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"I need to let God take over," says Shamara.



It was getting dark as my wife and I were getting closer to the Seventh Day Adventist church in Valdosta, GA, which is almost on the border with Florida. Devastation after two recent hurricanes was evident even in the dusk. Lots of broken trees on each side of the road and damaged roofs covered with a blue tarp. When we pulled up to the church parking lot, we noticed many people standing at the church's front door. This was the final night of the Bible seminar with Dr. Roger Hernandez, Southern Union Ministerial and Evangelism director, preaching. 

Pastor Day Fernandez was taking care of the final details before the doors were opened so that the visitors could come in for dinner prepared by the members of the Valdosta church. The church ladies at the registration desk were super friendly. It was easy to identify volunteers as they were all wearing the same T-shirts. Everyone knew their role: welcoming visitors, scanning their tickets, guiding them to the kitchen, serving food, etc. 

Pastor Day was everywhere and had time for everyone. He didn't look stressed; he was calmly navigating the process. A lot was happening that week; the church had special giveaways every night: diapers for the infants, food and warm clothing for the visitors, and games for the children. 

That night, there was their first baptism. More baptisms took place the next morning. Here is a short message from Shamara, who was baptized that weekend: 

I heard about the series through my grandmother's friend, who was attending the church. I decided to come to see how the church was. It is an awesome church, and I understand what you guys preach. I decided to get baptized because my life was rough, and I was going through terrible depression. I just thought to myself, saying, "I need to let God take over." I needed him. I feel that the church is awesome and fun, and I would recommend people go there. My relationship with God is great, and I love him so much. I thank him for all he has done and for all he will do for me and my life in the future. I am looking for the church and God to help me understand and get to know the Bible more. My favorite part of the series is that I came and felt welcome, and the topics Roger Hernandez was speaking about were great topics, and I loved that the church helped the community. Lastly, my best part is getting baptized and being welcomed into the church with open arms!!!"

When Dr. Hernandez invited visitors to come forward if they made a decision to follow Jesus, there was no room for everyone up front. The Holy Spirit touched the hearts of many who attended the seminar. That week, Pastor Day started weekly Bible studies with those who chose to learn more and to be baptized. He excitedly reported that twenty-nine people joined the baptismal class. Some of them, being new to our church, invited their friends to come. What a great testimony to the power of God's Word.









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