Later, in talking with another staff member, I learned more of her story. Her friends all planned big trips for spring break, mostly to places like New York City and Florida. She knew that if she went, she would find herself in situations that would not help her make good decisions. So instead, she went to the one place where she felt really "at home" – Oakdale!

The impact of the Oakdale ministry extends far beyond graduation. Graduates and – amazingly – former students who might not have been able to continue because of behavioral issues keep in touch and share with us the valuable lessons learned here. They testify to the long-term effect of being in the God-glorifying, character-building Christian community that they came to love as a student here at Oakdale.

Last summer at the Free Methodist Church General Conference, I visited with the grandparent of a boy who had come to Oakdale a couple of years previously. He was a new Christian but with baggage and hindrances to his growth. After almost a year of struggling at Oakdale, he decided that he did not want to continue. We were saddened by his choice and we prayed for him. His grandparents, with whom he was living, were concerned about the direction his life would take. But the lessons learned here, together with God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s call on his life, moved him toward even greater spiritual and personal growth. When I saw his grandmother last summer, I was surprised, and my heart was filled with rejoicing, to hear her thank us for the impact that Oakdale had on her grandson’s life, and that he continually referred to the ministry of Oakdale and the valuable insights he gained about himself when he was here.

I could share story after story of how God took the seeds planted here and continued the good work in a graduate’s or former students’ life to show His power to redeem lives.

This powerful ministry, led by God’s spirit, is made possible with the support of our friends.