Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Now We Are All Set
Dear Sister Bassett,
Another miracle that's happening.
This Sunday we are having a baptism for an investigator named Conrad. We were going to have him baptized a few months ago, but his mom had a bunch of concerns that we needed to cover. Most of her concern came from not knowing what a lot of stuff meant and needed a lot of clarification. She herself is a convert of about a year, but still had some concerns. She received a lot of help with the book : True to the Faith. A simple but great book that helped her understand a lot of the church doctrine. Yesterday, Elder Porter did the baptismal interview, and now we are all set.
Thank you for your hard work,
Love Elder Thomas
_____
**January 19th
an update on Conrad
Conrad is doing good. He is really motivated to serve a mission. He had some concerns before his baptism about that, but during his receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, he was given counsel in regards to his mission. I never have seen a bigger grin on his face.
Another miracle that's happening.
This Sunday we are having a baptism for an investigator named Conrad. We were going to have him baptized a few months ago, but his mom had a bunch of concerns that we needed to cover. Most of her concern came from not knowing what a lot of stuff meant and needed a lot of clarification. She herself is a convert of about a year, but still had some concerns. She received a lot of help with the book : True to the Faith. A simple but great book that helped her understand a lot of the church doctrine. Yesterday, Elder Porter did the baptismal interview, and now we are all set.
Thank you for your hard work,
Love Elder Thomas
_____
**January 19th
an update on Conrad
Conrad is doing good. He is really motivated to serve a mission. He had some concerns before his baptism about that, but during his receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, he was given counsel in regards to his mission. I never have seen a bigger grin on his face.
Monday, December 28, 2009
VC Miracle
Dear Sis Bassett,
Just wanted to share this VC miracle with you.
There was a lady who came in today who wanted to hear the Christus narration. I thought for sure that she was a member, but as I talked to her, I realized that she wasn't, so I sat down, and started talking to her more. She said that this morning, when she woke up, the first thing that came to her mind even before she opened her eyes was, "Go to the temple." She said that she didn't know why, but that she had come. She said, "They have a zebra in one of the nativities from South Africa, maybe that's why I needed to come in--to see that." In my mind, I replied, "Oh sista, it's a lot more than the zebra!" She said that her friend gave her a Book of Mormon, and she had been to church with him, but that she was still confused about some things. So I gave her the first lesson and when I taught about authority, her eyes really lit up, and she understood. I answered some of her questions, and we looked up scriptures in the Book of Mormon (she had hers with her), and we had a great chat. I was a little sad becuase she declined missionaries even after I promised blessings, and she felt the Spirit, but she said that she has a meeting with the bishop on Sunday, and that she would pray about having the missionaries over before then.
It was so neat to be an instrument in the Lord's hands as she had followed the prompting to come into the VC. She's going to get baptized!
Thank you so much for all that you do, Sis Bassett! You are awesome!
Love,
Sis Fonbuena
Just wanted to share this VC miracle with you.
There was a lady who came in today who wanted to hear the Christus narration. I thought for sure that she was a member, but as I talked to her, I realized that she wasn't, so I sat down, and started talking to her more. She said that this morning, when she woke up, the first thing that came to her mind even before she opened her eyes was, "Go to the temple." She said that she didn't know why, but that she had come. She said, "They have a zebra in one of the nativities from South Africa, maybe that's why I needed to come in--to see that." In my mind, I replied, "Oh sista, it's a lot more than the zebra!" She said that her friend gave her a Book of Mormon, and she had been to church with him, but that she was still confused about some things. So I gave her the first lesson and when I taught about authority, her eyes really lit up, and she understood. I answered some of her questions, and we looked up scriptures in the Book of Mormon (she had hers with her), and we had a great chat. I was a little sad becuase she declined missionaries even after I promised blessings, and she felt the Spirit, but she said that she has a meeting with the bishop on Sunday, and that she would pray about having the missionaries over before then.
It was so neat to be an instrument in the Lord's hands as she had followed the prompting to come into the VC. She's going to get baptized!
Thank you so much for all that you do, Sis Bassett! You are awesome!
Love,
Sis Fonbuena
Sunday, December 27, 2009
One of our new elders, Elder Kearn, told us that after he had received his call, he ran into Elder Perry near the SLC temple at conference time. Elder Perry talked with him about his mission and told him to use The Book of Mormon with the words, "The Book of Mormon is still our best missionary". We are seeing that again and again! Tonight, the assistants came by to share some miracles that relate to The Book of Mormon.
They were stopping by a house to follow up on a conversation they had had with a family. They were very kind and respectful, but said they weren't interested. Elder Diaz thanked them and said a few more words and then turned to Elder Coffman. Elder Coffman had been feeling ill and hadn't been able to focus. When Elder Diaz turned to him, all he could think to do was to offer a Book of Mormon. That led to a few more questions and an opportunity to bear a testimony about the restoration and The Book of Mormon. The mother's heart softened and she asked the elders to come back on Tuesday after she had a chance to read more about it.
The elders left feeling good about the visit when they saw a family walking down the street pushing a little cart. It was getting dark and when they called out a hello to the family, the family started crossing the street. They were worried they had frightened the family, so they went a little closer and just said they wanted to share something with them and started talking about the pass along card. The group was a single mother with her 5 young children. The had moved from Chicago and she was doing her best. She had heard a little about the church and was interested in starting up again to learn more. Elder Diaz was able to testify to her about the importance of families and how they could be strengthened. He comes from a family of 5 raised by a single mother. They struck a cord and will be going back to talk to her later this week.
