the power of a man's example

by Elder Richard Stucki  

​My companion and I were tracting late one winter afternoon along t short city street that came to a dead end at the last house, which sat up on a little hill, surrounded by a unusually nice and spacious lawn and garden.

We had had the usual responses that day of is interest, and no invitations in to talk. We were tired and it was about time for supper. However, since there were only a few more homes to call on, to complete that street, we persisted on, and soon rang the bell to the house I described.

When we announced we were Mormon missionaries... much to our dismay, the lady immediately invited us in, in the most cordial way. It appeared she was a widow, with a son, also at home, about our age. We had a long visit and were served something to eat as well.

Why the hospitality and warm reception remained a puzzle, until she said "I knew one other Mormon. An older man, and the only Mormon for many miles. It was years ago, and I was much younger. Whenever he was around and a crude joke was started, he would leave. When something vulgar was being talked about, he would quickly change the subject. He never used bad language or got drunk like the other men did. I feel that all Mormons must be like him."

Because of a man's example years ago, a lady invited two total strangers into her home, fed them, and treated them as trusted friends.

How I wish all of us were the examples this man was. If we were, the Church would move ahead at a much faster pace than it is growing now !