"Bible, a Bible... I Need a Bible!"

Sister and Elder West, Kwacey, Alvin, Amelia, Caleb, Oscar, and Robert

Monday night we had a delightful Family Home Evening hosted by Amelia at her home in Forest Hills. Robert gave the lesson and shared President Uchdorf''s, "always high flying" talk from the Priesthood Session. He talked about a plane that crashed because the landing gear light bulb was burned out and the flight crew was distracted. Robert researched the crash and gave us all the facts and Alvin, an American Eagle pilot, added that since this accident, one pilot flies the plane while the other troubleshoots, and deals with distractions. This led to a discussion about the distractions we face. These YSAs are busy and even though each face challenges and distractions, their focus is on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Oscar joined the Church in Hemstead NY, on Long Island, about a month ago. As we snacked and visited together, we asked him to share his conversion story with us. He was raised in another faith where he never really practiced his religion. Several years ago he had many questions about God. He studied several different religions and was disappointed as they each believed only parts of the Bible and couldn't answer his questions. Oscar told us,"He was so frustrated that he threw his Bible away and decided not to believe in God any longer." Shortly after making his decision, late one evening he was watching television. He saw a commercial inviting him to call and order, "a free Bible." Oscar realized he needed a Bible and made the call! He told of his wonderful conversation with "someone who understood what he was talking about." Thank you, "someone!" That individual explained that two representatives of Jesus Christ would bring a Bible to his home and teach him the gospel. Oscar was so excited and happy. Elder Douglass and Elder Yeanoplos received that media referral, and met Oscar shortly thereafter. They were able to answer all of his questions. He knew that the gospel of Jesus Christ was what he had been searching for. Elder Douglass was transferred and Elder Furlong had the opportunity to teach Oscar as well. Oscar feels so "new since his baptism." He is thrilled to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are so glad we met Oscar and that he shared his testimony with us. God is preparing people for membership in His church. How grateful we are for our calling to help strengthen them and teach them.