After many conversations and Bible studies, last Sabbath, Pastor Walter, a former evangelical pastor and denominational leader, along with his wife, son and daughter-in-law, all took their stand in baptism, becoming members of the Kotale SDA church — the culmination of a long road.

Pastor Walter has had a lot of contact with Adventists and AFM missionaries over the years, but in the last year or so, God has placed a burden on his heart to keep the Sabbath and make other changes in his life.

When I first met Pastor Walter a couple of years ago, he told me that he would join our church after he finished his term as a denominational leader. But after attending our prophecy seminar, he and his wife, and his son and his wife, all responded to the appeal to become members of the Adventist church. He then informed the other evangelical church leaders that he would not be finishing his leadership term because he had decided to become a member of the Adventist church. Despite some pushback from evangelical church leaders and other members, he stayed true to his convictions and obeyed God’s call on his life.

As the Kotale church elders considered which candidates were ready for the baptismal weekend, they chose Pastor Walter and his wife. His son was disappointed when he heard that he and his wife’s baptism would be postponed, so he decided to pray about it. God heard his prayer. On Sabbath morning, the elders decided that he and his wife should also be baptized that day. He didn’t say anything. He just smiled, showing his genuine connection with the Lord. My heart warmed.

Pastor Walter and his wife recently visited with friends from the evangelical church, telling them of their decision to become members of the Adventist Church. The ladies started weeping, saying they didn’t want to lose them. Smiling, Pastor Walter encouraged their friends to join him and his family and also become Adventist members.

Midori and I have been praying for a long time that the Lord would bring persons of influence into our churches, and we feel that God is beginning to answer this prayer. Pastor Walter and his wife have shown themselves spiritually mature and willing to use their influence to grow God’s church. And you should hear them pray!

We are excited to see how Jesus will grow and use them in their new faith journey with Him.

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