Michigan

"Pam, I’m going to hire a literature evangelist!” exclaimed Russell Thomas, Clare Church pastor, with his usual smile. That evening a fresh flood of tears poured down Pam Knechtel's face as she recalled his words. She had quietly hoped she would be the one her pastor would hire. She felt called to that position and now it seemed her dream would be lost and someone else would have the opportunity to work in the territory she had hoped would be hers. Image her surprise and delight when she discovered she was the one the pastor wanted to hire!

One morning as she drove through her territory, she felt impressed to stop and knock on doors. Bonnie Grant was at the first house and responded to Pam’s knock. Though interested, she was unable to buy any books, but was happy to learn she could sign up for a free Bible course.

At the next house, David Stachowiak was interested in purchasing The Great Controversy. He, too, signed up for free Bible studies and agreed to watch the video series on Bible prophecy. The third house was "not interested," and warned her to "stay away from the unfriendly people next door." Pam smiled.

Pam excitedly telephoned her friend from church, Debbie Petrik, and shared the day's interesting events. She invited Debbie to be responsible for the new Bible study interests and Debbie was happy to respond. What a huge blessing those Bible studies turned out to be! Never could anyone have dreamed how the Lord would use Pam's impression to knock on those doors.

As trusting relationships were developed through more Bible studies, Pam discovered Bonnie, and David’s wife, Louise "Lou" Stachowiak, were sisters who lived next to each other. When the Clare Church decided to host a public evangelistic series with Pam as the speaker, Bonnie, David, and Lou attended and made their decisions to be baptized.

Since then, Bonnie’s husband, Dwain Grant, was baptized, and most recently, her father, Daniel Bruner, also took Bible studies and was baptized April 15, 2005. The family is so happy and repeatedly thanks Pam for taking the time to knock on their doors.

When the organizers reviewed the attendance figures from the evangelistic series, they discovered 25 of the 50 who came opening night were originally contacted by Pam. In addition, members of the Clare Church, along with the pastor, are following up over 100 Bible study interests that were generated. Some members are selling magabooks on Monday nights, and others have become part-time literature evangelists. In addition, David, Lou, and Bonnie are learning how to give Bible studies.

What a wonderful blessing when new members continue to disciple others who “catch the vision” and are willing to follow where the Spirit leads.

Annette Metz, Clare Church correspondent, as shared with Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer writer