Dear All,
We were able to have Thanksgiving 'linner' with a less active Sister
and Brother we have been visiting on and off the past couple of weeks.
Her husband has never sat in on any of the lessons and has seemed
standoffish about the church.
At the end of our meal we shared a scripture and bore our testimony of
the gospel and asked them if they would like us to come more
regularly. They both agreed that they wanted the Spirit more in their
lives. It was amazing to see how the Spirit has softened her husband
heart and was softening his heart as we were there. God is amazing! I
know He has so many blessings in store for them if they will but
humbly seek and follow His will.
We had a lesson with Arthur this week and our lesson did not go as
planned but was what he needed. We planned to talk about 'real intent'
and how we show it but as we followed up with our previous commitment
he started talking about how confused he was about miracles and their
relationship to faith. We read some scriptures and bore our testimony
and he seem to be better at peace and understanding then before. I
know the Spirit guided our discussion so that Arthur could learned
something greater then words convey. I am grateful the Spirit is the
real and perfect teacher, and that God allows us to have the
responsibility to invite it into our lives through exact obedience to
His commandments and seeking to first obtain His word. I am beginning
to understand this principle better, one step at a time, just as
Arthur is learning the gospel.
God is good! He has blessed my life for 22 years and will continue to
do so! I know He loves me! I know He loves you! Show your gratitude
and love for Him by sharing His Gift! (See christmas.mormon.org)
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, December 1, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
November 17th, 2014
Dear All,
Wednesday as we sat eating lunch we got a phone call from the Mission
Office. I, my companion and 4 other companionship of Sisters had been
chosen to represent our mission in a film! We had the unique
opportunity to act a role in a Temple Open House training video for
Sister Missionaries doing open houses. It will be translated into several
languages and be a guide for sister missionaries all around the world.
Wednesday as we sat eating lunch we got a phone call from the Mission
Office. I, my companion and 4 other companionship of Sisters had been
chosen to represent our mission in a film! We had the unique
opportunity to act a role in a Temple Open House training video for
Sister Missionaries doing open houses. It will be translated into several
languages and be a guide for sister missionaries all around the world.
We filmed from 7am to 6pm Thursday and Friday.
We did scenario of good contact with visitors and also some things to
avoid. We also had a question and answer where we answered questions
posed to us from the director of 'How do you prepare spiritually and
physically for a Temple Open House?' 'How does this help you fulfill
your purpose as a missionary?'
I never knew just how much work it is to make a movie! We had a ton of
fun and learned a lot! A copy of the completed video will be sent to
We did scenario of good contact with visitors and also some things to
avoid. We also had a question and answer where we answered questions
posed to us from the director of 'How do you prepare spiritually and
physically for a Temple Open House?' 'How does this help you fulfill
your purpose as a missionary?'
I never knew just how much work it is to make a movie! We had a ton of
fun and learned a lot! A copy of the completed video will be sent to
Illinois as soon as it is complete!
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, November 10, 2014
November 10th, 2014
Dear All,
On Tuesday we had a RM (return missionary) Sister shadow us for the day. She works at the
MTC as an instructor to the new missionaries! She
told us she was observing how what they teach in the MTC helps us for
the mission field. I thought this was a perfect match for such an
observance because of my companion who still remembers well everything
she was taught and then there is me- that I am not so fresh ;P She just
observed and contributed to lesson as we asked her to. I saw God
blessing ME because throughout this otherwise somewhat intimidating
experience I was not overly concerned with how our day would go or
how it went. We were also blessed to have one of the most productive
evenings this week! I know that God is aware of those things that
bother us and He shows His love for us by helping us in the best way
possible!
That same day we stopped by a less active YSA named Jon and his three
other brothers apartment. We hadn't heard much from them recently. Only
Jon and his active Brother Josh were home, the other two were at work.
We visit briefly and shared a scripture and our testimony about the
importance of scripture study and prayer, both acts of faith Jon is
struggling with. We schedule a time to meet again and left with a
prayer. As we walked out and on to our next destination I pondered on
this experience and with wonder recognized how much more open this
young man was to accept our invitation to read and pray. My heart
turned to thanks to God! His influence is working in this young mans
life and WILL change his life for the better if he lets it be so. I
have seen this many times throughout my mission, and I am amazed and
grateful every time! Allowing God into our lives changes our lives! I
know this is true!
