WE SET A BAPTISMAL DATE WITH AN INVESTIGATOR THIS WEEK!! Tasha. The one where we got up to sing that one Sunday and the member from Hendersonville came and found us and he brought his girlfriend to church. Well she is beyond prepared. We met with her for the first time on Friday. She is already in Alma 44 and understand all of it. It was a really powerful lesson. I feel like the Lord prepares me, before we have a good lesson. You can just feel it. Well we decided to pick February 14th as her baptismal date, when we committed her. We went through the restoration with her. When we got to the BOM and priesthood authority we bore our testimonies. Sister Oldroyd had priesthood authority and was to scared to commit her to be baptized. So eventually I did. She accepted yes in a heart beat. I then proceeded to tell her how proud Heavenly Father was of her, as well as her mom. (Her mom passed away 3 years ago and this is the first time she has been to church since). She was bawling, brother pears was bawling and I did know how proud they both were of her. She then proceeded to bear her testimony of the BOM. She said she hates it when people interrupt her at work while she is reading it, and that she can feel a difference when she does and doesn't read. GOLDEN INVESTIGATOR. It's so amazing to see how people's lives changes from living the gospel, the blessings that come, and the joy they experience. It makes it worth all of these past 4 1/2 months we've been tracting every hour of every day. So we will continue to teach her and prepare her to be baptized on February 14th!!
This week we actually taught seminary at 5:55 in the morning. These kids out here are very devoted! I don't know how they do early morning seminary. But it was amazing! We taught about D&C 88:71-117.
Then we went on exchanges... I went to Providence B (west Nash) with Hermana Holman. She is the greatest. I still don't understand what goes on in lessons, but she taught me "Yo say que estas cosas son verdaderas" to say. Which says "I know the things she said are true". I may not understand, but the spirit is so strong, no matter what the language, the spirit is still the same. Also she has read hair too, everyone kept asking if we were "real sisters" haha kind of funny.
Then the next day I went on exchanges with Sister Ferrin in Nolensville. We saw so many miracles. I cannot even explain. We followed up with Haval, our Iraqi friend. He pretty much told us all about the quaran and wants to marry us and be a Muslim. So that was interesting.
We also volunteer at a senior living center. We go twice a week. The first time we went we did exercises with them. They are intense! Then the second time we went we played dominos with them. Don't ever underestimate the ability of old folks with Alzheimers. They are seriously pro.
We have been going through a list of less actives the Ward council gave us. We found a less active, Alejandra, who wants to come back! She actually came to church on Sunday!! It was such a miracle.
Then we were trying to contact another less active. We tried him a couple days prior, but we drove by his house, so we decided to try again. Well we knocked on his front door and no one answered, I saw they had a side door, so I said let's try it! Well as we are walking up to the side door it opens, (it's like 8:30 at night and dark, we are in our big black jackets too). Well it opens so I yell "Hello!" The guy looks up and swears and stands there with his hand over his heart. We were like hey we are looking for Pedro! Does he live here? He said no. I saw he is still bend over holding his heart. So I ask if he's okay. Well he said "I have heart problems" then he started to yell inside for help. I think I gave that man a heart attack!!!! Seriously. I didn't want to give him our card either, because I didn't want him to sue us. I also thought he was reaching inside for a gun or something. So we yelled sorry and sprinted to the car!! It was so sad. I felt so bad, but I was so scared!
We also have been doing this banana bread bonanza! Where we make banana bread and give it to less actives and members. Who knew banana bread could soften so many hearts!! We have gotten in with so many people this week.
This week has been full of miracles. Out of my whole mission, this week beats them all. It was amazing to see how the lord just prepares people, and his timing is perfect. How the BOM can change a person if they truly desire to know the truth. I sure love the BOM and know it's true.
President Ezra Taft Benson stated about the BOM:
The Book of Mormon has not been, nor is it yet, the center of our personal study, family teaching, preaching, and missionary work. Of this we must repent.”
“We have not been using the Book of Mormon as we should. Our homes are not as strong unless we are using it to bring our children to Christ. Our families may be corrupted by worldly trends and teachings unless we know how to use the book to expose and combat falsehoods. … Our missionaries are not as effective unless they are [teaching] with it. Social, ethical, cultural, or educational converts will not survive under the heat of the day unless their taproots go down to the fulness of the gospel which the Book of Mormon contains. Our Church classes are not as Spirit-filled unless we hold it up as a standard.”
“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity--the pure love of Christ--will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness”
How are your studies and your families study of the BOM going?
Love you!! Have a great week.
Sister Gates
Sofia Jensens baptism. Sure love this girl and her family!!
Exchanges with Hna Holman. Everyone asked if we were "sisters" haha red hair and sister name tags.
Exchanges with Sister Ferrin!!
Exchanges with Hna Holman in Providence B. Carmen took us to eat at O'Charleys. Her brother is on a mission in St. George!
Enjoying our pray with the green hills sisters and YSA at sweet cece's!! In the freezing cold weather
Just enjoying some valentines Krispy Kareem's before we started our fast!!
Mom you were inspired to send pretzels. We were craving them all week.
Found a St. George church!
Waiting for the bus at Green Hills after spending our p day with the sisters there:)
Exchanges with Sister Ferrin. Dominos at the senior living center..... They are pro. No doubt.
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