Yesterday Sister Bryant and I rode our bikes to visit the same family I talked about last week-mom Bernita, dad Tyrone, 18 yo son Tyrone, 15 yo Brooklyn, and 14 yo Quantavis. When we got there all the boys were shirtless shooting hoops in the warm Mississippi sunshine. Sister Bryant showed them her game and then we gathered the family and went inside to teach them.
We reviewed the restoration with them to see if they understood. We asked a few questions and the father began teaching his sons. He taught about prophets, apostasy, Joseph Smith, and the restoration of the priesthood. We focused on the priesthood and they all grasped it perfectly. The young sons understand we are the only church with the authority to baptize and they said "y'all are the 'real deal'". We testified of how priesthood blesses families. I shared an experience from my junior year in high school: One night before finals I was stressed out and I began to hyperventilate/cry uncontrollably. In this moment of distress my dad came over, laid his hands on my head and gave me a priesthood blessing. The instant he finished I opened my eyes and was completely calm. My anxiety attack had ceased and I was filled with peace. I knew the priesthood was the power of God.
We asked the 3 boys where they saw themselves in 20 years-they all expressed the desire to have families, a home, and a job. We told them the decisions they make today will determine who they are for the rest of their lives. The dad Tyrone testified to his sons that they have to choose who they want to please-God or the world. He helped them understand that $ and material things and drugs and mischief are not worth it. I added my witness-in high school I had high standards, but I chose God over the "worldly" ways. I am not willing to give up what I have-a happy family, peace, purpose, love, joy-for anything the world has to offer.
The spirit was evident as we helped the family see how they can be strengthened by the priesthood. We filled their souls with a "brightness of hope" (2 Nephi 31:20) only the gospel can bring. They were all excited and anxiously asked, "well how do we go about getting the priesthood?!" We read a scripture answering their question and they realized they needed to be baptized. We set a goal for the entire family of 5 beautiful black people to be baptized on April 19.
That was an incredible moment. We could all feel God's love. I know the priesthood-the authority men hold to act in the name of God-is real. I know it blesses families. I am inexpressibly grateful for the priesthood in my life.
Wow I just can't get over how wonderful life is!!!! I LOVE being a missionary!!
Sister Ella Rae Madsen
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sister bryant and i! :)
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