“It Doesn’t Have to Be Awkward,” For the Strength of Youth, Apr. 2024.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Awkward
Hannah wasn’t a member of the Church. Natalie was. And they helped each other come closer to Jesus Christ.
Illustration by Gabriele Cracolici
Hannah’s Story
I met Natalie on the first day of sixth grade. I noticed that she wouldn’t hang out on Sundays and that she carried her scriptures around at school. One day I was at a carnival with Natalie, and I said, “I want to join your Church.” I’m not sure what Natalie was thinking at the time, because it came out of nowhere. But from that point on she began sharing more of her faith with me.
Later that year, I went with Natalie to a youth conference. One of the last activities at the youth conference was a testimony meeting. Natalie shared a special testimony that motivated me to want to learn more.
As I studied the gospel, I prayed to Heavenly Father to gain a testimony. Soon, I knew what I had been learning was true. That summer, I became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Later, a friend asked me what baptism is. I shared with her things I love about the gospel of Jesus Christ and the happiness I’ve found in the Savior. My friend loves soccer, so I worked with my class presidency to plan a soccer activity to invite her to. And Natalie and I studied the Book of Mormon with her through FaceTime.
At first, helping my friend felt like a big responsibility—saying the right things so she understood or inviting her to the right activities. But I realized it’s not about converting but rather loving. If you have good intentions and righteous desires, then anything you do to participate in Heavenly Father’s work is going to be considered a success. As you strive to love your friends in the way the Savior does, you’re inviting them to come to Him.
Natalie’s Story
When I switched to a new school in sixth grade, a girl named Hannah ate lunch with me and introduced me to new friends. But I never realized that, at the same time, I was helping introduce her to principles of the gospel.
One day Hannah and I were at a carnival together. Out of the blue, she told me she wanted to join the Church. To say I was surprised is an understatement. My first thought was, “I’m not sure if she knows how big of a commitment it is.”
I wasn’t sure what to do, but my parents said, “She’s interested in the gospel. You should invite her to ward camp.” I thought it might be overwhelming for Hannah to spend the entire week with us and meet so many new people. But I took their advice and invited her to camp and to youth conference.
During a testimony meeting at youth conference, I felt like Hannah needed to hear my testimony, even though public speaking is one of my biggest fears. Hannah knew I was afraid, and she admired the fact that I was willing to share because I believed in the gospel.
I’m an overthinker, so whenever I considered inviting Hannah to things, I thought, “She’s going to think I’m pressuring her into joining the Church.” But I knew this was an irrational fear. People like to be invited to things. As time went on, I was more comfortable with sharing how I felt. I learned that sharing the gospel is about love.
There’s so much joy in sharing the things you love and cherish the most. Hannah’s journey hasn’t just changed her life; it’s also changed my life and strengthened my testimony. I saw the difference that the Savior made for Hannah, and it helped me recognize the difference He makes for me.
The authors are from Hawaii, USA.