Three students who attend Mid-Columbia Adventist School have recently been baptized into the Hood River (Ore.) Church, including two sisters, Ashlann and Hope Miller and, a couple of months later, schoolmate Jonathan Esquivel.
When asked when she started thinking about studying the Bible seriously, Ashlann replied simply, “Always."
Hope stated, “When I saw my mom and dad get baptized, I thought it would be good to follow Jesus and study the Bible.”
In describing their baptisms, again their answer was simply, “Joyous, set free.”
This is the second year the Millers have attended MCAS. Both girls said several people helped them to learn Bible truths and influenced their final decision, including their grandmother, several teachers and Pat Milligan, Hood River Church pastor, who goes to the school every Thursday for Bible question-and-answer sessions.
Because Hope and Ashlann live in rural Trout Lake, Wash., they stay three nights each week with Curt and Elaina Mathisen in White Salmon, Wash., in order to attend MCAS. Evening worship time in their home “has been very special as well,” according to the girls.
Esquivel, a seventh grader, has attended MCAS since kindergarten. Former principal Dale Milam and his wife, Darla, spent many hours over the years promoting Christian living and supported Esquivel’s home life.
All three students are Pathfinders who benefit from many Friday evening and Sabbath worships planned by club leaders Gary Halbash and Ralph Staley. Club members came to the three baptisms in full dress uniform and stood at attention.
Mid-Columbia Adventist School students, from left: Hope Miller, Jonathan Esquivel and Ashlann Miller enjoy a Bible study with Bobbie Deweber, teacher, and Pat Milligan, Hood River pastor.
