Over the past few weeks, I've read some truly heart-breaking stories at FLAK and NOM of those who, for whatever reason, have decided to leave the church.

I'd like to celebrate the joy that comes when family and friends join the church.  I invite you to share your stories here.  I'll start.

Several years ago, Sister Roper had a friend of another faith who was reading "Secret Ceremonies." The book includes an expose of the temple ceremonies.  The friend had many questions, and Sister Roper did her best to answer honestly. The friend eventually moved to Ohio.  A few months after she moved, the friend started sending emails with lots of questions. She sought out the missionaries and began the lessons.  We attended her baptism a couple of months later.

A year after that, she received her temple endowment.  We were in Nauvoo shortly after that, and Sister Roper and her friend got to attend a session together.

The friend began dating an LDS guy who had been inactive for a few years.  He pulled his life together and started attending again.  A few weeks ago, they were sealed in the DC temple.

Sister Roper's friend still communicates with us on regular basis, and she shares her joy in the direction her life has led.

It all seems like a miracle to me--from reading "anti" literature to being sealed in the temple and active in her faith.

With no irreverance intended: From Gandalf in Fellowship, "There are other forces at work in this world besides the will of evil...and that is an encouraging thought."