This upcoming week is a big one for us here in Shreveport. Gladys Knight and her SUV Choir are coming Thursday evening. This event is going to change the work here. I can feel it and know that many are going to come to the knowlegde of the truth and where to find it because of this special devotional of music and testimony. We have had so many people request tickets that all 2600 of them had been reserved about 2 weeks ago. They do have a stand-by line that they say has always gotten in over the past 12 years that they have done this, and I pray and hope that that holds true this Thursday. Next week I will update you on how it all goes! Hopefully I'll be alert enough to remember it all since we will be up until about midnight the night of the devotional deviding out referral cards and gift packages after the last show that will end about 10:30. :) Also, I might be emailing on Tuesday instead of Monday next week because we have interviews with President McDonough on Monday, but we'll see how it all pans out :)
So this last week was a great prep week for Gladys Knight. We contacted 6 referrals and had some great lessons! [Our investigator couple is] doing well. I don't know if they will be baptized on the 4th like we had planned, but we will see what happens. [The man] is all on board and loves learning, reading the Book of Mormon, and coming to church. He is definitely ready for baptism. [The woman] is struggling with something that is holding her back, but we don't know what. She doesn't open up very much about personal feelings or even a whole lot about the gospel when it's relating to her personal feelings on something. So we have had to completely rely on the Lord to solve her concern.
While all four of us sisters were at dinner with some of the women of the ward on Saturday, one of them made a suggestion. She has come with us quite a few time to visit [this couple], as has one of the other sisters of the ward who was there. Both have made great interest in befriending [them]. [This ward sister] said she had been thinking about [the woman] and thought about fasting. My heart melted as soon as she said that. Sister Boehula and I had talked about fasting for them, but to hear it come from a member, who was truly a friend to them, made my heart swell so much. I could tell that she really cared, that we as missionaries weren't alone in our efforts, and that there were others who wanted to help share the gospel and care for these people that we had found. It brought me so much comfort. [These two ward sisters] and the four of us [missionary] sisters all fasted for [this dear woman] yesterday. After church we had a lesson with them at their house. [The man] was once again all ready and just full of peace. I could tell something was weighing on [the woman's] mind, but I felt that I shouldn't ask about it or press for answers. However, I also noticed some good changes. She seemed to have more personal desire to read from the Book of Mormon. She also seemed more comfortable at church and even volunteered to read a scripture in the gospel principles class. Something is changing within her, and only her Savior and Father in Heaven know what it is and how to help her. She is excited for Gladys Knight and has invited 2 friends. And yes, they all have tickets. :) I hope that the ultimate healer will continue to work with her and help heal her wounds or fears. I know that she loves the Lord and wants to follow Him. I know that He loves her and wants to help her. And I believe that miracles are going to happen.
[The other woman investigator that we caught up with again last week] is also doing well. She didn't make it to church because she ended up having to watch her grandson, but she has set another baptism date for May 25th. She is loving learning with us and is also a wonderful woman.
[We have another man investigator that] is fantastic too! He is one of my heros! We've been teaching him for a couple of weeks and have invited him to church the past 2 sundays (3 including yesterday). Yesterday he came! He was a little late, but after sacrament meeting we talked with him and found out that he had walked there....almost 4 miles for about an hour and 15 minutes. Our Gospel Principles lesson was on sacrifice, and I couldn't help but think of him the whole time. What dedication to seeking out the truth and desiring to know what the Lord wants you to do! He also found out about the Gladys Knight devotional and wanted to come. We told him about the stand-by line since all of the tickets had been claimed. Then miraculously our ward mission leader had one ticket left over from some that had been given back to him. He gave it to [this man] and it made my heart warm. :) This man is so good and humble. He is in his 60's and has so much good. We talked with him about baptism this last week and should be setting him with a date this week.
What a blessing it has been to see the gospel bless the lives of so many- including me and my companion. Some of the best moments I've had are those when the four of us sisters are all talking about gospel doctrine, or laughing at funny experiences we've had, or when Sister Boehula tries to teach me Bislama and I speak it with a Spanish Accent. :) It's also been when I've felt my heart warm with the spirit as I bare my testimony, or as I see Sister Boehula share her experiences and ask inspired questions. It's when I feel the love of my Savior as I decide to change and give more of myself to Him. It's when I look back and realize that I am who I am today because of Him. I know that this church is the true and living church of Jesus Christ because Christ is true and living today. He is the light, the truth, the way. He is my brother and friend. He is the one I serve and the one I serve with. He is with us. He knows us and loves us. He will help us as we sacrifice ourselves for Him - for He sacrificed His all for us.
Don't forget who you are. You are a child of God. He has sent you here at this time and place for a reason. You are a missionary because you are a disciple of Christ. You were sustained to that calling after you were baptized and confirmed. That is when you took His name upon you and joined His mission - "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39)
So continue on! Go forth with so great a cause to do His work! I know He lives! I love you all and hope that you will feel your Heavenly Father's love for you as you serve Him and His Son this week. May THE force be with you as you do!
No comments:
Post a Comment