We have for some time been trying to have a lesson with this sister
named Amber and her three wonderful daughters, whom we had been told
were not members. This past week we learned where her father and step
mother lived and went over to their home to ask if they knew if
she was even interested. He encouraged us to keep trying and told us
his daughter was a member, just less active. He told us he had talked
to his granddaughters about the missionaries and every Sunday he takes
them to church. They are growing to love going to church and have many
questions. He said it is prime time to set something up with them.
We are excited and still haven't been able to schedule anything
because of their busy schedules but we are not deterred. From the
brief interactions we have had with Amber's daughters, who are the
ones who always answer the door, we have grown to love them and know
that when the time is right God will help it all work together, as He
always does!
We had a lesson with Arthur, one of our investigators, where we
discussed his reading from the book of Moroni this past week. He told
us he had just skimmed the surface in order to have completed the book
by the time we had our appointment and planned to dive more into it
for further study. We asked him about his impression of it so far. He
told us he has found it all 'scriptural' and nothing he has found goes
against the Bible. We discussed particular verses and the doctrine
from certain chapters he had questions about. We inquired whether he
had prayed about what he read and he said he had but had received no
answer thus far. We asked him about his expectations of an answer and
he described what we had talked about with the spirit being a small
voice, thought or impression and one that gives feelings of peace and
happiness. Through the whole thing we were happy to see he IS
sincerely inquiring and studying. We know he will receive his answer
because he has prepared himself and is pressing forward despite not
receiving an answer yet. He has great faith in Christ and the Bible
and is willing to exercise greater faith in asking God for himself if
the Book of Mormon is TRUELY the word of God. We are privileged to be
able to teach Arthur.
God is good!
Sister Sarah Meldrom
On Tuesday we had a RM (return missionary) Sister shadow us for the day. She works at the
MTC as an instructor to the new missionaries! She
told us she was observing how what they teach in the MTC helps us for
the mission field. I thought this was a perfect match for such an
observance because of my companion who still remembers well everything
she was taught and then there is me- that I am not so fresh ;P She just
observed and contributed to lesson as we asked her to. I saw God
blessing ME because throughout this otherwise somewhat intimidating
experience I was not overly concerned with how our day would go or
how it went. We were also blessed to have one of the most productive
evenings this week! I know that God is aware of those things that
bother us and He shows His love for us by helping us in the best way
possible!
That same day we stopped by a less active YSA named Jon and his three
other brothers apartment. We hadn't heard much from them recently. Only
Jon and his active Brother Josh were home, the other two were at work.
We visit briefly and shared a scripture and our testimony about the
importance of scripture study and prayer, both acts of faith Jon is
struggling with. We schedule a time to meet again and left with a
prayer. As we walked out and on to our next destination I pondered on
this experience and with wonder recognized how much more open this
young man was to accept our invitation to read and pray. My heart
turned to thanks to God! His influence is working in this young mans
life and WILL change his life for the better if he lets it be so. I
have seen this many times throughout my mission, and I am amazed and
grateful every time! Allowing God into our lives changes our lives! I
know this is true!
We have for some time been trying to have a lesson with this sister
named Amber and her three wonderful daughters, whom we had been told
were not members. This past week we learned where her father and step
mother lived and went over to their home to ask if they knew if
she was even interested. He encouraged us to keep trying and told us
his daughter was a member, just less active. He told us he had talked
to his granddaughters about the missionaries and every Sunday he takes
them to church. They are growing to love going to church and have many
questions. He said it is prime time to set something up with them.
We are excited and still haven't been able to schedule anything
because of their busy schedules but we are not deterred. From the
brief interactions we have had with Amber's daughters, who are the
ones who always answer the door, we have grown to love them and know
that when the time is right God will help it all work together, as He
always does!
