This week has been incredible:: here are a few highlights from each day!
Tuesday we had 3 lessons. One was with this less active family. We talked about the importance of Sacrament meeting. The wife said "When people like us who are 'attendance challenged' don't go to sacrament meeting, we miss that feeling. You don't have that constant reminder all the time of where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. And that's what the sacrament has always reminded me. I know Our spirits are weak right now. But Heavenly Father has never forgotten us. I want my grand kids to grow up knowing about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I will commit to coming on June 1st!" The lesson just went so well and bro berkhimer shared his testimony and it was powerful. He said that the first thing to do is to start coming back to church. They agreed and said they would come! It was such a powerful lesson and the spirit was there. We also taught a lesson on Facebook. This is how the Facebook lessons work: we find people (mostly random! or we get referrals). You know how you randomly might get friend requests from people from other countries that you didn't have mutual friends with? Well, we add them and message them about the gospel: teaching principles, extending commitments, and leaving something behind! It's really exciting. The goal of online teaching is to be able to pass these investigators over to missionaries in the residing area of the investigators and have them finish teaching and be able to baptize them. Another sister here is awesome with Facebook finding. She would find random people in America and other countries and just ask if they wanted to learn more about Jesus Christ and in the last few months she has been able to take someone with no knowledge of the gospel, teach them, and pass them to missionaries in their area, and they have gotten baptized! I think her Facebook baptism count is at least 6 or 7! The online work is hastening!
Wednesday:
We started off the day doing service for sister wells. We spread 11,000 sq feet of an area with cow compost stuff (cow poop) because they are getting ready to lay sod. I taught a lesson on Facebook! I went to the tomnod search page and messaged everyone that looked like they weren't members and one of the ladies replied! We discussed the articles of faith and started talking about the restoration. Then we also taught Alisha, our recovering addict, and invited her to be baptized on July 5th! We also did more service for the WML's wife who has been ill. Then we taught another new investigator named Christina. Her sister died like 8 months ago but Memorial Day is today so she was emotional thinking about how sad she was going to be today. We reassured her that death wasn't the end and that she will be able to see her sister again. We found some awesome potential investigators that we are going to teach next week as well!
Thursday:
We taught on Facebook and then headed for a lesson with sis vandellar, our regular Thursday appointment:) she just found out that she has skin cancer and has to go in for foot and shoulder therapy for her weak body. She requested a blessing so we went and found some elders to do that for her. We met another lady and had a doorstep lesson. She has "read stuff" online and is confused about the story of Joseph Smith so hopefully we'll get to return soon and teach her about the restoration! Then we went out and got our 20 and went to another less active lesson except they weren't home. Then Judy frendo texted us and said she had ice cream and ginger ale for us. So Of course we went! We read from 1 nephi with her and talked about the scriptures with her.
Friday:
Weekly planning! And we got our 20 contacts in just THIRTY MINUTES! (Record). Then we helped this lady in our ward pack up her house to move. We were suppose to have a Sleepover with the other 4 sisters but then sis alba sent out a text to the whole vacaville zone everyone saying it wasn't allowed. Oops. Ha. But we found out transfer doctrine!!!!!! I am staying in vacaville and I am getting 2 new companions. Sister Beach and Sister Clawson! I'll be in a trio! Sis Clawson will be STL. I am Sad SIster agura is leaving me. She is headed down to Santa Rosa and will be in the same ward with the mission president and his wife.
Saturday:
After personal study we went to get donuts and then met up with the district leaders at the church for companionship study. Then from there we went to the Alamo building for Blitz for the 1st ward area Then after blitz sis agura and I sped over to mcdonalds for a lesson with bob. Bro Rayfield came and the lesson was great. Bob had some really good questions and we shared the restoration with Him. Bro Rayfield is a convert and joined at 17 (I didn't know that before hand) and he was a perfect fellowshipper for bob and was able to explain and testify about the restoration and invited bob to sit by his family at church! Then we went to see Shirley and trish. Shirley told me that Trish was like selling all sorts of random things and I told Shirley that the clock on the wall was really cute and she told me that Trish would probably sell it to me. So Shirley asked Trish when she woke up and Trish took it off the wall and said I could have it for free! Score! Ask and he shall receive. Then we went to Judy frendo's for the night and helped install her printer and then shared Alma 8 with her.
