18 Dec 2025, 13:27Lorraine McDonald, BUC Education Director
From Atheist to Believer, From Doubting to Trusting
The Power of Seventh-day Adventist Education
Seventh-day Adventist schools are centres of influence, providing high-quality education that supports academic excellence while nurturing spiritual growth. They offer students opportunities not only to succeed intellectually but also to encounter Christ. Stanborough Secondary School exemplifies this model of authentic Christian education, welcoming students from all faith backgrounds and none.
Two recent student testimonies – one from a young man raised in a Christian home who needed to find Christ for himself, and another who entered the school as an atheist – bear witness to the transformative impact of Adventist education.
In an age marked by social media pressures and competing influences on young people, it is especially encouraging to hear the faith journeys of students choosing to follow Christ. On Sabbath, 6 December, two young men from Stanborough Secondary School, alongside four others from Stanborough Park church, publicly declared their commitment to Jesus Christ through baptism. Surrounded by proud family members, fellow students, and deeply moved teachers, they openly expressed their desire to align their lives with Christ and enter into His service.
Their personal testimonies speak powerfully.
Shawn Luz shared: “The path hasn’t been easy. Doubts and fears have often made me question God’s love and why He allows hardships in my life. But in searching for answers, I’ve come to understand two important truths: Jesus’ sacrifice is the ultimate expression of God’s love, and even the painful moments are shaped into something meaningful within His purpose.”
Michael Boother reflected on his journey: “I had a difficult time at my first secondary school, which left me feeling lonely and isolated. My parents wanted to find a school that would be caring, nurturing, and supportive, and that led them to Stanborough Secondary School, where I started in January 2021. Through Religious Studies lessons, I began learning more about faith. Pastor Ray became an inspirational figure, helping me explore my many questions.
“A few years later, I suffered a serious sporting injury while playing football and required emergency surgery. Doctors informed me that my condition was life-threatening. That experience became a turning point, and my faith began to grow from there. Since then, attending Stanborough Park church has helped me strengthen and deepen my relationship with God.”
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Headteacher Jeanetta Liburd said: “As a school committed to ‘Educating for Eternity’, moments like these remind us why we do what we do. Academic excellence matters, and character development matters – but seeing our students choose faith, purpose, and a lifelong walk with God is the greatest reward of all.”
The impact of Seventh-day Adventist education reaches far beyond the classroom. Eternity will tell the full story!
Lorraine McDonald, BUC Education Director
Baptismal Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aysEIZjcJes
Adventist Schools in the UK: https://buc-education.adventist.uk/schools
Seventh-day Adventist schools are centres of influence, providing high-quality education that supports academic excellence while nurturing spiritual growth. They offer students opportunities not only to succeed intellectually but also to encounter Christ. Stanborough Secondary School exemplifies this model of authentic Christian education, welcoming students from all faith backgrounds and none.
Two recent student testimonies – one from a young man raised in a Christian home who needed to find Christ for himself, and another who entered the school as an atheist – bear witness to the transformative impact of Adventist education.
In an age marked by social media pressures and competing influences on young people, it is especially encouraging to hear the faith journeys of students choosing to follow Christ. On Sabbath, 6 December, two young men from Stanborough Secondary School, alongside four others from Stanborough Park church, publicly declared their commitment to Jesus Christ through baptism. Surrounded by proud family members, fellow students, and deeply moved teachers, they openly expressed their desire to align their lives with Christ and enter into His service.
Their personal testimonies speak powerfully.
Shawn Luz shared: “The path hasn’t been easy. Doubts and fears have often made me question God’s love and why He allows hardships in my life. But in searching for answers, I’ve come to understand two important truths: Jesus’ sacrifice is the ultimate expression of God’s love, and even the painful moments are shaped into something meaningful within His purpose.”
Michael Boother reflected on his journey: “I had a difficult time at my first secondary school, which left me feeling lonely and isolated. My parents wanted to find a school that would be caring, nurturing, and supportive, and that led them to Stanborough Secondary School, where I started in January 2021. Through Religious Studies lessons, I began learning more about faith. Pastor Ray became an inspirational figure, helping me explore my many questions.
“A few years later, I suffered a serious sporting injury while playing football and required emergency surgery. Doctors informed me that my condition was life-threatening. That experience became a turning point, and my faith began to grow from there. Since then, attending Stanborough Park church has helped me strengthen and deepen my relationship with God.”
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Headteacher Jeanetta Liburd said: “As a school committed to ‘Educating for Eternity’, moments like these remind us why we do what we do. Academic excellence matters, and character development matters – but seeing our students choose faith, purpose, and a lifelong walk with God is the greatest reward of all.”
The impact of Seventh-day Adventist education reaches far beyond the classroom. Eternity will tell the full story!
Lorraine McDonald, BUC Education Director
Baptismal Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aysEIZjcJes
Adventist Schools in the UK: https://buc-education.adventist.uk/schools
