Wisconsin — Kevin Ruehl began attending the Stevens Point (Wisconsin) Church with his fiancée, Beth Hauerich, an Adventist who had recently moved into town. Chuck Kohley, church pastor, visited Ruehl and discovered he was interested in history. This provided an opportunity to ask Ruehl, a Lutheran, if he would be open to Bible studies that compared Bible prophecy with history. His positive response allowed Bible studies to begin in February.

Kohley next invited Joseph Bergeon, a Stevens Point member, to assist with the studies for two reasons: his presence would add to the fellowship, and Bergeon could present a Bible study if the pastor were called away.

A unique set of video Bible studies was used. Half of the video presentations were created by the pastor; the other half were taken from the scripts of the "New Beginnings" series. A 15-minute interactive discussion guide that followed the video presentations created the spiritual desire in Ruehl to become a member of the church.

Instead of asking questions aimed at just reviewing facts in the study, Ruehl was given the opportunity to select responses from a suggested list aimed at helping him discover what each point in the Bible study meant to him.

The pastor's aim was to help Ruehl appreciate and choose to "own" each part of a Bible study. This non-confrontational approach allowed him to share insights and convictions about the topic he had viewed.

God blessed the studies and on June 30, 2004, Ruehl became a baptized member of the Stevens Point Church. Burgeon desired to nurture Ruehl in his new walk with Jesus Christ and so he continued to give him Bible studies.

As the pastor and layman worked together to bring Ruehl to Jesus, God’s Spirit allowed his life to be changed by grace. Combining their talents proved to be God's plan to win another person for heaven and eternal life.

Chuck Kohley, Stevens Point pastor, as shared with Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent