As a missionary in Brisbane, Australia, we had finished teaching all of the lessons to a very smart lady. She had nearly finished reading The Book of Mormon and loved it. She had also read other articles we’d given her — and really enjoyed them. For several weeks she had attended church. After this final lesson, we once again invited her to be baptized.
Once again she said, “No, because although I love everything you’ve taught and all I’ve read, I cannot say “I know it is true.”
We couldn’t think of anything else to say. I looked at my companion hoping he had an idea. His wide eyes and shrugged shoulders showed he was out of ideas. Then an idea came to me. “Well, Sister Thompson, I don’t know what else we can do, but, this Saturday night at the Kangaroo Point Chapel an apostle of the Lord, Elder Thomas Monson, will be speaking. Would you like to attend?”
“Yes!” was her instant response.
Saturday night we met her at the chapel and sat in the exact middle of the chapel where I always took investigators/friends in order to stay away from the traffic in the back area where people come and go, and where there are crying children.
Elder Monson gave his typical smiling, positive, welcoming, charming testimony. He had everyone’s attention including Sister Thompson. He closed his address and started to sit down when he suddenly stood erect and walked back to the podium where Stake President Proctor was beginning to thank people for coming. President Proctor instantly stepped aside for Elder Monson who said, “I was going to sit down but I was overcome with the feeling that I needed to meet every one of you, shake your hand and thank you for coming. So during the closing song, I’ll walk back to the exit where I can meet all of you.”
He did just that. After the closing prayer, people started filing out the back door. Elder Monson, a very tall fellow, reached down and said, “Good to have you here. Thank you for coming” while shaking their hand. I could hear him say that to each person, one after the other.
When it was our turn, Elder Monson paused, looked down at Sister Thompson and shook her hand. He said nothing for a moment and then said, “Sister…It is true.” He paused again as we passed by. Then he continued telling each person, “Thanks for coming. Good to have you here,” while shaking their hand.
Sister Thompson had left our side and walked straight out to the balconey railing — by herself. We approach her and could see the flood of tears. She looked up and said, “Elders, I know the Restored Gospel is true. Please schedule my baptism.”
Years later when I met President Monson at a dinner in the Church Office Building, I told him that story. He paused, shook his head, pursed his lips and said, “Thank you for sharing that with me.” He stood silently and then said, “I remember the Kangaroo Point chapel, but do not recall do that. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate knowing this.”
To you, the reader, I suspect you’ve had powerful times sharing the gospel — Gathering Israel, and I’d love to read your thoughts. Please write to me at [email protected] and share your spiritual moments when you were helping to gather Israel — as a full-time missionary, or a stake missionary, or as a member sharing the gospel with someone. Maurine Proctor, the editor of Meridian Magazine has requested the chance to publish your memories and those of others who participate in the gathering of Israel.