And the last one, they received a phone call from the Kimball zone leaders. While on exchanges, Elder Diaz was out working with the elders there. As Elder Young contacted one investigator outside his apartment building, Elder Harrison started talking with another family across the way. Elder Diaz turned and saw a man and went to go and talk to him. They had a nice conversation, but the man wasn't interested. Before they were finished, a woman approached them and listened for awhile. When they were done talking, she asked Elder Diaz if he was mormon. She then said she knew some things. Elder Diaz talked to her about the restoration and The Book of Mormon. He offered her a copy and she gratefully accepted. She said she would read it in the next week or two. Elder Diaz doubted she would be able to read it that quickly, but still gave her the book and the invitation to learn more. When the zone leaders went back to follow up a week and a half later, she had finished The Book of Mormon and wanted to be baptized, because she knew it was true. She still had some things to learn, so they taught her for a few more weeks and she was just baptized.
The elders left feeling good about the visit when they saw a family walking down the street pushing a little cart. It was getting dark and when they called out a hello to the family, the family started crossing the street. They were worried they had frightened the family, so they went a little closer and just said they wanted to share something with them and started talking about the pass along card. The group was a single mother with her 5 young children. The had moved from Chicago and she was doing her best. She had heard a little about the church and was interested in starting up again to learn more. Elder Diaz was able to testify to her about the importance of families and how they could be strengthened. He comes from a family of 5 raised by a single mother. They struck a cord and will be going back to talk to her later this week.
And the last one, they received a phone call from the Kimball zone leaders. While on exchanges, Elder Diaz was out working with the elders there. As Elder Young contacted one investigator outside his apartment building, Elder Harrison started talking with another family across the way. Elder Diaz turned and saw a man and went to go and talk to him. They had a nice conversation, but the man wasn't interested. Before they were finished, a woman approached them and listened for awhile. When they were done talking, she asked Elder Diaz if he was mormon. She then said she knew some things. Elder Diaz talked to her about the restoration and The Book of Mormon. He offered her a copy and she gratefully accepted. She said she would read it in the next week or two. Elder Diaz doubted she would be able to read it that quickly, but still gave her the book and the invitation to learn more. When the zone leaders went back to follow up a week and a half later, she had finished The Book of Mormon and wanted to be baptized, because she knew it was true. She still had some things to learn, so they taught her for a few more weeks and she was just baptized.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Dear Sister Bassett
We found this new investigator named Chris. A very good kid who is 18 years old. His girlfriend introduced him to the church. During the first lesson, we invited him to be baptized when he received an answer that the gospel was true. He said then that he was more compatible with us than with his girlfriend's hearing ward (these are ASL missionaries and cover the deaf branch). He prayed about The Book of Mormon, and yesterday, he really wanted to meet with us. So last night we had a lesson with him. We had a concern that he was only doing this for his girlfriend, and during the lesson his mom had the same concern and wanted him to study about the church for a year then go ahead and get baptized. But he also told us that he isn't doing it for her but is truly interested. Then when his paster from his old church told him that he can't join the Mormon church because, "They belive that Jesus and Satan are the same person," he was a little offended. We explained that they (Jesus and Satan) were in fact 2 seperate people and even explained about the war in heaven to help him understand. We don't usually teach that but that's what the Spirit said to do. It was what he needed to understand, and it resolved his concern. We set up a baptismal date for the 9th.
We also set up another date for the 3rd! We are going to do it right after church so more people will be there and we will let everyone know.
Thank you for all your hard work
Love Elder Thomas
We found this new investigator named Chris. A very good kid who is 18 years old. His girlfriend introduced him to the church. During the first lesson, we invited him to be baptized when he received an answer that the gospel was true. He said then that he was more compatible with us than with his girlfriend's hearing ward (these are ASL missionaries and cover the deaf branch). He prayed about The Book of Mormon, and yesterday, he really wanted to meet with us. So last night we had a lesson with him. We had a concern that he was only doing this for his girlfriend, and during the lesson his mom had the same concern and wanted him to study about the church for a year then go ahead and get baptized. But he also told us that he isn't doing it for her but is truly interested. Then when his paster from his old church told him that he can't join the Mormon church because, "They belive that Jesus and Satan are the same person," he was a little offended. We explained that they (Jesus and Satan) were in fact 2 seperate people and even explained about the war in heaven to help him understand. We don't usually teach that but that's what the Spirit said to do. It was what he needed to understand, and it resolved his concern. We set up a baptismal date for the 9th.
We also set up another date for the 3rd! We are going to do it right after church so more people will be there and we will let everyone know.
Thank you for all your hard work
Love Elder Thomas
Monday, December 21, 2009
Dear Sis Bassett,
So this is a rushed version, and there are probably a ton of typos, but here is a miracle in progress! We'll write more next week.
Nancy and her girls are getting baptized!! This has been such a wonderful thing to ask for something so specific and see it come to pass! Our first big hurdle was that they had to come to Church yesterday. We had set the baptismal date with them, and we told them that if they would read the BoM and pray every day, that they would be able to get baptized on Dec 26. They were all so excited about it, and they have such incredible faith! We visited them a couple of days later, and they had read a chapter from the BoM each day, and they had been praying in Spanish so that their father, who is a Jehova's Witness, and doesn't understand and want them to be baptized, could hear them pray. He loves to hear them pray, and he has told them that he is glad that they do.
Then on Sunday, we fasted with the ZL's that they would be able to go to church and that they would be able to be baptized. We didn't know how it was going to happen, because we hadn't had a chance to get a Spanish sister over to talk to the father, but we knew that they needed to go. When we called Nancy that morning, she said that Rudolfo, her husband, had a car apt that he had to go to right before they would need to go to church. We prayed that all would go well. We continued to fast, and right after we broke our fast, we checked our phone, and we had a message from the Elders telling us that Nancy had been at church!
And today, they had their baptismal interivews, and they loved it, and they are so excited that they are going to get baptized! They announced it at the ward, and the primary teachers, ect said they are all going to be there.
Our next big hurdle is to make sure her husband is OK that they are going to get baptized. When Nancy told him that they had gone to church, he was upset, but he still let us come in when we visited them later that night. When we talked to Nancy about him today, she said that she has a peaceful feeling that he will calm down, that he will be okay with it. She said that even if he doesn't want to be baptized, that she feels that he will at least come with them to see what it is all about, and that he will even come to church every once in a while. Nancy has such wonderful faith, that I'm sure he will come around. She also had a dream that he came to the Christmas lights and that he was talking to a missionary. I am still praying that this dream comes to pass in the next couple of weeks. Her story is still a work in progress, but I know that it will continue to progress.
Thanks for all you do!
Sister Fonbuena
**Here's a note from her District Leader, Elder Thomas, about the same family:
The sisters have a great one. (Sister Dorius and Sister Fonbuena) They are teaching a family. The dad hasn't been willing to let her or the kids get baptized but they really want to. After much prayer and fasting the sisters gave them a date for this Saturday. I had the honnor of interviewing the Mother who really wants to be baptized. She explained that her husband is unwilling. I told her the story of Alma the older, a wicked priest who repented then taught lots of people. They (Alma & his people) escasped then got captured again, but through their faith they were delivered. I felt the Holy Ghost testify to her as I promissed that her husband will allow them to be baptized. I know he will allow it.
Thank you for all your hard work
Love Elder Thomas
So this is a rushed version, and there are probably a ton of typos, but here is a miracle in progress! We'll write more next week.
Nancy and her girls are getting baptized!! This has been such a wonderful thing to ask for something so specific and see it come to pass! Our first big hurdle was that they had to come to Church yesterday. We had set the baptismal date with them, and we told them that if they would read the BoM and pray every day, that they would be able to get baptized on Dec 26. They were all so excited about it, and they have such incredible faith! We visited them a couple of days later, and they had read a chapter from the BoM each day, and they had been praying in Spanish so that their father, who is a Jehova's Witness, and doesn't understand and want them to be baptized, could hear them pray. He loves to hear them pray, and he has told them that he is glad that they do.
Then on Sunday, we fasted with the ZL's that they would be able to go to church and that they would be able to be baptized. We didn't know how it was going to happen, because we hadn't had a chance to get a Spanish sister over to talk to the father, but we knew that they needed to go. When we called Nancy that morning, she said that Rudolfo, her husband, had a car apt that he had to go to right before they would need to go to church. We prayed that all would go well. We continued to fast, and right after we broke our fast, we checked our phone, and we had a message from the Elders telling us that Nancy had been at church!
And today, they had their baptismal interivews, and they loved it, and they are so excited that they are going to get baptized! They announced it at the ward, and the primary teachers, ect said they are all going to be there.
Our next big hurdle is to make sure her husband is OK that they are going to get baptized. When Nancy told him that they had gone to church, he was upset, but he still let us come in when we visited them later that night. When we talked to Nancy about him today, she said that she has a peaceful feeling that he will calm down, that he will be okay with it. She said that even if he doesn't want to be baptized, that she feels that he will at least come with them to see what it is all about, and that he will even come to church every once in a while. Nancy has such wonderful faith, that I'm sure he will come around. She also had a dream that he came to the Christmas lights and that he was talking to a missionary. I am still praying that this dream comes to pass in the next couple of weeks. Her story is still a work in progress, but I know that it will continue to progress.
Thanks for all you do!
Sister Fonbuena
**Here's a note from her District Leader, Elder Thomas, about the same family:
The sisters have a great one. (Sister Dorius and Sister Fonbuena) They are teaching a family. The dad hasn't been willing to let her or the kids get baptized but they really want to. After much prayer and fasting the sisters gave them a date for this Saturday. I had the honnor of interviewing the Mother who really wants to be baptized. She explained that her husband is unwilling. I told her the story of Alma the older, a wicked priest who repented then taught lots of people. They (Alma & his people) escasped then got captured again, but through their faith they were delivered. I felt the Holy Ghost testify to her as I promissed that her husband will allow them to be baptized. I know he will allow it.
Thank you for all your hard work
Love Elder Thomas
Saturday, December 19, 2009
A Week of Miracles
Dear President and Sister Bassett,
Merry Christmas. This week was a week of miracles for us. To be short in writing, it was a week that taught me a lot about acting in faith. Elder Kunz and I are striving (and struggling, believe me) to work from the moment we get up in order to receive the Spirit and to teach with it in order to invite those the Lord has put in our path to act and thus receive a witness from God to the truth of these things. We set three more baptismal dates, were able to see the Lord open the way to help an investigator come to church, receive power and guidance through prayer and fasting, and many, many other miracles. I want to keep this short and my time is up, but I want you to know that I am grateful for you and your diligent service to the Lord. I love your family and pray for you. Have a merry Christmas!
Elder R
**I love these missionaries! They are so supportive of us, how can we not love them? Elder M is especially humble-can't you just feel it?
Merry Christmas. This week was a week of miracles for us. To be short in writing, it was a week that taught me a lot about acting in faith. Elder Kunz and I are striving (and struggling, believe me) to work from the moment we get up in order to receive the Spirit and to teach with it in order to invite those the Lord has put in our path to act and thus receive a witness from God to the truth of these things. We set three more baptismal dates, were able to see the Lord open the way to help an investigator come to church, receive power and guidance through prayer and fasting, and many, many other miracles. I want to keep this short and my time is up, but I want you to know that I am grateful for you and your diligent service to the Lord. I love your family and pray for you. Have a merry Christmas!
Elder R
**I love these missionaries! They are so supportive of us, how can we not love them? Elder M is especially humble-can't you just feel it?
Friday, December 18, 2009
Welcome!
