Wisconsin

Dave Wilson thought about getting baptized for 18 years, but had not made his decision. His wife Pam and daughter, Michaela, were already baptized members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but Dave still hesitated. However, Pam's Christian witness in their home and Michaela's involvement in the Pathfinder Club and at the church's Hillside Christian School caused Dave to re-think his decision to be baptized.

When Dave met Wausau's pastor, Bill Bossert, a friendship was formed, and the church's "open arms" policy bridged the gulf to his heart. Dave then made his public confession to accept Christ's salvation and teachings, which led to his baptism. His family was full of joy and smiles.

Allison Patchett, a sophomore at Wisconsin Academy, responded to the Holy Spirit's wooing to live a new life in Christ, following a "Dare to Share" field trip to Chicago she participated in with Michele Bossert and the pastor. The opportunities Allison was given in Chicago to talk about Jesus Christ to strangers allowed her to experience what it means to become a new person in Christ Jesus. They also motivated Allison to ask the pastor to baptize her as a witness of her changed relationship with Jesus.

Krista Schultz, a sixth grader at Hillside Christian School, has always had a heartfelt desire to be a loving helper to people in need. Her tender heart causes her to witness for Jesus as she reaches out to assist others. Krista's compassion also includes caring for animals which are distressed and need a thoughtful friend. As she worshiped in church each Sabbath her desire to be a baptized member became an irresistible urge from the Holy Spirit. Her request for baptism was happily accepted, and she became a new joyful member.

Lydia and Brian Engen first met in a coffee shop. As they dated their relationship deepened, and they fell in love. Lydia had been baptized in the Seventh-day Adventist Church when she was 14, but she says that as she grew to a young adult she drifted away from Christ and the church's teachings.

Recently a series of spiritual providences from God caused Lydia to realize a personal relationship with Jesus Christ was what really mattered in her life. She had a longing in her heart to be re-baptized. Lydia and Brian began to be counseled and study the Bible with the pastor. His caring friendship and clear Bible presentations led them to desire a Christ-centered marriage. Soon their new church family and guests approvingly observed as they were baptized and married, and their son, Marshall, was dedicated to God.

The power of Christ's love and acceptance as illustrated in the church family brought great blessings to these five new members of The Shepherd's House Adventist church in Wausau, Wisconsin. We praise God for each "lost sheep" that was brought into the fold of Christ's redemption.

Diana Spieth, The Shepherd's House communication secretary, as shared with Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent