Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Most of you know I was disappointed to be serving a state-side mission, but sometimes when I'm really bummed we walk through a really Mexican neighborhood and I feel like I'm in a foreign country. The fact that we're in the desert helps too, but anyway, hopefully they'll be celebrating on the streets tonight, and I'm sure the accordion music will bring me away to Mexico :)
We had a funny experience this week trying to contact a potential investigator we had gotten after a series of street and door contacts. We were looking for a man named Gustavo, finally found his house and knocked on the front door. They didn't answer, but two girls (approx. 7 and 9ish) came out the side door so we started talking to them. The situation went something like this:
Me: Hi! Are your parents home?
Girls: Yeah! (Running inside calling for their parents - they were obviously there)
They come back out, shaking their heads... No, they're not home.
Me: When do you think they'll be back?
Girl 1: I don't know.
Girl 2: (at same time) 3 hours?
Hermana Wilkins: Should we come back?
Girls: Shake their heads, but aren't really sure.
Hermana Wilkins: Ok. Do you want to go ask them?
Without thinking the girls run inside again, and come back out and tell us no. I don't think they realized what had just happened.
Anyway, it was pretty funny, and even though we were essentially getting rejected we didn't really care. Of all the things that are hard about missionary work, rejection doesn't really bother me... what's harder is being dropped by investigators that know the gospel is true, but are not ready/willing to make the commitment to live it. One of my favorite scriptures is Mosiah 4, when King Benjamin tells his people, "if you believe these things, see that you do them". As my mom has said, this gospel is a DOING gospel. It's so true, and once we have learned/know, we have a serious responsibility to act on the things we know.
I read another scripture this week that I really liked that goes right along with this... in Alma 60:24 - it says to "be up and doing". I think I am going to make this an anthem in my life... It is so critical to "stop dreaming of our mansions above", get up and do something good in this world that is in desperate need of it! I know that we are blessed for our continual efforts to do what is right.
We have seen that this week... even though we have been struggling finding new people to teach, the Lord always seems to bless us with opportunities, and I know that they come because of our continuous hard work and obedience. The other day we were walking out of an apartment complex, and this guy stopped us and said, "Hey, I've been reading that book you gave Elimilec" (his friend). He then started to tell us that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and explained how we got the Book of Mormon... we were like "where did you come from?!".... we were astonished, you could say :) Well, we started teaching him, and basically he's really interested in learning more.
I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers, and blesses us with our needs, but only if we are "up and doing" - doing our part, being obedient and diligent in the things we know to be true. I'm grateful for this knowlege, and for the love of my Father in Heaven. Make an effort to be "up and doing" this week... I know you will see the fruits of your labors.
Much love,
Hermana Richelle Ouellette
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Another Great Week (April 28)
We had an AWESOME baptism this week... one of the most spiritual baptisms I've ever been to. There was so much love in the room, and the Spirit was incredibly strong the whole time. There weren't many people there, so it was a fairly intimate event, but the people who were there were full of love for their mother/grandmother that was being baptized.
Asencion Petris, the woman baptized, is the mother of one of the members of our ward. She has been visiting from Mexico for a couple months so we began teaching her when she got here. She has had lots of interaction with the Church because two of her children are members, but has never had the formal missionary discussions. The first time we went over she really didn't seem that interested, but little by little she opened up and as we got to know her we grew to love her as if she were our own grandmother.
After a couple weeks of teaching her, she admitted to us that she knew she needed to be baptized, she was just scared, and thought that she is too old anyway (she's 79, almost 80). In the lesson that she told us that I felt prompted to ask her to be baptized before she left for Mexico, even though she would be returning home in only a week. I bore my testimony of the importance of this sacred covenant, and in the middle of what I was saying I felt prompted to read Alma 34:32-33, which talks about not procrastinating the day of your repentance. We left the lesson with her committed to praying to see if she should be baptized here. We talked to her daughter-in-law on the phone the next day, and Asencion had said she still wasn't sure, but the scripture we had read her helped her realize she should probably do it sooner, rather than later.
