One of the most remarkable experiences that I had was to meet with a less active member each week for the six months that I served in an area. With each meeting our relationship grew stronger as we would teach various Gospel principles.
Over the span of those six months we didn't necessarily see any quantifiable "progress" that this individual was making, they came to church one time, didn't really form any daily Gospel habits, but we felt that they were on the right track.
Fast forward three years to last month when I returned back to the Netherlands to visit the area in which this individual lived. I walked into Sacrament meeting a little late and someone passed me a phone with a picture of me as a missionary on the screen, obviously signifying that someone had recognized me. I looked around to see whose phone I was holding and I eventually made eye contact with the person that sent the phone over.
I didn't immediately recognize this person, but after a couple of minutes I realized that this individual was the less active member that I had taught three years ago! Their life had completely changed, they are married now and are expecting their first child. They come to church each week and have established Gospel habits into their daily life. It was remarkable to see how the Gospel can change people's lives to the point that they are not recognizable compared to their life before living the Gospel.
Elder Lyman served in the Belgium Netherlands Mission.Â