March - Lake Union Conference

Jollet, took the time to study with us. The lessons openedup a whole universe of valuable information that we neverrealized existed before!We praise God for all the friends we’ve made at OxfordSeventh-day Adventist Church. They are a big part of whywe feel a great sense of belonging here and look forward toour continued Christian growth with this church. We arein praise of God’s love.Kathy and David “Dave” Meister, members, Oxford ChurchWhen Kathy Meister married her husband David, she moved to his countryhome. She and David became acquainted with their neighbors, Cris and HollyRoy. Conversations soon turned to spiritual matters, and the Roys invited theMeisters to their church, where they have found a great sense of belonging.From left: Cris Roy, Wendell Springer (pastor), Kathy Meister, David Meisterand Holly Roythe song spoke to me about “not going back, you can’t goback.” I felt an intense pressure upon my heart, and as thesong ended, I fell to my knees. A voice seemed to speak tomy heart, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to help you. Youhave the ability to change. Just start right now. Don’t worry.I will be with you every day.”I knew this was the Holy Spirit speaking to me. I saidout loud, “I’ve gotta quit this drinking. Help me stop destroyingmy body.” Right then and there, the decision wasmade. The rest of that night I felt an indescribable sense ofpeace about myself.God took away my cravings for alcohol and was thereevery single day helping me, just as He promised. I nevereven suffered the withdrawal symptoms so many alcoholicsexperience during recovery. In fact, I felt great! I was finallyfree! God made it easy!Soon after all this happened, I was able to relocate frommy old, dumpy trailer house that I was renting. A wonderfulman (David Meister) proposed marriage to me, and invitedme to share his life at his home in the country! I wasable to remove myself from my awful past and escape fromentering into my old abusive habits.We have some really excellent neighbors, Cris and HollyRoy, who often would invite us over to their house forfood and fellowship. Sometimes we’d sing hymns as Hollyplayed the piano. They answered a lot of questions that wehad about their Adventist faith. Soon they invited us toattend their church with them, and shortly after that, webegan Bible study lessons in preparation for baptism. Wewere honored that Wendell Springer, pastor, and his wifeIndiana In October 2006, Rory Peterson wasinvited by a friend to attend a series of meetings held byCheri Peters at the LaPorte Adventist Church. With “nothingbetter to do,” Rory agreed to accompany her friend tothat first evening.The moment Cheri startedtalking, Rory’s indifference regardingthe meeting was sweptaway! Her life experiencesso closely paralleled those ofCheri’s that it seemed she washearing her own story retold.Rory wept as she listened nightafter night and learned thatthere is a Savior who can healand forgive, and she longed fora chance to start over.According to Rory Peterson, her baptism daywas the happiest day of her life. Also on thatdate, her granddaughter, Maya, was dedicatedto the Lord.During those evenings,Rory became acquainted withthe friendly, caring churchmembers and was drawn to attendSabbath school and church. Then followed her studieswith former pastor, Wayne Morrison. Amazed and thrilled,Rory learned of the complete plan of salvation.“My baptism on October 6, 2007, was the happiest dayof my life,” Rory told me with shining eyes. But Rory didnot come alone on that day. She brought her two-year-oldgranddaughter, Maya, who was dedicated on the same day.Maya now accompanies Rory to church every Sabbath.Mary Wadsworth-Cooke, communications secretary, LaPorte ChurchShare theGood News!Do you know of someone who recently made a decision forChrist? Submit your story to the editors at our website:www.lakeunionherald.orgVi s i t w w w. L a k e Un i o n He r a l d . o r gL a k e U n i o n H e r a l d • Ma r c h 2 0 0 8 |