Mother’s Prayers Answered for Son

Story by Tamyra Horst

Janice Hanson prayed for her son, Gregg. She became a Seventh-day Adventist at a tent meeting, along with her husband, Gus; son, Rob; daughter-in-law, Doris; and nephew, Rob Jr. She took her family to church and prayed. Although Gregg was a Christian, he was never baptized. His parents prayed persistently. Janice made a notation in her Bible Nov. 11, 1978, praying and expressing her desire that he would choose the Seventh-day Adventist message and be baptized.

Forty-five years later, Gregg received an invitation in the mail for evangelistic meetings being held at the Bucks County church in Warminster, Pa. After his mom’s death, he and his family continued to talk about God and eternity. They knew they wanted to see her again. Gregg contacted Joshua Plohocky, pastor of Bucks County. When they met, Gregg showed Plohocky the dated note in his mother’s Bible, and asked if he could be baptized on a very special Sabbath.

On Nov. 11, 2023—45 years later to the day—his mother’s prayers were answered. Plohocky baptized Gregg, along with his son, Gregg, Jr.

“The ‘rest of this story’ will take place when Jesus returns,” shares Yves Monnier, conference evangelism director. “Can you imagine mom’s joy on resurrection morning when she sees her son and grandson? Indeed, prayer is our most powerful tool in reaching people for Jesus. Prayer is not just preparation for evangelism; prayer is evangelism.”