Another week has come and gone already! What a fantastic conference weekend we had. I feel like each session just kept getting better and better. I'm so thankful for the guidance, encouragement, advice, and uplifting messages we receive from conference. Conference is such a tender experience as a missionary...never has it been this important to me in my life. I'm thankful for the closeness of the spirit, allowing me to learn how I can become better and help Gods precious children in The Great Ohio Columbus Mission. I could go on and on about the things I've learned. What a incredible experience we all have to listen to words of our dear leaders.
We had some pretty incredible experiences with N this week. We had a lesson with Sister VonNiederhausern this week. The spirit was so strong as we discussed our purpose here on earth. One of my favorite things about teaching her is that she has so much to add to the conversation...it's not just a lesson, it's a discussion! As we were teaching, her mom walked in and started to (in a nicely rude manner) bash Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. We tried to explain them to her but she wouldn't listen. Nsimple stood up for us and told her mom to leave. Sister VonNiederhausern explained conference and invited her to watch Sunday afternoon session with us and she accepted! After a beautiful closing prayer by N, she asked us about the other sessions. She asked if she could watch the Saturday afternoon session with us. We had the privilege to watch the 2nd Saturday session with N at the stake presidents house. I loved the opportunity to be in a home where the spirit was already so strong and listen to the leaders of the church. After, N had a lot of great questions about what some of things that had been discussed. She was confused why we had to be members and have a recommend to enter the temple. President Welch boldly but we love bore his testimony on the temples and how we desire ALL to enter the temple but that we have to be worthy to enter it because it's The Lords House. We then had the opportunity to watch the second session on Sunday with Noelle at the VonNiederhauserns and then had dinner with them. N expressed how peaceful she felt as she watch the session and things she learned.
Whenever she didn't understand something, she would turn to Sister Birchett and I to get an answer. As she watched conference, she held the Book of Mormon in her arms with her notes she was taking and would flip through the pages from time to time. This precious daughter of God is learning the message her Father in Heaven desires her to hear...how proud He must be. I'm excited to see where the message of the restored gospel will take Noelle. She has become someone so special to me and I know the God loves her. Please pray that N will act upon the promptings of the spirit and that she will accept baptism. I know that prayer can help her receive the heavenly help she stands in need of.
We had the opportunity to watch the first Sunday session at the church with our investigator Mt. She was intrigued by the story that Bonnie L. Oscarson told of the story about the lady looking down at the temples. She knew there was a temple in SLC but had no idea there were even more! We were able to briefly explain temples and that we can discuss more about them our next visit. She struggles with the idea of one true church but I know as she reads the Book of Mormon and prays about Joseph Smith, her concern will be resolved. Please pray for her as well, that she will come feel that our message is true and that she will have a desire to baptized this month.
We did a lot of knocking this week which at times can be quite heart wrenching but I know as we plant seeds, Miracles will happen! One man we met yesterday wasn't interested but we did have an incredible conversation about prayer. It helped me realize the importance of prayer in our lives. God is literally the Father of our spirits; He desires to hear from us. Sometimes I feel that my prayers are inadequate, that He doesn't hear them because they aren't good enough.
But what that man taught me last night is that no matter how simple or complex a prayer is, Heavenly Father hears them. He yearns to hear from us...we are HIS children.
How thankful am I to be able to serve here in the Ohio Columbus Mission. It has been one of the toughest things I've ever done. Being mocked at, pushed off porches, yelled at, laughed at, but never will I not stand up for my Savior Jesus Christ. He has sacrificed for me more than I will ever be able to sacrifice for Him. He has felt every single pain and heartache that I experience. I have the opportunity to represent my Savior for 12 more months and to stand as a witness for Him. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that He lives; He reigns today. He is in the very details of our lives. We will notice Him if we seek Him. I love this gospel. I love the change it brings and how it prepares us to live with our Father and Savior in heaven again. I know that Joseph Smith was visited by God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a living day prophet who holds the keys of the priesthood. I so testify in the name of Our Beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. Until next Monday..with all my love.
XOXO,
Sister Detamore
No comments:
Post a Comment