Mission Miracle from Sora Kara Staley

August 2, 2009

I told you last week about Sonia--the young atheist girl (18 years) we met block-knocking. She's been keeping all her commitments and trying to pray. She agreed to come with us to church a few days ago, but then yesterday morning, she called and said she wasn't feeling well and that we'd have to try another time. We happened to be fasting for Sonia to get a response and this seemed like a terrible thing to happen in the mist of a fast! I was of course frustrated, knowing that Satan would try something like this. I left the room to be alone and knelt in prayer. I plead with my Heavenly Father, telling Him that we needed a miracle. I explained that I know all people have their agency, but that I was fully aware my faith could get Sonia to church. I acknowledged that though I do not fully comprehend His plan for Sonia, I know that her presence at church could not possibly be against His will. I told Him that if Alma could pray and get an angel sent to stop his rebellious son, I knew He could do a miracle for Sonia. I asked for guidance and promised to act promptly. When I stood and re-entered the room where I'd left my companion, I found her on her knees praying too. When she finished, I said, "Get up. I think we should go get her anyway." That's exactly what Sora Gibbons was thinking.

We left for Sonia's house. All the way up the cobblestone hill, I prayed to be guided in how to break the news to her that she WAS coming to church. We walked at a determined pace and spoke little. Doing something like this is really scary. The door to the block was magically open so we didn't have to ring doors to get in. We climbed the stairs to the top and catching our breath, knocked on the door. She ignored us. I called her and said, "Sonia, come to the door." She let us in and with all the courage I could muster I said, "I know you don't feel well, but we know God wants you at church. Can you get some clothes on please." My companion promised she'd feel better if she came. "How long do I have to get ready?" she asked. I told her ten minutes. With wide eyes, she hurried into her room to get ready.

We barely made it to church on time. Ashley (the BYU girl who passed out while giving her talk two weeks ago) was given another opportunity to share it in Sacrament meeting. Much of what she said really touched Sonia's heart. Crazy how the Lord works huh? During the next hour, the lesson centered on the Plan of Salvation and Atonement. All were in tears because of the spirit that filled the room. Towards the end, Sonia raised her hand and began by telling everyone to stop crying or she would cry. She then proceeded to explain how grateful she was to be at church. She said it was the first time ever in her life. She talked of her desire to have a better relationship with her parents. She mentioned Nefi in the Book of Mormon, and how she's begun to believe that like him, maybe she could put her trust in something larger and/or someone wiser than herself. She spoke of the desire to change and have faith.

After church was over, Sonia brought up her own commitment follow-up. She said she hasn't received an answer but that she got an interesting idea. The thought came to her that maybe God was slow to answer her prayers because she had been slow to call on Him. She said, "He's waited 18 years for me to talk to Him so how can I be mad when he doesn't answer me right away? I'm going to be patient now and wait for Him to answer back." We told her that IS an answer. She now continues praying, with the hope of a warm response like we promised her, but with the knowledge that the Lord will answer in His own way and in His own timing.

It's amazing how a girl who wondered a week ago if God existed, could have such faith in Him already!