Illinois

Earl Traylor, a long-term employee of the LaClede Steel Company, attended the Alton Seventh-day Adventist Church every weekend he wasn't scheduled to work—for more than 20 years. He tried to get Sabbaths off so he could come to church. He was close to joining the church many years ago, but had some difficulties such as his work schedule. His wife Jackie was a member, and she did not give up on him.

Retired from the steel company, Earl began to attend church regularly. He was diagnosed with some extreme health conditions, and a year ago Earl fell and broke his hip. He was admitted to the hospital. Lloyd Stone, his wife Denise, and another couple, Mike and Kathy Reed, began to visit him in the hospital. They took some books, visited with Earl, and had prayer with him each time they came.

When Earl was moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility, the two couples continued their regular visits. In church one Sabbath, they asked members to send cards and letters, and to pray for Earl.

It has been a year now since Earl gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized. Four individuals, doing simple things to help their brother, brought this man to the foot of the cross. In loving him, they touched Earl for Jesus.

Rachel Terwillegar, assistant to the president for communication, Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists