This week was full of service. We were able to help so many people in the ward. I also gained a greater understanding of my calling as a missionary because of the things we have done this week. We were able to share our testimony with an overwhelmed sister in our ward as we helped organize the items left to her family by her ailing mother-in-law. We helped our investigators work through their differences in order to be married in preparation for their baptism with the help of the Bishop (he did the real counseling). We were able to share a message of peace to an elderly sister as we sewed up some of her homemade clothing. We were also able to have a nice discussion about getting through trials as we weeded and cleaned the yard of an elderly couple in the ward. It was very rewarding to be able to serve them and I am grateful for the health and strength I have to do that. (See how I was a missionary, organizer, cleaner, sewer, and counselor? Pretty great, huh? The wedding planner part is coming soon.)
While we spoke to each of these members, we asked them for referrals. They didn't have any for us.
Let this be a lesson to you all: You all know someone who needs the gospel. Share it with them. Let the missionaries share it with them. Why would you deny them salvation? Don't be scared. Just do it. (okay, just to note: I was terrible at this before my mission. Never again. Members are SUPER important and people are WAY more likely to accept the church if they have friends. PLEASE find the courage to talk about the Gospel. How would you feel if your friends knew how to be saved and they didn't tell you?!?!)
We had several very spiritual experiences this week with our investigators. One of them was with Anthony and Laverne, who have been working with the missionaries for about 7 months. They have had a lot to overcome and have been taught all the lessons. The biggest obstacle in their way was marriage. They have lived together for 12 years but are not married and many things have come in the way of making that possible, including working out a divorce and overcoming commitment issues. As we discussed this final step with them, we were able to use the scriptures, our own testimonies, and the deep concern of a member to help them understand the importance of marriage. Laverne has a strong testimony and was able to bear that to Anthony while we were there. By the time we left, everyone in the room had felt the spirit and even shed a tear or two. They committed to meeting with the bishop the next day. Our next appointment with them was canceled.. because they were at the courthouse getting a marriage license! They was a visible change in them when we next saw them. They were so much happier and they recognized that others were happy for them and that God was pleased with this decision, as well. Anthony came to church for the first time in months and committed, with full-conviction, to be baptized on the 27th. It was so amazing to watch this change come over him. I know that he will be blessed with even more happiness and peace as he prepares and follows through with these important events in his life.
It was so amazing to see the spirit work and change people. It is such a blessing in this work and is vital for success. I am so grateful that I know the truth, especially my knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. I know that my family will be together forever and that my grandfather is happier now with his wife and friends. (For those who don't know, my grandfather passed away very peacefully on Sunday, November 6.)
We are all here for a reason. We are here at this time for a specific purpose. If you do not fulfill that purpose, why were you reserved until now? Go and Do. Let nothing stop you from making this world a better place. Read D&C 138:55-56. Then read the Book of Mormon because it is awesome. :)
Well, that is a nice little summary of my week. I hope you all had a wonderful week as well. It would be great to hear about it. :)
Love from the humid 80s (weather, not times),
Hermana Anna Sheffield
Have a blessed day.
No comments:
Post a Comment