The next lesson we had with her was with her whole family there - and each of the kids took a turn and went around telling her why they knew it was important for her to be baptized, and when we asked Asencion to commit, she did so with a smile. Her family loves her so much, and they want these blessings for her because they know how important they are. It made me think about my extended family who are not members of the Church either. As I bore my testimony to her about the blessing of eternal families, I was brought to tears as I thought about those I love that have not yet accepted these blessings. I want these things for my family - not because I want them to be "Mormon" or of my faith, but because I want them to receive the fullness of the blessings Heavenly Father has in store for them if they will accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know there is NOTHING more important, and I would love more than anything to see my own grandparents (and other loved ones) enter the waters of baptism and be sealed in the temple as an eternal family... I hope to someday witness that event.
I know that this gospel is true, that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that His Church has been restored to the earth because of the love He and our Heavenly Father have for us. Through our own study and actions we can come to know Him, and I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to do that, and for the blessings I have received from having the gospel in my life.
Thank you for everything you have done for me. I truly hope that through my testimony you can feel the love that I have for each one of you. I love you.
Hermana Richelle Ouellette
NOTE FROM MOM: Richelle has sent pictures and a video clip that I'm working on posting--just a little technology challenged at the moment! Can't seem to download and save to a place where I can then find them and upload them....I'll have to ask one of the kids!!! Thanks to all of you for your love and support of Richelle!
Asencion Petris, the woman baptized, is the mother of one of the members of our ward. She has been visiting from Mexico for a couple months so we began teaching her when she got here. She has had lots of interaction with the Church because two of her children are members, but has never had the formal missionary discussions. The first time we went over she really didn't seem that interested, but little by little she opened up and as we got to know her we grew to love her as if she were our own grandmother.
After a couple weeks of teaching her, she admitted to us that she knew she needed to be baptized, she was just scared, and thought that she is too old anyway (she's 79, almost 80). In the lesson that she told us that I felt prompted to ask her to be baptized before she left for Mexico, even though she would be returning home in only a week. I bore my testimony of the importance of this sacred covenant, and in the middle of what I was saying I felt prompted to read Alma 34:32-33, which talks about not procrastinating the day of your repentance. We left the lesson with her committed to praying to see if she should be baptized here. We talked to her daughter-in-law on the phone the next day, and Asencion had said she still wasn't sure, but the scripture we had read her helped her realize she should probably do it sooner, rather than later.
The next lesson we had with her was with her whole family there - and each of the kids took a turn and went around telling her why they knew it was important for her to be baptized, and when we asked Asencion to commit, she did so with a smile. Her family loves her so much, and they want these blessings for her because they know how important they are. It made me think about my extended family who are not members of the Church either. As I bore my testimony to her about the blessing of eternal families, I was brought to tears as I thought about those I love that have not yet accepted these blessings. I want these things for my family - not because I want them to be "Mormon" or of my faith, but because I want them to receive the fullness of the blessings Heavenly Father has in store for them if they will accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know there is NOTHING more important, and I would love more than anything to see my own grandparents (and other loved ones) enter the waters of baptism and be sealed in the temple as an eternal family... I hope to someday witness that event.
I know that this gospel is true, that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that His Church has been restored to the earth because of the love He and our Heavenly Father have for us. Through our own study and actions we can come to know Him, and I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to do that, and for the blessings I have received from having the gospel in my life.
Thank you for everything you have done for me. I truly hope that through my testimony you can feel the love that I have for each one of you. I love you.
Hermana Richelle Ouellette
NOTE FROM MOM: Richelle has sent pictures and a video clip that I'm working on posting--just a little technology challenged at the moment! Can't seem to download and save to a place where I can then find them and upload them....I'll have to ask one of the kids!!! Thanks to all of you for your love and support of Richelle!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
And Nothing Shall Offend Them
Another week gone by ridiculously fast. I've been thinking about what I am going to write today, and I have honestly had a hard time coming up with something. I guess I'll just tell you what's been on my mind...
