We had our monthly Devotional at the VC last Sunday evening. There were several testimonies born from recent converts. This is Rick. He has had a very rough and hard life. He has spent years in and out of prison. But, he had a dream that motivated him to change his life and turn it over to God. He tried to do just that and felt much better about himself and where he was going. Then, time passed and he moved here. He met the missionaries who told him about the Book of Mormon and the doctrines of our church. He came to church and began to listen and study. He recently joined and feels better than he has his whole life. God has directed him back to where he is now. He told the group, "you think it's hard to follow the straight & narrow? It's a lot harder to go the way I've gone." Good advice for all of us.
These are two of the missionaries who taught Michael. Michael began many years ago to date a Mormon girl. He went to church and loved the people and the feelings he felt there. But, time passed, he went another way, drifted from God, and was lost and alone. He believed he needed help, but was told by other friends that, "God is not going to help you, you have to do it yourself!" Then, he met the missionaries. Elder Griffin told him that "God will help you if you sincerely ask!" That began a quest that brought him back to the church. He continued attending even after the missionaries left the area. Then other missionaries contacted him and asked him to pray about a baptismal date. He had a dream where he saw himself in white clothing. That was his sign to prepare for baptism. He now has been baptized and has done additional baptismal work in the Temple for family members he knows have accepted his work.
This is Duane (Wayne) and his wife. Wayne was raised in a rough childhood. Several of his family members were on drugs. He tried to raise his little sister and take care of her by selling drugs himself. Then, his older brother told him not to follow the road he had traveled; to stop selling and get back to a church. Right after their conversation, his brother was killed. Wayne had hard times again, but always remembered his brother and how much he loved him. Later, he married a Mormon girl. He came home one day to find the missionaries in his home. "Why are they here?" he asked. But, he sat down and listened to their message. They made a lot of sense! He began to ask lots of questions. They told him to make sure he read and prayed about their message. He prayed. His sign was: "If I feel good, I'll just keep going." So, he kept going until he was baptized. He stated that he still needs to read more, but he always prays and he feels good1
This is Wayne's new baby who was also at the devotional just sitting quietly, listening to her dad. She was so cute!
This is Karen. She is now 17. She was raised Catholic and was very active in her church. She always wanted her family to go to church with her, but they weren't as ready. When she moved here, she began going to another church. She sang in the choir and again wanted her family to join her. Then, she began dating a Mormon guy. He invited her to attend our meetings. Everyone accepted her and treated her well. Sister Heylen and Lettig taught her. She came to know it was true. But, her parents wouldn't let her join. She continued to pray until 5 months later, when they saw how happier she was, they allowed her to be baptized. It had taken her 9 months to realize her desire for baptism. Thru her testimony, her dedication, and her fervent prayers, they even attended her baptism. Now, they are beginning to ask questions too. She hopes to spread the gospel through her own testimony to them.
Thanks for the updates!!! :-)
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