Scappoose Adventist School is a small Christian school in Scappoose, Oregon, serving students in preschool through eighth grade. With 95% of students coming from non-Adventist homes, the SAS staff work hard to serve the community at large by providing an excellent, hands-on Christian education.
The Scappoose community also goes above and beyond the call of duty by digging deep into their pockets to support their school. They understand the importance of Christian education for the children in the county.
Due to this support, Jennifer, a community member, was led to SAS last year. Antonee Leo Aguilar, Scappoose-St. Helen's Adventist Church pastor, received a call from Jennifer inquiring about enrolling her granddaughter in the preschool program.
He took time to learn more about Jennifer, then connected her with Girlie Aguilar, SAS principal. Right away, Jennifer enrolled Lucy in the preschool program. With the paperwork done, she was quickly welcomed by the school family.
SAS holds an Education Sabbath at the church each month. Parents come and proudly watch their children participate in the program. Jennifer and Lucy's mother, Kimberley, came to watch Lucy’s first Education Sabbath program. The three of them returned to church the following week and continued attending every Sabbath after.
Nearly a year later, Jennifer approached Pastor Aguilar and asked if she and Kimberley could attend Bible study classes. He gladly welcomed them. On March 3, 2022, Jennifer asked to be baptized.
“I had been searching for a church,” explained Jennifer. “I tried several other churches around the community, but they weren’t a good fit. When I came to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, I felt connected. I know that Sabbath is the right day to worship. One day, Principal Girlie Zunega-Aguilar gave me a Bible, and everything made sense from then on.”
Jennifer is now very involved in her church and school family. She and Kimberley study their Sabbath school lesson while Lucy enjoys the kindergarten class. Jennifer recently volunteered at SAS to serve school lunch to the students. When she heard SAS was fundraising to make improvements and construct new buildings, she donated $1,000 to help out.
Jennifer’s story is one of God leading His child into a closer relationship with Him. He is rejoicing that one of His children has accepted Jesus as their personal savior.
It is evident that God is using SAS as an instrument in making connections. The Scappoose-St. Helens Church and SAS know that they are working hand-in-hand with God to introduce students and their families to the love of Jesus.
As a result of the Scappoose school’s church/school collaboration, the grandmother of one student was baptized. Here Pastor Antonee Aguilar (right) and Elder Dan Pinkey (left), talk with the newly baptized grandmother, Jennifer Williamson (center).
Jennifer was recently baptized by Pastor Antonee while Lucy and her family looked on.
Kimberley, Jennifer, Lucy, and family with Principal Girlie and Pastor Antonee.
Pastor Antonee and Principal Girlie with Jennifer.
Scapoose Adventist School teachers with Jennifer, Lucy, Kimberley and family.
