"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." 3 Nephi 5:13

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Anxiously Engaged

    Well everyone... Tomorrow is the start of my last transfer as a full time missionary for my Savior! I can't help but look back and see all of the wonderful times I have been able to have as a missionary. I didn't think that I would have ever loved this as much as I do now! There is a missionary that is going home tomorrow that is really depressed and sad that his mission is ending. I thought to myself, "shouldn't I be acting like that too?" But I realized that I don't have to be sad that I'm going home. The words of the prophets came into my head...'Every member a missionary.' I had a feeling of comfort knowing that I can be happy to go home and continue my life. I don't need those sad feelings because they would just drag me down. I have made a goal to just be happy... besides why would I be sad... haha. I love being home too much. But I will be honest, I love it here as well! The West Indies owns my heart and I'm grateful for the service I've been able to give and that I've been able to work hard my entire mission!

    I love being able to see the spirit work in the people we are teaching. The miracle that came this week was a few referrals. We are currently working on them to act on the feelings they are having as they are taught and to come to church. They are really great and I hope that they will be willing to continue learning from the Book of Mormon. Y---- has such a strong desire to serve God! I'm learning from her faith actually. It has been really cool teaching such an inspired and prepared family. I just hope that they will accept a baptism date for the 14th of March. A--- is doing great! She came to church and now she is really excited about it! She told me that she is going to continue coming because she loves the way that she feels as she attends. She is excited about the doctrine and wants to dig in deep to the scriptures. It is building her testimony in the gospel as she goes through a temporary trial. She mentioned to us that she wants to dive head first into the teachings now. She even mentioned that she has a stronger desire to get baptized.

    The area is being built up again. We dropped a lot of investigators, that weren't too serious. I'm really focusing on the area book right now, so that when I leave it will be a blessing and not get thrown down in frustration... like I wanted to do when I first got here! I love going into an area that has a good area book. You care for the Lord as you update the area book. I'm trying to follow the scout motto that was engraved into my brain by dad and Jared and Tyson. Leave the campsite better than you found it!






Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Daily Sowing

    Yesterday was Area Conference. It was great! We were able to hear from Elder Holland. He talked about the importance of observing the law of the fast, temple attendance and Sabbath attendance, along with tithing. He promised the area that we will have temples on the islands once they observe everything with exactness. An amazing promise. We also heard from Bonnie L Oscarson. She spoke about the importance of the family and it was amazing. Reminded me of my blessing. How it says that I'll defend the family on my mission field... exactly what has been happening. It was great to have the members here. There are about 300 on our roll but only 50-60 show up every week.

    S---- is really hard to see. We stop by quite often and every time she just states that she is busy with work and that she will call us. So most likely she has heard something about us from someone and is discouraged. I hope that's not the case so I'm keeping my chin up. L--- dropped us. I was really upset with that one. But as I walked back to our apartment I was calmed with the words of Alma 32:28. I know that the spirit was speaking to my soul. Faith is a seed. I planted the seed and hopefully the missionaries will catch the fish that got away. We win some we loose a lot, but the ones we catch are by far meaningful. He will accept it just now... I may not be in St. Lucia when it occurs but I sure hope so.

    I cannot believe how fast the weeks are going by. I love that I am losing myself still in the work and I can say I'm working hard every day because I don't want to be known as one of those missionaries that slacked off at the end of his mission. I actually asked Pres. Mehr if I could train a brand new green missionary. I believe it would help me work even harder. I feel that the first month is crucial. I had a hard time in the beginning, and I learned a lot my first few months that set the pace for my mission. I think that it would be great if I could help those young kids coming in to hit the ground running!