Testimony Shared with 1,000 People

This week was full of so many miracles! 

-MSF 

This week I didn't have much MSF money left over to buy groceries for the week. Two members were willing to buy me some groceries this week; also my Grandpa's package came and I am so grateful for the food within that package. 

-Our Investigator Jena

We had an appointment scheduled for Wednesday at 11:00 and she cancelled because something happened between her and her neighbor. Apparently her neighbor is a member of the church (which we had no idea)  and we are so glad whatever had happened, is solved. She called us later on and when we saw that she had called (we were in 'Walk n' Talk') we sped walked to the car to go and talk to her in a quiet place. She told us what happened, and for a while we thought we were going to lose her as an investigator. Near the end of the call, she told us that we were still good and we rescheduled. When we got off the phone, my companion and I shouted for joy. 

+ We sent Jena (Jen-eh) two chapters in the Book of Mormon (about fighting for freedom and defending liberty) to read; later that evening, she sent us eight texts that summarized what she had read; she perfectly knew the moral of each story. She is an investigator! She is SO prepared by the Lord! I am so grateful for her, and for her wonderful spirit. 

-Our New Investigator, Tai 

She was a potential that we had in our records; this is a good time to contact her because of what she is going through in her life. But, she feels like this is just another church and wants to get involved. We did teach most of the Restoration, which is a lesson that separates us from any other church in the world (Joseph Smith - a modern-day Prophet, The Book of Mormon, from the Ancient Americas, the Priesthood Authority - the power to act in God's name - which is not earned by a degree or paid for - but given to righteous and worthy men - etc). 

We have a return appointment later this week and we are very excited to see her.

-Ali

We had a lesson with Ali, one of our investigators and she has come so far. The lesson went well and I am so grateful for her wonderful example.

. . .

Throughout my mission, I have seen that some people believe that homosexuality is not a sin and that if they want to have a family, then it is OK in the eyes of society. But, in the Bible, it clearly states that a marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God, and anything else He will receive none such. Although God wants all of his children to be happy, "...wickedness never was happiness" (Alma 41:10). Regardless if the couple has a righteous desire to have a family, they will not receive the full happiness that comes from a righteous marriage between a man and a woman. God commanded His children to multiply and replenish the earth. Within a homosexual relationship, that is not possible. All in all, man cannot change the laws of God; and even if they try to, God's law is still in effect. These people may be 'right' in the eyes within themselves and their actions, but in the eyes of God, their laws are unjust. 

Our church does believe that homosexuality is a trial that some people may have to go through; but, temptation alone is not a sin. Acting on that temptation is a sin (Sin is willingly going against God's laws).

As church members, we love all people. Some of my favorite quotes are "Love the sinner, not the sin" or "love the person, not the sin". 

. . .

Also - 

-Womens' Conference 

We had womens' conference on Saturday, with special guests: 

+ Sister Mary R. Duram - Second Counselor in the Primary general Presidency 

+Sister Linda S. Reeves - Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency 

+Bonnie R. Oscarson - Young Women General President 

+ Elder Dudley, Quorum of the Seventy 

There were over one-thousand females present in the church. 

One of the greatest things happened that evening. Sister Reeves told us she would select a few from the crowd to come to the pulpit to answer the question, "How have you come to know the church is true?" Surprisingly, she asked me to come up. When she asked me, I felt the spirit very strongly. I especially felt the spirit very strong around her, and at first, my fear of crying in front of over a thousand people got in the way with me having a sure and definite 'yes.' But, I accepted and Sister Evans came up with me. While I was in line (8 year old, then a teen, then me, and Sister Evans) I had no idea what to say. There were too many things that have helped me know for myself that the church is true. What even made this more intimidating for me was that my Mission President and His wife were there. Regardless, I have prayed within my whole mission for the Lord to use me as an instrument in His hands, and I told Him I would accept anything He wanted me to do. I immediately sensed that sharing my testimony in this large crowd was part of the commitments when I came out on a mission. I know the spirit was working through me when words started coming out of my mouth. I remember bearing testimony of the strong spirit I feel in this church, and I had come to know by reading, by praying, and by fasting. After both my companion and I had shared our testimonies, she asked us where we were serving, and she [ said that Virginia Beach is very lucky to have missionaries like us]. I cannot remember her exact wording, but I felt humbled. 

