Wisconsin

When Alvin and Jo Hawkins were baptized in December 2003, their daughter, Cindy Miller, was present to video the happy occasion. Not long afterward, Lisa Isensee, Monroe Company leader, received a phone call from Jo, who was excited about what Cindy had confided: "Mom, I really need to be baptized, too."

Lisa visited Cindy and her family, inviting them to the Monroe Company's weekly service, and encouraged them to begin Bible studies. Cindy's parents, Alvin and Jo, brought a set of video Bible studies to her home. After viewing one, Cindy found it difficult to view the rest with her busy lifestyle.

Cindy appeared very eager to help in the Beginner's Sabbath school one Sabbath. Unknown to anyone, Cindy had given her heart to Jesus and accepted His promised salvation in the quiet of her home. She was a joy to observe as she assisted and shared her personal witness of God’s love with everyone.

Later that fall, the church conducted an evangelistic series. Although Cindy could not attend all of the meetings, she prepared to be baptized. Lisa will long remember Cindy’s joy-filled face the day she was baptized, November 27, 2003.

Before Cindy's baptism, Lisa invited the children and young people to come forward and surround the baptismal tank. They were eager to respond and crowded around the tank.

After Cindy came up out of the water, beaming with joy, Lisa invited others in the audience to make their decision for Jesus. The congregation started smiling and saying, "Amen!" but Lisa was mystified when she didn't see anyone raise their hand or stand. After making a second appeal, she noticed what everyone else had seen—Tyler Miller, Cindy’s twelve-year-old son, standing right beside the baptismal tank waving his hand and grinning broadly.

Cindy is helping her son Tyler prepare for his baptism. She now shares the joy her parents felt when she made her decision for Christ.

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