Wisconsin

In May 2004, Jo Hawkins called Lisa Isensee, Monroe Company leader, with a concern about her brother-in-law, Charlie Hawkins. He had been fighting cancer and the doctors had just informed them it was spreading.

Given his condition, they didn’t expect him to live more than three weeks with the possibility that he might go any day. That's why Jo was calling, to ask if Lisa would conduct Charlie's funeral when the time came.

Lisa asked Jo if Charlie knew Jesus as his personal Savior. She answered, "I don’t think so." Lisa realized she needed to visit him as soon as possible. She did, and was able to lead him to give his heart to Christ and accept Him as his Savior. At the end of their conversation and prayer, Charlie quietly drifted off to sleep. As Lisa left, she thought, "I don’t expect it to be very long before I’ll be conducting another funeral."

Alvin Hawkins, Charlie’s twin brother, later told Lisa, “I’m praying for Charlie. It can’t hurt! God can heal him. And maybe God will do a miracle.”

Three weeks went by, and Charlie was still alive. Six weeks went by, and Alvin and Jo brought Charlie to church in a wheel-chair! This was especially miraculous considering Charlie had not been out of their house in over six months.

Alvin and Jo faithfully brought Charlie to church each Sabbath. Then a month later, Charlie walked into church. Everyone was amazed and praised God for His mercy.

Charlie continued to come to church and even attended some of the evangelistic meetings Lisa held in the fall. He was there the night the subject of baptism was presented and indicated, along with others, that he’d like to prepare for baptism.

Don Fey, a member of two years who has a heart to share Jesus, went with Lisa to visit Charlie and helped prepare him for baptism. They talked about God’s incredible gift of salvation through Jesus, and went over each of the key truths in the Bible.

Everyone rejoiced as Charlie was baptized November 13, 2004. He continues to attend church regularly, and is able to walk in each time. God gave Charlie another chance at life eternal, and he accepted it.

Although the cancer continues to spread, we rejoice that God continues to give him time to grow in his faith, and also gave him an opportunity to share it with others.

Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent, as shared by Lisa Isensee, Monroe Company leader.