We had a lesson with Arthur, one of our investigators, where we
discussed his reading from the book of Moroni this past week. He told
us he had just skimmed the surface in order to have completed the book
by the time we had our appointment and planned to dive more into it
for further study. We asked him about his impression of it so far. He
told us he has found it all 'scriptural' and nothing he has found goes
against the Bible. We discussed particular verses and the doctrine
from certain chapters he had questions about. We inquired whether he
had prayed about what he read and he said he had but had received no
answer thus far. We asked him about his expectations of an answer and
he described what we had talked about with the spirit being a small
voice, thought or impression and one that gives feelings of peace and
happiness. Through the whole thing we were happy to see he IS
sincerely inquiring and studying. We know he will receive his answer
because he has prepared himself and is pressing forward despite not
receiving an answer yet. He has great faith in Christ and the Bible
and is willing to exercise greater faith in asking God for himself if
the Book of Mormon is TRUELY the word of God. We are privileged to be
able to teach Arthur.
God is good!
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, November 3, 2014
November 3rd, 2014
Dear All,
I have a wonderful companion. She is prepared, has a testimony and teaches to the persons needs. I have no doubts she is going to bless ALL she associates with just as she has blessed me through our companionship.
We received a referral for a nonmember young women, who we were told could possibly be interested in the gospel, two weeks ago but haven't been able to contact her yet. On Saturday we met some RMs (return missionaires) from one of our YSA Wards for lunch and were surprised to learn that all of them knew this young women. They became excited as they concocted together a plan to keep fellow-shipping her through activities and eventually ask her, if she would like, to take the missionary discussion! This miracle reminded me that there ARE angels preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive the message and most often it is the regular, everyday member missionary that the greatest success and friendships blossom and grow! It also solidifies the fact that we ARE led to where God needs us to be. We need to seek His direction for He knows the best way to approach and love others. After all, He is their Father too! He knows what you need and for those around you too! :)
We were able to receive a new phone, same phone number, this past week and were humored to see that we had 13 missed calls, 6 of which were from two brothers from one of our wards that found our phone and were calling us that they had one of our phones that they found. They didn't know that was our only phone :P We since retrieved our older phone and plan to return the newer phone today. What a blessing it is to have kind members that are willing to help and do what they can for you ;)
We had a FUN Zone Activity last Monday. It was kind of like the Amazing Race I am told (haven't ever seen that show) and we started at one point at BYU (had to walk everywhere unless a person offered to give us a ride) and had from 1 to 4pm to collect referrals, pictures at certain spots and of serving others, singing hymns and giving out Book of Mormons. Sister Inman and I ended up giving both of our Book of Mormons away, got one referral, served a Sister and sang I know My Father Lives (she is the widow of the brother that wrote that song!) singing to another Sister a Christmas song and taking pictures in front of 3 of the 5 destinations. One of the best Zone Activity I have participated in! Fun and fulfilling our purpose!
One of our Ward Mission Leaders had the great idea to make M&M Meet the Missionaries treats for us to hand out to members in his ward so that we are being seen and so we are on the members minds. So far it has yielded some grateful members and one Less active referral and that was only 4 houses!
Toward the end of a lesson on the Holy Ghost with one of our investigators whom is 'just collecting knowledge' we asked him frankly what and where he is trying to go with our meetings. He was puzzled and told us he didn't know where he wanted to go. After some thought he told us he wants to know the Book of Mormon is the word of God, just as the Bible. We encouraged him to sincere desire to learn for himself and recommitted him to study and pray about it. He accepted and told us he would tell us what he discovers. We feel like he will receive an answer! He is ready for it because he humbly wants it!
I am SO grateful for this time given to labor with all my might! I am healthy, happy and helped in every step! God is good!
Sister Sarah Meldrom
I have a wonderful companion. She is prepared, has a testimony and teaches to the persons needs. I have no doubts she is going to bless ALL she associates with just as she has blessed me through our companionship.
