When we got off the cruise ship in Boston, we summoned an Uber driver. Allen came. Allen is from Nigeria. We immediately connected with him. We apologized for making him work on Sunday. That opened the conversation to religion. Allen goes to a non-denominational church and obviously loves Jesus Christ and reveres Him as his Savior and Redeemer. It was just so natural to discuss the gospel with him. We talked about the plan of salvation on that fifteen-minute drive. At one point, Ken asked if knew that we lived before we came to this earth. He answered enthusiastically, "Yes! I know that! It is right in the Bible! Not many people notice it, but it is right in the Bible!" Ken then started quoting,
"5 Before I aformed thee in the belly I bknew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I csanctified thee, and I dordained thee a prophet unto the enations." Jeremiah 1:5
Allen joined in and they quoted this scripture together. It was the sweetest moment. The spirit in that car was so strong. We know Allen felt it, too.
We told Allen about the Book of Mormon. We asked him if he had heard of it. He said he thought he had heard of it. Ken told him it was another testament of Jesus Christ and that it talked about when Christ came to this land after He was resurrected. He was very interested. We asked him if he would like a copy. He said he really would like a copy. He said he was a voracious reader. We asked if he would like us to share it digitally or if he would like a hard copy. He said he would like a hard copy. "I like to hold a book in my hands and feel it."
When we reached our destination, we got Allen's home address and promised him we would send a copy of this sacred book.
After we got home, we called the mission office in Boston and got the names and phone number of the Elders that served in the area that included Allen's address. We then called the Elders and told them this story. They asked us to write our testimonies and email them, which we did. They promised they would go and visit Allen and deliver a Book of Mormon. Here is the testimony I sent for them to include in the Book of Mormon:
Dear
Allen,
What a
pleasure it was to meet you in Boston.
You have such a special light about you.
It was a highlight of our trip to talk with you and share our
testimonies of Jesus Christ. We are so
excited to share this Book of Mormon with you.
I want you to know that I know it is truth. It truly is another testament of Jesus
Christ. I know that if you will read it,
study it, and ponder the mercies of Jesus Christ throughout all time, as well
as the mercies He has bestowed upon you, He will tell you, through the Holy
Ghost that this book is true. May God
bless you and your family in every way.
Most Sincerely, Kay Hinton
Kayhinton@hotmail.com
Here is Ken's letter and testimony to Allen:
Dear Brother Akinyemi and family,It was such a pleasure to meet you last Sunday morning and to get to know you a little bit. I hope that we will be able to become better acquainted in the future.Thank you for accepting this precious Book of Mormon. It is one of my most treasured possessions because it has helped me to know my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and to draw closer to Him and our Heavenly Father. I know it can do the same for you. As I have studied our Savior’s Gospel and Commandments in this book and in the Bible, it has taught me how to achieve peace and happiness, both in this life and in the next life.Allen, you expressed to us your deep love for your dear wife and precious daughters. This book can help you know how you can live for eternity with these precious family members, together with Jesus and our Heavenly Father.The description of our Savior’s visit to the people on the American continent is described in the book of 3 Nephi, starting at chapter 11. This portion of the Book of Mormon is one of my favorites.Moroni, the last prophet of God to write in the book of Mormon, teaches us how to read and study this book. Before you start reading the book from the first, please review Moroni 10:3-5. By following his instructions as you study the Book of Mormon, it will help God to reveal to you that this is truly another Testament that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, indeed that He is the Son of God our Eternal Father.Love,Brother Ken Hinton
A few days later the Elders reported they had left the book on his doorstep. A few days later they reported they visited again, but he was still not home, but the book was no longer on the step. A few days later they reported that they finally contacted Allen and he said he was reading. They set up an appointment to meet with him. We haven't heard back from them yet. We will keep you posted.
This was such a sacred experience for us. There are people prepared and waiting for the truth. I hope we can be prepared and when the time comes open our mouths to share.
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