I explained to her about the sacrament and told her she was welcome to bear her testimony if she felt impressed to do so. When testimony meeting started, I was nervous. I knew I was going to go up, but I didn't know when and I had no idea what I wanted to say. I usually only go up because I have something specific to share. After a few people went, my neighbor whispered to me, "I'm going up!" I told her I would too. I went first and bore my testimony of the Church, Book of Mormon, keeping the commandments, and President Monson. She then followed, asking me to stay up with her. She shared the story I shared with you about our conversations and how she has seen God in her life. She ended pleading with the members to open their mouths and share the gospel. I was very impressed with her courage (and a little embarrassed to be up there while she was talking about me in front of the whole ward!). More people shared their testimonies, one of which particularly touched her. It was such a powerful testimony meeting. I have felt the Spirit before in testimony meetings, but not so intensely and collectively as today. It was in the whole room, not just in my heart. I felt the value of and connection between each testimony. As the hymn proclaims, "The Spirit of God like a fire [was] burning."
At the end of the meeting, many people welcomed her and thanked her for her testimony, and she talked to the sister who moved her. When she realized she had more time than she thought, she decided to stay for Sunday School. I asked the other ward member she knew to stay with her while I took her son to Primary and got some stuff. Another brother suggested she go to Gospel Essentials, and that is where I met up with her and our friend. The teacher, a recently returned missionary, taught about repentance. My neighbor was attentive and took notes and even asked for a copy of the Gospel Principles book.
They could not stay for the last hour, but she said she would like to return, especially since the time allows for her to make the first two meetings before her church begins. I did ask her to come all three hours just one Sunday in the future so her son could be with me in Primary Sharing/Singing Time and she could go to the women's meeting. I hope she eventually will want to stay the whole time at our church every week! Pray for all of us!
Challenge: As my neighbor asked, open your mouth and share the gospel!
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