The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Jeremiah 31:3, KJV
“My church will soon be having a seminar on depression,” said my doctor one day during my visit. “It might be helpful for you to attend. Here’s a phone number if you’d like to register.” Sure, I could use a depression seminar, but at a church? What did I know about church? Well, I knew some Christmas carols, though they didn’t hold much meaning for me. What did I care about a baby born in a manger? Yet I did need help with depression, so I registered.
The night of the first meeting I drove by the church three times before going in. The friendliness of the people, including the pastor, surprised me. Over time, the pastor began to chat with me, and one woman in particular sat by me, showing interest in me. I began to think, Maybe I should be a part of this church. I soon purchased a Bible from a local bookstore. At home I just sat and looked at it. Now what? But God was leading. I told the pastor and my doctor, an elder in the church, that I was interested in joining their fellowship. The woman sitting by me (my doctor’s wife, I learned) invited me to a women’s Bible study. At the end of the seminar, I was asked, “Will we see you at church Saturday?”
Saturday? Don’t people go to church on Sundays? Oh, well. I’d go at least once. Though nervous upon arrival, I soon relaxed. The friendly people greeted me so warmly, saying, “Happy Sabbath!”
Okay, what is Sabbath? I wondered.
I soon learned why these people attended church on Saturday—and what Sabbath means. At my second prophecy seminar, I looked at the baptismal invitation card. A conviction arose within: Yes, I want to give my heart to Jesus, my Savior. In mid-June, my beautiful, sun-filled baptismal Sabbath arrived. That day our church was worshipping with another congregation on Mackinac Island. I would be baptized in one of Michigan’s great lakes.
The pastor, my doctor, and I waded into the waters of Lake Huron. After a few words, the pastor baptized me. I heard no angels singing, but my heart was—for Jesus was there! As for the baby in the manger, I now know who He is: my very own personal Savior, forever in my heart.
New Every Morning Copyright© 2022 Pacific Press Publishing Association
Gail Dotski was born and raised in northern Michigan, USA