Strengthen Ye The Weak Hands

Area: Valley Hi/Heritage
Companion: Sister Riley Powell

Dearest family and friends,

I'm not sure words can express the love and gratitude that I feel right now. It is so evident how the Lord divinely formulates and plans our lives. With every companion I've had it is evident that we were supposed to be together. There is something special about the companionship I'm in now. Before I was transferred and before I knew who my companion would be I knew that it was going to be important. Sister Powell is incredible. We have both grown tremendously in these past six weeks. We have truly become one.

This weekend we had the marvellous opportunity to see the General Women's broadcast at the church. The whole stake came to watch together. It was truly inspiring and uplifting to hear the words of the Lords chosen servants concerning the family, virtue, and charity. I loved the different talks that were given and the music shared.

I definitely came away filled with the power of the Holy Ghost. But not just because it was great to receive divine instruction. There is a woman named {H} who is not a member, though her daughter's family are members in another area. When her grandsons visit, she takes them to church. Lately she has been attending on her own. We have never taught her, but she knows so much. She has spoken with missionaries in the past. She interacts easily with others. Last Sunday we invited her to attend the broadcast with us, and were thrilled to see her on Saturday when we arrived. As she sat with us it was easy to see that she was feeling the spirit and believed what was being spoken. During President Uchtdorf's talk I had a very distinct impression to ask her why she was not yet a member, then to invite her to be baptized. The impression grew as the talk continued. At the conclusion of the meeting I leaned over to her and asked her why she was not yet a member. She was overcome with emotion as she explained that she desired to be baptized, but felt inadequate. Sister Powell joined in. We invited her to prepare to be baptized now and she accepted. We testified that now is the time and that she is indeed ready. She affirmed that she also knew it was time. Again, we have never taught her. I don't know the last time she took lessons. But it was plain to see that she was ready for the invitation and the step into his gait. She committed to meet with us so that she can prepare to be baptized. We had a powerful conversation with her. We read Mosiah 18:9-10

"[You] are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life-- Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?"

As we talked she seemed to gain greater courage to continue on this path. What an incredible moment! We parted ways after setting an appointment, but before she left she told us that we are strengthening her. We gave her a big hug. She is so elect!

Sister Record and Sister Jenkins

We had a couple exchanges this week. It was very rewarding to go with Sister Jenkins in her area and be led to so many people there. Things have been a little slower in that area, but we had several lessons and met some great people. It was a tender mercy for her to see such a spark. We both learned a lot and had some great talks about confidence in Christ. One lesson in particular was with a part member couple. We started off by testifying of Gods love. {A}, the one who isn't a member, began crying. She opened up to us about some things that have been hard for her, and how she doesn't know how to recognize answers to her prayers. We promised her that if she would open her ears and her heart, that God would answer her prayers right then in that lesson. She was genuine in her desire to listen and did so with real intent. It was amazing to watch the light go on in her eyes as we taught the restoration. By the end it was plain to see that she had received confirmation and now wanted to learn more. It was incredible. The Lord knows his children. I am in awe every day of how he uses us as his instruments to reach the hearts of those who's hands hang low.

May I once again, share my favorite scripture. Isaiah 35:3-5

"Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped."

May this be our mission, for the rest of our lives is my prayer.

I know that the righteous have no need to fear. God lives. He loves us. He is omnipotent, and omniscient. Nothing else matters. As our faith is firmly rooted in Christ, we will not be moved by the heavy winds of the world. I love God and I love his work. I am forever faithful to him.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love,
Sister Record

 

Pictures

 Ha ha. I don't remember what was funny. But something was.

Here is our tiny district after our district meeting last week. Left to right: Elder Trammel, Elder Reimschussel (Rhyme-shoe-soul), Sister Powell, Me, Sister Martin, Sister Smith.

After an incredible exchange with Sister Jenkins. There were so many miracles, and she is so sweet. It was neat to see her grow in such a short amount of time.

Sister Powell and I with Chelse. She was recently baptized and we had dinner with her last night. It was fantastic. :)