What a wonderful week full of milagros milagros milagros! It is
our last week until transfers! AHH time is flying by too fast! Our
first tender mercy this past week was given to us by one of our many
favorite investigators Kris Poff. As many of you already know, we were
eager to become true Texans as we learned how to rope a steer. As we
rolled up to the ranch, AKA the church building, Kris met us with
cowgirl hats, oversized sodas, and a calf ready for the catch. We got
all dressed up in true cowgirl gear as she handed each of us a rope.
We started swinging right away and only roped ourselves once or twice
then we became natural at it (a picture is worth a thousand words so please
enjoy the many photos). We sure enjoyed our time spent with Kris.
An update on her is that she practically has her whole baptism planned
and is progressing quickly in her preparation. We are excited for her!
Tuesday we had district meeting. I gave my first training in
Spanish and lets just say I hope someone learned something from it.
It wasn't my first training that I had given in the mission so I'm
grateful I knew how to give a training at least. I was given the
topic of teaching the rest of the district new ways on how to teach
the gospel of Jesus Christ. I came up with some object lessons that
the missionaries could use to help their investigators understand each
principle better. It went really well and later I heard that some of
the companionships in the district used the object lessons when they were
Tuesday we had district meeting. I gave my first training in
Spanish and lets just say I hope someone learned something from it.
It wasn't my first training that I had given in the mission so I'm
grateful I knew how to give a training at least. I was given the
topic of teaching the rest of the district new ways on how to teach
the gospel of Jesus Christ. I came up with some object lessons that
the missionaries could use to help their investigators understand each
principle better. It went really well and later I heard that some of
the companionships in the district used the object lessons when they were
teaching some of their investigators and they went really well.
So that was a plus!
I was also able to have a wonderful exchange with Hermana Ferrell
this week. She came to Carrizo Springs and we were able to teach lots
of people here. We taught another one of our progressing investigator
families (Anna, Pearl, and Pearl's kids - Precious who's 9, Paris
who's 4, Royce who's 6, Jason who's 8, Roger who's 11, Lionel who's
14, and Juan who's 16). We taught them the gospel of Jesus Christ and
used the object lessons to teach each of the principles of the gospel.
It really helped them understand it better. Anna talked to her boss
at work this week and told him she was going to have to have Sundays
off because she wanted to be able to keep coming to church! We were
super excited about that. She really loved it when she came to church
last week and she saw the need and importance of it. They are doing
so well and love reading in the Book of Mormon together and yesterday
we taught them and all the kids how to pray and they loved it and all
wanted to start praying as a family (aaww that makes me so happy)!
We were able to find unplanned service opportunities this week and
it was great. While trying to get in touch with one of our less
active branch members we found him in midday Texas heat installing new
headlights in his car. He had probably crushed his thumb one time too
many because he seemed pretty ready to abandon the project entirely.
Although he hesitantly declined our offer to help we jumped in anyway.
With 45 minutes of sweat, dirt, and grease all over our bodies we had
finished his project and gained his friendship (thanks dad and
friends for helping prepare me for surprise mechanical service). On
Saturday we were able to get in touch with an old investigator named Joseph.
It was so good to meet him. His eyes lit up when we came around the
corner and we were grateful to find out that he has been continuing to
read in the Book of Mormon. He picked up more hours at work so we
hadn't been able to see him for awhile. Anyway, he was in the middle
of repairing a chain fence for a nearby church, so after a tour of his
adorable garden, we jumped in and helped him finish up. He was so
grateful. We were able to share a short message with him afterwards
and he said he wants to plan a picnic to say thank you to us for our
next appointment. I never thought that the friends I would gain out
here would be older oil field workers, but these people are the most
humble, loving, giving people I have ever met, and I want to serve with
them forever. We also helped another one of our investigators clean
out an apartment that she is trying to rent out. She needed the tub
scrubbed. I always forget how extremely dirty a place can get until I
am way too far in to back out. The bath was completely covered in a
brown crusty mix of dirt and soap scum. We rolled up our sleeves and
with all the elbow grease we could offer we got the tub nearly back to
it's original off white. It'll probably look better when the rest of
the bathroom is clean. Ok, one more service story if you can bear it!
We go twice each week to help out at the local hospital. This week we
found a lot of things there...such as my desired career field...and some
new friends. On Friday we went with two of the receptionists for a
spontaneous McDonalds run (McDonald's is fine dining out here
folks). We laughed with them over our french fries until we ran out
of breath and then recovered ourselves with ice cream cones. They have
asked us a lot of questions about our faith and missionary work
because of the trust and friendship that has grown between us.
Although we cannot proselyte in the hospital some seeds have
definitely been planted.
Through the service that we did this week we were able to build better
relationships with each of these wonderful people. I love doing
service! It truly brings me happiness. Speaking of happiness, I read
something this week that I wanted to share with you. I can't remember
the resource but this is what I had written down. "Heavenly Father
desires that we find true, lasting happiness. Our happiness is the
design of all the blessings He gives us--gospel teachings,
commandments, priesthood ordinances, family relationships, prophets,
temples, the beauties of creation, and even the opportunity to
experience adversity. His plan for our salvation is often called “the
great plan of happiness”. He sent His Son to carry out the Atonement so
we can be happy in this life and receive a fulness of joy in the
eternities. In John 3:16 it says "For God so loved the
world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life." He wants us to be happy therefore He's
going to create every opportunity for us to return to live with Him
again."
It's been a wonderful week full of many miracles! We found so many
opportunities to teach others! Also we were able to watch the General
Women's Conference at our church building and our investigator Betty
came and really loved it! I was looking forward to watching it! I
loved the talk by Bonnie H. Gordon. She shared a scripture that hit
me in the heart when I read it. It was Proverbs 3:5-6
I was also able to have a wonderful exchange with Hermana Ferrell
this week. She came to Carrizo Springs and we were able to teach lots
of people here. We taught another one of our progressing investigator
families (Anna, Pearl, and Pearl's kids - Precious who's 9, Paris
who's 4, Royce who's 6, Jason who's 8, Roger who's 11, Lionel who's
14, and Juan who's 16). We taught them the gospel of Jesus Christ and
used the object lessons to teach each of the principles of the gospel.
It really helped them understand it better. Anna talked to her boss
at work this week and told him she was going to have to have Sundays
off because she wanted to be able to keep coming to church! We were
super excited about that. She really loved it when she came to church
last week and she saw the need and importance of it. They are doing
so well and love reading in the Book of Mormon together and yesterday
we taught them and all the kids how to pray and they loved it and all
wanted to start praying as a family (aaww that makes me so happy)!
We were able to find unplanned service opportunities this week and
it was great. While trying to get in touch with one of our less
active branch members we found him in midday Texas heat installing new
headlights in his car. He had probably crushed his thumb one time too
many because he seemed pretty ready to abandon the project entirely.
Although he hesitantly declined our offer to help we jumped in anyway.
With 45 minutes of sweat, dirt, and grease all over our bodies we had
finished his project and gained his friendship (thanks dad and
friends for helping prepare me for surprise mechanical service). On
Saturday we were able to get in touch with an old investigator named Joseph.
It was so good to meet him. His eyes lit up when we came around the
corner and we were grateful to find out that he has been continuing to
read in the Book of Mormon. He picked up more hours at work so we
hadn't been able to see him for awhile. Anyway, he was in the middle
of repairing a chain fence for a nearby church, so after a tour of his
adorable garden, we jumped in and helped him finish up. He was so
grateful. We were able to share a short message with him afterwards
and he said he wants to plan a picnic to say thank you to us for our
next appointment. I never thought that the friends I would gain out
here would be older oil field workers, but these people are the most
humble, loving, giving people I have ever met, and I want to serve with
them forever. We also helped another one of our investigators clean
out an apartment that she is trying to rent out. She needed the tub
scrubbed. I always forget how extremely dirty a place can get until I
am way too far in to back out. The bath was completely covered in a
brown crusty mix of dirt and soap scum. We rolled up our sleeves and
with all the elbow grease we could offer we got the tub nearly back to
it's original off white. It'll probably look better when the rest of
the bathroom is clean. Ok, one more service story if you can bear it!
