REAL INTENT

FOR REAL - LAST SUNDAY DINNER

Dinner Guest- Left side of table: Brother Johnson, Brother Ficklin. Holly's dad, Elders Tippett, Meyer, Me, Holly and Elder Pack

Elder Berry and I thought we had our last Sunday dinner the last Sunday in March but last week Holly asked us to have one more Sunday dinner; "please. please, please" How could we refuse, so this week was our last Sunday dinner. Holly's dad who isn't a member of the church and whom she hasn't seen in eight years was coming to town to visit her. She wanted him to experience a Sunday dinner with the Elders and good food. It was a joy to have an excuse to have one more dinner, also it was Holly's birthday Saturday and this gave us the opportunity to celebrate. Holly asked for As You Like It for dessert since she had eaten it here once before and loved it so we just put a candle on it and sang happy birthday to her. Holly also asked that we spend some time after dinner visiting with her dad and answering any questions he might have after attending church for the first time today. When Holly's dad called and asked if he could visit her on her birthday she said he could if he would spend Sunday with her at church which he did. She was so excited to share the gospel with him. After dinner the Elders left, Brothers Johnson and Ficklin stayed and we had a wonderful visit and the spirit was felt. Holly's dad was told if he really wanted to know if the church was true he needed to pray with real intent. With real intent means that if you really and truly want to know. Brother Johnson told him if he prayed half heartily he wouldn't get an answer as the Holy Ghost confirms the truth and the spirit won't lie". Moroni 10:4  reads "ask with a sincere heat and real intent."

CHARLESTON SOUTH CAROLINA - MONDAY & TUESDAY

While in Charleston we met with the Huntington's and enjoyed a buggy ride through Charleston.

Since we have been serving in Augusta, Georgia we haven't had the opportunity to visit Charleston, South Carolina. Our mission president has been encouraging the senior couples to take some time and visit our mission especially Charleston so we finally decided we better go as our time here is drawing to a close. My sister Patti and her husband, who live in Augusta, went with us and we had a wonderful time. We left early Monday morning, spent the night and returned Tuesday evening. There are so many things to see and enjoy there just wasn't enough time to take everything in although we did experience some delicious southern food. Our trip included a ferry ride to Fort Sumter, Battery Park, a buggy ride around historic Charleston, shopping at the market and just enjoying Charleston.

The remainder of the week was spent searching for members and inviting them to church. We had a phone slammed down on us after introducing ourselves as the person said "Mormons". A young man answered the door, smiled because he knew who we were then said, "no thank you, have a good day" and politely closed the door. Others didn't even bother to open their doors. Visits were made to the sick and those who needed to be cheered up. Elder Berry and I know we have been called to find the less active and those who have lost their way and invite them back to the fold. It appears the real intent of some who joined the church was for financial aid and it appears they were never truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.. Moroni 6:8 "But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven." We know that as we search for those who's testimonies are weak with real intent the Lord will bless them and us.

Love Elder & Sister Berry