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Riverview Students Prepare for Baptism
he students in the Grades 2-4 class at Riverview Christian Academy (RCA) in Reno, Nevada, love studying their Bibles! Each morning the class reads together from the Scriptures, writing down questions and unfamiliar vocabulary in their Bible journals. Those questions that they are not able to get answered through class discussion and searching their Bibles are saved for Wednesday mornings. Each Wednesday morning, Damon Washington, associate pastor of the Riverview Adventist church, comes to provide answers to their questions through a lively, exciting discussion. It is one of the highlights of the week. Last school year, several of the students from the Grades 2-4 class requested to be baptized. Pastor Washington came to the school regularly to prepare
Dallan Lista, Dani Wyman, and Daniel Camacho declare their commitment to follow Jesus prior to their baptisms.
PHOTO: SAMANTHA CAMACHO
TOP LEFT: After their baptisms, Dani and Dallan exuberantly watch their friend Daniel Camacho make his public commitment. TOP RIGHT: Daniel Camacho is baptized by his father, Carlos Camacho, NUC president. BOTTOM LEFT: Pastor Damon Washington baptizes Dallan Lista. BOTTOM RIGHT: Daniel Camacho is baptized by his father, Elder Carlos Camacho, as his classmates, friends, and family look on.
36 Pacific Union Recorder
Nevada-Utah Conference
those students for baptism. Three of the students— Dallan Lista, Daniel Camacho, and Dani Wyman—chose to be baptized at the end-of-the-year school program and graduation. It was an exciting event for all of the children in the school to witness, along with all of the families and friends in attendance! Recalling this special event, Becky Phillips, parent of several RCA students, shared the following: “This has to be one of the most beautiful, pure, and spiritual moments I have ever witnessed. At the yearend program, one of the students at Riverview Christian Academy was in the baptismal tank, ready to be baptized. The children, her classmates, were all sitting in the pews, but suddenly, they all rushed the stage and surrounded her as she gave her life to Christ. As she rose back above the water, they clapped and cheered for her. I got chills, and tears filled my eyes. It was completely spontaneous! What a precious sight. Thank you, Jesus, for these children and the hope they give us.” Five additional RCA students have completed their baptismal preparation classes and are now awaiting their big day. Pastor Washington is currently studying with three others and many more are excitedly waiting for their turn. It is such a joy to see the enthusiasm these students have for studying their Bibles and committing their lives to Jesus! The Holy Spirit is truly at work in Reno. Thank you for your prayers and support for Adventist education! ____________________ By Mariann Beddoe
