Now Is the Time

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Elder M. Russell Ballard

Did you know that Elder Ballard likes to fish and golf? He teaches us about the importance of sharing the gospel.

When individuals feel the Spirit working with them, or when they see the evidence of the Lord’s love and mercy in their lives, they are strengthened spiritually, and their faith in Him increases.

Recently a stake president shared with me a tender story. Both the Relief Society and the priesthood had been working with a family in their stake but had failed to make progress with the parents. Primary leaders found the answer. Permission was given by the parents for their young daughter to attend Primary. Their one condition was that she had to want to go badly enough to get there on her own. Rides to church could not be provided. Because she had to go through a rough part of town, the ward council saw to it that someone would drive along beside her as she rode an old bicycle to church.

Through summer heat, through rain and even snow, she persisted in going to church. At Christmastime, a family in the ward gave this faithful little girl a new 10-speed bicycle. This so touched the parents that they too began attending church. This young girl was baptized. What made the baptism even more special was that it was performed by the newest priest in the ward, her recently activated father.

Now is the time for members of the Church to be more bold in reaching out to others, helping them to know the Church is true. We must move forward with the promise that the Spirit will bless us to know what to do and what to say as we assist those who are seeking to know the truth.