Dear All,
Miracles! All the time! Small or great~ Miracles!
Our reluctant investigator, Cecil, had a serious discussion with us on
Tuesday. We don't even know how it started, just all the sudden we
were talking about faith, the Book of Mormon, God, the law of
Chastity, and other truths. The major stride we made with him was
helping him see he has faith in God.
We talked about faith at one point and he bristled up saying he doesn't
believe in something he can't see. Through some questions and explanation
of what faith and truth are we helped him to see he DOES have faith in God,
even though he hasn't physically seen him. We invited him to act on his faith of
God and ask God what all the dreams he has had mean. We will see if he
follows through ;)
On Thursday we stopped by another investigator house, Tom, because he
has neither answer our text or return our calls for the past week. We
were worried. We knocked on the door and his land lord told us he
hadn't seen Tom in a week either. We thanked the land lord and then
just stood their chatting with him. We learned many things about him
including he is a professional surfer, owns a huge elevator repair company
and claims to have a 20 year worth of food storage! We also learned that
he isn't a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
At one point in our conversation we bore our testimony of the Book of
Mormon and a light sparked in his eyes and he told us next time we
come around for Tom he wants to listen too! Needless to say we left a
bit speechless. God certainly does work in mysterious ways.
Friday we had a double whopper of amazing investigator lessons! The
first was with Elisabeth. We went over the plan of Salvation with cut
outs and answered any questions she had. At the beginning of the
lessons she didn't know her purpose on earth, but at the end she told
us she now knew, and it felt good and it made sense to her, that she
is here to become like God and to gain a body like our Heavenly
Father. We know that she understands this for herself because the
Spirit taught her despite our weakness of speech. I am so glad God
speaks to us in ways we understand through his Spirit!
The other investigator is a 18 year old young man. He told us through
texted he wanted to be baptized in the next 30 days and we learned he
has a LDS girlfriend. We didn't know what to really expect as we met
with him for the first time, maybe that he just wanted to join because
of her, but what came blew us away. He has studied, prayed and sought
God since his early teens. The LDS religion is the one of his
childhood until his parents removed themselves from it. He use to be
bitter toward the church because in his young mind it was the source
of all the heart ache, but as he's sought God in his trials he came to
know and desire to join the LDS church. He has wanted to be baptized
but his mother has forbad it his whole life previous. Now as an adult
he was ready to join no matter the family support, because he knew it
is true. He told us the number one draw he has to the LDS faith is the
truth that he will have his family forever if he lives as he should
and gets married in the temple. This is especially important to him
because he is joining the Navy in October and is going to become a
Navy Seal. We taught him the Restoration lesson and figured out the
baptism date of August 8th, the day before his girlfriend leaves for
college( he wanted her to be there). We are going to meet with him
practically every day to reach this goal. We left this appointment in
stunned. He has SO much courage!
God is good! I can't think of anything else to say that would
sufficiently express how grateful I am for Him.
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, July 28, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
July 21st, 2014
Dear All,
On Tuesday we stopped by a less active member, Sister Ramsey, and found her just coming outside with her dog. She told us she was 'a mess' while she was swaying a bit. We already guessed but she said it also, 'Sorry Sisters, I am drunk.' She then went on to tell us why. Her son, who had to go to juvenile detention unjustly, has another 200 hours added on top of his already 200 hours. Sister Ramsey was weeping as we followed her inside her house. We sat and just listened, our hearts aching for her. We each shared a scripture and asked her if she would like a priesthood blessing of comfort. She agreed that she would like one and we asked whom she would like us to call. She told us the Bishop and his counselors, so we called but no one answered. It was getting late and she wanted to go to bed early so we got up, hugged her and left, promising that we would keep trying to contact the Bishop. As we got in the car one of the counselors called and told us that the Bishop was out of town until Wednesday evening but as soon as he was home he and the Bishop would go visit Sister Ramsey. We felt much better. Sister Ramsey remained in our thoughts the rest of the evening. We knew though that when the Bishop finally did come it would help her. We know this because Priesthood blessings have helped us. The Bishop was able to go and give her a blessing.
