It's never too late to follow in God's footsteps.
Laura Napoli Gonçalves is known affectionately
by her fellow church members as Grandma Laura.
At 75 years old,
she learned about the Seventh-day Adventist Church
through an invitation from her granddaughters.
Grandma Laura was a firm believer in spiritistic practices,
but as she came to know the truth, through the study of God's Word
and participation in church services and events,
her heart gradually filled with the love of Jesus.
Even before descending into the baptismal waters,
Laura participated actively in evangelism,
helping to greet visitors at prayer meetings
and collecting food for the needy,
among many other activities.
She especially likes to read Ellen White's books.
The most important thing to Laura is to go to church
to be with her church family.
She's always present for services,
regardless of the cold weather, rain, or intense heat.
Laura especially loves the week of prayer.
All this love led her to baptism on December 13, 2015,
at the age of 80.
Laura joined a group that was organized to take the Word of God
and good news of salvation in Jesus to community members.
She is a faithful Christian, missionary, and giver,
and her life demonstrates a contagious joy
for being part of the Adventist family.
Grandma Laura is a living testimony
that the best place in the world
is at the feet of the Savior,
and she looks forward to Jesus' return
when she can be with Him forever.
Grandma Laura is engaged
in the mission and social projects of the church,
including the building of a new church
to safely accommodate all the community members.
The building currently rented by the church is too small
and doesn't have a separate room for the youth and children.
They meet outside,
leaving them subject to the dangers
of traffic, heat, and bad weather.
This quarter's 13th Sabbath Offering
will help establish churches in South America,
including one in Grandma Laura's town.
There will be so much joy
when church members can worship together in this new space,
and the youth and children are sheltered indoors.
Please pray for this group and others throughout South America.
Thank you for giving to the 13th Sabbath Offering.