On Friday we tracted into a man, Domingo, who had been taking discussions with the missionaries and attending Church for a long time... almost 2 years I think. He finally made the decision to be baptized, but at church a week before his baptism someone made a comment to him that offended him and he decided not to be baptized, and has never returned to church. This situation was sooo sad to me for two reasons: 1) Because Domingo is missing out on A LOT of blessings from his Heavenly Father because he is not willing to forget what someone said to him that was more than likely just some kind of miscommunication. He will not accept that no one is perfect (including members of the Church), and is letting this unfortunate experience ruin his chance to receive the blessings of participating fully in the gospel, which IS perfect. AND 2) It has been really frustrating seeing members with negative attitudes, or that are so quick to judge situations or people without really understanding their circumstances.
A few other (frustrating) situations this week (I'll avoid being too negative by not going into detail) have made me think a lot about this and I want to offer advice to people on both sides of the offense.
To the offended (most of us at some point in our life): First of all, whatever caused you to feel the way you are feeling was probably said or done unintentionally, and is really a miscommunication. Second, the feelings you are having are ABSOLUTELY un-Christlike and by not offering forgiveness you are denying the power of the Atonement, which is a sin. And finally (most importantly), if you are not going to Church or participating fully in the gospel because someone/thing offended you, you have cut yourself off from the blessings of the sacrament, Priesthood, temples, etc. and are REALLY missing out on lots of blessings, and lots of joy. (See Elder Bednar's October 2006 General Conference talk, "And Nothing Shall Offend Them", Ensign, Nov. 2006, p. 89-92)
To those who offend (i.e., everyone, at one point or another, whether you realize it or not!): You have the same responsibility to seek forgiveness and to be at peace with all of God's children. Sometimes this requires lots of humility, but is absolutely necessary, and absolutely worth it in the end. If you are a member of the Church you have covenanted to comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and mourn with those that mourn.... that's everyone, including those you may have offended. It is not your place to judge, and you probably are missing the big picture, so look for the good in everyone, and go out of your way to recognize it in them - in private, and in public. People are people, and we are ALL God's children.
Hopefully someday Domingo will come around and realize that the blessings of the gospel completely outweigh the feelings of pride and grudge that he is dealing with. I pray that any of you who may be suffering from the same issue will make it a matter of prayer and take your feelings to Heavenly Father and ask Him to help you overcome the situation.
I know it will not be easy, but I bear my testimony that no matter how imperfect we are as humans, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is 100% perfect, and Heavenly Father is always there waiting for his children to participate and receive the blessings He has to offer us.
This post is a little more bold, and less general that what I usually have to say, so I apologize if it doesn't apply to everyone, but I really felt like someone needed to hear something I have been thinking about. Even if that's not true, there is always something we can change in ourselves to become more like our Savior and Exemplar, Jesus Christ. These same things I have been challenging you for the past 5-ish months I have been working on myself, and I have seen how the changes I have made have blessed my life. Thank you all for your love and support!
God Bless,
Hermana Richelle Ouellette
On Friday we tracted into a man, Domingo, who had been taking discussions with the missionaries and attending Church for a long time... almost 2 years I think. He finally made the decision to be baptized, but at church a week before his baptism someone made a comment to him that offended him and he decided not to be baptized, and has never returned to church. This situation was sooo sad to me for two reasons: 1) Because Domingo is missing out on A LOT of blessings from his Heavenly Father because he is not willing to forget what someone said to him that was more than likely just some kind of miscommunication. He will not accept that no one is perfect (including members of the Church), and is letting this unfortunate experience ruin his chance to receive the blessings of participating fully in the gospel, which IS perfect. AND 2) It has been really frustrating seeing members with negative attitudes, or that are so quick to judge situations or people without really understanding their circumstances.
