When Jackson Academy senior Emma Ray was in sixth grade, she volunteered to lead a Bible study for her classmates. That moment initiated five additional years of overseeing Bible study for sixth-grade girls.
Instead of concentrating solely on her service, Emma considers the time spent working with the girls to be the greatest blessing in her life. “I am happy that what I’ve been given I got to use for the Lord,” she said, emphasizing the importance of serving where God places you and doing so for His glory rather than your own. She referenced Billy Graham, who said, “Ministry is wherever you are.”
Emma’s “wherever you are” perspective has resulted in several opportunities: leading the weekly Bible study for girls, serving on the Upper School Fellowship of Christian Athletes lead team, and being a JA Chapel worship leader. While growing personally as a Christian through service, Emma has witnessed growth in other ways. She remembers when only a lead team of about 10 students attended FCA; now, the number of participants is as high as 150. FCA has become “a comfortable, safe place for people to be open with their faith,” she said.
She also cherishes the moments of growth she observes in others. After attending Emma’s Bible study, a participant said, “I actually enjoy reading my Bible now.” At first, Emma led studies using Sarah Young’s book, “Jesus Calling.” She now arranges for coaches, teachers, other school leaders, and some students to join her in leading sessions. Students hear a 10-minute devotional each week and enjoy a craft or activity. Emma includes specific messages annually, such as choosing joy (Nehemiah 8:10) and walking in love (Ephesians 5:2). She also organizes a Mother’s Day activity each year where students make bouquets for their mothers. The group meets in the classroom of faculty member Carrie Ann Etherly.
Emma has found the JA environment instrumental in her spiritual development. “JA is amazing. It builds character and a strong moral and Christian foundation at a young age. Throughout my school career, JA planted small seeds,” she said. Emma remembers a third-grade teacher reading “Jesus Calling” to students each day, a fifth-grade teacher allowing students to pray together every morning, a sixth-grade classroom where a teacher took daily prayer requests, and a seventh-grade classroom where a teacher offered a devotional or verse each day.
While working to build participation in FCA, she once offered donuts as a way to interest students. One student who stated she was not a Christian chose to participate. Emma got to witness her faith life develop. Emma also has related certain Bible stories that sixth-graders said they were hearing for the first time. In one instance, she saw students tear up or react in amazement when they listened to the story of the Woman at the Well for the first time.
“I think JA gives so much room for students to have the option to express their faith, even though it is not required for students here,” she explained, saying there were many options for those who want to simply explore, learn more, or build a life of faith. “If they do choose to follow, JA offers so many opportunities for you to grow in your faith.” FCA, Chapel, and Refresh Bible Study for Upper School girls are ways she nurtures her faith at school.
As Emma graduates and heads to Mississippi State University to study pre-nursing and possibly religion, she is working out a way for her legacy to continue. Three rising eighth graders will continue to lead the Bible study for sixth graders. However, when she considers her legacy at JA, she refers to 1 Peter 4:10-11. That verse reminds Christians to use the gifts they have received to serve others, and to serve in the strength God provides so that He gets the praise.
