His Love is Sufficient 2.29.16

What an incredible week here in the great OCM. I feel so blessed to be able to serve in Powell and be so close to the mission home and office. It's so neat to get to know the senior couples more and the Daines.

On Monday we went to a less actives (B) to visit him. After we had a little lesson with him, his niece (L) walked in who, oddly enough, was a former investigator. We able to share a message with her and her uncle was able to share his testimony. It reminded me a lot of the scripture D&C 50:22 "Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." Not only was Lwas edified but so was B. It was incredible to watch B's eyes beam as he shared his experience with the Book of Mormon and his baptism. La said if she came to know that this was true, she would be baptized! We went back to L on Saturday and had a beautiful lesson on the atonement. I came to truly understand the the Savior wants to forgive. He doesn't push away or shun us when we make a mistake, He simply keeps His arms reached out, waiting for us to enter his warm embrace.

Tuesday night we stopped by The Mitchell's to give them their pan back. Brother and Sister Mitchell weren't home but there son Josh answered the door. Josh is less active and we didn't really know him but we got to know him while we stood there. Without realizing, we had transitioned into how much our Father in Heaven and Savior love us. He shared a really personal story from his past that showed him that Christ was there for him. Without thinking about it, I simply invited him to church and to partake of the sacrament. He then said, "You know, I was just eating dinner and thinking about how I needed to go to church again." We didn't know Josh was home, we didn't even plan to talk to him but our Father in Heaven knew we would be at the Mitchell's and knew that we would help build his faith. Sunday came and it was the most precious experience to watch Josh walk into church with his dad. My heart was filled with so much joy to be able to his dad's eyes fill with tears and love that is son was at church. I can't imagine the joy that our Father in Heaven had to see his son, Josh makes steps of faith and change to come to church.

Wednesday was quite an interesting day. We were headed to the Mitchell home to see Earl. We simply parked the car and went in without taking much thought of where we parked the car. When we got to the car, we realized that it was completely stuck. We spent 2 hrs push the car with three HUGE guys in the pouring rain...(in my white skirt) and absolutely nothing worked. We called Elder Long the vehicle coordinator and he had the elders come with their truck. Literally within 20 seconds, they had the car pulled out. It was interesting experience haha.

We went to the mission home to sing to Sister Daines' sister and husband since they were in town. We were then informed that Friday Sister Scott would be leaving to Pickingerton due to unexpected circumstances that caused her to need to fill in. It was an emotional time as we sang Be Still, My Soul in the mission home together. We miss our Sister Scott so much but she is just a powerful missionary and will be amazing where ever the Lord needs her. It is now Sister Alius and I in Powell now. It sorta interesting because it's almost as if we were doubled into the area. But it's been fun as well (:

Friday night we were going out and meeting people. We met a potential named Doug who didn't really give the Book of Mormon a chance. He said he wasn't sure where to start and if there was chapter he should read.

I invited him to read Alma 32 and it was exactly what Sister Alius thought of. We then asked if we could sing him a song. He said to give him a readers digest of it and to not go off key so we did the first part of A Child's Prayer (soprano and alto part together). He then said, "woah, I should of had you sing the whole thing." We simply ended with a pray and left. We watched as he was smacked by the spirit and then we left. We knew without a shadow of a doubt that he felt the spirit instantly and recognized a difference when we left.

Oh J...he really has strengthened his faith in Christ. We sand Lead, Kindly Light to him and he said the part that stuck out to him was "Pride ruled my will". He said that its his pride that is keeping him from changing. The next time we went back I shared the story about the The Anti-Nephi-Lehies and how they buried their weapons as a testimony to God. We invited him to church and he accepted. Yesterday morning we stopped by to share with him the importance of sacrament and the meaning behind it. He said he had his outfit picked out and would see us there. 5 minutes before church he text us and said he chickened out and would be there next week. I know that our Father in Heaven knows him and that J will continue to strengthen his relationship with God and Jesus Christ.

