She was going to be alone in her hotel for Valentines day so I invited her to come to a singles ward activity. On the way there we talked about her and her life and her family. I told her what we believe about eternal families and temples. She looked at me and told me that she had never heard that before, but when I talked about it she felt good inside.
That is how it began.
We formed a friendship, we did things together almost every night. As we talked and she shared her beliefs, questions, and observations about life, I shared Gospel principles that I know to be true.
It was not hard.
It was natural.
I asked if it was OK with her if I invited the missionaries over so she could learn more.
She said yes.
We had talked about a lot of the stuff in the lessons at different times so when she heard it from the missionaries it was not new. They pieced it together for her. On the way to institute one night we passed the temple and talked about how to prepare to go inside. Baptism is one of those steps.
I asked Loretta if she would ever think about getting baptized if she got an answer and knew it was true.
She said yes.
So I asked her if she would consider being baptized before she went back to China in two weeks if she knew it was true.
She said yes.
She had a date from the missionaries the next day.
Loretta was prepared, she ate up everything I said and everything the missionaries taught. That doesn't mean she didn't have questions, concerns, and doubts. She had all three. It was a matter of lovingly and confidently teaching and inviting her to act. The confidence doesn't necessarily need to be in yourself, but in the Gospel message that you are sharing, and in the Lords ability and promise to hear prayers and give answers.
Sometimes you have to just move forward even if you don't have a clue how it will work, only that it can, and it will.
In the three weeks she has been here, Loretta heard the Gospel for the first time, was taught by the missionaries, had SO MANY incredible experiences, and was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints. She has become part of our family and her goal is the temple. She will be returning to China to a great branch who will take care of her.
I am posting this because if I can do it, you can do it too! This church is true, it is easy to share true things, things that make us happy with our FRIENDS. It is a collective community effort. It can not just be one person. Loretta's experience included so many wonderful people, examples, and friends. There is nothing like the feeling you get as you watch someones life light up with and because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God loves each of us. And to those if you investigating the church. I invite you to find out for yourself. Ask your Mormon friends. Ask the missionaries. Read The Book of Mormon, and ask God. You will receive an answer, and it will change your life. The church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth in it's fullness. That means all of the truths are here. It is true, it is all true.
