“As Adventist Christians, we at the Adventist Union School understand the significance of bringing Christ’s love to others, especially when individuals have been injured and are in hospitals many miles from family and friends,” said Principal Kent Rogers. “Surprisingly, a student Christmas project to reach out in that way has developed into an ongoing ministry.”

In November 2007, a parent at AUS discovered a website encouraging visitors to prepare and send care packages to Marines injured while serving the country. With Christmas approaching, the parent suggested that it would be a wonderful time for students in grades four through eight to send their best wishes and prayers.

Students put their hearts into the project. The first letters were written and prepared for sending with care packages to be randomly distributed in San Diego and Visalia, Calif.

Returning to school after the holidays, the students found several letters waiting. From the responses, they knew that the Lord was using them to bring hope to these men. In one letter, Recruit Waggoner said, "I am from Texas ... Family is very important to me. Having a pen pal feels like family." The children were so happy! In a matter of hours, more messages were ready to be sent and more came back. Reading the letters in the classroom became an event that students looked forward to. The marines were very grateful, writing that they feel lonely in a hospital far from their homes.

“I like writing to the men because I want them to get better. I do not want them to go to another war," said Gaby, a fourth-grader.

"It is really interesting to write to the Marines,” said Sarai, an eighth grade student. “You learn a lot from their experiences and what they have been through."

“We are sure,” said an AUS staff member, “that AUS children know that you do not need to be an expert on the Bible to be a messenger for the Lord.”