We were sitting at home this evening when we received a knock at the door. It was the sister missionaries. They have been by our home a few times over the last year because we have a daughter who is missionary age. They have sought to visit with her and take her on splits. So, we asked Madilynn to come visit with them. But, surprise! It turns out they wanted to visit with the whole family.
We were not going to pass up that opportunity. So, we sat down in the living room and I took charge of getting the boys and Madilynn to introduce themselves, followed by myself. Then I asked the sister missionaries to introduce themselves. One sister was from Tonga [Sister Tonga] and had been out for about 15 months. The other was from Indiana [Sister Indiana] and had only been a missionary for three weeks.
I could tell the new missionary, Sister Indiana, was super uncomfortable. So, I asked her to share a thought. Boy was I right. She couldn’t think of a thing to share. She thumbed around her Book of Mormon unable to decide upon a message. In the meantime, my wife joined us and shared a few things about herself. All the while, Sister Indiana continued to look for a message to share and was unable to.
Then Sister Tonga decided to ask a question. “When you think about names we use for the Savior, what is your favorite name?” Isaiah shared a few names. Then Robbie shared a dozen. It was a good conversation. They said names such as; King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Mighty God, Redeemer, Savior, and the Christ. You could tell Sister Tonga was a faithful missionary and comfortable sharing the gospel.
I couldn’t help but feel bad for Sister Indiana because the task I had given her was unexpected and a bit overwhelming. I spoke to her, telling her it was alright. She was going to do wonderfully. Whatever she felt inspired to share was what we needed. She needed to trust that the Holy Ghost would guide her. About the time we finished our discussion about the different names for the Savior, Sister Indiana settled on a scripture to share.
This sweet sister missionary doesn’t yet know the power she has as a missionary. As she began to speak, our home was instantly filled with the Holy Ghost. So much so it surprised me. She had worried so much about being inadequate and unprepared. In actuality, all she needed to do was open her mouth and it would be filled. She read a scripture. It was one that talked of Jesus Christ being born of Mary and listed a few names that Jesus Christ goes by. She then shared a heartfelt testimony about her study of Him and love for Him.
I didn’t mean to be so hard on Sister Indiana, but I was so proud of her and her courage to see it through. She truly brought the Holy Ghost into our home.
12 And at all times, and in all places, [she] shall open [her] mouth and declare my gospel as with the voice of a trump, both day and night. And I will give unto [her] strength such as is not known among men.
Doctrine and Covenants 24 (churchofjesuschrist.org)
Thank you Sister Tonga and Sister Indiana for bringing the name of Jesus Christ into our home.