A Plate of Food, a Path to Faith

Story by Beth Villanueva

Jordan and Isabella Vanterpool’s journey to Atholton Adventist Academy (AAA) began with a plate of food. Their father, Lebert, owns a restaurant in Columbia, Md., that serves Caribbean cuisine. Lebert had been contemplating moving his children from their local public school to somewhere that didn’t have constant fighting—something Lebert, himself, experienced as a student. After an AAA parent who frequented his restaurant mentioned the school, and once Lebert met the whole family, he decided to send his children to AAA for their 6th and 4th grade years, respectively.

Jordan is now entering his junior year and has grown in many ways during his time at AAA. He is on the volleyball team and Model United Nations debate team, and he also sings in the choir and plays in the band. Academically, he appreciates the extra help his teachers give him, noting that he receives individualized attention from the teachers, and they really work with him to get his assignments completed and turned in on time. Jordan also enjoys his friends and the community.

The most noticeable growth during his time at AAA is the most important: his spirituality. He began attending church regularly and enjoys singing praise music at school. This past spring, Jordan was baptized at the Atholton church, and many of his classmates attended to support him.

“It has been a great pleasure to watch Jordan grow academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually,” says Jeremy Villanueva, Jordan’s social studies and history teacher since sixth grade. “It’s like he’s a new person.”

Jordan’s father has also noticed a change in his son. “His behavior has become calm, nice and respectful,” he says, noting the change has been “very rewarding.”

Isabella is entering her freshman year. She is happy that she is being challenged at AAA and has enjoyed being part of the backstage crew for the drama production two years in a row. When Jordan attends church, she always comes along.

Lebert now regularly tells people about AAA. Recently, he convinced one of his workers to send her child to AAA. As a result, she, too, has taken an interest in attending church more.

AAA school leaders believe that the heart of the school is sharing Jesus, whether in or outside of the classroom. Students, staff—everyone—are called to be witnesses for Christ (Acts 22:15). Witnessing doesn’t always mean preaching, teaching or giving Bible studies. Sometimes it’s as simple as a conversation over a favorite Caribbean dish, the kind of everyday connection that, for one family, opened the door to not only a new school, but also a new life in Christ.