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,
Monday, June 30, 2014
June 30th, 2014
Dear All,
We started reading the Book of Mormon to a older nonmember man we visit and do service for on Tuesdays. He has had missionaries come to his home, with all sorts of approaches, for the last 15 years but the timing hasn't and isn't right for him yet. He was unusually quiet as we read 1 Nephi 1 to him. He would ask clarification on words once in a while but other than that he just listened. The Spirit was invited as we read and we recognized an effect of this was that he started to open up a bit about his concerns. We held our breath. For the last while EVERYONE has tried to get out of him what his biggest hang up is in joining the church. We want to know so we can understand him better and maybe address those concerns. But the build up he took us on flopped to another subject suddenly, just on the verge of his deepest concern, and we were left hoping that one day he will trust someone to tell them. We know how much this church means to us and we want him to feel the blessings too. He seems to like us pretty well anyway, he tried to hug us and we politely declined.
We had a good lesson with a less active couple that we teach. We gave them the option to do the 10 commandments by reading the scriptures or doing the hand signs. They wanted to do the hand signs, so we taught them, discussed them and they began to laugh and enjoy themselves. At the end of the lesson the Sister, who normally doesn't say much, asked timidly if we could talk about the Priesthood next time. We assured her we will prepare accordingly. Sister McIntire and I left glad that they were able to feel comfortable enough with us to request a lesson according to their needs.
Zone Training Meeting set us on fire! It was just the right balance of strictness and love. We set goals in the meeting to have 30 baptism in July within our zone and we all believe we can do it! After leaving this meeting Sister McIntire and I set goals as a companionship and set right to doing one thing they suggested in the meeting: clean up our area books. From our clean up, we came up with a list of 10 individuals that neither of us knew. So we planned to contact as many as possible for the rest of the week. By Sunday we had contacted all but one. Among those we contacted were recent converts who are going strong, a recent convert that was very cold toward us, and less actives that their families told us are hardly ever home. One recent convert in particular we are going to try to contact again in a couple weeks because he is going through a martial problem and his mother thought it was best if we waited a while but loved that we were concerned about her son.
Our coordination meeting Thursday night was awesome! Brother Zaldivar, the high councilor over missionary work, laid out plainly what he wanted to see happening in this meeting and the senior missionary couple and my companion and I add where appropriate. We all could feel and caught the missionary spirit as we discussed changes to improve coordination meeting. The Ward Mission Leaders seemed to feel that the suggestions were a more evenly distributed weigh on all of our shoulders then a weight that was shifted to one person to another. So many of them perked up or seemed more at ease then normal at our suggestions and the Spirit testified to all of us that this was an important work and an important change. As a result we more easily spoke of actions and activities this coming week or two and what we can do to help our Brothers and Sisters. It was was a sweet experience, a result of striving to more fully follow President Thomas S Monson admonition in October 2013: "Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him. He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work."
As a companionship we made a lip-sync video to show our zone at our activity happening today. It should be loads of fun to see everyone's goofy, talented side!
We had a meeting with a Sister that was pretty amazing, on Saturday. We began with small talk and as we invited the Spirit, with the atmosphere we established, this dear Sister opened up to us about what she is struggling with. We listened and made suggestions and comfort. Yet again another experience of how the Spirit helps us to find great treasures of knowledge. How wonderful is our God!
It has been a good week. It is always nice to reflect on my week and notice how God is in the very fabric of our lives and the lives of others! God is good! He loves us!
Happy(almost) Fourth of July! Have fun,
Sister Sarah Meldrom
We started reading the Book of Mormon to a older nonmember man we visit and do service for on Tuesdays. He has had missionaries come to his home, with all sorts of approaches, for the last 15 years but the timing hasn't and isn't right for him yet. He was unusually quiet as we read 1 Nephi 1 to him. He would ask clarification on words once in a while but other than that he just listened. The Spirit was invited as we read and we recognized an effect of this was that he started to open up a bit about his concerns. We held our breath. For the last while EVERYONE has tried to get out of him what his biggest hang up is in joining the church. We want to know so we can understand him better and maybe address those concerns. But the build up he took us on flopped to another subject suddenly, just on the verge of his deepest concern, and we were left hoping that one day he will trust someone to tell them. We know how much this church means to us and we want him to feel the blessings too. He seems to like us pretty well anyway, he tried to hug us and we politely declined.
