On Sabbath, Sept. 10, Aaron Payne was ordained to the gospel ministry at Meadow Glade Adventist Church in Battle Ground, Wash. Alf Birch, pastor and former Oregon Conference president, set the tone of the event when he publicly affirmed Payne: “Indeed Aaron has demonstrated a sincerity of calling and an effectiveness of ministry. … With the world church, we acknowledge the calling of Aaron Payne.”

During the service, Rodney Payne, Beaverton associate pastor and brother of Aaron Payne, shared the spiritual message, “God’s Hand.” In it he shared the importance of being under God’s hand and allowing God to work. He also shared his affection for his brother: “I am very, very proud. My pride for you is not for what you do, but for who you are. … It’s really amazing to have a younger brother to look up to in so many ways.”

As the morning came to a close, Don Livesay, Oregon Conference president, officially welcomed Payne to the gospel ministry. Payne responded, “As God has blessed me with this calling, I accept because God said He’d be with me, give me the words to say, and uphold me with His righteous right hand.”