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| Taking one last look at our apartment before transfer |
Well, this week was a tough one but, of course, there was a bright
side! We struggled, working hard to find
new persons to share this amazing Gospel with and it seems as if no one really
wanted to give us a break. Of course the Lord did!
We had been trying for about
three months to get in contact with a less-active member. Despite not ever being answered for all that
time, still my determination was high. The next time I called someone answered
and I mean a real voice (never mind that I thought it was a machine). It turned
out to be the less-active member herself and she was happy to hear from us. She wanted a blessing, so we arranged to meet
her and her husband so we could do so. The
day and time came when we were to meet this less-active member and when we did
it turned out her husband is a Japanese gentleman who does not speak an word of
Japanese. Boy, was I disappointed but
then we proceeded to give this sister a blessing. She asked me to give it and I honestly cannot
remember but a few words but every word was truly meant for her. As I finished giving her the blessing she
glowed and radiated with the Spirit and her countenance changed from when we
first met her. With tears rolling down
her face she said, “thank you, thank you. You are precious.”
For three months I called and called and
called and finally the Lord told her to answer.
In my heart I felt like I was blessing my sister, one who knew this Gospel
and the Priesthood are true and that she needs to come back to where she
belongs. I pray she does and really soon.
Just giving someone that hope to know, through our Savior all is
possible, gives me even greater joy and a firm reassurance the Savior's grace
and Atonement is more than enough for all of us. We can all change for the better! Never stop trying to help those to come back
to the fold, as well, because they too just like everyone else, need to be
reminded the Savior's grace is sufficient to transform, help and change us! And, hey, it will or may take time but it is
worth it and just as the prophet Alma said in Alma 31: 34-35:
34 O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in
bringing them again unto thee in Christ.
35 Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are
our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may
bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.
It is so hard to hear of your cancelled appointment week after week. I get the impression you are doing your part by living the mission rules and making contact with the good members and your personal study seems your strong suit. Bishop Goldhardt gave each of the Ward Council Members a powerful missionary tool entitled "The Power of Everyday Missionaries", The What and How of Sharing the Gospel by Clayton M. Christensen. If I sent my copy of the book would your mission president object? I know they want you to stick to Preach My Gospel and the Standard Works. Let me know...Best Wishes Brother Ed.
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