We received a referral for a nonmember young women, who we were told could possibly be interested in the gospel, two weeks ago but haven't been able to contact her yet. On Saturday we met some RMs (return missionaires) from one of our YSA Wards for lunch and were surprised to learn that all of them knew this young women. They became excited as they concocted together a plan to keep fellow-shipping her through activities and eventually ask her, if she would like, to take the missionary discussion! This miracle reminded me that there ARE angels preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive the message and most often it is the regular, everyday member missionary that the greatest success and friendships blossom and grow! It also solidifies the fact that we ARE led to where God needs us to be. We need to seek His direction for He knows the best way to approach and love others. After all, He is their Father too! He knows what you need and for those around you too! :)
We were able to receive a new phone, same phone number, this past week and were humored to see that we had 13 missed calls, 6 of which were from two brothers from one of our wards that found our phone and were calling us that they had one of our phones that they found. They didn't know that was our only phone :P We since retrieved our older phone and plan to return the newer phone today. What a blessing it is to have kind members that are willing to help and do what they can for you ;)
We had a FUN Zone Activity last Monday. It was kind of like the Amazing Race I am told (haven't ever seen that show) and we started at one point at BYU (had to walk everywhere unless a person offered to give us a ride) and had from 1 to 4pm to collect referrals, pictures at certain spots and of serving others, singing hymns and giving out Book of Mormons. Sister Inman and I ended up giving both of our Book of Mormons away, got one referral, served a Sister and sang I know My Father Lives (she is the widow of the brother that wrote that song!) singing to another Sister a Christmas song and taking pictures in front of 3 of the 5 destinations. One of the best Zone Activity I have participated in! Fun and fulfilling our purpose!
One of our Ward Mission Leaders had the great idea to make M&M Meet the Missionaries treats for us to hand out to members in his ward so that we are being seen and so we are on the members minds. So far it has yielded some grateful members and one Less active referral and that was only 4 houses!
Toward the end of a lesson on the Holy Ghost with one of our investigators whom is 'just collecting knowledge' we asked him frankly what and where he is trying to go with our meetings. He was puzzled and told us he didn't know where he wanted to go. After some thought he told us he wants to know the Book of Mormon is the word of God, just as the Bible. We encouraged him to sincere desire to learn for himself and recommitted him to study and pray about it. He accepted and told us he would tell us what he discovers. We feel like he will receive an answer! He is ready for it because he humbly wants it!
I am SO grateful for this time given to labor with all my might! I am healthy, happy and helped in every step! God is good!
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, October 27, 2014
October 27th, 2014
Dear All,
We stopped by a less active on Monday and caught her home for the
first time in weeks. We talked with catching up a bit then we asked
her about the previous invitation we extended to pray every day. She
had not done so for quite a while. We also asked her if she still had
the desire to not fall into her drinking habits after her probation.
She expressed to us she didn't want to fall into the habit again but
she feared she would be worse then before. We listened and then bore
our testimonies of the strength beyond our own that comes into our
lives when we pray and we promised her IF she TRUELY wanted to not
fall into that habit again she needs to pray every day. Only through
God's power working in her life through simple acts of faith would she
be able to head in the direction she wants to go. She accepted our
invitation and we left her with a prayer. In her eyes we could see she
knew it would be hard but there was greater hope then before "that if
[she] did not doubt, God would deliver."( Alma 56:47) I know that God
is the source of our greatest and most lasting hope. We have only to
trust him and he will "direct our paths."( Proverbs 3:5)
We saw many miracles but unfortunately my IPad keeps freezing and I
don't have enough time to write everything I want to. Miracles from
stopping to serve others, being able to understand by the Spirit the
needs of others and seeing the effect the Spirit is having on others,
and my own life! God is good! And He loves us!
Sister Sarah Meldrom
We stopped by a less active on Monday and caught her home for the
first time in weeks. We talked with catching up a bit then we asked
her about the previous invitation we extended to pray every day. She
had not done so for quite a while. We also asked her if she still had
the desire to not fall into her drinking habits after her probation.
She expressed to us she didn't want to fall into the habit again but
she feared she would be worse then before. We listened and then bore
our testimonies of the strength beyond our own that comes into our
lives when we pray and we promised her IF she TRUELY wanted to not
fall into that habit again she needs to pray every day. Only through
God's power working in her life through simple acts of faith would she
be able to head in the direction she wants to go. She accepted our
invitation and we left her with a prayer. In her eyes we could see she
knew it would be hard but there was greater hope then before "that if
[she] did not doubt, God would deliver."( Alma 56:47) I know that God
is the source of our greatest and most lasting hope. We have only to
trust him and he will "direct our paths."( Proverbs 3:5)
We saw many miracles but unfortunately my IPad keeps freezing and I
don't have enough time to write everything I want to. Miracles from
stopping to serve others, being able to understand by the Spirit the
needs of others and seeing the effect the Spirit is having on others,
and my own life! God is good! And He loves us!
