The following is a letter sent to the Bishop of the La Crosse Ward from one of the members of the La Crosse Ward who became active. The boundaries were changed and she was called as a Relief Society President in the Eau Claire Ward of the Oakdale Stake. She now resides back in the La Crosse Ward of the Rochester MN Stake and has served a senior missionary mission to London England.
“Dear Brothers and Sisters,
You have come into my thoughts so often in the past few years. The last 2 to 3 weeks have left me with such strong spiritual feelings toward you precious people. I want you to know how much your visits meant to me all those years I was not active in the church. Your faithfulness, love and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ was felt and has been remembered as a beautiful example to me. Your visiting teachers who sacrificed that 60 mile drive to my home and then 60 miles returning to their home. I remember Bishop Taylor visiting and suggesting I work on my genealogy as I would receive some special blessings. I did and blessings were there. Blessings that overwhelmed me and that I did not understand and fully appreciate until now. It was during that time when I was buried in genealogy and grieved by two close family deaths that I received a beginning of my real testimony to the love of my Heavenly Father and the undeniable power of love and his gospel. Because of you, I have a very strong testimony of the Visiting and Home Teaching program. I have shared your faithfulness, love and sacrifices with the members in the Eau Claire Ward. As I ponder and consider the enormous strength and power of the Visiting and Home Teaching program, my thoughts always turn to you who visited me despite the obstacles. You hung in there with the Lord! I shall always be grateful and always love you for your devotion to the Lord. My testimony and love of the gospel of Jesus Christ continues to grow and I pray never to take my precious membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for granted again. It is truly a most precious gift. Love Sister Rebecca Taylor, Whitehall, WI.”