Mission Miracle from Elder Spencer Boyd

We had a really sweet experience on Saturday. Elder Burrows and I knew we had to visit our less-active family and we finally did. We decided to make them brownies because we didn't want to go over there with nothing. Before we left we said a prayer that we would be received because we actually really need their help with building the branch. We prayed and asked that a way would be provided for us because in the past before I got to Craiova, the missionaries had some unsuccessful visits, meaning they ended badly. Anyways, we basically prayed for a miracle. We went over there with the brownies and rang the bell. The husband came out. Now I had never met the husband before and it was Elder Cantlon that told me that he didn't want anything to do with the church anymore. So, I was nervous. But it was fine, he told us they were busy, but then he saw that we brought brownies so he let us in. Brownies are magical. We offered to help, but they replied no and said they were going to take a break. Elder Burrows saw what they were doing, which was hardwood flooring. He asked again if we could help because he had done that before and they accepted. It turned out that they actually needed our help. Elder Burrows knew what to do so I just helped where I could. We finished laying down the floor and everything worked out great. After, we sat down in the living room, ate the brownies and got to know them better. The wife loved the brownies. Everything that happened during this sitting period was amazing. We got to know them better and then the wife brought out this photo album which had pictures of all the old missionaries and the photos of their baptism. All of these photos invited the spirit and softened the husband’s heart. It was really good for him to see those photos. All four of us looked through this album and the family explained each one and told us about the missionaries that found them. It was great. At the end of the album they had their baptismal certificates and we saw them, which was great too. After we looked at the photos we asked them questions about their baptism, and what happened. We learned that Craiova was very different from Bucharest after the revolution. They were baptized in 1992 which was about 3 years after the revolution. Craiova was very different because it still had a lot of communist influence. It was hard for them because if you were different, everybody would know what you did and everybody would watch you. People were still very suspicious, so the family went back to the Orthodox church because it was “safer” and more comfortable for them. We then told them that we needed their help and that God needs their help here in Craiova. They said they would try with the church again. Our conversation on the whole matter went so well, everything was perfect. We came at the right time, the photo album, everything. It all provided a way for us to find out what they needed and how we can help them. We concluded by singing them a hymn and a prayer. Now here's the best part. The husband walked us out and down the street a bit and before he sent us off he said that coming to visit was a very wise move on our part. Oh my gosh it was so amazing. It was indeed a little miracle.