Sunday:
Judy attended sacrament meeting. It was a very low key Sunday. Running around getting pictures because sis agura is leaving Wednesday. Bob didn't come to church. That was disappointing, but he said on June 8th he will:)
We have some great investigators, we just need them all to be home so we can teach them!!! I love you all! Have a great Memorial Day!! <3
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
Press Forward Saints!
Hello family and friends! :)
This week has been a tough one, but we are happy and keep seeing
miracles. After losing 7 investigators, and having 14+ lessons fall
through, we decided its time to tract even more and find a new family.
And The Lord answered our prayers! We tracted into a less active
family who moved here from another part of Cali. They have five
children and they are all darling. I just keep picturing in my mind
how much excitement they would add to our ward here in Vacaville! We
are going to begin teaching them this next week and look forward to
the progress they can/will make. Also I got to teach at zone meeting
this past week. That was interesting/exciting. And I get to teach at
district meeting on Tomorrow. I get roped into everything since I'm
companions with an STL. It's kind of fun though, Only because I like
being incharge of things. ;) We taught Judy about the plan of
salvation and the lesson went awesome! I was on exchanges with sis
andreasen at the time and the relief society president, sis Fawson,
came out with us and it was such a powerful lesson. Not much else to
report this week. But my comp and I are determined to press on with a
smile on our face as we try to find the ELECT! Love you all!! :D
Skyping was so fun! Happy Mother's Day to my Mom (and dad)! ;) here's a preview!
Love, Sister Peterson
This week has been a tough one, but we are happy and keep seeing
miracles. After losing 7 investigators, and having 14+ lessons fall
through, we decided its time to tract even more and find a new family.
And The Lord answered our prayers! We tracted into a less active
family who moved here from another part of Cali. They have five
children and they are all darling. I just keep picturing in my mind
how much excitement they would add to our ward here in Vacaville! We
are going to begin teaching them this next week and look forward to
the progress they can/will make. Also I got to teach at zone meeting
this past week. That was interesting/exciting. And I get to teach at
district meeting on Tomorrow. I get roped into everything since I'm
companions with an STL. It's kind of fun though, Only because I like
being incharge of things. ;) We taught Judy about the plan of
salvation and the lesson went awesome! I was on exchanges with sis
andreasen at the time and the relief society president, sis Fawson,
came out with us and it was such a powerful lesson. Not much else to
report this week. But my comp and I are determined to press on with a
smile on our face as we try to find the ELECT! Love you all!! :D
Skyping was so fun! Happy Mother's Day to my Mom (and dad)! ;) here's a preview!
Love, Sister Peterson
I Believe In Christ
First of all, I wanted to start out by telling you that I know that
the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. The same gospel that
Christ taught when He was here on the earth has been restored through
Joseph Smith. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and the
Savior Jesus Christ. And just as Joseph Smith was able to simply turn
to God for direction, and speak to Him in prayer, we all can do the
same thing. We all have the wonderful opportunity to kneel in prayer
and speak to our Heavenly Father. He is waiting to hear from you. He
is waiting for you to turn to Him for help, guidance, answers, and
peace. Through prayer we can receive that- and so much more. I know
how much prayer has helped me in my life. We can pray for anything,
anywhere, at anytime. It's never to late to build that relationship
with our Heavenly Father. I hope you all are doing well. I pray for
you all every night and pray for missionary opportunities to arise in
each of your lives. I also would love to hear everyone's experiences
of missionary work. Send your stories my way! Here are a few of my
stories and the events that filled our week!