We received TWO referrals ( information about interested nonmembers) at the beginning of the week! We were so excited as soon as studies on Tuesday were over we called both of them and set up appointments! The one we have met so far is a early 20s young women living with a family in one of our wards. We had two great appointments, went to church and also a dinner gathering with her. She is a really amazing individual that desires something more in her life then what she currently has and has a feeling taking the lessons will help her find what she is looking for. ;) The other nonmember is a young man whom won't be home until late this coming week because he was on a business trip in Hawaii.
I was able to spend about 24 hours with my trainer on Thursday! She is a Sister Training Leader and every six weeks they 'exchange' with our companions so they can teach, encourage and listen to any concerns the Sisters may have. Normally these exchanges are either bothersome or a welcomed break, depending on how your relationship with your companion is. This time it was not so bothersome because I switch one companion for another but when it was over Sister McIntire and I were glad to be back together again. We are two peas in a pod :P
Sister McIntire, like I have mentioned before, can do balloon animals. She whipped them out again for a Ward breakfast we went to on Saturday. The kids loved it! I am going to have her teach me! It looks like fun! And it is a good way to 'break the ice' some people have built up as well :)
We had dinner on Saturday with a family and we were excited to learn that one of their sons is a good friend with one of the nonmembers we go do service and read the Book of Mormon to! This was a particularly amazing thing because this nonmember, Cecil, is a rough late 80s man that tells us he doesn't have friends. We invited this young man to invite Cecil to our talks we gave yesterday in the 21st Ward and Cecil came (he never comes to church!) with the young man! It was awesome! Cecil has hearing problems so he couldn't tell what anyone was saying but we are sure the spirit of the meeting touched his heart because he wasn't as gruff as he normally is. :P
I am grateful for the opportunity to go to church and partake of the sacrament. It always lifts my Spirit and I am ready for a new week!
God is good to me! Honor the pioneers this week by trying to do something a little bit beyond your comfort zone and show your love or care for another. Remember, "when you are in the service of your fellow being you are only in the service of your God"!
On Tuesday we stopped by a less active member, Sister Ramsey, and found her just coming outside with her dog. She told us she was 'a mess' while she was swaying a bit. We already guessed but she said it also, 'Sorry Sisters, I am drunk.' She then went on to tell us why. Her son, who had to go to juvenile detention unjustly, has another 200 hours added on top of his already 200 hours. Sister Ramsey was weeping as we followed her inside her house. We sat and just listened, our hearts aching for her. We each shared a scripture and asked her if she would like a priesthood blessing of comfort. She agreed that she would like one and we asked whom she would like us to call. She told us the Bishop and his counselors, so we called but no one answered. It was getting late and she wanted to go to bed early so we got up, hugged her and left, promising that we would keep trying to contact the Bishop. As we got in the car one of the counselors called and told us that the Bishop was out of town until Wednesday evening but as soon as he was home he and the Bishop would go visit Sister Ramsey. We felt much better. Sister Ramsey remained in our thoughts the rest of the evening. We knew though that when the Bishop finally did come it would help her. We know this because Priesthood blessings have helped us. The Bishop was able to go and give her a blessing.
We received TWO referrals ( information about interested nonmembers) at the beginning of the week! We were so excited as soon as studies on Tuesday were over we called both of them and set up appointments! The one we have met so far is a early 20s young women living with a family in one of our wards. We had two great appointments, went to church and also a dinner gathering with her. She is a really amazing individual that desires something more in her life then what she currently has and has a feeling taking the lessons will help her find what she is looking for. ;) The other nonmember is a young man whom won't be home until late this coming week because he was on a business trip in Hawaii.