Yesterday night, we went to M's house. We taught her the first day I got to Powell and haven't seen her since. We have stopped at her house and spoke briefly with her mom but never could catch M. We finally caught them home yesterday. M's mom was so excited to share with us picture of her new grandbaby. She got emotional as she shared with us the beauty of the love between the baby and mother. We were able to share the plan of salvation simply to them and it was such a precious experience. You could tell that they could feel the spirit as we shared our purpose her on earth. We will be going over again this week and I can't wait.

Heavenly Father is so aware of His children and their needs. I've been able to witness that as I have tried to be guided the spirit. I have come to understand on a deeper level the Atonement of our Savior. He loved us so infinitely that He submitted to the Fathers will and suffered for each of us. No matter how far we stray from the path back to our Father, we ALWAYS can turn back. Jeffery R. Holland said, “However many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.” I know with every fiber of my soul that His love is sufficient for each of us. The same atonement that applies to your neighbor, your loved one, your friend, applies to YOU. I know our Savior Jesus Christ's lives and that His arms are opened to all. I love you all so much! With all the love I have...until Monday..

XOXO,

Sister Detamore

1. Did nails at an assisted living center

2. Before the car went 2 inches deeper...

3. Looks better than in person...mud all over the white skirt.

4. We made Sushi

5. One of the beautiful homes here

 

 

More Bonus Pictures!

Hey there again, it’s Jen. I downloaded a handful of pictures from Jackie’s Mission Facebook page. Most of these pictures go back to Christmas, but it’s fun to see Jackie on her mission from a different view. Enjoy!

 

Tender Mercy 2.22.16

This week has been such a wonderful week. Everyday I realize how much our Father in Heaven truly loves his children and that this is truly the Lords work. We have had some of the most precious experiences this week. I'm so thankful and humbled to be able to represent my Savior and share this restored gospel to Gods children.

We had the opportunity to go over and sing to Earl again at the Mitchell Home. (The Mitchell's are in ward and own the assisted living home). There was a new caregiver there so we got to meet her. She said there was a reason the Lord brought her to that home that day. She said the moment we walked in that she could feel the spirit. We were singing Hymns and we were about to sing Joseph Smiths First Prayer when Bro. Mitchell walked in. We sang the song and after Bro.

Mitchell, with tears in his eyes, he testified of the Book of Mormon and the love that God has for her. The spirit was so strong and present in the room. We invited her to be baptized and she accepted.

Sadly, she isn't in our area but it was cool to be a part of this tender mercy. Our Father in Heaven knew that we would be there and knew that K was ready to her our message. Brother Mitchell recorded us singing to her so I'll send that in another email. At the beginning you can hear Earl singing, yet again, sharing his sweet testimony with someone.

As we were sitting in sacrament yesterday, I had a feeling that we needed to go see a potential so I wrote it down but didn't think anything about it. Our plans fell through so we decided to go see the potential. B opened the door and was the sweetest. She said her kids were getting into bed but we could come back the next day. I simply asked if we could sing a song really fast and they gladly let us in. We sang Where Can I Turn for Peace and the spirit was so present. The wife shared her testimony of Jesus Christ. It was such a simple, beautiful testimony that touched my heart. We later found out that they just got home from Utah because the husbands niece just got home from her mission. They invited us to have dinner with them in the next couple weeks. I can just picture this sweet family going to the temple and being sealed. We are going back tonight to teach them and I'm so excited. I'm so thankful for the knowledge that families can be together forever.

We have a loving Savior who can succor us in times of need. He knows exactly what we are going through. Elder M. Russell Ballard said "Jesus Christ can help fix anything that needs fixing in our lives through His atoning sacrifice everything. Through the atonement, the Redeemer took upon a Himself our troubles, pains, and sins. The Savior of the whole came to understand each of us individuals by experiencing our dashed hopes, challenges, and tragedies through His suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross." I bear witness that our Savior is ever so present. He lives today. Thanks for all the love and support. Until next Monday!