We had a good lesson with a less active couple that we teach. We gave them the option to do the 10 commandments by reading the scriptures or doing the hand signs. They wanted to do the hand signs, so we taught them, discussed them and they began to laugh and enjoy themselves. At the end of the lesson the Sister, who normally doesn't say much, asked timidly if we could talk about the Priesthood next time. We assured her we will prepare accordingly. Sister McIntire and I left glad that they were able to feel comfortable enough with us to request a lesson according to their needs.
Zone Training Meeting set us on fire! It was just the right balance of strictness and love. We set goals in the meeting to have 30 baptism in July within our zone and we all believe we can do it! After leaving this meeting Sister McIntire and I set goals as a companionship and set right to doing one thing they suggested in the meeting: clean up our area books. From our clean up, we came up with a list of 10 individuals that neither of us knew. So we planned to contact as many as possible for the rest of the week. By Sunday we had contacted all but one. Among those we contacted were recent converts who are going strong, a recent convert that was very cold toward us, and less actives that their families told us are hardly ever home. One recent convert in particular we are going to try to contact again in a couple weeks because he is going through a martial problem and his mother thought it was best if we waited a while but loved that we were concerned about her son.
Our coordination meeting Thursday night was awesome! Brother Zaldivar, the high councilor over missionary work, laid out plainly what he wanted to see happening in this meeting and the senior missionary couple and my companion and I add where appropriate. We all could feel and caught the missionary spirit as we discussed changes to improve coordination meeting. The Ward Mission Leaders seemed to feel that the suggestions were a more evenly distributed weigh on all of our shoulders then a weight that was shifted to one person to another. So many of them perked up or seemed more at ease then normal at our suggestions and the Spirit testified to all of us that this was an important work and an important change. As a result we more easily spoke of actions and activities this coming week or two and what we can do to help our Brothers and Sisters. It was was a sweet experience, a result of striving to more fully follow President Thomas S Monson admonition in October 2013: "Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him. He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work."
As a companionship we made a lip-sync video to show our zone at our activity happening today. It should be loads of fun to see everyone's goofy, talented side!
We had a meeting with a Sister that was pretty amazing, on Saturday. We began with small talk and as we invited the Spirit, with the atmosphere we established, this dear Sister opened up to us about what she is struggling with. We listened and made suggestions and comfort. Yet again another experience of how the Spirit helps us to find great treasures of knowledge. How wonderful is our God!
It has been a good week. It is always nice to reflect on my week and notice how God is in the very fabric of our lives and the lives of others! God is good! He loves us!
Happy(almost) Fourth of July! Have fun,
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, June 23, 2014
June 23rd, 2014
Dear All,
We had a neat throw together Family Home Evening with the Clements on Monday. We bought lollipops and three special toys after shopping and later, when we went to their house, we hid the three special toys. We then told the kids if they wanted some lollipops all they had to do was ask. They each asked for one and then another one and we just gave them all of them, so they were off our hands :P We then told them that there was three special toys to find and we would give them directions on where to find them. After they had found all of them we told them that this activity is much like prayer. Some blessings we get just from asking and some blessings we have to work for them. They loved the toys and seem to understand what we were helping them understand. The oldest, a seven year old girl, offered the closing prayer and said, 'Help us to find the blessings you have for us, everywhere.' I know that God does have blessings just waiting to give us if we just ask and other, special blessings in store if we just show our faith by working for them.
On Tuesday we brought flowers to a Sister that we haven't seen in a while. She was appreciative of the thoughtfulness and told us she wants to start taking the lessons again once she feels better. It is amazing how people recognize the Spirit we bring and want it to keep coming back to fill their lives. It is nothing we do, but all about what God knows and does for His children.
This week we also brought around two painted mini birdhouses and some Kool Aid packets with little sayings on them for those whom we felt needed a little pick me up. Each Kool Aid packet delivered, except one, had the person of interest answer the door and good conversations ensued. The most notable stop-by, however was the purple and white birdhouse Sister McIntire painted. We decided to bring it to a less active Sister we are trying to get a hold of. She answered the door and apologized, like she always does, that she couldn't visit right now. She was just leaving the house for the night to go out with a friend. We assured her we only wanted to stop by and give her a birdhouse. She accepted it thankfully then said, 'So you heard then?' We looked at each other then at her, very confused. I asked, 'Heard about what?' Emotion then came to her face and her eyes moistened. She went on to tell us that her son had been wrongfully imprisoned just two days before and would most likely be there for thirty days. We hugged her and offered words of comfort and support. Sister McIntire told her that we didn't know what was going on, but we know that God knew. She agreed. We promised to pray for her and her son and to come to visit soon. For Sister McIntire and I this was one of the countless miracles that God worked through us and around us this week.
