Sabbath morning was unnaturally quiet May 3 on the Milo Adventist Academy campus because many students were serving in churches throughout the Oregon Conference. Staff and faculty John and Darlene Kelley took a group of Milo students to the Woodland (Wash.) Church to conduct the worship service. Launa Hulse, a senior from Ashland, Ore., presented the sermon.

At the same time, more than 200 miles away in Winston, Ore., Kelli Middaugh, a junior from Crescent City, Calif., gave her personal testimony. The audience gave her their full attention as she related the amazing way that God has led in her eventful life. “Each time I tell my story, I look out in the audience and think, if Christ could make my life into something beautiful, just think what He can do for each person here.” Senior Walter Spidal told the children’s story, and Chris Robison gave special music. Then after lunch, they shared their music with retirement home residents in Myrtle Creek, Ore. The residents there depend on Milo students to come visit them at least once a month.

And on the Oregon Coast, the group 5-4-1, a sophomore girls quintet, shared their united voices. Quintet member Daneal Reedy of Corbett, Ore., says the name 5-4-1 means they are five girls all singing for the glory of one God. Teresa Wilkens, a Milo parent whose daughter sings in the group, says, “One of the things I appreciate the most about Milo Academy is that so many opportunities are provided for sharing, outreach and leadership. Students are encouraged to participate even when they haven’t led out before, and soon they become used to stepping in and helping.”

Milo students are also presenting weeks of prayer at elementary schools. The preparation and practice time provide a spiritual benefit for all the participants before they even leave campus. At the Canyonville Adventist School, Milo students stayed after the week of prayer to play with the children. Ed Hollister, Canyonville principal, commented, “It’s wonderful for the children to see such positive role models.”

Milo’s mission statement says that it is committed to “discovering the joy of service.” And that’s one goal that is being fulfilled daily at the academy. “It’s a lot more fun to be involved,” says Heather Black, a junior from Salem, Oregon.