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