Even though I have many insecurities, imperfections, and challenges, I was chosen. I felt so imperfect, yet the Lord used me to share what I knew was true. 

. . .

One investigator came to conference; I was glad she was there! 

Anyways, this is all I can say, for now. 

I hope you all have a great week! 

-Sister Marshall 

 

 

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Miracle May

Miracle May

In our zone meeting, we talked about the theme for next month, is Miracle May. We are to work on strengthening our Faith, hope, and charity. It is still April and the whole mission is seeing so many miracles as many of us have strived to achieve 100 IOs (Invitations to Others – street contacting/tracting). We are also told to strive for baptisms this month.

Church

Two investigators came to church yesterday! We had Ali, and we had Jena (Jen-eh).    Jena bought clothes to wear to church; she also stayed the entire three hours. Ali was also there for the full three hours.

Year Mark

I hit my year mark on the 16th. I have 6 months left of my mission.

I love my mission!

-Sister Marshall

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Birthday Week

It was such a great week!

-I was also sick for the whole week and I still am sick, but I hope this cold will depart soon. 

-We had a lesson with Pam about Fasting, and we had a member go with us. She did a great job in teaching the lesson. 

-We visited the Taylor Family and the father told us a lot of his concerns; I was surprised with how open he was with his comments, and he hasn't been to church in years. He told us that he would commit to church the following Sunday, and we were very excited.  

On the 8th was my 23rd birthday, and for this day I made a home-made Chocolate Avocado cake with Chocolate Avocado frosting (Sister Evans helped with the frosting). 

-On the 9th, I received Joseph's Birthday Package! I was very excited and I liked everything that was inside. 

I was also very sick on the 9th, and I had to stay home for most of the day. Eventually I began to feel better, but I have the impression that I cannot eat Coconut oil. It is the second time on the mission where I felt super sick for more than a day after eating Coconut Oil. 

We also had Interviews with the Mission President today. I told him about the situation that happened with the lady who told us that we could not go and tract in the area. He told me about the Jehovah's Witness Watchtower Case where religious groups go out tracting has been constitutionally protected. So... I just need to get ahold of Cooperate and President Baker will send a message to them saying that they cannot kick out missionaries for tracting.

--Riley got baptized on Saturday and I got to go back to Williamsburg and say my last goodbyes to everyone. I was also very excited for Riley's baptism and I have enjoyed the many visits of seeing him and his family. 

--One of the Elder's investigators in Virginia Beach, Ester, got baptized and Sister Evans and I went to that baptism first at 9:00 am, and then went back home before we got picked up at 9:30. I loved going to two baptisms!

--My companion and I did a lot of tracting this week, and I am actually starting to enjoy it. 

There was one woman we talked to, who the Elders bumped into, and she told us how she came in contact with them. The Elders were riding their bikes and then a teenager thought it was funny to chuck a hubcap at one of the Elder's wheels. She then came over to scold the youngster. The Elders came over to talk to her, and eventually, the Elders passed off her to us. 

There was another woman we came in contact with, who was gardening, and we talked about the 'He Lives' video and we got a feel for her religious background. I had the impression to connect gardening with how Jesus Christ died in the Garden of Gethsemane for her; I felt that helped her open up a little bit more, and she was willing to watch the new Easter Video our church put out. 

Anyways- this is all I can say for now. 

I hope y'all have a great week! 

-Sister Marshall   

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Williamsburg to Virginia Beach

Hi, y'all! 

The transfer from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach was easy, but yet it was emotionally difficult. I truly love this area more than I have loved any previous area - especially the people. I also cannot believe that they closed down Williamsburg for Sisters, so both Sister Smart and I were both transferred at the same time. There is so much work to be done in this area, and I pray that the Elders (who have the whole area now to themselves) can receive the help they need from the Lord to find the people who truly need the gospel at this time. 

