Michigan

Some people begin attending an Adventist church simply because a family member invited them. Jacqueline "Jackie" Stevens was first introduced to the Adventist church in April 2003 when her son, Azibo, invited her to attend worship services at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Azibo became an Adventist through CAMPUS (Center for Adventist Ministry to Public University Students), an outreach at the university. Azibo wanted his mother to learn the Bible truths he had been taught. Jackie attended with her son, quickly became friends with several people, and visited more than a few Adventist churches in southeastern Michigan.

In June 2003, Jackie met Marie Victor through a friend at CAMPUS. Marie attends the Metropolitan Church (Metropolitan) in Northville Township, Michigan, and asked Jackie to come for a visit. Jackie accepted the invitation and really enjoyed the services and Bob Stewart, pastor, so she began attending the Metropolitan Church regularly.

In Spring 2004, Sandi Stewart, Metropolitan's Bible worker, learned Jackie was not yet a member. When Sandi asked Jackie if she would like to have Bible studies, Jackie quickly accepted her invitation and was soon studying with Sandi. Within a few weeks after beginning the lessons with Jackie, Norman Cross, a church deacon, informed Sandi he would like to share in the excitement of bringing someone to the truth through Bible studies. Sandi asked Jackie if she would like to continue her studies with Norman, and Jackie gladly accepted. They set up an appointment each Sunday morning, at 11:00 a.m., to discuss the lessons over the phone.

Though Jackie was raised in a Christian home, she had not attended church with any regularity for many years. She had known Adventists over the years, but thought it peculiar they attended church on Saturday. As she studied week by week with Norman, for several months, and saw how the Bible interpreted itself, she was convinced of the Sabbath and other Bible truths cherished by Seventh-day Adventists.

Learning truth from the Scripture was not the only thing that drew Jackie into the Adventist church; she “just loves” the Metropolitan fellowship. Jackie says, “It is so good to be acknowledged every time I come to church. People hug me and show genuine interest in me.”

Jackie finished her studies with Norman in June 2005 and soon after moved to the far east side of Detroit. Though there are Adventist churches much closer to where she lives, Jackie developed a special bond with the Metropolitan family. Jackie wanted to continue attending there; however, Jackie does not drive. The Metropolitan deacons stepped right in and now several deacons take turns picking up Jackie and bringing her to church every week.

On November 12, 2005, Jackie became an official member of the Adventist church following her public commitment to her Lord Jesus through baptism before Azibo, her CAMPUS friends, and her new Metropolitan family. Tears of joy ran down her cheeks. She is immensely grateful to Jesus and His life-giving sacrifice, and to the Metropolitan members for making her feel so much at home.

Joy Hyde is the communication secretary at the Metropolitan Church.