Monday, July 17, 2017

It's been a rocky week ;)

Hello everyone! 
This week has been tough, Satan is trying his hardest on me, but I am fighting back! Good news is the doctors finally found out what is wrong with me! I have kidney stones :):) so this week I will be getting them removed and I will be able to finish strong! 

We went by one of our investigators house one night this week & she wasn't in, but her daughter & husband were and we were able to teach her daughter! She said ever since we started teaching her mom she had started to believe in God again. We are excited to keep going over & help her get involved with the other youth in the ward. 

We also taught our Filipino investigator who's son is a member in the Philippines. We had a great lesson with her about the plan of salvation! She said she has a hard time believing in an after life but her understanding of it grew so much. She said she knows the Book of mormon is true and wants to get baptised eventually but she is a full time carer for her husband who is really ill and can't leave him. We are praying for an opportunity to get her to church! I realised how much I love teaching the lessons in preach my gospel. They are so simple and they invite the spirit so much. 

Josh is doing super well! He has been inviting his friends to the ward activities and doing some missionary work. Emily (the mom) & Josh friends with a less active family in the ward and they have been getting them to come to church more! They have been experiencing the joy of missionary work too :) 

I think what has brought me the most peace this week and helped me to keep going no matter my situation and no matter what I can and can't do is knowing Heavenly Father still loves me. Even if I can't get out of bed, or be a normal missionary right now. I get so caught up sometimes about my leaders thinking I'm not doing enough or if my indicators are really low but I remembered what it says in the white handbook last night, my loyalty is first to the Lord. I am thankful for that! 

We had a great lesson in relief society about service. It definitely helped me realise how much happier I will be when I choose to focus on others & how I can help them. President Hinckley said something that really stuck out to me, 
"Do you want to be happy? Forget yourself and get lost in this great cause. Lend your efforts to helping people. Cultivate a spirit of forgiveness in your heart against any who might have offended you. Look to the Lord and live and work to lift and serve His sons and daughters. You will come to know a happiness that you have never known before if you will do that. I do not care how old you are, how young you are, whatever. You can lift people and help them. Heaven knows there are so very, very, very many people in this world who need help. Oh, so very, very many. Let’s get the cankering, selfish attitude out of our lives, my brothers and sisters, and stand a little taller and reach a little higher in the service of others… Stand taller, stand higher, lift those with feeble knees, hold up the arms of those that hang down. Live the gospel of Jesus Christ. Forget yourself." I love it! 

I am spending the day exploring England with my trainer Sister Pro, who has finished her mission and lives here now...defs a highlight. Love her so much!

Have a great week!
Love, Sister Stevens 
our mission leader got another bunny

district meeting



good ole' England

Sister Pro



Sister Chantry













Another week in Darlo


Hiya fam! 

(She is staying put for her last transfer and final 6 weeks!)
Well, once again an interesting week for us! Lots of doctors appointments & prayers & patience have been required. I am learning so much about humility and patience. This challenge has really showed me I am so weak on my own, I truly need to rely on my Saviour to help me and carry me. 

The Billingham sisters came and stayed with us for a night & day and one went out with Sister Chantry and the other stayed with me. It was so nice of the! They were able to get in contact with one of investigators and ended up teaching their whole family! They weren't able to come to church, but we are hoping to get them there this week. 

We had an incredible stake musical fireside Sunday night all centred on Christ. Such wonderful music & all focused on our Saviour. It made me realise the impact He can have on so many people. I got to speak & while I sat on the stand and looked out at everyone so many of them had tears in their eyes. The spirit was there & people were able to feel and recognise how the Saviour has played a role in their lives. Plus I was able to be reunited with Sister Cook which was a huge blessing! There were quite a few missionaries there who are going home this transfer and it was sad to say goodbye! I have met so many great people on my mission that have made a huge impact on my life. 

I've really been trying to find more peace about being in so much pain & staying in the flat so much, especially as this is now my last transfer. My personal prayers are what has helped me the most. I realised how much better my prayers are when I pray out loud & how much easier it is for me to feel Heavenly Father's love. I know He is aware of me & my needs. I know He is giving me opportunities to study more about our Saviour and serve in other ways than what I could normally be doing. 

So my challenge for you all this week is to say a personal prayer out loud! I know it will give you a better opportunity to receive answers & feel Heavenly Father's love. 

Have a great week!
Love, Sister Stevens