Wisconsin

Jim Stanislawski married into an Adventist family more than 40 years ago. His earliest memory of being brought up in another faith was grounded in fear and guilt. After he reached adulthood, Jim quit attending church altogether. After marrying Lucy, a life long Adventist, he found himself listening week after week as she shared the message of a kind and loving God, as well as a wonderful and caring church family.

Still, those early fears haunted Jim. Although he was supportive of Lucy and their daughter celebrating Sabbath every week, Jim was not at all interested in attending church.

Jim's family never lost faith that one day their prayers would be answered and Jim would be baptized. About five years ago, he began to attend Northwest Church regularly. It didn't take long before the members' love and warmth began to have a major influence on him. Jim began to read and study on his own, and before long had questions that needed answers.

At that time, Ric Swaningson was holding an evangelistic series at the Southside Church. Jim faithfully attended and found a venue where he could ask questions and receive information supporting the answers given.

Last April, at the young age of 71, Jim was baptized. And this July he was ordained as a deacon. While his family and friends rejoiced, there is no doubt that Heaven was celebrating, too. Another one of God's children had found their way back home. And I couldn't be more proud to call Jim my dad.

Joni Arthurs, Northwest Seventh-day Adventist Church communication secretary