As an important part of his lifework, God instructed the prophet Samuel to establish schools of the prophets. These schools were to instill in the minds of the youth a knowledge of God and His Law, which would serve as a barricade against the prevailing errors of the day. Through the study of the Scriptures, the youth would develop a moral and spiritual foundation that would keep them from being swept away in the deep apostasy of Israel. The prophet Samuel invested his time in the future wellbeing of the nation by training the youth to be future leaders. “The chief subjects of study in these schools were the law of God, with the instructions given to Moses, sacred history, sacred music, and poetry. . . . In those schools of the olden time, it was the grand object of all study to learn the will of God, and man’s duty toward Him. In the records of sacred history were traced the footsteps of Jehovah. The great truths set forth by the types were brought to view, and faith grasped the central object of all that system,—the Lamb of God that was to take away the sin of the world. . . . Music was made to serve a holy purpose, to lift the thoughts to that which is pure, noble, and elevating, and to awaken in the soul devotion and gratitude to God. What a contrast between the ancient custom and the uses to which music is now too often devoted! How many employ this gift to exalt self, instead of using it to glorify God! A love for music leads the unwary to unite with world-lovers in pleasure-gatherings where God has forbidden his children to go.” Christian Education, 62.

What a blessing schools can be when faithful teachers educate their students in the knowledge of the Scriptures. In a rural area in Ruhandagazi, Uganda, Pastor John Kagzanzi, a faithful district leader, was invited to conduct a crusade for non-Seventh-day Adventist youth at a school in Katerera. Many of the students did not want to be at the school—among them a young lady named Nalinda, who had been sent to Katerera by her father. When she saw the dusty classrooms filled with buzzing mosquitoes, and the aging dormitory where she would sleep, her heart sank, and tears rolled down her face. Just then she heard music like nothing she had ever heard before, with many beautiful voices blending in wonderful harmony. Curious who these delightful sounds were coming from, Nalinda made her way to the chapel where Pastor John would be preaching. Raised in the Anglican Church, Nalinda had never seen so many happy, smiling young people singing praises to the Lord. Each night as she attended Pastor John’s series themed “Let the Bible Speak,” Nalinda’s love for Jesus grew. Now tears of joy rolled down her face. She heard for the first time the teaching about the Sabbath and the second coming of Jesus. After weeks of meetings, Pastor John invited the youth to come forward and prepare for baptism. Nalinda was the first to step forward and take a stand for the Lord. She is now witnessing to her family about her newfound love for God. Pray for Nalinda and the other students who gave their hearts to Christ in the Katerera school. If you would like to support Pastor John’s work in Uganda, mark your donations “Uganda Evangelism.”

Yours in education for eternity!