Every day we live, we have an opportunity or opportunities to do, say, or be, positive, productive, and inspiring. We have the opportunity to grow spiritually and develop strong faith-connectors and commitments. Jesus said in Matthew 24:13-14 (NIV): "But he who stands firm to the end will be saved." And He went on to say that, "This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Standing firm to the end, that is, the Second Coming of Jesus; and preaching the gospel to all the nations as a testimony to the saving grace of Jesus are two challenges and opportunities for every Christian.

For many Adventist students attending public colleges and universities, these two challenges of Christian endeavor are being carried out in a variety of ways. I well remember visiting a public university campus in Boston to be a part of the Friday-evening worship service. Among the Adventist students, there were also non-Adventist friends present. What a testimony to the power and presence of Jesus to begin the Sabbath by singing songs of praise and worship, engaging in prayer, sharing testimonies of God's blessings through the week, and having a spoken Word from the Bible.

Across the North American Division, and perhaps around the world, Adventist students are realizing the opportunity to fulfill Matthew 23:13, 14 on public college campuses. Reflecting again on my Boston Friday-evening experience, present in our group were individuals from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the United States. In sharing their testimonies and discussing the Bible, these students were witnessing to their faith, the Sabbath, and the Three Angels Messages of Revelation 14, which are the recognized messages of the Adventist Church to the world. Such an inclusive group provides the opportunity to share one's beliefs and, at the same time, to accomplish the mission of carrying the gospel to the whole world in a unique way.

Consider that on public campuses where international students gather, it is possible for them to become acquainted with the Adventist message and even embrace the message and become members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. These students, now as members, are then equipped, not only with the message but with the language skills to carry the message to their fellow countrymen and countrywomen. This, in my judgment, provides an opportunity for our students to have a part in fulfilling Matthew 23:14.

It is, therefore, my prayer that every Adventist student who finds himself or herself in such a setting as a public campus or an Adventist campus will stand firm to the teachings of the Bible and of the church and use every opportunity to spread the good news of salvation, the blessed hope, and the soon return of Jesus Christ.

Carlyle Simmons is the Atlantic Union Conference executive secretary and the Health Ministries, Human Relations, and Prayer Ministries director.