Illinois

When Mallory (Hile) Nerwuca was nine years old, she was baptized and became a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Although she lived with her mother, Mallory's primary spiritual input had come from her dad and stepmother, Jim and Charlene Hile, who were members of the Jackson (Michigan) Adventist Church. As Mallory grew older she continued to hold to her beliefs, but her personal relationship with God was lacking.

Eventually, Mallory met Kamil Nerwuca and fell in love. Her spiritual convictions were awakened. She realized she must follow her spiritual convictions if she was to commit her life to Kamil. Although Kamil loved Mallory and wanted to marry her, he held on strongly to his beliefs. They always ended up in an argument whenever they discussed religion.

One day Mallory’s dad spent six hours with Kamil discussing what the Bible had to say concerning the issues of life. At the end of their time together, Kamil agreed to examine what the Bible had to say about many different topics. They decided to study with Tom Ferguson, a pastor in Joliet where they were living. At the conclusion of the studies, Kamil and Mallory were both baptized.

The occasion provided an opportunity for the newlyweds to give their testimonies. Mallory stated the reason she wanted to be re-baptized was because she felt she had “divorced God,” and she wanted to recommit her life to Jesus Christ. Kamil shared his vision for evangelism in the local church, and how he was already talking about his newfound faith with co-workers.

Kamil and Mallory have decided to make the Joliet Church their home, and the congregation has welcomed them with rejoicing.

Tom Ferguson, Joliet pastor, with Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent