At a recent work dinner in England, I sat next to two new work colleagues who were surprised I didn’t drink alcohol. They immediately asked me if I didn’t drink for faith-based reasons, to which I responded that this was indeed the case. It was a great opportunity to explain my beliefs.
They then began to ask me about my background, and the topic eventually turned to my ancestry and the origins of the last name “Call.” I informed them that many of my ancestors came from England, including my Call line. They began to talk to each other about the merits of my claim, concluding that perhaps I was mistaken. At this point, I picked up my phone, opened the Family Search app, and walked them generation by generation back to the Call’s originating in England. On the app, I showed them the birthplaces of my Call ancestors in England and even a picture of the Call coat of arms.
They were stunned.
They asked how much the app cost and I told them it was free, and encouraged them to download it, which they both did. Next time I see them, I can easily follow-up on their use of a Church-sponsored application they now carry around with them everywhere!
Sharing the gospel is often times easier than we imagine. The simple beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that as we live it, others will naturally want to know more. These are children of God that have already once accepted His plan. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf testified in the April General Conference: “There are many normal and natural ways to (share our beliefs), from daily acts of kindness to personal testimonies on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to simple conversations with the people you meet.”
Often times, we just need to invite. Our friends want to be involved in good works and be with good people. The gospel library app was recently updated with new videos that I invite you to view at Library/Missionary/Sharing the Gospel/Come and See Videos. They are short, instructive and inspiring.
I testify that Heavenly Father desires for all His children to hear about His plan of happiness and of the life, sacrifice, and gift of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who makes it all possible. I testify that He will support and uplift us in our efforts to proclaim His precious gospel message.
I testify that the Book of Mormon will edify and strengthen all of us. It will safeguard our families. It will instill in us a true witness of Joseph Smith, Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, and the redeeming love and atoning sacrifice of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I invite all of us to pray daily for missionary experiences and opportunities as we’ve been asked to do by our dear prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. We will surely be blessed with such opportunities.
Akron Ohio Stake News 