Michigan

Born in 1987, Chris Larsen did not know what it was like to live as a Christian, and early in his life he experienced some heartbreaking events. A year after he was born, his baby sister died from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Then, when he was seven years old, his parents separated and divorced.

Chris and his brother lived with their mother as they grew up in Wisconsin. As a teenager, Chris began to make poor decisions, which led him into a negative lifestyle. At school, he got into trouble with the principal. Outside school, he was in trouble with the police. The only redeeming factor was that his father, stepmother, and grandparents had joined together to pray for his conversion and a new life.

In November 2004, the consequences of his actions, which included jail time and unpaid school fines, left him no place to stay or live in Wisconsin. However, his father and stepmother agreed he could come to Michigan to live with them.

“I remember waiting for Chris at the airport,” recalls his dad, Rob Larsen. “I was looking forward to seeing my son again since I had not been with him for a couple of years. When he walked down the carpet where I was waiting, I could see he was a troubled young man, and I was deeply concerned.”

“When Chris and I reached home,” Rob continued, “I knew we had to make some decisions. I wanted him to become a successful young man, as well as a genuine Christian. I also knew I could not hit him with a set of ‘brick wall’ rules.” Instead, father and son worked out a plan that included spending time together and making some new positive choices.

Things began to change. After living in his dad’s home and attending church with him, Chris made a personal decision to prepare for the day when he could be baptized. They talked with the pastor, Alan Meis, who put him in touch with Bob Wilson, an elder at Holt Seventh-day Adventist Fellowship and a part-time Bible worker. Bob loves young people and has a real desire to unite them with Jesus.

Bob and Chris studied the Bible each week, sometimes two lessons at a time, and their hearts were knitted together as close friends. It was clear Chris has a heartfelt desire to know Jesus Christ, and to follow His teachings.

By Apr. 2, 2005, Chris completed the studies and was personally experiencing God’s marvelous grace. He was baptized that day and became a member of the Holt Fellowship. Chris’ love for Jesus is evident to those he meets on the bus or at work as he shares his faith with them. His love is also evident to his church family when he sets up the church equipment each Sabbath morning at their rented church facility.

God has wonderfully answered the prayers of Chris’ father, stepmother, and church family. Jesus is always seeking to save and transform the lives of our children. We can praise God He still answers prayer.

Cheryl Wilson, Holt Fellowship church member, as shared with Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent