There is SO much goodness in the air here folks. I cannot even express to you how much excitement and happiness I have for life right now! This week has been a spiritual recharge, and a testimony that as we work diligently, God will always magnify our efforts! But first, hear are the funniest lessons learned of the week:
1.So there is a rule in the white missionary handbook that tells us to travel only in well lit areas after dark... I figured out why. We were walking around in Apple Valley, a small community next to the Amish people in Ohio. It is situated around a lake that the rich people here like to party on. We usually park and walk and even though we were going about 5 miles that evening I decided we could make the trek. It was raining and light outside when we got out of the car at 6 PM but when we turned around to come back to the car at 9PM it was pitch black and raining. There were no streetlights, and Apple Valley is not famous for its side walks... On the 2.5 mile trek home in the dark I was teaching Sister Nissalke words to the hymn Let Us All Press On and I pressed on into a knee deep puddle on the side of the road. I threw my iPad and GPS to the laughing Sister Nissalke and pretended I wasn't freezing cold and muddy the rest of the way home. I was dripping from
head to toe in mud and life was good. Remember to travel in well lit areas folks.
2.don't make strange noises; "You realize your mysterious screams make everything sound like a bomb is about to explode and we are all seconds away from obliteration..." -me to sister Nissalke after she disappeared into the bedroom and squealed like the world was ending...
Update on the People:
We found our miracle family!! We knocked into a girl named Lillian looking for an unnamed potential in the area book. The contact began as awkwardly as any door approach does and after some stumbling, door opening and shutting and giggling we introduced ourselve's to Lillian. She quickly explained that her family was I spiritual drift so we probably did not want to talk to them. We laughed and assured her they were exactly the people we wanted to talk to. She is a teenage and trying very hard to find answers to her deepest questions. She doesn't even really believe in God very much, so we handed her a restoration pamphlet and invited her to look for answers to her questions there. We set up a return app ointment in between conference sessions on Saturday. We were very excited to return, and on Saturday when we knocked on the door again, she let us right in and we sat with her mum and best friend and taught them about the restoration. Lillian was correct in describing them as spiritually drifting. Her mum has studied with Jehovahs Witnesses and Jews for 6 years but got
frustrated with unanswered questions. She has left religion behind because she hasn't found absolute truth anywhere. W were able to testify of the Restoration and leave a Book of Mormon. Before we left, Lillian exclaimed, "I really hope this book makes me feel whole, I feel in pieces right now!" We also asked her, "if you find out this book is true, will you act on it? Will you do the things Christ has asked us to do in the church?" And she promised if she found a life changing message in the book she would work hard to make the changes she needs to in her life. We are excited to help the, build their
faith in Christ. I have never wanted anyone to get baptized more in my life than this girl, more on her story to come next week.
-we were also able to teach our newest investigator Craig As well. Unfortunately we took a very talkative member so the lesson almost turned into a bible bashing lesson, but he said we were still friends after the lesson. Hopefully we can make a better impression next time. Listening to the member really showed me how much my teaching mind set has changed. Before the mission I thought I would open to scriptures, prove all their logical points wrong, then they would fall at my feet
begging to be baptized. Now I know that the most powerful tool in our teaching arsenal is out testimony. Teaching isn't about talking, it's about listening to the spirit and following His promptings sand helping our friends to have spiritual experiences on their own. I know our lesson would have had a totally different feel if we would've focused more on helping him have a spiritual experience with the Book of Mormon, and less on proving to him that is says in the bible why we
need it. I'm grateful for Preach My Gospel and the teaching skills I've been able to develop from it. I'm grateful for daily repentance and the chance we have to become better and transform our hearts. I know his is the lords work, and it goes so much better when we do it his way.
This week's spiritual thought is just going to be me ranting about the spiritual feast that was the last general conference. The opportunity we have to hear from modern day prophets and apostles every six months is priceless. We have hundreds of leaders preparing, praying, and working to provide us the spiritual nourishment we yearn for. While we are listening to conference we have countless opportunities to have spiritual confirmation after spiritual confirmation that what we are
doing is the Lords will and path for us. This conference I was struck by every single talk and the personal impact it had on me. I found a spiritual nugget that has helped me become a better person in every message. I know that we have modern day inspired prophets, apostles and leaders. I know that they know us and send us messages to make our lives better. I know that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and will
provide safety for our soul. I love the Lord and serving him is an incredible pleasure. Everyone go search the words of the prophet and all of our leaders. Find what you need. Study it out. Ponder in your hearts. Ask god if it's true, then be willing to apply it into your life and be better.
I love you all, go forth and conquer!
✌🏻️Sister Reynolds✌🏻️
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