XOXO,

Sister Detamore

1. We went to the mission home and us 5 sisters sang to the Daines.

They made us take a picture.

2. Powell ❤️

3. The small homes of our area...

 

 

Music and the Spoken Word 2.15.16

Five months has come and gone...I'm not sure where time has gone. The past 5 months have been filled with the hardest thing that I love to do.

Monday night-Thursday morning was spent in the mission home. By Thursday morning I was itching to get out to work. After countless hours and time spent studying, I so badly wanted to share our message with Gods children in Powell.

I've been blessed with two wonderful companions who have the talent and love of singing. We've been using this talent to help move the work along here in Powell. We've had some pretty incredible experiences with it. I've learned the music is one of the fastest ways to invite the spirit. We have sung at almost every single door we've knocked on and almost every lesson we've had in the past week.

We knocked on a potentials door and she said it wasn't a good time because she had company. We asked if we could sing them a song and she invited us in so we sang "Where Can I Turn For Peace" for about 7 individuals. I love where it says, "Constant He is, and Kind. Love without End." Our Savior is CONSTANT. No matter our struggles or weaknesses, He is constantly there for us with open arms. His love for us is so deep and hard to comprehend, but SO very real. The spirit was so strong as we sang this song and you could physically see the people's hearts soften. We were able to testify of the Savior and His divinity. We invited them to share their divine witness of the Savior to friends and family. One of the ladies said, "If you three can knock on random doors and share your testimony with people who think they are older and wiser than you then it should be no problem for us to voice our witness of Jesus Christ." We ended "Be Still, My Soul" and never have I felt the spirit so strong as I sang that song before.

There is a sweet man in our ward who we go visit named Earl. Two Sunday's ago he stood up and bore his testimony. Due to his medical condition you can't understand what he is saying but despite the physical disability, the spirit was powerful and his testimony was piercing to the soul. We went to the assisted living center on his birthday to sing him a few hymns. There was a couple no members there so it was a neat experience to be able to bear our testimonies through music. As we were singing, Earls eyes filled with tears, he took the hand of another resident, and begun to sing to her. It was evident that he so badly wanted to share his testimony to her. Later on, his daughter told us the story of how two young missionaries knocked on his door 50 years ago and how the gospel is now everything to him.

It's so cool to visit and meet people who were once without the gospel. To be able to witness, the missionary work really does change people's lives.

We went to the mission home a couple days ago to grab some things that I needed. There was another companionship there so we sang a song for Sister Daines. We ended up singing a few hymns to Sister Daines and President Daines. It was such a neat experience that I will never forget. The spirit is already so present within the mission home but the feeling of it has we increased it through music was indescribable.

After we sang "Abide With Me; 'Tis Even Tide", Sister Daines looked us with tear filled eyes and said, "That song was so powerful because you all song your testimonies. It is so apparent that you believe in what you are singing."

Yesterday as we sat waiting for sacrament meeting to start, President and Sister Daines sat behind us. We had a couple other set of missionaries throughout the congregation due to a plumbing problem in another building. We were sitting in sacrament meeting yesterday and the intermediate musical number had been canceled. The first counselor in the bishopric said that when we got to that part in the program that we would sing a congregational hymn. Sister Daines and President Daines began to whisper to a deacon in the ward. When it came to that part in the program, the 1st counselor got up and said, "we will now have a special musical number by the Powell and Worthington sister missionaries." Without any notice given, we had the privilege to sing "Where Can I Turn for Peace" accapella in front of the congregation.

It was such an incredible opportunity to, yet again, share our testimonies through music.

