“More Than a Job”

Don Pavlicek grew up in another Christian denomination and worked steadily until his retirement. Afterward he occasionally picked up part-time jobs to stay busy. There was a cleaning company he repeatedly called but never got through. After the same number appeared in an online ad, his wife encouraged him to try one more time, and, reluctantly, he did—this time, he was hired. One of the company’s clients was the Bismarck Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Not long after Don began cleaning the church, the owner of the cleaning company passed away, and the business closed. Uncertain about his future, Don was surprised when the church offered him employment. Later Brentwood Adventist Christian School also hired him.

While working at the church, Don noticed literature on the bookshelves, including the Sabbath School quarterly. He began coming early in the mornings to read. That’s where I first met Don when I became the pastor of the Bismarck Seventh-day Adventist Church. Some mornings, I’d find him reading, and we’d talk. Initially I assumed he was a church member, but as our conversations deepened, I realized he wasn’t. I invited him to ask me any questions he had about faith. Over time Don’s questions grew from general curiosities to deeper inquiries about the Sabbath and baptism.

[Photo: courtesy of Vernon Herholdt]

One day Don expressed interest in baptism. His only hesitation was his wife, a devoted follower of another faith, who didn’t fully agree with his decision. After months of prayer and reflection Don walked into my office and declared, “I’m ready to be baptized. When can you do it?” On April 4, 2024, I had the privilege of baptizing Don as he publicly declared his love for Jesus and committed his life to Him.

In Don’s words: “I am convinced that I was not brought to the church just to clean. I read the books in the [entryway] and learned about the truth. I believe God brought me here to be baptized and to publicly proclaim my love for Jesus, our Savior. It took just over five years . . . and here I am.”

Reflecting on Don’s story, I am reminded of the importance of intentional interactions. When I first met Don, I assumed he was a member and treated him as such. Over time I learned he wasn’t. For many he was just “the cleaning guy,” and his spiritual journey went unnoticed. Taking an interest in Don’s life opened the door for meaningful conversations that ultimately led him to Christ. This approach mirrors Jesus’ method of reaching people—taking an interest in their lives and meeting them where they are.

Witnessing doesn’t require grand gestures. It can be as simple as showing genuine care and sharing God’s love through everyday interactions. Like Jesus, we can meet people where they are and help them discover His grace and salvation.

Don’s journey reminds us that divine appointments happen in ordinary moments. Whether it’s through a conversation, a prayer, or an act of kindness, God can use us to touch someone’s life. His story is a testament to what happens when we listen, care, and share. Today Don continues to serve at the church and school, but his purpose has grown beyond cleaning. He is now a witness to God’s transforming power. Just as God brought Don to the church for more than a job, He calls each of us to be part of His work in ways we might not expect.

Elder Vernon Herholdt served as pastor of the Bismarck Adventist Church when this story took place. He now serves as president of the Dakota Conference in the United States.

The original version of this story was posted on the Mid-America Union Outlook.