November 14, 2011

Dear familia,

 

So...transfers are this week, and.... I'M STAYING right where I am!!!! :D I am so seriously excited to stay here in this area.... we just have sooo many investigators, and so many wonderful things happening! But at the same time there are a lot of trials in this area, and things that a lot of our investigators are struggling with, but I know that things are looking up. Sister M and I are staying together and we are actually both way excited! Things are great here. I am just so happy :) So keep on sending mail to this address! I'll be here for Christmas! *yay!* My prayers were answered!

 

I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is next week, and that Christmas is just around the corner! Oh how I love it :) The coldest it's been was 62*....rainy and windy. That will be about the extent to my "winter" ;) . Just stay bundled up and safe on the roads up there!

 

This past Saturday we had another baptism for a sweet little girl named A. Forgive me if I am re-telling this (I don't quite remember all I say in past emails). But for two years, since her 8th birthday, she has begged her mom for the chance to be baptized. At ten years old, she finally got her wish; to be baptized into the church, just like Jesus Christ was baptized! She is such a cute little girl and asks very deep questions for someone so young (reminds me of someone I know.... lol). Her family is less-active, and we had long and deep discussions with her mom about the need for them to come back to church; especially for her children. We didn't want to baptize anyone into "inactivity' ... So she promised to come to church WITH her daughter (normally A would be picked up by a member and come alone). My prayers are always with this little girl and her family. She's such a strong example to them. I'll send pictures this week from the baptism!

 

It's true what they say; the mission has the highest highs and the lowest lows! This past week we had a recent convert tell us he is leaving the church. B was baptized before I even left on my mission, but he had been so active and excited about the Gospel! He was a "regular" at our Book of Mormon Movie Nights, and we were NOT expecting him to up and leave.

At the moment he told us this news my heart felt shattered. A sick feeling of discomfort overcame me. What was going on? What had happened? He had only texted us this information and would not answer our calls. We stopped by his house, and, though clearly at home, would NOT answer the door. The next couple of days we stopped by again and again. Around our third attempt he opened the door. His countenance was dark and sad. His presence felt angry. He explained to us that he was having Bible study every week (this was news to us!). 

We asked where he was taking the study from and he said "It's an LDS out-reach group..." He has been meeting with an EXTREMELY anti-mormon group. My heart leapt and my stomach twisted. This was my first "anti" experience... I had heard so many stories from missionaries about this particular group and the horrible things that they do to our investigators and friends.

In short, we are meeting with him and his new Pastor this Thursday to "clear things up". His Pastor is heavily involved in this group and I know that these people don't like to listen to the rebuttal; they like to argue and bash. I received a Priesthood Blessing last week from my District Leader, and the Lord promised me that as I keep the Spirit with me, and bear fervent testimony, that I will be protected. It is difficult to walk into a lesson where the Spirit has a difficult time staying....but I will keep it with me. We plan on studying heavy material given to us by the mission (the anti-anti-stuff), just hearing them out, and bearing testimony to what WE know to be true. If they truly want to hear the answers, we have them. We are studying hard to be able to answer with correctness, and the way the Lord would have us answer them. I'll admit, I'm nervous out of my mind! But at the same time, I don't fear what will happen.

 

No one can deny you of your testimony. No one can deny what YOU know to be true.

 

D&C 122:9 "Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

 

Pray for us. Pray for him. Pray for anyone who happens to fall across untruth and evil. Don't seek out any of this material. Seek after only goodness.

 

This work is incredible. And I love it. I say that all the time, but it's true!! I am so grateful for your love and support and prayers. It means the world to me. And thank you for your unexpected little package!! I'm wearing the headband right now! And the cookies... how did you know I was craving those?? And Dad's Safety Kit: genius! Hahahaha!! I love it, Daddy! Thank you! And thank you for packing my white sweater.

 

Letters, pictures, and love coming soon to you!

 

I LOVE YOU ALL! HURRAH! HURRAH! HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!

Love, Sister Meg