LAST UPDATE! March 16th, 2015

Dear All,

Well, this is the last email. What a journey! Most rewarding, stressful, blissful, up, down, all around, never trade for anything experience! I am excited for another chapter of my life to start and a chapter finished off with the words, "God is good!"

We had a night where all of our appointments canceled. BUT when God closes a window or door, somewhere He opens another one.This new open door came in the form of being able to update a Ward Mission Leader on whom we were teaching in his ward and he told us of an opportunity to possibly teach another individual in his ward! Also we ran into a less active that before hasn't been open to us about spiritual things but this night he did start asking us questions about God and prayer and how the Holy Ghost works. We bore our testimonies and taught him about receiving revelation and encouraged him to pray every day. He accepted and we scheduled a time to follow up as well as start teaching him! Also last week a lesson we didn't know how to approach or how it was going to go turned out great! Another one of our less actives opened up to discussion about religion more then she had! I was amazing!

Experiences like these reinforce my understanding that situations that seem like 'flops' are really moments of undiscovered and prepared opportunities! God knows our needs, He knows those around us needs, whom we can reach out to, when would be the best time to reach out to them and what they need. As we are open and willing to brush off 'failures' and look for opportunities we are blessed immensely! We bless other people lives as well! 

Fellow children of God, I know that God loves all of us. His love is evident in the fact that He speaks to us today through living prophets. His love is evident in the wonderful family and friends that support and love us. His love is evident in Him sending His Only Begotten Son to suffer for our sins and also our afflictions that He might know how to succor us. His love is evident in the fact that His prophets and the priesthood were lost for a time but were restored to the Prophet Joesph Smith in preparation for the return of Jesus Christ to the earth. We can feel His love as we turn to Him in prayer and as we keep His commandments. He lives, He loves us - These truths never change. In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

God is good~Sister Sarah Meldrom

Well, this is it.... and thank goodness I have a slow moment at work and I can pass on Sarah's last email right now! Because WHO knows how the rest of my week is going to go. =)

I know that I was not the best at passing along the emails, and I apologize. Just think, no more waiting to get an email update!!!

We are excited to be able to pick Sarah up from the STL airport Thursday night! It is crazy to think 18 months could feel so long, yet seem so short. I am just glad that it has been a blessed 18 months. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Love you all,

Beth

March 9th, 2015

Dear All,

Monday we went to our first lesson to a Sister Smith in one of our wards who wanted us to come to teach her granddaughter before her baptism because of her limited knowledge of the gospel. Turns out that the grandparents(Sister that called and set everything up and her husband) were in my Branch Presidency in the MTC and the Brother is actually the one I had an interview with when I was at the MTC. It was fun to see them and yet again another experience of 'small world!'.

Tuesday we went to a special mobile device training meeting. Brother Lee Donaldson from the Preach My Gospel videos, District 2 (who is now in the Missionary Department in Salt Lake) and Elder Don Clark (whom we had tour our mission back in December) were present and led the Training. This meeting officially kicked off the Utah Provo Mission as a now 'Implimenting' Mission for the Mobile Devices. For the past 18 months the UPM has had missionaries on Ipads where they have kept records of those whom they are teaching, been on Facebook and everything in between. The Missionary Department has learned a lot from the 30 some missions that tested the Ipads with missionaries. They have seen the great and the ugly. From what they have learned they are starting all 30 missions over as if we didn't have Ipads and starting a hundred or so others in the United States and Canada. The Ipad will have protections against most inappropriate usage but I loved that through out the training they stressed that the most important filter of all is our own personal testimonies of the Savior and the Gospel. The very first reason missionaries even have the Ipads in the first place is so that we can learn the correct usage of the Internet and technology. The Brethren said they are going to keep working with the missionaries until they understand that they need to seek after the good, not the bad. No more taking Ipads away from disobedience missionaries, but patient and hopefully progressive help in the right direction. "There is no other way to raise a generation of sin depeling young people." By how the next period of time will go they will keep learning and growing until like they said, "We get it right." They said this whole thing is riding on a lot of faith! They also said that God trusts in us! What an exciting time to be alive!

I know that my Savior loves me.I know He lives! I can not count the many times I have cried unto Him and He has helped me. He doesn't take our burdens away but lightens them. He died for all of us. He suffered all of our pain that He might have mercy and understand what we are going through. As it says at the end of a document called The Living Christ" God be thanked for the matchless gift of His Divine Son."

