Letter #42 - Happy Thanksgiving! - 11.16.2015
Hello, hello!
First off, congratulations to Nicole because she is going to train!!! Whoop, whoop! She is going to be AMAZING. Second, just want to let you know that we will not have our normal P-day this next week because we will have it on Thursday. Thanksgiving wooooo!!! So, don't worry if I don't write. Don't worry, I am still alive.
I am so blessed to have had the companions that I have
This week we have been working hard to help our investigators to see the importance of action and doing our part. I have learned a lot about why we have commandments. We have heard this response several times this week, "I don't want to be Mormon because there are so many rules and if I break them then I will just be sinning and feel bad. So, it's better if I just don't get baptized". As we are working hard, so is Satan. I don't think I have ever seen how powerful the adversary is in our lives or how much he wants us to be miserable until I came on the mission and have been able to see it from a different perspective. He twists truths, makes bad things look good, makes excuses look easy, and blinds us to the things that will truly make us happy.
Me and my companion
Our investigators did not come to church this week. There were a lot of excuses when it came Sunday morning, but we continue to have faith that they will progress. We fasted for them Saturday. Keep them in your prayers as well that they will see the importance of the gospel in our lives. We have learned the importance of being patient with our investigators. That not everyone learns the same. That some will accept the gospel more rapidly than others. Others need more time to know that this is the truth and to understand the doctrine. People have different backgrounds which make them have a harder time changing and accepting the gospel.
The Volcano
One of our investigators taught us an important lesson. That when we commit to do something, we better be sure that we are committed to giving it our all. That we can't give it 50% especially when it comes to the things that come directly from God. We need to be committed to living the commandments. We are not perfect, but each of us can have the attitude to be a little better than the day before.
Beautiful Christmas Tree
I read a good talk this week called "Opposition to the Work of God" by Carlos E. Asay. Below is some wise advise for each of us to apply! "I suspect that there are few who know better the reality of Satan and his henchmen than does a full time missionary, for the missionary is exposed to the fiery darts of the adversary, which come whistling overhead as he or she labors in the front lines in our war against sin. However, I promise all missionaries and all members- that if the 9 actions are followed consistently, VICTORY will by yours and FAITH and TESTIMONY will be perserved."--Carlos E. Asay
Iris is an investigator that we are teaching. I am also teaching her English. She wins the best Christmas tree that I have seen this year! It is beautiful! She also wants me to marry her son. haha. She is from Chile. She is wonderful!
9 key things to apply in our lives.. 1. Avoid those who would tear down your faith- True messengers of God are builders—not destroyers. 2.Keep the commandments- If we obey holy laws, we will take upon ourselves “the whole armour of God” and we will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (See Eph. 6:11–18.) Moreover, obedience ensures us of the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit. 3.Follow the living prophets, as we have just been admonished. One Church leader taught: Heber J. Grant said “Always keep your eye on the President of the Church, and if he ever tells you to do anything, and it is wrong, and you do it, the Lord will bless you for it. … But you don’t need to worry. The Lord will never let his mouthpiece lead the people astray.”
Answering sick missionary calls
4. Do not contend or debate over points of doctrine
The Master warned that “the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil.” 3 Ne. 11:29) 5.Search the scriptures.Few of us would go astray or lose our way if we regarded the scriptures as our personal guide or compass. Alma 37:44 6. Do not be swayed or diverted from the mission of the Church.
Proselytizing
7.Pray for your enemies. Christ said to the Nephites, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you.” (3 Ne 12:44)
8. Practice “pure religion.” Involve yourself in service. Succor the needs of the sick and poor; visit the fatherless and widows, and be charitable to all whether in the Church or out of the Church 9. Remember that there may be many questions for which we have no answers and that some things have to be accepted simply on faith. An angel of the Lord asked Adam, “Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord?” He answered, “I know not, save the Lord commanded me.” (Moses 5:6.) There may be times when we are called upon to climb Mount Moriahs and to sacrifice our Isaacs without a full and prior explanation. Faith is the first principle of the gospel; it is a principle of progress.
We turned around and were sounded by dogs...Welcome to South America!
I love you all! I know this church is true with all of my heart! I know the Lord loves each and everyone of us individually. Have a wonderful week!
Love always, Sister Pemberton
Happy Thanksgiving!