My Zone had the opportunity to walk at the front of the Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days Parade to hand out programs for the parade. I couldn't help smiling the whole time! People would cheer and holler when they saw us, about 8 Elders and 10 Sisters walking along passing out the programs. I don't think I liked the applause we got as much as I liked the excitement on the children's faces when they saw us and the energy that appeared in every spectator as we passed, and the smiles! For me a smile is worth countless trials! I love to see others smile!
We had the opportunity as a companionship to be present in a meeting with Elder Randall of the Area Seventy. He met with Sister McIntire and I, the Lindon Stake Presidency, the High Councilor over Missionary work and the Senior Missionary Couple. He began with asking us what we had studied then told us something along the lines of, 'What we read in the scriptures will be of worth to us every day. It really is our spiritual protection against temptations and sin.' He continued for about 2 hours to instruct all of us. He is kind and has a sense of humor so the meeting was by no means extremely tense. After the meeting the challenge he left all of us to be a better missionary personally. This caused me and my companion to ponder and then write out an idea we had to present to the Lindon Stake Presidency on how we can improve efforts made in the Stake. We met with the High Councilor over missionary work, presented our thoughts and he agreed, these where the same ideas he had; they were great ideas. This added to my testimony that when we have ideas to present, the best time to present it is now and that God allows us imperfect people to receive revelation from Him so we can work to bless our lives, but mostly others.
We look forward to applying these ideas and helping the Lindon Stake of Zion to broaden their minds and extend the arm of love and friendship to everyone, just as Jesus Christ would.
To finish up I loved getting a Moose Track shake from a local restaurant this past week! That is my favorite 'loaded' ice cream :P TENDER MERCY! God blesses me every day. I have much to be grateful for! I am most grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives, that He knows me personally. I know I am nothing, yet everything to Him. I trust that He will always guide me in the right direction. I know that the work I go about is His work. These are His children and He knows their needs. He will bless others lives through us if we but let Him. I can never express the full extent of His mercy toward me! God is good!
Sister Sarah Meldrom
We had a neat throw together Family Home Evening with the Clements on Monday. We bought lollipops and three special toys after shopping and later, when we went to their house, we hid the three special toys. We then told the kids if they wanted some lollipops all they had to do was ask. They each asked for one and then another one and we just gave them all of them, so they were off our hands :P We then told them that there was three special toys to find and we would give them directions on where to find them. After they had found all of them we told them that this activity is much like prayer. Some blessings we get just from asking and some blessings we have to work for them. They loved the toys and seem to understand what we were helping them understand. The oldest, a seven year old girl, offered the closing prayer and said, 'Help us to find the blessings you have for us, everywhere.' I know that God does have blessings just waiting to give us if we just ask and other, special blessings in store if we just show our faith by working for them.
On Tuesday we brought flowers to a Sister that we haven't seen in a while. She was appreciative of the thoughtfulness and told us she wants to start taking the lessons again once she feels better. It is amazing how people recognize the Spirit we bring and want it to keep coming back to fill their lives. It is nothing we do, but all about what God knows and does for His children.
This week we also brought around two painted mini birdhouses and some Kool Aid packets with little sayings on them for those whom we felt needed a little pick me up. Each Kool Aid packet delivered, except one, had the person of interest answer the door and good conversations ensued. The most notable stop-by, however was the purple and white birdhouse Sister McIntire painted. We decided to bring it to a less active Sister we are trying to get a hold of. She answered the door and apologized, like she always does, that she couldn't visit right now. She was just leaving the house for the night to go out with a friend. We assured her we only wanted to stop by and give her a birdhouse. She accepted it thankfully then said, 'So you heard then?' We looked at each other then at her, very confused. I asked, 'Heard about what?' Emotion then came to her face and her eyes moistened. She went on to tell us that her son had been wrongfully imprisoned just two days before and would most likely be there for thirty days. We hugged her and offered words of comfort and support. Sister McIntire told her that we didn't know what was going on, but we know that God knew. She agreed. We promised to pray for her and her son and to come to visit soon. For Sister McIntire and I this was one of the countless miracles that God worked through us and around us this week.
