We asked our investigator family what their favorite part of church was and
all the kids unanimously and simultaneously exclaimed, "the "holly" ghost!"
I was quite impressed I must say. The Holy Ghost truly testifies to us, as
well as kids, of what is most important--even if he is bearing testimony of
himself!:)
I had an interesting experience this week about following the Spirit. It is
also a story of mercy.
This week we were driving down a road earlier in the week and I saw a
complex out of the corner of my eye. The only thing that I noticed about it
was that it was green. The quick glance was accompanied by a distinct
impression to go back. I shrugged it off for the time being because we were
in a hurry and scribbled it down in my planner so I wouldn't forget.
Sunday rolled around and we were planning and I remembered that I still had
not returned to the "green complex." I quickly told my companion that that
only thing I definitively wanted to do the next day was go to the green
complex.
Fast-forward to Sunday--we make it to the green complex, prayed, got out of
the car, took a few steps and stopped. My companion looked at me confused.
I then said, "Hermana Richey, I don't know why we are supposed to be here
or where we are supposed to go..." She looked a little worried. I lead us
to a side walk and something simple came to mind "G-105." I turned to
Hermana Richey and said, "Hermana, we need to find apartment G-105." And so
we began our search.
As we walked through buildings I saw down a hill in the distance some
people talking in their porch. From a distance it sounded like Spanish, but
I wasn't sure. We were quite a ways away on this hill so I just yelled
hello! How is your Sunday!? They replied good and kept on their
conversation. I thought to continue the conversation, but felt it was a bit
awkward so we walked around into the corridor of the next building.
As we entered the corridor, a voice came to me very distinctly saying, "are
you kidding? I just put them right there in front of you and you left." I
was caught a little off guard my the words. I decided to ask my companion
if she thought we should knock a door or go back to see the people. If she
said we should go see the people, then I said I could take it as
confirmation to go back. I asked my companion.
"A door."
Okay, I thought. We turned to the nearest door and knocked. Once. Twice.
Three times. No answer.
Okay, I said. Back to the people it is I said to myself. I led us back
around in a loop and we walked again on the sidewalk on the hill. Again, I
felt very awkward that that they were so far away, but as we walked toward
them again I yelled, "do you know where building G is?" In broken English
one of the woman replied, "I don't think there is a building G." I paused
again. I took a breath and asked if they spoke Spanish. The replied
affirmatively. Then, I excitedly began to run down the hill with my arm
extended in front of me (now that I think about it...it is a tender mercy
that I didn't face-plant going down the hill) and yelled [in Spanish],
"great! I want to come meet you then!"
Apparently I didn't weird her out or scare her too bad because when we got
to her fence she gladly let us onto her porch and we began to talk. She
shared with us a little about her and her religious background and we share
a brief overview of the Restoration and she gave us her information and
invited us back the next weekend.
Giddy, we asked if she knew anyone else in the complex who spoke Spanish.
She told us no that it was predominately American and that everyone except
them spoke English.
I then realized what a blessing it was that Heavenly Father led us to them.
Thank goodness G105 didn't really exist!
Usually we would not have gone to that complex because we knew many
Hispanics did not live there, however, the Lord was able to prompt us to go
there and then lead us right to the only people in the whole complex who
spoke Spanish. Moreover, he was merciful enough to let us walk by once, but
give us a second chance to talk to them and share the gospel.
I know Heavenly Father loves us and is aware of each of us. He knows who we
are and what we need. He knows who we need and who needs us. If we listen
to the promptings of the Spirit, He will lead us to those who need us. All
we have to do is listen and act. He even gives us second tries if we don't
act on it the first time.
He wants His work done. He could have done it all himself, but He chose us.
Imperfect and weak children who struggle and make mistakes. But He knows
what will make us grow!
Challenge: Take faith! Act on promptings--no matter how small. If you don't
listen the first time--take advantage of the fact that we get a second
chance!
I know as we do this, our lives may not be easier, but they will be filled
with light, happiness, hope, and blessings!:)
Hermana Clark