2 weeks ago the missionaries in my ward asked to pick up one of their investigators named Faith. She needed a ride to church because she lacked transportation. [They had asked me about 3 time prior to this to pick up investigators but they've always been unsuccessful. I arrive at the house and no one would answer the door.]
Faith was surprisingly different. Faith is probably 5'10, 280lbs, Brown hair with red roots. She has been raised most of her life in group homes and still goes to therapy for that.
When I arrived at her apartment complex she was waiting out on the street easily visible and dressed in Sundays best.
She told me that she was looking at different churches to see which one she was right for her. She was seeking the truth.
She stayed for all 3hrs of church and an extra hour at Break the Fast. She introduced herself to Ward. She also volunteered to babysit the nursery kids for the Riverview Wards Enrichment Meeting.
She called me at 6:30am the next day asking why Anna Baker hadn't picked her up? and I had to sadly inform her that we were babysitting at 7pm. I was impressed by her willingness to serve.
So this last Sunday she went to church for a 2nd time. She enjoyed it and was marking her scriptures and Gospel Principals book.
Last Sunday I felt the impression to ask the missionaries if I could join them when they taught Faith the lessons. So this Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I have accompanied the missionaries.
It's been great! We taught Faith about Repentance, Baptism, the Holy Ghost, and the Word of Wisdom. I have learned alongside Faith. My faith has increased from being at her lessons. I have missed missionary work. It's been such a wonderful opportunity to be the kind of Fellowshipper I wanted for all my investigator's on my mission.
It's so amazing to watch how the gospel of Jesus Christ changes people for the better inside and out. How it brings joy and happiness into their lives. It's been a miracle to watch Faith make and keep commitments and slowly repent and change into the person her Heavenly Father wants her to be.
It's so amazing to see what the Gospel can do for someone. How much light! and joy someone can receive from living the commandments they never knew existed. I know this church is true. I'm am so grateful to be a member of this church. I am so grateful for repentance and the Atonement.
Faith accepted to be baptized on Oct. 30th. She shared with me a miracle that happened in her life since she began meeting with the missionaries.
She told me she was afraid to spend BIG holidays alone. And friend who lives in Napa, Ca invited her to spend Christmas with her. I also told her Bishop would probably invite her over to his house for Thanksgiving and I had the opportunity of inviting her to "ALL HOLLOWS EVE" party Katy and Harmony are putting one.
This was an answer to her prayers and one of the ways she learned the church was true and God answers prayers. I know that God will answer our prays and he watches over us and loves us.
I love you guys and am so grateful for the wonderful influence you guys have been in my life. I probably wouldn't have served a mission if it wasn't for you four wonderful girls!
Take care! Palangga Taka! :-)
P.S. Sorry for the Long post! You know I can be long winded!
I am glad you shared with us rachel!I think fresno was the place where I had the most opportunities to do "missionary work". I miss it a lot! And it reminds me that the gospel does change lives...It's important for me to remember that!
ReplyDeleteMaegen!! I like the new change to the blog! Its so joyful now!! :-)
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