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, October 20, 2014
October 20th, 2014
Last Sunday we spoke in the Edgemont 6th ward and later that evening
we had a Sister from that ward call us and tell us she wanted to
starting meeting with us. On Monday we had our first appointment with
her and mainly focused on her needs and what she wants to try to
achieve. She is working towards being worthy to go to the temple but
can't seem to shake her habit of smoking. She told us that she thinks
it is a stress habit and how she use to drink out of stress. She told
us many concerns and we responded best we could. We gave her some
suggestions to help her quit and also challenged her to set a goal for
herself of a specific day in which she will be completely done. We
could tell from this meeting her desire is sincere and also how
difficult it will be for her but we know, and she also agreed, that
through Christ anything is possible. I am grateful for the opportunity
we had to speak in her ward so she could feel the spirit and get
acquainted with us a bit so that she was comfortable calling us. What
a blessing it is to help her reach her goal of the temple.
This week we met with two former investigators ( nonmembers of the
church who were taught before but the lessons discontinued for various
reasons) both of whom are wonderful daughters of God.
we had a Sister from that ward call us and tell us she wanted to
starting meeting with us. On Monday we had our first appointment with
her and mainly focused on her needs and what she wants to try to
achieve. She is working towards being worthy to go to the temple but
can't seem to shake her habit of smoking. She told us that she thinks
it is a stress habit and how she use to drink out of stress. She told
us many concerns and we responded best we could. We gave her some
suggestions to help her quit and also challenged her to set a goal for
herself of a specific day in which she will be completely done. We
could tell from this meeting her desire is sincere and also how
difficult it will be for her but we know, and she also agreed, that
through Christ anything is possible. I am grateful for the opportunity
we had to speak in her ward so she could feel the spirit and get
acquainted with us a bit so that she was comfortable calling us. What
a blessing it is to help her reach her goal of the temple.
This week we met with two former investigators ( nonmembers of the
church who were taught before but the lessons discontinued for various
reasons) both of whom are wonderful daughters of God.
The first was on Tuesday. Her name is Sister Evens, she is in her 70s
and lives currently with her son in law and grandsons. She is going
through chemotherapy and often rests most of the day. She isn't in a
state to be able to go to church often but we did invite her to the
Primary Program her Ward is having. She said she would enjoy that. She
also expressed the desire to keep learning about the church. We
assured her we would do the best we could. We hope that through this
next round of chemo, going for 5 more months, she will be cancer free
and able to do more of the things she enjoys!
The second lady is Sister Jensen. We briefly met her a week ago
and decided to stop by on Thursday to understand her religious
background and desires better. We asked some questions like
What is your belief of God? and How does your belief help you?
and she responded politely. At one point she paused our
conversation and told us she 'knew what we were doing' and that she is
not a 'baptismal candidate.' We assured her that we genuinely wanted
to learn more about her and her beliefs and weren't visiting with her
only because we invite others to be baptized. We expressed our love
for her, as our sister, and bore our testimonies of God. She is very
respectful of our beliefs, though our understanding of who God is is
different. We left after our conversation with a deep respect for this
sister and we were honored that she seemed to have connected with us
as well. She bid us travel safely and seemed touch as we left with,
"We love you". I know that God's love transcends any boundaries.
Sister Inman received her IPad this pat week which was a GREAT
blessing! Now we can send out twice as many emails and such. I never
have appreciated the use of each of us to an IPad than these past
couple weeks! They are truly a great tool in the efforts we make.
I personally want to be better about talking to everyone that I am
permitted to see. It is a difficult, but I know not impossible, thing
for me to do. All kinds of excuses come to mind when I see people.
conversation and told us she 'knew what we were doing' and that she is
not a 'baptismal candidate.' We assured her that we genuinely wanted
to learn more about her and her beliefs and weren't visiting with her
only because we invite others to be baptized. We expressed our love
for her, as our sister, and bore our testimonies of God. She is very
respectful of our beliefs, though our understanding of who God is is
different. We left after our conversation with a deep respect for this
sister and we were honored that she seemed to have connected with us
as well. She bid us travel safely and seemed touch as we left with,
"We love you". I know that God's love transcends any boundaries.