A few other (frustrating) situations this week (I'll avoid being too negative by not going into detail) have made me think a lot about this and I want to offer advice to people on both sides of the offense.
To the offended (most of us at some point in our life): First of all, whatever caused you to feel the way you are feeling was probably said or done unintentionally, and is really a miscommunication. Second, the feelings you are having are ABSOLUTELY un-Christlike and by not offering forgiveness you are denying the power of the Atonement, which is a sin. And finally (most importantly), if you are not going to Church or participating fully in the gospel because someone/thing offended you, you have cut yourself off from the blessings of the sacrament, Priesthood, temples, etc. and are REALLY missing out on lots of blessings, and lots of joy. (See Elder Bednar's October 2006 General Conference talk, "And Nothing Shall Offend Them", Ensign, Nov. 2006, p. 89-92)
To those who offend (i.e., everyone, at one point or another, whether you realize it or not!): You have the same responsibility to seek forgiveness and to be at peace with all of God's children. Sometimes this requires lots of humility, but is absolutely necessary, and absolutely worth it in the end. If you are a member of the Church you have covenanted to comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and mourn with those that mourn.... that's everyone, including those you may have offended. It is not your place to judge, and you probably are missing the big picture, so look for the good in everyone, and go out of your way to recognize it in them - in private, and in public. People are people, and we are ALL God's children.
Hopefully someday Domingo will come around and realize that the blessings of the gospel completely outweigh the feelings of pride and grudge that he is dealing with. I pray that any of you who may be suffering from the same issue will make it a matter of prayer and take your feelings to Heavenly Father and ask Him to help you overcome the situation.
I know it will not be easy, but I bear my testimony that no matter how imperfect we are as humans, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is 100% perfect, and Heavenly Father is always there waiting for his children to participate and receive the blessings He has to offer us.
This post is a little more bold, and less general that what I usually have to say, so I apologize if it doesn't apply to everyone, but I really felt like someone needed to hear something I have been thinking about. Even if that's not true, there is always something we can change in ourselves to become more like our Savior and Exemplar, Jesus Christ. These same things I have been challenging you for the past 5-ish months I have been working on myself, and I have seen how the changes I have made have blessed my life. Thank you all for your love and support!
God Bless,
Hermana Richelle Ouellette
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Ride in the Light
We have seen lots of success this week... I finally feel like the Lord is blessing us for all our hard work! First of all, we have several new investigators that seem pretty solid - Giovanni, Cesar, and Jose. We have actually been teaching Jose for about 3 weeks now, and he has been reading the Book of Mormon in every spare minute he has had... He's in mid-Alma right now! Crazy! Now we just have to get him to come to church. He is afraid of making commitments he can't keep - including coming to church if he has to work, or being baptized if he can't keep all of the commandments. We're trying to help him understand that no one is perfect - that is what the Atonement is for. Church is like a hospital, and we all come in "sick" from our faults and errors needing to be "healed" by the gospel.
Several of the investigators we've had for a while have also been moving forward. We have been teaching two children, Edith and Alonso (11 and 9) for about a month - their mom is a member, dad is not. They are so excited to get baptized, but their dad, Jose, does not think they are quite ready. Yesterday we had the kids teach their parents the plan of salvation, and it was awesome! They used our visual aids, and explained to their father why it is so important to be baptized. It was so adorable (and inspiring) to see their pure desires to follow the example of their Savior Jesus Christ, become clean, and live with their Heavenly Father again. We have a tentative baptism date for them, and Jose has said that if they keep reading in the Book of Mormon and going to church, maybe they will be ready.
