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Missionary moments: Blessings unfold

Last April I took my wife and four children to Anaheim, Calif., where I had served my mission. It was the first time I had been back to the area.

About 11 years ago, my companion and I were teaching Nancy Hurley and her two young sons. Her husband, Hal, didn't seem ready to hear our message. However, he never stood in the way of his wife accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ. Eventually, she and her sons, Kevin, then age 10, and Craig, then 9, were baptized.I left the area soon after that joyous occasion and eventually lost touch with the Hurley family for nearly 10 years. I had not forgotten about them, and like most missionaries, I often wondered how much of an impact I had upon the lives of the people I had taught, and I wondered how many of those converts were active in the gospel.

Then almost two years ago, near Christmas time, I received a letter from Sister Hurley. She reported that she was doing well and that Kevin, while attending BYU, had accepted a call to serve a mission in Brazil. The following Christmas another card arrived. Kevin was doing well in Brazil, and Craig was now attending BYU and had accepted a call to serve a mission in Australia. A few months later, I received another letter telling me that Hal had committed to baptism and Craig would perform that sacred ordinance. I, of course, was delighted with that grand news and felt grateful and humbled that the fruits of my labors were coming to pass.

When we visited the Hurleys in April, we found that Sister Hurley was serving in the Young Women program. Brother Hurley is deeply involved in family history research. Kevin and Craig, still serving missions, are doing well while endeavoring in the Lord's work. The Hurleys also have twin sons who are deacons in their ward.

What a beautiful experience to be in the home of this fine family who embraced the gospel of truth. As I and my family drove away, I realized more than ever that every moment of sacrifice during those two years was but a blessing only to unfold again and again in the years to come. Best of all, Brother and Sister Hurley, their twin sons and Kevin were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple in June. Craig will be sealed to them when he returns from his mission. They are members of the Fountain Valley 2nd Ward, Huntington Beach California Stake. - Aaron Maybon, Old Butte Ward, Idaho Falls Idaho Eagle Rock Stake

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