We go twice each week to help out at the local hospital. This week we
found a lot of things there...such as my desired career field...and some
new friends. On Friday we went with two of the receptionists for a
spontaneous McDonalds run (McDonald's is fine dining out here
folks). We laughed with them over our french fries until we ran out
of breath and then recovered ourselves with ice cream cones. They have
asked us a lot of questions about our faith and missionary work
because of the trust and friendship that has grown between us.
Although we cannot proselyte in the hospital some seeds have
definitely been planted.
Through the service that we did this week we were able to build better
relationships with each of these wonderful people. I love doing
service! It truly brings me happiness. Speaking of happiness, I read
something this week that I wanted to share with you. I can't remember
the resource but this is what I had written down. "Heavenly Father
desires that we find true, lasting happiness. Our happiness is the
design of all the blessings He gives us--gospel teachings,
commandments, priesthood ordinances, family relationships, prophets,
temples, the beauties of creation, and even the opportunity to
experience adversity. His plan for our salvation is often called “the
great plan of happiness”. He sent His Son to carry out the Atonement so
we can be happy in this life and receive a fulness of joy in the
eternities. In John 3:16 it says "For God so loved the
world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life." He wants us to be happy therefore He's
going to create every opportunity for us to return to live with Him
again."
It's been a wonderful week full of many miracles! We found so many
opportunities to teach others! Also we were able to watch the General
Women's Conference at our church building and our investigator Betty
came and really loved it! I was looking forward to watching it! I
loved the talk by Bonnie H. Gordon. She shared a scripture that hit
me in the heart when I read it. It was Proverbs 3:5-6
5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding.
6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Three ways to keep our knowledge and trust in our Savior
-fest upon the words of Christ (more scriptures)...search the scriptures!
-prayer (keep that open communication with our Heavenly Father)
-serve others (the best way to know our savior Jesus Christ and
feeling true happiness is by serving others as he did)
Also I wanted to end my email by sharing these scriptures and one more thought.
I read in Mosiah 5 this week and this is what it says:
1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had thus spoken to
his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people if they
believed the words which he had spoken unto them.
2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the
words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their
surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which
has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no
more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.
3 And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of God, and
the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to
come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things.
4 And it is the faith which we have had on the things which our king
has spoken unto us that has brought us to this great knowledge,
whereby we do rejoice with such exceedingly great joy.
5 And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his
will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he
shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring
upon ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by the
angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God.
6 And now, these are the words which king Benjamin desired of them;
and therefore he said unto them: Ye have spoken the words that I
desired; and the covenant which ye have made is a righteous covenant.
7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be
called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for
behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that
your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are
born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
8 And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head
whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby
salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the
name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God
that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.
9 And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found
at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is
called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ.
10 And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon
him the name of Christ must be called by some other name; therefore,
he findeth himself on the left hand of God.
11 And I would that ye should remember also, that this is the name
that I said I should give unto you that never should be blotted out,
except it be through transgression; therefore, take heed that ye do
not transgress, that the name be not blotted out of your hearts.
12 I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name
written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand
of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be
called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.
13 For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is
a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his
heart?
14 And again, doth a man take an ass which belongeth to his neighbor,
and keep him? I say unto you, Nay; he will not even suffer that he
shall feed among his flocks, but will drive him away, and cast him
out. I say unto you, that even so shall it be among you if ye know
not the name by which ye are called.
15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable,
always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent,
may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have
everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power,
and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in
earth, who is God above all. Amen.
In these verses these people are developing a true change of heart and
want to follow our Savior Jesus and in verse 8 I love how it talks
about being free. How have you been freed through your Savior Jesus
Christ?
There is a Mormon message I want y'all to look up and watch with your
families. Its called A change of heart. It's about a young man who
lives in Honduras and his life was going down a path in which he was
going to see a lot of hardship but his friend was able to share his
testimony with him and his heart was softened and changed forever.
Family and friends, like king Benjamin and like this friend in the
video, may we not be afraid to share our testimonies with others. You
never know who's heart you might help soften and change. I would
invite you this week to find ways you can share your testimony with
others. I know the spirit will guide you. I want to here your
experiences that you have if you would like to share them with me. I
know We can come to know our Savior better when we trust in Him and as
we share our testimonies with others we can help others feel of the
Savior's love for them. I hope y'all have a wonderful week. I love
you!
Con Amor,
Hermana Mann
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