Letter dated May 27, 2009
Yo tengo un noticia....BAPTISM ON JUNE 27TH for FERNANDO!!!!! :) We're soooo happy and overjoyed for him! He's from Mexico and is 23 years old- he's a cousin of one of our less-active families we've been teaching. He has such a strong and solid testimony about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ can change our lives. Despite all of the speed bumps we've faced in the past few months with the work here, all of the hard work and effort is starting to pay off. We've planted the seeds.... now it's time to harvest them... and it's coming soon! I know that the Lord's hand is in this great work- without Him we are nothing. He is the only one who has the power to perform the miracles that I've witnessed take place- the transformation of lives through the application of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I want to share with you the power and sacredness of the Book of Mormon in each of our lives. In the Introduction to the Book of Mormon it clearly states that it "puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come." It is "the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." Wow!!! What a powerful guide and tool we've been given by our Heavenly Father to lead and direct us in our lives. I know that once we start a serious and dedicated study of the Book of Mormon and the application thereof, our lives will be enriched and blessed. I know that the Book of Mormon is sacred scripture and is the word of God. I know that as we not only read, but STUDY and APPLY its teachings in our life, God will continue to bless us with further light, knowledge, and revelation. Who doesn't need more blessings in their lives?! I exhort you all to, if you haven't already, start NOW a serious study and application of the Book of Mormon in your life- you won't be disappointed. Ask God, through prayer, to help you understand the sacred words therein and to help you gain a testimony over and over again of its divine worth and power. Elder Jospeh B. Wirthlin once said, "Please do not take the Book of Mormon for granted. Pay for a vision of how the Book of Mormon can be used more effectively in your mission (life). I promise that as you do so, your mind will be enlightened with the direction that you should take.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Our Strongest Defense
Letter dated May 20, 2009
Yesterday we went to an appointment for the first time and met with a man who was very strong and active in another church. Very nice man, but all he wanted to do was Bible bash and try to do all that he could to convince us that everything we believed in was false. Personally, I don't know the scriptures in and out like he did, but we had something more powerful.... we had the Spirit and the power of our testimony. It says in the scriptures that if you don't have the Spirit you cannot teach. I don't think we realize the strength of our testimonies and the powerful effect that it has when we willingly share it. Bearing testimony is our strongest defense- our sharpest weapon. Always remember that. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly the Church of Jesus Christ and is the only church that has the power and authority of the Priesthood, the power to act in the name of God. I know that we have a living prophet today and that Joseph Smith truly was a Prophet of God, and was given the power to translate the Book of Mormon through God. The Book of Mormon is sacred scripture and is the keystone of our religion. These things I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Yesterday we went to an appointment for the first time and met with a man who was very strong and active in another church. Very nice man, but all he wanted to do was Bible bash and try to do all that he could to convince us that everything we believed in was false. Personally, I don't know the scriptures in and out like he did, but we had something more powerful.... we had the Spirit and the power of our testimony. It says in the scriptures that if you don't have the Spirit you cannot teach. I don't think we realize the strength of our testimonies and the powerful effect that it has when we willingly share it. Bearing testimony is our strongest defense- our sharpest weapon. Always remember that. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly the Church of Jesus Christ and is the only church that has the power and authority of the Priesthood, the power to act in the name of God. I know that we have a living prophet today and that Joseph Smith truly was a Prophet of God, and was given the power to translate the Book of Mormon through God. The Book of Mormon is sacred scripture and is the keystone of our religion. These things I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Runaway Teen & Policemen- Good times!
Letter dated May 13, 2009
Besides the Mother's Day excitement, we've had a lot going on around here- pretty action packed. Earlier last week my companion and I went chasing a runaway teenage investigator up and down the streets and in the woods, in the rain, in our skirts- it was quite the adventure! :) Yes, we eventually caught her and everything is fine now.
The other night one of our investigators called us in a panic saying that the police were at their house and they needed help. We both prayed about it and felt impressed that we needed to go and took off. When we got to the trailer park there were three police cars surrounding this trailer and everybody was outside. We made our way to the center of the crowd to see what was going on. Some lady started fighting and threatening one of our investigators because of rent and attacked her. The police had no idea what any of them were saying because it was all in Spanish, so they asked if we could translate for them. We did and they were very appreciative. They asked if they could have one of our cards, so us being the good missionaries that we are gave them pass along cards and shared a short message with them :) They were very grateful and asked if it would be alright if they called us any time they needed a translator, and of course we accepted! :) Great opportunity to find new people to teach! So much excitement here! The Lord works in mysterious ways.
I love this area and I love this work! That's all I've got for you right now because time is up..... but know that this Gospel is the most important thing in all of our lives, and when we recognize and act on that, many blessings await us.
