.: Faith is a real thing and it works!

In The Book of Mormon, in Helaman 36:3 it says, And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.

The square has been pretty dead transitioning from the summer to fall season. There haven't been a ton of tours, but we have been able to meet a lot of wonderful members!

Tuesday we met a couple, both members, up at the Christus. We invited them to watch God's Plan and they accepted. We learned they were from Utah and they loved their children. Throughout the presentation Sister Chansriramee and I had no clue what we should invite them to do. We went blank. But, faith is a real thing and it works! At the end we asked what they liked about the video. He said he liked that the family got along. But, he knows not all relationships work out that way. We asked if there was a specific person that came to his mind. He said there was more than one, but that he wasn't sure if the desire to have a better relationship with that person existed at the moment. So, we shared a scripture that I had read that morning during personal study (Alma 32:41.)

But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.

We invited each of them to pray, read the Family Proclamation and ask Heavenly Father to point out what they needed to work on to have the desire to have a relationship with that person again, and then to write their goals on the back of the Family Proclamation. What a wonderful feeling it was to feel the presence of the Spirit as it bore witness to their hearts of Heavenly Father's love for them!

Today we had a similar experience with another couple who were also members of the church. We met them outside of the Assembly Hall and asked if we could show them God's Plan. They said yes. We learned they were in town for a funeral. They had three children and one of them had passed on. We learned about their adorable family story. They had known each other since elementary school. They were such a sweet couple. Before we started we had invited them to think of one thing they wanted to change about themselves as individuals so that their family could be strengthened. We started the presentation and again Sister Chasriramee and I didn't know what message they needed and what we would invite them to do. When the last video was finished, we asked what they liked about it. The husband suddenly opened up and shared his sincere feelings about overcoming hardships and his gratitude for the Gospel. The wife, as well, shared her testimony of how they have used the Atonement of Jesus Christ in their marriage and in dealing with the loss of loved ones. We know that the Spirit was present. As we listened to this wonderful couple and the Spirit, once again, we were able to bear testimony and extend the commitment Heavenly Father had prepared for them.

Trust that Heavenly Father will answer your prayers. This life is the time to prepare to meet Him again, not necessarily receive every answer we long for. Preparing means we place our faith first and act on it. Then because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can find joy in eternal life! I know I will see my grandma again because the Savior was resurrected and overcame death. This is a blessing promised to each of us, as we center our lives on Jesus Christ. I know this to be true. There is no doubt of this in my heart. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love,

Sister Mikeila Aquino