Caleb's Report to Stake High Council

Caleb did an admirable job reporting his mission.  Caleb presented to the Stake High Council the Tuesday after he returned from his mission.  He would have been his second day on the job.  We entered the meeting room at 8:30.  Also presenting with us was Emma Hunter who returned from her mission a week before Caleb.  She had been present for both the open house of a new temple in Florida, Fort Lauderdale and passing out Book of Mormon cards after the Musical “The Book of Mormon.”  She compared the reaction of the people at both events.  The people at the temple were very impressed with the influence of the church.

Caleb talked about how he felt the Lord put people where they needed to be to fulfill His plans.  He talked about proselytizing at the Nauvoo Pageant.  

Caleb focused his presentation on several stories of times when for whatever reason people where in the right place to get to the missionaries. Of course this also involved the missionaries being in tune to the spirit to take advantage.  The first was of a man who had been to Carthage jail.  While there he had a vivid vision and re-experienced the events that took place there.  After this he was seeking someone to teach himself about the church, or considered himself part of the church.
The second story was about a young man who embraced the gospel.  However his family was less than enthusiastic.  He wanted to go to BYUIdaho and serve a mission.  His family wanted to cut him off from funds for school.  He had a very difficult time with his parents, and it happened the missionaries had felt impressed to visit him.  They were able to support him through a hard time just by being there.
The last story was about an area in Caleb's last area.  Oquawka is about 30 miles from Burlington, on the other side of the Mississippi and to the north.  Caleb and his companion felt inspired to work there.  There were a few members there, but most were inactive.  They were trying to visit those inactive, but were having difficulty because the addresses were not clear.  As they were feeling so frustrated they prayed as to what to do.  Shortly after a local member, active, observed them.  He was able to help them find many of the people they were looking for.  In that way they were able to meet many families and teach new people.
I feel grateful for Caleb's service, and the Lord's help, and the members' help in providing him with a positive experience.