A church family can support someone who is away at college in several meaningful ways, based on the counsel found in Ellen White's writings:
1. Spiritual Encouragement and Prayer:
- The church should maintain a spiritual connection with the student, encouraging them to live a life of purity and prayer. This spiritual support helps students remain connected to Christ and resist negative influences (see LS 219).
2. Financial Assistance:
- If the student is unable to support themselves, the church should feel it a privilege and responsibility to help defray their educational expenses, especially if the student shows promise for future service in the church (see 6T 213;
5T 556.2).
3. Emotional and Social Support:
- The church should keep in touch with the student, offering encouragement and a sense of belonging. This can be through letters, care packages, or regular communication, helping the student feel remembered and valued.
4. Avoiding Negative Influence:
- Members should be careful not to entertain or spread negative reports or complaints from students about their college experience without proper investigation, as this can harm the relationship between the church, the student, and the institution (see
CE 32.2; 4T 428).
5. Involvement in Mission and Service:
- Encourage students to engage in missionary work and service, even while at college. This helps them stay active in their faith and connected to the church’s mission (see
CT 547.2).
6. Practical Help:
- The church can assist with practical needs, such as helping with travel arrangements, providing resources for study, or connecting the student with local Adventist communities near their college.
7. Parental and Church Guidance:
- Parents and church members should provide wise counsel and guidance, especially if the student is young or inexperienced, to help them make good choices while away from home (see
8T 224.3).
In summary, a church family can support a college student through spiritual encouragement, financial and practical help, emotional support, wise guidance, and by fostering their involvement in service and mission. This holistic support helps the student remain grounded in faith and connected to their church family while away at college.
References:
- White, E. G. (1915). Life Sketches of Ellen G. White (LS), p. 219.
- White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6 (6T), p. 213.
- White, E. G. (1889). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5 (5T), p. 556.2.
- White, E. G. (1923). Christian Education (CE), p. 32.2.
- White, E. G. (1880). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4 (4T), p. 428.
- White, E. G. (1913). Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students (CT), p. 547.2.
- White, E. G. (1904). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8 (8T), p. 224.3.