01/22/2017
thought you would like this letter that we received. Just a note, we will be going on tour there probably the last of June. Here is the story, you could be a part of this also. Tarrie, Heritage
tours
Kinship:
I was raised a Seventh-Day Adventist. I went to Church every Sabbath. I went to Church school for 16 years (College too!). All my friends were also Adventists.
I'm no longer a practicing member of the Church. I guess my unique set of experiences soured me against religion whatsoever. Despite it all, I still carry an unusual sense of kinship with the Church;
and her members.
Right now, I'm in Battle Creek, Michigan; the ancestral home of the faith.I can imagine this place in the 19th century. I can see a little, round woman, stopping her horse-and-buggy, to lovingly tell someone about Jesus.
As often as I've argued against the faith, this place feels a bit like home. THIS is where my people are from. HERE is where my [Church] family was born and raised.
Regardless of its flaws, the Church will always carry a sense of belonging for me...A Kinship.
The Pilgrimage:
This is a long post. I apologize in advance.
My day began outside of Battle Creek, Michigan. I have to stay here for 34 hours, in accordance with DOT regulations. I thought about the significance of this place in SDA history. I was called; more like beckoned, to visit the Oak Hill Cemetery, the burial place of Ellen G. White. Looking at the map, it was going to be a long walk... an hour at least. But, for reasons I have yet to explain, I began the hike.
I went for nearly a mile and rechecked my map. I was going the WRONG WAY! So, like a good soldier, I turned around and began to return, nearly ready to give up. "Lord," I actually prayed, "If you want me to do this..frankly... I'm gonna need a ride." Within minutes, a random person pulled along side me. His name was, "Steve." He offered me a ride and I gladly accepted. I told him where I was headed and he said, "I'll take you there." Through my stunned reaction, I uttered, "Thank You!" It felt good to be out of the Michigan Winter.
He took me to the graveside of Ellen G. White. I went there because I wanted to see the future. I wanted
to touch the ground which will, one-day, be rent apart by the very hand of God himself. I wanted to see the place where an old woman will rise anew, and smile when she meets an old friend.
I stood on that spot.
The story gets MORE bizarre. My benefactor waited patiently as I paid my respects. I returned to his vehicle, and he stunned me further. He said, "I really feel like I should take you to the "Adventist Village."" He wouldn't let me decline. We found the place and I got out. I took several pictures, and returned to his waiting benevolence.
Just then, a man appeared across the snowy parking lot. He asked what we were doing, and I told him.
"Would you like a personal tour of the Ellen and James White house?" I was nearly in tears at the incredible turn of events. I accepted gratefully.
I got a personal, one-on-one tour of the house. I took pictures like a silly child. It was AMAZING.
My ride still waited outside. As he drove me back to my truck, he asked about Adventists. I began to teach him the tenets of the faith. Somehow, Biblical references flowed from my mouth as if I were still in school. I remembered everything; even what I thought I forgot.
I thanked him profusely when we returned. I added lastly, "If there's a shady place for fellow searchers on the other side..." "I'll see you there," He finished my sentence for me.
I wish I could explain ANY of this!
Thank You for Reading This...
-Your Forever Friend, Danny.
