GCC Evangelism Stories

Once upon a time, nestled among the rolling foothills of the Tennessee Valley, there stood a small and humble church known as St. Elmo. Though it was not grand in size, its people were faithful, serving their community with kindness and devotion day after day. One bright morning, word arrived from a ministry called Streams of Light. These diligent workers had been traveling through the bustling streets of downtown Chattanooga, sharing copies of  The Great Controversy  with all who would receive them. As they placed books into eager hands, they also offered something even more precious—the opportunity to study God’s Word. Some people requested simple Bible studies delivered to their homes. Others hoped for a friendly visitor who would sit beside them and explore the Scriptures together. By the end of the day, the volunteers had gathered thirty-two requests from people longing to learn more about the Lord. But a problem soon appeared. The workers of Streams of Light looked upon ...

One of the greatest joys of evangelism is this: God places you in front of people you would have never planned to meet. I was sitting alone at a restaurant bar, eating a quiet meal, when a young woman named Hannah sat down next to me. Bars have a way of making people open up—walls come down, conversations start, and strangers become surprisingly honest. Hannah was no exception. We began with small talk, but it didn’t stay there long. Eventually, the conversation turned to what we did for a living. She shared that she was working as an exotic dancer to pay her way through school. Then she asked what I did. I knew this could get awkward. “I’m kind of like a pastor,” I said. “I work with churches to help people share Jesus with others.” Immediately, I saw it—the hesitation. The subtle pullback. The expectation of judgment. So I addressed it directly. “Don’t worry—I’m not here to judge you.” She paused… then leaned back in. What followed was honest, raw, and real. She told me she had grown...

 Three years ago, Endrian Banks began attending a Bible study over Zoom with Cyndi Keiser, Scott Annis, and other members of Buford Family Church. She was first invited by a Baptist friend volunteering at the Buford Community Center, who was connected to Jovanna Baines. Jovanna invited Kymberlee, and Kymberlee, in turn, invited Endrian—who continued attending faithfully and growing in her understanding. Although Kymberlee eventually stopped attending, Endrian remained deeply grateful, often thanking her for leading her to what she describes as the truth. Over a year ago, Endrian expressed her desire to be baptized. She hoped to share that moment with those she had been studying with, and in what many saw as perfect timing, that opportunity finally came. As it happened, everyone from the Zoom study was planning to attend the RYN Retreat last weekend, making it the ideal setting for her baptism. At the retreat, Endrian was baptized in the lake, with Scott Annis officiating as pastor....

Several years ago, while living in Conyers, Georgia, Karen Keaton—an Evangelism Trainer in the Georgia-Cumberland Conference—received a lead from Bible Research about a man who lived within driving distance of her area. Acting on that lead, Karen and a local church member made the trip, about an hour away, to visit Richard Salise. During that initial visit and in the months that followed, Karen continued to minister to Richard by providing Adventist literature, Bible studies, prayer support, and occasional financial assistance during times when he was in serious need. Richard would often reach out by text, asking for prayers or requesting additional Bible studies. Although Karen desired to visit more frequently, the distance made it difficult. Around that time, one of the elders from the Conyers Adventist church relocated closer to where Richard lived. Recognizing God’s providence, Karen later contacted Elder Bauers and asked him to follow up with Richard. He did—and the ongoing mini...

Teresa’s story begins in Mexico, where she faced the painful experience of divorce. Hoping for a better future for her children, she came to the United States a few years ago, determined to work and support their education. But instead of stability, Teresa’s life took another difficult turn. After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, she began to experience severe health complications. Her body reacted negatively—she lost weight rapidly, her nervous system was affected, and her physical strength declined. The most alarming moment came when doctors discovered that several of her fingers and toes were showing signs of  necrosis , a condition that causes tissue death. As her condition worsened, Teresa felt increasingly isolated. Though she was part of a Christian congregation in Savannah, the support she desperately needed never came. Hospitalized and in pain, she prayed through tears: “Lord God, do not take me by pieces.” It was during this dark season that  two sisters from the Adve...

The Vacation Bible school was one of the most Spirit-filled weeks our church has ever experienced. Over 60 children attended throughout the week, many from the community—kids we had never met before. Every child was greeted with joy and invited into an experience filled with exciting games, engaging lessons, worship, and clear illustrations of the gospel. One of the biggest outreach successes was our Backpack Giveaway. It didn’t just meet a tangible need—it became a bridge to introduce families to Jesus. Inspired by His example, our goal was simple: to serve. Even if nothing else happened, we wanted families to encounter the love of Christ through practical kindness. Many families came for the backpacks—but they stayed because they felt the warmth of our church. Throughout the week, we filled the backpacks one item at a time during the program. On the final day, we added a Valdosta Christian Academy (VCA) handbook with school information and registration instructions. This enthusiasm s...