This past Monday night after dinner we did a service project for a
less active. I got to use a lawn mower for the first time. I was so
excited and had been looking forward to this for a few days!. After I
finished the first half I thought I was done. I wiped the sweat off my
forehead and was ready for some water. Sister Foutz said "alright now
the other half." I looked behind me and I didn't realize her lawn
continued to the other side of her house. By the end of it I was so
exhausted and realized that I now understand why my parents have fake
grass at their house haha. We ended up getting done at 8:35(pm) and
we had a few minutes before it was curfew. We came to a 'T' in the
road and I asked sister Agura what we should do: go home or go see an
investigator who lived close by. Without hesitation, she said "let's
go see the Gregstons." Usually they are never home, but this time
their lights were on! They let us in and we talked to them and
explained that we were in pants because we had just finished doing
yard work. We told them that we do service for people and are always
looking for opportunities to serve. And also asked if there was
anything we could do for them. They told us they were moving and
looking for people to help! The mom (Simone) left the room to take a
phone call and Simone's older sister who was there told us that Simone
was crying all day because nobody was available to help her move, and
then all of a sudden we showed up! The Lord's timing is amazing.
Tuesday we knocked into this lady named Andrea. We introduced
ourselves and did our spill and asked if we could come back later in
the week to share a message. She said, "I have a few minutes right now
if you want to come in." Our hearts rejoiced. Her house was cute,
clean, and peaceful. We shared the message of the restoration and
taught her how to pray. We were able to ask a lot of questions and
figured out that she prays in her heart a lot but doesn't devote Time
to Actually pray often, and she's not very religious. She also said
she had never been baptized. We invited her to pray at the end and she
said the sweetest prayer. She said something along the lines of "Thank
you for these sweet ladies for finding me at this dark time in my
life. They didn't know that I was going through a hard time with the
death of my sister 3 days ago. Comfort me, please." We had no idea her
sister had died in a car accident in vacaville three days prior. The
Spirit is real. It was the spirit that directed us to her because the
spirit knew she needed a friend. The scripture from Mormon 8 comes to
mind as I think about this. "I am mindful of you always in my prayers,
continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child,
Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you
through the endurance of faith on his name to the end." (Moroni 8:3).
It's situations like this that makes missionary work feel so
rewarding.
Wednesday we had zone conference. President alba was sick so it got
cut short but I learned so much. One thing that stood out to me was
from an Elder's departing testimony. He said "change everyday." This
is so important because we need to allow ourselves to become better
each and everyday and become closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. When
we stay idle, we are not getting any closer to our destination. We
need to change and improve. We need to strive to reach our potential.
I know that Heavenly Father can give us strength to reach our greatest
potential if we will simply do our part and TRY to change.
Thursday I was on exchanges with sister Asey, who as you know, is a
transfer younger than me. President we had so much fun. We taught
three lessons. Around 7 pm our eternigator, Judy Frendo texted us and
said that she missed Us and loved us. I took that as a hint meaning
"come visit me!" So we did. We went and taught her about Charity. Judy
is such an inspiration to me. She knows the church is true. I told her
that I really desire to witness her get baptized. We had a very sweet
discussion and she makes me feel like a million bucks. She gets easily
emotional like how I do. So we really click. (Hahaha). I got her the
VHS "On The Way Home" about the plan of salvation and hopefully watch
it with her. (From 1992. It's an older video, but so powerful.) Her
husband died 10 years ago. I think the video will impact her. I know
it is not her time yet, but we just like to keep giving her activities
and commitments that will allow the spirit to testify to her.
Friday Sister Agura was at the mission home and the sisters that I was
grouped with were all doing weekly planning for their area. During the
week I always get so worn out. I thought I was ready for a day off.
Except Friday I basically had a day of rest and I went crazy. I just
wanted to go out and teach and contact people about the gospel of
Jesus Christ. It hit me once again, that I LOVE being a missionary.
