Hello Guys and welcome back the to next episode! This is the story of Natalie (@love.through.the.savior), the friend of Hannah. This is Natalie’s story on her experience with how Hannah was converted to the gospel.
I am grateful that Hannah helped me through my sixth-grade year after I switched to a new school. She ate lunch with me and introduced me to new friends, but I never realized that at the same time, I was helping introduce her to principles of the gospel.
Over the next few years, Hannah and I became close friends, but she still surprised me occasionally—like the time we were at a carnival in 2019. Out of the blue, she told me she wanted to join the Church. Surprised was an understatement; I was shocked and even a little hesitant. My first thought was “I’m not sure if she knows how big of a commitment it is.”
I wasn’t sure what to do, but I give a lot of credit to my parents. They said, “She’s interested in the gospel. You should invite her to ward camp.” I thought it might be overwhelming for Hannah to spend the entire week with us and meet so many new people. But I took their advice and invited her, and she had an amazing time.
And then I invited her to youth conference. During a testimony meeting, I just felt like Hannah needed to hear my testimony even though public speaking was one of my biggest fears. She knew that I was afraid, and she admired the fact that I was willing to do it because I believed in the gospel.
I’m an overthinker, so whenever I considered inviting her, I thought, “She’s going to think that I want her to join my Church and I’m going to pressure her into things.” I knew those were irrational fears. People like to be invited to things, so I knew she’d enjoy it. In the beginning I had a lot of fears, and I was scared to invite her. But I think as time went on, I was more comfortable with sharing how I felt with her.
Sharing the gospel is about love. The Savior said, “Love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34). You never know how much you’re going to impact other people. When I share the gospel with friends, I know it won’t always have the same outcome as it did with Hannah. But down the road, they may have an experience where they’ll remember my invitation and act on it.
There is so much joy to be had in sharing the things you love and cherish the most. Hannah’s journey hasn’t just changed her life; it’s also changed my life and strengthened my testimony. I saw the change that the Savior made in her life, and it helped me recognize the Savior more in my life.
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