Every Wednesday we have a Zone Training meeting and this
week we met at the institute at OSU. We had a great training about Finding by
the Spirit and having companionship's that are in unity. It's incredible how
inspired our leaders are. A lot of the questions that I had were answered at
that meeting.
We went to visit a lady whom missionaries have met in the area
previously, and she wasn't home. So we contacted the street that she lives on.
At 3 that day we went out to lunch with a 70 year old Muslim lady. We go by her
home a couple times a week to clean her home. She is the kindest lady I know.
She took us to a yummy restaurant called "Max and Irma's". The sweet
lady that took us was so happy about spending time with us. She told us about
her week and how her doctors appointments went. All the while we started
chatting with a chap named Lincoln. He told us about his family, and even about
what he believes in. He goes to a Baptist Church. Boy does he love our Lord!!
He told me a book that I should read when I go home. I had been talking to
everyone about the Gospel, and our little friend told me " You're on
one!" It was so funny!! I wish everyone could meet her. She is like my
grandma. After we ate lunch as we were driving back she asked us if we could go
to the store for a minute. A wee bit naïve we were to think that it would only
take us 10 minutes. We were there for 30. As we were looking around waiting for
our friend to get her medications we talked to a very nice college-aged girl
about her beliefs. She mentioned to us that she goes to one of the popular
Catholic Church's in town. We talked to her about the Restored Gospel and asked
her when we could see her again. She was a bit hesitant, but ultimately she
told us what her work schedule is like and invited us to see her.
After we
talked to this kind girl, our elderly friend dropped us off at our home and we
zipped off to see a former investigator. The Lord was looking out for us, and
for her. As were pulled up to our next appointment's neighborhood she pulled up,
and we prayed that the member whom we had asked to come with us would be there
quickly. It ended up working out quite well. We gave this former investigator another copy
of the Book of Mormon so that her boys could share and invited her to the
Missionary Musical Fireside for Easter. I am so grateful that we had a member
with us. We had been very frazzled as to how we could help this investigator
get to church, and "BAM!!" We have one to not only fellowship, but to
help this kind lady get to church!!
The rest of the evening was wonderful. I
have had the blessed opportunity to watch my dear companion Sister Farmer
grow. She is out of her little bubble, and into a new one that is filled with
infinite potential. She see's it, and oh what a beautiful view it is!! That
evening we met with our dear friend. We have been helping her our with her
photo books and what not over the past couple of weeks. She has made a big
dent!! Tonight we had a great sit down lesson with her. We took a member with
us who is wonderful with people. We asked Christine if she believes that Joseph
Smith is a Prophet. She pondered that question for a moment and said "Yes.
Yes I believe that he is a Prophet of God." The Spirit was incredibly
strong - and I almost burst out in tears. After a few sacred moments we
extended baptism to her. She declined kindly and told us that she isn't quite
ready. I have so much faith in her. I have so much faith in the Lord that in
His glorious time He will guide her to the waters of Baptism. I know that if I
stay in Powell another transfer that it'll be for her.
On Thursday
we did a bit of Family History. It's taken me a LONG time to get the feel for
it, but I now like doing it whenever we can. The Church has made it super easy,
and super fun!! On the days that we do Family History, I usually watch 'Joseph
Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration.' The Spirit of Elijah mixed with the
powerful witness of Joseph always makes me cry. I know that he is a Prophet of
God. I know that he did a great work for our Lord. I am so grateful for the
Priesthood power that has been Restored to this earth.
The ward is phenomenal with there ward mission plan. One of
the things that we are doing to help the members out with their missionary work
is by going to each home to teach the Restoration. We went to a members home
that morning to teach them. It's interesting how different each lesson is. This
member needed to know that she is appreciated, and that the programs that our
Gospel has for both social and spiritual are for her, and everyone else who
needs a wee brake from there life.
About once a week we have been volunteering
at an Assisted living place. All of the elderly there love us. And we love them!!
We had a tea party with them and talked to them about there fondest memories.
I've learned a lot from them. We have gotten fairly close with one of the
ladies that is in charge of the activities. She is so kind to us. We talked to
her about the Gospel at the end of this activity. She told us some of the
concerns that she has and we listened. We offered to give her a tour of our
Chapel. She said that she's think about and talk about it with her husband. I
pray that it all works out according to the Lord's will.
We have been visiting
this little boy since I've been here. He's one of my favorites. We
play games with him and help him out with his speech. He has Autism. You
wouldn't know it if you were to talk to him. That day his grandma and his
cousin were there. It was so nice to meet them. They have been asking a few
questions here and there about the church. Which is a huge blessing!!
I'm going
to fast forward to Sunday. This past Sunday it snowed a lot! We had about 6
inches of snow.. or more. It was a lot. And it was heavy. It was also fast
Sunday. At church we heard some of the most beautiful testimonies that were
borne. My dear friend bore her testimony about the Atonement. Seeing
her cry, made me cry. She is so happy. This Gospel has brought her so much joy
and peace. This little 9 year old bore his testimony on the Holy Ghost and the
Book of Mormon. There was not a dry eye in the room. We were Spiritually fed
that afternoon.
We have been shovel contacting a lot since there is snow. I was
a little worried about shoveling when we hadn't eaten any food. I know that it
was the Spirit that directed us to do so. We shoveled a HUGE driveway. The
whole while I was humming some of my favorite hymns and thinking about some of
my favorite versus in the Book of Mormon. There is such a special Spirit that
is felt when we serve with all of our hearts, and all of our minds, and
literally with all of our strength. I kept looking back at the snow and I
noticed that there were my footprints and Sister Farmer's footprints in the
snow. I felt this overwhelming feeling when I realized that there was another
set in snow. They were the footprints of our Savior. I know that He is with me
at every step of this work. These thoughts have carried with me into today. I
know that He is with all of us as we go about doing good. Following Him helps
us to know who Father is. I don't know where I'll go in a few days or even if I
stay here. But I do know that our Savior is directing this work. He is so aware
of all of our worries and strengths. The Book of Mormon is laced with His
doctrine and His teachings. In His time we shall see everyone cry
"Hosanna, Hosanna! Blessed be the name of our God!!" I love all of
you and I pray that you are finding success. :)
Love,
Sister Preston
