Fwd: Happy St. Patty's Day!

She forgot to send this last week- so you're getting two this week!

-Lindy

Hey yall!

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day yal

What an enlightening week of instruction it's been! We were so privileged to have a zone conference with Elder Kopischke of the 70. Something that stood out to me was his definition of bold-- teaching boldly is teaching clearly. I'm understanding how being bold, by that definition, makes me a better teacher. It removes all the flowery, fluffy speech that really isn't contributing to what I say, and replaces it with clear, simple explanations of doctrine and testimony of truth. It's more meaningful and effective.

 

I went on exchange with Sister Moon (one of my sister training leaders) right after zone conference, and that was one of the best exchanges I've been on so far. Sister Moon is an exemplary missionary. She is humble, bold, obedient, focused, optimistic, and kind. She radiates with her testimony and desire to share the gospel. I felt a light kindle in myself; I remembered the brightness of the Spirit that accompanies humble, dedicated missionaries. I haven't been blatantly disobedient or unfocused, but I have not been giving my heart and effort to the work the way I should be. She helped me remember what it means to give one hundred percent of yourself to the Lord. I want to be more like Sister Moon! :)

One of the visits we made on exchange was to a recent convert, Brother Monette. He lives in the back of an old trailer park with a gravel road and patchy grass; he's in his sixties, with a white moustache and missing teeth. But his eyes radiate the light of the gospel. Sitting in lawn chairs outside his trailer, he shared with us his conversion story. Listening to him bear his testimony was inspiring and humbling. The Lord had been preparing his heart with questions and a yearning for truth for years before the sisters knocked on his trailer door, and when they found him, he was ready. There really are people out there who the Lord has prepared to hear the gospel! His humble testimony and eagerness to learn renewed my excitement about the gospel. I want to be more like Brother Monette in my love for the gospel, and I want to be a worthy instrument that the Lord can use to find others like him.

Meanwhile in Canton, Sister Macedone and the other STL found a new investigator in a recent convert's roommate. Poma is in her late forties, and has lived a difficult life ridden with addictions and abuse. Her substance abuse has affected her maturity and mentality, and she hasn't a drop of self esteem. Sister Macedone and I helped her and Jessica (the recent convert) pack boxes to move, and talked with her about God's love and prayer. She has been through so much, I have no idea how to help her or how much she is capable of understanding. But I know Heavenly Father knows her better than I do, so we're just going to do the best we can to help her by teaching her. I love what it says in Preach My Gospel-- "All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ." That's just as true for Poma as it is for me or anyone else.

Yesterday a high councilman met with Sister Macedone and I to talk over our concerns about the ward. We're struggling because the ward has a hard time reaching out to each other, especially new converts and less active members-- which has created some perceived judging and offense among members. We've felt frustrated because we don't want to bring investigators to a ward in which they won't feel welcome. The high councilman knew exactly what to say. He counseled us to love the members anyway. He told us to be honest in admitting our needs to the ward, and to be obedient and loving. It was humbling, but just what we needed to hear.

Sister Macedone and I performed a musical number in Sacrament Meeting yesterday and it was a real success. I played the piano and Sister Macedone sang-- it brought the Spirit and everyone loved it. We were especially grateful because Sister Macedone was sick and we had only practiced twice. God helps us out when we're trying our best to invite the Spirit. :)

We're looking forward to another great week in Canton. Great things are happening here.

Sister Taylor