In the quite village of Katete, where the gentle rustling of leaves joins the soft murmur of the evening breeze, Katate Branch in Likuni District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church stands witness. It is here that God penned a beautiful story of faith, one that proves no condition, no weakness, and no limitation can stop His calling.

Every year, the church in this area conducts outreach evangelistic campaigns led by dedicated lay preachers. As the campaign drew near this year, anticipation hung in the air.

One preacher, knelt for a prayer at preparatory meeting the night before, whispering a heartfelt prayer for those they would soon meet. This year, their mission led them to an exciting encounter when they met a woman who could not even walk to the designated meeting place. Her name is Getrude Thomas.

Getrude is a widow who has lived with her seven children since 2004. The nights in her modest home are marked by a profound silence, a quite heaviness that echoes the absence of her husband and the weight of years spent in resilience. This solitude was deepened further when a stroke left her unable to attend church physically. Yet, lying in her bed, surrounded by the soft echoes of night, her heart was still hungry for the truth.

When the lay preachers arrived in Kakule, Getrude instructed those in her home to open all doors and windows and asked everyone to remain quite so she could listen carefully to every word. Though she could not sit among the crowd, her spirit was fully present.

As the message were preached about the Sabbath, the state of the dead and the hope of salvation, something stirred deep within her.

When she learned that the dead know nothing, she realized how urgent repentance is, “if my chapter on earth closes today” she reflected, “I will have no chance to turn back to God”.

Then the message about baptism was presented; its meaning, its power, and its call to new life in Christ. In those quite moments, as the voices from the church reached her, Gertrude felt a profound shift within her soul. A whisper pf prayer escaped her lips, “Lord, give me the strength to follow You,” capturing the turning point in her heart. Though weak in body, she was strong in faith. She chose to commit her life to Jesus and baptized.

Pastor C.L Matekenya, the district pastor, rejoiced when he heard of her decision. He shared how, in his experiences in Falls District and Mchinji, he had seen God draw people closer through difficult circumstances.  “sometimes,” he said, “it is suffering that brings us nearest to God- just like the thief at the cross”

Getrude herself knew this was no coincidence. Getrude had encountered the Adventist message once before but had not made a decision. This time, she believed God had sent His messengers again. She made up her mind-this second chance would not be wasted.

On the day of baptism, Getrude woke up at 5 a.m., eager and excited. Despite her physical weakness, her heart was fall of joy. The church provided a vehicle to take her to the baptismal pool- something she could never have done on her own. She was carried into the baptismal river by Dorcas women, with tears in her eyes and faith in her heart, she went down into the water and rose as a new creation in Christ.

Today the church continues to stand beside her. Through Women’s Ministries, members visit her often, encouraging her spiritually and sometimes supporting her with household needs. On Sunday afternoons, the Women’s Ministries group gathers at her home, singing hymns and sharing scripture as sunlight flickers through the window. It is a gentle reminder that community ties remain strong, nurturing her faith. She is lovingly cared for by her daughter, whom she prays will soon also decide to follow Christ.

Her neighbours have warmly received the news of her baptism, and Gertrude proudly shares how religious liberty is respected-how every person is free to choose what they believe.

From sickness to salvation, from sorrow to joy, Getrude’s story reminds us all: God is never done with us. No matter how late it seems, no matter how weak we feel, His grace still calls, and when we answer, heaven rejoices. Where god is inviting you to open your windows? Consider how you might allow His light to enter your life today