everyday. The elders, after reporting our numbers, are always asking
"what are you sisters doing?!" Haha, we work smart and exercise faith!
This last weekend was the Ramey's baptism, where the older 3 boys were
baptized by their dad. It was so spiritually moving and we even had 2
progressing investigators attend. The baptism was beautiful though.
The boys' grandparents and cousin flew out from California for it, and
both grandparents gave a talk. Brother Ramey, the father, baptized all
3 of his boys. They were just so happy and they glowed! The family
expressed great appreciation for us as the missionaries who taught the
boys but I can't help but think that we had nothing to do with it.
This is the Lord's work. I am to do my part and follow the Spirit and
the rest will fall into place. Their confirmations on Sunday were just
as powerful and brought the most powerful spirit to the meeting. All
of the testimonies borne were heartfelt and melted your heart. The two
oldest boys even got up and bore their testimonies. The oldest
brother's was really funny... he gets up there and with great
enthusiasm says, "getting baptized, receiving the Holy Ghost, and
turning 12 have been a huge slap in the face.... Good, now I have your
attention." hahaha we all laughed. He continued saying, "Now I KNOW
the Holy Ghost will help me for the rest of my life. I KNOW this is
the only true church" Matt got up and bore a very humble testimony as
well, especially thanking us as missionaries, again. I'm realizing
just now much of an impact we make on the youth as missionaries. I
love those boys... I love that family. They have forever changed my
life.
So, it was a great weekend. We got bombarded with referrals on Sunday
from members. We had someone call us last week and said he wanted to
join the church and to continue the lessons. Seriously. This happens
on a weekly basis here. I kid you not. But the work is going well. The
ward is so involved and supports us greatly. We feel very blessed. I
remember sitting in sacrament and being able to feel the love I have
for the people here. They are so strong. Like any ward and any person,
we all have our weaknesses and struggles, but this is a family. They
are committed to the gospel. The Lord is working a marvelous work
here. And I see it everyday.
Tomorrow is Zone Conference down in Wichita. And I am SO excited! It
will be a spiritual feast!! Our car hit 50,000 the other day, so it's
getting switched out tomorrow. I will miss that little guy.
Last Wednesday, a huge, severe thunder storm hit Hutch. We were in the
library with our team up waiting for our investigator when he called
and said he hasn't eaten and wants to meet us at Subway. Ok... so we
start to walk out the door. A man that just came in said, "It's going
to hit us in 6 seconds. You better be quick getting to your car!" We
kind of brushed it off and said, "Oh ok, thanks, we'll be quick!"
Well, literally 6 seconds later we are standing under the overhang and
are drenched. The wind was carried waves of water and the streets were
flooding. It was 6 pm and it was dark already. It was the most intense
thing I've ever seen or been apart of. it was so cool! Sister Jones
and I ran out to the car and quickly shut the doors. We look at each
other and start laughing. It was just so neat! We were told to go in
early after our appointment to let the storm pass. Now I just want to
see a tornado!! Ok, maybe not really, but it would be cool.
We went to go visit one of our investigators the other day and instead
of teaching what we planned about the gospel, she wanted us to talk to
her young daughter about pornography. It was really awkward. We had no
idea what to say because this girl was 9. How does that even happen?!
But as we relied on the Spirit and opened our mouths, it started to
flow. it made me realize just how real the adversary is. I think a lot
of people don't realize that when we don't do what God wants us to do,
we become captive to the devil. it's a scary thought. He wants to take
away our freedom and agency... everything that we fight for! Follow
the gospel and be free.
A thought that really hit me during one of my studies the other day,
too, was "Perfect love casteth out all fear". I know this is truth. As
a missionary, it's scary to talk to random strangers every day. To
just show up on their door step and ask them to let you in to talk
about Christ. it's always scary to stand up to your friend when they
are doing something wrong or to tell them how to feel about something.
When we have perfect love, and strive to do the right thing, we won't
be held back. The Lord is helping me develop charity and I can talk to
anyone I want without fearing their response. I'm learning how to
communicate with companions and trying to bring our companionship into
unity. Also, I read this from Matthew 22:
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Without love, nothing else works.
Remember that next time you approach someone and speak with them in a
manner that shows them you love them. We are all children of God. God
loves us all, who are we to judge?
I know that this is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth
again today. Christ live and has restored His church. It is lead by a
prophet of God today, Thomas S. Monson. The Book of Mormon came forth
by the power of God, and is true. I know in my heart that there is a
plan for our lives, and it is glorious.
Shall we not go on in so great a cause?
Always,
Sister Moore
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