The following remarkable account was shared by Elder Jorge M. Alvarado during the most recent general conference. It stood out to our Meridian staff especially as it happened in Puerto Rico where our very own Maurine and Scot Proctor are currently serving a full-time mission.
It was in my hometown of Ponce, that a sister in the church, Célia Cruz Ayala, decided that she was going to give the Book of Mormon to a friend. She wrapped it and went to deliver this gift, more precious to her than diamonds or rubies. On her way, a thief approached her, grabbed her purse, and ran away with the special gift inside.
When she told this story at church, her friend said, “Who knows? Maybe this was your opportunity to share the gospel!”
Well, a few days later, Celia received a letter. I hold the letter in my hand. It says:
Mrs. Cruz:
“Forgive me, forgive me. You will never know how sorry I am for attacking you. But because of it, my life has changed and will continue to change.
That book [the Book of Mormon] has helped me in my life. The dream of that man of God has shaken me. I am returning your five dollars, for I can’t spend them.
I want you to know that you seemed to have a radiance about you. That light seemed to stop me [from harming you, so] I ran away instead.
I want you to know that you will see me again, but when you do, you won’t recognize me, for I will be your brother. … Here, where I live, I have to find the Lord and go to the church you belong to.
The message you wrote in that book brought tears to my eyes. Since Wednesday night I have not been able to stop reading it. I have prayed and asked God to forgive me, [and] I ask you to forgive me. … I thought your wrapped gift was something I could sell.[Instead,] it has made me want to change my life.
Forgive me, forgive me, I beg you.
Your absent friend.
