During a visit to Chile in 2019, Ivan met with his brother Jaime and shared his plans to be baptised at the Springvale Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church in Melbourne. Their two sisters had been members for many years, and Jaime could not believe another one of his siblings was embracing religion. He had no interest in spiritual matters and had always mocked the faith of his sisters. He used to boast to others that in his home ‘no politician or Christian was ever welcomed!’
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Australia, Ivan’s life took an exciting turn when he decided to get married and baptised within a week. Due to the newly imposed restrictions closing church buildings, only a limited number of witnesses could attend. Thankfully, family members in Australia and overseas were able to watch everything via Zoom.
Jaime was, somehow, deeply impressed as he watched Ivan’s wedding and baptism ceremonies online. Not long after that, during a casual conversation where worshiping online was mentioned, Jaime’s sister noticed his curiosity and extended an invitation to him to join her Sabbath School class the following week. To her shock, he agreed.
Jaime was warmly welcomed by all members and he quickly made himself acquainted with them. That positive first experience attracted him to return the following week. He also joined a special week of prayer and a communion service done entirely online.
Since then, Jaime has never missed a church meeting on Zoom. He even purchased his first Bible to be able to better follow the presentations. He is an inquisitive person, and whenever he doesn’t comprehend a word or concept, he researches it and shares his findings with his new church family. He also started receiving Bible studies and is currently being prepared for baptism by a local pastor in Chile.
Jaime’s family is awestruck by his unexpected change of heart and newfound faith. They believe this is nothing short of a miracle. The pandemic, forcing the church to move its meetings to Zoom, paved the way for Jaime and many others to come to know Jesus as their personal Saviour.
Praise the Lord! For ‘all things work together for good to those who love God.’
Jonathas Newlands