It's been such a privilege to represent my Savior Jesus Christ the past 5 months. Our Savior knows us individually and perfectly. Ive seen witness those with the strongest faith in Christ to those who have no idea He is even there. Because of the Atonement, we all can make changes to become more like our Savior and Father in Heaven. We can find peace and hope through the Atonement. James E. Faust testified that, "The unfailing source of our hope is that we are sons and daughters of God and that His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, saved us from death". It's such a beautiful and sacred opportunity to be able to share that with Gods children. I know the our Redeemer lives and that He is present in each of our lives. I testify that if you take a step back and pause, you will see that Christ is evident in your life and that He is aware of you. Thank you for all the support and love that I've been given. Thank you to all the letters, packages, and emails. I can't express how much it lifts me and keeps me going. I love you all. Until next Monday...

XOXO,

Sister Detamore

1. Our sweet, sweet Earl

2. Happy Valentines Day and 5 Months (tomorrow)

3. Sister Scott and I in the snow

 

POWELL 2.8.16

Well....what a transfer haha. I'm currently serving in Powell, Ohio and I'm in a trio! Wow, do I feel blessed?! Sister Alius is from Provo, Utah and has been out for 7 months. We've been emailing since she left and we always talked about becoming companions; well, it happened. ❤️ Sister Scott is from Rancho Cucamonga, California ( I love Rancho...considering my sister use to live there) and has been out for 3 months. The first time I met her in December, it told her I wanted to be her companion one day; well, it ALSO happened.❤️ These two have been such strengths to me. They have taught me so much in such a short about of time and I'm so humbled to have them as my companions. They have lifted me in ways that I didn't even know I needed.

It's definitely been a different experience here in Powell. Most of the homes are like MANSIONS...they are beautiful. It's definitely different than being in Fairborn but I love it! We had a lesson with a girl named M on Thursday. She is the sweetest teenager. We really focused on helping realize that she had a loving Heavenly Father. I testified to her that the atonement of our Savior is so personal and He knows us individually. I simply asked her how that made her feel and she said, "I didn't realize it was for us personally....it makes me want to change. To do something different." Exactly, because of the Atonement of our Savior we CAN change. The Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ is SO personal. I testify to you all that you can change and the Savior is there with open arms.

We have a wonderful neighbor, J, who has been given wifi to the missionaries over the past couple months so we decided to take advantage of the situation. Without thinking too much about it, I told the sisters we could share the Mormon message, "News Years: Look Not Behind Thee". I was at the mission home when they went and shared it but they called me and explained that J said it was exactly what he needed to hear. We went over last night so that I could get the wifi password and we shared the video "Because He Lives". We were able to testify to him that God knows and loves Him so perfectly. We know that our message can bless his life as well as his daughters. At the end of the lesson, he said the most sincere prayer. It was as if Heavenly Father was literally standing right there. It made me want to strive to communicate better to my Father in Heaven through prayer.

How incredible is it that we can communicate with our Father in Heaven through prayer? Sister Alius explained to Jthat no matter where we are at or put nothing can take away our personal communication with our Father in Heaven; we can pray to him wherever and whenever we want.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday was spent in the mission home...(That was interesting lol). I spent a lot of time resting as I have tried to recover from being sick. We had the mission Doctor check me out on Friday and he prescribed me with more antibiotics....third times a charm right? Eh, we will see. I may be going to the doctors today...lol. But President and Sister Daines have been so incredible to me and opening their home to me. Saturday night I found myself sitting at the dinner table eating Sushi with President Daines, Sister Daines, and their youngest son; lets just say, that wasn't an experience I thought I would have on my mission. But really, my companions and the Daines have been the biggest strengths to me.

Throughout the next couple weeks, I may be spending some time in the mission home and mission office to recover. Hopefully I'll be on a normal schedule soon. This has been the hardest thing not being able to go and work to the fullest.

