Hello Dear Friend,

When I heard that West Valley Christian School in Campbell, California was at risk of closing, my heart was broken. . . Yes. This is another loss for God’s “evangelist efforts”. This is another opportunity to take our children’s attention away from God. This school has been serving the valley and families for more than 50 years!

The ultimate goal of West Valley Christian School is the restoration of God's character in their students. They are dedicated to provide a caring environment where students are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with Jesus; strive for academic excellence; grow spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially; and prepare for a life of service to God, family, and the community.

Currently, they have 30 students enrolled (the majority from Spanish families), plus brothers, sisters, parents or other relatives that have the potential to benefit from the knowledge of God's love and the Seventh Day Adventist community. If a school like West Valley closes, these families will be forced to pay the costly transportation to another school, if possible, or more likely, to send their children to failing public schools.

I do have a hard time understanding the lack of monetary support that these schools are receiving. The cost of keeping the school open are very high and as I witness the troubles they go through to survive, I am praying to God's helping hand to touch the hearts of my brothers and sisters in Christ. These schools are precious and losing them or worse letting them close begs the question: Do we value our SDA educational institutions?

My family and I are the product of the wonderful work of Christian teachers from other Adventist schools. Their dedication, patience and most importantly, their love for God were the reason we found God’s love and became Seventh Day Adventist. They showed us the way. I still remember how my children would come home and tell us all the good things about Jesus, Adventist doctrines, and health issues. I remember seeing my 5-year-old son talking about Jesus with our neighbor’s children. This is the power of God. It demonstrates His love through our children by the education we provide them. Ellen White said, “Education is more than just classes and books, tests and grades. It is more than teacher transferring information to students. It is more than simply filling human memory banks with knowledge. True education prepares students not only for careers and vocations but for service”.

It is for this reason that I have grown increasingly concerned for the fate of West Valley and I have decided to ask my friends to pass along this email to their friends that we may be able to save this school. "I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, 'Look again, and look a little higher.' At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the city, which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the beginning of the path….This light shone all along the path and gave light for their feet so that they might not stumble. If they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the city, they were safe." –Early Writings, p. 14.

There are too many Adventist schools closing. Do you think it is time to pay more attention to our schools, before we lose another one? Please bring this issue to the attention of your pastor and your church members to do what ever they can to keep this school open.

I have faith that one donation can make a big difference for this school. Today I am appealing to you so we can see the work of God growing in these young lives and the people around them.

If you can send a donation to help to maintain this school open. Please do so as soon as possible. Specially, pray for wisdom and guidance to keep this and other Adventist school flourishing for God.

Thank you in advance!. . . Please send this letter as many SDA's you know and God will do the rest.

Psalm 46 - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."

Your sister
Gracie Albini




Send Donations to:
West Valley Christian School Type of Credit card______________________
95 Dot Ave Credit card#____________________________
Campbell, CA 95008 Name in Credit card______________________
Zip code:______________________________
3 number code from back of card___________
Amount donated:$_______________________
Address:_______________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________

They can also receive credit card donations by fax: (408) 378-4371