Indiana

When I (Bob Cain) was three years old, my mother divorced my dad, and I was placed in an orphanage. It was a happy day when my grandparents took me out of the orphanage to live with them! A short while later, they attended the Adventist Church in Rensselaer, Indiana. That was the beginning of my introduction to Adventism!

When I was in the fifth grade, my mother remarried. She and my step-dad took me to live with them. I was not happy there, and I was in trouble frequently. During this time, my Aunt Evelyn was a good influence in my life. When I was a little older, I was given the choice to attend a boy's school or Indiana Academy. I chose the academy, but I rebelled against authority and carried a chip on my shoulder. I left the academy during my junior year. After graduating from high school, I joined the Air Force. My thoughts of God were far away. Smoking and drinking became a part of my life.

When I returned from the Air Force, I married Carolyn. A few years later, she joined the Lafayette Seventh-day Adventist Church. I took her to church and picked her up when the services were over, but I would not attend church with her. My attitude toward God was not good; I was still against any kind of structure or rules. However, my wife and I sent our children to church school. I wanted the children to have the opportunity of a Christian education.

In 1986, I had a brain aneurysm. God brought me through it, but I still was not ready to turn my life over to Him. After my recovery, I had to quit working because of health problems.

My wife and I attended a seminar in 2005, the same year our son passed away. I felt I really needed God more than ever after we lost our son. I realized anyone could be gone at any time.

Following the seminar Throstur Thordarson, former Lafayette Church pastor, studied the Bible with me. He was always there to answer my questions. I decided to give my life to the Lord, and I was baptized February 11.

Bob Cain with Rebecca Pfeifle, Lafayette Church communication leader