Transfers! And you'll never guess where I am going this time : ) I've been called to serve as a member missionary in Rexburg, Idaho. I cannot wait to magnify my calling and work alongside my family once more...which explains why I cry myself to sleep every night....? No, I'm just teasing. Coming home with be great. President Preston has told me that going home is just as much a calling as coming out, but I will miss this place, people and mantle desperately!
This week was very productive and also very difficult. One of our favourite ward members, Eileen Clarke, passed away from cancer on Friday morning. The funeral is the day after I leave, so I had the opportunity of playing Be Still My Soul on the violin at sacrament meeting yesterday. She was such a good friend and will be very missed by the missionaries and the ward. The work continues to move forward and I have really seen Sister Doherty step up to the plate this week as she prepares to be the leader of the area very soon. I have full faith in her! It only just occurred to me yesterday, though, that I won't be able to ring her up or see her at zone conferences or anything!! How unfair. I always said that Heavenly Father saves the biggest and best challenge of a mission for last: going home.
As I've experience the powerful and mixed emotions of these last few days, I've found such solace in the scriptures. I see myself in the stories of these people more than ever before. I feel deeply for Alma as he laments,
"O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth. But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me. (Alma 29:1-3)"
I should be grateful to have had five extra weeks : ) but, no, greedy me wants to stay on a mission indefinitely.
I understand now why the three Nephites wanted to remain on the earth doing this glorious work! I know what it feels, as Mormon describes, to "fast and pray oft, and...wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God."
I am so touched by Mormons words as he describes the tender feelings of the followers of Alma:
"And now it came to pass that all this was done in Mormon, yea, by the waters of Mormon, in the forest that was near the waters of Mormon; yea, the place of Mormon, the waters of Mormon, the forest of Mormon, [the streets of England, the buses of England, the trains of England] how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, and how blessed are they, for they shall sing to his praise forever."
I thought I knew Jesus Christ before my mission. I thought I knew my Redeemer. It is on these streets that I fought the good fight, and in shepherding along side Him I have truly come to a knowledge of Him. These 19 months His sacrifice has taken on new, and deep dimensions and I have come to know his approbation. I am so relieved that this work is not subject to location - I can continue to serve Him and feed his sheep wherever I go.
And I will.
I know this work is True. The words are the same as in days gone by, but how much more magnificent they feel on my lips as they spring from an equally more consecrated and converted heart.
See you soon!!
All the love in Britain,
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
It’s been a really great week here on the island...mostly because we didn't have any conferences to go across to! It’s beenbrilliant being able to work an entire week here and feel like we are putting our all into it.
We had the chance to teach an Anglican minister this week! It was so fun. We actually had the Spirit there, very little Bible-bashing, and he even accepted some of the doctrines that we taught him! He’d never seen the scriptures about baptisms for the dead in the Bible and he didn’t know what to make of it. He accepted the Book of Mormon and agreed to read 2 Nephi 28-30. It would be very ironic if he chose not to read it considering how much Nephi prophesies of those who will reject anything but the Bible. My hope is that he does read it and that it opens his eyes.
We also have a couple of new investigators that are fantastic! Lexi is the friend of a member who randomly stopped by when we were having tea and agreed to sit with us for a lesson. Even better, she agreed to another lesson! She is passionately Anglican and has served a few missions herself in India. She is intrigued by our beliefs : ) Can't wait to share more! The other, George, just moved in next to our ward mission leader. He recently lost both of his parents and wanted to start going to a church again but didn't know which one. It seems we tracted into him just in time. Miracles are happening, as usual : )
When we met with Shandre this week she had the greatest news! She has been trying to move back to England for three years (ever since her husband's death) and couldn't ever sell her house (still can't for that matter). She has commented once or twice on how that might have been so she could meet us : D I love how the Spirit teaches her. Long story short, she has been looking to buy a house in Cheshire and for over a year she's had her eye on one in particular. She was looking at it, yet again, on Google maps this week and saw something that caught her eye. Guess what is 300 yards down the road. A chapel! OUR chapel! And she thinks it's a sign, which of course it is. She said that she thinks she'll join the church but she's not sure when. SUCH a big step in the right direction! I'm so excited for her : D : D
There was a baby blessing of a less-active couple in the ward yesterday. It was really nice to know that their little boy is now a child of record and that he will be counted among the Lord’s flock and looked after. It was also great because many of the less-active couples’ non-member friends came to see it. I suppose a baby blessing is viewed by other as a sort of Christening and so at least twenty came to support them. We got to speak to a lot of them afterwards and there is one, John, who showed some interest : ) Hopefully we will be able to teach him soon.
I really feel Sister Doherty and I increased so much in unity this week! It was so great to be on the island the whole week and do so much work together. We really get along and a few members of the ward have commented on how they can see we are friends and we work well together.
Overall, I feel so blessed to be in the Lord’s service! I never want this time to end... President Bullock always said, "We drink from wells that we didn't dig and walk across bridges we didn't build." Now I am digging and building for those who will come next, and I'm doing it with my whole heart in gratitude for those who went before me.
I love you all SO much! Have a fantastic week!
We had the chance to teach an Anglican minister this week! It was so fun. We actually had the Spirit there, very little Bible-bashing, and he even accepted some of the doctrines that we taught him! He’d never seen the scriptures about baptisms for the dead in the Bible and he didn’t know what to make of it. He accepted the Book of Mormon and agreed to read 2 Nephi 28-30. It would be very ironic if he chose not to read it considering how much Nephi prophesies of those who will reject anything but the Bible. My hope is that he does read it and that it opens his eyes.
We also have a couple of new investigators that are fantastic! Lexi is the friend of a member who randomly stopped by when we were having tea and agreed to sit with us for a lesson. Even better, she agreed to another lesson! She is passionately Anglican and has served a few missions herself in India. She is intrigued by our beliefs : ) Can't wait to share more! The other, George, just moved in next to our ward mission leader. He recently lost both of his parents and wanted to start going to a church again but didn't know which one. It seems we tracted into him just in time. Miracles are happening, as usual : )
When we met with Shandre this week she had the greatest news! She has been trying to move back to England for three years (ever since her husband's death) and couldn't ever sell her house (still can't for that matter). She has commented once or twice on how that might have been so she could meet us : D I love how the Spirit teaches her. Long story short, she has been looking to buy a house in Cheshire and for over a year she's had her eye on one in particular. She was looking at it, yet again, on Google maps this week and saw something that caught her eye. Guess what is 300 yards down the road. A chapel! OUR chapel! And she thinks it's a sign, which of course it is. She said that she thinks she'll join the church but she's not sure when. SUCH a big step in the right direction! I'm so excited for her : D : D
There was a baby blessing of a less-active couple in the ward yesterday. It was really nice to know that their little boy is now a child of record and that he will be counted among the Lord’s flock and looked after. It was also great because many of the less-active couples’ non-member friends came to see it. I suppose a baby blessing is viewed by other as a sort of Christening and so at least twenty came to support them. We got to speak to a lot of them afterwards and there is one, John, who showed some interest : ) Hopefully we will be able to teach him soon.
I really feel Sister Doherty and I increased so much in unity this week! It was so great to be on the island the whole week and do so much work together. We really get along and a few members of the ward have commented on how they can see we are friends and we work well together.
Overall, I feel so blessed to be in the Lord’s service! I never want this time to end... President Bullock always said, "We drink from wells that we didn't dig and walk across bridges we didn't build." Now I am digging and building for those who will come next, and I'm doing it with my whole heart in gratitude for those who went before me.
I love you all SO much! Have a fantastic week!
Let us all press on!
What an inspiring week we had! I LOVE being a missionary!!
Sister Doherty is excellent as ever. She values the Spirit and leads our companionship in exact obedience in order to have it : ) Love her to bits.
We had the opportunity to teach a new investigator this week, Shandre, who is the daughter of a fairly recent convert. Shandre lives with her boyfriend and she just found out she is having a baby. They are engaged and she knows that they should get married, so we are really hoping that it happens sooner than later! Our lessons with her have been really great. She’s really bright and I think that now that she’s starting a family the Gospel is something she really wants in her life.
We are also spending a lot of time finding new investigators! We are focusing on praying that we find the ones that Sister Doherty and I are specifically meant to teach while we are together. Our transfer goal for baptisms is 2 and we are anxiously engaged in bringing that miracle to pass!
I absolutely know the extension of my mission was inspired! Remember at Christmas when I said I felt that I had one more person to train and that’s mainly why I offered to extend? It was true! I just know that the Lord wanted Sister Doherty and me together this transfer. In addition, we had another sister return home for medical reasons this week. If I wasn’t here they would have been down a sister and have to close an area for up to a month! There is nothing better than seeing your life unfold and realising that you are exactly where the Lord wants you. The joy of being used by the Lord to accomplish his work and glory is unparalleled. Our very own Heber J. Grant said, “I believe there is nothing in all the world that can compare with the joy that a man feels when he realises that he has been the instrument in the hands of the Living God of reaching some honest heart, inspiring in it a love of God and the desire to serve Him.”
We experienced a lot of mini-versions of that as we followed the Spirit this week. I think the entire week was a lesson to me in following those little promptings. We had many experiences with helping ward members at just the right moment, and I wouldn’t want to share the ones that are confidential; but suffice it to say that most of them are people we had no idea were struggling in any way but just felt drawn to at exactly the right time.
One situation that didn’t have to do with the ward was Saturday morning when we were getting ready for the day. I had to call President for something and I thought to myself, "That can wait. No need to do it now." But something whispered, "You should ring him now." So I did. He told me about this sister who is going home and said it would be good for me to talk to her, too. So I did and we ended up having a really good, long talk together right before she left to go home. The Lord wanted us to have that conversation and for her to have a chance to tell me what she was going through. It was so inspired and I am so grateful for the way the Spirit leads and guides us!
The best moment of the week, though, was at Zone Conference where I organised my last zone conference musical number. We sang a medley of "For All the Saints" and "Press Forward Saints." It's kind of hard to describe how amazing it was but I'm going to try. As "For all the Saints" drew to a close we arranged it so that the Elders sang that Alleluia and then the sisters emerged with the Allelulias from Press Forward Saints. And then, as they finished, Elder Hopper started a tenor solo, "Press forward saints with steadfast faith in Christ.." joined by Elder White, "With hope's bright flame alight in heart and mind..." joined by two others (spreading exponentially : )) "with love of God and love of all mankind" the whole choir "Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!" Well, I completely lost it. I couldn't sing the second verse with them. With tears streaming down my face I turned around so that the whole Zone Conference could join in on the last verse and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. People were just weeping as we bore our testimony in song of the divinity of the message we bear. "Thus, saith our God, Ye have eternal life!" Whew, I'm tearing up here in the library. It was so amazing. And then I got to stand up immediately after and attempt to bear a departing testimony to my fellow missionaries. I'm not sure they understood any words I said between the weeping but I'm sure they got the feeling behind it : ) It was truly moving and I will never forget how powerfully I felt the Lord's love for those Elders and Sisters.
This work is TRUE! And we will have eternal life as we press on enduring in the ways of Christ. The way wasn't easy for Him and it certainly won't be easy for us, but He's with us every step of the way. I know that to be true.
Love you all! Press on!
Sister Doherty is excellent as ever. She values the Spirit and leads our companionship in exact obedience in order to have it : ) Love her to bits.
We had the opportunity to teach a new investigator this week, Shandre, who is the daughter of a fairly recent convert. Shandre lives with her boyfriend and she just found out she is having a baby. They are engaged and she knows that they should get married, so we are really hoping that it happens sooner than later! Our lessons with her have been really great. She’s really bright and I think that now that she’s starting a family the Gospel is something she really wants in her life.
We are also spending a lot of time finding new investigators! We are focusing on praying that we find the ones that Sister Doherty and I are specifically meant to teach while we are together. Our transfer goal for baptisms is 2 and we are anxiously engaged in bringing that miracle to pass!
I absolutely know the extension of my mission was inspired! Remember at Christmas when I said I felt that I had one more person to train and that’s mainly why I offered to extend? It was true! I just know that the Lord wanted Sister Doherty and me together this transfer. In addition, we had another sister return home for medical reasons this week. If I wasn’t here they would have been down a sister and have to close an area for up to a month! There is nothing better than seeing your life unfold and realising that you are exactly where the Lord wants you. The joy of being used by the Lord to accomplish his work and glory is unparalleled. Our very own Heber J. Grant said, “I believe there is nothing in all the world that can compare with the joy that a man feels when he realises that he has been the instrument in the hands of the Living God of reaching some honest heart, inspiring in it a love of God and the desire to serve Him.”
We experienced a lot of mini-versions of that as we followed the Spirit this week. I think the entire week was a lesson to me in following those little promptings. We had many experiences with helping ward members at just the right moment, and I wouldn’t want to share the ones that are confidential; but suffice it to say that most of them are people we had no idea were struggling in any way but just felt drawn to at exactly the right time.
One situation that didn’t have to do with the ward was Saturday morning when we were getting ready for the day. I had to call President for something and I thought to myself, "That can wait. No need to do it now." But something whispered, "You should ring him now." So I did. He told me about this sister who is going home and said it would be good for me to talk to her, too. So I did and we ended up having a really good, long talk together right before she left to go home. The Lord wanted us to have that conversation and for her to have a chance to tell me what she was going through. It was so inspired and I am so grateful for the way the Spirit leads and guides us!
The best moment of the week, though, was at Zone Conference where I organised my last zone conference musical number. We sang a medley of "For All the Saints" and "Press Forward Saints." It's kind of hard to describe how amazing it was but I'm going to try. As "For all the Saints" drew to a close we arranged it so that the Elders sang that Alleluia and then the sisters emerged with the Allelulias from Press Forward Saints. And then, as they finished, Elder Hopper started a tenor solo, "Press forward saints with steadfast faith in Christ.." joined by Elder White, "With hope's bright flame alight in heart and mind..." joined by two others (spreading exponentially : )) "with love of God and love of all mankind" the whole choir "Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!" Well, I completely lost it. I couldn't sing the second verse with them. With tears streaming down my face I turned around so that the whole Zone Conference could join in on the last verse and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. People were just weeping as we bore our testimony in song of the divinity of the message we bear. "Thus, saith our God, Ye have eternal life!" Whew, I'm tearing up here in the library. It was so amazing. And then I got to stand up immediately after and attempt to bear a departing testimony to my fellow missionaries. I'm not sure they understood any words I said between the weeping but I'm sure they got the feeling behind it : ) It was truly moving and I will never forget how powerfully I felt the Lord's love for those Elders and Sisters.
This work is TRUE! And we will have eternal life as we press on enduring in the ways of Christ. The way wasn't easy for Him and it certainly won't be easy for us, but He's with us every step of the way. I know that to be true.
Love you all! Press on!
Miracles and more miracles
Wow! There is so much to catch you up on! A few more details about this transfer to start:
Sister Doherty isn't the only one transferred to the island; we also got one of my favourite senior couples, the Canons! I served alongside the Canons in Manchester for over four months, so it has been so fun being with them again. They already love the island, especially because they have ancestors from here. Like me, the Canons finish their mission in five weeks.
Sister Doherty is adjusting very nicely. We get along well and have lots in common (like our favourite colour: tiffany blue : ) She almost died when I said that! so fun)
They had all the new missionaries give their testimony at church. Sister Doherty’s testimony was so perfect and I know everyone just loves her already! She talked about how she was first introduced to the church by a friend from school. This friend has a gorgeous family, apparently, and Sister Doherty told her, "I don't know what it is, but you Mormons are just always so good-looking!" Her friend later gave her a Book of Mormon that said in the front, "Your key to being good-looking." She made a few more friends at church and then started seeing missionaries everywhere. It didn't take too long after that for her to accept lessons and after two months she was baptised. She is so excited to give back to the Lord by serving as a missionary. That was sixteen months ago, and we worked out that by the end of her mission she will have been a full-time missionary longer than she's been an ordinary member!
It’s always great to bring a new sister to the ward because it is like seeing it with new eyes again. I love this ward so much and I can see how we have impacted them positively. Every time I got to introduce her to a ward-member I was just overwhelmed by how much love I feel for each of them! Truly the greatest miracle I've seen on my mission is how my capacity to love has enlarged.
Yesterday, Jane Whitmore brought her YSA daughter to church and we were able to set up a lesson with her! We’ll be seeing her tonight and I’m so excited. We saw Corinne and she’s coming along slowly but steadily. She looks up all of the cross-references in her dusty old Bible and she has connected that since she started meeting with us she feels a lot better emotionally. She loves the Spirit and it is slowly healing her heart. She is scared to come to church, so please pray for her! We also taught a former investigator, Karl Bronfield, who we hope will begin to progress. Other than that, we have made several good contacts while tracting and we are hoping to see miracles. We have been praying and pondering over a baptismal goal for the transfer! Can’t wait to see what it is : )
Speaking of miracles, I've made them a topic of study this week. What would you do if someone told you they believe in God and the Bible, but they don't believe that those kind of miracles happen today? What would you do if a member of the Church told you that? Unfortunately, I have known it to happen. Moroni saw our day and he saw these people. You have to read what he says to them!
And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles. Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God? Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought? (Mormon 9:15-17)
So often we are oblivious to the miracles that are happening all around us. I have to agree with Moroni! Who is to say that the creation of the Earth is not a profound miracle? Or the fact that the planets are in perfect orbit around the sun as to enable life to exist on the Earth? Or the fact that we can put a seed in the ground and it grows into a tree?
The Bible Dictionary says, “Miracles should not be regarded as deviations from the ordinary course of nature so much as manifestations of divine or spiritual power. Some lower law was in each case superseded by the action of a higher... they are [only] wonders, marvels, because of the effect produced on those who saw them.”
We have the choice to see miracles in our lives and many times that choice is simply acknowledging them. But on top of acknowledging the miracles that we already have, Moroni teaches us that our faith has a direct effect on the miracles we experience.
And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth. (Moroni 9:19-21)
And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God. (Ether 12:18)
Even when He was on the Earth, Christ could not work miracles that superseded the faith of those involved. This was most apparent when he returned to his “own country” where it is said, And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. (Mark 6:5-6)
God has not changed. His power is still real in as much as we allow Him to work in our lives. I truly know that. There are so many people in the ward at the moment with health problems it breaks my heart. We had a funeral last week of the still-born baby of one of my favourite members. She was seven months along and they have no idea what happened. We had permission to go as I am the acting ward pianist and it was so special. I am so, so grateful for our knowledge of the Plan of Salvation!!
As we have shared our thoughts about miracles with the families of the ward one by one we've really seen a light come back to their faces. We are doing everything we can to uplift and encourage them. I know that we cannot ask the Lord for miracles that are against his will, but better to ask for too much than live so far below our spiritual privileges. And besides, even if we were to overstep our bounds, we would be in the best company, even that of the Saviour who asked for His own miracle but submitted to His Father’s will, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Let each of us resolve to have the faith to see miracles this week. Let us bring our Father joy as we allow Him to bless us!
Sister Doherty isn't the only one transferred to the island; we also got one of my favourite senior couples, the Canons! I served alongside the Canons in Manchester for over four months, so it has been so fun being with them again. They already love the island, especially because they have ancestors from here. Like me, the Canons finish their mission in five weeks.
Sister Doherty is adjusting very nicely. We get along well and have lots in common (like our favourite colour: tiffany blue : ) She almost died when I said that! so fun)
They had all the new missionaries give their testimony at church. Sister Doherty’s testimony was so perfect and I know everyone just loves her already! She talked about how she was first introduced to the church by a friend from school. This friend has a gorgeous family, apparently, and Sister Doherty told her, "I don't know what it is, but you Mormons are just always so good-looking!" Her friend later gave her a Book of Mormon that said in the front, "Your key to being good-looking." She made a few more friends at church and then started seeing missionaries everywhere. It didn't take too long after that for her to accept lessons and after two months she was baptised. She is so excited to give back to the Lord by serving as a missionary. That was sixteen months ago, and we worked out that by the end of her mission she will have been a full-time missionary longer than she's been an ordinary member!
It’s always great to bring a new sister to the ward because it is like seeing it with new eyes again. I love this ward so much and I can see how we have impacted them positively. Every time I got to introduce her to a ward-member I was just overwhelmed by how much love I feel for each of them! Truly the greatest miracle I've seen on my mission is how my capacity to love has enlarged.
Yesterday, Jane Whitmore brought her YSA daughter to church and we were able to set up a lesson with her! We’ll be seeing her tonight and I’m so excited. We saw Corinne and she’s coming along slowly but steadily. She looks up all of the cross-references in her dusty old Bible and she has connected that since she started meeting with us she feels a lot better emotionally. She loves the Spirit and it is slowly healing her heart. She is scared to come to church, so please pray for her! We also taught a former investigator, Karl Bronfield, who we hope will begin to progress. Other than that, we have made several good contacts while tracting and we are hoping to see miracles. We have been praying and pondering over a baptismal goal for the transfer! Can’t wait to see what it is : )
Speaking of miracles, I've made them a topic of study this week. What would you do if someone told you they believe in God and the Bible, but they don't believe that those kind of miracles happen today? What would you do if a member of the Church told you that? Unfortunately, I have known it to happen. Moroni saw our day and he saw these people. You have to read what he says to them!
And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles. Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God? Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought? (Mormon 9:15-17)
So often we are oblivious to the miracles that are happening all around us. I have to agree with Moroni! Who is to say that the creation of the Earth is not a profound miracle? Or the fact that the planets are in perfect orbit around the sun as to enable life to exist on the Earth? Or the fact that we can put a seed in the ground and it grows into a tree?
The Bible Dictionary says, “Miracles should not be regarded as deviations from the ordinary course of nature so much as manifestations of divine or spiritual power. Some lower law was in each case superseded by the action of a higher... they are [only] wonders, marvels, because of the effect produced on those who saw them.”
We have the choice to see miracles in our lives and many times that choice is simply acknowledging them. But on top of acknowledging the miracles that we already have, Moroni teaches us that our faith has a direct effect on the miracles we experience.
And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth. (Moroni 9:19-21)
And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God. (Ether 12:18)
Even when He was on the Earth, Christ could not work miracles that superseded the faith of those involved. This was most apparent when he returned to his “own country” where it is said, And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. (Mark 6:5-6)
God has not changed. His power is still real in as much as we allow Him to work in our lives. I truly know that. There are so many people in the ward at the moment with health problems it breaks my heart. We had a funeral last week of the still-born baby of one of my favourite members. She was seven months along and they have no idea what happened. We had permission to go as I am the acting ward pianist and it was so special. I am so, so grateful for our knowledge of the Plan of Salvation!!
As we have shared our thoughts about miracles with the families of the ward one by one we've really seen a light come back to their faces. We are doing everything we can to uplift and encourage them. I know that we cannot ask the Lord for miracles that are against his will, but better to ask for too much than live so far below our spiritual privileges. And besides, even if we were to overstep our bounds, we would be in the best company, even that of the Saviour who asked for His own miracle but submitted to His Father’s will, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Let each of us resolve to have the faith to see miracles this week. Let us bring our Father joy as we allow Him to bless us!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
He leads me along...
I don’t know if you remember two weeks ago that I said, and I quote,
“We feel really good about the countryside there. Several members have
suggested that we tract up there and we just really feel drawn to it.
It’s not as effective number wise (it takes time to get from house to
house) but I have a feeling we are going to ‘strike gold.’ Someone out
there is praying for the gospel.”
Well, we struck gold this week!
We felt so strongly about this road in Andreas, and we went to it,
despite it being so far away and quite illogical. We weren’t very well
received, until Peggy answered the door. She is this spunky
sixty-something-year-old who lost her husband two years ago and still
finds herself mourning. When we said she could see him again, she
started to well up and then just said, “Right girls. This is what I
want to know. Prove it to me, please.” We asked if we could prove it
indoors (out of the cold) and she let us in. As we sat around the
kitchen table of her lovely home she cried and told us of how she has
been asking all of the pastors in the area and none of them can really
tell her what happens after this life; they just vaguely say that she
will probably be with him in some form or another. Well, we had an
opening prayer and then laid the scriptures before her and taught her
the Plan of Salvation. By the time we reached the three kingdoms of
glory she looked at us in amazement and said, “That makes so much
sense!” I want to cry here in the library just thinking about it. The
Spirit was so strong and it was such a beautiful moment.
We met with her two days later and she had read the entire pamphlet,
answered all of the study questions, looked up all the scriptures and
come out with a list of questions herself. IT WAS AMAZING! She made it
very clear that she doesn’t want to be pushed into any religion
(Sister Grimshaw, our widowed recent convert, came in very handy at
that point) and at the end of the second visit I said, “Well, Peggy
(sigh) it has been very nice getting to know you…” and she said, “Well, are you coming back again or aren’t you??” : D Of course we are! This time we are meeting at the church so that she can get a feel for it. I really have good feelings about
Peggy.
I feel so blessed to know the Truths of the Gospel. It is a privilege
to teach them to sincere seekers like Peggy. In the end, the
knowledge we have of the Plan of Salvation is the only thing that
pulled me through after Dad's death. Everyone needs it, and I am so
glad that some are humble enough to receive it!
We’ve also been blessed to have seen many less-actives this week and
four came to church! We are really helping them come unto Christ. Our
Ward Mission Leader, Brother Holden, taught Gospel Principles and he
just tailored it exactly to each of their concerns and challenges.
Mostly he taught about how our faith strengthens when we exercise it
and obey the commandments.
I feel so blessed to be serving here at this time.
Hurrah for Israel!
“We feel really good about the countryside there. Several members have
suggested that we tract up there and we just really feel drawn to it.
It’s not as effective number wise (it takes time to get from house to
house) but I have a feeling we are going to ‘strike gold.’ Someone out
there is praying for the gospel.”
Well, we struck gold this week!
We felt so strongly about this road in Andreas, and we went to it,
despite it being so far away and quite illogical. We weren’t very well
received, until Peggy answered the door. She is this spunky
sixty-something-year-old who lost her husband two years ago and still
finds herself mourning. When we said she could see him again, she
started to well up and then just said, “Right girls. This is what I
want to know. Prove it to me, please.” We asked if we could prove it
indoors (out of the cold) and she let us in. As we sat around the
kitchen table of her lovely home she cried and told us of how she has
been asking all of the pastors in the area and none of them can really
tell her what happens after this life; they just vaguely say that she
will probably be with him in some form or another. Well, we had an
opening prayer and then laid the scriptures before her and taught her
the Plan of Salvation. By the time we reached the three kingdoms of
glory she looked at us in amazement and said, “That makes so much
sense!” I want to cry here in the library just thinking about it. The
Spirit was so strong and it was such a beautiful moment.
We met with her two days later and she had read the entire pamphlet,
answered all of the study questions, looked up all the scriptures and
come out with a list of questions herself. IT WAS AMAZING! She made it
very clear that she doesn’t want to be pushed into any religion
(Sister Grimshaw, our widowed recent convert, came in very handy at
that point) and at the end of the second visit I said, “Well, Peggy
(sigh) it has been very nice getting to know you…” and she said, “Well, are you coming back again or aren’t you??” : D Of course we are! This time we are meeting at the church so that she can get a feel for it. I really have good feelings about
Peggy.
