July 13, 2025: Isabel prayed to know if she should go back to church

A few months ago on a Saturday, Brian and I decided to take the subway uptown to grab pizza at a well-known spot. After waiting in a long line, we enjoyed some delicious pizza while standing at the counter, and then stepped outside to walk to the subway. As we walked, I received a phone call from Matt. We moved to the side of the sidewalk to talk, and as we finished our conversation, a young woman walked by whom we immediately recognized—it was Isabel, one of the job seekers we had helped at the Employment Center.

Brian called out, “Isabel!” She saw us and came over, visibly surprised but happy. During our brief conversation, she shared that she had recently prayed to God for a sign to know whether she should return to church. Neither of us were near our apartments or workplaces that day—it was a truly unexpected encounter in Manhattan.

Then, just last week, following a tour of Yankee Stadium in the Bronx with the Senior Missionaries, we all gathered for lunch at the Hard Rock Café connected to the stadium. When I walked into the restaurant, I noticed most of the missionaries already seated. Off to the right, I saw a young woman sitting alone at the bar. She turned and looked at me, and I immediately recognized her—it was Isabel again.

She was completely shocked to see me and said that earlier that morning, she had felt a strong impression—despite never having been there before—to go to the Hard Rock Café. She later told us that, once again, she had prayed to God asking for a sign about returning to church.

We had a warm and encouraging conversation with her and let her know we hoped to see her at church that Sunday. Although we typically rotate attending different wards across the boroughs, we attended Isabel’s ward that week.

She came to church and sat next to me during Relief Society. During our conversation, I asked if she often prays for signs. She quietly shared that she had only prayed twice asking God whether she should come back to church—and both times, she had randomly and unexpectedly run into me, once in Manhattan and once in the Bronx.

She said she knew God had answered her prayers. I told her, that I knew He had—and that He loves her very much. I testified that He is aware of her, and He wants her to continue to Come Unto Christ. It was a special experience. God is good.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said,

“The Sheep is worthy of divine rescue simply because it is loved by the Shepherd.”