Two new couples arrived in the mission. The office staff helped our family welcome them to the mission. Both couples will serve on the Navajo Reservation. The couple below are the Beck's and the picture below that is of the Hugo's (with Sister Willis and I). It was a pleasant surprise to receive not just one but two couples to serve on the reservation. We haven't had that since we've served here. A miracle. They are all eager to begin. Sister Beck Is Navajo and explained some of the native american art work we have around the mission home.
Look at those kids doing the dishes. They're so good!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A Miracle for the Mothers Out There!
We found lots more people to teach this week. One is a girl named IZY. She is awesome and is from Serbia. She played on Serbia's national basketball team as a 16 year old. She lives with members and came to school her senior year so she could go to a good college here in America afterwards with a little basketball in college. But recently, she got denied eligibility. It's really been tough on her. (sound familiar?) The Lord sure prepares us to help others pre- mission. So, I related very well and was able to help her see that she needed this in her life.
The story of how we got her to listen is a miracle in it's self.
We work at the Christmas Lights at the temple and go around smiling and asking members if they know of anyone we can help and potential members if they would be willing to let us come over and teach them. I had talked to hundreds of people all night; mostly youth, because it was a mutual night. I had gotten tons of refferals and many others to accept missionaries, but none mattered as much to me as the experience with Izy.
Isadora had found out earlier that day that she had been denied to play her lifelong sport of basketball that year. She was down and out and was really depressed. But a wonderful youth in the ward, Mary, invited her out to go to the Christmas Lights with her that night. Izy said no because she was down. Mary insisted and came over and picked her up. Isadora had felt the spirit before while she came to church, but had never had any interest in learning more until that night. I was able to talk to a group of 15 kids. I gathered them together in a semi cirlce to invite them to hear our message or provide a reference. Then I realized Izy was there. (I had met her at church before.) That night as I felt prompted, I was able to invite Izy to learn more by getting to know her and making a friendship, teaching her a short principle of the gospel, and testifying of its truth. The noise of the crowd seemed to fade, and it seemed as if the entire group of kids was praying she would say yes. I asked her how she felt at church and right then around that beautiful temple. She said in her accent "Good." I told her that was the Holy Ghost testifying that this was what God wanted her to do. She said yes, and we taught her that Sunday. She has currently read over 20 pages of The Book of Mormon and is loving it. She also said she would be baptized when she knew it was true. All of this was because one good friend of Izy's from church insisted on inviting her to something she wouldn't have gone to on her own.
Isadora is the only one in her family that could help them recieve the gospel at this time. Thousands might receive the gospel because of these lessons.
May we all be a little more bold and brave to share the gospel with our friends and those we love. It made a difference for Izy.
love elder jenkins!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Her Favorite Song
Sister Bassett
This is a miracle that happened while I was on exchanges with Elder Kelly. We talked to the Relief Society President and asked her who we could go and visit. She gave us the name and address of a lady who hadn't been to church in awhile. We had been told that she wasn't very receptive, so we decided to ring the doorbell and sing a Christmas song. We did and she opened the door smiling and happy, so the song worked. We talked for a little while, and she told us her conversion story which was cool. Once we were done talking, Elder Kelly asked her if we could sing her favorite song for her. She told us no, because it would make her cry. She never did tell us her favorite song. We decided to just chose one to sing. Elder Kelly flipped open his hymn book to "I Stand All Amazed" right as we started singing she started to cry. The tears flowed. That was her favorite song. It was a great miracle. Her heart had been softened, and she allowed us to set up a time to come by and teach the whole family. I can't wait to start it. That is one of the many miracles we have seen as a result of the Mission Fast. It is still producing miracles. Thank you so much for everything you do for all of us, Sister Bassett. If I can do anything for you just let me know. Have a great week!!
Elder Miller
This is a miracle that happened while I was on exchanges with Elder Kelly. We talked to the Relief Society President and asked her who we could go and visit. She gave us the name and address of a lady who hadn't been to church in awhile. We had been told that she wasn't very receptive, so we decided to ring the doorbell and sing a Christmas song. We did and she opened the door smiling and happy, so the song worked. We talked for a little while, and she told us her conversion story which was cool. Once we were done talking, Elder Kelly asked her if we could sing her favorite song for her. She told us no, because it would make her cry. She never did tell us her favorite song. We decided to just chose one to sing. Elder Kelly flipped open his hymn book to "I Stand All Amazed" right as we started singing she started to cry. The tears flowed. That was her favorite song. It was a great miracle. Her heart had been softened, and she allowed us to set up a time to come by and teach the whole family. I can't wait to start it. That is one of the many miracles we have seen as a result of the Mission Fast. It is still producing miracles. Thank you so much for everything you do for all of us, Sister Bassett. If I can do anything for you just let me know. Have a great week!!
Elder Miller
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A Tender Mercy
Sister Bassett
All I can really say is that we are still getting more and more miracles. It's so amazing. And it's always at the opportune moment. This weekend we had all our baptism dates drop, just due to problems that will take a while to overcome. It's just really hard. But just yesterday we had a tender mercy of the Lord. We had a lesson with a man named Caesar. It was a good lesson, and at the end he asked us a question, "How long does it take before I can get baptized?" It was a shocker. I just wanted to smile and shout with joy. It's like music to all missionaries ears, but I kept my composure, and we explanied the process. Then we extended an invitation to be baptized on the 26th of Dec. And he willingly accepted. He has come to church for weeks before, and is already living all the commandments, so it goes to show that there really are people out there who have been and are being prepared to recieve the restored gospel, we just have to do our part and find them. And that is just one of the miricles that we recived yesterday,
Elder Gleaves and Elder Phillips
All I can really say is that we are still getting more and more miracles. It's so amazing. And it's always at the opportune moment. This weekend we had all our baptism dates drop, just due to problems that will take a while to overcome. It's just really hard. But just yesterday we had a tender mercy of the Lord. We had a lesson with a man named Caesar. It was a good lesson, and at the end he asked us a question, "How long does it take before I can get baptized?" It was a shocker. I just wanted to smile and shout with joy. It's like music to all missionaries ears, but I kept my composure, and we explanied the process. Then we extended an invitation to be baptized on the 26th of Dec. And he willingly accepted. He has come to church for weeks before, and is already living all the commandments, so it goes to show that there really are people out there who have been and are being prepared to recieve the restored gospel, we just have to do our part and find them. And that is just one of the miricles that we recived yesterday,
Elder Gleaves and Elder Phillips
Merry Christmas!
