"And they straightway left their nets"

February 9, 2015

Just like the 12 apostle's show us in the new testament, this gospel has always been and will always be a gospel of sacrifice. And you know what I've discovered on my mission more than ever before? The more we sacrifice for God, the happier we are. And God knows that. So when people are astonished by the standards we live as missionaries or the fact that we have so little contact with our families, never go on vacation, and even have a bedtime set for us, I just smile and say "I love my job". The gospel has always made me happy but trying to put my whole heart and soul into helping others becoming happy through it has given me indescribable joy. The only reason we can accomplish the Lord's work in the way we do is because of sacrifice and so I'm grateful for the opportunity to give up so much. I love the quote by Joseph Smith once said that "a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation." this is now part of my testimony as well.

  Claudine's baptism and confirmation this weekend was beautiful. She is only 15 but already wants to serve a mission. In fact, she told us that she will be a missionary her whole life. She has one of the most calm and peaceful countenances I've ever come in contact with. I met her the first week I came to this area and am so grateful for the chance to see her growth and her testimony. Sadly, her 2 younger teenage sisters decided not to come to the baptism or the confirmation and though they're nice to us, they're not super interested in learning more about the gospel one day. Claudine is such a great example to them; she had to search the scriptures and pray really hard before she received her confirmation that this gospel is true.

​

​sister Johnson came back!

 Marta and Raydeen are scheduled to be baptized on the 21st and they are beyond excited. They have the cutest mother and daughter relationship ever. they read the Book of Mormon every day and the spirit is always strong in their lessons. We've been teaching them since november and I'm glad they've waited this long to be baptized because they've been able to really witness how other church members live their lives and the people that they want to be. The ward is a great support/ Listening to Marta and Raydeen talk about all the little things they've changed from simply coming to church and reading the Book of Mormon really strengthened my testimony in the power of daily scripture study. they said that in situations where they would have gotten upset or frustrated easily they are able to stay calm and collected. It's those little day to day reactions that we all struggle with that are hard to change but I know Christ's atonement isn't just for big sins but small character flaws as well. Our Father in Heaven is in the details of the details of the details of our lives. Though he is not here with us physically on the Earth, when we exercise faith in Him we can see how real He is!

Love,

Sister Pearson

P.S.

Did I mention I love my great mission president? I am going to miss this wise leader! But we found out our new mission president is coming at the end of the transfer and anyone who can drop everything to serve that quickly for a calling this big has to be an amazing servant of the Lord!

P.p.s we're getting ipads soon too! And by soon I mean in like a month. So many changes happening at once!