June 30, 2014
This week has been good full of miracles. Today we just got
back from hike with the best members we know. Wife new concert and husband new
active member. We went with them and their family and we had a blast I will
send pics.
Now I would like to share something in particular though
about an experience we had last week.
On the 27 it is the day Joseph smith was killed. They
mentioned it in a meeting but I didn't do much after.
president called and I was nervous it was something bad I
did or something serious he needed to talk to us about. It can be good when
president calls but at times it is nerve racking haha. But I got a uneasy
feeling with nervousness so I prayed for it to pass me
in prayer I prayed for many things such as comfort for
whatever was to happen, for my companion, for president, for this area, etc
president only called to confirm crater lake trip with our
bishop we are doing next week so nothing big.
Well later that day we went finding and came across a man’s
house who had business cards on the side of his door. As we wait for him to
answer we look at it. He is into the film industry. I thought of mark right
then. The man answered and wasn't much interested but I simply asked about his
business since my brother is going into that. Right then he was interested and
we talked for a while on his door step about his life and advise I should share
with Mark. We discussed our families and talked about his
Sister Shirley felt prompted to ask about family
history
Started off good until he started bringing in false
understanding and information he has received about our church. We tried to
correct him at first and explain but he wasn't gonna hear it. He was so
determined that he knew more about our own belief than we did and he hadn't
even read the Book of Mormon or even met missionaries to know. He got his
knowledge from anti-Mormon books and studies that only claim false info and
points out every flaw about our church. The man was convinced we were a cult
and led by the devil . It was sad how we went from having such a joyous
conversion to a complete bash. I was prompted by the spirit that the only thing
we can do at this point is to bare testimony. So I started to testify what I
knew was true. Well at first he shook his head like don't even, just stop, and
for some reason I couldn't though. Even if I tried my lips kept going and my
whole body was filled with the spirit to just keep testifying what I know to be
true. I testified to him that I know my Savior lives. That he died for me. I
have come to know this through prayer and by the power of the Holy Ghost. I have received my own witness that He is the
only begotten Son of Heavenly Father and my Redeemer. I continued to tell him
that nothing can or will ever convince me to ever deny what I have witness and
felt. My experience of coming to know the Savior has strengthened my testimony
and no one can ever take that away. I testified that through prayer ANYONE can
feel His love. By the power of the Holy Ghost they can know. That's how I have
come to know what I know about my belief and I will never dare deny that and
will continue to share it.
As I talked I never remembered his expression I only
remember the feelings that were there at his door. That my fear of his bashing
went away and I was completely led by the spirit to know what to say and how I
can show this man that our church is not what he claims it is. That it's
different and is of our Heavenly Father. It is of Christ.
Sister Shirley tells me his face was in compete focus on me
and expression was in shock.
After I testified, he said your right your testimony is
something no one can take away or argue with. That's yours and you hold on to
that. I thanked him for respecting my testimony, listening to it, and politely
accepting it. He said sister I sure hope what you say is right because I sure
would love to see you in heaven. You both are great girls and it would be sad
if I didn't. After we left sister Shirley said what a great reunion it will be
when you see him in heaven. I said I very much look forward to that day to
come. He is such a good man. Very kind. Full of love. Sadly has been misled
about our church but I continue to pray that he may see otherwise and hear the
truth of what we believe.
I want to testify that baring testimony is the most powerful
thing we can say about our belief. It's personal, it’s of the spirit, and no
one can take that away nor argue. It's sacred but yet something worth sharing
with others at the right moments. I was scared at first to share mine because
it's sacred. My relationship with the Savior is sacred and thinking about this
man possibly arguing my testimony terrified me, but the Spirit knew me better
and helped me keep going. And boy what a difference it made to his world.
I am grateful for the sacrifice Joseph Smith made. This
church has been through much persecution and to be honest, I am grateful for
it. Each time we are persecuted we grow stronger. It's hard yes but hard things
make strong people.
Our testimonies must be heard though so testify to all.
Share it. If it makes you happy than why not share that with those you care
about.
Thanks so much for all the support back home. I love hearing
from everyone and love you all tons. Thanks again and have a great week!
Love Sister Fletch
