I have an experience that illustrates the principle called decoupling, or inviting without conditions.

I play soccer with some older guys who are not members of the church. After reading this great book I was so excited to invite someone to hear the missionaries.

One of the guys I play with is a good man who has coached my son and has a son on his team. We were at one of their games, and I prayed and told the Lord I would invite them but He would need to arrange it so I could.

After the game my friend and his whole family crowded around me and began talking to me, and I thought this is it, I better ask.

I told him I wanted to invite him to do something but that if he was not interested we would still be friends. I then asked if he and his wife would like to come to our home and learn more about our church. He said that he and his wife had been talking about the need their family has for a good church and had even seen my wife’s car at our church building and mentioned they should check out our church.

I was stunned. He and his wife both expressed their desire to learn more.

He texted me shortly before our scheduled meeting and apologized that they could not make it but said that they would like to come to church the next day. The whole family came. They stayed for all three meetings and said they enjoyed it.

The first speaker spoke on “indexing” historical documents for family history research, which was disappointing, but then the high councilman gave a great talk on the Book of Mormon. After the talk, my friend said he was very interested, and he gladly accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon. They met the missionaries and have an appointment to hear the first lesson in our home in a few days.

I cannot tell you how good this has made my wife and I feel. We have felt the joy of being member missionaries, and it is awesome. The gospel is true and I love the Savior enough to share it with my friends!

-Anon.