Like I said last week, we have a ton of potentials we are still trying to meet with. It has truly been an incredible last few weeks, and really just an incredible transfer! We have witnessed so many miracles!
On Wednesday we pulled into the church parking lot for District Meeting. A woman got out of her car, and said, "This is going to sound really weird....like really weird, but I have a question." She was a convert of three years and really wanted to help us out in any way possible. It was perfect! Her name is Emily, and she just moved here this week (Monday) and hadn't even met with the Bishop yet. She just happened to be in the right place at the right time to talk to us. She said she had a ton of spare time, as she was in a transition phase of moving and would only be here for a month. She begged us to ask for her help! It was truly an answer to prayers, as we are definitely in need of a member to come with us when we meet with all these potential investigators!!! How does that just happen!?!
Later in the week, Emily came with us to meet with Nicole, who is now a new investigator!! It was great--I met Nicole at a park in an apartment complex and gave her a pass-along card. She said she would be interested in us coming over sometime to, "talk Jesus." Nicole is very dedicated to Jesus Christ and says she tries to live as if He were right there with her all the time. Emily bore beautiful testimony, especially of the Book of Mormon, and Nicole seemed open to reading it. She didn't make it to church this week, but we're still super excited about her! Emily says, "She needs to hurry up and get baptized before I leave! She's got until June 16th!! Let's get moving!" I have faith that we'll be able to.
We were finally able to meet last night with both our investigator, Jessica, and her dad. Jessica is incredible and progressing so rapidly. She is so immersed in everything and so mature for only being 15 years old. She wants so badly to get baptized, but the only thing holding her back is the hesitancy of her parents. Last night when we met with them, though, I believe the Spirit really touched him. The member we took with us, Sister Sparks, was incredible, and the things she said specifically, I believe, really hit home with him. We challenged them to really sincerely seek and pray to know whether she should be baptized, and they committed. I am anxious to see what comes of it! Wouldn't it be great if she got baptized this weekend before transfers?!
We have had to turn three potentials over to the Hermanas, but guess what?! Two of them are investigators now!! yay!! It doesn't matter if we are teaching them or not--we are one in the work of salvation!
There is a young woman in our ward named Larisa White. She is such a great example of being a member missionary!! She is the cutest little thing; she is 14 years old and just got done with 8th grade. She's a super shy and quiet person, but that doesn't hold her back! She gives me updates every week on how she is doing with giving away her copies of the Book of Mormon. Guess how many she's given away this transfer alone (6 weeks)....3!! Isn't she great? If Larisa can give away copies of the Book of Mormon to her friends, I would think we could all naturally share what we hold so dear!!
I have gained such a strong testimony of faith and prayer. God works through our faith. Faith is power. Miracles can and will occur!! through our hope and faith in Him. While I was studying it just hit me--I need to have more faith and trust in Him that I can bring people to baptism! I know He will soften the hearts of these people and fill my mouth with the words they need to hear in order to come unto Him and receive Eternal Life. That's what it's all about!!!
I love you all and wish you the best this week. You are incredible and choice children of your Father in Heaven. I know that to be true.
--Sister Marissa Budge