Wisconsin

Aaron Kaplan was left questioning his belief in a loving God after having a negative religious experience as a teenager. Even after marrying Michele (who had grown up in the Seventh-day Adventist Church), Aaron was reluctant to get involved with any religion.

After coming to the realization that all creation tells of an amazing and loving Creator, Aaron eventually gave his heart to Jesus. Soon afterward, he learned more about Jesus, his loving Creator, and the gifts He intended for us. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Aaron realized that one of those gifts was the blessing of the Sabbath. Through careful study of the Bible, he discovered that God had put the Sabbath blessing in only one day—the seventh-day. Aaron began looking for a church where he could worship with others who believed the same way.

Last August, Aaron, Michele and their daughter Eleora visited The Shepherd's House in Wausau, Wisconsin, and were immediately drawn to the spirit of openness and welcoming atmosphere there. Aaron wanted to be baptized right away, but waited for the arrival of the new pastor, Rowell Puedivan. Aaron was happy to be baptized on Sabbath, February 2.

Diana Spieth, communications leader, The Shepherd's House, with Bruce Babienco, volunteer correspondent, Lake Union Herald