Besides the Mother's Day excitement, we've had a lot going on around here- pretty action packed. Earlier last week my companion and I went chasing a runaway teenage investigator up and down the streets and in the woods, in the rain, in our skirts- it was quite the adventure! :) Yes, we eventually caught her and everything is fine now.
The other night one of our investigators called us in a panic saying that the police were at their house and they needed help. We both prayed about it and felt impressed that we needed to go and took off. When we got to the trailer park there were three police cars surrounding this trailer and everybody was outside. We made our way to the center of the crowd to see what was going on. Some lady started fighting and threatening one of our investigators because of rent and attacked her. The police had no idea what any of them were saying because it was all in Spanish, so they asked if we could translate for them. We did and they were very appreciative. They asked if they could have one of our cards, so us being the good missionaries that we are gave them pass along cards and shared a short message with them :) They were very grateful and asked if it would be alright if they called us any time they needed a translator, and of course we accepted! :) Great opportunity to find new people to teach! So much excitement here! The Lord works in mysterious ways.
I love this area and I love this work! That's all I've got for you right now because time is up..... but know that this Gospel is the most important thing in all of our lives, and when we recognize and act on that, many blessings await us.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Transfers
Letter dated April 22, 2009
Okay, we all got the call for transfers last night and........... yep, Hermana Mora and I are staying right here! We both had a feeling that was what was going to happen. We have a ton of work here to do, especially with uniting the ward and with less-actives. (I can't believe the time is just flying by so fast----- I've been here on my missioin for 5 months already..... it needs to slowwww down- it's going by way too fast!) This last transfer was a bit different, we had some investigators who the former missionaries that were here in the area were working with, but weren't showing a lot of progress. In the middle to the end of this last transfer, we were really working hard with finding new families and people to teach, and turning around the work here- trying to do it in a different way. We have a lot of high hopes for this next transfer and already have three people set for baptism! :) Yep, lots of work to do.... refocusing our efforts. These people are amazing and the Lord is throwing them in our path!
Okay, we all got the call for transfers last night and........... yep, Hermana Mora and I are staying right here! We both had a feeling that was what was going to happen. We have a ton of work here to do, especially with uniting the ward and with less-actives. (I can't believe the time is just flying by so fast----- I've been here on my missioin for 5 months already..... it needs to slowwww down- it's going by way too fast!) This last transfer was a bit different, we had some investigators who the former missionaries that were here in the area were working with, but weren't showing a lot of progress. In the middle to the end of this last transfer, we were really working hard with finding new families and people to teach, and turning around the work here- trying to do it in a different way. We have a lot of high hopes for this next transfer and already have three people set for baptism! :) Yep, lots of work to do.... refocusing our efforts. These people are amazing and the Lord is throwing them in our path!
General Conference
Letter dated April 8, 2009
WOW!!!!! Wasn't General Conference amazing?! As I listened to the words of our Prophet Thomas S. Monson, as well as our ordained apostles and leaders of the Church, I was reminded that these individuals have truly been called of God to lead, direct, and guide His church today. I know that Thomas S. Monson truly is a Prophet of God, receiving direct revelation from Him for all of us in the world today. How grateful I am that God has given us prophets to guide us in these latter days! :) We really are a blessed people. If we will only hearken to his words, we will never be led astray!
Each of the talks that were given were very special and different in their own way. A lot of the talks focused on the importance of temples and families, as well as love and reverence in our homes, and enduring to the end, always looking forward with faith. All of these talks truly were inspired of God.
Especially in times like now where many face uncertainty and difficult circumstances, it is important to press forward and have faith, knowing that everything will work out and be just fine. I think of the words of our Prophet Thomas S. Monson which said, "The future is as bright as your faith".... how true that is! There is nothing in this world that can defeat us. With God on our side, all things are possible. I know that as we continue to put our faith and trust in Him, striving to remain positive and be optimistic, He will bless us beyond measure. He loves us all dearly, and will bless us beyond measure if we will but only follow Him. Let us always count the blessings that we have been given, and realize that as long as we have our family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have it all. Money, jobs, and the temporal things of this world will waste away. Let us always hold tight to those things that have eternal worth and value. I know that as we make this our first priority in our lives we will find happiness and blessings in great abundance. So put a smile on your face, focus on what is most important in life, and keep moving forward. Again, "The future is as bright as your faith."
WOW!!!!! Wasn't General Conference amazing?! As I listened to the words of our Prophet Thomas S. Monson, as well as our ordained apostles and leaders of the Church, I was reminded that these individuals have truly been called of God to lead, direct, and guide His church today. I know that Thomas S. Monson truly is a Prophet of God, receiving direct revelation from Him for all of us in the world today. How grateful I am that God has given us prophets to guide us in these latter days! :) We really are a blessed people. If we will only hearken to his words, we will never be led astray!
Each of the talks that were given were very special and different in their own way. A lot of the talks focused on the importance of temples and families, as well as love and reverence in our homes, and enduring to the end, always looking forward with faith. All of these talks truly were inspired of God.
