Barbara and George Dronen are a retired pastoral couple who cared for the Boyne City, Central Lake, and Gaylord, Michigan, churches as interim spiritual leaders. The Dronens began Bible studies in Boyne City on Sabbath afternoons with two couples, Cary and Cris Johnson and Andrew and Therese Dunlop.
It came time for the Dronens' assignment to end, but the Johnsons and Dunlops enjoyed the Sabbath afternoon Bible studies so much; they asked the Dronens if they would please continue their weekly appointments. Barbara and George were happy to say yes to their request.
Eventually both couples asked to be baptized and a date was set. George suggested they invite their family members to come to the Boyne City Church to celebrate their new commitment to Christ. Their families responded to the invitation, filling the church and swelling attendance to over 70 people for the baptismal service.
Barbara and George have continued the studies and the Holy Spirit is blessing. Now, 11–13 people come for a two-hour Bible study each week. The Dronens use theAmazing FactsStoracles of Prophecy study guides, and those who come are elated with what they are learning. "It is a joy to observe how they are growing in their experience with the Lord," says George. "It confirms the fact that when new members are baptized we need to continue to have fellowship, friendship, and Bible instruction with them, their family, and friends."
Those who attend the studies have said, "We don’t want to miss the Bible study on Sabbath afternoon," and "Having Bible studies on Sabbath afternoons gives the Sabbath meaning." Several church members have joined with visitors and youth and are enjoying the presentations also. This experience has created a desire for more church members to share with others what God is revealing to them. As they gain practical knowledge of Christianity with the use of Storacles of Prophecy, it creates a deeper interest in the Bible.
Some visitors are now attending the church's weekly Sabbath school too.
Bruce Babienco is the Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent; Barbara and George Dronen are a retired pastoral couple from Indian River, Michigan.
