When Ronda and Bob Backman invited 17-year-old Aman Joseph "AJ" Grant to attend camp meeting with them, they didn't know God's plan for him, and neither did AJ. Now the Milton (Ore.) Church associate pastor, AJ was ordained to the gospel ministry on Nov. 22.
Coming from a less-than-ideal home, AJ had lived for basketball and was hoping for a scholarship to play in college. But at camp meeting, AJ decided to attend Auburn Adventist Academy for his senior year. After Auburn, AJ attended the Emerald City Community Church in Seattle and was baptized in 1991.
"I felt a burning desire that God wanted me to proclaim the word with power," said AJ. He studied theology at Walla Walla College and was called to be an intern pastor at the Hermiston and Heppner churches.
On his ordination Sabbath, AJ also dedicated little Anthony Coronado and, immediately following the ordination prayer, baptized Shelby Tyler Rothrock. AJ explained, "I dedicated a baby and baptized Shelby on this day because I wanted to set the tone for the rest of my ministry." AJ has a special burden for teenagers and hopes that many more will give their lives to Christ though his ministry.
AJ Grant was ordained on Nov. 22 in the Milton Church.