I was able to spend about 24 hours with my trainer on Thursday! She is a Sister Training Leader and every six weeks they 'exchange' with our companions so they can teach, encourage and listen to any concerns the Sisters may have. Normally these exchanges are either bothersome or a welcomed break, depending on how your relationship with your companion is. This time it was not so bothersome because I switch one companion for another but when it was over Sister McIntire and I were glad to be back together again. We are two peas in a pod :P
Sister McIntire, like I have mentioned before, can do balloon animals. She whipped them out again for a Ward breakfast we went to on Saturday. The kids loved it! I am going to have her teach me! It looks like fun! And it is a good way to 'break the ice' some people have built up as well :)
We had dinner on Saturday with a family and we were excited to learn that one of their sons is a good friend with one of the nonmembers we go do service and read the Book of Mormon to! This was a particularly amazing thing because this nonmember, Cecil, is a rough late 80s man that tells us he doesn't have friends. We invited this young man to invite Cecil to our talks we gave yesterday in the 21st Ward and Cecil came (he never comes to church!) with the young man! It was awesome! Cecil has hearing problems so he couldn't tell what anyone was saying but we are sure the spirit of the meeting touched his heart because he wasn't as gruff as he normally is. :P
I am grateful for the opportunity to go to church and partake of the sacrament. It always lifts my Spirit and I am ready for a new week!
God is good to me! Honor the pioneers this week by trying to do something a little bit beyond your comfort zone and show your love or care for another. Remember, "when you are in the service of your fellow being you are only in the service of your God"!
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, July 14, 2014
July 14th, 2014
Dear All,
We had plenty of miracles this week! What miracles to highlight?.....
We talked to a Brother who was just rebaptized into the church and he gave us some good advice on how to help individuals who are questioning their faith or testimony. He told us that the Book of Mormon helped him through the long 5 years he worked his way back. He encouraged us to encourage others to read the Book of Mormon. It was great advice. I have started to slack in helping those we visit to maintain their study of the scriptures diligently. I know that the Book of Mormon does draw us closer to God and helps us better deal with life's' challenges.
We had a messy-fun FHE with the Rock family painting prayer rocks :D Some of the Rocks were painting the other Rocks. We apologized to Sister Rock that her Rocks were more painted then the rocks we brought.... At least they seem to all like the idea of prayer rocks which will help them to remember to pray!
We went to a park to go to a Ward Mother/Daughter activity we were invited to but as we approached the pavilion there was a awful lot more men then we thought for a M/D party. A sister came forward and started talking to us like we were in the right place so we relaxed and went into the pavilion. There was a band playing and a lot of food! We thought to ourselves and out loud that this was the most elaborate M/D party we had ever seen. THEN we learned, from the Sister that had greeted us, that we were actually at a family business party! We stood there, with this Sister heaping us with food, and wonder where the real party we were suppose to go to was. We double checked all of our information, verified that this was the right park, looked at each other, shrugged and went up to some people to talk to them. No referrals received but hopefully from our goof a seed was planted :P
Sister McIntire makes awesome balloon sculptures :P We used her awesome talent in one of our lessons this week with two kids. We focused on how the 10 commandments are the two great commandments broken down so that we can understand and follow them. We likened this to Sister McIntire showing them how to make a balloon sword, step by step. It was neat and it caught their attention.
On Saturday we were driving to our normal Saturday morning service at the Bishop's Storehouse when we saw a Sister we have been trying to contact outside blowing dirt off of her drive way. We turned around, got out and asked if she needed help doing yard work. She gratefully accepted our help pulling weeds. We worked until 12:30 pulling thistles, morning glories and a plastic eyeball from her garden :P Afterward when we were leaving she thanked us again and told us that she had been feeling overwhelmed with all that needed to be done and was trying to think of a solution when we showed up. We take no credit for this small miracle. God knows his children and usually answers their prayers through other people. I love what President Thomas S Monson said in his biography: "I want the Lord to know if He has an errand he has to run, 'Tommy' Monson will run it for Him." I want to live my life so that God can rely on me too! This week we have seen the small miracles that have helped us see He is trusting us more by allowing us to be answers to prayers.
God is good!
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, July 7, 2014
July 7th, 2014
Dear All,
I get to stay here in Lindon with Sister McIntire for another transfer! I am glad! Sister McIntire is awesome!
On Monday evening we went to a less active Sister's home that we have been trying to contact. We are also concerned for her because she is alone and going through a difficult time currently. We pulled up into her cul-de-sac and found her outside playing with her dog. We had just greeted her and got over small talk when the neighborhood sister came out as well. We stood outside talking to each other for almost an hour. Both of these sisters have had it rough the last couple of months. We shared 'Because of Him' and shared our testimonies on how the love of Christ pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart. I know that all that is unfair in life is made right, because and through Him, our Redeemer.
