Wisconsin

In late August 2003, the Menomonie Church received a telephone call from three families who needed assistance from their Community Services center. The telephone calls came because the center is linked with the city's social services organization to give aid to needy families.

David Guerrero, Menomonie Church pastor, received this information and informed the church family of the needs. Generous church members donated enough items to more than meet the families' needs.

When one of the ladies who had called arrived at the church to pick up the donated items, she also asked if she could speak privately with Pastor Guerrero. He had to ask her to wait a few moments until he completed helping the other families. When they finally sat down to talk, Susan Place asked, "Does your church give Bible studies to people in the community?" Pastor Guerrero responded by telling her about the weekly Tuesday night community Bible study at their church. She responded by telling him she thought this was a wonderful plan, but proceeded to say, "My family and I were looking for someone who would be willing to give us personal Bible studies in our home. We want to know what the Seventh-day Adventist Church teaches and believes."

Pastor Guerrero arranged for Bible studies with Susan and her family. Susan was received by profession of faith into the Menomonie Church membership on October 11, 2003.

On the same Sabbath Susan became a member of the church, her husband Tony asked to speak privately with Pastor Guerrero. As they entered the pastor’s study, Tony joyfully exclaimed, "Pastor, I’m ready, I’m ready, and I want to be a member, too! I have sat through most of the Bible studies, and I also want to be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church!" Pastor Guerrero kindly affirmed Tony's decision, prayed with him, and then arranged for Tony to be baptized a month later.

We praise God for bringing Tony and Susan Place into our church fellowship through our Community Services ministry.

David Guerrero, Menomonie Church pastor, with Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald correspondent