This beautiful Gingerbread Creation came to the office courtesy of Elder Shae Morgan's family. Isn't it remarkable? We were so happy to hold on to it for a couple of days before it could be delivered to him, because it made the office smell like warm, fresh gingerbread. It's just incredible.Notice the red headed missionary? It's Elder Morgan, not Presdient Bassett. ha ha The elders are also carrying copies of the BofM and the Sisters have a big "S" for their name tags all in front of the temple teaching people. What great little details.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Hello Sister Bassett!
I've been meaning to write you for a long while, but I'm a great procrastinator, but it would be ungrateful of me not to write and tell you of a few of the many miracles I have seen this year. Before I started writing down miracles, I felt as if God blessed me in different ways from miracles. I felt I didn't have anything incredibly amazing to share, but after thorough review, I have so much to share! Thank you for your inspiration in asking us to think of miracles. It has helped me immensely.
So, to name a few:
While I was in Scottsdale, Sister Winder and I had just gotten done with a dinner appointment and were about to go see someone on our list. Rather randomly, we decided to just knock on a couple of doors not even close to anything at all. The house we knocked at belonged to a less active family, the Jensens, who had lived in Scottsdale previously, moved to Hawaii for a while, and then came back. They had been active in Hawaii, but when they moved back to Scottsdale the year before, they didn't want to go to the ward they were assigned to, so they didn't transfer their records or anything, so no one knew about them to even stop by. But after that visit, their records could now be transfered, and they could be taken care of by the wards and missionaries. I don't know what happened to them, but I do know Heavenly Father had his watchful eye over that family.
- Sister Winder and I had been having a particularly difficult week, and had been praying for miracles. One of our bishops was particularly aware of our struggles and wanted so much to help us. One day he called us up and said, "Sisters, you're not going to believe this. There is someone who just moved into our area and wants to get baptized as soon as possible." We were stoked! We went to see the refferal as soon as we could. His name was Kris, and he had moved back in with his girlfriend after having just gotten out of jail. Kris had been taught by a couple missionary within the jail and had become truly converted. His heart was literally changed as he accepted and acted upon the restored gospel. Now his only desire was to get baptized and be sealed in the temple to his girlfriend and children. They were married shortly after and since he wasn't on probation, he could be baptized a week later. Miracle!
You are simply wonderful. Thank you for all that you do for us :)
With Love,
Sister Higbee
I've been meaning to write you for a long while, but I'm a great procrastinator, but it would be ungrateful of me not to write and tell you of a few of the many miracles I have seen this year. Before I started writing down miracles, I felt as if God blessed me in different ways from miracles. I felt I didn't have anything incredibly amazing to share, but after thorough review, I have so much to share! Thank you for your inspiration in asking us to think of miracles. It has helped me immensely.
So, to name a few:
While I was in Scottsdale, Sister Winder and I had just gotten done with a dinner appointment and were about to go see someone on our list. Rather randomly, we decided to just knock on a couple of doors not even close to anything at all. The house we knocked at belonged to a less active family, the Jensens, who had lived in Scottsdale previously, moved to Hawaii for a while, and then came back. They had been active in Hawaii, but when they moved back to Scottsdale the year before, they didn't want to go to the ward they were assigned to, so they didn't transfer their records or anything, so no one knew about them to even stop by. But after that visit, their records could now be transfered, and they could be taken care of by the wards and missionaries. I don't know what happened to them, but I do know Heavenly Father had his watchful eye over that family.
- Sister Winder and I had been having a particularly difficult week, and had been praying for miracles. One of our bishops was particularly aware of our struggles and wanted so much to help us. One day he called us up and said, "Sisters, you're not going to believe this. There is someone who just moved into our area and wants to get baptized as soon as possible." We were stoked! We went to see the refferal as soon as we could. His name was Kris, and he had moved back in with his girlfriend after having just gotten out of jail. Kris had been taught by a couple missionary within the jail and had become truly converted. His heart was literally changed as he accepted and acted upon the restored gospel. Now his only desire was to get baptized and be sealed in the temple to his girlfriend and children. They were married shortly after and since he wasn't on probation, he could be baptized a week later. Miracle!
You are simply wonderful. Thank you for all that you do for us :)
With Love,
Sister Higbee
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
"Find them that will receive you."
Here is a story from two different missionaries about a new investigator. Thanks for sharing elders!
Hi,
On Saturday when our 10:00 appointment fell through, we went to our "10:00 backup" slot and it was a 14 year old girl who had come to church in the Sisters' ward and wanted to get baptized. So we knocked, and the girl opened the door and said come in. I hesitated, and waited for her mom on the side to say "come in." We had no idea who her mom was but she invited us in. Sure, why not? So we go in, and without saying anything, the 14 year old, Ashley, says to her mom, "Mom, you know I've been wanting to get baptized for a long time now. That's why they're here." !!! Wow! So we taught her the first lesson right there, and it turns out her mom is a totally inactive member who still believes in the gospel but has an anti-Mormon husband. So that's our obstacle now, but what a miracle! People really are being prepared to hear the gospel, even kids and teenagers.
Thanks for your remarks on Friday! Have a great week!