I feel so blessed to know the Truths of the Gospel. It is a privilege
to teach them to sincere seekers like Peggy. In the end, the
knowledge we have of the Plan of Salvation is the only thing that
pulled me through after Dad's death. Everyone needs it, and I am so
glad that some are humble enough to receive it!
We’ve also been blessed to have seen many less-actives this week and
four came to church! We are really helping them come unto Christ. Our
Ward Mission Leader, Brother Holden, taught Gospel Principles and he
just tailored it exactly to each of their concerns and challenges.
Mostly he taught about how our faith strengthens when we exercise it
and obey the commandments.
I feel so blessed to be serving here at this time.
Hurrah for Israel!
Fairytale tracting
This week was so wonderful! We went Across for a Zone Conference and a Sisters' meeting.
I absolutely loved Zone Conference!
I got to play Billy's violin. There is a couple over mental health for the missionaries in the European area, the Dearings, and they came and talked to all of us about stress and stress management. They also came to the Sisters' meeting the next day and went into more detail with us. Nothing like talking about stress for two hours to make you realise how stressed you really are!
As usual, I’ve been in denial about it. At the Sisters’ Meeting I finally admitted that I have a stress problem and committed to stopping it. Sister Hoffman and I now call our hymn singing each morning Vocal Reverberation Under Missionary Pressure (you know,VRUMP?) We're learning how to breath deeply and just hand our anxieties to the Lord. It’s onwards and upwards from here!
In addition, I have begun a new study of diligence. I am specifically proving to myself (and the world) that one can be diligent without “doing one’s head in,” as the English might say, or running one’s body into the ground. It’s been great to feel the Lord’s gently nudges as I have discovered how to be kinder to myself.
So, guess where I got to stay during our time Across? Manchester!
The Lord provided many choice experiences for us during our stay in Manchester. I had the opportunity to touch bases with almost all of my recent converts and offer them encouragement, as well as contact two former investigators and invite them to be re-taught. I felt so blessed!
As for our exchange with the Manchester South Sisters, it was magical! First off, Ode to Sister Howes: she is amazing. she is brand new in the field (two weeks) but you would never know. She is from East London, is 23 and has only been active in the church for two years. She basically considers herself to be a convert because she knew nothing of the Church growing up. I loved serving alongside her and feeling of her strength and determination. She is full of faith and hope. She is miles ahead of where I was at that stage and I have no doubt that she will work miracles in Manchester.
On Friday night, Sister Howes and I had an appointment fall through and I felt very specific direction about where we should go to street contact. We chose to walk instead of ride the bus and as we went along I had the feeling go, but not too fast. Talk to a few people. Okay, not too slow now. Keep moving. The Spirit was giving such specific directions and we just went with it. Well, the timing was impeccable as we turned the corner just to see Paul on the street! We caught up with him and were able to have a wonderful reunion and even sit at the park and have a little lesson. The Sisters have been having a hard time getting hold of him, so it was such a blessing!
We also saw the miracle of having a street lesson later that evening with an amazing Chinese girl, Kate. The Lord really did open the windows for us! It was great. I also got to have a meal with Billy one night! He was so pleased and it was just like old times. He kept mentioning the family and how much he loved Max's letter. He apologises if it takes him a while to respond to your e-mails. He's still figuring out the whole technology thing.
It was so wonderful to walk the streets of Manchester and be able to testify to Sister Howes firsthand of the healing power of the Atonement as I gazed lovingly at even the street corners where I was yelled at... : D I know it sounds ridiculous but I love all of my memories there, the good and bad. Somehow the Saviour manages to totally take away the sting. What a miracle.
Manchester was lovely, but it was a relief to be back in our own area on Saturday evening! And Sunday, Sister Hoffman and I had an amazing time! Church was great and a recent convert, Tony Duggan came for the first time in two months! It was fantastic to see him there and see how the ward welcomed him back. He also brought a friend with him who wants to start meeting for lessons!
After church we went to the north of the island for a lesson. The lesson fell through and we just turned to the Lord and asked for specific direction. It was amazing what we experienced! We decided to drive into the country to contact a member referral. We didn’t have an address, only directions and the man who answered said we were at the wrong place. He pointed us towards a country road which we followed. We were coming in and out of forestry and hills (no referral in sight) when suddenly this little castle emerged ahead of us. It was like a fairytale! “Let’s see if they want to Gospel!” I said. We parked the car and entered the estate, walking up the long drive. The castle seemed to be vacant, but there was a cottage next to it which we knocked. A middle-aged woman answered. She was friendly and said she was not interested in our message but we could come in for a warm drink. We did and came to find out that Pauline, from Vienna, was living in the cottage with her twin daughters (aged 9) for a year. She had asked Sister Kullick and Sister Rothmund for directions months ago in town and was impressed with their friendliness. By the time we chatted a little, she was interested in our message!
We had a short lesson about the Plan of Salvation and she was mesmerized. We left her the pamphlet and promised to return. I can’t quite describe the feeling we had as we were walking away. It really was significant. We left literally feeling like we had walked out of a storybook (can’t tell whether it was the Ensign or Beauty and the Beast) and more importantly knowing that Heavenly Father had lead us straight to Pauline.
Is there any better feeling than knowing you have kept a divine appointment?
I’m so grateful to be a missionary and to have Sister Hoffman as a companion. I know that her purity of heart really allows us to experience miracles!
Ironically the Spirit helped us get to Pauline but not get back : ) and after bumbling through the hills and valleys of the Island with sheep on either side and no road signs in sight for an hour the enchantment had worn off a little. We got to practice our new stress relieving tricks as we were half an hour late for our tea appointment : S
Luckily Sister Hoffman has a great sense of humour (she kept me laughing) and so did the members!
Overall, the weeks has been very eventful and fulfilling and so will the week to come, I am sure!
Love you all so much!
I absolutely loved Zone Conference!
I got to play Billy's violin. There is a couple over mental health for the missionaries in the European area, the Dearings, and they came and talked to all of us about stress and stress management. They also came to the Sisters' meeting the next day and went into more detail with us. Nothing like talking about stress for two hours to make you realise how stressed you really are!
As usual, I’ve been in denial about it. At the Sisters’ Meeting I finally admitted that I have a stress problem and committed to stopping it. Sister Hoffman and I now call our hymn singing each morning Vocal Reverberation Under Missionary Pressure (you know,VRUMP?) We're learning how to breath deeply and just hand our anxieties to the Lord. It’s onwards and upwards from here!
In addition, I have begun a new study of diligence. I am specifically proving to myself (and the world) that one can be diligent without “doing one’s head in,” as the English might say, or running one’s body into the ground. It’s been great to feel the Lord’s gently nudges as I have discovered how to be kinder to myself.
So, guess where I got to stay during our time Across? Manchester!
The Lord provided many choice experiences for us during our stay in Manchester. I had the opportunity to touch bases with almost all of my recent converts and offer them encouragement, as well as contact two former investigators and invite them to be re-taught. I felt so blessed!
As for our exchange with the Manchester South Sisters, it was magical! First off, Ode to Sister Howes: she is amazing. she is brand new in the field (two weeks) but you would never know. She is from East London, is 23 and has only been active in the church for two years. She basically considers herself to be a convert because she knew nothing of the Church growing up. I loved serving alongside her and feeling of her strength and determination. She is full of faith and hope. She is miles ahead of where I was at that stage and I have no doubt that she will work miracles in Manchester.
On Friday night, Sister Howes and I had an appointment fall through and I felt very specific direction about where we should go to street contact. We chose to walk instead of ride the bus and as we went along I had the feeling go, but not too fast. Talk to a few people. Okay, not too slow now. Keep moving. The Spirit was giving such specific directions and we just went with it. Well, the timing was impeccable as we turned the corner just to see Paul on the street! We caught up with him and were able to have a wonderful reunion and even sit at the park and have a little lesson. The Sisters have been having a hard time getting hold of him, so it was such a blessing!
We also saw the miracle of having a street lesson later that evening with an amazing Chinese girl, Kate. The Lord really did open the windows for us! It was great. I also got to have a meal with Billy one night! He was so pleased and it was just like old times. He kept mentioning the family and how much he loved Max's letter. He apologises if it takes him a while to respond to your e-mails. He's still figuring out the whole technology thing.
It was so wonderful to walk the streets of Manchester and be able to testify to Sister Howes firsthand of the healing power of the Atonement as I gazed lovingly at even the street corners where I was yelled at... : D I know it sounds ridiculous but I love all of my memories there, the good and bad. Somehow the Saviour manages to totally take away the sting. What a miracle.
Manchester was lovely, but it was a relief to be back in our own area on Saturday evening! And Sunday, Sister Hoffman and I had an amazing time! Church was great and a recent convert, Tony Duggan came for the first time in two months! It was fantastic to see him there and see how the ward welcomed him back. He also brought a friend with him who wants to start meeting for lessons!
After church we went to the north of the island for a lesson. The lesson fell through and we just turned to the Lord and asked for specific direction. It was amazing what we experienced! We decided to drive into the country to contact a member referral. We didn’t have an address, only directions and the man who answered said we were at the wrong place. He pointed us towards a country road which we followed. We were coming in and out of forestry and hills (no referral in sight) when suddenly this little castle emerged ahead of us. It was like a fairytale! “Let’s see if they want to Gospel!” I said. We parked the car and entered the estate, walking up the long drive. The castle seemed to be vacant, but there was a cottage next to it which we knocked. A middle-aged woman answered. She was friendly and said she was not interested in our message but we could come in for a warm drink. We did and came to find out that Pauline, from Vienna, was living in the cottage with her twin daughters (aged 9) for a year. She had asked Sister Kullick and Sister Rothmund for directions months ago in town and was impressed with their friendliness. By the time we chatted a little, she was interested in our message!
We had a short lesson about the Plan of Salvation and she was mesmerized. We left her the pamphlet and promised to return. I can’t quite describe the feeling we had as we were walking away. It really was significant. We left literally feeling like we had walked out of a storybook (can’t tell whether it was the Ensign or Beauty and the Beast) and more importantly knowing that Heavenly Father had lead us straight to Pauline.
Is there any better feeling than knowing you have kept a divine appointment?
I’m so grateful to be a missionary and to have Sister Hoffman as a companion. I know that her purity of heart really allows us to experience miracles!
Ironically the Spirit helped us get to Pauline but not get back : ) and after bumbling through the hills and valleys of the Island with sheep on either side and no road signs in sight for an hour the enchantment had worn off a little. We got to practice our new stress relieving tricks as we were half an hour late for our tea appointment : S
Luckily Sister Hoffman has a great sense of humour (she kept me laughing) and so did the members!
Overall, the weeks has been very eventful and fulfilling and so will the week to come, I am sure!
Love you all so much!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Stress? Me, stressed?
This week was so wonderful! We went Across for a Zone Conference and a Sisters' meeting.
I absolutely loved Zone Conference! I got to play Billy's violin. There is a couple over mental health for the missionaries in the European area, the Dearings, and they came and talked to all of us about stress and stress management. They also came to the Sisters' meeting the next day and went into more detail with us. Nothing like talking about stress for two hours to make you realise how stressed you really are! As usual, I’ve been in denial about it. At the Sisters’ Meeting I finally admitted that I have a stress problem and committed to stopping it. Sister Hoffman and I now call our hymn singing each morning Vocal Reverberation Under Missionary Pressure (you know,VRUMP?) We're learning how to breath deeply and just hand our anxieties to the Lord. It’s onwards and upwards from here!
In addition, I have begun a new study of diligence. I am specifically proving to myself (and the world) that one can be diligent without “doing one’s head in,” as the English might say, or running one’s body into the ground. It’s been great to feel the Lord’s gently nudges as I have discovered how to be kinder to myself.
So, guess where I got to stay during our time Across? Manchester! The Lord provided many choice experiences for us during our stay in Manchester. I had the opportunity to touch bases with almost all of my recent converts and offer them encouragement, as well as contact two former investigators and invite them to be re-taught. I felt so blessed! As for our exchange with the Manchester South Sisters, it was magical!
First off, Ode to Sister Howes: she is amazing. she is brand new in the field (two weeks) but you would never know. She is from East London, is 23 and has only been active in the church for two years. She basically considers herself to be a convert because she knew nothing of the Church growing up. I loved serving alongside her and feeling of her strength and determination. She is full of faith and hope. She is miles ahead of where I was at that stage and I have no doubt that she will work miracles in Manchester.
On Friday night, Sister Howes and I had an appointment fall through and I felt very specific direction about where we should go to street contact. We chose to walk instead of ride the bus and as we went along I had the feeling go, but not too fast. Talk to a few people. Okay, not too slow now. Keep moving. The Spirit was giving such specific directions and we just went with it. Well, the timing was impeccable as we turned the corner just to see P. M. on the street! We caught up with him and were able to have a wonderful reunion and even sit at the park and have a little lesson. The Sisters have been having a hard time getting in touch with him, so it was such a blessing!
We also saw the miracle of having a street lesson later that evening with an amazing Chinese girl, K. The Lord really did open the windows for us! It was great. I also got to have a meal with B. one night! He was so pleased and it was just like old times. He kept mentioning the family and how much he loved Max's letter. He apologises if it takes him a while to respond to your e-mails. He's still figuring out the whole technology thing.
It was so wonderful to walk the streets of Manchester and be able to testify to Sister Howes firsthand of the healing power of the Atonement as I gazed lovingly at even the street corners where I was yelled at... : D I know it sounds ridiculous but I love all of my memories there, the good and bad. Somehow the Saviour manages to totally take away the sting. What a miracle.
Manchester was lovely, but it was a relief to be back in our own area on Saturday evening! And Sunday, Sister Hoffman and I had an amazing time! Church was great and a recent convert came for the first time in two months! It was fantastic to see him there and see how the ward welcomed him back. He also brought a friend with him who wants to start meeting for lessons!
