One Small Fish in the Great Salt Lake: A Week of Miracles

The more I'm on my mission, the more I'm starting to realizing that we see so few of the fruits of our efforts, not just as missionaries, but as people in life in general. Reading the scriptures is such a huge evidence of this. Just like Abraham could hardly imagine or comprehend the nations that he would bless the earth with, Joseph Smith couldn't have known without revelation from God what great truth and light his efforts would bring to the earth. In the Book of Mormon thr prophet Abinadi prophesies to a wicked kingdom that burns him to death, yet unbeknownst to him he has one convert, Alma, who baptizes many people and brings to pass many of the prophecies through his seed and the people whose lives he touches. So though we don't have a lot of people to teach right now, I'm starting to understand how the little things do count, and sometimes the little things end up being big things. Smiles, thank yous, a sincere listening ear when people need someone to talk to. On the days that we haven't felt like we've had much success we've been able to talk to people who really needed us and needed to hear that they are loved by God.

So currently we are teaching Lansing (who has agreed to be baptized and is praying about a date), Eric, Amadore and Karl. Karl has really bad friends who are distracting him from meeting with us and keeping his commitments. He really just has to make the choice between God and the world right now, because it's a pretty stark contrast and he seems to see that. Amadore was MIA for 2 weeks because he doesn't have a cell phone and was never home when we went by but we finally got ahold of him and set up an appointment for tonight. We've decided we're going to ask him if we can come teach him at Taco Bell where her works during his breaks. People are so busy!!

Daniel is doing amazing. His friend Kai, who came to the baptism, accepted a book of mormon from us this week! We had our first recent convert lesson with him on Tuesday and before we got into the lesson he told us a couple of amazing things:

1) that he feels totally reborn since his baptism. apparently he had been addicted to cigarettes but as soon as we taught him word of wisdom he determined to quit. He hadn't smoked for a week but he still had temptations but then after his baptism he had no cravings or temptation at all and the smell of smoke makes him sick. He loves to play basketball with his friends and he has had the lung capacity to play for 3 hours which has totally caught his friend (also smokes) off guard.

2) The speakers in Daniel's baptism and during his confirmation kept saying that Daniel's baptism was special and that his example will bring many to the truth. He is acutely aware of this and already,Kai, his Chinese best friend who he has know since he moved here two years ago is noticing the change in him and is thinking about taking the lessons. Daniel is excited to be able to teach his friends and family the truth and his dad told him he'll have to wait to see how he has really changed when he goes back home to visit and Daniel said "that will be easy to show!" He's excited to eventually get involved with the branch in china close to where he lives (according to the Chinese elders he met).

We then taught a lesson about the priesthood and before we could invite Daniel to prepare to receive the priesthood he said "So can I get it?" He should be getting to the temple in the next week or two. It has been such a blessing to witness his conversion and see the huge changes he has made and is making in his life. He is so committed to do the right thing and we leave every lesson grinning.

One of the greatest miracles of the week was seeing David quit smoking. The program we use was developed by some missionaries in Ireland who couldn't get anyone baptized because none of them could quit smoking. It seems gimicky but it actually works. Sister Taylor and I got really excited when David told us he had talked about how crazy he thought we were in his comedy act (he likes to do improv comedy). we took a video of his testimonial but I don't know how to send it. As funny as it was it was actually really inspiring! So hey, for anyone who reads this that knows someone who wants to quit smoking, contact missionaries in your area to teach them the stop smoking program and save some lungs alright??

Best door contact of the week: (While trying to find a less active member who wasn't home)

Us: So what's your name? (directed towards man who cracked the door open)

Man: I don't want to talk about it.

We decided he must be realllly sensitive about his name.

Oh! So transfers are tomorrow and we found out that we are both staying and president asked me if I will be a sister Training Leader with Sister Taylor this transfer. I'm really excited to be more than just a support this transfer and to look out for the girls we serve around. It will be a challenge because we have a lot to do but I know the Lord will bless us as we work together.

Lastly, I've really learned the importance of prayer this week. There have been a couple of times where I just so overwhelmed by different things, but by turning to the Lord in prayer Ir eceived the comfort and strength I needed. I know He is there for anyone who chooses to call upon him. I was reminded of both of my parents reminding me as I rushed off to school in the morning to remember to say my prayers. As annoyed as I got at them the times that I forgot and had to go back and risk being late to school, I am SO grateful they never stopped reminding me.

Love,

Sister Pearson

One of my favorite scriptures from my mission so far:

23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissiveand gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

Alma 7:23