May we Love as He Loved

hello :):)

This past week we had some heart breaking news about our investigator Lisa. She has been progressing and so excited to be baptised. But lately she has been talking to her friends at her church and she told us this week she will not be baptised. It is so sad because she already had her interview and our district leader said it was the most spiritual interview he has had and her testimony is so strong. But she listened to people instead of the spirit and has decided this isn't for her. We had an incredible last lesson with her. Our ward mission leader came with us and really helped resolve some of her concerns but she was too stubborn. She wouldn't even listen to us. But we all felt the spirit so strong and bore testimony. Sister Mo and I truly feel like we have done all we can to help her, we have prayed, fasted, and studied for her but overall she has her agency. And we have done our part, the rest is up to the Lord. One day, she will be baptised though because she has had some powerful experiences with the Spirit. 

This week we did some knocking in new areas which was fun. We found some people who are willing to meet up with us again. We received a referral from a member and visited her this week. She is pretty old and has cancer and was having a really hard day. We were able to follow the spirit and visit her when she really needed it. She said she was very grateful that we came by when we did because we were able to give her a lift. And it felt so good to make someone smile and laugh and feel the spirit. 

I feel like recently I have been so worried about numbers, which has not been helping anything or anyone. And I read a talk called On Being Genuine. It really helped me realize that we aren't here for numbers. We are here to help bring people closer to Christ. I am here to love as He loved, serve as He served, to lift and to strengthen. And I know when I focus on that I will be fulfilling my purpose and I won't have to worry about numbers. 

So this week I am going to work on lifting and strengthening members, investigators, and people I talk to on the street and the bus! I want to feel like I am helping people and bringing joy into their lives.

Anyway, I am praying to be able to love like Christ loved. It is hard but I know with His help I can do it!

Missions are hard as most of you know, but I wouldn't give up a second of it, even the toughest moments. There is just so much to learn. This life is the time to learn!!
Remember that praying, reading the book of mormon, and going to church will help you get through those tough moments!

I love and miss all of you!

Love, Sister Stevens 

(She didn't send any pics this week, so here's one from the good ole' days)

Sure miss this little girl!