April 21, 2014 - You'll Never Know the Difference You Made

   This week we had two amazing experiences where we could see the influence of good examples.

 

First was Orlando.  

 

We met him a few weeks ago and gave him a card, not thinking anything would come of it.  Then we randomly got a call.  The man introduced himself as Orlando and said that he wanted us to come and visit.  (first time that has ever happened to me on my mission)  When we met with him we found out that one of the big reasons he had called us up was because of a man he used to work for who was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  This coworker had invited him to many activities and even given him a Book of Mormon, but Orlando declined his offers.  Now, however many years later, Orlando is finally meeting with the missionaries.   His boss may never know the difference he made in Orlando's life, but we are so grateful for his example.

 

The next surprise also came through a phone call. 

 A member of a branch in Arizona called us up and asked if we could come and visit with his family while he was in town.  "Of course" we said.  This Hermano has been working with his family for 6 years.  Various missionaries have visited before but they never accepted.  When we visited around 20 people were there.  Most of them are just visiting from Mexico but we were able to teach them all. (kinda a scary experience but we did it!)

Of course we asked what changed.  They had a trial of their faith and it wrought a mighty change in their hearts.  Their mother, Petra, got sick. (That is why everyone was in town) The Hermano called some of the Elders in our ward and asked them to come help him give a blessing.  Within a few hours of the blessing Petra was back on her feet and asking her son to call the missionaries, she wanted to be baptized. 

After six years I know that this Hermano was getting discouraged but he did all that he could to stay strong in the faith and share the gospel with his family, trusting that God would provide the way.  He watched and waited for the opportune moment and then acted.

 

Thank you to all for your examples and the hearts that you have opened through them.  Maybe you will never know the difference you made, but know that you have made a difference.

 

Love you all, and Happy (late) Easter!

 

Hna Ashley Watts