A Miracle Made Possible by Earnestness and Unity

After moving to a new neighborhood, a memory resurfaced in my heart—of a sister who had briefly attended Zion before drifting away about two years ago. I first met her when she visited my shop as a customer. During one of our conversations, she shared that she had attended a Protestant church for many years but eventually stopped going. The sermons no longer centered on God’s word, and she felt disconnected from the congregation, which seemed more focused on everyday conversation than on faith. Hoping to share the truth of salvation with her, I introduced her to the Church of God. At the mention of the name, her face immediately brightened. She then recalled an experience from nearly ten years earlier. While walking down the street one day, she had noticed a Church of God sign and, without knowing why, felt compelled to walk inside. That day, she studied the Bible and received the blessing of new life. However, she never returned after that first visit. What should have been a beginning became her end.

Through our renewed connection, she began attending Zion once again. She expressed deep appreciation for the reverent worship and the gentle, sincere hearts of the members. She also clearly understood the truth—God’s commandments such as the Sabbath and the Passover, and the teaching that worshiping the cross is idolatry. Yet when her husband strongly opposed her faith, she once again grew distant from Zion.

Even after she stopped attending, thoughts of the sister who had once rejoiced in Zion often came to mind. My heart ached for her. When I later moved to the very area where she lived, my desire to meet her again and walk together in faith became even stronger.

As I waited and prayed—hoping we might meet again, even by chance—the members around me encouraged and strengthened my heart. While sharing God’s word with neighbors and wondering when our paths might cross, I met an older gentleman who welcomed us with a warm, open smile. When we briefly introduced the Church of God, he said it was the first time he had ever heard of it. He shared that although he had visited many churches, he had always felt troubled, sensing that none truly taught the words of God. With a sincere desire to know the truth, he began studying the Bible at Zion with the pastoral staff.

For about ten days, he came daily, carefully comparing the Bible with what he had previously learned and asking many thoughtful questions. As he examined the differences between the Church of God and other churches, his understanding of the truth deepened step by step.

One day, he shared something completely unexpected. He confessed that in the past, after hearing negative rumors, he had prevented his wife from attending a certain church. Reflecting on it now, he realized that the church must have been the Church of God. With a slightly embarrassed smile, he admitted that he had not known then what a wonderful church it truly was. When I asked for his wife’s name, I was stunned. She was the very sister I had been longing to meet again. At that moment, I felt a shiver run through me as I sensed God’s providence unfolding before my eyes. That very night, I received a phone call from her. She shared that her husband had resolved his misunderstandings, was now studying at the Church of God, and had encouraged her to return as well. Hearing her say that she would soon come to Zion, my heart overflowed with gratitude to God. The following day, the brother received baptism, and just a few days later, the sister attended worship once again.

When we finally sat face to face after such a long time, I asked how she had been. She shared that although nothing particularly difficult had happened in her life, her heart had felt empty all those years. Hearing this filled me with sorrow. Before she had drifted away from Zion, I had once hurt her through my own mistake, and not being able to meet her afterward had weighed heavily on my heart. When I sincerely apologized, she smiled gently and said she had already forgotten everything. I was deeply grateful for her generosity and grace.

The sister, who has always been sincere toward God’s word, now openly acknowledges the truth and boldly professes her faith. She introduces her acquaintances so they may hear the truth, and on worship days, if her husband is not present, she calls him and encourages him to come to Zion. Her lighthearted remark that her faith now surpasses her husband’s often brings smiles and laughter to those around her. Being reunited with a beloved heavenly family member, keeping God’s regulations together, and receiving His blessings side by side has filled our days with joy and gratitude.

Looking back, the path that led to our reunion feels nothing short of miraculous. My move to her neighborhood, the unexpected meeting with her husband, and his coming to understand the truth and guide his wife back—each step was clearly orchestrated by God. None of this could have happened without His work. Throughout the entire process, the members of Zion were always beside me. Without those who understood my heart, prayed with me, and searched together with me, I might have lost hope along the way. Through this experience, I came to realize how great a comfort and source of strength fellow workers in the gospel truly are, and I understood more deeply why Heavenly Mother teaches us that unity leads to success.

As I receive strength and encouragement through so many members, I cannot help reflecting on how lonely Heavenly Father and Mother must have been as They walked the long path of the gospel alone—traveling from place to place, wondering where Their children might be, never forgetting even one, praying through sleepless nights, and setting out again to find them. To Father and Mother, who found me and all our brothers and sisters through such unwavering love, I offer my deepest and endless gratitude.

I am resolved never to lose the family that was found at such great cost and sacrifice. Until every brother and sister who has yet to be found is brought home, I will continue to preach the gospel steadfastly, walking this path together with all my Zion members.