Sister Brown in the Philippines: The Gardner Knows Best

"Hollywood would never be able to produce the thrilling stories, the real-life dramas, the diaries, the letters home, the testimonies locked in hearts that have resulted from following the Savior’s instruction: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” (Matt. 28:19.)

The Savior explained what might happen to some of our efforts. He said:

“A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down. …

“And some fell upon a rock: and … it withered away. …

“And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. …” (Luke 8:5–6, 8.)

Imagine the quantity of seed planted over the years by the tens of thousands of missionaries. Some seeds lie dormant for years; others spring forth immediately."

-Elder David B. Haight

There were times throughout the mission when I felt that a particular investigator was so ready for baptism. But then something would always happen and I would leave the area without having the opportunity to see them in white. I didn't get why all these baptisms kept falling through. I returned home from the mission field a little over 3 months ago. Since then, I have come to understand even more fully how the Lord works. He is the Gardner, I am only the seed-planter. Some seeds grow quickly and with very little attention, others take more time and a lot more work. But when that flower finally grows, it will undoubtedly be at the time that it can most successfully flourish. Because the Gardner knows best.

Though I was not there to see many of my friends enter the waters of baptism, I am proud of the decision they have made to come closer to Christ and change their lives for the better. I love them more than I ever thought possible when I first started out, a little piece of my heart will always belong to them. I can't wait for the day I get to see them again.