When a parent in Kevin Camato’s daughter’s fourth grade class at Glendale Adventist Academy (GAA) expressed interest in Bible studies for her child, she asked if Camato would be willing to give them, and an idea sparked. He first shared the idea with GAA religion teacher Jonny Moor and interim principal Nancy Garcilazo. Once he got the OK from them, he contacted fellow pastors to see who would be willing to help lead the studies.

Ellis Flores, pastor of Pasadena Spanish and Ebenezer Spanish churches; Christian Botello, associate pastor of Eagle Rock church; and Zac De Leon, associate pastor of Eagle Rock church, answered the call. When Camato, who pastors the Upper Room Fellowship company, reached out to parents, around 20 expressed interest.

“Pastor Camato and the other pastors have taken the time to interact with students in classrooms and on the playground, developing bonds of trust, camaraderie, and mentorship with students since the beginning of the school year,” Garcilazo said. “When it came time for Bible studies, of course many students wanted to attend— their trusted buddies were leading out!”

Studies began in January and concluded in April. The 10-week after-school program followed the baptismal study guide It’s My Choice, provided by the Southern California Conference Children’s & Family Ministries Department.

These studies are close to Camato’s heart—as a pastor leading people to Christ, as a parent wanting His children to grow in relationship with Jesus, and as a GAA alumnus who wants to see his alma mater be “one of the benchmarks of Christian Adventist education in the Glendale area.”

“The purpose is teaching our kids about God,” Camato said, “and giving them the opportunity to make a decision for baptism. I want our kids to just be excited about God and wanting to learn about the Bible and just having that that basic knowledge and love for God.”

Excitement for the studies has grown. When some of the junior high students saw that the elementary students were engaged in these studies, they shared interest in beginning Bible studies of their own. Around the same time the elementary studies finished, junior high studies began. With support from the original team of pastors, a new group of four pastors are leading those studies.

“It is beautiful to know that students are learning about God’s love and grace here at school,” Garcilazo added. “I think it is impossible to underestimate the value of a pastor taking regular time to interact both formally and informally on campus.”