Monday, February 20, 2017

WE SAW THE SUN!!☀️☀️

Hello!
I am amazed at the love and mercy I have seen from Heavenly Father this week. It has been an extremely hard week with many times I have almost given up but Heavenly Father won't let me, He is really trying to keep me out here! There have been so many incredible emails, little tender mercies, and amazing experiences that have been able to keep me going. I feel so grateful to still be here! As I have reached my year mark it has been so bittersweet.  I have come to love the people here so much. They have taught and made me realise how much living the gospel really does help us improve the quality of our lives. I don't think I could've gained the testimony that I have anywhere else. It is all worth it! 

We had Zone Training this week and the lovely Sister Blair organised a zone fast so the whole zone was fasting for me and my back! It was so thoughtful and brought me to tears on numerous occasions. 
In the training we listened to the Hymn Let Us All Press On. I wrote down some of the words that stuck out to me: 
Courage, for the Lord is on our side
We will not retreat
An unseen power will aid me and you 
The Lord we will obey
In the day of trial, the saints He will cheer 
Fear not 
I love this Hymn! One of the elders said it's like a battle cry. How we are all just trying to keep going and do our best to serve our Heavenly Father. We are never alone, He is always there to aid us and cheer us on. There is nothing Heavenly Father wants more than for all of His children to be able to return to live with him again. I know when we keep pressing on and when we don't retreat we will be able to make it. 

This week I have really been putting my trust in the Lord, He is in charge and He knows best. Even though we may wonder why we go through certain things now I know they are all for a purpose. One scripture really helped me to remember this this week. Helaman 12:1, "we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him." I know when we put our trust in the Lord He will bless us! So simple, yet so powerful.

Some more miracles from the week:

Our ifriend Martin is doing so well! We have been able to see him quite a few times this week and we committed him to live the word of wisdom. We brought a recent convert couple who have given up things to live the word of wisdom and it was amazing to have Martin hear the blessings from members of living the law. And so cool to see how they have been blessed for keeping the commandments. He is excited for his baptism on march 10! Please keep him in your prayers! He is making lots of difficult changes right now. 

3 of our progressing ifriends were able to come to church on Sunday and it was such a great experience for each of them. We are excited for the progress they are making!

Due to my current back issues and the little to no progress anything is doing WE ARE GETTING A CAR! #hallelujah So the drivers of Billingham better watch out because I will now be driving.... bless please pray for our safety. But I am so grateful, I'm hoping it will help me be able to continue to work and do all I can these last 6 months. 

Sister Bensige is a total boss. She is like training me again. I'm so thankful for her example of hard, dedicated service and exact obedience. She truly has a desire to help all those we come in contact with. I have been blessed with the most amazing companions!

I love you all and hope you have a great week!
Love, Sister Stevens 
PS. I am going with my new driving instructor right now ;) wish me luck!  I'm excited to drive again.



Zone training and interviews with President :)



Sam, our friend who rides her 'bike' to church



Haircuts from a member this morning. Hallelujah! It's been too long.
He even blow dried our hair for us!!!πŸ’‡πŸΌπŸ’ˆ✂️