Michigan

Phillip DeCamp was raised as an Adventist Christian, and while growing up he enjoyed a close walk with the Lord. As a teenager, he wanted desperately to attend Grand Ledge Academy, but lacked the funds. Miraculously, in answer to his prayers, the Lord provided a way. In the years following academy, his choices began to conflict with his life training and he drifted from his closeness to the Lord. Eventually he chose to leave the church completely.

Although Phillip severed ties with the church, God provided opportunities for contact to continue. In becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Phillip received his training at an Adventist health institution. His lifestyle, however, was totally out of harmony with the Bible principles he once loved and practiced.

Phillip met Roxie, the woman of his dreams. She too had an Adventist background, but was living a life apart from her church. He felt she understood him in a way no one else ever had. Their love for each other grew and they eventually married. Yet, something inside Phillip was causing an internal struggle. It was a struggle between how he was living and how he knew God wanted him to live. Roxie knew she too had abandoned God's will for her life. Both felt the convicting influence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. There were times when Phillip felt he should return to the Adventist church, but he was torn between his personal convictions, his desire to return to Christ, and his relationship with Roxie.

Eventually Roxie's health began to decline and it was discovered she had a terminal illness. It had been twenty years since Phillip had been to church, but he and Roxie attended occasionally when her health would permit. Before her eventual death, Roxie was able to make her peace with God. Phillip was devastated, for in losing her, he lost the only person he believed really understood him.

Seeking spiritual comfort and answers to life's questions, Phillip decided to attend the Hope for Our Day evangelistic series in 2004. The messages he heard took him back to his earlier training as a child, and the Holy Spirit brought conviction to his heart. Although he was struggling with issues of self-worth, keeping the Sabbath, and trusting God with his finances, he indicated to Karl Tsatalbasidis, Ionia-Belgreen district pastor, that he would like to be baptized.

As he and Karl studied together, the Holy Spirit provided the faith and strength for him to choose to be obedient to all the Bible’s truths. As he grew spiritually, the day finally came when he had the courage to approach his boss with a request to be relieved of Sabbath work. Although he had been with the company for six years, he was willing to give up his job if the request was denied.

Phillip shared his conviction about keeping the Bible Sabbath. When he made the request, two other employees heard his conversation with the boss and said, "If Phillip can have his Sabbaths off, then we ought to be able to have our Sundays off for church." His boss replied, "Sunday is not the true Sabbath. Phillip goes by the true Sabbath and will have his Sabbaths off."

Encouraged in his faith, Phillip also began to experience the blessings and miracles of returning his tithes and offerings to God. He discovered the Lord could stretch nine-tenths of his money after tithe, more than he had been able to stretch his total income.

On December 11, 2004, Phillip was baptized at the Belgreen church in Greenville, Michigan. Phillip knows it is by God’s grace he found his way back into fellowship with Him. Now, he is committed to live for Christ and looks forward to receiving a crown of life at the coming of Jesus Christ.

Phillip DeCamp with Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent

Caption: Phillip DeCamp and Karl Tsatalbasidis, pastor, on the day of his baptism. (The picture is being sent by Kevin Barrett, head elder of the Belgreen Church.)