Two students who attended Mid-Columbia Adventist School have recently been baptized and voted into membership at the Hood River (Ore.) Church. Steve McHan, former Hood River Church pastor, came from Sonoma, California to officiate.

Brittny, a tenth-grader at Milo Academy, shares how she came to her decision: “We had class discussions at school; that’s what triggered my serious thoughts about getting baptized.

“I had been thinking about it for a long time. It’s not that I wasn’t ready to commit my life to God; I wanted to. I just didn’t think I was good enough yet.

"My mom, [Dale] Milam, [school principal and class teacher], with Pastor Pat Milligan, showed me that that’s not what it’s all about. It is not just about loving God and striving to be a better person with His guidance and help. As your relationship with God grows, so will your willingness to follow His commandments.”

Brittny was baptized June 26.

Dylan chose his 11th birthday, Aug. 23, for baptism. He did not want to wait any longer to publicly announce his decision to “live his life for Jesus."

Dale and Darla Milam knew their son was ready. Dylan had listened very intently when Eric, his older brother, had studied with their parents and the Randy Hill family many Friday evenings the previous year. He had wanted to be baptized even then.

Now serving as junior deacon, Dylan plays an active role in the church service, often doing the scripture reading.