A Soft Heart

This week has been incredible. There are simply no words to describe the joy that comes from missionary work, and the joy in inviting others to come unto the Savior Jesus Christ. I know that this work is real, I know that it is true, and I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Love each and everyone of us; no matter what.  I have a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon, and constantly feel humbled to know that Heavenly Father gave us a perfect tool, to help us perform a perfect work, filled with imperfect individuals. I continually hope and pray that you may read the Book of Mormon daily, and pray to know if it is true for yourself. There are countless experiences that I could share, and countless miracles I could talk about, that have happened as I have gone out to do the work of the Lord. We have made every effort to talk to everyone, and to help invite them to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are just a few experiences I wanted to share with all of you.

Elder Glenn and I were out and about going to different appointments and lessons, and as we were driving down the road, we saw a young lady sitting on her porch. The Spirit touched us strongly that we needed to pull over (especially because we are told to talk to everyone) and go and give her a Book of Mormon. As we approached her, she was very closed off, and not interested. However, Elder Glenn and I continued by being persistant, and finally we said, "Shaylan (that was her name), we know that there is a next life, and anyone you may have lost will be there with you through the Atonement and Sacrifice of the Son Jesus Christ." There was a long pause, and then Shaylan said, "I lost my mom just a little while ago. I feel so lonely."  We were able to bear testimony of the importance of the Book of Mormon when it comes to issues such as life after death, hope during despair, and clarity during confusion. The Spirit was so strong there, and she agreed to baptism only a few minutes later. I gained a stronger testimony of the power of the Spirit, and what its role is in opening up those with a hardened, or angry, heart.

Elder Glenn and I also had another great experience, similar to this one, just a few days ago. We had felt prompted to go visit an investigators home, and as we pulled up, and got out of the car, another vehicle pulled into the driveway of a different home right across the street. We both looked at each other, and knew we needed to go talk with whoever was in the car. As we approached the car, the individual rolled down the window, and inside was a young lady. She said, "Keep walking! I don't want to hear what you have to say, frankly." As she said this, she started rolling up the window when the Spirit touched me to say something in the second I could. I said, "Ma'am we know that Christ is leading His Church again." As soon as I finished this, the window stopped rolling up. We stood there, and then she rolled it back down again. She said, "What did you just say?" We explained, and told her a brief Restoration Message. It was quiet, and then she continued, "I went to Church today. I prayed for help and guidance. How did y'all find me?" We bore our testimonies of the Power of God, and how He will lead His servants (that have been given Authority from God) exactly where they needed to go, even to her. Megan (the young girls name) took the Book of Mormon, and opened up to us, and said how she really needed some guidance in her life. I was amazed to see how the Spirit was able to touch someone so quickly, and so deeply, to create a total 180 degree switch towards being angry at us, to open.  I hope that we never forget the Power of our Heavenly Father in not only allowing avenues to open up to us, but leading us to those who need a chance to accept the Gospel Message.

The last experience I wanted to share was when Elder Glenn and I were walking through a neighborhood. We had prayed, like we always do, to have Heavenly Father lead individuals outside to us whom we could share the Gospel with. I spotted an elderly woman in her backyard working, so we headed over, and asked her (over her short fence) if she needed any help. She replied that she didn't, and then she asked us, "What are y'all doing in the neighborhood today?" You can tell she was skeptical towards us, and walked over to read our nametags. I explained, "Ma'am we are going out and telling the World how Christ's One True Church was Restored to the Earth by a 14 year old ploughboy in the year of 1820 in New York. There isn't a doubt in our mind about the message we are sharing, and we know you can know for yourself through prayer and reading if it is true. Because the truth doesn't come from us, but from God." The woman stared at us for a second, then said, "You know that is a bold thing to say. How do I know if your Church is the 'one true church'?" We explained the Book of Mormon, and Moroni's promise. She then said, looking right at me, "There is nothing else than the Bible. What you are saying is very, very, bold. This Book [pointing to the Book of Mormon] must be totally false." I said, as the Spirit directed, "With all due respect, I think it is more bold to say that man has tried to shut up God when they put the back-cover on the Bible after the Book of Revelations. We know God still speaks." There was a very, very, long silence. The lady then said, "Okay, I'm listening now." We explained the Godhead and the Restoration, and then she finally said after a long while (you could see her thinking deeply about all of this in her head), "I wasn't even supposed to be outside today. I think God may have sent you." It was such a miracle to be able to see how Heavenly Father not only puts individuals right in our path to talk to each day, but sometimes all we really have to do is just open our mouths to each one of them. 

I have such a strong testimony of the Gospel. I do know that Heavenly Father does still speak to us today. I know that Jesus Christ is the King of Kings, and is the Prince of Peace. I firmly believe that this Church is Christ's Kingdom on the Earth, and someday He will return again to claim it. I love being a missionary, and I love being able to have the opportunity to serve here in Augusta. 

Until Next Week-

Elder Robb