A few of our other progressing investigators are starting to understand the importance of sacrifice to receive the blessings. Yes, it can be hard to come to church every Sunday, or read the scriptures, etc, but it is always worth it. Hermana Wilkins and I were talking about that this week, and compared it to an experience we had:
We have been riding our bikes a lot more recently, and my bike is the only one that has a light on it. So when we ride at night (rarely, don't worry mom) she has to follow me closely to be able to see. I like to ride a lot faster than she does, so she has to pedal harder and faster than may be comfortable to stay within the light. However, to stay safe and to be able to see she has to put forth the effort. The same is true for our lives... the light of truth.. Christ... will always keep us safe from the perils of the dark that surrounds us, but as we give all our energy to follow and stay within the light, we will be protected. The light, or the gospel, will keep moving forward - make sure you are focused on the things that are important, and remember that even though it isn't alway easy, it is ALWAYS worth it.
Love you all,
Hermana Richelle Ouellette
Several of the investigators we've had for a while have also been moving forward. We have been teaching two children, Edith and Alonso (11 and 9) for about a month - their mom is a member, dad is not. They are so excited to get baptized, but their dad, Jose, does not think they are quite ready. Yesterday we had the kids teach their parents the plan of salvation, and it was awesome! They used our visual aids, and explained to their father why it is so important to be baptized. It was so adorable (and inspiring) to see their pure desires to follow the example of their Savior Jesus Christ, become clean, and live with their Heavenly Father again. We have a tentative baptism date for them, and Jose has said that if they keep reading in the Book of Mormon and going to church, maybe they will be ready.
A few of our other progressing investigators are starting to understand the importance of sacrifice to receive the blessings. Yes, it can be hard to come to church every Sunday, or read the scriptures, etc, but it is always worth it. Hermana Wilkins and I were talking about that this week, and compared it to an experience we had:
We have been riding our bikes a lot more recently, and my bike is the only one that has a light on it. So when we ride at night (rarely, don't worry mom) she has to follow me closely to be able to see. I like to ride a lot faster than she does, so she has to pedal harder and faster than may be comfortable to stay within the light. However, to stay safe and to be able to see she has to put forth the effort. The same is true for our lives... the light of truth.. Christ... will always keep us safe from the perils of the dark that surrounds us, but as we give all our energy to follow and stay within the light, we will be protected. The light, or the gospel, will keep moving forward - make sure you are focused on the things that are important, and remember that even though it isn't alway easy, it is ALWAYS worth it.
Love you all,
Hermana Richelle Ouellette
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Forever Families
Big news... Hermana Wilkins and I are staying together! I was 100% sure that one of us would be leaving, but we found out Monday night that we're together for at least another 6 weeks, so we're pretty excited! Since we had been planning on being spit up we made sure to have extra fun this week and worked hard at creating some memories... this week was filled with Easter themed activities, including a Friday night "Easter Campout" with carne asada, and smores and an Easter egg hunt on Monday. Anyway, we definitely have more memories to make and more importantly much more to accomplish in the work, and we're excited to have the opportunity to do this together.
We're focusing a lot of our energy on two families that we have - the Hernandez family (wife is a member, husband not, 2 unbaptized children) and the Garcia family (Consuelo, Oswaldo and their 2 kids... I've talked about them before). I (we) have so much love for these families, and want them to be able to enjoy the fullness of the blessings that Heavenly Father has for them.
This gospel is designed to bless families - the family unit is central to God's plan of happiness. This was made even more clear to me this past weekend during General Conference. First of all - how awesome was conference!?!? (gc.lds.org for those of you who didn't get the chance to listen to any or all of the sessions.) I love love love hearing the words of our prophet, apostles, and other leaders. I know that they are inspired men that have been called of God to help us understand the Lord's will for each of us at this exact moment in time - April 2010. The recurring theme of families, and teaching our children was clear to me, and I know it was no coincidence.
