Monika
In my job, I come into contact with a lot of people. I have a clothing shop with 11 employees in a small town in Baden-Württemberg. One of my customers always caught my eye in particular. She radiated something calm and friendly. I was always happy when we saw each other and had the opportunity to chat.
When she came back to my shop after a long illness - she was still not very well - I was amazed at how you can be so positive after such a negative experience. I asked her what had helped her during her illness. She then asked me a counter question: „Do you believe in God?“ At first I was speechless. But then I hesitantly said yes. She replied: „God has done a miracle for me.“ That made me think, because God didn't really play a role in my life. But somehow I pushed this thought to one side again.
As a result, a real friendship developed between us that I had never known before. My new friend now regularly accompanied me on shopping trips for my business. The journeys gave us precious time to talk. And these conversations gave me an idea of the love of Jesus.
We met regularly in the home of a family friend for Bible discussions. I felt accepted by them and could be myself. I never felt under pressure to do or not do anything. I learnt that Jesus loves me just the way I am and that he has a plan for my life - with a wonderful goal. This knowledge became a certainty and led to a living relationship with Jesus. I accepted him as my Saviour and gave my life to him.
One day I expressed the wish to study the Ten Commandments. I also learnt that the Sabbath was the biblical day of rest. I didn't know what hit me. I thought: „That can't be true!“ But I couldn't let go of this knowledge. After intensive study, I decided to stop working in my business on Saturday and go to church instead. I immediately felt very comfortable in the church. Sabbath and baptism were now „my topic“. The desire to be baptised eventually became stronger and stronger. However, there were still a few hurdles to overcome. I had to make it clear to my family, my staff and my customers that I would close my shop from 4.00 pm on Fridays and that Saturday was a day of rest.
After much prayer, I knew that God would bless my decision and give me the strength I needed to withstand all the battles I was facing. And so I was baptised on 26 October 2007. That was a special joy for me. I had sent 60 invitations to relatives and friends. I wanted them to be part of my „big day“. They all turned up and the church was packed. The brothers and sisters had to move into the adjoining rooms. Many of my visitors were impressed and obviously came to reflect.
Although the shop is now closed from 4.00 pm on Fridays and completely closed on the Sabbath - no employee works - God has blessed me in his wonderful way. I can only thank God again and again from the bottom of my heart that I have found my spiritual home in the church.
