We all touch others

Dear Family and Friends,

  A lesson learned this week is that you never know how the little services you do can affect the lives of others. One example is when Bob met a young man on the wagon and talked with him and his family briefly. That evening we had a tornado siren go off when we were in the visitors' center. Later it was determined that lightning struck the siren; however, at the time everyone went to the basement for cover.  This young man and his family also came there for shelter.  He was very shaken and frightened.  Bob went over and talked to him telling him he was in the safest possible place and invited him to ride the oxen the next morning.  He settled down with the help of the young performing missionaries.  First thing the following morning he was at the ox yard, with a hug for Bob and couldn't wait to introduce his Grandma to his new friend. Small things matter.

  Last winter, you may recall me telling you about a tour we had at Carthage with  physically handicapped neighbors who couldn't go up the stairs into the Martyrdom room, so we gave the tour in the parlor.  The gentleman named Rich, who has lost part of his jaw to cancer, bore powerful testimony to his friend, Patty.  We challenged her to go to church.  We've had some contact with them since then and found out she set a date to be baptized,  never missing a week at church since that tour. She was scheduled to be baptized on the 30th of June.  Well, Patty wrecked her car by hitting a deer, and her family from Missouri worked overtime to convince her of the error of her decision.  She came to see me to tell me she was postponing her baptism.  I encouraged her to keep the date.  I told her there would always be "a deer in the road" and Satan will work unceasingly to keep her from Eternal blessings.  She hugged me and said she'd think about it. 

  Patty and her friend Rich then went on to the Visitors' Center before returning home to Mt. Pleasant,  Iowa.  There they ran into a man and his family who were converts from the Amish community.  He said he felt impressed to find someone at the visitors' center to bear testimony to.  He lives in Ohio now.  Anyway, he told her how he and his family gave up everything, their furniture business, home, friends, and family to join the Church.  He told her it was worth it.  Now 3 other families have joined them, but most of all they had a peace they never knew.  Patty was touched.  She was baptized June 23. We went to her confirmation on Sunday the 24th. Rich beamed as he performed the ordinance.  It was so special.  She thanked us and told us we were her family now.  We told her she had family all over the world.  She asked us if we would go to the temple with her later this week to do baptisms for her parents.  Of course we will!  You never know how the Lord will allow you to touch other lives.

Sister Long, Patty, Elder Long

Last, but certainly not least, tomorrow will mark 174 years since the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum.  We are ever thankful that they willingly sealed their testimonies of this great work with their blood.  

It means everything to have Christ's Church in its fullness here on the earth again.  We love them and love the Lord. We love you all too.

Sister and Elder Long