I couldn't say goodbye to everyone, and they will truly be missed. I loved working with our Bishop, our Relief Society President, and I enjoyed how willing the members were to meet with us, or to come out with us for lessons (especially last minute). I loved how willing members wanted us in their home, and I am so grateful for this opportunity I've had to get to know each of the people I have met. 

When I laid my head down on my pillow that night, I felt a confirmation from the spirit that this transfer was right. All of my sorrows, feelings, and how I felt about the transfer - I knew I had to rely on the Lord. It was so simple, and yet, it brought me so much peace. If there was one place I wouldn't mind serving for the rest of my mission, I would say it would have to be Williamsburg. 

. . .

Sister Smart and I had to say goodbye to all of our investigators, who are progressing so well. I am truly going to miss Beth, Riley, Cecil, Katie, and Hwasun very much. 

. . .

After the transfer, though, I've noticed something that I haven't noticed before. After having golden investigators for most of my time in Willamsburg, I have left that area with a great love for God, and for our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know even moreso that God is real, and that the Savior's Atonement truly did happen. I have a stronger desire to to the Lord's work, and my desire to serve the Lord has grown tenfold. 

I have noticed even more than before the importance of putting away worldly distractions and remaining focused on the Lord's work. I have put my worries aside, and I have preoccupied my mind and soul with what is going on in the present; I don't even know these people in my area yet but yet I already have a strong love for them. I desire their salvation. I stopped thinking about family and friends as much as I did before, and I just indulged in the work - I want to finish my mission strong. I want to do what is right and I know that by having an Eternal Perspective, things will work out for the greater good. I cannot believe how much it was a distraction for me, and I am so grateful for this time that I have to serve. Every minute of everyday counts. 

I have also noticed that when someone serves a mission, how to be a missionary does not come 'all at once.' It grows line upon line, precept upon precept. If someone does not know a certain rule and they break it, only being told after the fact, they are not held accountable until after they have been told that rule (something along these lines was said in General Conference, but I also knew this before). This also goes for people who are not in the faith. It is hard to condemn someone about something they did not know. It doesn't make sense, and it shouldn't be done. 

. . .

General Conference: 

I love  general conference! I loved how it focused on:

-Temples

-Families 

   +The importance of marriage and having children

   + Happiness can truly be found when rearing children and having a Christ-centered home

- Following the Spirit

   + use time wisely - not so much in Videogames or media 

   + Much is missed in the life around us when we indulge in Media, especially the wrong type of media

I loved President Uchtdorf's joke about speaking in German. It was priceless :D  

. . .

Miracles: 

We've had some miracles this week!

-We went to go knock on someone's door in an apartment complex, and by the time we were walking back, this lady comes up in her car and tells us that we cannot be soliciting here. She drives off and she then came back (she found us again, after we had walked off) and tells us that she just spoke with the manager and told us that we cannot be out and about. So... my companion and I went to the Manager's office of the complex (me and my.. 'Oh yeah?' attitude - it truly gets me places) - and the manager wasn't there. The door was locked. So, my companion and I thought about waiting to see if the manager would get back. She did. We went and talked with her and we came to know that this manager is a less-active member, who has a desire to come back to church. She actually lives in the same apartment complex as we do, and so she will go to our church ward. I truly believe this was inspired of the Lord, and I am so glad my companion and I were open to the promptings of the holy spirit. 

Another one - we met this Hispanic family who are all about the Lord. When we taught some of the truths of our faith, many of them said, "Amen!" after each thing we said. It was wonderful, and the spirit was indeed with them, even though they were not of our faith. I hope to one day see them again, and I hope they may read the pamphlets that my companion and I gave them, and even the Family Proclamation. Families have so much eternal potential - it is not death until we part. It is for time and eternity, when the family is bound by the proper Priesthood Authority. Without that Priesthood Authority, families will not be together in the next life. 

Also - we watched General Conference on Saturday and Sunday! I loved it. I cannot wait until we get the May 2015 Ensign!

Anyways- this is all I can say, for now! 

I miss you all!

-Sister Marshall 

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.