Wisconsin

I (Kathy Meister) would like to believe that a miracle happened in my life. This miracle consists of a course of events that occurred over a short period of time.

Stepping back in time, I can only describe myself as a person in trouble. I was addicted to alcohol and lived from paycheck to paycheck—alone in my isolated world where my dogs and my vodka were all that seemed to matter. For many years I had a pattern of getting drunk every night after work and writing sad poetry.

One night as I listened to Christian radio, a song came on that changed everything. Tears poured down my face as I listened to the lyrics that seemed to be written especially for me! It seemed that all time stood still as the words in the song spoke to me about "not going back, you can't go back." I felt an intense pressure upon my heart, and as the song ended, I fell to my knees. A voice seemed to speak to my heart, saying, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to help you. You have 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 said out loud, "I've gotta quit this drinking. Help me stop destroying my body." Right then and there, the decision was made. The rest of that night I felt an indescribable sense of peace about myself.

God took away my cravings for alcohol and was there every single day helping me, just as He promised. I never even suffered the withdrawal symptoms so many alcoholics experience during recovery. In fact, I felt great! I was finally free! God made it easy!

Soon after all this happened, I was able to relocate from my old, dumpy trailer house that I was renting. A wonderful man (David Meister) proposed marriage to me, and invited me to share his life at his home in the country! I was able to remove myself from my awful past and escape from entering into my old abusive habits.

We have some really excellent neighbors, Cris and Holly Roy, who often would invite us over to their house for food and fellowship. Sometimes we'd sing hymns as Holly played the piano. They answered a lot of questions that we had about their Adventist faith. Soon they invited us to attend their church with them, and shortly after that, we began Bible study lessons in preparation for baptism. We were honored that Wendell Springer, pastor, and his wife Jollet, took the time to study with us. The lessons opened up a whole universe of valuable information that we never realized existed before!

We praise God for all the friends we've made at Oxford Seventh-day Adventist Church. They are a big part of why we feel a great sense of belonging here and look forward to our continued Christian growth with this church. We are in praise of God's love.

Kathy and David "Dave" Meister, members, Oxford Church