It was a homecoming weekend at his childhood church in New Orleans, La., that got Wellington Wilson’s attention. "I hadn’t seen these friends since I was 15 years old," he explains.

Raised by committed Adventist parents, church had been the center of his life — church school on weekdays and church on Sabbaths.

At the homecoming, his childhood friend Olivia encouraged him to return to church. It was the encouragement he needed. "I still considered myself to be an Adventist," he says. Reconnecting on the reunion weekend caused some very serious soul-searching.

His parents had relocated to Nebraska in his mid-teen years so he could attend Union College. "By the time I transferred to the University of Nebraska, I had begun to stray away," he says.

Marriage, children and a career kept him busy. "I’d raised my children Adventist, sent them to church school." Though he considered himself religious, Wellington had to admit he was a long way from the lifestyle of his devout mother. "I’d gotten so far gone, I wasn’t even keeping the Sabbath," he says. Sadly, his marriage ended in divorce.

Back home in the Bay Area, he began visiting Adventist churches. He chose Burlingame where he met Pastor Tom Dodge. "I felt comfortable with him," he explains. Bible studies quickly began.

The Sabbath Issue

Growing up, Sabbath was such a special day for his family. But with his renewed commitment to his Lord, Sabbath was a big problem. His current management position with the U.S. Postal Service required Saturday duties.

When Olivia came to visit, Wellington asked for a vacation day on Saturday and was denied. Olivia encouraged him to take a stand. So he told his boss, "I’m a Sabbath-keeper and am returning to the faith I was reared in." Again, the boss denied his request for Saturdays off.

The next week when he didn’t show up for work, he was written up as absent without leave (AWOL). The church began to pray. Dodge put him in touch with Religious Liberty Attorney Alan Reinach. And Wilson stood firm. "I had made up my own mind, if I was fired so be it," he says.

Following Reinach’s instructions, Wilson immediately began the formal complaint process. Within six weeks after his decision to keep Sabbath and six days after the complaint was filed, his request was granted.

"I just adore being around Sabbath-keepers at church," he says. "I realized that the Church has changed a lot since I’ve been away and I’m really surprised. The difference is in me. I’m not focusing on other people. I’m there to worship."

Much has happened in Wellington’s life since that homecoming. He’s been re-baptized. He and Olivia are engaged. And he’s looking forward to another homecoming — being reunited with his mother at Jesus’ second coming. In heaven, they will have an eternity of Sabbaths together.