Cloud of Witnesses: April Adin

Hebrews 11 lists a number of biblical characters who were commended for their faith. And in Hebrews 12, the author reveals that the purpose for publishing these short narratives was for our encouragement: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…”

Likewise, the Eastern Christian community is comprised of countless individuals past and present who have walked by faith, upheld by the promises of God. And so this spring over social media, Eastern Christian School asked our community to tell us about these individuals: the specific people in our midst who inspire others, encourage others, and support others along their journey. Following in this blog series are the results, and the stories of just a few of the people in our great cloud of witnesses.

April Adin

“April is one of the most generous people I know. Not only does she generously give food and thoughtful treats to students and staff who stop in at the front office, she is also generous with her encouragement. She has been a real blessing to EC.” – First nominating quote

“April always has a warm, welcoming face when entering the high school. Her presence in the main office is one of calm and nurturing. We are blessed to have her at Eastern Christian High School.” – Second nominating quote

April Adin’s early walk with the Lord was characterized by one word: fear.

The second oldest in a family with five children, she witnessed her younger brother succumb to leukemia at the age of four. “When a sibling dies in your early childhood, it has a profound impact on your worldview,” she shares.

She says that she knew Jesus as comforter and friend “from as early as I can remember,” but her relationship with God the father “was more complicated. I didn’t understand how I could love a God I was told to fear.”

As an adult, Adin had a profound experience that would turn her life around. “Taking walks in nature opens my eyes to God’s creation and has helped me experience God in a more intimate way. It was on one of these walks that I stopped in my tracks, caught my breath, and was overwhelmed with the knowledge that my Heavenly Father rescued me. I heard him clearly: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine’ (Isaiah 43). I literally and figuratively walked into my true identity as a child of his in that moment,” she shares.

At Eastern Christian High School, Adin serves as Deans’ assistant, a position that puts her in a central position at the school. A creative soul who once attended the LaGuardia HS of Music & Art and the Performing Arts in Manhattan, Adin quickly found a new place for her artistic expression, and that was in investing in people.

“We can use the gifts God gave us no matter where we are in this moment. God gave me a generous heart and genuine love of people. I feel compelled to reflect God’s love for the people I meet by encouraging them and giving generously, using my artistic and intuitive nature to bless them. This is my small part in helping others tap into their identity in Christ. I want them to feel the love of their heavenly father in a visceral way. When we feel fully known and loved by him, we become whole. My faith has made me brave, and I desperately want that for others too,” she says.

Enjoying this blog series? Read more stories in the fall edition of The Herald, publishing late August 2022.

Would you like to celebrate another member of the EC community for being an inspiration? Send your nominations to Herald@easternchristian.org and we may feature your nominating quotes in our final Cloud of Witnesses blog. EC reserves the right to edit/omit submissions.