Michigan

James Warneck was angry with God from the time he was 12 years old. As a young boy, he attended church on consecutive Sundays with one of his two grandmothers who were of different, almost opposing faiths. They often lectured him on why he should not believe what the other grandmother’s church taught. This left him confused and irate with religion, and he abandoned it all together.

Just out of high school, he met a special girl; they dated and eventually were engaged to be married. But he says because of his lack of discipline and sensitivity, he broke off their relationship. Mandie Ross was very hurt by the breakup and sought comfort in the Lord. Mandie was led to the Adventist church by friends.

James placated himself with worldly enjoyments, never feeling satiated. He followed a path that led him farther away from God. In mid-2005, growing increasingly tired of the negative attributes of a girl he was dating and the useless existence he was leading, James knew something was missing in life.

When James saw the movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” he was extremely moved by the suffering of Jesus portrayed on the screen. He stood up and shouted, trying to stop the beating, and then he left the theater knowing he had to find out more about Jesus.

Coincidentally, James heard Mandie was going through another hurtful time in her life. To help cheer her, he anonymously sent her a bouquet of flowers. Mandie badgered the florist for the name of the sender. After repeated contacts from the florist, James allowed the release of his name. Mandie was not eager to have contact with him. Even though it had been five years since their breakup, Mandie was wary of James.

Just prior to receiving the flowers Mandie had prayed God would help her forgive her past hurts and forgive James. When they finally talked, the conversation lasted six hours. James told Mandie his desire to learn more about Jesus, believing He would fill the emptiness he was experiencing. Mandie told James about her personal relationship with Jesus and the truth she had found in the Adventist faith. They became friends.

Via the Internet, Mandie helped James find the Adventist church nearest his home—the Metropolitan Church in Northville Township, Michigan. The first Sabbath he attended Metropolitan, he was invited to the home of Jim and Becky Beardsley. James felt very welcome and comfortable. He visited again for a Friday night vespers and made many new friends.

James began to attend Wednesday night Bible studies conducted by Metropolitan member, Derek Riethmeier, at a local Starbucks restaurant. James loved what he was learning through the Storicals Bible studies with Derek, at times completing two or three lessons a week. James also felt so uplifted by taking part in the foot washing ordinance with Jim Cischke during a communion service. Afterward, he felt “really clean all day.”

By mid-December, 2005, James had completed the studies, and he then met with Metropolitan Church pastor, Robert Stewart. James began a new journey on the day he was baptized, January 28, 2006. He says, “I feel the core of my being is in tune with God, and it seems so natural to follow Him. I have no doubt in my mind that I have taken the right step by becoming a Christian and an Adventist.”

James and Mandie participated in pre-marital counseling with Chris Ames, pastor of the New Haven (Michigan) Adventist Church, Mandie’s home church, and were married July 2.

Joy Hyde, Metropolitan Church correspondent