The line at the library was unusually long today. As I stood waiting to speak to the librarian, the man behind me began some friendly dialog.

Since reading The Power of Everyday Missionaries, I have been stepping outside my comfort zone and speaking to those around me. With this in mind, I kept myself open to continuing the conversation with the man. He seemed eager to talk, and, after learning he was homeless, I realized he must be very lonely. He admitted that he had no family or friends in the area. I knew he must appreciate having a “normal” conversation with someone who treated him as an equal, so I kept the conversation going.

As we continued to talk, I mentioned that I was from Utah. He said he had driven through Utah before and made some positive comments about the state. Just as I was preparing to ask if he’d ever been to Temple Square, I discovered that I was next in line to speak to the librarian. I told him I had enjoyed visiting with him, and, disappointed to end such a pleasant conversation, walked away.

Since I knew he was planning to use the library computer (as a way of getting out of the summer heat for an hour), I pulled an “I Am A Mormon” card out of my purse with the intention of giving it to him. He was preoccupied at the computer with headphones on so I wrote a quick note on the card suggesting that he look up the website Mormon.org and handed it to him. He quickly thanked me and I left.

All the way home I wondered about the exchange that had just taken place. Had it been a waste of my time to talk with a homeless man? What good could it possibly have accomplished?

As I got home I stopped to pick up today’s mail and was excited to see that the September church magazines had arrived. I hurried into the house, made myself a snack, sat down at the table, and opened the Ensign.

I flipped through the pages and was drawn to the story on page 53, Rescued by the Gospel. Tears began to flow as I read about the man, who, being homeless, broke and lonely, was ready to end his life. Because of the willingness of others to reach out to him, he is now a worthy priesthood holder committed to lifting those who have lost hope.

The Ensign article was a powerful reminder to me that we cannot predict and should not judge, as it teaches in The Power of Everyday Missionaries.

Truly, every soul is precious in the sight of God, and my conversation at the library was time well spent. I may never find out what becomes of this son of God, who I had the privilege of meeting today, but I’ll continue to pray for him. I’ll pray that he never loses hope.

-Anon.