Conversion To Have a Full Surety Takes Time



   25 years ago a man named Rik Hoskins was in search for truth and happiness. He met with the local missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, there in his hometown Martinsville, West Virginia. He was taught several Gospel principles and was later invited to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be Baptized by someone holding the Priesthood authority of God. He accepted the invitation to do so, but unfortunately he did not get baptized. He claimed that it wasn't the right time for him and did not have a full surety if what they shared was true.
    A while back he then moved to Winston Salem, North Carolina. 30 yrs ago Rik started a business that took care of people with special needs. Throughout time Rik became a really successful man. Many people wanted what he had and did many things to get what he had. He was even poisoned. He was nearly killed by this incident. This experience impacted Rik for the rest of his life.
    4 months ago their was a car parked on Riks property. Rik having the fear of once being poisoned within in his own home, he set up surveillance around his property. From the looks of one of his cameras their was a car parked on his property. He felt he needed to go and find out who was parking on his property to be sure of any suspicion. Come to find out, it was the missionaries from the church. They were just parking on the side of the road trying to find an address. He talked to them for a little and then invited them to come on in and then had the opportunity to share his story and past with the church. He agreed to continue to meet with them. And was later invited to be baptized. Once again an encounter with missionaries and was invited to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized.
    On July 9th ,2013 I "Elder H.Tanielu" was called to serve in Winston Salem,NC. My very first day I was introduced to Rik Hoskins. I was told to prepare yourself, he is very intelligent. I must say I was intimidated. But I knew everything was going to be okay. I asked Rik to share a little about himself to me and he shared his story with me and mentioned that he was to be baptized on July 27th ,2013. He felt that after meeting with the missionaries after a while he gained a surety of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was really happy for him. Unfortunately the day of his baptism we received a text, that he felt that personally he was still not ready. We decided that we should give Rik the space that he needed.
    Through time we eventually were able to set up a visit with Rik again. We talked about his past experiences with the Gospel and he then explained that he just felt this feeling of halt and felt no desire to yet be baptized. We shared more scripture with him and once again invited him to be baptized. He accepted to be Baptized on Sep,3 2013.
    On Sep 3rd,2013 Rik Hoskins baptismal meeting was conducted. I had the privilege to give a talk on Baptism. I explained the three promised blessings of Baptism. 1st being able to be cleansed of our sins. 2nd we qualify to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. 3rd we are able to be part of the Lords kingdom and be a member of the Saviors Earthly ministry. As I shared these things I could see Rik starting to tear. How strong was the Spirit within this room. I knew that it was the day for Rik to be baptized because I felt that he now had a full surety of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Several minutes later Rik was fully immersed in water as the Baptism was performed. I truly felt the spirit as I was able to witness this big step that Rik had taken.

    I witnessed a conversion of time and of a complete surety. My prayer is to all those searching for the Truth and feel they do not have a full surety, so they give up. Conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ takes time. A trial of our Faith creates a full surety of something. Rik Hoskins was invited to be Baptized three times and felt that he wasn't ready, but did he give up? No he did not. He had been poisoned and almost died but still gave the Spirit and the Lord the opportunity to testify to him to receive a surety of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My Brothers and Sisters Conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ takes time, I invite all to be patient and have the Faith to continue upon the path of Righteousness and gain the Surety that the same three promised blessings of Baptism promised to Rik can be promised and given to you. I testify these things to be true, that Conversion and a full surety of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to come precept upon precept, line upon line, a little here and a little there. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.



-Elder H.Tanielu