DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT MY GRANDFATHER’S CONVERSION to Adventism. Truthfully, I don’t know much about him. He died in India when I was 4 or 5, and I never met him. But lately I’ve learned a few things. For example, he was tall, rode his bike everywhere, and worked for the Tamil language Voice of Prophecy. I hope to learn more.
I do know, however, that somewhere in his young life he became an Adventist. In India during World War II and the years following independence, that connection to this church was made through a foreign missionary. My grandfather was likely brought to the truth by someone who left their Western-cultured home to go to a place literally on the other side of the world to take Jesus to anyone who would listen. Their efforts paid off.
My grandfather accepted Jesus. He raised his family Seventh-day Adventist. He sent his children to Adventist schools (three out of six through the college level), and he was a church worker. It wasn’t easy.
But because someone took the message and love of Christ to the ends of the earth, I am here. My father was raised in the faith, and from his connections made in Adventist education, he eventually came to the United States—with me.
I am a product of Adventist education. I am a mother to two little Adventists. And now I have the opportunity to share Jesus in print. Some of the things I write about may help someone, somewhere, to know that Jesus is alive, well, and coming back soon.
Are missionaries of the gospel still needed in the world? Look at me.
Where would I be if they weren’t?__________
Wilona Karimabadi is marketing and editorial director of KidsView, which is Adventist Review's magazine for children.