
Education

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The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

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