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GCA students go on a cultural ‘mission’
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Posted on Nov 02 2004
In continuing efforts to promote appreciation for all cultures, students at Grace Christian Academy took their campaign to the street yesterday morning, marching from the school to the Commonwealth Health Center and back.
“It’s part of our annual mission’s convention,” said school principal Faith de la Rosa. “We’re showing that we’re not ashamed to spread the good news of God’s love.”
The event was part of the school’s celebration of Mission Convention Week, which would also feature a visit from Rev. Dionson of the Philippines, who would serve as the guest speaker for the annual event.
The theme for this year’s event is “I am not ashamed.”
“This annual activity is intended for kids to think beyond themselves and to think of other people and to reach out and give a helping hand,” de la Rosa said. “We’re praying for needs of people. The students get to experience what missionaries are doing in different parts of world.”
Dressed in various cultural attires, including Japanese, Hawaiian, and Tahitian, among others, junior high and high school students took part in the march, dubbed Parade of Cultures, with the assistance of an escort from the Department of Public Safety. Students in the lower grade level marched around the school campus. In all, about 372 participated in the parade. GCA president and senior pastor of the Grace Christian Ministries Rev. Raymond Kinsella also took part in the march.
“The Parade of Cultures is to let other people know that God loves all people from different cultures,” de la Rosa said. “Each class represented a country they have been studying and praying for. Each made a banner with the theme.”
While at CHC, the students presented Public Health Secretary Dr. James U. Hofschneider with a “token of love”—a poem—reiterating their prayers for him and his staff in continuing to serve the community.
“[Hofschneider] encouraged the students to see what CHC has for them and also encouraged them to serve the community,” de la Rosa said.
