Merkos Shlichus

A couple from Kelowna, who are fine and well-to-do yidden.  The first Shabbos that they came to the local Chabad house Friday night for davening and seudas Shabbos, for some reason, the wife was asked to share an inspiring story and this was it:

4 years ago, 2 bochurim came to Kelowna on Merkos Shlichus and (presumably because this couple is wealthy and influential) the bochurim stayed by them for the 2 weeks that they were there. So, of course she told how they made Shabbos at their home, and bought new dishes and about how shetoiveled them in the lake (the dishes, that is, not the bochurim) etc. They had a great experience, they made kiddush, had a seudas shabbos with guests . . all of it was amazing. She even told about how they would come home at night and tell over their success stories from their Merkos Shlichus, and how she and her husband would love hearing them!

But, what was the most amazing thing that she remembered, and what really made the strongest impression on her (she continued), was when she woke up Shabbos morning . . and she heard loud noises from outside screaming. She listened closer, and hears that 2 people are in a deep heated argument (or discussion). The noise is coming from very close to her house, and as she pays closer attention, she realizes that the source of the sounds is on her own back porch.  It is none other than her guests, the 2 bochurim!

She doesn't really understand but it seems that the boys are discussing the portion of the week, and they’re all into it like it’s such a big deal! She couldn't believe it! She was so impressed that this is what was important to them, and so early in the morning, to boot. She was so impressed at their enthusiasm for the torah portion. (They were actually probably learning chassidus before davenen but) more than anything else this is what really stuck out in her memory, and that she wanted to share).

This was the couple’s first positive experience with Chabad, and it had such an impact on them that it ultimately led to the fact that BH they partnered with the shluchim in a significant way, and they are very close with them now. Before this they would never had thought that they could join Chabad.