Michigan

As a young teenager, Kimberley Paul often worked in the church nursery when not attending her own Sunday school class. She enjoyed assisting Lydia Mahrle, who operated the nursery.

Although it didn't seem her pastor thought Bible study was very important, she sensed it was from her association with Lydia. She became aware of the differences between the truths she found in her Bible and what her church was teaching. One truth she learned was the necessity to accept Jesus as personal Savior and Lord. She welcomed Jesus Christ into her heart and became a born-again Christian.

In time, Lydia learned of Kimberley's love for singing. One day she asked if Kimberley would be willing to sing at the Adventist church where Lydia was a member. She agreed.

Lydia's son, Arden, also sang in Kimberley's church choir. One day after choir practice he asked if Kimberely was interested in taking Bible studies. She thought, "If he is Lydia's son, I think I would like to. Maybe Adventists have some truths I need to hear."

One day, after their Bible study, Arden took her to the Coldwater Adventist Community Service Center (Center) and told her about its mission to help those in need. He surprised her by asking if she would be interested in working there.

As a young Campfire girl, Kimberley was working on a Wo-He-Lo (Work, Health & Love) medallion. She remembered the 120 hours of community service required to receive the medallion, so signed up and began to work.

At the Center, she became acquainted with other Adventists and observed how they practiced their Bible-based faith. She compared their beliefs with her Bible and was convinced they were God's truths.

With love and concern, Kimberley and a friend from her church, Karen Cook, made an appointment to talk to their pastor to discuss what the Bible taught about the plan of salvation. You can imagine his surprise to find two teenagers wanting to discuss Bible doctrine with him. To their surprise, he said, "I don't need that. It's not important. The important truth is to show love to each other. Why don't you girls go back and make sure you are spreading love to everyone?"

When Kimberley heard her pastor's response, she knew something wasn't right. She felt it was time for her to leave in search of another church. That search led her to her friends at the Adventist church and the Bible truths taught there.

Kimberley is now the associate director at the Center where she first learned so much about God. She continues to trust in God as she works to be a blessing to others. She believes God has renewed her health through her service and rejoices in His goodness.

Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent, adapted from a testimony at the 2004 Michigan camp meeting.