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One More Door
The Aruban sun beat down relentlessly, its heat reflecting off the paved asphalt roads. Drenched in sweat and our spirits flagging, my companion and I had spent hours tracting under the unforgiving sun. After many rejections that day, our once-optimistic smiles had wilted. Discouragement gnawed at our resolve.
“Maybe we should call it a day,” I suggested, my voice laced with exhaustion. “Nobody here wants our gospel message.”
My companion nodded in agreement, his shoulders slumping. “Let’s get out of here.”
We mounted our bikes, and the cool breeze was a welcome respite from the oppressive heat. As we pedaled towards the exit of the neighborhood, a sense of defeat hung heavy in the air. Just as we were about to leave, an impression came over us.
We suddenly stopped, pointing at a little home. “Let’s try one more. This one.”
We looked at each other almost jokingly as we approached the door, our hearts filled with anticipation. An elderly woman with a warm smile and kind eyes greeted us.
At first, the conversation seemed to follow the familiar pattern of polite disinterest. But as we delved deeper into the message of the restored gospel, a change came over the woman’s demeanor. Her eyes lit up with understanding, and her questions revealed a heart that the Lord had prepared.
We left her home that day with a renewed sense of purpose. The Lord had guided us to her, and we had been instruments in His hands. Over the next couple of months, we continued to teach her and nurture her faith, witnessing the Lord’s hand in the most remarkable ways. As we introduced her to the members of the branch, we discovered an incredible coincidence—one of the first members she met turned out to be a close friend from her past. They hadn’t seen each other in over a decade, and their reunion was a testament to the Lord’s tender care and guidance in bringing His children together.
On June 1, 2024, Loes was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a day that I will never forget. Her unwavering commitment to the gospel and her plans to attend the temple filled our hearts with gratitude.
That hot day in Aruba taught me a profound lesson about faith and obedience. Even when the path seems dismal and our efforts appear fruitless, the Lord is always working His miracles. He guides our steps, opens doors, and prepares hearts. Our role is to trust in Him, follow His promptings, and never give up.