Terri McDonald was experiencing a low point in her life with many personal issues and was becoming depressed. "My spiritual life was at a low ebb, since I had not attended any church for about four years," she lamented. Wanting to give her some spiritual encouragement, her sister, Linda Zschiedrich, gave her a Bible to read.

"I was blessed as I read," recalls Terri. "I also began spending time in prayer each morning and evening. These new spiritual activities brought peace and hope into my life."

A year later, in August 1999, her ten-year-old nephew died from bacterial meningitis. "I was very upset with God and did not understand why He allowed his death," she remembers. "I questioned God’s character and ultimately stopped praying, though I still believed in God." She discussed her doubts with Linda. Her sister's understanding responses to her emotions and questions became a godly influence.

Toward the end of 2003, Terri was assigned to a different job. It became apparent that God guided in this change. Assigned to the same section was Jon Forss, an Adventist co-worker. "We frequently talked about the Bible," she said. "He encouraged me to visit his church. I was leaning toward joining a different denomination at the time, so I didn't accept his invitation right away. Jon did not give up on me. Every workday, for three months, Jon and I talked as friends about Christ’s teachings."

One day, Jon announced to Terri that he was presenting the sermon the following Saturday at his church. She informed him that her sister, Linda, also attended the Adventist church. To her surprise, Jon said he knew her. With his encouragement, Terri went for the first time to the Lafayette (Ind.) Church to hear Jon speak. She's been attending ever since. "Jon’s message spoke to my heart," she said, "and the members were friendly and made me feel comfortable. It was as if I belonged there."

Before she started attending the Adventist church, Terri worked every Saturday … but not anymore. "My whole life has changed," she observed.

She began studying the Bible with Throstur Thordarson, Lafayette Church pastor, in the spring of 2004. Through this experience she came to understand how Christ's sacrifice atoned for her past life, and she learned to understand the teachings necessary for eternal life. She was baptized on October 16, 2004, and now rejoices in a new walk with Jesus and His followers.

Terri McDonald, as shared with Becky Pfeifle, Lafayette Church communication leader