Wisconsin

Charles Kohley, Rhinelander Church pastor, had the pleasure of baptizing nine new and recommitted members into the Rhinelander Church. Here are the stories of two new members.

Donna Gerstel says, "I was raised and baptized as a member of [another denomination], but felt that something was missing in my religious experience and daily life. When I was an adult, I met a gentleman and married him in his stately church. Yet something was still missing in my search for a satisfactory spiritual meaning in my life. I am sorry to have to share this, but my marriage did not last. Next, I joined another church, but inside my heart I still felt empty, as if my search for God was still not successful.

"About this time, my house was struck by lightning, and it damaged my telephone and TV cable service. The Christian repairman who came to restore my electrical systems shared his faith and personal beliefs with me. This led me into an interesting series of Bible studies, which introduced me to Jesus Christ as a loving and caring God. Then I began to understand this was the Person whom I had been missing in my religious life. When I surrendered my heart to Jesus Christ, I discovered the personal relationship I had always wanted. I was then so blessed by this loving and caring Savior whom I needed, plus the truths I learned; I was led to join the Adventist church. There, I also found the truth about God the Father, who also loves me and has sought to lead me into Heaven and everlasting life. Now, at last, I was spiritually at home."

The second testimony was submitted by Peggy Jansen, who grew up in a religious home. When she was in the eighth grade, Peggy joined a class where she was required to memorize the Ten Commandments. Peggy began questioning, “Why do we go to church on Sunday when Saturday is the day we are told to 'Remember'?"

The next summer Peggy went to a Bible camp where she learned about Jesus Christ. While there, she asked Him into her life. Peggy's family also moved that year. Since there wasn’t a church of the denomination she attended before the move, Peggy began to visit different churches with friends.

As an adult, Peggy fell in love with a devout Christian, and because he insisted on a united home she joined his church.

In 1989, because of multiple sclerosis, Peggy's eyesight drastically worsened, and she had to read from a "giant print" Bible. This brought Fran Fisher from Christian Record Services, an Adventist organization, to her home. Fran brought a machine that allowed Peggy to listen to recorded books. He also introduced her to Mary Perlberg, who sometimes provided transportation needs since Peggy could no longer drive.

One day, Mary brought Peggy home from shopping, and remarked that her leaves needed to be raked. Then Mary casually asked if she could have them raked for Peggy? At first Peggy declined, but Mary insisted, so she agreed. A few days later, Mary came with rakes and several church members, including the pastor and his wife. This led to a close friendship, and in time Rose, the pastor’s wife, and some ladies began a prayer and Bible study group in Peggy’s home, which continued 15 years. Two pastoral couples arrived and moved on before Charles Kohley became the local pastor. He started a prophecy series in the church, which Peggy attended, and then he visited Peggy and answered her questions. She was considering becoming an Adventist, but hesitated because she still felt close to her former church.

One day the pastor asked Peggy if Tuesday night would be a good time for her baptism. Peggy didn't know if she was ready, but agreed. Then she went into turmoil as she questioned her decision. She read many books, and became more confused.

Peggy decided to telephone an Adventist lady, a former member of the same denomination she was, to ask for advice. They visited awhile, and the lady told Peggy she had never regretted becoming an Adventist. Then she added, “Peggy, just put away everything except your Bible, and talk to God and ask His guidance.”

Peggy followed that good advice, and for the next two days she was at peace. She decided to take the “leap of faith.” When she arrived Tuesday night for her baptism, the church was more crowded than on Sabbath. After the service, Fran gave the benediction and made the statement: "It has taken 17 years to get Peggy baptized!"

So never give up on seeking to win people for Jesus Christ and His church. You never know when the Spirit will cause their baptism to happen.

Donna Gerstl, Peggy Jansen, and Donna Peters, Rhinelander Church members, with Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent.