We have continually seen the hand of the Lord in our work. We found two new investigators this week, Jeremy came back and is doing so well. We are even moving his baptismal date up! Walter will be baptized in the next few weeks and despite the snow we are having SO much fun.
On Monday we taught Joanie, she is a sweet lady that we talked to while we were phonebook contacting. We had such a powerful lesson with her. She lost her only son when he was 19, her husband passed away 4 years ago and she overcame cancer. For a long time she was angry at God but now all she wants is peace. We testified of the Spirit world and how close our loved ones are. She was so touched and so grateful.
On Tuesday, Sister Renda and I traveled to Truro for our leadership meeting. It was a long meeting (9am - 6pm) but so valuable. We also had a lot of fun - we went on a "neighborhood walk" and ate Subway for lunch, Pizza for dinner, we had a plank challenge (they held it for 5 minutes!) and President gave out awards at the end of the meeting. I am very grateful for President Leavitt and the opportunities he provides us with to learn and to become faithful, devoted missionaries and leaders. He reminded us that we "are the light of the world" and that we must be a light to the missionaries we serve. When we attend a meeting like that we need to be forever changed. I learned a lot about the importance of gaining the trust of those that we serve. The difference between management and leadership. A manager is good at organization and "numbers" but a leader cares about the "one." People are who matter to true leaders. Christ was a perfect leader - I am working to study His pattern of leadership so I can implement it in my life. While we were gone, Sister Curtis worked with another missionary in Amherst and they found a new investigator. Michelle had been to church in Moncton once, she had the Book of Mormon and knew about Prophets. She is so prepared.
Wednesday it stormed and President asked me to travel to Fredericton for a week long exchange (due to a unique circumstance) SO HERE I AM!!! HOME AGAIN. It has been so fun to see the changes that have taken place since I was here (A WHOLE YEAR AGO AHH). I am so grateful for the people that I have met on my mission - I love them. I have also loved reflecting on the changes that I have made since I served here so long ago (well it feels so long..) I believe that I have a better understanding of my purpose and a deeper love for my Savior and for the people. I know that the Gospel can change them and that they need it. I know that it is important to be dignified and to remember who we represent. I am less fearful, more faithful. And I know that it is only because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ that these changes can come about in our hearts - what an incredible blessing!
This weekend was stake conference and Elder Wilson, from the Quorum of the 70, came and spoke. On Saturday night he talked about the iron rod and the importance of heeding the scriptures and "clinging" to the word of God. The adversary can have no power over us if we are continually holding to the iron rod with BOTH HANDS. To the youth he talked about the importance of gaining an education. We must do everything that we can to increase in wisdom and understanding. For our knowledge is all we can take with us. In order to lead happy, peaceful lives we must get all the education we can. So that we can better serve others. He told us to "reach for the stars." The theme on Sunday was Omni 1:26 "And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved." I love this scripture. Christ is the way. This is our purpose as missionaries and members - to come unto Christ with our whole souls and to invite others to do the same. We must be holy. We must live the higher law. We can be a "game-changer" if we choose to act TODAY.
I am so grateful for the scriptures that provide refuge and safety from the world. I am grateful for our righteous and faithful leaders who help us find our way. I am grateful for God's perfect patience with us, His imperfect children. I am grateful for my Savior. I am grateful for modern miracles and the power of the Priesthood. I am grateful for all of you.
I love you :)
Love, Sister G
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