Cope and Pospisil

Missions are full of miracles, and I think by reflecting on them the Spirit reminds us that our lives can be full of the same miracles if we will just continue to believe and to live the commitment required. My first December in Santiago, I had just been transferred to the area Maipu, into a very affluent neighborhood called Ciudad Satelite. It was the only place I ever served where most everyone had automobiles. We had been taught by President Walker about the importance of leaving a door with love. He taught us that when a missionary leaves a slammed door with sarcasm or resentment or anger in his voice, his response, or his heart, that there is no impact on the person, and that we also are failing the Lord's test to see whether we are worthy to be led to those who are truly prepared. I specifically remember that we were promised that if we would leave a door with love, that those who slammed the door would, for the next two or three days, constantly reflect on the moment, and that they would regret their action and not be able to get the picture of we missionaries out of their minds, so that on the next visit of a missionary, they would be more gentle in their response, until they finally gave a positive response.

So it was in this sector that Elder Pospisil and I worked with our hearts as much as we did with our feet as we went from door to door, looking at each person eternally, and desiring nothing but eternal life for them, and exaltation, and just the small chance to tell them everything the Lord had entrusted to us to share. Well, if the affluent have a reputation for pride, it seemed doubly so in this sector, because the doors were not just closed, they were vehemently closed! Doors weren't just shut, they were slammed hard, people "no estaban ni alli" con nosotros (weren't here or there with us), and personally kicked us off their property, or threatened to call the police, or ripped us up and down, or warned us not to come back, etc. The worse it got, the more we loved them and longed for their salvation, and then it happened. Nothing we did--for we all know that the Lord brings it all to pass--but I think he had finished trying our hearts, and an effectual door was opened. As we got to the next "reja" (gate) and yelled "Halo," a woman came to answer. As long as I live, and even into eternity, I will never forget the look on her face or the moment in time. Time seemed to stop, and after we introduced ourselves she looked at us with the most curious stare, and said "pase." (come in). Once inside, she informed us that she didn't know why she was doing this, beause she never let door to door people or missionaries into her home. That was the first discussion we gave to the Correa family. In a few weeks the family of four was baptized--father, mother, and two teenage daughters. Despite the danger of being evicted from their very prestigious (private) Catholic school, they moved forward with faith. About a year later, just before I came home from my mission, Elder Pospisil and I accompanied this family through the Santiago Temple, where they were sealed together for time and eternity. It was, as president promised, "The Perfect Day."

Elder Mark Cope
March 1996-March 1998