Elder Silski
Dear Sister Bassett,
We saw an incredible miracle this week. A couple of weeks ago we heard that there was a 14 year old girl in our area who has been attending church for a while. We heard that she had said that she wanted to be baptized right after Christmas, but we couldn't get her information. Finally, last week, we got her information and we went by on Saturday morning. We knocked and she answered the door. Her name is Ashley. She said we could come in, and as soon as we walked in, she walked over to her mother who was sitting at the kitchen table, and said "Mom, you know that I have wanted to get baptized for a while now. That is why the Missionaries are here." We were in shock. We couldn't believe how bold she was. It turns out that Ashley is the daughter of a less-active woman who married a man who doesn't like the church. So now we are just awaiting Ashley's Dad's approval to move forward with the Baptism. It was a miracle! I have been writing down every miracle I see in my planner, and I can't even begin to tell you what a difference it has made. I am starting to recognize so many miracles every single day! We are so blessed here in Payson!
Sincerely,
Elder Christensen
Hi,
On Saturday when our 10:00 appointment fell through, we went to our "10:00 backup" slot and it was a 14 year old girl who had come to church in the Sisters' ward and wanted to get baptized. So we knocked, and the girl opened the door and said come in. I hesitated, and waited for her mom on the side to say "come in." We had no idea who her mom was but she invited us in. Sure, why not? So we go in, and without saying anything, the 14 year old, Ashley, says to her mom, "Mom, you know I've been wanting to get baptized for a long time now. That's why they're here." !!! Wow! So we taught her the first lesson right there, and it turns out her mom is a totally inactive member who still believes in the gospel but has an anti-Mormon husband. So that's our obstacle now, but what a miracle! People really are being prepared to hear the gospel, even kids and teenagers.
Thanks for your remarks on Friday! Have a great week!
Elder Silski
Dear Sister Bassett,
We saw an incredible miracle this week. A couple of weeks ago we heard that there was a 14 year old girl in our area who has been attending church for a while. We heard that she had said that she wanted to be baptized right after Christmas, but we couldn't get her information. Finally, last week, we got her information and we went by on Saturday morning. We knocked and she answered the door. Her name is Ashley. She said we could come in, and as soon as we walked in, she walked over to her mother who was sitting at the kitchen table, and said "Mom, you know that I have wanted to get baptized for a while now. That is why the Missionaries are here." We were in shock. We couldn't believe how bold she was. It turns out that Ashley is the daughter of a less-active woman who married a man who doesn't like the church. So now we are just awaiting Ashley's Dad's approval to move forward with the Baptism. It was a miracle! I have been writing down every miracle I see in my planner, and I can't even begin to tell you what a difference it has made. I am starting to recognize so many miracles every single day! We are so blessed here in Payson!
Sincerely,
Elder Christensen
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
"I sure thought it was a miracle"
I was working at the Christmas Lights. I stopped to talk with this man who was walking out of the Visitor's center. He was way closed at first and was quick to brush me off. I asked a question of the soul and then he totally changed. I just simply asked if he had ever wondered where he could find real happiness. He opened up and told me about his life, wife, kids, and how the church he was at felt like it was missing some parts. He mentioned how he didn't like the fact that when he was married, they said "until death do ye part". There we were on the temple grounds, and Heavenly Father blessed me with the opportunity to share with this man, who at first was totally unreceptive, the message of eternal families. He liked that he could be with his wife and his kids in an eternal family forever. It was a sweet and neat experience.
It was something little, but I sure thought it was a miracle. Following Preach My Gospel let this man open up and share a little about himself so that he could be taught true doctrine and be able to feel the spirit. I don't know what's going to happen, but I feel confident that a miracle took place when I stopped to talk with him.
Thanks for all you do. We're all praying for you.
-Elder S. Morgan
Sunday, December 6, 2009
peoples' hearts are being prepared
Hey Sister Bassett,
It's Elder Turner. Well I wanted to tell you about the miracles I am seeing in my area right now. First I wanted to tell you about this man. He is from Georgia, and when I heard this guy talk about his life it touched me. He first told us that he is a walking miracle, because he was beat so badly the doctors though he was dead at the scene. He recovered and went over to California to try to start a new life, but he didn't like it. So he was just traveling around the states to find a place to stay. He passed over Winslow, and he said to himself that he didn't want to come here. But then he felt in his heart that he needed to go back and check out this town. He found where the nearest hospital was and come to find out that the Mormon church was right next to it.
The next sunday was fast and testimony meeting. He just walked into church. I didn't see him at first, but he found the bishop and introduced us to him. He told us his whole story. He also told us he has a purpose over here; he just hasn't found it yet. I was so shocked. It was amazing to see a person just walk into our church and to feel the spirit at fast and testimony meeting. Now we are teaching him. It is so amazing and true that peoples' hearts are being prepared and that they are literally walking into church. I couldn't believe it, but now I do. It makes me motivated as a missionary to find the elect. Well that's one of the major miracles, but there are more to come.
Thank you, Sister Bassett Bye
It's Elder Turner. Well I wanted to tell you about the miracles I am seeing in my area right now. First I wanted to tell you about this man. He is from Georgia, and when I heard this guy talk about his life it touched me. He first told us that he is a walking miracle, because he was beat so badly the doctors though he was dead at the scene. He recovered and went over to California to try to start a new life, but he didn't like it. So he was just traveling around the states to find a place to stay. He passed over Winslow, and he said to himself that he didn't want to come here. But then he felt in his heart that he needed to go back and check out this town. He found where the nearest hospital was and come to find out that the Mormon church was right next to it.