God is good,

Sister Sarah Meldrom

February 23rd, 2015

Dear All,

 I loved this past weeks Zone Confernece. I felt edified more then any previous conference. This feeling may stem from the fact that I don't beat myself up as much so I saw possibilities and hope instead of discouragement from the instruction.

Sister Allen, Sister Johansen, Sister Kava and I met together this past week and set some goals for our areas individually but also what we can accomplish together as a whole. We are praying for the Lord's help to perform step by step a miracle in the which we can help the Orem Canyon View and Orem Canyon View Spanish areas have 15 LARC lessons a week and have the same amount of lessons with a member present. We are going to strive for 75% True fellowshipping and basically talk to anyone we see outside from now until we leave this area. I have faith that a least something, but definitely what the Lord wants to happen, will happen as we serve diligently, pray fervently and obey exactly.

A less active Sister we started teaching a week or so ago texted us this past week and told us that her husband wants to join in on the lessons. We are excited and happy about this because he is also less active, we haven't met him before and from what we have heard he has been very uninterested about the gospel. If his intents are humble we hope to point this wonderful couple to the temple so they can prepare themselves to be an eternal family. I will let you know next week how our appointment on Wednesday goes.

We had the amazing opportunity to have dinner with the soon to be Orem Mission President Killpack, his wife and their two children, their sons fiance and Sister Killpack mother this past week. I was deeply impressed with their genuine love for Jesus Christ and His gospel in the form of a very 'missionary minded' decor around their house and the focus of our conversations. I have no doubts that President Killpack and Sister Killpack will begin and lead the soon to be organized Utah Orem Mission into much success by building the kingdom of God within the mission boundaries. They feel inadequate with such a call but I have seen how God qualifies the called. 

I have been focusing a lot of my study time recently on the promises God makes with us in the scriptures and through modern prophets. I don't expect to find every promise related to every commandment but what I have found has strengthened my testimony of the commandments He does give us and why. Perhaps the greatest promise of all is that God WILL keep all of His promises. (see D7C 82:10, Ether 12:21 and D&C 1:38 on lds.org) He is aware of all that He has promised to us. He will not forget, break or disregard even the smallest promise. His 'work and glory is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life' and He does not stray from that vision that He has for us because He loves us.

God is good,
Sister Meldrom

February 16th, 2015

Dear All, 

One day for studies I was feeling kind of blah about studying. I said a prayer to receive help to feel more motivated and felt like I should review my journal for the last 'President Interview' notes I took. While reviewing I saw how he had mentioned that Jesus Christ is the true vine, and we are the branches. I was intrigued so I turned looked up that phrase and read John 15. What a treasure! I love this chapter because it can speak to all and any of us that are seeking to 'bring forth good fruit' whether that is trying to raise children, share the gospel of Jesus Christ or striving to be successful in our work or school. Jesus Christ IS the true vine. We can produce and do the most good when we allow Him to be our source of our strength, help and life. I invite you to read John 15 and see what treasures you can find.

We had our first lesson with a new investigator named Fransisco last Monday. We began by asking questions about his religious background and his desire to meet with missionaries. He then told us of an experience he had which he considers a miracle and which has turned his heart toward God more then ever before.

His girlfriend, 6 months ago had their baby, a boy, born 2 months early. Francisco said he prayed while she was having their baby, Eric, and prayed as their son lay in the incubator, struggling to live. His girlfriend's father is a active member of the church and a Bishop in American Fork. He said that her father gave their son a Priesthood blessing and Eric was able to go home at two weeks instead of the two months the doctors predicted. Seeing Eric you would not guess he is a 'preemie.' He is healthy, happy and tall baby. Francisco teared up as he told us this miracle and told us that he knows God is there for us and that he is drawn to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints because we believe families can be together forever by making sacred covenants in the temple. Our lesson was amazing. Both Brenda and Francisco showed an eagerness to learn and accept the gospel with all their heart. I know it was the Spirit and their humility that helped Francisco accepted baptism and for his eagerness to read the Book of Mormon so he can know for himself. 

To me this is just a reminder of the joy that we can partake of if we just turn to God, even with what we would consider the smallest portion of faith and hope. This is why we share about Jesus Christ and his gospel; because all deserve happiness.

