“I used to depend on what the pastor taught in the pulpit as my source of Bible knowledge.” But Raksa San (’14) from Cambodia was not content with receiving the knowledge secondhand. He sought out a school where he could learn how to study the Bible for himself. “At Hartland, I learned to dig for truth and comb through the pages of the Bible for myself.”
Furthermore, Raksa sees that his time at Hartland prepared him for his lifework, particularly his current involvement in ADRA Cambodia’s health department. He works as a community development facilitator for the Embrace project, helping vulnerable mothers and children have a better life.
“I have been working for ADRA almost four years now. Besides helping the community, I have shared my knowledge with my family, church members, and coworkers through healthful foods, hydrotherapy, and natural remedies.”
Raksa especially resonates with Ellen G. White’s statement in Counsels on Health, “Health is a great treasure. It is the richest possession mortals can have.”
“Before I went to Hartland, I didn’t have any experience in the health field. But I chose this major because I wanted to help people have good health.”
Raksa greatly values the opportunities he had to apply what he learned in Hartland’s classes while working in our lifestyle center. Whether giving hydrotherapy treatments, administering natural remedies, or massaging clients, he discovered how to lead health guests to a new life with God.
Even vocational training impacted Raksa’s experience! Working for the farm and for plant services prepared him to be useful in the mission field as he daily encounters challenges that call for practical solutions. “I still use those experiences today!” he emphasizes.
Most importantly, Hartland developed Raksa’s spirituality as he spent time reading the Bible and interacting with staff members who demonstrated God’s love. As time passed, he became a more loving, kind, and helpful person. He recognizes that these characteristics have been of vital importance in his ministry to members of his community.
Looking into the future, Raksa plans to continue sharing the knowledge he gained at Hartland through upcoming ventures with ADRA in partnership with ASAP Ministries and Adventist Community Services.
Because of his experience, Raksa encourages every young person who wants to be a soldier for Christ: “Go to Hartland!”