September 24 - Grandma Laura Finally Met Jesus

It's never too late to follow
in God's footsteps.

Laura Napoli Goncalves
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.