I don't know why the Washington Seattle Mission is so blessed, but we had another general authority visit our mission this week! Elder Kearon of the Seventy and his wife came for a surprise visit and it was AMAZING. Elder Kearon is actually my new favorite member of the Seventy; he is incredibly genuine and his comments were exactly what I needed to hear. As a convert to the church, Elder Kearon emphasized how important it is for us to really seek a testimony of the Book of Mormon. When explaining the Book of Mormon to people, we as missionaries tend to give the basic answers we learned in the MTC. Something like "oh the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and it's written by prophets in the ancient Americas." Now, yes that may be a valid statement, but will it really intrigue someone to read the Book of Mormon for themselves? Elder Kearon explained that when we search deeper and try to find what the Book of Mormon can do for us personally, it will leave a greater impact in the people we see. For me, the Book of Mormon has answered questions no one else could. As I prayerfully searched each time I opened the book, I found my understanding of our Heavenly Father's plan increase. I have been able to feel a deeper connection to my Savior and I feel of His love stronger than ever before. I have been able to understand the truth of why Heavenly Father lets good people suffer in this world. I know without a doubt now that He will never abandon us in our challenges. God stays in the same place every time; it's us that make the decision to move closer or not. I encourage you all to gain your own personal testimony of the Book of Mormon. Don't just think of it as another book, but as an instruction manual for gaining eternal life. Read it, study it, and live it.
This week we have been teaching a part-member family and the dad is on date for baptism the 23rd of February! Please keep this family (the Clisbees) in your prayers! The mom is a returning member and they have two kids together. The parents are not married yet so we are working on that first. Casey (the dad) has amazing faith and he has wanted to be baptized for a long time now. He has already watched his two sons be baptized and he knows it is his turn now. The mom (Chris) was in a bad marriage before so she is worried about getting married again. I know that if we just build up her faith, she will be able to overcome this roadblock. We had a lesson with them on Friday night and we went over the Restoration. Chris and Casey both had tears in their eyes as we recited the First Vision to them. They are so prepared and I know they will make it!
We've been working with a lot of less actives this week. It's crazy because some of these people don't even know they are members of the church. They were baptized at a young age and they fell away shortly after. It's like teaching a brand new person every time. They don't even recognize the Book of Mormon or a church building. It's been amazing to find these lost sheep and bring them back into the fold. One of the less actives named Steve has made great progress. He got a suit last week and has been coming to church. We invited him to a baptism in another ward and he loved it. His testimony is growing stronger each day and he is always hungry for more knowledge. The gospel has brought purpose back into his life and it's given him a reason to find joy again.
Well that is all for this week! Sorry I'm lame and have no pictures to show, but this week will be better! :) Love you all!
love,
sister smith
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