On Friday I handed over the keys to a Christian mother and father who are tenants in a flat I own. I also handed a prepared Book of Mormon.  This was not difficult.  We had already discussed the Church soon after I first met them when looking over the property.  I was needing to find out a little about who they were, and interestingly, with their own Christian activity they were as interested in the values and belief in their prospective Landlord. So there was gratitude on their part in learning that I believed in Jesus Christ and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Blessing , the young mother's name, also had something to give to me from her church - 'Rhapsody of Realities' - so it was all timely and interesting.  I will invite them to Welling Church when they have settled in, and also to receive the missionaries. Blessing has already met the Full Time Missionaries, but to date has never received the Book of Mormon. We shall see.

Gave a PAC to the Bromley Marks and Spencer's young male assistant.  A reaction of interest but no time to discuss.
Another week ahead - who knows who will present themselves.

Am going to design for myself a 'My Prospects Progress Tracker' form.  Some of these contacts can be revisited and tried to progress to receiving the missionaries/visit the Church.

President Turner taught us well at Stake Conference session yesterday evening in that it is quite OK to be invited to attend a church by someone of a particular faith.  Saying no isn't difficult and certainly no one is offended when invited, but elects to say no thanks.  Saying yes is also particularly easy in the natural circumstances of an invitation to come and take a look.  Those interested will feel appreciative of being invited at a time in their life when they genuinely would like to learn more about this Church that maybe has something special to offer.

We can but invite.  I guess there is something in the way of doing it that does improve with practice, but again, not inviting when there is a chance to is not being Christ-like enough.

The sister in the shop didn't arrive at church on Sunday. I returned to the shop today at lunchtime after three days leave, with The Book of Mormon copy prepared. We chatted - she explained that she went to her own church - habit. " I don't like going too deep into it" she says after I explain the Book of Mormon is not lost scriptures from the Bible, as she thought - that it came from a prophet family from Jerusalem at the time of the prophet Isaiah who were led to the American continent and started a 1000 year old civilisation. "It testifies of Christ, and complements the Bible." I invite and commit. "Will you read from the sections I have suggested?" She says" Well, I will read a few pages and if I don't like it I will stop." "Is it OK if I come back in a few days to see how you have got on" "Sure." At this point a customer walks in and we say goodbye.

I then go to an upholstery shop for some curtains I need. I have a joke with the shopkeeper, who then leaves and I am served by his assistant. I make the purchase and forget to offer a PAC. I walk out the shop realising this and knowing I need to go back, when the shopkeeper returns down the road. So, we acknowledge each other and I say offering him the PAC "This is the real deal church - you've got to look into it. You can get a free DVD and also there is this great website that will tell you all about it." He accepts the card and I feel OK again!!

A great day yesterday. Michael Paczensky, a convert from June 2010 and my faithful Home Teaching companion for over a year was set apart by President Baldock as a Full-time missionary serving in the Leeds England Mission for 24 months. I got to be in the setting apart Melchizedek Priesthood circle, along with Bishop Gareth Wretham, 1st Councillor Ken Walker, and Derek Rutter, who with Gill his wife took Elder Paczensky to Preston MTC today! Those of you who know Michael will know how deep he is and with a huge compassion and desire to serve. He taught me some important lessons as we served together. He will surely love many back to their Heavenly Father and the Lord and into the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Yesterday was even greater than that. My daughter Christina in Edmonton, Alberta gave birth to her second child Phoebe Josephine. It was a super quick labour and now she is still shocked that she has her perfect little girl already at home with less discomfort than she could possibly have hoped for during labour.
So as I am paying for petrol for the car yesterday morning on my way to Sidcup, I tell the cashier " I'm a granddad again today!" "Congratulations" she immediately offers feeling my happiness. "I'd like to give you this," I say, handing a PAC. It's about a very special Church that has brought me and my family great happiness, and it can give you the same. Please take time to get the DVD and study the website. Will you do this?" "OK, thanks," says she looking at the PAC with interest.

So, it's simple once you do it again and again and again until it is simple and the most natural thing to do as a member of the Lord's kingdom trying to let others know about the wonderful blessings that await them if they will but take a look in faith and hope.

I've been passing along Pass Along Cards (PACs) for over 6 months. I estimate this will be around 70 given out, mostly at the end of shopping when the cashier hands over the change and receipt. Most smile and act curious and say "Thank you." Few reject the offer.

Friday 21 Oct 11 I am lunchtime shopping in Welling for sewing needles in preparation for a Youth Conference workshop, coincidentally developing LDS member-missionary capabilities.

The cashier is wearing a crucifix. As I hand her a PAC with the Lord exiting the tomb I say "I bet you're not wearing the crucifix for decoration. Do you go to church?" "Yes I go to a spiritualist church. What church is this?" "A very spiritual chuurch -The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." " Is that the one at Peckham?" "There is one there but there is a church along the High Street on the corner of Danson Lane." "Is there?!" I explain where it is, on the same road as the school her son attends, it turns out. I ask "How would you feel if I said that there are now Apostles of Jesus Christ on the earth directing his church?" The immediate and easy reply comes "I wouldn't be surprised!" The Spirit is present as a spirit of peace and calm. "We meet on Sunday at 10 am. Would you like to come along and see for yourself?" " Yes I will!"
We exchange names and details of exactly where. We shake hands peacefully and I leave saying "See you on Sunday."

Sunday is tomorrow (I'm writing this on Saturday). I'll let you know what happens.

I went into another shop a little later. This shop assistant recoiled at the image of the Lord and said, almost shocked, "no thanks, I'm not interested." I left it at that, leaving feeling sorry that a mature woman had got this far in her life unable to know what her specific cultural beliefs are holding her back from.

Earlier this week, when purchasing refreshment at a late night garage, the young man looked at the PAC when I asked if it was something he might be interested in and said "Well, no, but I think my father and mother would be - they are both religious." "Will you give it to them?" "Yes I will." "Thanks,. See you later." I drive off with a fervent prayer he will honour his promise and perhaps be the cause of his family's salvation.