After church we went to the north of the island for a lesson. The lesson fell through and we just turned to the Lord and asked for specific direction. It was amazing what we experienced! We decided to drive into the country to contact a member referral. We didn’t have an address, only directions and the man who answered said we were at the wrong place. He pointed us towards a country road which we followed. We were coming in and out of forestry and hills (no referral in sight) when suddenly this little castle emerged ahead of us. It was like a fairytale! “Let’s see if they want to Gospel!” I said. We parked the car and entered the estate, walking up the long drive. The castled seemed to be vacant, but there was a cottage next to it which we knocked. A middle-aged woman answered. She was friendly and said she was not interested in our message but we could come in for a warm drink. We did and came to find out that P., from Vienna, was living in the cottage with her twin daughters (aged 9) for a year. She had asked Sister Kullick and Sister Rothmund for directions months ago in town and was impressed with their friendliness. By the time we chatted a little, she was interested in our message! We had a short lesson about the Plan of Salvation and she was mesmerised. We left her the pamphlet and promised to return. I can’t quite describe the feeling we had as we were walking away. It really was significant. We left literally feeling like we had walked out of a storybook (can’t tell whether it was the Ensign or Beauty and the Beast) and more importantly knowing that Heavenly Father had lead us straight to this little family. Is there any better feeling than knowing you have kept a divine appointment?
I’m so grateful to be a missionary and to have Sister Hoffman as a companion. I know that her purity of heart really allows us to experience miracles!
Ironically the Spirit helped us get to them but not get back : ) and after bumbling through the hills and valleys of the Island with sheep on either side and no road signs in sight for an hour the enchantment had worn off a little. We got to practice our new stress relieving tricks as we were half an hour late for our tea appointment : S Luckily Sister Hoffman has a great sense of humour (she kept me laughing) and so did the members!
Overall, the weeks has been very eventful and fulfilling and so will the week to come, I am sure!
I absolutely loved Zone Conference! I got to play Billy's violin. There is a couple over mental health for the missionaries in the European area, the Dearings, and they came and talked to all of us about stress and stress management. They also came to the Sisters' meeting the next day and went into more detail with us. Nothing like talking about stress for two hours to make you realise how stressed you really are! As usual, I’ve been in denial about it. At the Sisters’ Meeting I finally admitted that I have a stress problem and committed to stopping it. Sister Hoffman and I now call our hymn singing each morning Vocal Reverberation Under Missionary Pressure (you know,VRUMP?) We're learning how to breath deeply and just hand our anxieties to the Lord. It’s onwards and upwards from here!
In addition, I have begun a new study of diligence. I am specifically proving to myself (and the world) that one can be diligent without “doing one’s head in,” as the English might say, or running one’s body into the ground. It’s been great to feel the Lord’s gently nudges as I have discovered how to be kinder to myself.
So, guess where I got to stay during our time Across? Manchester! The Lord provided many choice experiences for us during our stay in Manchester. I had the opportunity to touch bases with almost all of my recent converts and offer them encouragement, as well as contact two former investigators and invite them to be re-taught. I felt so blessed! As for our exchange with the Manchester South Sisters, it was magical!
First off, Ode to Sister Howes: she is amazing. she is brand new in the field (two weeks) but you would never know. She is from East London, is 23 and has only been active in the church for two years. She basically considers herself to be a convert because she knew nothing of the Church growing up. I loved serving alongside her and feeling of her strength and determination. She is full of faith and hope. She is miles ahead of where I was at that stage and I have no doubt that she will work miracles in Manchester.
On Friday night, Sister Howes and I had an appointment fall through and I felt very specific direction about where we should go to street contact. We chose to walk instead of ride the bus and as we went along I had the feeling go, but not too fast. Talk to a few people. Okay, not too slow now. Keep moving. The Spirit was giving such specific directions and we just went with it. Well, the timing was impeccable as we turned the corner just to see P. M. on the street! We caught up with him and were able to have a wonderful reunion and even sit at the park and have a little lesson. The Sisters have been having a hard time getting in touch with him, so it was such a blessing!
We also saw the miracle of having a street lesson later that evening with an amazing Chinese girl, K. The Lord really did open the windows for us! It was great. I also got to have a meal with B. one night! He was so pleased and it was just like old times. He kept mentioning the family and how much he loved Max's letter. He apologises if it takes him a while to respond to your e-mails. He's still figuring out the whole technology thing.
It was so wonderful to walk the streets of Manchester and be able to testify to Sister Howes firsthand of the healing power of the Atonement as I gazed lovingly at even the street corners where I was yelled at... : D I know it sounds ridiculous but I love all of my memories there, the good and bad. Somehow the Saviour manages to totally take away the sting. What a miracle.
Manchester was lovely, but it was a relief to be back in our own area on Saturday evening! And Sunday, Sister Hoffman and I had an amazing time! Church was great and a recent convert came for the first time in two months! It was fantastic to see him there and see how the ward welcomed him back. He also brought a friend with him who wants to start meeting for lessons!
After church we went to the north of the island for a lesson. The lesson fell through and we just turned to the Lord and asked for specific direction. It was amazing what we experienced! We decided to drive into the country to contact a member referral. We didn’t have an address, only directions and the man who answered said we were at the wrong place. He pointed us towards a country road which we followed. We were coming in and out of forestry and hills (no referral in sight) when suddenly this little castle emerged ahead of us. It was like a fairytale! “Let’s see if they want to Gospel!” I said. We parked the car and entered the estate, walking up the long drive. The castled seemed to be vacant, but there was a cottage next to it which we knocked. A middle-aged woman answered. She was friendly and said she was not interested in our message but we could come in for a warm drink. We did and came to find out that P., from Vienna, was living in the cottage with her twin daughters (aged 9) for a year. She had asked Sister Kullick and Sister Rothmund for directions months ago in town and was impressed with their friendliness. By the time we chatted a little, she was interested in our message! We had a short lesson about the Plan of Salvation and she was mesmerised. We left her the pamphlet and promised to return. I can’t quite describe the feeling we had as we were walking away. It really was significant. We left literally feeling like we had walked out of a storybook (can’t tell whether it was the Ensign or Beauty and the Beast) and more importantly knowing that Heavenly Father had lead us straight to this little family. Is there any better feeling than knowing you have kept a divine appointment?
I’m so grateful to be a missionary and to have Sister Hoffman as a companion. I know that her purity of heart really allows us to experience miracles!
Ironically the Spirit helped us get to them but not get back : ) and after bumbling through the hills and valleys of the Island with sheep on either side and no road signs in sight for an hour the enchantment had worn off a little. We got to practice our new stress relieving tricks as we were half an hour late for our tea appointment : S Luckily Sister Hoffman has a great sense of humour (she kept me laughing) and so did the members!
Overall, the weeks has been very eventful and fulfilling and so will the week to come, I am sure!
It's only a failure if you don't learn from it
It’s been a great week on the Isle of Man! Sister Hoffman and I have really been striving to follow the Spirit, especially in our finding, and we have made some very good contacts. Equally as significant is that I feel Sister Hoffman is also building good relationships with the ward. She's easy to love. And the members of the Douglas Ward are easy to love!
We spent Saturday tracting on the North of the Island (Side Note: the landscapes just take your breath away! Unreal beautiful.). We feel really good about the countryside there. Several members have suggested that we tract up there and we just really feel drawn to it. It’s not as effective number wise (it takes time to get from house to house) but I have a feeling we are going to “strike gold.” Someone out there is praying for the gospel. We have met a few people who’ve invited us back already. We fasted yesterday to find a family (I don't know how you do it, Mum! every time : )) So exciting to be a missionary! I always feel like we are on the verge of miracles and, of course, I'm right. The future is as bright as our faith.
In Relief Society this week we learned from the teachings of George Albert Smith. One of the things he said was,
“What a fine thing it is to feel that we belong to a church that is or should be composed of saints. It is not sufficient that we have our names upon the records. It is important that we live the lives that entitle us to be called Saints, and if you will do that, you will be happy.”
It reminded me of something Sister Hoffman and I experienced Saturday night which involved the Clagues family. The Clagues own a little party centre (with laser tag, playgrounds, etc.) called the Fun Barn. They have always told us that we can come in anytime for a meal as they also sell hamburgers, sandwiches, chips, etc. We found ourselves without a meal appointment Saturday evening and decided to take them up on their offer (for the first time since I’ve been on-island.) Well, it just so happened to be the night the Jehovah’s Witnesses had booked the Fun Barn for a party : D : D What are the chances? The thing that really amazed me is that as soon as Brother Clague saw us come through the door he was all smiles, “Hello, Sisters! Come have something to eat! Guess who else is here tonight? (with a grin...)” All of his customers were looking at us a bit funny (naturally) but he just rolled out the red carpet and treated us like queens. He really could not care less what they thought, even if it would mean losing business (which it didn’t, luckily). I so admire him for his integrity and the way he lives his faith! He and his family are worthy of the title "Latter-Day Saints" and I'm determined to continue to live my life in a way that I am, too.
I find it fascinating that there is never a dull day as a missionary. I am constantly faced with opportunities to learn and grow. I think life in general is this way if you can only recognise those opportunities as such! The biggest thing I've learned on my mission so far is this simple phrase taught to me by the Spirit,
"It's only a failure if you don't learn from it."
It sounds simple enough, but since it was taught to me by the Spirit it has really become a part of me and it's seen me through many challenges. When we really view life as a laboratory for learning it seems easier to forgive ourselves and others of shortcomings. I’ve found it especially interesting lately as I have become increasingly aware of my motives. I don't know exactly what it is, but I seem to take a little more time to make decisions now and I've been given the gift of discerning my feelings. Earlier on my mission I might feel resistance to doing something out of my comfort zone but then duty or fear would kick in and off I would go. Now, the fear is gone and I find myself continuing to do the same things but I do them more consciously out of love of the Lord. It’s a wonderful feeling. This really is between me and the Saviour and the whole experience is so sacred to me.
I had the opportunity to bear my testimony in church yesterday. I am so filled with joy as I consider upon the truths that I know. I always knew that the church was the Lord's Kingdom on Earth, but now that I have been involved in building it up I have seen and experienced firsthand how involved He is and what power there is at the centre of it all. I love the Lord and I love His Work.
Have a miraculous week : D and I will, too!
We spent Saturday tracting on the North of the Island (Side Note: the landscapes just take your breath away! Unreal beautiful.). We feel really good about the countryside there. Several members have suggested that we tract up there and we just really feel drawn to it. It’s not as effective number wise (it takes time to get from house to house) but I have a feeling we are going to “strike gold.” Someone out there is praying for the gospel. We have met a few people who’ve invited us back already. We fasted yesterday to find a family (I don't know how you do it, Mum! every time : )) So exciting to be a missionary! I always feel like we are on the verge of miracles and, of course, I'm right. The future is as bright as our faith.
In Relief Society this week we learned from the teachings of George Albert Smith. One of the things he said was,
“What a fine thing it is to feel that we belong to a church that is or should be composed of saints. It is not sufficient that we have our names upon the records. It is important that we live the lives that entitle us to be called Saints, and if you will do that, you will be happy.”
It reminded me of something Sister Hoffman and I experienced Saturday night which involved the Clagues family. The Clagues own a little party centre (with laser tag, playgrounds, etc.) called the Fun Barn. They have always told us that we can come in anytime for a meal as they also sell hamburgers, sandwiches, chips, etc. We found ourselves without a meal appointment Saturday evening and decided to take them up on their offer (for the first time since I’ve been on-island.) Well, it just so happened to be the night the Jehovah’s Witnesses had booked the Fun Barn for a party : D : D What are the chances? The thing that really amazed me is that as soon as Brother Clague saw us come through the door he was all smiles, “Hello, Sisters! Come have something to eat! Guess who else is here tonight? (with a grin...)” All of his customers were looking at us a bit funny (naturally) but he just rolled out the red carpet and treated us like queens. He really could not care less what they thought, even if it would mean losing business (which it didn’t, luckily). I so admire him for his integrity and the way he lives his faith! He and his family are worthy of the title "Latter-Day Saints" and I'm determined to continue to live my life in a way that I am, too.
I find it fascinating that there is never a dull day as a missionary. I am constantly faced with opportunities to learn and grow. I think life in general is this way if you can only recognise those opportunities as such! The biggest thing I've learned on my mission so far is this simple phrase taught to me by the Spirit,
"It's only a failure if you don't learn from it."
It sounds simple enough, but since it was taught to me by the Spirit it has really become a part of me and it's seen me through many challenges. When we really view life as a laboratory for learning it seems easier to forgive ourselves and others of shortcomings. I’ve found it especially interesting lately as I have become increasingly aware of my motives. I don't know exactly what it is, but I seem to take a little more time to make decisions now and I've been given the gift of discerning my feelings. Earlier on my mission I might feel resistance to doing something out of my comfort zone but then duty or fear would kick in and off I would go. Now, the fear is gone and I find myself continuing to do the same things but I do them more consciously out of love of the Lord. It’s a wonderful feeling. This really is between me and the Saviour and the whole experience is so sacred to me.
I had the opportunity to bear my testimony in church yesterday. I am so filled with joy as I consider upon the truths that I know. I always knew that the church was the Lord's Kingdom on Earth, but now that I have been involved in building it up I have seen and experienced firsthand how involved He is and what power there is at the centre of it all. I love the Lord and I love His Work.
Have a miraculous week : D and I will, too!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A brand New Year--simply stated on the Isle
This week has been great! Half of it was spent in Whitefield (outskirts of Manchester) where Sister Hoffman and I had the chance to acquaint ourselves and do a lot of finding! Sister Jack and Sister Low (both previous companions) are serving there now, so it was so great to stay with them and catch up in the evenings. The boat ride over was relatively smooth : ) and we’ve just been from appointment to appointment since then.
