The Errand of Angels: Week 41 I KNOW

Hello Everyone!

Meet my new companion, Sister Fox

 

I apologize in advance for the length of this week's letter, but I really felt the need to just testify and share some things. I pray that you will feel uplifted as you read.

Well, how is everything going?! I am tired. Missionary work is exhausting, but it is so worth it! If I wasn't exhausted at this point then I would truly be wondering if I was giving it my all. I memorized a quote this week on the treadmill... its not exact, but I couldn't find it on lds.org :(

"You only get once chance to serve a mission; it is your responsibility, your duty, to use it to its fullest.To give every last ounce of energy until you collapse in exhaustion at the end of it. All the hardships, all the tears, all the hard work, will be looked back upon as the best thing you've ever done. Not because you enjoyed it, not because you baptized everyone, but because you gave it everything you had, even when you didn't think you could, and especially when you didn't want to. Live your mission to your fullest. Work harder than you've ever worked before. Let people know that this is the most important thing in the world to you. If you do not run until you have nothing left to give and then keep on going anyway, cry, and pray, and work, and sweat, and plead, until you are so drained that all you can do is turn to the Lord. If you do not do this, then these people won't come to this joy because of you. Their failure to come to Christ will be partially upon your head. Come out of your mission proud of what you've done and this experience will bless the rest of your life." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

I have been reminding myself of this over and over again. I love God, I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, and I want everyone to have the joy that I have.

This is my favorite lady in the ward--congregation.

Funny of the Week: 

Last night Sister Sliger and I got into a pillow fight. The mistake was not the pillow fight, but the fact that we were still in church clothes. I stepped on her birthday skirt and ripped a massive hole in it. Yup, Walmart here we come! I owe her. It was super funny though.

Study of the Week: 

Mostly, I just feel the need to testify to all of you of what I know to be true - without a doubt in my mind.

I know that Patriarchal Blessings (http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/10/your-patriarchal-blessing-a-liahona-of-light?lang=eng&query=patriarchal+blessing) are the words of God to us. This week I needed extra strength, even though I had just received a Priesthood blessing. I prayed and dove into my Patriarchal Blessing. I had the sweetest insights and the biggest confirmation that I am a daughter of God. That our Heavenly Father knows me personally and each person on earth personally. We not only knew Him in this life, but we lived with Him in the life before and conversed with Him. He loves us and watches over us. Our Savior does as well. He is truly our elder brother and watches over us just like an elder brother does.

I know that the gospel is here to bless families. I know that the family unit is ordained of God and that marriage between a man and a woman is called of God. I know that families are worth working for. (http://www.lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Manuals/TheFamily_AProclamationToTheWorld_35538_eng.pdf)

I know that in the temple families are sealed for time and all eternity. Marriage and families do not need to end with "and death do us part." They can last forever. It is worth working towards this goal (http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1976/04/the-blessing-of-building-a-temple?lang=eng&query=temple). 

I know that the Priesthood authority of God is on earth AGAIN today. I know that prophets anciently held this authority and power, that Christ held it and gave it to His apostles, and I know it has been restored to earth again today. After Christ's apostles were killed this power was not passed down, and so it needed to be restored. John the Baptist and Peter, James and John came to earth and restored this Priesthood to Joseph Smith and others. It is only available in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the authority by which baptism, marriage, and other essential acts are bound on earth and in Heaven (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/16.15,16,17,18,19?lang=eng#14).

I know that missionary work is and has always been a commandment of God. It is not our responsibility to convert people, that is the Spirit, but it is our responsibility to invite, and we will be held accountable for this (http://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013/hastening/a-new-vision).

I know that prayers are answered. I 100% know that prayers are answered. God is there. He does listen. He always listens. He loves you so much. He hears the pleadings of your heart. Please, trust in His promise, that if you ask, you shall receive an answer (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/16.24?lang=eng#23). Open your heart to God and let Him enter and heal it.

I know that The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that if we study from its pages every day, as well as from the Bible, that a power will enter into our lives and we will have more joy and more strength to endure the trials of life.

