My friend Jennifer recently posted a blog entry on a conversation she had with her TV cable guy about her (and my) church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That, and last nights dinner with the missionaries and Ward Mission Leader (among other things), have me thinking a little about missionary work. So I decided I would share the experience that I shared with Jennifer after her post...
Way back when I was still in YWs, I had a leader encourage us to always keep, in our homes, a picture of Jesus Christ, a picture of the temple, and a picture of the prophet. I thought it was a nice idea and have always tried to do just that.
Well, a couple of years ago, my super, who then managed my NYC apartment bldg, was in my apartment to fix a leaky radiator. It had become a rather serious problem and had gone on for months (In reality, it was a reoccurring problem that went on for YEARS)! I knew exactly what the problem was (I could SEE it) but didn't have the plumbing-know-how or muscle that was required to fix it. I kept trying to tell the super what was wrong, but partially because he didn't think I knew what I was talking about, and partially because he spoke very little English (and the only Spanish I know is "Taco Bell"), the darn thing never got fixed.
FINALLY, I got him in my apartment and he finally SAW that I was right! Ha! But I digress. :)
Well, in the process, he saw my picture of Jesus and began to ask me about my religion - I explained and testified (should have invited!). I then asked him about his. He believed in a variety of things, including reincarnation. It was then that he told me, in his broken English, that he was SURE I had been a PLUMBER in another life! THAT apparently was the ONLY way I could have known what was wrong with the radiator. Uh huh.
Unfortunately, nothing more ever came of his interest in my religion, BUT crazily enough I did earn some respect points that day. However, I DO think they came more from the fact that he thought I had been a plumber and not from the fact that I was Mormon.
Oh, well. Some days you take what you can get, right? :)
How about you?? Any funny or inspiring missionary moments to share?
2 comments:
You never told me that! Which super was that?! Maybe I should follow up?? {wink wink}
K, it was Jesus, who is long gone. But I say give it a shot w/ Wilden! ;) Or Michael! I tried once w/ Michael too, but didn't have any luck their either. Maybe you'll do better! :)
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