Speaking 2

November 22,2010

First- I just thought everyone might want to know that dear-elder letters are not printed on Saturday or Sunday. This means that if you send me a DearElder Friday afternoon or over the weekend, I usually do not receive it until late on Monday evening and at that point I usually don't have time to respond to it. So- if you want me to write you back within a week of sending me something, send it before noon on Friday so that I receive it Friday night.

So- as I mentioned in my last post, I got to speak last Sunday. While speaking I was scared and mostly just trying to focus on what I was saying and making sure I said anything I felt prompted to bring up. Several people mentioned how great it was and how they really felt the spirit. I didn't quite understand what impact I had until several days later.

On Wednesday night we had a practice session with another district in our zone. We were paired up with another companionship, we taught them and then they taught us. I didn't speak up much as I was teaching but when I felt prompted to (or when I had nothing else to say) I bore testimony about whatever my companion had taught on. After the lesson, one of the elders asked to speak to me. He explained how just two weeks ago he had received news that his best friend passed away. The grief and pain from this news caused him to begin to doubt the reasons he was here and the truthfulness of the church. He told me that he had been ready to go home.

Then he said "You have a very powerful spirit when you teach. I felt it when you spoke last Sunday, reminding me of truths I had forgotten and testifying of things I had doubted." He explained how I re-ignited his testimony and gave him reason to stay. When he and his companion then took their turn teaching us, the spirit was so strong. I know that the things he was testifying of are true. More importantly, I know he believes them.

I didn't think I would have the opportunity to change someone's life before even leaving the MTC. I'm so grateful I had the chance to help someone make that decision to stay and continue on their mission. I believe many of the missionaries stop and have to make that choice. They realize it is a lot harder than expected, they miss friends, and they have to find their own motivation to continue. I know I had to make this choice, the choice to stay where I knew the Lord needed me. I'm so glad that I did, that I stayed and spoke and helped someone else when it was his turn to decide.