Rising Leaders with Refugee Roots

Pioneer Adventist Christian School (PACS)  in Guymon, Oklahoma, is unique in that all of our students are from families that came to the United States as refugees. These families choose to settle in Guymon for its job opportunities and the availability of K-8 Adventist education through our school. Many families arrive in Guymon with few financial resources and limited possessions. Through Opportunity Scholarships, the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit funds and our school’s wonderful supporters, the parents have been able to send their children to PACS. Our two eighth-graders this year have greatly benefited from programs like these in order to attend PACS.

At PACS, students not only receive a strong academic foundation but also engage in hands-on activities that help them grow spiritually and personally. They plan worship services, visit several churches to share their full worship programs and take cooking classes on Fridays, preparing lunch for the entire school. Our two eighth-graders, Kham Khaii (who goes by Khai) and Emma Cingtawi Ngaih (who goes by Emma), have been involved in leading these activities. Khai and Emma have attended PACS since kindergarten! 

Khai is the middle child in his family. His older brother is attending Southwestern Adventist University; his older sister is attending Ozark Adventist Academy and Khai’s three younger sisters also attend PACS. Khai is a leader in the classroom, helping younger students and making sure all the technology is working correctly. With his technological knowledge, he is the co-leader of the live-streaming ministry at Guymon Seventh-day Adventist Church and is involved in other aspects of the church’s audio and visual department. Khai also teams up with the deacons to keep the church building and grounds looking good.

Emma is the eldest of her family. She has a younger brother and sister, and all three attend PACS. Emma is also a leader in the classroom, helping the younger students and making sure everyone gets their school work done. Emma uses her musical talent at church as the lead pianist and is teaching two talented students to take over her role as pianist when she graduates and goes to a boarding academy next school year.

 On Sabbath, April 26, 2025, both Khai and Emma, as part of their Bible class, were asked to preach for the church service. Khai spoke about heaven and Emma talked about the war in heaven. Their sermons were livestreamed on the Guymon church’s YouTube channel. 

Khai and Emma’s leadership and commitment to their faith and community continue to inspire those around them, and we pray that God will guide them as they grow into the next generation of leaders.

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By Amy Ward, Teaching Principal of Pioneer Adventist Christian School