Move to Visalia to Hear the Gospel

Move to Visalia to Hear the Gospel

When we first arrived in Visalia we heard from many of the members about a special visit they had from Elder Henry B. Eyring seven and a half years ago. He had said that many people would move to Visalia not knowing why. The reason would be to receive the gospel. He also said that there were thousands of people ready to hear the gospel. This week we had two recent converts move from Visalia after being baptized. The Woods moved to Texas and the Allens moved to Pennsylvania. It was interesting. Usually the missionaries are the ones that move around, not the converts. Neither of the converts had been to the temple. In the Missionary Committee Meeting Sister Sheffer told the group that these converts need to get to the temple before they left.  It seemed like an impossible task, but everyone jumped in and helped. By that evening the converts had recommends in their hands. They had babysitting arranged. They also had an appointment with the family history consultant in their ward to get family names. They had another ward offer to take them with them to the temple on Tuesday night. It made our head spin to watch it all unfold. Many people doing much work for someone else to make something wonderful happen. What a miracle! Here in Visalia this kind of miracle is commonplace. (If miracles ever can be) If we all lift where we stand huge burdens are made light.

The stake is a beehive of activity preparing and inviting for the visit of D. Todd Christsoffersen, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. We know of seven investigators who will be there to learn at the feet of an apostle. This week will be filled with inviting as many people as we can in addition to those we are teaching. Everyone is excited to hear what inspiration and guidance the Lord has for this part of His vineyard.

This last transfer there were so many new missionaries and visa waiters that we had a late night phone call from our zone leader asking if we would go to Costco and purchase a traveling fold-up bed for a threesome of Elders. We were not able to buy it that night because we had appointments that didn't finish until after Costco was closed. We felt a little sad for the Elder who was chosen to sleep on the floor that night.

We had the opportunity to help serve lunch to the homeless. It is called the Bethlehem Center and the Stake helps on the third Tuesday of each month.  This was our third time of helping. We are able to help when it is transfer week and we don't have district meeting. So, a third Tuesday on a transfer week is rare. We have enjoyed serving.

We have heard that one of the 58 new missions will be Bakersfield, just south of us. We are wondering how the boundaries will change but this change is scheduled for July and we will be home.

There are always miracles large and small found in the Lord's work. We appreciate members who reach out in small ways to touch people's lives. Seeds are planted every day and they grow. (Alma 32)

                Thank you for your replies, letters, and updates. We love you all. God bless you

Elder and Sister Sheffer

PS Our Facebook is David Gaile Sheffer and our blog is http://grandmagaile.blogspot.com