Week 33 - No one is Beyond his Reach

This week was a really awesome week.  I would like to share wth you all an entry in my mission journal.

Journal Entry on: October 12, 2016 - Day 57

"Today was pretty interesting day we ran into a lady named Beth.  She was a member a long time ago. But after something happened she just had some issues with the area or something and was planning on taking her name out of the church until the missionaries she was super close with left so she became heart broken.  So we talked with her for a while and her out look on the situation is pretty sad.. as she simply doesn't believe she can come back to church but at the same time she isn't willing to change so we need to pray about her and that her heart will be softened.  We had a powerful experience when talking about the age of accountability being 8 they brought up their thoughts about how they don't think they really know what they are doing a that age.  I just bore testimony that I may not have known exactly what I was doing, but when they put their hands on my head to confer the Gift of the Holy Ghost I just knew right then and there that the Holy Ghost was real and that what I was doing was the right thing to do.  We also met with Bishop Young concerning our vision and the Area plan that has come and is just really hastening the work.. big time... I'm loving being here great things are in store!"

Our first visit made a lasting impression on me as I told her with tears in my eyes that the Holy Ghost is real and I was raised by my parents to at least know one thing that the feeling that came over me in that moment was the Holy Ghost and I recognized that.  Beth also started to cry, but she said it was because of her strokes.  This was the very first day that Me and Elder Candland met Beth.  She was in the side yard of her trailer home so we decided to ask her if she needed help.  She saw us and welcomed us with a unusual excitement say, "Elders! Please sit!"  We talked to Beth for a while during this first visit hearing her story and talking about her views about the church and other topics.  She believed that the Bible was simply just good stories.  She smoked a lot and told us that she knows she quit but she didn't want to quit and has no plans to quit ever.  She also said, "My mom can go to the celestial kingdom.. but I'm fine staying in the Terrestrial Kingdom."  Many of the members that came on visit with us to see her told us that she wan't worth our time.... she is just too set in her ways.  But I kept feeling that this wasn't the case.  She was feeling the spirit and I knew it!

Before I left my area we got Beth to come to church.  192 days later.  I was given the privilege to baptize Beth to renew the covenants that she once made.  She told me, "You started me on this journey ... you are the one to finish it with me."

Beth is and always will be a testament to me that no one is beyond the reach and grasp of our Saviors Atonement.  Beth thought she was beyond his grasp that she did to many bad things in her life to be able to come back.  Her heart softened.  She quit smoking.  And how great is my joy to see Beth take that step once again.  It makes me think about the scripture Moroni 6:1-4

"1. And now I speak concerning baptism..Behold, [Beth was] baptized; and [she was] not baptized save [she] brought forth fruit meet that [she was] worthy of it. 2.  Neither did they receive any unto baptism save [she] came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that [she]truly repented of all thier sins. 3. And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end. 4.  And after [Beth] had been received unto baptism, and [was]wroght upon and classed by the power of the Holy Ghost, [she was] numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word o God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and finisher of their faith."

I'm also excited to hear that Jaden will be getting baptized next Saturday from my last area as well!  How exciting!  This week we will get the opportunity to hear from Elder Bednar visiting the mission as well!

Fun facts of the week:

     * I got bit by a small chihuahua this week.
     * With the help of a priesthood blessing I wasn't sick at all the next day!
     * We got to work with the Youth in the seminary buildings this week!  They are truly
         prepared individuals for Heavenly Fathers work!

Keep Smiling,
Love Elder Gerrard