Sometimes a simple email can be the beginning of something much bigger.
In May 2024, Pastor Ben Garcia received an email from Mary Morrison-Collins with a straightforward question: What did she need to do to become a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Pastor Ben tried to reach Mary by phone but got no answer.
Then in May of 2025, almost exactly one year later, another email from Mary arrived.
Her question was much the same, but this time, when Pastor Ben called, she answered. As they talked, Mary shared the story of what had brought her to this point. Through her own study and research, she had discovered the biblical Sabbath and wanted to understand more. Along the way, she found Amazing Facts and completed a series of Bible studies.
Pastor Ben invited Mary to review the studies with him and begin preparing for baptism. She was eager to start. Mary had developed a strong conviction about her faith and the nearness of Christ’s return, and she did not want to delay making a full commitment to Him.
There was, however, someone else Pastor Ben hoped would become part of the journey: Mary’s husband, Jim.
When Pastor Ben asked whether Jim knew about her desire to join the church, Mary explained that she had not really shared much of what she had been studying with him. Pastor Ben encouraged her to pray about it and invite Jim to join her in learning more.
Just one week later, Mary and Jim came to Pastor Ben’s office together. Jim was willing to join his wife on the journey.
In July 2025, the three began studying the Bible together in person. Week by week, Jim and Mary continued learning and growing in their understanding of Scripture. When the couple traveled to Florida for the winter in December, the distance did not stop their studies. They continued meeting with Pastor Ben over Zoom, eventually completing their Bible studies and reviewing the Fundamentals of Faith together.
By the time Jim and Mary returned to Michigan, what had begun with Mary’s personal search for truth had become a journey they had taken together.
On Sabbath, April 18, Jim Collins and Mary Morrison-Collins were baptized and welcomed into membership at the Traverse City Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Two years after that first email, Mary’s desire to follow where God was leading had not only brought her to baptism, but had also opened the door for her husband to take that step alongside her. Nearly a year passed between those two emails, reminding us that some stories need a second beginning and that, even in the waiting, God continues to lead those who seek Him.
Ben Garcia is the pastor of the Traverse City, Kalkaska and Elk. Rapids Spanish churches.