This man was Captain Joseph Bates, one of the three founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was travelling through Michigan. In those days that was part of America's wild west.

The Holy Spirit had directed him to get on a train and travel to Battle Creek. The train pulled in before breakfast, Captain Bates had no idea who to see in the town.

Then the Holy Spirit impressed him to go to the postmaster and ask a startling question. "Where can I find the most honest man in town?"

The postmaster said, "The most honest man in town is David Hewitt, a Presbyterian. He lives on Van Buren Street."

Mr Hewitt heard the knock on the door just before breakfast. He had no idea it would change his life forever.

He opened the door and Captain Bates said, "I have been directed to you as the most honest man in town. If this is so, I have some important truth to present to you."

A verse from the Bible flashed through the honest man's mind. "Remember to entertain strangers." (Hebrews 13:2)

"Come in," he said. "Join us for breakfast. Then we will listen to you."

After breakfast, Captain Bates pulled out a chart which explained prophecies about the end of time. He talked about them until it was time to stop for lunch.

They ate lunch. Then Captain Bates changed the subject. Until 5pm he now talked about the Sabbath and the Third Angel's Message (Revelation 14:6-12).

How long did it take for the most honest man in town to decide to keep the Sabbath? It wasn't a year. It wasn't three months, or even one month. It wasn't even a week.

He decided straight away -- and he kept the very next Sabbath.

Mr Hewitt became a very strong Seventh-day Adventist. The church even met in his home each Sabbath -- until a little wooden Adventist church was built in that village two years later.

Now, the day Captain Bates met the honest man was important in Adventist Church history.

The tiny town where the Holy Spirit sent him was destined for great things.

It was to become world headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 50 years.

It was where Adventists invented Corn Flakes and other breakfast cereals. And these breakfast foods are now eaten every morning all around the world.

It was where the church started its first hospital. And the Adventist Church now has more hospitals than any other Protestant Church in the world.

And it was where the church started its first school. And the Adventist Church now has more schools than any other Protestant church in the world.

Now, all these things are important. But there's something more important.

What would have happened if you were living in that little town in 1852?

When Captain Bates asked for the honest person, wouldn't it be great if he was told it was you?

Yes, yes, yes.

Decide now that you are going to be the most honest person in your town. ___________________________________

Author: Phil Ward

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