We have a goal as a companionship to have one baptism in our area for the month of July. We had one investigator in mind to invite and help her to baptized in July. As we met with both of our investigators on Tuesday. we realized that the investigator we were planning on helping to baptism in July wasn't feeling the desire to be baptized and the other investigator we have has the desire and is turning his life around. He has experienced a mighty change of heart and hardly anything will keep him back. He wants to make covenants with God through baptism, taking upon himself Christ's name and promising to serve him till the end. He knows only through Christ will his life here in mortality and beyond extend far beyond his imagination.
On the Fourth of July we were privileged to walk in the Provo Freedom Day Parade. Before the parade, it was like a family reunion! The whole mission was there milling about and talking to each other. It was pretty hot but there was plenty of water. In the parade Sister McIntire and I high-fived, knuckle bumped or shook anyone's hand that reached out. All in all we probably touched, squeezed or slapped 200 to 300 hands. It was so neat! One funny and also awesome thing that happened is that the little girls would come running up to where we were when they saw us coming and many of the little boys wouldn't even touch us but would do the same thing the girls did with the Elders :P You can tell who their heroes are, which is just fine, they will make fine Elders and Sisters someday, if they choose.
Sunday I had a marvelously small but meaningful experience. I was able to partake of the sacrament! Now we do partake of the sacrament every week but yesterday there was a greater sense of peace and love that I felt. I am not sure what this special experiences stems from besides God wanted me to feel extra loved and to share my experience. I bore my testimony of this in one of the Wards we attended. If any in the sight of my words is not currently partaking of the sacrament to renew their baptismal covenants I echo President Kimball's words, DO IT!
My peace and feelings are indescribable.
God is good,
Sister Sarah Meldrom
I get to stay here in Lindon with Sister McIntire for another transfer! I am glad! Sister McIntire is awesome!
On Monday evening we went to a less active Sister's home that we have been trying to contact. We are also concerned for her because she is alone and going through a difficult time currently. We pulled up into her cul-de-sac and found her outside playing with her dog. We had just greeted her and got over small talk when the neighborhood sister came out as well. We stood outside talking to each other for almost an hour. Both of these sisters have had it rough the last couple of months. We shared 'Because of Him' and shared our testimonies on how the love of Christ pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart. I know that all that is unfair in life is made right, because and through Him, our Redeemer.
We have a goal as a companionship to have one baptism in our area for the month of July. We had one investigator in mind to invite and help her to baptized in July. As we met with both of our investigators on Tuesday. we realized that the investigator we were planning on helping to baptism in July wasn't feeling the desire to be baptized and the other investigator we have has the desire and is turning his life around. He has experienced a mighty change of heart and hardly anything will keep him back. He wants to make covenants with God through baptism, taking upon himself Christ's name and promising to serve him till the end. He knows only through Christ will his life here in mortality and beyond extend far beyond his imagination.
On the Fourth of July we were privileged to walk in the Provo Freedom Day Parade. Before the parade, it was like a family reunion! The whole mission was there milling about and talking to each other. It was pretty hot but there was plenty of water. In the parade Sister McIntire and I high-fived, knuckle bumped or shook anyone's hand that reached out. All in all we probably touched, squeezed or slapped 200 to 300 hands. It was so neat! One funny and also awesome thing that happened is that the little girls would come running up to where we were when they saw us coming and many of the little boys wouldn't even touch us but would do the same thing the girls did with the Elders :P You can tell who their heroes are, which is just fine, they will make fine Elders and Sisters someday, if they choose.
Sunday I had a marvelously small but meaningful experience. I was able to partake of the sacrament! Now we do partake of the sacrament every week but yesterday there was a greater sense of peace and love that I felt. I am not sure what this special experiences stems from besides God wanted me to feel extra loved and to share my experience. I bore my testimony of this in one of the Wards we attended. If any in the sight of my words is not currently partaking of the sacrament to renew their baptismal covenants I echo President Kimball's words, DO IT!
My peace and feelings are indescribable.
God is good,
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