Sister Hoffman has been given the “gift of stick” (think “gift of tongues”) with the car. She is doing so well for never having driven a manual before! I told her that this has got to be the best place to learn because the Lord will be magnifying her. It's fun for me to play driving coach. It reminds me of the days when Dad was teaching me to drive stick. I have also been blessed to remember directions as much as I do after only six weeks. Oh the magnificent mantle! Sister Hoffman has already met many of the members and she seems to fit right in.
Our teaching pool is getting a bit stagnant. Though no one has dropped us we aren't able to meet with any of them often enough to see progress. We've made a point to find as much as possible this week so we can widen our circle of influence and touch some more lives!
I have many goals and improvements this transfer and I am excited to stretch myself in new directions. I really want to see growth in the members and their ability to share the gospel. It’s going to be great! There is definitely a special feeling that comes with the New Year. It’s in the air!
Ode to Sister Hoffman:
I love my new companion! She is 24, and from Simi Valley California. She is very nurturing as she is the eldest of nine children. This is her third transfer out and I'm her second companion. She knows What's Up Doc? better than I do! We don't sing unapproved songs or quote unapproved movies in the mission field, but every once in a while she lets one slip (Me: "Which street is it?" Sister Hoffman: "Vale Avenue..you know, with hi-fen?") and it has kept us in stitches all week. She values cleanliness and order just as much as I do (and I do, Mum! : ) This is probably one of the ways I've changed the most on my mission).
The two of us spent some time on New Years Eve just doing Feng shui in the flat and it feels so much nicer! Great to start the year off right. One thing that I really appreciate about Sister Hoffman is that she really has integrity. She is the same person no matter who she is talking to. She is also very pure in heart. She really wants to see others come closer to Christ and facilitate their families being sealed for eternity. It’s so refreshing for me to see the Gospel from her perspective. I am sure this is going to be a great transfer!
Love you all dearly! Keep up the good work.
Sister Hoffman has been given the “gift of stick” (think “gift of tongues”) with the car. She is doing so well for never having driven a manual before! I told her that this has got to be the best place to learn because the Lord will be magnifying her. It's fun for me to play driving coach. It reminds me of the days when Dad was teaching me to drive stick. I have also been blessed to remember directions as much as I do after only six weeks. Oh the magnificent mantle! Sister Hoffman has already met many of the members and she seems to fit right in.
Our teaching pool is getting a bit stagnant. Though no one has dropped us we aren't able to meet with any of them often enough to see progress. We've made a point to find as much as possible this week so we can widen our circle of influence and touch some more lives!
I have many goals and improvements this transfer and I am excited to stretch myself in new directions. I really want to see growth in the members and their ability to share the gospel. It’s going to be great! There is definitely a special feeling that comes with the New Year. It’s in the air!
Ode to Sister Hoffman:
I love my new companion! She is 24, and from Simi Valley California. She is very nurturing as she is the eldest of nine children. This is her third transfer out and I'm her second companion. She knows What's Up Doc? better than I do! We don't sing unapproved songs or quote unapproved movies in the mission field, but every once in a while she lets one slip (Me: "Which street is it?" Sister Hoffman: "Vale Avenue..you know, with hi-fen?") and it has kept us in stitches all week. She values cleanliness and order just as much as I do (and I do, Mum! : ) This is probably one of the ways I've changed the most on my mission).
The two of us spent some time on New Years Eve just doing Feng shui in the flat and it feels so much nicer! Great to start the year off right. One thing that I really appreciate about Sister Hoffman is that she really has integrity. She is the same person no matter who she is talking to. She is also very pure in heart. She really wants to see others come closer to Christ and facilitate their families being sealed for eternity. It’s so refreshing for me to see the Gospel from her perspective. I am sure this is going to be a great transfer!
Love you all dearly! Keep up the good work.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Peacemaker vs Peacekeeper
Dear Mum, Max, Gabe and Nanny,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It was so wonderful speaking to you on Christmas! Transfers have come and I am e-mailing you from the Mainland where I am picking up my new companion: Sister Hoffman! From California.
Today we are in a mad rush, so I'm going to e-mail you what I wrote President. I love you all so very much. I promise you a more detailed report on Monday : )
Dear President Preston,
Christmas was sublime. No words to describe all of the love and peace I felt from the members of the Douglas ward and from Heavenly Father to us as His servants. People always say Christmas on your mission is magical and I can safely say that this year is was! Sister Rothmund and I were sad to see her go, but she knows she needs to move on. We have grown very close this transfer. I will always love that woman!
When we were in Swinton yesterday we ate tea with some members and one of them, Sister deCoeur, had this amazing insight that blew my mind and supported one of my goals for 2012. She asked if there was a difference between a peacekeeper and a peacemaker. Now, on the outside they look like synonyms but they aren’t! Someone who keeps peace avoids conflict of any kind at any cost. They are non-confrontational and settle for what may seem like peace but is, in reality, just shoulder-shrugging acceptance. Someone who makes peace, on the other hand, will endure the discomfort of conflict for the greater good. They understand that to accomplish real peace they might have to fight for it. Christ was a peacemaker. The fact that he died on the cross is evidence that the peace he brought came at great cost. His kind of peace isn’t the kind where you justify everyone’s actions so they all get along with you. His mission was to fight injustice. We must be willing to also! (see Matt. 5:9)
I am a natural peacekeeper. Sometimes I accept immediate, counterfeit peace (eg. avoiding to point out a companion’s lack of obedience in order to have the spirit with us that day) instead of seeing the bigger picture and fighting the injustices I see. This applies to all aspects of missionary work, especially in persistency with potential investigators, and it is my goal this coming year to be a peacemaker! I am going to be proactive in establishing peace wherever I am.
We’re going to have a great transfer! Sorry this is a bit hurried : ) speak to you soon!
Much love,
Sister Davis
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It was so wonderful speaking to you on Christmas! Transfers have come and I am e-mailing you from the Mainland where I am picking up my new companion: Sister Hoffman! From California.
Today we are in a mad rush, so I'm going to e-mail you what I wrote President. I love you all so very much. I promise you a more detailed report on Monday : )
Dear President Preston,
Christmas was sublime. No words to describe all of the love and peace I felt from the members of the Douglas ward and from Heavenly Father to us as His servants. People always say Christmas on your mission is magical and I can safely say that this year is was! Sister Rothmund and I were sad to see her go, but she knows she needs to move on. We have grown very close this transfer. I will always love that woman!
When we were in Swinton yesterday we ate tea with some members and one of them, Sister deCoeur, had this amazing insight that blew my mind and supported one of my goals for 2012. She asked if there was a difference between a peacekeeper and a peacemaker. Now, on the outside they look like synonyms but they aren’t! Someone who keeps peace avoids conflict of any kind at any cost. They are non-confrontational and settle for what may seem like peace but is, in reality, just shoulder-shrugging acceptance. Someone who makes peace, on the other hand, will endure the discomfort of conflict for the greater good. They understand that to accomplish real peace they might have to fight for it. Christ was a peacemaker. The fact that he died on the cross is evidence that the peace he brought came at great cost. His kind of peace isn’t the kind where you justify everyone’s actions so they all get along with you. His mission was to fight injustice. We must be willing to also! (see Matt. 5:9)
I am a natural peacekeeper. Sometimes I accept immediate, counterfeit peace (eg. avoiding to point out a companion’s lack of obedience in order to have the spirit with us that day) instead of seeing the bigger picture and fighting the injustices I see. This applies to all aspects of missionary work, especially in persistency with potential investigators, and it is my goal this coming year to be a peacemaker! I am going to be proactive in establishing peace wherever I am.
We’re going to have a great transfer! Sorry this is a bit hurried : ) speak to you soon!
Much love,
Sister Davis
Saturday, December 31, 2011
She's extending!!
We had a glorious hour on Skype with Molly on Christmas Day. She simply glows with the gospel. She's happier than she's ever been. And she's not coming home until March 15th. I am delighted she will be able to serve just a little longer. Hopefully she'll be training a new sister! We are looking forward to having her influence nearer to us in a few months. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Monday, December 26, 2011
MERRY CHRISTMAS! More Christmas Miracles...
This week we had the opportunity to go Across to a Christmas Zone Conference at the mission home. Obviously they can't fit the whole mission in there so each zone has gone one at a time. We're in the Liverpool Zone and we really wanted to attend our conference, however, the weather on the island was so bad that they considered moving us to the next week (to go with the Manchester Zone or something). If we went the following week we would miss the ward caroling at a local nursing home (which is tomorrow) and we really didn't want to do that. So we put it into the Lord's hands! Even after all the boats were being cancelled, we decided to be at the ferry terminal on time and just see what happened. And the boat went! It was one of the only ones of the week and because of the storm it took 10 hours (as opposed to the normal 3.5) BUT we got there!! And we had a great conference.
While at the mission home we were taught about charity and miracles. Guess what film we watched as a Christmas treat? 17 Miracles! Wow. Not only was it fun to see the Wadleys, Alex and Nate, but the stories were deeply touching. I laughed. I cried. It moved me, Bob. But honestly, they had so much faith! It really moved me to examine myself and determine the faith that I do or do not exhibit. I feel like each of us can have so many miracles in our lives if we simply put our faith to it! And many of us already have many miracles in our lives if we will just recognise them. As Moroni says:
19 And if there were amiracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he bchangeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.
21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, awhatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this bpromise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.
20 And the reason why he ceaseth to do amiracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should btrust.
This is what was going through my mind as we were stuck in a snowstorm on Friday morning after conference on the way to catch our boat home. There was a mix-up about which Elders would be taking us, so we had started off late and then we got caught in the only snowstorm of the season! The check-in was closing in five minutes and we were at least twenty minutes away. It wasn't the Elders' fault so I was trying to be pleasant and positive, but missing this boat would mean we would be missing the ward carol service that evening for which I was the sole pianist. That was one of the reasons the ward members didn't want us to sail the first time: they were afraid we would get stuck in England. The fact that the boat wasn't being cancelled was an answer to many prayers and imagine how frustrated we were that it might go, yes, but without us on it! We really needed to be there! As I looked at Sister Rothmund and felt her starting to panic, I had this peace come over me and I realised this could be a test of my faith. I said, "The fat lady hasn't sung yet, sister," (that's a phrase I recently taught her : ) she thinks it's hilarious) and we sped on. I was frantically ringing the port but they were not available for comment. We finally pulled in, ran into check-in, and experienced the 18th miracle! The boat was delayed! We were so relieved. We checked in fine and as we sat among disgruntled passengers in the waiting room I leaned over to Sister Rothmund and whispered, "I don't think they would be too happy if they knew we are the reason this boat is delayed." We giggled a little but felt such gratitude for the Lord's tender mercies and how he truly takes care of his own. We arrived for the carol service a little green but still had a great performance and warmed many hearts.
It's so special to be a missionary during this season! What an honour to wear the Saviour's name and declare his good news just like the angel to the shepherds. Sister Rothmund has been teaching me a German carol that has really touched my heart. The line I love the most is:
da sang ein Engels-Chor, 'die Welt ist nicht veloren!'
thus sang the angel choir, "the World is not lost!"
Doesn't that make you want to cry? I am just crying at everything lately! But seriously, what a message to bear: Do not distress! The World is not lost! A Saviour has come! We will be redeemed from the fall. All is not lost. Die Welt ist nicht veloren. That is the message I will continue to bear this season.
I love you all. To those I will not be speaking to on Sunday, Happy Christmas! May you find deep peace through the True Gospel of Jesus Christ.
While at the mission home we were taught about charity and miracles. Guess what film we watched as a Christmas treat? 17 Miracles! Wow. Not only was it fun to see the Wadleys, Alex and Nate, but the stories were deeply touching. I laughed. I cried. It moved me, Bob. But honestly, they had so much faith! It really moved me to examine myself and determine the faith that I do or do not exhibit. I feel like each of us can have so many miracles in our lives if we simply put our faith to it! And many of us already have many miracles in our lives if we will just recognise them. As Moroni says:
19 And if there were amiracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he bchangeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.
21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, awhatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this bpromise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.
20 And the reason why he ceaseth to do amiracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should btrust.
This is what was going through my mind as we were stuck in a snowstorm on Friday morning after conference on the way to catch our boat home. There was a mix-up about which Elders would be taking us, so we had started off late and then we got caught in the only snowstorm of the season! The check-in was closing in five minutes and we were at least twenty minutes away. It wasn't the Elders' fault so I was trying to be pleasant and positive, but missing this boat would mean we would be missing the ward carol service that evening for which I was the sole pianist. That was one of the reasons the ward members didn't want us to sail the first time: they were afraid we would get stuck in England. The fact that the boat wasn't being cancelled was an answer to many prayers and imagine how frustrated we were that it might go, yes, but without us on it! We really needed to be there! As I looked at Sister Rothmund and felt her starting to panic, I had this peace come over me and I realised this could be a test of my faith. I said, "The fat lady hasn't sung yet, sister," (that's a phrase I recently taught her : ) she thinks it's hilarious) and we sped on. I was frantically ringing the port but they were not available for comment. We finally pulled in, ran into check-in, and experienced the 18th miracle! The boat was delayed! We were so relieved. We checked in fine and as we sat among disgruntled passengers in the waiting room I leaned over to Sister Rothmund and whispered, "I don't think they would be too happy if they knew we are the reason this boat is delayed." We giggled a little but felt such gratitude for the Lord's tender mercies and how he truly takes care of his own. We arrived for the carol service a little green but still had a great performance and warmed many hearts.
