In Section 18 of the Doctrine and Covenants, we read:
"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" (D&C 18:15)
Almost 44 years ago, I began serving as a young missionary in the California Central Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While serving in Merced, California (my last area) , we were introduced to a young man named Kevin Hill, who wanted to learn more about our Church. As a first year student at a local college in Merced, Kevin made friends with a young woman who was a new Church member. My companion (Elder Kenneth Cogdell) and I were able to teach Kevin the Gospel. He was baptized, and almost immediately thereafter left California to attend the United States Air Force Academy. I saw Kevin at Thanksgiving of 1972, after I had returned home, and then lost contact for more than 35 years.
A couple of years ago through Kevin's efforts, we again made contact. Today, I received notice via Facebook of the following post by Kevin:
"42 years ago today I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and it was one of the best decisions of my life. David Berrett was one of the Missionaries that baptized me. As I have continued to read the Bible, old and new testaments, the Book of Mormon and other books and scriptures it amazes me how all the parts fit together. I have loved serving in the Church in various callings and I have been so blessed in so many ways. I would not trade any of our 9 kids or 10 (1/2) Grandkids and the blessings that they give me. I have had more joy, happiness and hope than I ever had before. I am also thankful the young lady, Linda Thornhill, that introduced me to the Church and wish her well."
Now, "the rest of the story."
While it might be possible to consider Kevin "just one" person whom I had the privilege to teach and see baptized, this would be an error. About a year ago, I asked him about the consequences of his baptism. You can see from the quote above, he and his wife have 9 children and 10 (and counting) grandchildren. That makes 20 Church members from his baptism. (I am assuming that his wife already was a Church member, so we do not count her.) One son served a mission, working with at least 44 people who were baptized. Another son worked with more than 23 people who joined the Church. One of their daughters worked with 5 people who were baptized. And, at the time Kevin gave me these statistics, he and his wife still had two sons planning to serve missions. By Kevin's count, that is 92 people who are know to have come to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from "only one." Undoubtedly there are more, as Kevin served for a time as a ward mission leader and has done his best to be a member missionary.
Now, as I and my companion of 40 years serve another mission, we remind our missionaries of the consequences of each person who is baptized. One person who joins the Church is never just one. I think this is what "establishing the Church" looks like. I am grateful for Kevin and for his constant persistence in developing and maintaining his testimony. I am grateful for having been of some small benefit in helping start this wonderful miracle.
"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" (D&C 18:15)
Almost 44 years ago, I began serving as a young missionary in the California Central Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While serving in Merced, California (my last area) , we were introduced to a young man named Kevin Hill, who wanted to learn more about our Church. As a first year student at a local college in Merced, Kevin made friends with a young woman who was a new Church member. My companion (Elder Kenneth Cogdell) and I were able to teach Kevin the Gospel. He was baptized, and almost immediately thereafter left California to attend the United States Air Force Academy. I saw Kevin at Thanksgiving of 1972, after I had returned home, and then lost contact for more than 35 years.
A couple of years ago through Kevin's efforts, we again made contact. Today, I received notice via Facebook of the following post by Kevin:
"42 years ago today I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and it was one of the best decisions of my life. David Berrett was one of the Missionaries that baptized me. As I have continued to read the Bible, old and new testaments, the Book of Mormon and other books and scriptures it amazes me how all the parts fit together. I have loved serving in the Church in various callings and I have been so blessed in so many ways. I would not trade any of our 9 kids or 10 (1/2) Grandkids and the blessings that they give me. I have had more joy, happiness and hope than I ever had before. I am also thankful the young lady, Linda Thornhill, that introduced me to the Church and wish her well."
Now, "the rest of the story."
While it might be possible to consider Kevin "just one" person whom I had the privilege to teach and see baptized, this would be an error. About a year ago, I asked him about the consequences of his baptism. You can see from the quote above, he and his wife have 9 children and 10 (and counting) grandchildren. That makes 20 Church members from his baptism. (I am assuming that his wife already was a Church member, so we do not count her.) One son served a mission, working with at least 44 people who were baptized. Another son worked with more than 23 people who joined the Church. One of their daughters worked with 5 people who were baptized. And, at the time Kevin gave me these statistics, he and his wife still had two sons planning to serve missions. By Kevin's count, that is 92 people who are know to have come to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from "only one." Undoubtedly there are more, as Kevin served for a time as a ward mission leader and has done his best to be a member missionary.
Now, as I and my companion of 40 years serve another mission, we remind our missionaries of the consequences of each person who is baptized. One person who joins the Church is never just one. I think this is what "establishing the Church" looks like. I am grateful for Kevin and for his constant persistence in developing and maintaining his testimony. I am grateful for having been of some small benefit in helping start this wonderful miracle.
Thanks so much for sharing this great story of conversion and growth! We really appreciate your testimony and the great work that you are doing. Thanks for your diligent service to the Lord in furthering His kingdom on the Earth!! Love Gladys and Jerome Wigg.
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