Especially in times like now where many face uncertainty and difficult circumstances, it is important to press forward and have faith, knowing that everything will work out and be just fine. I think of the words of our Prophet Thomas S. Monson which said, "The future is as bright as your faith".... how true that is! There is nothing in this world that can defeat us. With God on our side, all things are possible. I know that as we continue to put our faith and trust in Him, striving to remain positive and be optimistic, He will bless us beyond measure. He loves us all dearly, and will bless us beyond measure if we will but only follow Him. Let us always count the blessings that we have been given, and realize that as long as we have our family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have it all. Money, jobs, and the temporal things of this world will waste away. Let us always hold tight to those things that have eternal worth and value. I know that as we make this our first priority in our lives we will find happiness and blessings in great abundance. So put a smile on your face, focus on what is most important in life, and keep moving forward. Again, "The future is as bright as your faith."
Blood Suckers and the Grace of God
Letter dated April 1, 2009
We live in a really nice apartment, but are in one of the most ghetto parts of this area... that's alright. Guess what?! We've been getting eaten alive by bed bugs! Pesky little buggers! Yep, there we go again.. learning patience in all things!
Hermana Mora and I are getting to the point where we can more or less understand one another... it's so much fun having a Hispanic companion! :) We really push each other to learn the language.... and it's working! I can understand Spanish better than I can speak it, but that will come with a little more time. Daily I am thankful for the example that she sets for me and the desires that she has to serve the Lord and these people. She has taught me so much about selfless service. Remember, when you are in the service of others, you are in the service of your Lord.
We live in a really nice apartment, but are in one of the most ghetto parts of this area... that's alright. Guess what?! We've been getting eaten alive by bed bugs! Pesky little buggers! Yep, there we go again.. learning patience in all things!
Hermana Mora and I are getting to the point where we can more or less understand one another... it's so much fun having a Hispanic companion! :) We really push each other to learn the language.... and it's working! I can understand Spanish better than I can speak it, but that will come with a little more time. Daily I am thankful for the example that she sets for me and the desires that she has to serve the Lord and these people. She has taught me so much about selfless service. Remember, when you are in the service of others, you are in the service of your Lord.
First Week as Senior Companion
Letter dated March 18, 20009
One week here in our new area with Hermanana Mora and we're loving it! This place is booming with work to be done! The work here is a lot different from our last, here we have a LOT of less-active members and are doing all that we can to bring them back into the fold. We're excited to see the transformation take place here and work closely with the ward members and get them involved- they're great! We have found some great new investigators to share the Gospel, and are so happy to be here. No wasting time here---- lots to be done---- this is the Lord's work and He needs it done in His way :)
Did I ever mention that I officially earned an "F" in maps and directions? :) Okay, maybe an "F+" .... No really, it's been just fine. Yes, we've lost many times, especially in the most ghetto parts of town... but we're learning and we're getting it down. The Elders finally felt bad for us and let us borrow their GPS... so nice... now life is heaven!
My companion Hermana Mora is hilarious and is such a diligent worker! Our communication is a riot to watch I'm sure... :) But we are both quickly learning each other's languages and have become the closest of friends. We keep each other laughing constantly and together, we make a pretty good team.
We know that even though this is a new area for both of us and we're new missionaries in the field, as long as we do all that we can do, the Lord will provide and make up for the rest. I love that! That's true for everything in our lives. As long as you put the Lord first and do all that you can do, He will take care of you and everything will be alright. So put a big smile on, keep on trying, and remember that life is beautiful!!!!
One week here in our new area with Hermanana Mora and we're loving it! This place is booming with work to be done! The work here is a lot different from our last, here we have a LOT of less-active members and are doing all that we can to bring them back into the fold. We're excited to see the transformation take place here and work closely with the ward members and get them involved- they're great! We have found some great new investigators to share the Gospel, and are so happy to be here. No wasting time here---- lots to be done---- this is the Lord's work and He needs it done in His way :)
Did I ever mention that I officially earned an "F" in maps and directions? :) Okay, maybe an "F+" .... No really, it's been just fine. Yes, we've lost many times, especially in the most ghetto parts of town... but we're learning and we're getting it down. The Elders finally felt bad for us and let us borrow their GPS... so nice... now life is heaven!
My companion Hermana Mora is hilarious and is such a diligent worker! Our communication is a riot to watch I'm sure... :) But we are both quickly learning each other's languages and have become the closest of friends. We keep each other laughing constantly and together, we make a pretty good team.
We know that even though this is a new area for both of us and we're new missionaries in the field, as long as we do all that we can do, the Lord will provide and make up for the rest. I love that! That's true for everything in our lives. As long as you put the Lord first and do all that you can do, He will take care of you and everything will be alright. So put a big smile on, keep on trying, and remember that life is beautiful!!!!
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