Sister Inman received her IPad this pat week which was a GREAT
blessing! Now we can send out twice as many emails and such. I never
have appreciated the use of each of us to an IPad than these past
couple weeks! They are truly a great tool in the efforts we make.
I personally want to be better about talking to everyone that I am
permitted to see. It is a difficult, but I know not impossible, thing
for me to do. All kinds of excuses come to mind when I see people.
'Oh they don't want to be bothered', ' They are justing getting into their
car/ house' ...etc. I am praying as fervently as I can that I can look
back on this time in my mission and say that I did my best in talking
to everyone. I need to remember the peace I have felt from my
testimony of Christ and remind myself that everyone is worth pushing
past fears for. I hope I can utilize the enabling power of the
Atonement and be equal to this task with His help. :}
Time passes to swiftly! I haven't been able to tell you about even
half of the wonderful things God is allowing me to experience. And
these miracles are NOT limited to Provo Utah but to every place. An
invitation to a dinner, Family Home Evening, activity, service or trip
CAN make all the difference in someone's life. They may decline but at
least they know you care, right? So as I try to overcome my fear of
talking to people and inviting them to Christ, I challenge you to over
come your anxieties about inviting your friends, family and
acquaintances to experience your love and ultimately, God's love, through
you!
God is good,
Sister Sarah Meldrom
car/ house' ...etc. I am praying as fervently as I can that I can look
back on this time in my mission and say that I did my best in talking
to everyone. I need to remember the peace I have felt from my
testimony of Christ and remind myself that everyone is worth pushing
past fears for. I hope I can utilize the enabling power of the
Atonement and be equal to this task with His help. :}
Time passes to swiftly! I haven't been able to tell you about even
half of the wonderful things God is allowing me to experience. And
these miracles are NOT limited to Provo Utah but to every place. An
invitation to a dinner, Family Home Evening, activity, service or trip
CAN make all the difference in someone's life. They may decline but at
least they know you care, right? So as I try to overcome my fear of
talking to people and inviting them to Christ, I challenge you to over
come your anxieties about inviting your friends, family and
acquaintances to experience your love and ultimately, God's love, through
you!
God is good,
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, October 13, 2014
October 13th, 2014
Dear All,
On Saturday we decided to walk around in the area that two of our wards cover and talk to people. We also asked the Ward Mission Leaders in those wards for anyone who has been on their mind that we could visit. It was these people we headed towards to visit but we stopped and talked to anyone in between as well. The result was meeting many members who are struggling in their own individual ways. We were able to bring to each of them our individual testimony of Jesus Christ. One Sister in particular stands out in my mind. When we tried the Nelson's the first time they weren't home. So we came back by later and Sister Nelson answered the door. We shared a scripture and bore our testimony of the Savior and told her we are seeking to strengthen everyone we can. She thanked us and told us she hasn't been active for years. We told her we were sharing our message and seeking to help build EVERYONE's testimony. She nodded and acted as to say farewell but we asked if we could pray first. We did and at the end she was silently crying. She stepped outside and started talking to us, thanking us for coming when she was in need. She told us how she was grieving over wayward children and how she didn't go to church because she couldn't handle the questions about how her children were doing. We listened and sympathized and encouraged her to slowly work back, one meeting, and day at a time. She agreed that she wanted to try. We gave her a hug and our phone number and told her if she needed anything we would try our best to help. We plan to let her know when we are going to her ward so we can sit with her and support her.
I have neglected to mention for quite a while that I am still going strong with my 'Hymn a day until my mission ends' study :) Today I read number 185,Reverently and Meekly Now . This has developed into one of my favorites. I love how it is written so that it is as Christ addressing us, pleading with us to use His Atonement and keep His commandments.
What a wonderful, glorious gift that was given to us! How have YOU used Christ's Atonement today?
What a wonderful, glorious gift that was given to us! How have YOU used Christ's Atonement today?
God is good,
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