An Answer

You may have previously encountered, or even ignored, our missionaries.
My hope is that you will not fear them but learn from them.
They can be a heaven-sent resources to you.

That happened to Jerry, a Protestant gentleman in his mid-60s who lives in Mesa, Arizona.
Jerry's father was a Baptist minister; his mother, a Methodist minister.
One day Jerry's close friend Pricilla shared with him the pain she felt from the death of her child during childbirth and a bitter divorce that occurred shortly thereafter.
Struggling as a single mother, Pricilla has four children--three daughters and a son.
As she opened her heart to Jerry, she confessed that she was thinking of taking her own life.
With all the strength and love Jerry could muster, he tried to help her understand that her life had value.
He invited her to attend his church, but Pricilla explained that she had given up on God.

Jerry did not know what to do.
Later, while watering trees in his yard, this man of faith prayed to God for guidance.
As he prayed, he heard a voice in his mind saying, "Stop the boys on the bikes."
Jerry, a little bewildered, wondered what this meant.
As he reflected on this impression, he gazed up the street and saw two young men in white shirts and ties riding bicycles toward his home.
Stunned by this "coincidence," he watched them ride by.
Then, he shouted out, "Hey, you, please stop!
I need to talk to you!"

With a puzzled but excited look, the young men stopped.
As they approached, Jerry noticed that they wore name tags identifying them as missionaries in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jerry looked at them and said, "This may sound a little weird, but I was praying and was told to 'stop the boys on the bikes.'
I looked up the street, and here you are.
Can you help me?"

The missionaries smiled, and one said, "Yes, I am sure we can."

Jerry explained the worrisome plight of Pricilla.
Soon the missionaries were meeting with Pricilla, her children, and Jerry.
They discussed the purpose of life and God's eternal plan for them.
Jerry, Pricilla, and her children grew in faith through sincere prayer, their study of the Book of Mormon, and the loving fellowship with members of the Church.
Jerry's already strong faith in Jesus Christ grew even stronger.
Pricilla's doubts and thoughts of suicide turned to hope and happiness.
They were baptized and became members of Christ's restored Church.

-Russell M. Nelson -Ask the Missionaries! They Can Help You! -October 2012 General Conference

Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi