We had to get a Book of Mormon to her

Entrance of Kajo park on a semi rainy day    

For the past four months, we've been making consistent attempted visits with a less active named Sister Matsuda.

The first time we visited her, she appeared to be upset that we stopped by. We introduced ourselves and while we were talking, we noticed a young girl of about 12 years of age standing behind her. Before we could share a short message with them, Sister Matsuda told us she was busy and sent us on our way. As the door closed, my companion and I received a shared prompting that we needed to keep coming back.

So our attempts to get in touch with her ensued for the next couple months. We visited almost every week only to be greeted by excuses of being too busy and silence.

Then yesterday (Monday), we once again decided to make the 30 minute bike ride to pay Matsuda Shimai a visit. After we rang the doorbell, we heard rapid footsteps coming down the stairs. The door opened and we saw the face of the young girl who was standing behind Sister Matsuda the first time we visited her. I asked her if Sister Matsuda was home. She replied yes, but that she was too busy to talk to us. After hearing the same excuse for the 100th time, we thought, "alright," and let the girl go.

But as we stood outside their house, we couldn't leave. I reached into my bike basket, grabbed a Book of Mormon, looked at my companion and said, "We have to get a Book of Mormon to that girl."

We rang the doorbell once again and heard the same rapid footsteps coming down the stairs. When the young girl opened the door, we said, "You are the one we want to talk to." A bit surprised, she stepped outside and listened to us as we testified of the Book of Mormon and how she could feel more of God's love as she reads it. When we offered it to her, she gladly accepted it.

I know that was the reason why we were prompted to keep visiting a less active who clearly had no interest in seeing us. The promptings we received wasn't to accomplish what we thought was the reason, but to fulfill the plan of the one who knows all things.

I've come to realize that every attempt we make to share the gospel, whether it be in the form of a simple hello, passing out a Book of Mormon, or inviting someone to church is helping the Lord's work progress. Even if we aren't able to witness the immediate results, baptisms, or reconversions, our efforts are counting toward something.

Never give up hope in the Lord's work!

Love you all,

Matsuura Shimai

Mosiah 4:9

District Pday!