Before They Call, I Will Answer

When I left that house I was inspired and totally motivated. God gave me a glimpse of what He was doing and it revived my faith. Instead of calling it day, I decided to follow up on the rest of the cards and even re-visit some of the houses that were empty earlier in the day. 

I had a drop off study at a different side of town that I meant to go to earlier in the day, however because it was so far out of the way I didn’t get a chance to. After I finished up all of the cards, I decided to go drop off the next study.

As I drove up I saw a woman sitting on the porch next door talking on the phone, my natural canvassing instinct was urging me to talk to her right away since she was sitting outside, but something was telling me to wait until I went to the other house. The woman who wanted the drop off study ended up not being home, so I went to the house next door. By this time, Valerie, the woman who was on the phone, was now off the phone and invited me to come and sit and talk with her. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I commented on a poem she had placed in front of her entitled “Footprints In the Sand.” The poem talks about how when we go through the most difficult times in life, God carries us. Ironically, that was exactly what Valerie was talking to her friend on the phone about.Valerie told me about how she felt God was trying to assure her that He is there for her especially through the difficult things she’s been going through. I offered to come by and study the Bible with Valerie and she accepted the invitation. 

As I was getting ready to leave, I asked Valerie if there was anything I could pray for her. Valerie began opening up about a burden that she has for her daughter. Her daughter is a troubled teenager, looking for fulfillment and happiness in the wrong places. I prayed for Valerie and her family, especially for her daughter. I remember specifically praying that Valerie’s daughter would get to know God and would see how much He loves her. 

Just as I was saying “amen,” Valerie’s daughter came walking up the steps. I thought I was leaving, but once again, God had a different plan in mind. As I started talking to Valerie’s daughter, she began opening up about personal things going on in her life. 

We conversed for a while, and God put words in my mouth that I never expected to say, “God is trying to win your heart, and He’s waiting for you. Do you want to keep Him waiting?” 

“No. I know He’s been waiting for me for a long time.” She replied.

I then also offered her to study the Bible as well, and she also agreed. However, she and her mom will be studying at separate times. 

I walked away from that house, mind blown once again. This time God showed me how quickly He can answer prayers. 

It shall come to pass

That before they call, I will answer;

And while they are still speaking, I will hear.

Isaiah 65:24

Don't Wait For The Rain

I was sitting in my car as rain down poured and lightning struck around me. I heard from several people that day that a storm was coming in, but it didn’t dawn on me how bad the storm would get. As a Bible Worker for It Is Written, I have the privilege to follow up on Bible study leads, and that’s exactly what I was doing all day. The week prior Southern’s Summer SALT program had taken place and I was given a handful of Bible study interests that were received from an outreach conducted that previous Sabbath. However, on this afternoon the weather wasn’t didn’t seem to be in my favor. I was tempted to call it a day and find some other work to do that didn’t require me to knock on doors in the rain, but as much as I wanted to drive away, I couldn’t pull myself to do it. 

I picked up another interest card and drove to the next house. Suddenly, my phone notified me an email had come in. Since I was waiting for the rain to lighten up, I decided to check it. It turned out to be an email from the SALT Outreach Coordinator, Julie. She was forwarding me some information for a Bible study card that I would be following up on. When I glanced through the email, I recognized the name of the contact the email was referring to, it was the exact same person I was about to visit. In awe of the divine timing, I decided to get out of my car even if it was pouring. I grabbed my Bible study guide and opened my car door ready to embrace the rain. However, the moment I opened the door, the rain subsided. 

When I reached the house I was greeted by the woman who was interested in Bible studies. She invited me in and I spent some time getting to know her. After a few minutes I found out that she is of the pentecostal faith but has searched through other religions and denominations, including Baptist and Mormonism, however, she didn’t like their doctrine. When she found out I was with It Is Written, her eyes brightened. “Oh I love watching these guys,” she exclaimed. She turned her tv to 3ABN and said “I watch this channel all the time and I really like what I’ve been hearing. I’d love to study with you. Can we study tomorrow?”

We scheduled a time for the following day and I walked back to my car mind blown. God had been preparing this woman’s heart long before anyone knocked on her door. He has been preparing lost people to be found. He just needs us to be willing to look for them. 

Introduction

What happens when an city-wide effort of Adventists unite together to impact their city for Christ? It's a good thing you're reading this blog because that is what this is all about. This 2015 the city of Chattanooga is about to be impacted by Adventists in order to prepare them for Jesus' soon coming.

This blog follows the story of three It Is Written Bible workers as well as others who are taking part in this epic event.

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It Is Written 

Bible Workers

Janelle Andres

Adelaida Hernandez

Yaniz Seeley