Neighborhood Miracle at the Ward Party

By Elder Peterson

Dear President,

The Ralph family (members) have always been very involved in missionary

work. One day my companion and I were at a ward party. As we were eating

and talking with some members, one of them told us that the Ralph family had

brought a nonmember neighbor to the activity and said that we should go meet

him. Of course my companion and I were excited, so we immediately got up

and found the Ralph family. Brother Ralph introduced us to Mike Panton, his

neighbor friend that lived right across the street from our apartment. Mike was

having a great time and was meeting many of the ward members. About a week

later the Ralphs had us over for dinner and told my companion and I more about Mike. A few

days later we enjoyed a lesson with Mike in the Ralphs home and taught him about the

Restoration of the Gospel.

Mike started to attend church and to take the rest of the lessons. The Elders Quorum played a

significant role in Mike's conversion since we would bring a new member friend from the ward

for Mike to get to know at almost every missionary lesson. By the time Mike scheduled a

baptismal date, he already had a huge support system in the ward. At his baptism there were

many friends from church there to support him. He was baptized and confirmed by friends he

made at church. It’s amazing the impact one simple invitation to a neighbor can have! Through a

friendly invitation to come to a ward party, the members were able to bring one of God's children

into the fold. Mike has a strong testimony of families and service!

Elder Sean Peterson