Saturday sister agura was back and we had to do our weekly planning.
Sister alba called us and informed us that she was coordinating a
choir for that night's stake conference. We had choir practice after
our 5 hour planning, and at stake conference we sang "I Believe in
Christ." It was powerful. As we were singing, I was overwhelmed with
peace. There was a calmness that came upon me as we sang the 4th
verse:
4. I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: “Ye shall obtain.”
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I’ll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.
Sunday Judy frendo came to church!!!!!!!! Also the Rayfields invited
us over for lunch which was a fun surprise. Then we took some young
women girls to a lesson for this 12 year old named Lauren. She ended
up not being home so we went on splits and went contacting. The first
contact was a senior in high school and told us to come back after
s.a.t. Testing. The 2nd guy, Luis, was out working on his yard and
stopped to listen to us. We told him that we would love to come back
and share more about Jesus Christ with him. He said "you can share it
now." Alrighty then! We shared the restoration message and my little
13 year old young women I was with was so darling. She is this cute
little white girl from South Africa and loves missionary work! She
testified of the Book of Mormon. We did great together and will see if
he comes to church or continues to progress.
So many of each of your neighbors are waiting to grow closer to Our
Savior, Jesus Christ. Get out there everyone and have a missionary
moment this week and share it with me. I believe in Christ and I know
He wants His gospel shared. Continue to pray for missionary
opportunities with your friends and family and witness the joy that
will come when you share the gospel. <3 EVERY MEMBER A MISSIONARY!!
Love you all!
Sister Peterson
the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. The same gospel that
Christ taught when He was here on the earth has been restored through
Joseph Smith. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and the
Savior Jesus Christ. And just as Joseph Smith was able to simply turn
to God for direction, and speak to Him in prayer, we all can do the
same thing. We all have the wonderful opportunity to kneel in prayer
and speak to our Heavenly Father. He is waiting to hear from you. He
is waiting for you to turn to Him for help, guidance, answers, and
peace. Through prayer we can receive that- and so much more. I know
how much prayer has helped me in my life. We can pray for anything,
anywhere, at anytime. It's never to late to build that relationship
with our Heavenly Father. I hope you all are doing well. I pray for
you all every night and pray for missionary opportunities to arise in
each of your lives. I also would love to hear everyone's experiences
of missionary work. Send your stories my way! Here are a few of my
stories and the events that filled our week!
This past Monday night after dinner we did a service project for a
less active. I got to use a lawn mower for the first time. I was so
excited and had been looking forward to this for a few days!. After I
finished the first half I thought I was done. I wiped the sweat off my
forehead and was ready for some water. Sister Foutz said "alright now
the other half." I looked behind me and I didn't realize her lawn
continued to the other side of her house. By the end of it I was so
exhausted and realized that I now understand why my parents have fake
grass at their house haha. We ended up getting done at 8:35(pm) and
we had a few minutes before it was curfew. We came to a 'T' in the
road and I asked sister Agura what we should do: go home or go see an
investigator who lived close by. Without hesitation, she said "let's
go see the Gregstons." Usually they are never home, but this time
their lights were on! They let us in and we talked to them and
explained that we were in pants because we had just finished doing
yard work. We told them that we do service for people and are always
looking for opportunities to serve. And also asked if there was
anything we could do for them. They told us they were moving and
looking for people to help! The mom (Simone) left the room to take a
phone call and Simone's older sister who was there told us that Simone
was crying all day because nobody was available to help her move, and
then all of a sudden we showed up! The Lord's timing is amazing.
