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On the line was a gentleman who introduced himself by name and told me he had found our number through the Church's website, because of Jacob's current calling as a bishop in our area. This man told me that he had been following the presidential election and that last night, he learned that Mitt Romney was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, as this man referred to us. He told me he was calling because he respects Mitt Romney and didn't even realize he was Mormon. He told me that he wasn't sure about some of the things that he had heard about the church since he learned of Mitt Romney's religious beliefs the night before. He wondered if he could ask me some questions.
And he did.
We talked for some time. I was, of course, praying the entire time that I would say the right things in order to represent the church in a genuine and sincere way, that I would answer his questions in a way that would be sufficient for him and that if it was appropriate, I would be able to bear my testimony to him of the Savior and how the knowledge I have of Him, changes me every day of my life. I was thankful to be able to do each of these during our conversation.
In addition, it was very important to me to thank him. I told him how grateful I was to have talked to him and especially how grateful I was that he would call. That he wouldn't assume that everything he was hearing was true and that he would find out for himself, by asking someone who was actually an active member of the church. At the end of the conversation, he mentioned he had really gotten into his family history and wondered if there was anything we could do to help him further his searches. I told him absolutely and explained a little about it. I told him that if he wanted, he could give me his phone number and I could ask my husband for some names and have someone who has a specialist in family history call him. He replied, "That would be great. And if he wanted, your husband could also give me a call if he doesn't mind." I told him I'm pretty sure he wouldn't mind.
That night, Jacob called this fine gentleman and spoke to him. The part of their conversation I heard, made me teary. I have a good husband. And when I hear him talking about the gospel, it makes me feel happy and thankful. At the end of the conversation, Jacob mentioned about our church meeting on Sunday and this man seemed quite interested. Of course you never know and that is okay. Whether he comes to church or not, whether he continues to be open to help with his family history or not, whether we are able to continue talking to him or not, the experience was a wonderful one for Jacob and for myself. And my prayers are in gratitude for this man who was brave enough to find out about something without already assuming that the general public knew better than the source.
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ! And moments like these remind me how blessed I am to have what I have, to know what I know and to be exposed to amazing people on a regular basis.