Thank you, Sister Bassett Bye
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Well, these past miracles aren't anything really specific, but it is just a miracle for us to already receive over 20 referrals from the christmas lights. It's amazing to see how many people are found through other missionaries who work diligently by talking to everyone at the christmas lights. And a lot of the referrals that we get are in places that we would never knock if we were to go tracting. I know that God puts people in the right place at the right time to be able to accept the invitation of learning more about the restored gospel. And its so amazing to see how the Christmas spirit makes people have a broken heart to be more receptive to the feelings and impressions that come from listening to this message. It's another testimony builder to me of the truthfulness of this work.
Elder Gleaves
Friday, December 4, 2009
One of the Best Nights of My Mission
Hey Sister Bassett,
I read your comment about RM's telling about Christmas lights.
It isn't an over the top one, but it is special to me.
At first, I wasn't looking forward to the Christmas lights, but I eventually got into the mood. And early into the evening, I stopped a group of three people. After talking to them for awhile, I soon found out that they had passed a ton of missionaries, and I was the first to talk to them. And one of them was not a member and seemed kind of interested. So, I made a resolution to talk to everyone that I could. I did my best and the more I talked with people, the happier I became. And that old Christmas spirit that we all talk about, entered into my heart. It was such an amazing night. I will always remember it as one of the best nights of my mission. And the funny thing is, I didn't even receive one referral. It really does come down to how much YOU serve, rather than HOW MANY you receive. I just wish I would have known that during my first Christmas lights in the mission.
Hopefully this story helps.
And by the way, Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Tony AKA Elder Combe
photo by Richard Webb
Thursday, December 3, 2009
"God does know our cares and our concerns"
Here's an email I received from two of our zone leaders. Great story!
Last week we were praying specifically for a new investigator, but by the end of the week we still hadn't found one. We had to sacrifice a good chunk of prime proselyting time from our area by serving at the temple Christmas lights Friday night. We put forth our best effort serving there and expected the Lord to make up the difference. It was now Sunday morning, and we still had no new investigators. We had church up until 4 pm and then we were scheduled to work at the Christmas lights that evening as well. We were out of time. We needed a miracle.
At our last Sacrament meeting of the day, a member of the bishopric introduced us to Brandon. He had just walked into the building at the beginning of the meeting. Brandon had Googled us and found out the location of the building as well as the meeting time on his own. He very much enjoyed all three hours of church. We set up a time on Monday to meet with him and teach the first lesson.
At the lesson, he shared with us his past, which was full of difficulties and trials. He has a friend who is a member of the church who shared bits and pieces of Gospel truths with him when he needed it the most. He finally decided something needed to change. He told us of an experience he had where the Lord told him not to worry, but that he would be guided to the right path. Brandon also said that he would trust in the Lord and rely on his feelings instead of getting caught up in trying to explain and discover things logically. He had a broken heart and a contrite spirit. As we discussed the message of the Restoration, he became very excited and full of the Spirit saying things like, “It’s all making sense now!”, “What is the next step?” and, “This is something that I want to be a part of.”
Naturally, we decided to set a date with him for baptism. He graciously accepted, and will prepare to be baptized on the day after Christmas. Interestingly enough, he wanted to know if it would be OK if he invited people to his baptism. Of course we said yes-he could invite his family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, everybody! Brandon wants to be an example to his family and feels like this is the right decision. With his example of following the Spirit, he will be a blessing to his family and help them to accept the Gospel and the blessings that come from it.
The Lord is preparing people to receive the Gospel. When missionaries make sacrifices and give their best effort, the Lord will make miracles happen. I am so grateful that Brandon had the courage to listen to the Spirit, and for his friend sharing bits and pieces of the Gospel with him when he needed it the most. Obedience to the promptings of the Spirit allows the Lord to work miracles, and sacrifice shows the Lord you need his help.
God bless!
Love,
Elder Gomez and Elder Crook
Elder Crook added this little bit:
Sister Bassett,
For me this event of seeing Brandon come out of 'no where' was an experience I knew only God could do. Brandon was getting prepared and Elder Gomez and myself were also getting prepared as we worked. This miracle showed to me that God does know our cares and our concerns. We have 2 baptisms coming up but I was concerned about what was going to happen after that. In our effort to continue finding this last week we did talk to more people and did get some potentials from it. We didn't, however, find a new investigator and I was down until Brandon came into the picture. I know that it was because we were trying to find someone that God placed someone in our path in the unexpected way. I know that God does answer prayers espeically when we go out and do our best to fulfill them. This event showed to me that God is preparing people and how we just have to do our best and God will do the rest. I'm so grateful for this event. Thank you Sister Bassett for encouraging us to record miracles and look for them. Hope you and President Bassett have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Neil Crook
At our last Sacrament meeting of the day, a member of the bishopric introduced us to Brandon. He had just walked into the building at the beginning of the meeting. Brandon had Googled us and found out the location of the building as well as the meeting time on his own. He very much enjoyed all three hours of church. We set up a time on Monday to meet with him and teach the first lesson.
At the lesson, he shared with us his past, which was full of difficulties and trials. He has a friend who is a member of the church who shared bits and pieces of Gospel truths with him when he needed it the most. He finally decided something needed to change. He told us of an experience he had where the Lord told him not to worry, but that he would be guided to the right path. Brandon also said that he would trust in the Lord and rely on his feelings instead of getting caught up in trying to explain and discover things logically. He had a broken heart and a contrite spirit. As we discussed the message of the Restoration, he became very excited and full of the Spirit saying things like, “It’s all making sense now!”, “What is the next step?” and, “This is something that I want to be a part of.”
Naturally, we decided to set a date with him for baptism. He graciously accepted, and will prepare to be baptized on the day after Christmas. Interestingly enough, he wanted to know if it would be OK if he invited people to his baptism. Of course we said yes-he could invite his family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, everybody! Brandon wants to be an example to his family and feels like this is the right decision. With his example of following the Spirit, he will be a blessing to his family and help them to accept the Gospel and the blessings that come from it.