I've learned that Heavenly Father is SO aware of each one of us. He knows exactly what we need and what will help us grow. I testify that we are ALL children of God. No matter our weaknesses or strengths, He loves us with an infinite love that is almost impossible to comprehend. I know that we each learn from our trials and that they help build our character. I'm so humbled to represent my Savior Jesus Christ and share the restored gospel to Gods children in Ohio. I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and I promise that your relationship with Him will be strengthened as you read from its pages. Thank you for all the love and support. Until Monday..

XOXO

Sister Detamore

1. Mission Office; WIN

2. My cute companions...love them!

 

Pneumonia and Transfers. 2.3.16

Well, it's been quite the frustrating week to say the least. So last Wednesday we found out we are not doing transfer meetings anymore. Now we will get called Tuesday nights where we are going and who our new companion is.... Well 10:36 pm last night, I get the call....TRANSFERRED. do I know where or with who? Nope...I should have been told but I just got told to meet at a building in Columbus at 9 am Thursday. I have been an emotional wreck but that's okay..ha. The hardest thing is to realize that my last week in Fairborn and with Sister Harris was spent in bed. Why was I in bed you ask? Here is the story....

Last Wednesday I went back to the doctors and was told I had pneumonia. I've been on bed rest since then so President and Sister Daines have had different sets of sisters come to our area everyday so that work can still be done. We had Sister Meyers, Sister Slater, Sister Lewis, Sister Nissalke, Sister Sly, and Sister Lang. One would go out with Sister Harris and the other would stay in with me. It's been cool to be able to see different sisters since that never happens because we are the only sisters in our district. It was pretty cool to have Sister Nissalke, my MTC companion, come work in our area. She stayed in with me for the first few hours of the day on Monday and we were able to catch up which was such a tender mercy.

I was thankful that other sisters were so willing to come help in our area but it's been the most frustrating thing to endure. I've come to have a deeper love for the work and it's been extremely hard not being able to go out to work. I understand that I need to rest and take it easy so that I will be a healthy advocate in the work. I was able to attend Hari and Tabathas baptisms Saturday and attend all 3 hrs of church on Sunday. It took a lot of energy out of me and it was a bit frustrating to not be able to go through those short hours and feel like I have strength. It's been a trial but definitely a learning experience. I'm so proud of the work Sister Harris has accomplished the past week. She has achieved so much, though it's hard to not be a part of it, I'm so proud of her and wouldn't want anything else for the area.

I know that this miracle could not have happened if there had not been so many prayers--pleading for Heavenly Fathers help. Tabatha is an inspiration. After months of lessons, then only a week and a half of setting a baptismal date, she had the trust to do through with it. The whole baptism was such a spiritual experience. With her former missionaries, a few members of the ward, and her daughter to support her, she was so overwhelmed with Love. This was the most spiritual baptism I have ever experienced. I feel like Gods Love for her just enveloped the room--so strong it was almost tangible. The woman who gave a talk before Tabatha entered the waters, was so moving. She testified of how God will never leave us alone--especially when we have the Holy Ghost with us. Since receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost she has felt so much more strength and clarity. Heavenly Father is such in the details of our lives...he even made it a beautiful day of 60 degrees. I know that this miracle was wrought by faith.

It's been sorta hard being sick away from home but Sister Harris helped me so much. She is such an incredible missionary and I feel so blessed to be able to have worked with her. I feel like our companionship was really focused on following the promptings of the spirit. This past week has definitely been a trial and leaving at this time is definitely a trial I will have to endure but I am putting my trust in my Father In Heaven. I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father and Savior. I know the Book of Mormon is true. He knows where I'm need and what is best for me. I know that through our Saviors atonement we can receive strength not of our own. Until Monday.., thanks for all the love and support.

XOXO

Sister Detamore

1. When we found out about pneumonia..

2. Tabithas baptism, love her!

3. An 9 yr old took this picture....so I'll send it home lol.

4. Even while I'm sick, she makes me laugh. Oh I'm going to miss her so much...

5. Two of those sisters taught Tabatha and then Tabithas daughter, Syd.

 

 

Sis. Nissalke, MTC companion