Dear family,
This week was incredible. We had a potential investigator come
to church with us. We also got back in contact with the “H” family and we have
a lesson set up for Wednesday night after scouts! What a miracle. The
potential investigator that came to church is named “S B”. When we met her, she
had no idea that Mormons were Christian. We opened up the Book of Mormon and
taught her right there in the parking lot of the apartment complex. I shared my
testimony that the Book of Mormon can help anyone get closer to God, and help
them through the difficulties of life. She told us she needs that because she
feels empty inside and she feels lonely. A lot of her friends aren't Christian,
and she wants more friends that believe in God. This happened last week. I went
back on Thursday night with a ward missionary named brother “L” on
splits, and we taught a lesson on the Book of Mormon. We only had 15 minutes,
but the spirit was strong. We committed her to read a few chapters of the Book
of Mormon, read the restoration pamphlet, and come to church. And she did! I
was able to sit up front with her while Elder Holden sat with Brother “S” in
the back. The topic in Sacrament meeting was on eternal families. The speakers
briefly addressed the importance of family history and temple work. Sister “B”
asked if she could participate in family history work. I said, "Of
course!" She was really excited about that. She also committed to come for
the full three hours next week! Wow.
I know that the Lord is preparing people. We also received a
member referral from Sister “P”. Their names are “S” and “M”. They have four
kids, and they just live around the corner from the “P”'s. It was interesting
how they met. The two youngest kids, who are five and seven, ran inside Sister “P”'s
house. She had no idea who they were, so she said, "Let’s go meet your
parents." They brought her to their home, and Sister Pyle initiated a
great conversation with “M”. She told us what a spiritual powerhouse she is.
She learned that “M” was preparing to be a pastor in her church and she had
several incredibly spiritual experiences over the course of her life. Sister “P”
said she was blown away and thought, "Where did you come from you amazing
woman?" Sister “P” asked if she would like some literature on our church.
She said yes. So she gave a copy of the Book of Mormon, Our Search for
Happiness by M. Russell Ballard, a book about angels, and a copy of Meet the
Mormons. The next morning, while we were working out in her gym, she walked
over and saw “S” getting the kids ready to go to school. She asked if she could
get his address so the missionaries could stop by and he said yes! Sister “P”
told us she will set an appointment where we could meet and she's inviting us
and them over for dinner next week.
The work moves forward. And members are such an integral part of
helping to find and teach investigators. Even in Sister “B”' case, when we were
the ones to find her. Members still have the responsibility to friendship them.
I have a testimony that God is placing certain people in our path so that we
have an opportunity to administer to their needs. Sister “P” said, "There
are no such things as coincidences, only God-instances." We each have a
responsibility to care for the people in our lives. I'm so glad to be a part of
this great work. There is nothing more joyful and spiritual than helping others
come closer to Christ.
That is super cool that “M” was able to give a talk in sacrament
meeting. I hope that one day she'll be able to get baptized. And keep having
the missionaries over for dinner! I love hearing what's going on in your lives.
Aaron, the ordeal sounded like fun. I hope you didn't get too wet! It's weird
but it hasn't rained here for a few weeks. I'm pretty sure that's considered
"drought" status in western Washington! There are a couple of places
here and there that are in the rain shadow of the Cascade mountain range and it
doesn't rain as often as in the coastal areas.
Could you send sour patch watermelons, pretzel M&M's,
Hershey's bars, Milky ways, and Snicker's? I would also like a gift card for
Wendy's. That's everything. Thanks for being so awesome!
Love,
Elder Herbert