Porch Visit, Again

Yesterday afternoon I had another visit from my very own Jehovah's Witness missionary.  You may remember when she came to visit on Christmas Day two Christmases ago.  She showed up again just as we were leaving this past Thanksgiving to go to Grandmama's and consequently we missed a porch chat.  Yesterday wasn't a holiday that they don't celebrate, so far as I know, so it may have just been the date on the calendar to come over to try to convert me.  Whatever her schedule is it makes no sense to me.

Following the Thanksgiving day almost-visit, I had asked my brother-in-law if he had any advice on what to do with this woman.  I don't want to be outright rude, as I can imagine our church's missionaries get doors slammed in their faces too, and I'd hate to perpetuate that.  Plus, I think we have a lot more in common as Christians, than she thinks.  I'd love to prove that to her.  So far she isn't too interested in listening.  But she likes to talk.  He gave me an idea to try.

So, two o'clock in the afternoon yesterday the doorbell rang.  I wish we had a peep-hole, but we don't, so I answered the door.  There she was.  And she had another new friend with her for our porch visit.  There is another new person with her every time she shows up.  I don't know if she is the "trainer" or if she can't keep a partner.  Not that it matters to me.

Well, she started right in about the terrible gloom and doom prophesied for the end of days.  And then she read a few scriptures about how the only hope we have is Jehovah.  Yep, so far, same message, different scriptures cited.  Well, I remembered what my BIL had told me.  So I told her that I loved the messages the Bible gives us of God's Son and the promise He is to us in the last days.  But, I asked, if she would please bear testimony in her own words of His goodness and love.  She told me her testimony is from the scriptures.  Yes, I told her, I know those messages are from God, but the Holy Ghost is a vital element in knowing truth for ourselves.  And only God will send that kind of confirmation of our beliefs.  So, I asked again, please bear testimony in her own words.

She coudn't do it.

She started to lead me into another discussion of how nice it will be when Jehovah reigns on earth once more and the evil we face will be taken from the earth, replaced with peace and love.  I told her that just as the New Testament is a record of God's word for his people in Jerusalem when Christ lived, and Moses received God's word for the people of his time, as recorded in the Old Testament, just like Abraham or Isaiah, I know that God loves us as His children just as much as the people of those days.  Consequently He has given us additional direction and His words today through a living prophet, and that I knew if we listened and followed the guidance God gives through him, we would be prepared and ready to welcome the Savior when He returns.

She looked like she was getting angry.  What I told her certainly wasn't meant to be offensive or to incite an argument. But her blonde partner looked a little confused, and almost like she needed clarification.  I was very proud of myself for keeping my voice low and speaking with kindness.  She asked if she could come back and discuss the glorious return of Christ.  I told her I'd be happy to talk about the Savior with her.

As I closed the door and turned back to whatever I was doing before the door bell rang, I felt an electrifying rush run through me.  I recognized it as the Holy Ghost.  I also knew that the words given me when I opened my mouth to bear my testimony were from the Holy Ghost.  Just like that scripture in 2 Nephi 33 that says "when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men."  It was a pretty cool feeling.  I wasn't nervous or worried.  I just said what I felt, and I know what I told her was true.

Maybe this experience is enough that she'll decide I am not worth her time any more.  That is fine.  But if she does come back, I know I have the Spirit on my side, and I am not afraid to tell her what I believe.  That is a pretty great feeling.