✨ Noemia and the Call to Obedience

The Sabbath Revealed: A Young Believer’s Story

A Testimony with Sister Sofonie Dala

Introduction

In the bustling city of Luanda, a young girl named Noemia began a spiritual journey that would change her understanding of God’s Word forever. Guided by Sister Sofonie Dala, she discovered the beauty and depth of the Ten Commandments, not just as ancient laws, but as living principles for today.

This story captures their heartfelt dialogue, the reading of Scripture, and the awakening of faith in a young heart. It is a testimony of how God’s Word continues to enlighten and transform lives.

The Encounter

Sister Sofonie sat with Noemia, opening the Bible together. With patience and love, she began to ask questions, guiding Noemia step by step into the truth.

Sofonie: “Hello, how are you? We are evangelizing you today.”

Noemia: “I am receiving Bible training.”

Sofonie: “Yes, you are. What did you learn today?”

Noemia: “I learned about the Ten Commandments.”

Discovering the Sabbath

Sofonie: “Which part of the Ten Commandments did we talk about most today?”

Noemia: “I learned that God did not command us to go to church on Sundays, but commanded us to keep the Sabbath and go to church on Saturdays.”

Sofonie: “In which book is it written?”

Noemia: “It is in the book of Exodus, chapter 20, verse 8.”

Sofonie: “Does it speak about the Sabbath day?”

Noemia: “Yes.”

The Reading of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17)

Noemia (holding a flyer): “Second Coming at hand.”

Interviewer: Hello, young lady, how are you?

Noemia: I’m fine, thank you.

Interviewer: What’s your name?

Noemia: My name is Noemia.

Interviewer: Wow, that’s a biblical name, did you know?

Noemia: Yes, I know.

Interviewer: Noemia, are you a Christian?

Noemia: Yes, I am.

Interviewer: May I share the gospel with you?

Noemia: Yes, you may.

Interviewer: Which church do you attend?

Noemia: Hmm… I forgot for a moment, let me think… oh yes, ICA — Igreja de Cristo em Angola.

Interviewer: Okay. And what day of the week is worship in your church?

Noemia: Sunday.

Interviewer: Do you and your family go every Sunday?

Noemia: Yes.

Interviewer: Have you heard of the Seventh-day Adventist Church?

Noemia: Yes, I have.

Interviewer: Really? Have you ever attended an Adventist church?

Noemia: Yes, I have.

Interviewer: Did you enjoy the service?

Noemia: Yes, I liked it.

Interviewer: How many times have you visited the Adventist church?

Noemia: Twice.

Interviewer: What impressed you most about it?

Noemia: The marching, the kneeling, and the preaching.

Interviewer: So those things stood out to you?

Noemia: Yes.

Interviewer: In your church, do people kneel during worship?

Noemia: No.

Interviewer: So you were surprised to see that in the Adventist church?

Noemia: Yes.

Interviewer: Did you also enjoy the Adventurers and Pathfinders marching in uniform?

Noemia: Yes, I did.

Interviewer: Would you like to have a uniform like that?

Noemia: Yes, I would.

Interviewer: Yesterday, April 4, was Saturday. Did you go to church?

Noemia: Yes, I did.

Interviewer: Yesterday was also Peace Day in Angola and Evangelism Day. So I’d like to share this leaflet with you: “Second Coming at Hand.” Do you know that Jesus is coming back?

Noemia: Yes.

Interviewer: He is on His way. In Revelation 3:20 it says: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.” What door is Jesus knocking on?

Noemia: The door of my heart.

Interviewer: Do you know why Adventists worship on Saturdays?

Noemia: Hmm… no, I don’t.

Interviewer: Because they keep God’s commandments. Have you heard of the Ten Commandments?

Noemia: Yes, but I’ve never read them. I’ve only heard about them.

Interviewer: Very good. Now let’s read them together. I’ll show you in the Bible where they are written. Do you know how to read?

Noemia: Yes.

Interviewer: Let’s open to Exodus 20. I’ll show you verse 8, but you can read the whole chapter aloud.

Together, they read aloud the Ten Commandments:

You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make for yourself a carved image…
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness.
You shall not covet.

Reflection

Sofonie: “Did you enjoy learning the Ten Commandments?”

Noemia: “Yes, I did.”

Sofonie: “Now you understand why Adventists go to church on Saturdays.”

Noemia: “Yes, I understand.”

Sofonie: “What is the day of worship that God commanded?”

Noemia: “Saturday.”

Conclusion

Noemia’s testimony is a reminder that the Word of God is alive and powerful. Through the gentle guidance of Sister Sofonie Dala, she discovered the truth about the Sabbath and the eternal relevance of God’s commandments.

Her journey reflects the call of every believer: to read, to understand, and to obey the Word of God. As she continues her walk of faith, Noemia’s story inspires others to seek the truth and embrace the commandments that lead to life.

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