My Zone had the opportunity to walk at the front of the Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days Parade to hand out programs for the parade. I couldn't help smiling the whole time! People would cheer and holler when they saw us, about 8 Elders and 10 Sisters walking along passing out the programs. I don't think I liked the applause we got as much as I liked the excitement on the children's faces when they saw us and the energy that appeared in every spectator as we passed, and the smiles! For me a smile is worth countless trials! I love to see others smile!
We had the opportunity as a companionship to be present in a meeting with Elder Randall of the Area Seventy. He met with Sister McIntire and I, the Lindon Stake Presidency, the High Councilor over Missionary work and the Senior Missionary Couple. He began with asking us what we had studied then told us something along the lines of, 'What we read in the scriptures will be of worth to us every day. It really is our spiritual protection against temptations and sin.' He continued for about 2 hours to instruct all of us. He is kind and has a sense of humor so the meeting was by no means extremely tense. After the meeting the challenge he left all of us to be a better missionary personally. This caused me and my companion to ponder and then write out an idea we had to present to the Lindon Stake Presidency on how we can improve efforts made in the Stake. We met with the High Councilor over missionary work, presented our thoughts and he agreed, these where the same ideas he had; they were great ideas. This added to my testimony that when we have ideas to present, the best time to present it is now and that God allows us imperfect people to receive revelation from Him so we can work to bless our lives, but mostly others.
We look forward to applying these ideas and helping the Lindon Stake of Zion to broaden their minds and extend the arm of love and friendship to everyone, just as Jesus Christ would.
To finish up I loved getting a Moose Track shake from a local restaurant this past week! That is my favorite 'loaded' ice cream :P TENDER MERCY! God blesses me every day. I have much to be grateful for! I am most grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives, that He knows me personally. I know I am nothing, yet everything to Him. I trust that He will always guide me in the right direction. I know that the work I go about is His work. These are His children and He knows their needs. He will bless others lives through us if we but let Him. I can never express the full extent of His mercy toward me! God is good!
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, June 16, 2014
June 16th, 2014
Dear All,
We had a decent week. We had many amazing experiences, here are some highlights:
We had an amazing appointment with one of our investigators this week! We started with 'How to Begin Teaching' about Christ's love and help. We discussed that his progress will take time but it was possible through Christ. Then we shared, "Your True Identity", a Mormon Message video and read some scriptures. He told us he knows that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and will help him. He also told us he is looking for the Spirit to help him know that joining the church is right for him. After listening and agreeing with him that those where good things to look for, I believe he opened up about his concerns. He told us about his self doubt and as a result his inability to conquer his addictions. He told us he often is guilty of self sabotage. He wants to be worthy for baptism so bad he 'kicks' himself about not being ready yet. We discussed his potential as a son of God and helped him to see that belief in self is just as important as the belief that God will help him. We also shared how we know God is patient and will help us with those thing which we desire, which are good. We told him he is closer then he thinks to baptism. We invited him to go to the 12 step program nearby for support and that we will help as much as possible. We then invited him to prepare for baptism on August 9th. A light lit in his eyes and he said confidently, 'I can do that!' We replied enthusiastically, 'YES you can!'
We are going to pray for him in every instance appropriate. We know Satan will try to get in his wedge before he can be baptized and receive even greater tools to combat the father of all lies. We know he will make it and we think he is feeling the same way too.
We have been making sure we do 'How to Begin teaching' at every lesson we go to. It has been amazing how much people open up about their concerns and what they are stuck on as we reinstate our purpose, hopes for them, and they can say what they expect. One lesson on Wednesday did not go as planned because of one question we asked at the beginning of the lesson. It went the way it needed to though, we have a greater understanding of what they are really going through.
We were glad to learn of a newly called Ward Mission Leader in one of our Wards this week. Ward Mission Leaders are called men that are kind of like the spokes person for a ward, coordinating our efforts with the ward's efforts. The previous WML for this ward was terribly busy; I haven't ever met him since I came to Lindon. Because the Ward Mission Leader is so crucial for missionary communication with the ward we didn't have any work in this Ward. We look forward to the opportunity to work with this Brother to find those whom can come closer to Christ.