It's so special to be a missionary during this season! What an honour to wear the Saviour's name and declare his good news just like the angel to the shepherds. Sister Rothmund has been teaching me a German carol that has really touched my heart. The line I love the most is:
da sang ein Engels-Chor, 'die Welt ist nicht veloren!'
thus sang the angel choir, "the World is not lost!"
Doesn't that make you want to cry? I am just crying at everything lately! But seriously, what a message to bear: Do not distress! The World is not lost! A Saviour has come! We will be redeemed from the fall. All is not lost. Die Welt ist nicht veloren. That is the message I will continue to bear this season.
I love you all. To those I will not be speaking to on Sunday, Happy Christmas! May you find deep peace through the True Gospel of Jesus Christ.
More miracles on the Isle
Unreal that it is P-Day again. The weeks are flying!
I want to tell you what miracles we saw this week.
Two weeks ago, President Preston held a conference call with each Zone. In the call he explained to us that he has the keys over the missionaries but our bishops actually have the keys over missionary work in our area. He wants us to involve our Bishops more and as a first step asked us to seek from our Bishop a specific street to find people on. As we sat in the Bishop's office the next evening and showed confidence in his priesthood keys the Spirit of the Lord enveloped us. We knelt down together and the Bishop prayed fervently for direction. We sat in silence for a moment and then he looked up. With a big grin he said, “I’ve got the streets.” We pulled out the map and he pointed out four streets in Castletown. One stood out to me in particular and we’ve made it a priority. Well, this weekend we met and taught two families there!
The first was Matthew and Jill on Saturday morning. Jill is Manx and Matthew is from Liverpool. They are in their twenties and have a three-year-old named Ethan. Jill and Matthew are both Catholic and they had a feeling in April that they should get married (which, as you know, hardly ever happens here.) When we knocked on the door, Matthew said they were just about to go out but we could come by later in the day. We had other appointments but promised to stop by next week. We returned to tracting and not ten minutes later who was running up to us but Matthew! He said they had decided not to go out and they would really like it if we would come back. Amazing. Jill especially is so open and sweet. We have high hopes for them!
The second family is the Howards. We had tracted into them three weeks ago but Letham was the only one in and he was locked in. He told us (through the letter slot) to come back another time. Every time we tried the house was empty, but I just couldn’t shake this good feeling I had about the house. Yesterday, Sunday, they were in. Marylee opened the door, took one look at us and said, “Come on in!” We were dumbstruck! The Howards are a family of five. Marylee must be just thirty. The house is like the neighbourhood hangout. There were all these kids running wild! Which was wonderful! You can tell they have really big hearts and really care about all the kids. We had a short lesson with Marylee (Letham was asleep) about the Restoration, to which she was very receptive. She is excited to read the Book of Mormon and see us again. As we were leaving she also said she it had been a hard day and she was so grateful that we came. Perfect timing! The Lord really is in the details.
I have such a testimony of the organisation of the Church and priesthood power! I am excited to see the miracles that happen in this area. It will be a great harvest! Of that I am sure.
This ward is so amazing. I know I say that about every area, but seriously. I love these people! Their only problem is that they feed us so much! They haven't adjusted to having Sisters, I guess, so we are still getting Elder-sized portions! But it is such a blessing that we get meal appointments ("tea appointments") every single night. When we have tea with members we try to focus our conversation on missionary work and share all of the miracles we've experienced. We also leave them with a spiritual thought and always seek referrals.
This last week, we've centered most of our spiritual thoughts around the true Christmas spirit. You know the DVD On The Lord's Errand about President Monson? If you haven't seen it I would encourage you to! It's so well done. There is a story in there about the Guertler family who moved into Bishop Monson's ward at the end of WWII. They didn't have the money to rent a nice flat and when Bishop Monson saw the conditions they would live in he was heartsick. He rallied the ward around him and everyone volunteered time and means to fix up the flat. I'll let you see the ending ; ) but it's a really beautiful Christmastime story. As we have watched it with the members, I never cease to be amazed at how humbly dedicated Thomas S. Monson was in serving his whole life. He really knows how to put his shoulder to the wheel! He saw needs and just filled them without hesitation. He says, "I want the Lord to know that if He ever needs an errand run, Thomas Monson will do it." I want to be that way, too! I know that it is in the little daily sacrifices that we carve out our consecrated hearts and become fit for Heaven.
I love this work! In all the hubbub of Christmas preparations and festivities don't forget to truly celebrate by feasting on the words of Christ and
I want to tell you what miracles we saw this week.
Two weeks ago, President Preston held a conference call with each Zone. In the call he explained to us that he has the keys over the missionaries but our bishops actually have the keys over missionary work in our area. He wants us to involve our Bishops more and as a first step asked us to seek from our Bishop a specific street to find people on. As we sat in the Bishop's office the next evening and showed confidence in his priesthood keys the Spirit of the Lord enveloped us. We knelt down together and the Bishop prayed fervently for direction. We sat in silence for a moment and then he looked up. With a big grin he said, “I’ve got the streets.” We pulled out the map and he pointed out four streets in Castletown. One stood out to me in particular and we’ve made it a priority. Well, this weekend we met and taught two families there!
The first was Matthew and Jill on Saturday morning. Jill is Manx and Matthew is from Liverpool. They are in their twenties and have a three-year-old named Ethan. Jill and Matthew are both Catholic and they had a feeling in April that they should get married (which, as you know, hardly ever happens here.) When we knocked on the door, Matthew said they were just about to go out but we could come by later in the day. We had other appointments but promised to stop by next week. We returned to tracting and not ten minutes later who was running up to us but Matthew! He said they had decided not to go out and they would really like it if we would come back. Amazing. Jill especially is so open and sweet. We have high hopes for them!
The second family is the Howards. We had tracted into them three weeks ago but Letham was the only one in and he was locked in. He told us (through the letter slot) to come back another time. Every time we tried the house was empty, but I just couldn’t shake this good feeling I had about the house. Yesterday, Sunday, they were in. Marylee opened the door, took one look at us and said, “Come on in!” We were dumbstruck! The Howards are a family of five. Marylee must be just thirty. The house is like the neighbourhood hangout. There were all these kids running wild! Which was wonderful! You can tell they have really big hearts and really care about all the kids. We had a short lesson with Marylee (Letham was asleep) about the Restoration, to which she was very receptive. She is excited to read the Book of Mormon and see us again. As we were leaving she also said she it had been a hard day and she was so grateful that we came. Perfect timing! The Lord really is in the details.
I have such a testimony of the organisation of the Church and priesthood power! I am excited to see the miracles that happen in this area. It will be a great harvest! Of that I am sure.
This ward is so amazing. I know I say that about every area, but seriously. I love these people! Their only problem is that they feed us so much! They haven't adjusted to having Sisters, I guess, so we are still getting Elder-sized portions! But it is such a blessing that we get meal appointments ("tea appointments") every single night. When we have tea with members we try to focus our conversation on missionary work and share all of the miracles we've experienced. We also leave them with a spiritual thought and always seek referrals.
This last week, we've centered most of our spiritual thoughts around the true Christmas spirit. You know the DVD On The Lord's Errand about President Monson? If you haven't seen it I would encourage you to! It's so well done. There is a story in there about the Guertler family who moved into Bishop Monson's ward at the end of WWII. They didn't have the money to rent a nice flat and when Bishop Monson saw the conditions they would live in he was heartsick. He rallied the ward around him and everyone volunteered time and means to fix up the flat. I'll let you see the ending ; ) but it's a really beautiful Christmastime story. As we have watched it with the members, I never cease to be amazed at how humbly dedicated Thomas S. Monson was in serving his whole life. He really knows how to put his shoulder to the wheel! He saw needs and just filled them without hesitation. He says, "I want the Lord to know that if He ever needs an errand run, Thomas Monson will do it." I want to be that way, too! I know that it is in the little daily sacrifices that we carve out our consecrated hearts and become fit for Heaven.
I love this work! In all the hubbub of Christmas preparations and festivities don't forget to truly celebrate by feasting on the words of Christ and
Monday, December 5, 2011
Miracles have not ceased--on and off the Isle of Man
I cannot believe it is already Monday! The weeks really do fly by. This week especially as we were back in England ("Across") for half of it. We had a special Zone Conference in Chorley where we all attended the temple! It was so wonderful!! I feel extremely blessed to have a temple in my mission and to have been able to attend so often.
So, the weather here has been horrendous and none of the boats have been going... oh yeah, except for the exact two that we were scheduled to take! Literally. Two boats went all week and they were the ones we were scheduled for! Miracles!
When we come across we usually stay with the Liverpool sisters. We sailed Wednesday, worked the afternoon and night with them, did Conference Thursday, worked that night with them and then sailed back Friday morning. Sister Chuo (from Taiwan) just got a new missionary to train and we did exchanges! Sister Longmore is fantastic and I loved working with her. We had some really good talks walking to appointments and saw miracles together. We prayed fervently for the Spirit and I really saw our investigators being taught by him, not us. One that stands out in particular is Teresa, who is Chinese.
Teresa was an atheist two months ago when the sisters found her. Although she remembers everything, they have felt like it was not sinking into her heart. One of the first things I asked her about was faith – if she feels she has faith in God now. She said, “Faith is believing in things you can’t see. You know, there are lots of things in life that can’t be explained. Growing up in China my mom always explained these things with science, and it made sense. Now you explain it with God and it makes sense. Since they both make sense I choose to believe in God. I think it will make me happier.” What a good way to start of the lesson! There is nothing better than to see your investigator choose to believe; choose to be humble.
During our lesson we addressed her concerns about honesty. She felt like in order to succeed in this life you have to cheat your way up; since everyone else is doing it she thought that surely God would understand. I shared a personal experience and as I did I could see her staring off – deep in thought. She looked up and said, “Maybe we have to do things that will make us worse off in this life, but we will be happy later when we live with God.” Watching her take that step towards consecration almost brought tears to my eyes. I was so happy to be able to add, “But, Teresa, the beautiful thing is that if you make sacrifices for God, down the line you will find that you are actually happier in this life, too!” She seemed to accept that. The Spirit was so strong and in her closing prayer she thanked Heavenly Father and told Him how much she loved Him and us. It was really touching. I absolutely know that we were supposed to come to the mainland for conference and for that exchange.
The work rolls forward here on the Isle of Man, too! We have a new investigator, Teralyn, who Heavenly Father really wanted us to meet! We met her once on the street (she was in a rush), then last week her neighbour referred us to her house ("try that house. She could use God.") and we forgot to try it! Then we tracted into her accidentally and she let us in. She is struggling with a lot of challenges and addictions, but is so humble and willing to learn. Her life has been so painful but she has kept faith through all of it.
One of the families in the ward here, the Sayles, joined the church a little over a year ago. Brother Sayle has lots of family around the island and he is an antique restorer. Sister Sayle teaches hairstyling at the college. They are so dedicated and humble and wonderful. Their kids (Henry - 15, Hanna - 12, Jenna - 8) are equally wonderful. They had us over for a meal the other day and we helped them set up and decorate their Christmas tree. We'll be over at their house on Christmas Day, too.
Anyway, Brother Sayle's brother, Peter, offered to lend me a violin! Brother Sayle has been trying to get Peter and his family to meet with the missionaries for ages with no luck. Long story short, when Peter heard me play he asked if I could teach him a lesson. I said I could do, but only if we can teach him about the gospel, too... He agreed : D If Moroni used stratagem I figure I can, too! He's busy this week, but hopefully next week we can meet.
In Preach My Gospel it says,
"My purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel, which is, faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end."
Every day my vision seems to expand on what it really means to invite others to come unto Christ. You know, that means that we must be one with Christ, otherwise we would be inviting them to “go unto Christ.” We have to be living the gospel in order to say, “Come.” I pray every day that I will be given more charity and a deeper understanding of the Atonement.
Love you all! Have a brilliant week!
So, the weather here has been horrendous and none of the boats have been going... oh yeah, except for the exact two that we were scheduled to take! Literally. Two boats went all week and they were the ones we were scheduled for! Miracles!
When we come across we usually stay with the Liverpool sisters. We sailed Wednesday, worked the afternoon and night with them, did Conference Thursday, worked that night with them and then sailed back Friday morning. Sister Chuo (from Taiwan) just got a new missionary to train and we did exchanges! Sister Longmore is fantastic and I loved working with her. We had some really good talks walking to appointments and saw miracles together. We prayed fervently for the Spirit and I really saw our investigators being taught by him, not us. One that stands out in particular is Teresa, who is Chinese.
Teresa was an atheist two months ago when the sisters found her. Although she remembers everything, they have felt like it was not sinking into her heart. One of the first things I asked her about was faith – if she feels she has faith in God now. She said, “Faith is believing in things you can’t see. You know, there are lots of things in life that can’t be explained. Growing up in China my mom always explained these things with science, and it made sense. Now you explain it with God and it makes sense. Since they both make sense I choose to believe in God. I think it will make me happier.” What a good way to start of the lesson! There is nothing better than to see your investigator choose to believe; choose to be humble.
During our lesson we addressed her concerns about honesty. She felt like in order to succeed in this life you have to cheat your way up; since everyone else is doing it she thought that surely God would understand. I shared a personal experience and as I did I could see her staring off – deep in thought. She looked up and said, “Maybe we have to do things that will make us worse off in this life, but we will be happy later when we live with God.” Watching her take that step towards consecration almost brought tears to my eyes. I was so happy to be able to add, “But, Teresa, the beautiful thing is that if you make sacrifices for God, down the line you will find that you are actually happier in this life, too!” She seemed to accept that. The Spirit was so strong and in her closing prayer she thanked Heavenly Father and told Him how much she loved Him and us. It was really touching. I absolutely know that we were supposed to come to the mainland for conference and for that exchange.
