"And that he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith." 2 Nephi 26:13
September 7th was a day for miracles. I woke up very excited to have a busy proselyting day placing at least seven Books of Mormon. We were going out to find less-active members, but I planned to present the Book of Mormon as the greatest gift I could think of to give on my birthday.
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| The only book with a promise that we can know it is true |
The first place we went was the Newcastle Town Centre where I placed one Book of Mormon in the library, since they didn't have one on the shelf. Then, we gave Books of Mormon to two women we had visited with quite often in a couple stores we frequent. It was exhilarating to be out in the rain, which alternated with sunshine throughout the day and I was hyped having placed the three books.
As we drove to the various homes, we met a young man from Zimbabwe, who just got back from four years at medical school and was continuing his education in England. He was at the home of a member we hoped to find. We had a nice chat and he was interested in having a Book of Mormon.
Later on in the day, I jumped out of the car to see if a member still lived at an address (the street had no parking so Elder Blain went looking). No one answered the door, so I was working my way to other doors and talked to a lady who wasn't interested in religion. Then, I saw a man's head peek out from the door I had first visited. I walked back and asked if the lady we were trying to locate still lived there and he didn't think so, but he was interested when I gave him my special birthday message. When he asked me to come in, I signaled to Elder Blain to find a place to park, since he was still trying to find a spot while all of this was going on. Normally, we park and go to the door together.
I talked at the door for a while and explained who we were and why we were in England. Elder Blain finally found a place to park and joined me to teach the wonderful young man from India named Gabriel. His family has all passed away and he came to England all by himself to go to school. He finished an MBA eight months ago and had just found a job that was beginning the next day. Since his new employment is a two-hour drive away, he will be moving in a couple weeks, but he wanted us to teach him about the Restoration.
We had a very spiritual experience with teaching him and he accepted a date to be baptized. He was so glad to meet us and he felt like we were a sign for the direction for his new life. He is following through with his commitments by reading the Book of Mormon and praying. He said he had not prayed to God. Instead, he had prayed to his parents and they helped him. Obviously, he was very interested in our belief that family can be together forever.
Gabriel agreed to be taught the rest of the lessons by the Elders in his new home as soon as he is settled. We hope to get permission to attend his baptism in a few weeks. As we were leaving for our next teaching appointment, Gabriel told me, "Happy Birthday!" Indeed it was!! He knew how much being able to teach him meant to me.
There is nothing like a birthday wish coming true in the form of a miracle by finding someone just waiting to have the gospel in his life! Pray for Gabriel to find happiness through membership in the Church. He will certainly have a new family to take him in and love him.
P.S. I did place six Books of Mormon and left a "free" one in the foyer of our apartment building, but the next day it was still there. That one I cheated on anyway, so it didn't count. It still needs to find its home!
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