Wisconsin

Jerry and Patti Cohen have assisted Ric Swaningson, an evangelist, by coordinating pre-meeting work at churches since the summer of 2001. Last October, Jerry and Patti were scheduled to speak at Northwest Milwaukee’s Revelation Seminar, while Ric conducted an evangelistic series at Green Bay, Wisconsin.

They were excited about their assignment. However, just before the seminar began, Jerry had emergency surgery. It was decided Patti would teach the classes while Jerry recovered at home. A bit reluctant, but with a simple faith God would provide, Patti delivered the Bible lessons for eight evening classes and two Sabbath mornings until Ric could return from Green Bay to finish the series. God worked on the hearts of those who came, and seven people were baptized. Here is the testimony of three new members:

Diane Turner heard about the Revelation Seminar meetings in a brochure sent to her daughter Adrienna’s home. Adrienna invited Diane and her sisters to go with her. Amazingly, Diane attended all 26 evening seminar classes, plus the ones on Sabbath mornings. She thought Patti was fantastic for the beginning classes, and deeply appreciated the presentations by Ric. She felt she learned more in those meetings than in her lifetime in other congregations.

At previous religious meetings, every time she was ready to make a commitment, it seemed something would get in the way to prevent it from happening. This time, God worked a miracle and she was able to finish what was started, and she rejoiced as she accepted new Bible truths and was baptized. Today, she thanks God for the gift of a precious church family and a pastor who cares for her.

Adrienna Turner prayed and hoped for someone to teach Revelation truths to her. She and her mother were frustrated their church never had in-depth Bible studies. They had questions because they believed they were living in the last days. It seemed the Revelation Seminar was an answer to their prayers.

When Adrienna attended the classes, she enjoyed learning what the symbolic language was teaching. She was now able to comprehend what had frustrated and confused her in the past. She was eager to research the material to better understand the messages of Revelation. Adrienna feels blessed to be baptized into a church family that teaches from the Bible and lives by the truths revealed in its pages.

Sonya Turner sought an intimate relationship with God as she worshipped in a variety of churches. Baptized at the age of five, she continued to grow in her faith while seeking a better understanding of the Bible. As she matured, she wanted a more satisfying relationship with Christ.

She found the Revelation Seminar at the Northwest Milwaukee Adventist Church interesting and enlightening. She had previously thought Revelation was a confusing book and believed its symbolism could not be understood. Never before had the book been opened up to her in such a clear and understandable way. She was amazed at how Revelation was explained and how new truths were discovered throughout the Bible.

During the meetings, Sonya sensed the Holy Spirit's call for her to surrender her life to Christ as He was revealed. She was baptized anew and is thankful she is now a member of the Adventist church.

Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent as shared by Patti Cohen