Lake Region

Through the combined efforts of a Revelation Seminar, Walter Pearson’s "Experience the Power" telecast, personal Bible studies, and much prayer, twenty-seven people became new members of the Conant Garden Church. Here is one of their stories.

Sean Wilkinslived in Detroit with his aunt, Dorrette Tomlin, while his mother, Joan Tomlin-Wilkins, was moving and settling into her new job in California. He attended the "Experience the Power" satellite series shown at the Conant Garden Church. During the series, he sensed the promptings of God's Spirit calling him to surrender his life. Sean later shared what was on his heart with Xavier Green, a pastor, at the church's fellowship dinner. The next Sabbath, Ralph Shelton, senior pastor, made an appeal at the conclusion of his sermon and Sean made his decision to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.

Sean, accompanied by his two cousins, began meeting weekly with Xavier to study Bible lessons and establish their growing faith. With Christmas vacation fast approaching, Sean asked if he could have the rest of the printed lessons to take with him when he went to California to visit his mother. When Sean returned from his holiday trip, he had completed all the remaining Bible lessons and was ready for baptism.

With his mother settled into her new job, it was time for Sean to move to California as well. But before he made the move, he wanted to be baptized by his pastors who had played such an important part in his spiritual development. Although his mother had planned for him to arrive on a Friday, he made his travel arrangements for Sunday so he could get baptized on Sabbath.

Since a fire had earlier destroyed the Conant Garden Church, Sean was baptized on February 12, 2005, at the Detroit City Temple Church. He now worships at Berea Adventist Church in Vallejo, California, each Sabbath.

Matilda Martin, Conant Garden communication leader, with Bruce Babienco Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent