Illinois

In October 2003, Mike Weakley conducted a Revelation seminar at the Ottawa Church where he was pastor. During the seminar, Jean Pabian, her daughter, and grand-daughter attended almost every meeting. They were excited to learn more about Bible prophecy and the Second Coming of Jesus. When the series was finished, Jean continued learning more with Mike and his wife Alice, who began The Voice of Prophecy Speaks DVD studies with her.

At first Jean was somewhat confused. What she was learning was new and different than what she had been taught and assumed true most of her life. But as she continued to study, a new picture of God and His wonderful plan began to emerge.

After finishing The Voice of Prophecy Speaks series, Jean wanted to study Bible prophecy deeper, so she began the Seminars Unlimited study materials. Jean also attended many of the meetings during the church's Fall 2004 evangelistic series and then expressed her desire to be baptized. She wanted her husband Jeff Pabian to join her in baptism, however, he had not shown the same level of interest in what Jean had been learning. Though he was friendly, Jeff seemed uninterested and non-committal about Bible matters.

When the meetings ended, the Weakleys continued to study with Jean and included Jeff in their overtures of friendship. One day, while visiting with Jeff and Jean, Mike asked Jeff if he would like to join the study with his wife. To their surprise, Jeff said, “Yes, I think I will.” From that time on, Jeff was an avid student and learner. His first study was on the state of the dead. Just two weeks later his father passed away; Jeff and Jean both expressed that what they had learned from the Bible helped them through their grief. Jeff and Jean continued their studies and were baptized on November 11, 2005.

When Jeff and Jean married, it was a simple civil service before the Justice of the Peace. With a new faith in Jesus, they wanted a new commitment in marriage before God. They renewed their marriage vows following their baptisms.

Jeff and Jean are finding ways to share their newfound faith in Jesus with relatives, neighbors, friends, and the community—but it has expanded beyond that. In January, Jeff and Jean experienced mission service on a ten-day trip to Cuba. They came back even more excited about their faith in Jesus and His soon coming.

Mike Weakley is the pastor of the Ottawa Church and Bruce Babienco is a Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent.