September 24 - Grandma Laura Finally Met Jesus

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.