Early in the first session, Sister Julie B. Beck said that there has NEVER been a greater need for strong families and homes, and it is so true! Strong families produce strong leaders (both civil and in the church), and more than anything strong families produce strong nations, and a solid future. I have seen how the lack of a strong foundation in Jesus Christ weakens a family, and weakens opportunities for children as they grow. Just the other day we talked to this girl that had a pretty rough appearance - scantily dressed, facial piercings, smoke stained teeth, and on the way to her boyfriends house to go out (presumably to a bar) to sing karaoke. Maybe not too un-normal (according to the world's standards) until we found out she was 12. I really had a hard time believing this, and even more so when I thought about my own little sister Merideth who is the same age. My heart aches for this poor girl that has no idea who she is or what her purpose is on this life. I couldn't help but wonder where her parents are, or what they are (or are not) teaching her. I know that the counsel we have received from our leaders to teach our children about faith, the plan of salvation, and how to recognize the promptings of the Spirit are things that Heavenly Father wants His children to know, and I just pray that more parents will listen and follow this crucial advice.
It honestly surprised me that as a missionary so many of my thoughts during conference were on families, the family that I will someday have, and the responsibility I have as a woman to be a mother and raise righteous children. What an incredible duty this is, and right now I am preparing for this calling by teaching other children these same principles - all of God's children in Tempe, AZ.
I am grateful for my parents for teaching me true principles in my youth, and I hope to someday have the opportunity to build on this and help the future generation be even stronger. I urge all of you to accept this sacred responsibility as parents, relatives, teachers, friends, and mentors to teach youth that they are children of God, and they have incredible physical and spiritual potential. I add my testimony to the witness of the apostles of the importance of raising our children in righteousness - we have a duty to nurture and love them, help them understand who they are, and give them a chance to succeed in the future. Use the scriptures, the words from conference this weekend, and whatever resources you have to teach all of God's children true principles that will offer them happiness in this life, and eternal bliss as a "forever family".
Much love,
Hermana Richelle Ouellette
We're focusing a lot of our energy on two families that we have - the Hernandez family (wife is a member, husband not, 2 unbaptized children) and the Garcia family (Consuelo, Oswaldo and their 2 kids... I've talked about them before). I (we) have so much love for these families, and want them to be able to enjoy the fullness of the blessings that Heavenly Father has for them.
This gospel is designed to bless families - the family unit is central to God's plan of happiness. This was made even more clear to me this past weekend during General Conference. First of all - how awesome was conference!?!? (gc.lds.org for those of you who didn't get the chance to listen to any or all of the sessions.) I love love love hearing the words of our prophet, apostles, and other leaders. I know that they are inspired men that have been called of God to help us understand the Lord's will for each of us at this exact moment in time - April 2010. The recurring theme of families, and teaching our children was clear to me, and I know it was no coincidence.
Early in the first session, Sister Julie B. Beck said that there has NEVER been a greater need for strong families and homes, and it is so true! Strong families produce strong leaders (both civil and in the church), and more than anything strong families produce strong nations, and a solid future. I have seen how the lack of a strong foundation in Jesus Christ weakens a family, and weakens opportunities for children as they grow. Just the other day we talked to this girl that had a pretty rough appearance - scantily dressed, facial piercings, smoke stained teeth, and on the way to her boyfriends house to go out (presumably to a bar) to sing karaoke. Maybe not too un-normal (according to the world's standards) until we found out she was 12. I really had a hard time believing this, and even more so when I thought about my own little sister Merideth who is the same age. My heart aches for this poor girl that has no idea who she is or what her purpose is on this life. I couldn't help but wonder where her parents are, or what they are (or are not) teaching her. I know that the counsel we have received from our leaders to teach our children about faith, the plan of salvation, and how to recognize the promptings of the Spirit are things that Heavenly Father wants His children to know, and I just pray that more parents will listen and follow this crucial advice.
It honestly surprised me that as a missionary so many of my thoughts during conference were on families, the family that I will someday have, and the responsibility I have as a woman to be a mother and raise righteous children. What an incredible duty this is, and right now I am preparing for this calling by teaching other children these same principles - all of God's children in Tempe, AZ.