We tried to contact some less actives that have been on our mind this week but no one was home or answered the doors. We tried for about three days consecutive days then agreed we should wait till next week on Thursday. As a result we had plenty of 'what should we do time' Friday and Saturday. We did some finding activities like walking in certain places instead of driving and stopping by some members home to encourage them to make a family mission plan. We also did a lot of service this weekend. On Saturday we drove around and just stopped if we saw anyone working in their yard. We were able to help a divorced older lady weed her garden and made plans to come back to finish the rest. We also helped our landlady who has an over abundant amount of strawberries and cherries in her garden. We picked and chatted for several hours. I am grateful for this time I had to serve her, it helped me to grow in love for her as a child of God.
I have started to compare Matthew 5-7 with 3 Nephi 12-14 which are both records of the 'Sermon on the Mount' given by Jesus Christ. The records are very similar but you can tell that the situation in which he gives them are different. He teaches each group to their understanding and uses examples they could understand. Such as in his example that they could not free themselves from the prison of sin and death: Matt. referring to farthing and in 3 Nephi using senine as money payment. It also is helping me to increase my testimony that the Bible and the Book of Mormon ARE both witnesses of Christ. There is many interesting things to discover! I encourage you to compare them as well :)
God is good,
Sister Sarah Meldrom
We had a decent week. We had many amazing experiences, here are some highlights:
We had an amazing appointment with one of our investigators this week! We started with 'How to Begin Teaching' about Christ's love and help. We discussed that his progress will take time but it was possible through Christ. Then we shared, "Your True Identity", a Mormon Message video and read some scriptures. He told us he knows that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and will help him. He also told us he is looking for the Spirit to help him know that joining the church is right for him. After listening and agreeing with him that those where good things to look for, I believe he opened up about his concerns. He told us about his self doubt and as a result his inability to conquer his addictions. He told us he often is guilty of self sabotage. He wants to be worthy for baptism so bad he 'kicks' himself about not being ready yet. We discussed his potential as a son of God and helped him to see that belief in self is just as important as the belief that God will help him. We also shared how we know God is patient and will help us with those thing which we desire, which are good. We told him he is closer then he thinks to baptism. We invited him to go to the 12 step program nearby for support and that we will help as much as possible. We then invited him to prepare for baptism on August 9th. A light lit in his eyes and he said confidently, 'I can do that!' We replied enthusiastically, 'YES you can!'
We are going to pray for him in every instance appropriate. We know Satan will try to get in his wedge before he can be baptized and receive even greater tools to combat the father of all lies. We know he will make it and we think he is feeling the same way too.
We have been making sure we do 'How to Begin teaching' at every lesson we go to. It has been amazing how much people open up about their concerns and what they are stuck on as we reinstate our purpose, hopes for them, and they can say what they expect. One lesson on Wednesday did not go as planned because of one question we asked at the beginning of the lesson. It went the way it needed to though, we have a greater understanding of what they are really going through.
We were glad to learn of a newly called Ward Mission Leader in one of our Wards this week. Ward Mission Leaders are called men that are kind of like the spokes person for a ward, coordinating our efforts with the ward's efforts. The previous WML for this ward was terribly busy; I haven't ever met him since I came to Lindon. Because the Ward Mission Leader is so crucial for missionary communication with the ward we didn't have any work in this Ward. We look forward to the opportunity to work with this Brother to find those whom can come closer to Christ.
We tried to contact some less actives that have been on our mind this week but no one was home or answered the doors. We tried for about three days consecutive days then agreed we should wait till next week on Thursday. As a result we had plenty of 'what should we do time' Friday and Saturday. We did some finding activities like walking in certain places instead of driving and stopping by some members home to encourage them to make a family mission plan. We also did a lot of service this weekend. On Saturday we drove around and just stopped if we saw anyone working in their yard. We were able to help a divorced older lady weed her garden and made plans to come back to finish the rest. We also helped our landlady who has an over abundant amount of strawberries and cherries in her garden. We picked and chatted for several hours. I am grateful for this time I had to serve her, it helped me to grow in love for her as a child of God.
I have started to compare Matthew 5-7 with 3 Nephi 12-14 which are both records of the 'Sermon on the Mount' given by Jesus Christ. The records are very similar but you can tell that the situation in which he gives them are different. He teaches each group to their understanding and uses examples they could understand. Such as in his example that they could not free themselves from the prison of sin and death: Matt. referring to farthing and in 3 Nephi using senine as money payment. It also is helping me to increase my testimony that the Bible and the Book of Mormon ARE both witnesses of Christ. There is many interesting things to discover! I encourage you to compare them as well :)
God is good,
Sister Sarah Meldrom
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