A Brilliant Beginning

By Suhey Correa

Christ’s ministry was one of service. While Jesus carried His message of salvation, He also extended His hands to the needy, sick, poor, and helpless. He made it clear that after He returned to Heaven, our job would be to bring the good news while serving our fellow men (Luke 22:27).
Genesis Academy is a ministry of the Free Will Baptist Church of Puerto Rico. It began seven years ago, with a deep desire to reach children and young people by bringing them the message of God through serving. Unfortunately, in Puerto Rico, private Christian education is available only for the wealthy. Yet, those without economic resources also need to hear the message of the Lord.

Genesis Academy began by assisting children and young people in their studies, giving them a place to ask questions and feel comfortable learning. After several years of permits, research, and—above all—prayer, Genesis Academy became the first private Christian school in Puerto Rico that did not charge students. Social class or academic level did not matter. Students at Genesis find a refuge of love and learning where all are welcomed. In this way, God has added mothers, teachers, and students to this ministry to make it a reality. Partners in faith and private companies also support it.

Genesis tests our faith every day. Believe me; it is tested! We must pray and trust God will bring both the people to do the work and the people to support it. In recent years, dozens of Puerto Rican schools have closed due to an economy greatly affected by natural disasters. In September 2017, a hurricane hit the island, destroying homes, and leaving much of the island without electricity and drinking water for more than six months. During this time, children did not attend classes, and nearly an entire year of education was lost. In January 2020, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake affected multiple structures around the island, including schools. Again, children could not attend school for some time. Then, in March 2020, COVID-19 arrived on the island, once again paralyzing education. All this resulted in an economic deficit on the island. Many schools closed, and many teachers relocated to the United States for better job opportunities.

After the pandemic, many young people did not return to school, increasing the already-high percentage of dropouts. The situation is even higher in poor communities where 46.1% of the population do not have a diploma. At Genesis Academy, we want to help young people obtain their diploma. Working in conjunction with the virtual school of Puerto Rico, we have already graduated three students during these two years by paying for exams and helping them with exams. These students are currently working for the glory of the Lord.

Since the school started, we have received students with various learning difficulties or with problems in their homes. We have seen how these children and young people have made their school a place of learning and wellbeing. They know it is a place the Lord provided for each of them. Knowing many children do not have financial resources, Genesis provides uniforms, books, and school supplies so they can complete their studies without feeling different from others who can afford the necessary supplies.

Every morning students learn the Bible. They begin each day with a prayer and a quick devotion or reflection. In addition to their main classes, they take music classes. They are taught to love and respect fellow men, to strive to achieve their goals, and to trust the powerful God who can meet their needs.

To many, supporting a school only with donations sounds crazy! But two years ago, the school had three students, and today we have 21. We started with a single teacher and a dining room employee. Today, we have seven teachers, two dining room employees, a secretary, and a maintenance employee. Two years ago, we taught around a dining table, and today we have six classrooms, a chapel, a dining room, and a kitchen.

We have learned when God calls, we must persevere in His call, no matter what we may face or what our eyes can see. It is God who gives us the strength and security everything will work according to His will, and we are very sure this ministry is part of God’s purpose.

The church of Christ is called to work as a body, to work together for the same purpose—to carry the message of the good news to the world. Over the years, I have learned great things happen when the church comes together. When the church demonstrates the love of Christ, He oversees and adds to His work. This ministry impacts both believers and non-believers—not only with words but with deeds. How is Genesis sustained? Through the faithfulness of God.

• “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
  

• “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
  

As Christians, it is our duty to teach the next generation about the great God full of love and forgiveness. We must teach them another way to live this life, a life of holiness. Young people are bombarded mercilessly by our culture, and it is the duty of the church to stand in defense of children and young people—not only with words but with works. We invite you to be part of this “brilliant beginning” and sponsor this beautiful ministry. Through North American Ministries, you can help us make a difference in the lives of these children and young people.

Thanks to all who pray for us, and who have visited the island to contribute to this work. Also, thanks to those who support us financially from a distance, making it possible to continue providing a refuge in chaos, a brilliant light in the darkness.

About the Author: Suhey Correa and her husband Jose are church planters in Puerto Rico. Learn more: www.fwbnam.com.