The Lord is preparing people to receive the Gospel. When missionaries make sacrifices and give their best effort, the Lord will make miracles happen. I am so grateful that Brandon had the courage to listen to the Spirit, and for his friend sharing bits and pieces of the Gospel with him when he needed it the most. Obedience to the promptings of the Spirit allows the Lord to work miracles, and sacrifice shows the Lord you need his help.
God bless!
Love,
Elder Gomez and Elder Crook
Sister Bassett,
For me this event of seeing Brandon come out of 'no where' was an experience I knew only God could do. Brandon was getting prepared and Elder Gomez and myself were also getting prepared as we worked. This miracle showed to me that God does know our cares and our concerns. We have 2 baptisms coming up but I was concerned about what was going to happen after that. In our effort to continue finding this last week we did talk to more people and did get some potentials from it. We didn't, however, find a new investigator and I was down until Brandon came into the picture. I know that it was because we were trying to find someone that God placed someone in our path in the unexpected way. I know that God does answer prayers espeically when we go out and do our best to fulfill them. This event showed to me that God is preparing people and how we just have to do our best and God will do the rest. I'm so grateful for this event. Thank you Sister Bassett for encouraging us to record miracles and look for them. Hope you and President Bassett have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Neil Crook
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
I Believe in Miracles
Sister Bassett,
I think that's a good title to this email. I was just informed for the first time to send you my miracles, here we go.
I got a member referral!
I was able to follow the spirit to help someone stop smoking.
I was getting sick and wouldn't be able to sing for sacrament on Sunday so I said a prayer and I kid you not, I felt better in 5 minutes. That was so cool.
Committed 2 people to baptism this transfer!
My mind is foggy but these things were awesome!
Love, Elder Caywood
I think that's a good title to this email. I was just informed for the first time to send you my miracles, here we go.
I got a member referral!
I was able to follow the spirit to help someone stop smoking.
I was getting sick and wouldn't be able to sing for sacrament on Sunday so I said a prayer and I kid you not, I felt better in 5 minutes. That was so cool.
Committed 2 people to baptism this transfer!
My mind is foggy but these things were awesome!
Love, Elder Caywood
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Answered Prayers
Hello Sister Bassett,
It has been a neat experience reflecting on all the miracles I have seen since we have fasted as a mission. What keeps coming to my mind is how I have been so blessed as a missionary to have taught the G____ family. Anna and Noe are the parents of 5 boys. We recieved Anna as a referral sometime in October. We began just teaching Anna, and then we were able to set up a time to teach the whole family. The lessons were going great. The boys were always fighting over whose turn it was to pray. We saw their progression in the gospel, but I think the real miracle came when Sis Tuioti and I recieved an answer to their prayers through a member.
We went over to visit Anna one morning. She was upset, because she had to send her boys to school without breakfast. Tears filled her eyes as she explained the difficult situation they were in with unemployment. We reassured her and tried to comfort her. Throughout that day they were in our thoughts and prayers. We tried to get a hold of people who we think could help with food but we didn't hear back from anyone. Then at about 7 that night, we recieved a phone call from a member in a different ward. She asked us if we had dinner yet and if we were hungry. We told her that we already had dinner and asked her why. She then told us that she cooked dinner that night but then her husband brought dinner home, and they didn't want a hot meal to go to waste. She called around the ward and asked about 10 families if they needed dinner that night. All of them declined the offer. Then the impression came to her to call the missionaries. As she explained this, my heart filled with joy as I knew who exactly could use that meal. So I asked Sister Brown if we could take the dinner to a family that could really use it. Of course she said yes. When we picked up the dinner, much to our surprise, Sister Brown had a few more bags of food she had cleared from her pantry. An answer to our prayers!! 
We took the food over to the G____'s, and they were filled with so much joy. Anna and Noe both expressed gratitude, and we couldn't help but watch the boys get so excited about the fruit snacks and other tasty treats. That week was a huge motivator for this family. We set a baptismal date with them. Anna, Noe and their oldest son all got baptized together. They are strong members of the church already. Noe has expressed the desire to share his testimony in church several times and has been ordained as a priest. He looks forward to baptizing their son Jonathan in April. Also as a result we are now teaching Anna's nieces, Bianca and Crystal who live with them now. They are schedule to be baptized this saturday.
Of course there have been many other miracles that I would love to share. Minutes are running out here at the library so if you would like me to share a few more let me know.
Thanks for all you do Sister Bassett. You are amazing!! (I love it when they say that!)
Sister Tara Morton
The Lord Led Him Right Back To Us!
Hey sister Bassett!
This week we went to teach an investigator at a recent convert's house. He lives in our area, but she doesn't, and they are dating. Back about 4 months ago when Elder Coffman and I were first put together, we talked to a guy at a gas station. And it was probably one of the most spiritual TTI's of my mission, but he rejected us. I was kinda bummed but felt good 'cause the spirit was there, and I knew that guy had felt it. Anyways, 4 months down the road after never seeing him again, he shows up last night to the lesson only this time, he is prepared to hear the gospel. He is going through a rough time in his life right now and needs the Lord's help. It is a miracle. The Lord led him right back to us!
Elder Chance Pebbley
This week we went to teach an investigator at a recent convert's house. He lives in our area, but she doesn't, and they are dating. Back about 4 months ago when Elder Coffman and I were first put together, we talked to a guy at a gas station. And it was probably one of the most spiritual TTI's of my mission, but he rejected us. I was kinda bummed but felt good 'cause the spirit was there, and I knew that guy had felt it. Anyways, 4 months down the road after never seeing him again, he shows up last night to the lesson only this time, he is prepared to hear the gospel. He is going through a rough time in his life right now and needs the Lord's help. It is a miracle. The Lord led him right back to us!
Elder Chance Pebbley
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