Every six weeks, we as missionaries have a possibility of being transferred into a different city or town. Part of my assignment as assistant to the president of the mission is to be part of this transfer meeting. Its a neat experience and I always walk away from those meetings with a better understanding of the love that God has for each of his missionaries.
For the last 6 months, I have served in Bennett Valley, Santa Rosa area. That is typically a long time to serve in one area so I knew I was soon due for a move. When President Bunker told me that he has prayerfully selected Shiloh Park, Santa Rosa to be my new area, I was immediately excited. I love Santa Rosa so I knew it would be nice to stay in the city. But that's not what its about...
I recognize my purpose as a missionary of the Lord which is to bring others unto Christ through baptism. So the call to go to Shiloh park means nothing to me if I am not fulfilling my assignment. That night I prayed earnestly to God that he would prepare souls for me to find, teach, and baptize. For the next week, that same cry was made to my Lord. I believe in the promise given in
Matthew 7:7 "
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:".
Sure enough, it was given to me...
Our very first dinner/appointment in Shiloh Park was with the Ritter family. Sis. Ritter joined the church in 1976. Her husband, Bob Ritter, grew up with no religion. As we sat across the dinner table there was no doubt that this family had been prepared by the Lord to be taught by us. Later on that evening, we invited Bro. Ritter to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized. Bro. Ritter will be baptized December 5th.
"
And whoso reciveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." (
Doctrine and Covenants 84:88)
