Dear family and friends,
This week was fabulous and
fast. I had my birthday Tuesday. I also met Elder Ballard. He shook my hand and
asked me, “Are you enjoying your mission?” I told him, “Yes I am.” He replied,
“That’s what matters.” It was a great week. We have another busy week set for
this week as well. We have exchanges and a sister’s conference.
This week we taught, Brother
McQueen, the Plan of Salvation. He told us that it answered so many questions
he’s had. He said that it all made sense. His cousin died just over a week ago,
so it really related to his life. It made him happy to think his cousin wasn’t
in Hell, but learning about the gospel.
We met with Sister Magallon
twice this week. The first time we went over moving her children’s baptismal
date because they haven’t been coming to church. She was disappointed, but
committed to start coming. We talked to her about her children’s desire to be
baptized. She told us that she was worried that her oldest son was just doing
it because his siblings were planning on being baptized She talked to him and
he told her that he wanted to be baptized for himself. Her older daughter said
that she likes where she is at, and doesn’t have the desire to go back to their
old church. The younger brother remembers everything we teach them. He
understands the most about the gospel.
The children are excited
about their new date. We went over the baptismal interview questions with them
and the importance of coming to church. We found some things that we need to go
over with them again. When we started talking about going to church, the oldest
son told us that he wasn’t sure if he wanted to be baptized anymore. We told
him that we could work with him until he is ready. He agreed to that. He has a
hard time waking up in the morning to come.
We received a referral this
week from a member for her longtime friend, Brother Rosemire. When we met Brother
Rosemire and asked if he would like to learn about our message, he said, “I
want to learn as much as I can about your religion.” So we set up an
appointment. We met with him Saturday. He has learned about many religions and
none of them sit right with him. He recently lost 300 pounds and got out of a
hard relationship. He is ready for a fresh start. He was very talkative, but he
liked the things we were able to share.
We met with Brother and
Sister Deaton this week. They finally made it to church, but they didn’t like
it. Brother Deaton said it was too quiet. They said they discussed it as a
family and they concluded that right now, the church is not for them. They told
us that they loved us. They told us that they realized that we would be able to
keep making visits with them, but they still want to keep in contact with us.
They want to let us know if Brother Deaton got his disability in April. It
ended on their terms though and they have our number for when they are ready to
learn more. It was a very bitter-sweet lesson. Their work is not finished, some
day they will be members of our church.
Our meeting with Sister
Malone was less than ideal. It was good in the sense that now we are on the
same page. Sister Malone will not listen to anything else we have to say until
we find her biblical proof that God commanded polygamy. She believes that in
olden times God tolerated but did not agree with polygamy. She told us that if
she gets over this hump of polygamy and knowing that a prophet would never command
it again, she would be baptized.
Elder Ballard, President
Stevenson, Elder Lansing, and President Collins, all gave amazing talks. They
made me want to be a better missionary. I’ve made a goal to bear a stronger
testimony and bless specific blessings. I am ready to work harder than I have
been. For all of you who have asked me if I ever felt gipped because they
lowered the age limit a few months after my call, here’s why I am glad they
didn’t change the age limit until after my call. Elder Lansing told us “They
surge is just beginning… You are a part of it. You are living it. You are the
ground of this work.” He also talked to us about the importance of
bearing a strong testimony because I have been called as a representative of
Christ.
Bishop Stevenson also talked
about the importance of us Sisters that are out now. That it’s not a
coincidence that I am a missionary now. I have to accelerate my learning, so I
can teach all of the missionaries coming out now. He talked about the
blessings that come from living the commandments we are given.
Elder Ballard is truly
inspired. He told us that we’ve been to primary, Sunday school, seminary, young
women’s, and young men’s. We know this gospel and we (missionaries and members)
should not be afraid to share it. My favorite piece of advice he gave us was
that he keeps a picture of the Savior on him at all times. When he questions if
he can still keep going? If he can do it? He looks at that picture and He gives
Elder Ballard the strength and encouragement to go on. We should rely on Him
more. He loves us with an infinite loves. He wants to help us, but he rarely
interferes without our invitation to him for help. I loved every minute of
receiving revelation while I was in our meetings. Remember Satan may be good,
but God is greater. I love all of you. I pray for you daily.
Love, Sister Bennett
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