Jonie, a member of the Baptist church in his village, first encountered the Adventist message through a Voice of Youth Crusade held in a neighboring area some kilometers away. Captivated by what he heard, he attended two separate series of meetings and started personal Bible studies. He eventually made the bold decision to be baptized into the Adventist faith, despite being the only Adventist in his village, with no Adventist church to attend. After his baptism, he continued to worship in the Baptist church—the only church available—while still holding fast his belief in the Sabbath.

Hearing of Jonie’s dedication to truth, the Voice of Youth team felt a strong calling to visit him in his village. Jonie’s mother, in failing health, had the opportunity to hear the message of Christ before her death. Even in his grief, Jonie praised God for the hope of meeting her again in the resurrection. Shortly afterward, God provided the funds for the evangelistic team to hold a weeklong series right in front of Jonie’s home. The response was overwhelming—not only did the villagers attend, but they requested another week of meetings. God answered prayers again, providing for a second week of ministry.

Jonie’s 56-year-old cousin Melvin attended the meetings. Melvin’s life had been filled with hardship. At 26, he had lost his eyesight to cataracts, and he spiraled into despair, battling depression and alcoholism. In his darkest moments, a mysterious voice repeatedly stopped him from ending his life. In this dark hour, Jesus seemed the closest He had ever been. God came to Melvin in his brokenness!

Attending the meetings was not easy for Melvin. He had to walk three kilometers and cross two rivers to reach Jonie’s village. When the rivers swelled after heavy rain, Melvin couldn’t make the journey. But his determination paid off. Moved by the message of Christ, Melvin made the life-changing decision to prepare for baptism.

This choice didn’t come without challenges. Both Jonie and Melvin faced opposition from their pastor, who threatened them for attending the meetings and for worshipping together on Sabbath. Yet, their faith remained unshaken. They continued to meet, pray, and worship with the small group of villagers who had also embraced the Adventist message.