Monday, May 1, 2017

Grateful for the Holy Ghost!

Another week here in Billingham has flown by, I can't believe it is May! Where has the time gone?!
This week we have seen so many miracles and had some great experiences. 

I am amazed at how much Heavenly Father is willing to bless us when we have just put in the little effort that we can. Like the other night, I was in quite a lot of pain so we had to be in the flat for a bit and we used that time to call some potential investigators and former investigators and we were able to set up some return appointments! We taught them later in the week and they both became new investigators! Heavenly Father knows our desires and He will help each one of us when we put in our little efforts. 

One day we had to take our car into the shop and they said it would take a few hours but it ended up taking over 5 hours!!! It was quite a hilarious day because we had lessons we had to be at that were far away and because all our money got taken we didn't have any money for a bus... Luckily we got a hold of a member who was able to take us to our lessons. It was a miracle! But we met some great people we wouldn't have been able to with a car. One of the guys we met that day has really been looking for a change in his life, he struggles with some drug addictions. We were able to testify that he can find that change through Jesus Christ and give him a Book of Mormon. And he wanted to meet again! 

This week I noticed how Heavenly Father places people in our paths. There have been quite a few times this week when that has happened. One of the times we felt like we should go out to this area we don't usually work in because its kinda far. The first person we stopped by wasn't home but his neighbor was outside so we started talking to her and she was so open and said we can come back teach her! And then the next person we talked to was so nice and had a really strong belief and said we can come back and share more about the Book of Mormon too. Then another night our lessons had flogged so we were trying to decide where the best place for us to go was. We drove past this little estate and decided that was where we needed to be. Again, the first person we talked to was recently baptised and no one knew where he was! I am so thankful for the Holy Ghost. I think a lot of the time we don't always remember the impact he can have on our lives and how much he can help us know what to do and where to go. I definitely couldn't be a missionary without that gift. 

One of our friends who was planning on being baptised on the 5 of May told us he doesn't feel ready yet and feels like he needs more time. Which made us sad because we went over the interview questions with him and the spirit confirmed to both of us that his is ready. People's agency is the worst sometimes but we have to respect him and his choices and do all we can to pray for him and help him continue to progress to another date. I felt a glimpse of what Heavenly Father feels when we choose to not make the best choice. But He loves us unconditionally. 
President Turvey has asked us to read Alma 58 for Zone Conference tomorrow, so this morning for personal study I read it. I invite you all to read it because I know it can relate to everyone! It's incredible how Helaman's army, even though it was so small was still able to overtake the Lamanites. And it was only possible with the help of Heavenly Father. They were filled with fear for what they needed to do but as they poured their souls in prayer to give them strength and deliver them from their enemies the Lord assured them and spoke peace unto their souls, even in the midst of battle. I am so thankful for a loving Father in Heaven who loves each one of us and doesn't want us to feel scared or overwhelmed. Just like He spoke peace to Helaman's army He can speak peace to our souls through our battles. I know when we turn to Him in prayer and take courage we will overcome our battles. 
Hope you all have a great week!
Love, Sister Stevens 


 
knocking

Martin :)

Our friend/investigator Sam and me in her leather jacket