Campus Ministries Plays a Role in Defining Identity
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n our current culture of mask-covered faces and perfect-life social media posts, it can be hard to really know someone. The mask designs or the sayings printed on them have become a form of expression. The number of social media likes and followers define if we are an influencer or not. But once the camera shuts down and the masks are taken off, who are we? “Who am I?” The question of identity is grappled with by the majority of high school students worldwide, and the students at Thunderbird Adventist Academy (TAA) are no different. What is different for TAA students is the opportunity to explore their identity not just as a person but as a beloved child of God. Thunderbird Adventist Academy Storm Ministries, led by students under the mentorship of Chaplain Zack Surovec, provides a variety of opportunities for the TAA family to explore and deepen their relationship with Jesus and share through oncampus events, community outreach, mission trips, and various other activities. In August, the TAA family began a yearlong spiritual journey to learn about identity. The goal is to intentionally explore the questions that come with defining one’s identity. The theme originated from a mentor session that Chaplain Zack had with student leaders last school year when this question was posed: “Who are we as a school, as a campus ministries department, as individuals?” Of his experience, senior Steve Mota shared, "Storm Ministries has helped me grow as a person and as a leader. It has given me many opportunities to grow my identity in Christ and make it real to me and to help other classmates to grow, too. This understanding has also guided me in the career path I believe God is calling me to use my talents for Him. Storm Ministries has grown exponentially since my freshman year, and I am proud to say I took part in that.” Our identity as Thunderbird Adventist Academy is more than a mission statement we quote or the academics we provide. It is the students and staff striving together to reflect Jesus and become new creations in Him. ____________________ By Tanna Allison “This understanding has also guided
me in the career path I believe God is calling me to use my talents for Him.” Storm Ministries Leadership (from left to right): Senior Alfredo Trevedan, Student Association Spiritual VP; Senior Steve Mota, Storm Ministries Student Leader; Senior Mahal Tio, Storm Ministries Student Leader; and Chaplain Zack Surovec.
Arizona Conference
November 2020 23