The work rolls forward here on the Isle of Man, too! We have a new investigator, Teralyn, who Heavenly Father really wanted us to meet! We met her once on the street (she was in a rush), then last week her neighbour referred us to her house ("try that house. She could use God.") and we forgot to try it! Then we tracted into her accidentally and she let us in. She is struggling with a lot of challenges and addictions, but is so humble and willing to learn. Her life has been so painful but she has kept faith through all of it.
One of the families in the ward here, the Sayles, joined the church a little over a year ago. Brother Sayle has lots of family around the island and he is an antique restorer. Sister Sayle teaches hairstyling at the college. They are so dedicated and humble and wonderful. Their kids (Henry - 15, Hanna - 12, Jenna - 8) are equally wonderful. They had us over for a meal the other day and we helped them set up and decorate their Christmas tree. We'll be over at their house on Christmas Day, too.
Anyway, Brother Sayle's brother, Peter, offered to lend me a violin! Brother Sayle has been trying to get Peter and his family to meet with the missionaries for ages with no luck. Long story short, when Peter heard me play he asked if I could teach him a lesson. I said I could do, but only if we can teach him about the gospel, too... He agreed : D If Moroni used stratagem I figure I can, too! He's busy this week, but hopefully next week we can meet.
In Preach My Gospel it says,
"My purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel, which is, faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end."
Every day my vision seems to expand on what it really means to invite others to come unto Christ. You know, that means that we must be one with Christ, otherwise we would be inviting them to “go unto Christ.” We have to be living the gospel in order to say, “Come.” I pray every day that I will be given more charity and a deeper understanding of the Atonement.
Love you all! Have a brilliant week!
Monday, November 28, 2011
THANKSGIVING!
Happy Thanksgiving! We celebrated by making a Thanksgiving Dinner onThursday (photo attached) and playing the "I am thankful..." ABCs
while driving in the car. So much to be thankful for as the Lord's
servant! I'm definitely thankful for my family and I am glad to hear
that all of you had a lovely time together at the cabin! Aren't we
blessed to have one another? Thank you for your e-mails this week and
the expressions of gratitude you shared!
We had a good week! A lot of lessons fell through, but I just see that as the Lord clearing our schedule so that we can find the elect. Sister Rothmund is wonderful and we are already working together in unity. It's great when in a lesson you are about to say something and all of the sudden your companion says it word for word (...that's the Spirit!) which happens to us all of the time. I told you that she is from Switzerland, right? She's twenty-four and went to BYU-Hawaii. She sounds totally American. I love her to bits, as they would say.
A nugget from personal study: I learned this week in the Book of
Mormon about motives. In Alma 43:45-47 we can read about how the
Nephites were stronger and fought harder because they were fighting
for the right reasons. There is simply no replacement for that desire!
The Lamanites simply could not fight like that because they didn’t
have the right motives. I realised that the same applies to missionary
work. If we work for the wrong reasons we may see good things, but we
won’t see miracles. Miracles require a kind of work that is humanly
impossible unless your motives are pure.
We have some wonderful investigators to update you on!
Tan: You heard a little bit about her last week, right? She's from
Thailand? She came to church and is really coming along in her
testimony, but we found out she is moving! She moves to Scotland for a
new job this week. We will miss her so much. Her member friend, Ning,
has the Gospel Principles book in Thai, so Tan studied the lesson on
Sunday morning before church and she contributed so well! She never
had a belief in God or Christ before, and during class she said
(imagine in a Thai accent), “I love Jesus Christ because He always
giving to others but no ask anyting back.” She loves coming to church
and she says she will miss everyone so much, but things are getting
worked out to send her info to the missionaries there. They are going
to be so excited to have her!
Brad: He is Polish and very Catholic. The Sisters "found" him on the
street and taught him once before I came. He must be in his late 30s
and lives on his own here. He is still learning English, but he is so
talkative and open with his comments, which I love! You always know
where you stand with him and what his concerns are. In our lesson
yesterday he said the most beautiful thing it almost made me cry. He
said, "I don't know, but since I've met you I feel something inside of
me stirring. I'm sort of...changing. I feel something in me changing."
We talked about the Spirit and the Truthfulness of our message. Those
are the moments that bring the JOY of missionary work! We had ordered
a Polish Book of Mormon for him that finally came. He is so excited to
read it and then tell us if it is true or not : ) he's great.
Noreen: she's a young mum of three children. The Sisters also met her
on the street as she was trying to push a three-baby pram up a hill.
They offered to help and ended up teaching her. She's not married to
her partner (which is normal here) and he's not fond of us. Even
though there is opposition there, she has said that she knows the Book
of Mormon is true and she identifies the Spirit as she reads and
prays. She's not plucked up the courage yet to come to church (doesn't
know what her partner will do) but she's getting there.
There are a few more, but I'm out of time! I'll keep updating you next week...
This is Thomas: he is Sister Radcliffe's cat but thinks he's ours :) he
wanders in whenever the door is open and likes to remind us that the
study desk is still part of his territory. Love him.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Arriving Safely on the Isle of Man
Just me today on the Quay. Give you a taste of the Island..
We are safe and sound on the Island and I’m settling in nicely!
It was an adventure, though!
You remember that the ferry was cancelled? Well,
the next day the Assistants were unavoidably detained and couldn't
take us to the ferry. We ended up going (with all my luggage and
Sister Rothmund's overnight bags) on an hour long bus ride to
Manchester (the Picadilly train station), then a train to Preston.
There we were picked up by the Preston Zone Leaders who drove us to
the dock in Heysham and there we caught the ferry! We had barely
settled down on the ferry when this lady came right up to me and
hugged me saying, “Hi, Sister!” Took me a little off-guard! It was
Tanya Dobbie, one of the members of the Douglas ward. She sat with us
for the whole three hours. She knows and loves Alex! I loved getting
to know her and it was good she was there because she had some
motion-sickness arm bands that came in really handy :) I didn't get
sick, just a little green. They say the more trips I go on the
stronger my stomach will get. We will see :) Anyways, we arrived
safely. The Clarkes (the WML and his wife) were waiting for us on the
docks and they drove us to the church where our car was parked. We are
the only sisters in the mission with a car and I feel so, so blessed.
The Lord knew my body was on the edge. Since I've been in the UK over
a year, I'm not allowed to drive, unless I get a UK license, but I
doubt the mission will invest in me - they'll just send me a young
sister that can drive next transfer. So, I get to be a permanent
passenger/secretary - and backer-upper (yes, Max, we actually do this
in the EMM :) but no orange vests! It was you that told me that
mission story, right?)
I assume you have probably researched a little bit about the Isle of
Man by now. The natives call themselves "Manx" (like "banks") and they
have a language (also Manx) that has celtic roots. Most of the signs
are written in English and Manx, even though no one really speaks it.
The actual climate of the island reminds me of some of the islands in
Alaska when we went to pick up Max. It's a similar feel, as well,
where everyone sort of knows each-other and there are so many
connections. Sister Rothmund and I live in an apartment at the back of
a member's home (in England they call that a "granny flat" - oops, but
we are not in England. Make no mistake! This is the British Isles! And
no one's going to let me forget it : ) Any ways, they call it a
"granny flat" in the British Isles, too ). Sister Bradshaw must be in
her 60s and lives alone. She loves having us coming in and out and
bringing the missionary spirit with us. She has a black cat, Thomas,
who will be the closest I'll ever come to a pet on my mission (see the
white handbook) :)
Sister Rothmund is a great driver and this is absolutely gorgeous
little Island! The people are also very lovely. It doesn't surprise me
that Alex "loved it loved it loved it!" You are right, Mum, there is
one ward. The Douglas ward is extremely loving and welcoming. Case in
point: we received four referrals at church on Sunday, were recruited
into the Christmas choir and someone knows where I can borrow a
violin! There are also some connections in the ward to Lancaster and
Wigan, which is so fun. One member of the ward, Ning, is from Thailand
and her friend, Tiny, just moved over here. Tiny was at church and we
asked her if we could teach her later on in the evening. We had a
wonderful lesson together! She is Buddhist but loves church and is
open to learning more. We truly hope that she is a part of our White
Christmas. The miracles are starting. I am amazed, Mum, that you
fasted yesterday. Little did you know that it was our appointed to day
to fast as a mission! Every single missionary was fasting to be able
to achieve their baptismal goal...and you participated! I truly pray
that the Lord will pour out His blessings upon us that we may be
fruitful here in the Douglas ward. I know He wants to bless us!
Yesterday was Ward Conference, which was great. The Stake presidency
don't get the chance to come to the Island too often, so the Douglas
Ward was really excited. Wigan is in the Liverpool Stake so I already
knew most of the officers that came over ( "from across" as the Manx
would say...). They didn't know about transfers so they got a little
shock when they saw me here :) President Marshall told a story in his
talk that really touched me:
There was an English woman who went to a small Asian island to teach
English. During her last week there one of her little students went
missing! She was relieved when the day before her departure this
little student appeared. She was bearing a beautiful, rare shell that
was not found on that side of the island. It turned out that that girl
had walked for three days to find the shell to give as a gift to her
teacher. The teacher accepted the gift gladly but remarked, “You
didn’t have to walk all that way to get me a gift; a shell from this
beach would have done.” The little girl smiled and said, “Walk part of
gift. Walk part of gift.” As President Marshall told this I remember
all of the walking that I have done on my mission: between doors, on
the streets – sometimes it feels like that kind of work doesn’t bear
fruit for the Lord. But with President Marshall’s story came to my
mind an insight that I had earlier on my mission. My service is a gift
to the Lord, and maybe a night of tracting can feel pointles and is
not directly handing Him one of His precious children, but it is an
indication of my love and devotion. “Walk part of gift.” This transfer
I’m in a car, but I know that I can show my dedication to the Lord by
going the extra mile in other areas of the work. I want to give Him a
gift this Christmas. I want Him to smile at me and say, “You didn’t
have to do all of that...” so that I can say, “But it was part of Your
gift.”
The time is far spent! I will give you bios on all of our
investigators next week!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Transfer to...
I’m going to the ISLE OF MAN!!
But here's the shocker: Sister Jack has gone to Manchester South! They
have taken Sisters out of Wigan and left just the Elders! You should
have seen our faces during that phone call! The last three days have
been a whirlwind as we have prepared everything to hand our teaching
pool off to the Elders. Luckily, our area book was in good shape but
there were a lot of goodbyes to say and thank you notes to write. I
can't tell you how heart-wrenching it is to go and not leave there the
connection of a previous companion who you know knows everything and
will take care of the area. I was joking with Elder Rogerson at
transfers that he would probably find tear stains all over the area
book as we were so sad to leave. I think that gave him even more
motivation to take care of the people we love so much! The good news
is that the Elders that will be moving to our flat really are good
Elders and I know they will work hard. These were the busiest days
Sister Jack and I have ever experienced together. We had so many new
investigators and saw progression with so many that have been
stalling. They really are in for a treat! The area is on the verge of
miracles!! I’m so excited for them I can’t even contain it! I so wish
that I could be there to see it!
I think the hardest parting was David and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was pretty
upset. I love that little girl. Her 6th birthday is on the 4th of December and she told us on Tuesday night that she "simply cannot wait until I am eight to be baptised. I
just don't see how that is fair." She is such a little lady! She wants
to be a missionary, too! Bless her.
I remember feeling just gutted to leave Manchester but it does not
even compare to how I feel leaving Wigan; and something tells me that
this parting will be nothing to compare with my longing when I leave
the Isle of Man. I’m detecting a pattern here… This has more to do
with how I’m developing than the areas where I’m serving. As my
ability to love grows the goodbyes seem more and more bitter; but I
suppose that is directly linked to the greater sweetness I feel each
day in the work as well. I really wanted to end my time with Sister
Jack in crescendo and I know that we did. We were running everywhere
those last days! The Elders already have seven new investigators from
contacts Sister Jack and I made those last two days (as well as four
or five progressing investigators since they've inherited our teaching
pool.) I include numbers not because the number means anything in
itself but merely because it is evidence of the Lord's ability to work
miracles. Heavenly Father was really allowing us to participate in
miracles there at the end.
We cleared our flat of all femininity and Sister Brown drove us to the
Manchester South chapel with our luggage. It was there that I met up
with my new companion, Sister Rothmund from Switzerland! Sister
Rothmund came out at the same time as Sister Lovell. We are staying
with the sisters in Swinton (on the outskirts of Manchester) until we
can get a ferry over to the Isle of Man (which was supposed to be
today but there are storm warnings so the ferry was cancelled.) This
time in Swinton has been fantastic as well. Sister Rothmund and I are
getting along really well and we are so optimistic about the work in
the Isle of Man. We, too, will see miracles. The ward sounds
wonderful!
This morning Sister Rothmund and I found a wonderful new investigator
for the Swinton Sisters. We were street contacting near her home and
after a quick conversation she just invited us in to teach her. Katherine
(age 30) has had a really tough life (she grew up in foster care and
ended up with a bad crowd. She's was almost murdered once and had a
near death experience. Just crazy the other horrible things she's been
through) but managed to keep faith through it all. She just moved here
from London and is trying to get a fresh start in her life. You lot
aren’t going to believe this but she invited herself to be baptised…in
the first five minutes! We were just mentioning about covenants and
baptism at the beginning (to prepare her for the invitation to be
baptised at the end) when she said, “Baptism sounds so nice. I’d
really like that. How do you do that?” Can you just see our faces? She
accepted the date of the 17th of December. What a miracle! She has a
strong relationship with God and was so excited to hear there is a
living prophet. We have a really good feeling about her. I hope the
Swinton sisters keep us updated.