This is a thank you card we made for someone in the hospital. the flowers come out and they have scriptures or nice sayings on them

And above else, please, remember, God loves you.

Tender Mercies/Miracles of the Week: 

So, no need to worry about bathroom time, God blessed us immensely this week!! In fact, most days my hair and makeup were down before studies! Wow! Really though, it seems like God just warped time and we have an extra 30 mins in the morning. It’s awesome.

We had three investigators at sacrament meeting for our primary program! It was great! I am grateful as well for wonderful friends and fellowshippers who help others feel welcome and explain things during church and during the week to them. The ward has been great with that this week. We had a lot of member present lessons. Thank you, Seffner Ward!

Even though this week had its rough points, I know that God was there through it all and that angels were watching over me. Other missionaries are sometimes those angels.

Invitation: Prepare for General Conference by praying about what you need to receive and even a question that you can take there. I know God will bless you as you prayerfully prepare to listen to words of modern prophets and apostles.

Have a great week!

Sister Jenkins

The Errand of Angles Week 40: Fear God More Than Man and Transfers

I 110% love being on a mission and serving the Lord, but I am excited for the day when I get to reunite with my family. I hope at that point everyone will be able to see my spiritual growth and I will be able to see theirs. I pray that none of us will have stood still in our progression during this time.

I think of living the gospel like a downward escalator. If we stand still we are moving steadily downhill. We not only need to meander forward but to push forward. To give it everything we have. It will be a hard journey, but the reward will be so worth it in the end. And luckily, as we collapse in exhaustion, we have the Savior and His angels there to carry us as we move upward. 

Funny of the Week: Well, it is transfer week. Yes, this is going under the funny. We are getting a third companion. So there will be three sister missionaries using one bathroom... I am not worried, but its kind of funny about how "worried" (more like sarcastically worried) Sister Sliger is about it.

Study of the Week: This week was really great but pretty hard. It is a tender mercy to be where we are now... a happy, positive, peaceful companionship. I am grateful for the Atonement, for repentance, for forgiveness, for the scriptures, for prayer, for my love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and for developing Christ-like attributes. Wow, I am so grateful to have the scriptures and words of modern prophets to read about charity. Charity is a powerful Christ-like attribute. In fact, it says in 1 Peter 4:8 (JST) that charity preventeth a multitude of sins (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-pet/4.8?lang=eng#7). That is pretty powerful and so true. If you love God and then love others there is little you have to worry about... patience, long suffering, keeping the commandments... all these things follow.

Tender Mercies/Miracles of the Week: 

I am grateful for freedom. With September 11 this past week I reflected back on all the freedoms that I enjoy (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/29.32?lang=eng). I am so grateful to live in a country where I have religious freedom. Where there was religious freedom so that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints could begin. I am also so grateful for people who give their lives to defend those freedoms (armed services and missionary).

We had an investigator, Matt, at church! As well as three returning members. It was beautiful to see so many people making the choice to come back to church! 

A little boy we are teaching.

We also set up appointments with people who haven't responded to church contact in a very long time. It was a huge blessing!

We talked a lot about faith this week... faith to overcome trials, faith in God's plan of salvation. I am so grateful for faith.

  

Invitation: Find one way to strengthen your faith this week.

Keep up the great work!

Sister Jenkins

Also, I was reading John 21 this week about finding the lambs and the sheep. The Greek translation talks about young lambs, teenage sheep and then older sheep. Its amazing it defines it. I know it is important to find all the sheep. Every last one. God loves each one of us. Each deserves to be found.

The Errand of Angels: Week 39: Half-Way and Froggies!

Hello Everyone!

Wow, God is amazing. Christ completely understands. He knows us. He loves us. 

Funny of the Week: So we stopped last night near our mailbox for me to put a letter in. Sister Sliger said, "don't ask any questions," and then just jumps out of the car and runs onto the grass and starts running in circles... chasing frogs. We have massive frogs in our area. They are so cute!! So, obviously, I joined her. Probably not the best representation of missionaries running around chasing frogs. BUT we caught them! And took pictures!! Heavenly Father knows us and how much I would love to see froggies. He is so good!

