So you know how we committed to getting 25 invitations to learn each day? well this week Sister Davis and I accomplished that goal. We invited 25 people and more to learn each day, that is over 175 people. I tell you this not to brag but to show you that by a small and simple means, great miracles were brought to pass this week.
I am skipping to the end of the week to tell you the highlight. I also believe that this miracle happened at the end of the week for a specific reason, it was brought on by faith. So last Wednesday Carolynn was admitted to the hospital. Her rash turned into open wounds and those wounds became seriously infected. Now don't take this in the wrong way but Sister Davis and I knew that this was an answer to our prayers. Carolynn would be able to get the treatment she needed and her rash would begin to heal. Also remember the promised blessing of that rash healing if she stopped smoking? Well she wouldn't be able to smoke in the hospital. We went and saw her yesterday and the experience still brings me to tears. First off, she looked like a new person! There was light and health in her eyes. She was glowing. As we sat down and were making small talk she just looked at us with a grin and said "you know, it was your prayers that put me here." we all laughed and tears came to my eyes because I truly knew that the Lord was taking care of Carolynn. She then proudly told us that she hadn't had a cigarette since Thursday. That is huge!!! I was a crying mess at this point haha you know me. We were able to read out of Alma 32 with her and the spirit taught us all. She then began to tell us of how she never thought she would be able to overcome her addiction that was keeping her from being baptized. I know that is was the Atonement that healed Carolynn. The Lord came and strengthened her to do that which she never could do alone. and by her small and simple steps of faith she will continue to be able to overcome it completely. For Christ overcame the world and if we abide in Him, we will overcome it too. She will be baptized as soon as her leg heals and she can put it in the water. Carolynn's, mine and sister Davis' faith all grew 10 times yesterday.
We also were able to go visit Nicole in Rehab. It was so good to see her but it was also hard on my heart. It brought back a lot of memories for me as I am sure you can imagine. My heart just broke for all these people, it was just the brutal reality and testimony that wickedness never is, will, or can be happiness. Nicole is doing good though! She is reading from her Book of Mormon. We were also able to give her friend who is in rehab a Book of Mormon as well. It was so sweet. When we offered it to her she at first said no, and then after some thought she said "well I don't think God would be mad at me for just reading it." She then asked us to sign it and put our information in it so she could stay in contact. When she asked that Nicole said "yeah Rachel, these girls came all the way from Utah, for you!" Nicole was exactly right. The Lord has sent us to be his angels and declare truth to those who sit in darkness.
We got 11 new investigators this week! So far this transfer we have got 38 new investigators... so it is impossible to keep you completely updated. As sad as it is to say we do find out those who are truly interested and those who are not. Or should I say those you are prepared and those who are not. We have a lot of appointments this week! We are booked and busy and I hope we get busier! I love it! Our job now though is to help get these new investigators progressing. We had zone conference last Wednesday and President Mortensen is really helping and pushing us all to become "Master Teachers" meaning to teach as the Savior teaches (did I already tell you this?) Anyway this includes teaching to help others learn by faith, so not just us talking and them listening. But them talking, us asking questions, all of us discussing and learning together. This is harder than it sounds. It takes a lot of relying on the Spirit for inspired questions and scriptures to come. It is a little overwhelming to be honest. It has made me rethink the way I teach completely. I am glad though, I want to become more like the Savior and the Spirit is so much stronger with this style of teaching. I know that as I practice day by day the Lord will help me become what He needs me to be.
So another story I will tell you is about Brandon. Brandon is a young man we met while knocking doors. He loves his Bible and he love Jesus Christ. Our first lesson to him he wouldn't take the Book of Mormon. We taught him right out of the scriptures why we need the Book of Mormon, what it does for us, the great apostasy, the foundation of Christ's church. But he just wouldn't open his heart to the Book of Mormon that it could also be the word of God. He is convinced that is teaches some other doctrine or it would be included in the Bible. He let us come back though and we had another good lesson with him. He shared scriptures with us about not teaching any other gospel and was shocked that we were still trying to get him to read the Book of Mormon. We told him that he just needs to read it for himself and find out for himself if it is true. Well this time Brandon took the Book of Mormon. He also made us a promise that if we went to his church service on Wednesday, he would come to ours. We just need to get permission but you better believe we will be doing that! I know if Brandon will open his heart to the Book of Mormon he will see that it is the same doctrine in the Bible, it is just more and it establishes truth on the earth again.
Well I better wrap this up. haha my time is limited. I just want you to know that I know that this truly is Jesus Christ's church on the earth. Why be a Mormon? its not about the title, its about what you belong too. You belong to Jesus Christ's church. You have the promised blessing of the priesthood. You are baptized with God's authority and you have those saving ordinances with divine validity. You enter the gate and onto the path that leads to eternal life. There is only one path, one way. That way is through Jesus Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the way He organized it. Don't ever forget truly what it means to be apart of His Church. It is everything.
Happy Birthday Mike!!! I can't believe you are 18! I hope you have the best day ever, make this year great! Be great, and do great things!
I love you all! I am so happy we are all in this together!
xoxoxo