On a warm summer evening in August, friends and family of Elvera Blake gathered to support her official commissioning to ministry. Ivan Blake, Sunnyside Church senior pastor and husband to Elvera, presented the candidate in an emotion-filled, heart-felt speech. “Elvera has always been in the environment of ministry,” he said. “She loves pointing people to Jesus.”

Al Reimche, Oregon Conference vice president for administration, confirmed Elvera’s calling to ministry. “Commissioning is God’s people acknowledging what God and you have already discovered,” said Reimche. “We have seen God use your voice. He has spoken through you.”

While accepting her commissioning to pastoral ministry, Elvera Blake said, “This ceremony confirms my picture of the New Testament church with men and women working side by side in ministry. It is such a joy to serve the Lord.”