Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

By Pattie Kramer; Edited by Lacey Stecker, Washington Conference Communication intern

Vickie Gilthvedt, Jim Allen, and Dennie Difilippo with smoking cessation certificates

Grays Harbor Church’s Monday afternoon Bible Study may be small, but it is mighty! Patti Kramer always watches for guests who come to church to invite to Bible Study in Ocean Shores.

When Dennie Difilippo visited Grays Harbor Church, Kramer felt called to get acquainted and invite Difilippo to Bible Study. Kramer made her way to the fellowship hall, praying there would be a place to sit at Difilippo’s table. God answered the prayer, and Difilippo’s accepted the invitation.

Difilippo had been having Bible studies by phone with a few of her friends who live in other states. They studied via phone call every Sabbath afternoon. Through their studies, they led Difilippo into God’s Word. She decided to quit smoking and be baptized into the Adventist Church.

In an effort to bring more people into the Stop Smoking class, Kramer wanted to host it at the Lion’s Club. While discussing the class with a manager, a club volunteer overheard and said, “Stop smoking? I want to come!”

Due to another weekly event, the class was not able to be hosted there. The class was moved the Kramer’s home and Jim Allen was invited to conduct the class.

Allen began teaching Smoking Cessation over 25 years ago. He tells engaging stories that encouraged both members to quit smoking. Allen also trained Kramer to facilitate similar classes.

Both class participants have quit smoking. Difilippo was later baptized by Allen.

The journey of Gray’s Harbor Church’s Bible Study groups is a testament to the power of faith, fellowship, and hard work. From a simple invitation to life-changing decisions, the ripple effect of this group continues to tough lives. All it takes is a willing heart to take the first step.