Missionary Experience from Brother Forkner

On Saturday, Feburary 27th, Kilee Bennett was greatly excited and energetic to invite six Gallaudet deaf friends to accompany us to the Deaf Branch party. Kilee and I realized that we had invited too many non-member friends and didn't have enough room in my SUV. Kilee borrowed Amanda's car so they would be able to go with us. Our non-members friends had a good time with Kilee and the other Deaf members. They enjoyed the talent show. While I was cleaning the gym, I watched a conversation between Chris, (Kilee's friend) and Brother Spanbauer about Mormon beliefs. Chris wanted to understand why Mormons taught about Word of Wisdom and other doctrines. He thought that two angels had come to see Joseph Smith. Brother Spanbauer was about to teach him about Joseph Smith's first vision, but Chris had to leave early with his friends. They rode with me back to the Gallaudet campus, and while I was driving, I prayed in my thoughts and in my heart that one of them would be willing to hear the Gospel. I asked them to assist my wife in walking to the dorm while I looked for a place to park the car. I then saw Melissa sitting in the RA office with Amanda Hackett. I joined in their conversation, and when I was about to leave in order to do my homework, I felt the promptings of the Spirit suggesting that I rest and stay in RA office, and not worry about homework, but rather that I do my homework after church. Chris found me in the RA office, and he was so curious about Mormon beliefs that he wanted to learn more about the Church, since he didn't finish his discussion with Brother Spanbauer. He asked me many questions about why our church has the Book of Mormon, the Word of Wisdom, and the role of Joseph Smith. I shared the story of Joseph Smith's first vision and how Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, came to him. He thought it was two angels but learned that it was in fact Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ who appeared to Joseph Smith. I also taught him about the history of the Book of Mormon and the Word of Wisdom. I impressed him, because he was listening carefully, seeking clarification, and asking a lot of questions. Chris and I had a long conversation about Mormon beliefs for three hours in the RA office. In that moment, I felt the Spirit had guided me in order to be there to answer all of Chris' questions. He often expressed that my explanations made sense, and was impressed with the church. I invited him to come over my place for more discussion and to give him a copy of the Book of Mormon, and add an application on his Iphone. I also invited him to receive discussions from the missionaries whenever he feels he is ready to listen. I learned that Chris' father is a preacher in his church. I prayed to Heavenly Father that I hope we will find more men who will join the true church and will honor the priesthood and desire to serve the Lord.

Listening to the Holy Ghost

by Patrick Peters

Listening to the Holy Ghost is not an easy job, as we often don’t listen to or forget to trust the Holy Ghost. Here is one example from my life of why this is important. In the early 1990’s, my friend and I were planning to go out somewhere. We stopped at "K" street, waiting for the traffic light to allow us to cross the street. All the sudden, I had a feeling like someone is tapping me and telling me to move away from the traffic light pole. So, I asked my friend to move further away from the traffic light. My friend didn't understand why I asked her to move. A few seconds later, out of the blue, an old, blue car came toward to us. The driver seemed to be confused or drunk. As a result, he crashed his car into the very traffic light where we had been. I was surprised that I had moved away, and had listened to my feelings. That feeling came from the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost was telling me to move, and if I hadn't listened to it, the car would have struck either me or my friend. I am very glad that I listened.

What is the Holy Ghost? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints explains that "the Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of spirit, without a body of flesh and bones. He is frequently referred to as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter." The Holy Ghost generally talks with us gently and guides us to find either the right path or find answers to our questions. But it isn't always a simple thing to pay attention to the Holy Ghost. I constantly try to do my best to listen to it, because the Holy Ghost is always available to help people in need around the world.

The last thing I want to share is a list of a few links from Ensign Articles from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[LDS.org - Ensign Article - “Always Have His Spirit”]

[LDS.org - Ensign Article - A Comforter, a Guide, a Testifier]

[LDS.org - Ensign Article - Fire and the Holy Ghost]

Missionary Moment from Brother Wilson

Having been home from my own Mission for almost five years now, I had forgotten about how much double planning and looking for back-up appointments we went through. The 2 missionaries in our branch are great back-up planners. I got to go on exchanges recently, which put their planning skills to test. The only appointment they had that night didn’t show up. after a quick break down of who lived closest, they decided it would be most beneficial if we visited a nearby member.

It is inspiring to associate with individuals who spend all their waking hours studying, pondering and teaching the gospel. You can’t help but feel the spirit they radiate from the mantle they carry.

The Kendricks and the Festival of Lights

“For several years now, Emma has played soccer with a girl named Bridget Kennedy. They happen to live just around the corner from us and so our families have developed a good friendship. They are very aware of our dedication to our faith and Dave Kennedy (the father) has even been to LDS church services when he was in boot camp because they would let the mormons off base for longer times due to the three hour length of time we go to church. We decided to invite them to the visitor’s center this year to look at the lights, see the nativity sets, and have a nice time. Samantha also brought a friend with us. We watched Luke 2 with them and talked about the symbols of Christmas. We had a nice time and are hoping that more experiences like these will open them to the gospel message.

The Kendricks”