God is good,

Sister Sarah Meldrom

February 9th, 2015

Dear All,

There are so many things I want to include and I don't have enough time :) I am loving my new area, my new companion, the new people to meet, the fact we are walking, that I am able to do MyPlan every day and just all over being a missionary!

My new companions name is Sister Allen from Fort Worth area Texas. She is the oldest of 6 kids, was home school and both her parents are retired from the military. She is a year younger then me, born into the LDS church but fell away for a time and now is back with a strong testimony of God's love and mercy! God knew I would need Sister Allen. I am glad we are together!

I have seen how God is helping me as I try to talk to everyone I can as we walk around. I tell myself, 'Just focus on the things you love best like the scriptures, the Savior and your family and ask them for referrals.'  My companion and I have had good conversations with many people by being willing, and following through with the willingness to open our mouths!

I am not feeling particularly inclined to include anything else specific this week.. I am happy. Missions are wonderful! If you are considering serving, pray and fast about it. Giving up your time for the Lord helps Him to mold you into a better person. The most important molding however comes as you help God to help His children to come unto Him so He can make out of their lives more then they can make on their own. They partake of His love and goodness and it fills their lives. 

God is good,
Sister Sarah Meldrom 

February 2nd, 2015

Dear All,

We had the marvelous privilege to have two baptism this week! 

On Wednesday we had the baptism for Brandon Bryant. A comment a friend of his made at the baptism sums up what we all feel, "I never thought this day would come!" It has definitely been a series of God working miracles in Brandon life that has brought him to this point and will continue to carry him. Despite the fact we didn't know the font was draining as we started the program, and the less then two feet of water Brandon journey has begun. He has good friends to stand by his side and a ward to be a support to him. Next step to help him go to the temple to do work for his ancestors!

On Saturday we participated in the baptism for Kyle Thornton. He was SO prepared to receive the gospel and make covenants to follow Jesus Christ! He accepted all the commandments wholeheartedly and looks forward to receiving the priesthood and going to the temple to do work for his ancestor so they can feel the same joy that he has had. Kyle also has many good friends to support him. He will be a good future father and priesthood holder for his family and will bless many people lives through his optimism and bright nature!

Both Brothers were confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints yesterday in their respective wards. Both Brothers are from the same Stake(a boundary of a couple of wards)!

We met a Brother that has background in a breakoff religion from LDS that practices polygamy. This young man has prepared himself with God's help for many years to be able to at this time work more actively to pursue his desire to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His testimony in Christ is so strong. He knows that President Thomas S Monson is the living prophet. He has received a witness as he has prayed about it. He wants to be sealed to his wife(who is less active) and their 6 month old daughter. What a miracles God works in our lives!

We have had the blessing to be able to teach a sixteen year old investigator named Sydney the last couple of weeks as she visited with family friends. She left this morning to go back to Spokane, WA with a testimony that she knew for herself that the Book of Mormon is true, given to her by the prompting of the Spirit as she read and prayed about it sincerely. We are planning to contact the ward up there so they can strengthen and help Sydney with the important and life changing decisions that she has to make. Her parents don't yet understand why she has this conviction and it may be tough for her, but God gave her an answer for a reason. We love her dearly but I am sure it is only a fraction of the love God feels for her.

I being transferred to a new area and adventure on Wednesday! I am grateful for this opportunity I had to grow with the tender care of God's hand through Sister Glancy, this area and through my calling as a Sister Training Leader. I look forward to meeting my new companion!

God is good :)

Sister Sarah Meldrom

January 26th, 2015

Dear All,

Yesterday we had splits and I went to our investigator Keenan's lesson. We planned to teach about the Word of Wisdom but Keenan brought up a scripture that stood out to him that day so we all turned to it. 3 Nephi 27:20. We asked him what he liked about this scripture and in so many words he told us it was an answer to what he keeps thinking about, being baptized. We ended up talking about repentance and baptism and Keenan blew me away as he described what repentance does for him. We didn't think he understood repentance very well when we taught it. just goes to show that the Spirit is the real teacher. He was more open then our last visit, only a couple days previous! I extended the invitation of baptism like we have done before and invited him to be baptized February 14th. He accepted without hesitation. Now this is a miracle! I am still speechless. Keenan wasn't 'progressing' at the beginning but something that God helped him understand caused him to have a change of heart! God works in mysterious and often, surprising ways!