I am grateful for my parents for teaching me true principles in my youth, and I hope to someday have the opportunity to build on this and help the future generation be even stronger. I urge all of you to accept this sacred responsibility as parents, relatives, teachers, friends, and mentors to teach youth that they are children of God, and they have incredible physical and spiritual potential. I add my testimony to the witness of the apostles of the importance of raising our children in righteousness - we have a duty to nurture and love them, help them understand who they are, and give them a chance to succeed in the future. Use the scriptures, the words from conference this weekend, and whatever resources you have to teach all of God's children true principles that will offer them happiness in this life, and eternal bliss as a "forever family".
Much love,
Hermana Richelle Ouellette
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Never Fall
So we have officially been sleeping outside every night for a week. The weather is great, and we are taking advantage of it! We've dragged our mattresses out onto our balcony and piled them up with blankets. We love hurrying to get ready for bed as quickly as possible and jumping into bed and telling "secrets" (one of Hermana Wilkins' favorite things) until bedtime.
We tried riding our bikes this week to save miles on our car, and to be able to talk to more people... not that we don't talk to people when we're driving... sometimes Hermana Wilkins just rolls down my window and makes me start talking. Last week at a red light I actually got out of the car and started talking to 2 guys that were in the back of the pick up truck in front of us. I didn't have much time before the light turned green, but I did invite them to the Easter Pageant in Mesa before they pulled away. They'll probably be baptized someday. ANYWAY... being a sister missionary is not conducive to riding a bike. There's just something about skirts, and bikes, and wind, and helmets, and backpacks that doesn't quite look right. I would not recommend it.
Earlier this week we stopped to help some guys that were removing a stump from their yard. We offered help, and as people usually do, they refused our service. We hung around for a little bit and chatted about the gospel and then when they finally got the (HUGE!) stump out of the hole we just grabbed the shovels and started filling it back in with dirt. They objected - it kind of goes against the whole Mexican machismo thing - but we did it anyway. I think they were pretty impressed that we were working so hard... and in skirts!
While we were talking to them, one of our investigators, Joel, showed up out of nowhere and joined in the conversation. He's quite the missionary, even though he has only been taking the lessons for about a month. He started making comparisons to the hole and the gospel, and talked about how if we're close to the edge (of sin/temptation) we can easily fall in, and how we need to stay away from it.
Anyway, I was thinking about that this week, and have also been reading in the missionary chapters of Alma. There was one verse that has been in my mind a lot - Alma 23:6. It talks about the people that Ammon and his brothers taught that changed their names to Anti-Nephi-Lehies and covenant by burying their weapons. I was struck by the strength of their conversion "as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away." I've been wondering what it was about them that caused them to NEVER fall away and what we can do to have the same strength and conviction in our own testimonies.
We tried riding our bikes this week to save miles on our car, and to be able to talk to more people... not that we don't talk to people when we're driving... sometimes Hermana Wilkins just rolls down my window and makes me start talking. Last week at a red light I actually got out of the car and started talking to 2 guys that were in the back of the pick up truck in front of us. I didn't have much time before the light turned green, but I did invite them to the Easter Pageant in Mesa before they pulled away. They'll probably be baptized someday. ANYWAY... being a sister missionary is not conducive to riding a bike. There's just something about skirts, and bikes, and wind, and helmets, and backpacks that doesn't quite look right. I would not recommend it.
Earlier this week we stopped to help some guys that were removing a stump from their yard. We offered help, and as people usually do, they refused our service. We hung around for a little bit and chatted about the gospel and then when they finally got the (HUGE!) stump out of the hole we just grabbed the shovels and started filling it back in with dirt. They objected - it kind of goes against the whole Mexican machismo thing - but we did it anyway. I think they were pretty impressed that we were working so hard... and in skirts!
