Before Elder Chase Jones was called to serve in the Texas San Antonio Mission, he talked with a close friend about the death of 3-month-old sibling in her family. The anguish and tenderness of that death touched Elder Jones, leaving an impression that would supply him with the testimony and insight necessary to aid the faith of another young couple months later on his mission.

Early in his mission, while serving in southern San Antonio, Elder Jones and his companion, Elder Aaron Smith, were asked to fill a teaching appointment with a young couple in their area that had been unknowingly arranged by other missionaries in the area.

With little time to prepare, Elder Jones felt a strong impression to testify of the Plan of Salvation.

While studying for the appointment, the experience of his friend whose sibling died came to memory. He remembered how his friend said the pain of the death was hard to endure, but she balanced the anguish of the loss of life with faith in the Lord that one day their family would be reunited.

These were not mere words to Elder Jones. He had felt the pain and the faith of his friend. He'd also felt the power of heavenly assurance and desired to share that experience with this young couple.

The missionaries knew little of this couple's circumstances as they began teaching. They knew that he was a member of the Church who no longer attended. With the Spirit guiding their thoughts and expressions, the missionaries noticed the young couple riveted in attention.

When they closed with a testimony of the eternal nature of families, the young woman began sobbing. After comforting by her husband, she explained how they had just lost a baby during childbirth. They told how they could find no solace from their grief and decided to attend his LDS ward.

With thoughts of his friend's grief fresh on his mind, Elder Jones knew what to say.

More tears flowed as feelings of the Spirit intensified. Four weeks later, this young mother was baptized by her husband.

At one point, she told Elder Jones that she never wanted to meet with the missionaries, but out of loyalty to her husband, she said she was willing to visit one time.

"The message you and your companion shared about your friend's family losing a baby changed my life," she said. "I'm convinced that God does love me." — Shaun Stahle