Area: Dallas Texas (Richardson)
Companion: Elder Jordan Jones from Kanab UT
Hello Everyone,
Earlier in the week, we were able to meet with Chad and Sarah. They have
not been to church in a few weeks, and we have not been able to meet with them
as often as we would like, so we were a bit concerned about the progression they
could be making. Before our lesson with them began, we felt that we
should proceed with the lesson plans we had made, and teach as we were inspired.
After about ten minutes, one of their neighbors knocked on the door and came
inside to visit. He sat down and was open to the message we were sharing about
the sabbath day. Chad was a great missionary and taught their friend about the
church and shared experiences they have had that have brought them joy. Sarah
was able to share her experiences about coming to church for the first time, and
knowing she was in the right church. They both bore their testimonies about the
peace they feel from the church, and then extended an invitation for their
friend to come with them. It was a powerful invitation.The opportunity they had
to share their testimony with their friend helped them understand the progress
they have made, and gave them the confidence to make choices that will bless
their lives.
I am finding more promptings are coming to me in little ways that could
easily be skipped over. I had a thought to visit a convert that has been going
through treatments for cancer. She is a sweet woman that has gone through so
much in life. When she was baptized, she was truly converted and has been
faithful to the covenants she has made. With the treatments she is going
through, it has made it a bit difficult for her to get the things she needs
around the house, so she made arrangements for public services to help with her
needs. A few obstacles came across her way where she became a bit irritated with
people, so she angrily expressed her thoughts towards those individuals. She
explained to us, as we sat with her, the sorrow she was feeling because of her
behavior. We bore our testimonies about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and
suggested a few ways she could overcome the sorrow she felt. Elder Jones and I
felt a great desire to help her in any way we can. She is such a great example
of living a Christ-like life. Our conversation lead to her explaining how she
knew Heavenly Father was aware of her circumstance, and knew He had put people
in her path to show His love. A few people from the ward had unexpectedly
stopped for a visit to see how she was doing throughout the week. These visits
lifted her spirit. With the trials she has been facing in the recent weeks, she
has not been able to devote as much time to the church as she would like, and
has felt a bit empty. Each of those visits has helped that emptiness become
full. That particular day I felt we should go see her was another day she felt
empty, and Heavenly Father use Elder Jones and I to fill her spirit.
I am so thankful for those experiences. I know each of us have needs for
others to show us love and appreciation. There are many in this world, member
and non-member, who feel an emptiness inside. Heavenly Father will direct us to
those people as we humble ourselves, ask Him in prayer for a desire to help
others, and develop a sense of awareness to the promptings of the Spirit. By
doing those things, we will be lead to people who need are help. I love Heavenly
Father. I know He is real. He is aware of our circumstances. I am grateful to
have had that reassurance given through a prophets voice in General Conference.
I know Joseph smith was the prophet called by God to re-establish that
communication once again. I love you all and thank you for the times you have
helped me feel the same love and appreciation that so many are looking
for.
Elder Seager
Congratulations Shali for having Owen!!! I look forward to meeting him!!!
