Marlene Lepe Hernandez loves basketball, but she loves God more. Marlene, a valued student and athlete at Corning Union High School, has become a witness for Christ at her public high school. She made a commitment to observe the Sabbath and thereby refrains from playing Friday or Saturday games. Voted as this year’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), Marlene’s observance of the Sabbath has sparked the interest of students and faculty alike.

Marlene and her family were originally Catholic. However, when their next door neighbor invited Marlene to go to church with her, Marlene accepted the invitation. She immediately observed a distinct difference about the Seventh-day Adventist church.

“God was really speaking to me. When I used to go to the Catholic church, I would just sit there and not learn anything,” said Marlene. “When I went to the Seventh-day Adventist church, I learned so much. I learned about God’s love for me. I learned that God loves me whether I am good or bad and that He is my best friend.” Eventually, the entire Hernandez family became Seventh-day Adventists.

Marlene had to attend Corning Union High School because of the lack of an Adventist school in her area. However, attending a public high school did not sway her from her commitment to observe the Sabbath.

After informing her coach that she would not be able to play Friday night or Saturday games, the coach informed her of another female Adventist basketball player whose mother had allowed her to play on Sabbath. Marlene told the coach that it was her own personal decision not to play.

“I felt that God had done so much for me. He died on the cross for me; keeping the Sabbath was the least I could do,” said Marlene. Marlene’s faith did not waver in the face of uncertainty. “If God wanted me to play sports, He’d find a way for me.”

As the coach presented Marlene with the MVP award, he said, “You are given this award, not only because you were the most valuable player, but also because of your courage to stick up for your belief.”

Several days after the awards presentation, Marlene’s vice principal privately told Marlene that he hoped to change all the Friday/Saturday games to another day. Unfortunately, he was not able to change the dates. But Marlene is not worried. She still plans to play basketball for her school, as long as she can observe the Sabbath. However, even if Marlene were not able to play, she understands the significance of her commitment to God.

“A lot of the kids at my public high school are asking me why I don’t play on Sabbath. I have to explain to the kids that God rested on the Sabbath, and He was setting an example for us,” said Marlene. “The kids at my school are actually interested in learning about the Sabbath.”