Michigan

Growing up with her grandmother, Pamela Isanhart faced a number of challenges. Her religious background left her confused on a number of issues, not least of which was what happens when one dies.

Her questions became more focused when a series of deaths happened in her family. Looking back, she believes it was through those events God began to lead her to find eternal life.

In a span of just two years, Pamela experienced the deaths of her grandmother and grandfather. Her father also died in a devastating car accident which involved foul play.

These three losses had a tremendous impact on Pamela, who suffered from Traumatic Bereavement Syndrome, with all the symptoms associated with it.

One day, before her father's funeral, she met her future husband, Joe. Sensitive to what was happening in Pamela's life, Joe said, “I know what you need.”

A few days later, she got a phone call from Joe. A friendship began as he shared God's love. He taught her what he knew about the Bible, then introduced her to Richard and Lorraine Lane. They welcomed her into their home for Bible studies.

Over the next few years, Pamela's studies in the Bible were sporadic. But she kept the things she learned close to her heart and reflected on them often. Times were hard and it was difficult to focus with so much disruption and uncertainty in her life.

When Robert Stewart became pastor at the Metropolitan (Michigan) Church, his wife Sandi befriended Pamela and they began Bible studies together. But once again regular studies were difficult to maintain.

After the birth of Pamela's son Gabriel, she again had the desire to define her beliefs based upon the Scriptures. She completed a set of Bible studies and set a date for baptism.

Just when things looked positive, another series of events caused her to cancel. After a real spiritual battle, Pamela finally decided there was nothing more important than her relationship with Jesus Christ.

She committed to another series of studies and completed them. She believed she was finally ready for baptism and set another date. Once again the enemy tried to dissuade her, but this time she resolved not to let him win. On October 9, 2004, Pamela was baptized and born anew in Jesus Christ.

Recognizing that baptism is not the end but just the beginning of another journey, Pamela has beautiful plans for her walk with the Lord. She says “I want to become more active in church. … I want eventually to do for other people what was done for me—give Bible Studies and witness for God. I know I still have a lot of spiritual growing to do, but I’m happy that now I’m on the right path.”

Patricia Cheloni, Metropolitan Church correspondent