Cousins Matthew Taylor, 13, and Athena Ridge, 14, were recently baptized into the Ashland Church. Matthew was baptized a few months before Athena and helped prepare his older cousin for baptism. He prayed with her, and studied the Bible with her. He did this with the Lord's help, of course, and a little help from Perry Parks, church pastor. Matthew didn't waste time fulfilling his hope of being an evangelist and leading people to the Lord.
Matthew and Athena came from Nevada to Oregon to live with their grandparents and began coming to church with Linda Whitaker, their grandmother.
Three months after his baptism, Matthew began to realize he wanted to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and become a preacher. He is now making plans to do this. In the meantime, Matthew and Athena find ways to help others and are glad to be a part of the Ashland Church.
From left: Athena Ridge, Perry Parks (Ashland Church pastor), and Matthew Taylor.
Matthew Taylor, 13, helped Athena Ridge, his 14-year-old cousin (left), study the Bible and prepare for baptism.