The work rolls forward and I’m doing my best to open my heart wide to
receive the Isle of Man. It must be like having children: you wonder
how you could possibly love another one as much as the first. You
think there is not room in your heart for two, or three, or four. But
then they come (new areas) and somehow your heart grows to hold them.
The Isle of Man is a coveted area among the Elders and they were all
devastated when President took Elders out and put Sisters on the
island. So many Elders came up to me at transfers telling me of their
good experiences there. I know I have a lot to live up to since there
are so many missionaries that would love to be there and I'm
definitely going to work hard! I think Alex McKenzie served there as
well?
But here's the shocker: Sister Jack has gone to Manchester South! They
have taken Sisters out of Wigan and left just the Elders! You should
have seen our faces during that phone call! The last three days have
been a whirlwind as we have prepared everything to hand our teaching
pool off to the Elders. Luckily, our area book was in good shape but
there were a lot of goodbyes to say and thank you notes to write. I
can't tell you how heart-wrenching it is to go and not leave there the
connection of a previous companion who you know knows everything and
will take care of the area. I was joking with Elder Rogerson at
transfers that he would probably find tear stains all over the area
book as we were so sad to leave. I think that gave him even more
motivation to take care of the people we love so much! The good news
is that the Elders that will be moving to our flat really are good
Elders and I know they will work hard. These were the busiest days
Sister Jack and I have ever experienced together. We had so many new
investigators and saw progression with so many that have been
stalling. They really are in for a treat! The area is on the verge of
miracles!! I’m so excited for them I can’t even contain it! I so wish
that I could be there to see it!
I think the hardest parting was David and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was pretty
upset. I love that little girl. Her 6th birthday is on the 4th of December and she told us on Tuesday night that she "simply cannot wait until I am eight to be baptised. I
just don't see how that is fair." She is such a little lady! She wants
to be a missionary, too! Bless her.
I remember feeling just gutted to leave Manchester but it does not
even compare to how I feel leaving Wigan; and something tells me that
this parting will be nothing to compare with my longing when I leave
the Isle of Man. I’m detecting a pattern here… This has more to do
with how I’m developing than the areas where I’m serving. As my
ability to love grows the goodbyes seem more and more bitter; but I
suppose that is directly linked to the greater sweetness I feel each
day in the work as well. I really wanted to end my time with Sister
Jack in crescendo and I know that we did. We were running everywhere
those last days! The Elders already have seven new investigators from
contacts Sister Jack and I made those last two days (as well as four
or five progressing investigators since they've inherited our teaching
pool.) I include numbers not because the number means anything in
itself but merely because it is evidence of the Lord's ability to work
miracles. Heavenly Father was really allowing us to participate in
miracles there at the end.
We cleared our flat of all femininity and Sister Brown drove us to the
Manchester South chapel with our luggage. It was there that I met up
with my new companion, Sister Rothmund from Switzerland! Sister
Rothmund came out at the same time as Sister Lovell. We are staying
with the sisters in Swinton (on the outskirts of Manchester) until we
can get a ferry over to the Isle of Man (which was supposed to be
today but there are storm warnings so the ferry was cancelled.) This
time in Swinton has been fantastic as well. Sister Rothmund and I are
getting along really well and we are so optimistic about the work in
the Isle of Man. We, too, will see miracles. The ward sounds
wonderful!
This morning Sister Rothmund and I found a wonderful new investigator
for the Swinton Sisters. We were street contacting near her home and
after a quick conversation she just invited us in to teach her. Katherine
(age 30) has had a really tough life (she grew up in foster care and
ended up with a bad crowd. She's was almost murdered once and had a
near death experience. Just crazy the other horrible things she's been
through) but managed to keep faith through it all. She just moved here
from London and is trying to get a fresh start in her life. You lot
aren’t going to believe this but she invited herself to be baptised…in
the first five minutes! We were just mentioning about covenants and
baptism at the beginning (to prepare her for the invitation to be
baptised at the end) when she said, “Baptism sounds so nice. I’d
really like that. How do you do that?” Can you just see our faces? She
accepted the date of the 17th of December. What a miracle! She has a
strong relationship with God and was so excited to hear there is a
living prophet. We have a really good feeling about her. I hope the
Swinton sisters keep us updated.
The work rolls forward and I’m doing my best to open my heart wide to
receive the Isle of Man. It must be like having children: you wonder
how you could possibly love another one as much as the first. You
think there is not room in your heart for two, or three, or four. But
then they come (new areas) and somehow your heart grows to hold them.
The Isle of Man is a coveted area among the Elders and they were all
devastated when President took Elders out and put Sisters on the
island. So many Elders came up to me at transfers telling me of their
good experiences there. I know I have a lot to live up to since there
are so many missionaries that would love to be there and I'm
definitely going to work hard! I think Alex McKenzie served there as
well?
Wigan--a place of miracles
This week has been full of miracles!
First, the baptism. Everything came together smoothly, except that we got caught in a rainstorm right before. Sister Maughan was able to come back and David asked her to be one of the speakers. I played piano. Sister Jack conducted. We all did a musical number, "Baptism" from the Primary Songbook, together. Elizabeth said the opening prayer! She was so brave, even with Sister Jack prompting her a little bit. I know it meant a lot to David and it was a great symbol in my eyes of just how the Gospel is going to bless her little life! She really is adorable.
The ward showed a lot of support and it was beautiful to see the room just packed. When they opened the curtains to the font they realised the glass had been fogged up. He and Brother Aspey just laughingly rubbed the steam out and everyone chuckled. Even with his usual humour, you could tell David took it seriously and we really feel that he is a convert that deserves the title “convert” (to coin a phrase of President Kopischke.) He bore his testimony afterwards and it was really touching. Now we just need to find him a wife so he can be the next Wigan Ward Bishop!
Miracle no. 2: remember Peter the organist? We felt prompted to send him a letter about family history and he called us! We went over with Brother Barrington (the FH Consultant) this week and taught him about it. I could tell that although he is scared of his vicar (who told him off for reading the Book of Mormon) he enjoyed feeling the Spirit with us again. Moreover, he wanted to come to the Mission Home Fireside, which he did last night! And guess who else was there? Burt! That room was so full of joy! Burt thought that I might be there so he brought a bag full of fresh vegan baked goods for me :) Bless him! Sister Babbel and I did an impromptu musical number (Consider the Lilies) on violin and piano. I also saw other recent converts and acquaintances from exchanges I've done. It really was a little taste/glimpse of heaven. I’d imagine there will be so much love, joy and excitement in the Celestial Kingdom as we reunite with loved ones! It’s those glimpses that I believe the Lord grants us to help us endure to the end.
We attended ward council last week (I LOVE this Ward, by the way.) We told them about President Kopischke’s visit and “the experiment.” We showed them that we feel loyalty towards accomplishing the 2011 Wigan Ward Mission Plan baptismal goal and they expressed the desire to support us. They came up with idea of doing a 40-day fast leading up to the New Year with a different member fasting for the goal each of the 40 days. We are so excited! We feel their enthusiasm rising and we know that with their faith we will accomplish the goal the Lord has given us.
I also got another exchange with Sister Gong this week. In the EMM we set goals and come up with expected miracles before the exchange. Whilst in Liverpool we were able to see three out of the four miracles they wanted! We taught both their dated Chinese investigators, Nicholas and Niles, tithing (and they accepted it) and we saw a real change of heart in one of their progressing investigators, Taralyn, who’s still struggling to accept the existence of God. It always inspires me to teach these Chinese! I feel the Spirit of the Lord working in them and I just know that they will become a great strength to the Church someday.
We had Stake Conference in Liverpool yesterday and so I got to see them all again. President and Sister Preston spoke at Stake Conference. We drove with two single sisters from Wigan, Sister Clark and Sister Wilson, and they could not say enough good about the Prestons on the way home. Truly, those two have been called for a reason and they are building so much enthusiasm in the members.
Our teaching pool is dwindling a little bit. No one has dropped us, but they also aren't progressing so we will likely be dropping them. It's in the Lord's hands but this week we are praying for many new investigators.
Halloween in the Mission
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
NOTE: Molly and Sister Jack dressed up as each other for Halloween... :D
This week was one, giant revelatory experience!
President Erich Kopischke came to "tour" the mission. He held three Zone Conferences (to cover the seven zones...we each only went to one. I wish I'd been at all three!) and a special zone leaders' council. Sister Jack and I were so lucky to be representing the sisters at Zone Leaders' Council at President Kopischke's request. Elder Kopischke is so inspired and inspiring. If I had time I would just make this e-mail an "Ode to President Kopischke." It was so uplifting being with him! At Zone Conference he spent the majority of the time asking for our questions and then expounding from the scriptures. He started out by coming down off the stand and getting on eye level with us. These were his words, "We are now on eye level, okay? I am not anything more than you are." He said, "The agenda today is you." He wanted to know our questions and our concerns. He invited us to be taught by the Spirit. We had a few minutes at the beginning to write down the questions we had. He promised us that we would have answers from the Spirit. He wanted our experience together to be revelatory. Looking back, I think his whole approach was teaching us to teach ourselves.
President Preston spoke to us a little about how he is expecting a "White Christmas," meaning, of course, many baptisms before the new year. He said that his vision is for every companionship to have at least one baptism before the year is over. President Kopischke spoke to us about faith and miracles. We read Ether 12:19 and he explained that we feel true joy when we see with our own eyes the things that we pictured with the eye of faith. He took each of us back to the day we opened our call letter and read "England Manchester Mission." He asked, "What were your dreams?" He encouraged us to keep those dreams. "Do not bury your dreams," he said, "you will be dead the moment you do." In reference to viewing things with the eye of faith President Kopischke suggested that we run an "experiment." He wanted each of us to be personally committed to a white Christmas. Each companionship found a quiet room and prayed for a baptismal goal from the Lord. We were not to come out until we had both had the witness and were united and excited. We were not to come out until we had had a profoundly spiritual experience. We were praying for a number, but President Kopischke said, "This is not about numbers. This is about increasing your faith in Jesus Christ."
This experience opened the door for one of the most profound insights of my mission. To understand why you have to know a little bit of background.
About four months ago, at the very beginning of my transfer with Sister Maughan, we both received separate, unsolicited revelation that we would see three baptisms together. You might remember it. I remember writing about it in my e-mails. I still clearly remember sitting across the study desk from her and saying, “What do you feel our transfer baptismal goal should be?” I didn’t want to tell her that I was thinking three because it just seemed too far-fetched! When we both came out with it we felt the Spirit truly confirm it to us and we went to work! You might remember me telling you in my e-mails that Sister Maughan cut out a big “3” and taped it to our window. Every day we would see it and ask ourselves what more we could do to achieve it. We bled, sweat and cried. We worked our hardest. Because the goal came from the Lord we knew that it would happen! And then it didn’t. The transfer came to a close and we had witnessed just one beautiful baptism: Ash Houghton. We thanked the Lord for our blessings, but were a bit confused. The week after transfers she came back to see another of our investigators enter the waters: Hayley Parrish. That was still only two. I tried to just shrug it off, but never really felt closure. Why did the Lord tell us three if He knew it wouldn’t happen?
Fast forward. Elder Kopischke sends Sister Jack and I (and all of us) off to pray about a baptismal goal. We both feel four! I immediately doubt. Why should I trust the Lord this time when it didn’t happen last time I had a profoundly spiritual experience like this? I just pushed my nagging doubts to the back of my mind. The rest of Zone Conference carried on brilliantly. We had a fab musical number (a multi-lingual version of the Spirit of God which I was glad to direct). I received many other revelations and answers to many other questions. I soaked in the Spirit that was there; just lapped it up.
That night as we stayed over in the Swinton Sisters' flat I faced my doubts. I struggled and prayed for understanding and nothing really came. The next day at Zone Leader Council I knew that I was commited to work for it, but out of obedience not true desire. I couldn’t really put my heart into “the Experiment.”
It was that evening that the revelation finally came. As you know, David Anderson is an investigator that Sister Maughan and I found together. He was a slow mover and Sister Jack and I are so happy that he will be entering the waters of baptism this Friday. The night of Zone Leaders' Council I rang Sister Maughan to invite her to the baptism. We rejoiced together and as I hung up the phone I had the epiphany: three. Brother Anderson is number three. It happened in the Lord’s timing, but we truly had three baptisms! It’s as if I heard the Saviour’s voice in my ears, Oh ye of little faith. I dropped to my knees and repented of my doubt. The revelation was real and the Lord was in control all along, which means I could trust the revelation at Zone Conference. I ran up the stairs shouting to Sister Jack, “We’re going to have four baptisms!!! It’s going to happen!” It’s going to happen.
It will be in the Lord’s time and in His way, but I have all the confidence in the world that someday I will look back and be able to say: four. There is number four. And just as Elder Kopischke emphasized, this is not about numbers, this is about faith. My faith in the Lord has been strengthened this week. I am so grateful that President Kopischke facilitated this for me! He is truly inspired.
The Zone Leaders' Council was equally as revelatory. Some Kopischke-isms that you might like:
"If we do not set goals it shows we have no desires - and we will be judged according to our desires."
"It you miss the fun you miss it all."
"There is no reason to be discouraged when you are on the errand of the Lord."
"Do you honestly think that the prayers of agents will not be answered?" (pray like an agent, not an object - i.e. "help me do this" as opposed to "do this for me")
"You know, you get your £125 each month and you get to sleep in until 6.30 every day! What do you have to worry about?"
"Life is to make mistakes. If you ever think you can live without mistakes it is a sign of pride and arrogance. Joseph Smith never tried to cover his mistakes."
"Some of these promptings will bring you right out of your comfort zone. Okay! That is what we call an adventure!"
"When the Spirit rebukes it is never devastating or discouraging."
"Let your investigators teach you. As he teaches it, he will embrace it."
So there you go, President Kopischke in a nutshell : )
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