Tuesday we knocked into this lady named Andrea. We introduced
ourselves and did our spill and asked if we could come back later in
the week to share a message. She said, "I have a few minutes right now
if you want to come in." Our hearts rejoiced. Her house was cute,
clean, and peaceful. We shared the message of the restoration and
taught her how to pray. We were able to ask a lot of questions and
figured out that she prays in her heart a lot but doesn't devote Time
to Actually pray often, and she's not very religious. She also said
she had never been baptized. We invited her to pray at the end and she
said the sweetest prayer. She said something along the lines of "Thank
you for these sweet ladies for finding me at this dark time in my
life. They didn't know that I was going through a hard time with the
death of my sister 3 days ago. Comfort me, please." We had no idea her
sister had died in a car accident in vacaville three days prior. The
Spirit is real. It was the spirit that directed us to her because the
spirit knew she needed a friend. The scripture from Mormon 8 comes to
mind as I think about this. "I am mindful of you always in my prayers,
continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child,
Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you
through the endurance of faith on his name to the end." (Moroni 8:3).
It's situations like this that makes missionary work feel so
rewarding.
Wednesday we had zone conference. President alba was sick so it got
cut short but I learned so much. One thing that stood out to me was
from an Elder's departing testimony. He said "change everyday." This
is so important because we need to allow ourselves to become better
each and everyday and become closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. When
we stay idle, we are not getting any closer to our destination. We
need to change and improve. We need to strive to reach our potential.
I know that Heavenly Father can give us strength to reach our greatest
potential if we will simply do our part and TRY to change.
Thursday I was on exchanges with sister Asey, who as you know, is a
transfer younger than me. President we had so much fun. We taught
three lessons. Around 7 pm our eternigator, Judy Frendo texted us and
said that she missed Us and loved us. I took that as a hint meaning
"come visit me!" So we did. We went and taught her about Charity. Judy
is such an inspiration to me. She knows the church is true. I told her
that I really desire to witness her get baptized. We had a very sweet
discussion and she makes me feel like a million bucks. She gets easily
emotional like how I do. So we really click. (Hahaha). I got her the
VHS "On The Way Home" about the plan of salvation and hopefully watch
it with her. (From 1992. It's an older video, but so powerful.) Her
husband died 10 years ago. I think the video will impact her. I know
it is not her time yet, but we just like to keep giving her activities
and commitments that will allow the spirit to testify to her.
Friday Sister Agura was at the mission home and the sisters that I was
grouped with were all doing weekly planning for their area. During the
week I always get so worn out. I thought I was ready for a day off.
Except Friday I basically had a day of rest and I went crazy. I just
wanted to go out and teach and contact people about the gospel of
Jesus Christ. It hit me once again, that I LOVE being a missionary.
Saturday sister agura was back and we had to do our weekly planning.
Sister alba called us and informed us that she was coordinating a
choir for that night's stake conference. We had choir practice after
our 5 hour planning, and at stake conference we sang "I Believe in
Christ." It was powerful. As we were singing, I was overwhelmed with
peace. There was a calmness that came upon me as we sang the 4th
verse:
4. I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: “Ye shall obtain.”
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I’ll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.
Sunday Judy frendo came to church!!!!!!!! Also the Rayfields invited
us over for lunch which was a fun surprise. Then we took some young
women girls to a lesson for this 12 year old named Lauren. She ended
up not being home so we went on splits and went contacting. The first
contact was a senior in high school and told us to come back after
s.a.t. Testing. The 2nd guy, Luis, was out working on his yard and
stopped to listen to us. We told him that we would love to come back
and share more about Jesus Christ with him. He said "you can share it
now." Alrighty then! We shared the restoration message and my little
13 year old young women I was with was so darling. She is this cute
little white girl from South Africa and loves missionary work! She
testified of the Book of Mormon. We did great together and will see if
he comes to church or continues to progress.
So many of each of your neighbors are waiting to grow closer to Our
Savior, Jesus Christ. Get out there everyone and have a missionary
moment this week and share it with me. I believe in Christ and I know
He wants His gospel shared. Continue to pray for missionary
opportunities with your friends and family and witness the joy that
will come when you share the gospel. <3 EVERY MEMBER A MISSIONARY!!
Love you all!
Sister Peterson
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