I was able to go on exchanges with Sister Vorhies, who is serving in the Heber Spanish area. I wasn't much help in lessons but she and I had good discussion in between about real desire and about the gift of tongues. Sister Vorhies has only just came out and is sometimes impatient with herself that she can't speak Spanish as well as she would like. But she understands almost everything, every one says. We talked about how this comes from wanting to be better and from the blessing of the gift of tongues! she is a wonderful sister and will be a great blessing to the mission.

We had the privilege to participate in Greta baptism on Saturday. It was short and simple and Greta face was radiant the whole time. I am so glad her parents are striving the best they can to raise her in the gospel! Their family is an example of having your testimony planted in Jesus Christ and His teachings, not on the often imperfect people that you interact with and even find hurt from.

God is good, and I mean it! How carefully, quietly he works in our lives for the better. He will never over step our agency so we have to let Him in and then He can work miracles.

"He was stone cold at first, but we melted his heart!" With Sister Glancy

Sister Sarah Meldrom

January 19th, 2015

Dear All,

I had the privilege to go on exchanges with another of our wonderful
Sisters in one of the Zones we cover as Sister Training Leaders. I
still feel inadequate slightly about this leadership responsibility
still but I am reminded every time that things work out when we turn
them over to God's capable hands.

We also had President Interviews this week. I always look forward to
them. My love for these interviews I believe stems from the forgotten,
but still cherished moment when I, like we all did, had our interview
with God before our birth. When we have an interview with our loving
priesthood leaders it is a reflection of the interview we had with
Him. We can still have constant interviews with Him through prayer.

Colton, one of our investigator, is coming to build a stronger
relationship with God through the Book of Mormon. You can see it in
his countenance. He is more at peace with himself and cherishes what
he reads from the Book of Mormon. Every time we come to visit he tells
us how he is receiving ideas and solutions to problems like he has
never yet received before with his job and his life. Colton's
testimony is just developing about the Book of Mormon yet it is
impacting his life! Are you allowing the Book of Mormon to impact your
life?

As we taught Kyle about the commandments of the Word of Wisdom and
Tithing he faithfully accepted both without question. I marvel at his
faith. I can see how he truly loves God by his diligence in accepting
God's commitments given to him through us. I have seen how the
scripture in Alma is fulfilled over and over again as those who are
prepared by God come into the lives of those who can help them. God is
preparing hearts everywhere. He is gather is sheep; those that hear
His voice and follow.

God is the source of all good.
Sister Meldrom

January 12th, 2015

Dear All,

As a Sister Training Leader we have monthly meetings called Missionary
Leadership Council. I promised myself I would do my part for this
council by speaking my ideas more but I didn't so much as peep the
whole time.
The counsel President McCune gave in the beginning keeps playing
through my mind, something along the lines of a council needs everyone
to participate. It was interesting on Saturday as we went to the Adult
Session of the Edgemont South Stake Conference how the theme was
Councils. Each speaker had a different though or angle about
councils/counseling. There are many councils we can participate in.
Are we counseling with God in prayer? Do we gather as a family, or a
couple as a council and speak one with another on our problems or
success and ideas? It is said when God wants us to pay close attention
to something it is repeated many times. This week the counsel to
counsel has been emphasized and it seems an invitation to me
personally, but to all of us really, to counsel more one with another.

We have an investigator named Colton who we finally managed to figure
out what YSA Ward he lives in and brought Fellowshipper from his ward
to our last lesson. It was amazing to see how both of the
Fellowshippers brought unique perspective that Colton needed. They
offer to read the Book of Mormon with him and to bring him to church.
He seemed to progress better then in any previous lesson. I believe
strongly God knew he would need these good Young Single Adults to help
him. I have a testimony that it is so important to help everyone have
a True Friend!

Bryson didn't pray this last week. He thought about it though. At the
end of our lesson with him this past week we asked him to say the
closing prayer but he refused several times. Finally we asked him if
we could all kneel and say our own personal prayers. He reluctantly
agreed telling us he wasn't going to pray but he would kneel. After we
were all done expressing our thoughts to God we asked him if he had
prayed. He told us we wasn't sure, he really only 'thought of some
things.' It was slight but I could tell 'just thinking of things' had
helped him.
God love us and He listens. His comfort is most desirable and happy of
any comfort. He knows our needs. We just have to let Him in, no matter
how insignificant or unsure we are of how we do so.

God is good,
Sister Meldrom