While we were talking to them, one of our investigators, Joel, showed up out of nowhere and joined in the conversation. He's quite the missionary, even though he has only been taking the lessons for about a month. He started making comparisons to the hole and the gospel, and talked about how if we're close to the edge (of sin/temptation) we can easily fall in, and how we need to stay away from it.
Anyway, I was thinking about that this week, and have also been reading in the missionary chapters of Alma. There was one verse that has been in my mind a lot - Alma 23:6. It talks about the people that Ammon and his brothers taught that changed their names to Anti-Nephi-Lehies and covenant by burying their weapons. I was struck by the strength of their conversion "as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away." I've been wondering what it was about them that caused them to NEVER fall away and what we can do to have the same strength and conviction in our own testimonies.
Several other scriptures in the following chapters offered some examples of some of the things we can do: labor (Alma 24:18), show love (Alma 26:31), and most importantly daily prayer and scripture study (Alma 31:10). This last one is what the Zoramites lacked that caused them to "fall into great errors." These answers are basic and we hear the counsel all the time, but I know our prophet and leaders would not tell these things over and over again if they weren't important. I urge you to make a habit out of daily prayer and scripture study - I've seen the difference it's made in my life. Line upon line we build up that strong foundation that holds us up and prevents us from falling.
Because we are human, we are susceptible to temptation, and will eventually fall one way or another, but fortunately we have the Atonement of Jesus Christ as a safety net to catch us and lift us up again. If we are doing our best and making our every effort to strengthen ourselves and others we may slip every once in a while, but we will not be trapped in the pit that Satan has dug for us. Stay away from that hole, and you will not fall in. Do whatever it is that YOU need to do to have the same kind of conviction in your personal testimony as the Anti-Nephi-Lehies had in theirs.
Much love,
Hermana Richelle Ouellette
Because we are human, we are susceptible to temptation, and will eventually fall one way or another, but fortunately we have the Atonement of Jesus Christ as a safety net to catch us and lift us up again. If we are doing our best and making our every effort to strengthen ourselves and others we may slip every once in a while, but we will not be trapped in the pit that Satan has dug for us. Stay away from that hole, and you will not fall in. Do whatever it is that YOU need to do to have the same kind of conviction in your personal testimony as the Anti-Nephi-Lehies had in theirs.
Much love,
Hermana Richelle Ouellette
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Feast Upon the Words of Christ
We had another baptism this week! Santiago, who we have been teaching a little over a month was baptized on Friday, and confirmed at Church on Sunday. It was so rewarding to see him so happy and smiling on Sunday, all dressed up in his suit and tie. We only got a chance to talk to him a few minutes right after Church, but he has such a strong testimony of everything he is learning about! He is so happy and loves learning about the gospel, and we have noticed the difference in his countenance between now and the first day we met him.
We have been wanting to learn how to make tortillas, so Santiago invited us to his house for dinner to learn. It was so cute how excited he was to have us over--he said he was going to buy the flour, and all the ingredients, and asked us what we would want with them. He told us that we had taught him something that would give him happiness for the rest of his life, so now he was going to teach us something so that we would never go without food for the rest of ours.
The tortilla making went well... by the end of the batch some of the tortillas Hermana Wilkins and I were rolling actually came out round! They tasted wonderful, and though we ate a stack of them and were filled, it was only temporary.
It really is ONLY the gospel of Jesus Christ that can fill us for eternity. The scriptures invite us to "feast upon the words of Christ" and I have seen that as our investigators do that they have been filled with peace, joy, and love that can come from no other source. They are filled with a sense of satisfaction that no amount of food can bring, because the gospel, the scriptures, and the words of the prophets are food for our souls, and for our hearts. True study of the doctrine brings a change in people's lives and I have seen that both in the lives of people here and in my own life. Take the opportunity to truly search the scriptures and feast upon the words and I know that you will find them delicious, and be filled! Then you will have the gift the Savior promises: eternal life.
Love you tons,
Hermana Richelle Ouellette
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)