Study Subject of the Week: 

Well, there were lots. It was one of those weeks :) A talk that we used a lot was "Forget Me Not" by President Uchtdorf (http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-relief-society-meeting/2011/09/forget-me-not?lang=eng). We used this when teaching how God is our loving Heavenly Father and why His gospel is important to us.

The quote that stands out is: "Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love." 

I know this is true!!

I also read about the responsibility we have from God to take the gospel to others. We have the gospel, we see the blessings in our life, but there are billions of people who go to sleep without that. It was our responsibility to share our joy with others. To share the reason for our rejoicings! See Ezekial 33:2-9 (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ezek/33?lang=eng).

Tender Mercies/Miracles of the Week: 

We attempted to give away 40 copies of The Book of Mormon this week. We gave away  31. We prayed and prayed to find people. We found them on our way home from the gym, sitting on stairways, etc. People everywhere are prepared. It was so beautiful. 

Sister Cusick (our mission president's wife) taught a lesson with us this week. She was amazing and gave one of the most heartfelt testimonies about why she is on a mission and why this is important. She reflected charity for the person we were teaching in her testimony. I want to learn to have that power as well.

Well, we prayed for food this week because we were poor and we ended with five meal appointments (four unplanned), and receiving a other food from people. It was so amazing!

We went though a list of "unknown" members of our congregation. Everyone but one didn't live there anymore. But one did. And he wants to come back. It is all worth it!

 My new friend and I! I decided to not kiss him A. because I am a missionary, B. Yeah...

We had lots of wonderful appointments! So many beautiful experiences. People are changing their lives to come closer to Christ. I am so grateful to be part of this.

  

Invitation: Try to make someone's day this week. 1. Share your testimony with them about what makes you happy, and/or 2. Just talk to them. and let them know how important they are to God.

I know that this is the fullness of Christ's gospel and we become happier as we follow Him and His teachings!  Have a wonderful day!

Sister Jenkins

Week 38: Shaking an Apostle's Hand and Nine New Investigators

Hi Everyone!

Greetings from the mission!

Transfer Information:

So… I am sure you are all wondering, “where in the Florida Tampa Mission is Sister Jenkins?” Well, the mystery is over! I am serving in Seffner B with Sister Sliger J I am living in Tampa again but am in the Brandon stake.

Sister Sliger and I for her birthday.

So a couple facts about the area: 1. Seffner has sink holes. A lot of them. 2. Seffner is a ward. 3. We have a family history center in our church building (that is a first for me). 4. We have three sets of missionaries in our ward. 5. One of the missionaries that I took over Gulfport A for is our District Leader. His companion also served in my last zone. 6. We have a washer and dryer in our apartment for the first time on my mission. 7. We have carpet! Gulfport didn’t have carpet, and I sure have missed it. 8. We have a gym!! Guess who is now running every morning on that treadmill and working her arms like crazy on the machines? I truly love our complex :)

Funny of the Week:

We saw a man walking with a lizard on his head. Yup, it was great. Took a picture. Hopefully it turned out.

Study Subject of the Week: Faith and Giving full heart, might, mind, and strength.

So I have been wondering how do I give it all to God? I want to become like Christ and our Father in Heaven, but how? I want to give my full heart, but how? I want to have my will be God's, but how? President Cusick had us read an excellent talk. I read it before my mission as well, but it was wonderful to have an opportunity to read it again. I encourage each of you to read it with your family, or personally, if you don't have one yet. Even though it is entitled, "The Fourth Missionary," it can apply to every day life as well.

Basically to give our will to God, we need to be willing. To be willing we need to have faith.

Elder Christofferson spoke in our Stake Conference this weekend. (I know, perfect timing for transfers!). He talked about faith and how it is a blessing of  obedience. In Helaman 3 (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/hel/3?lang=eng) it talks about how the people were obedient, and they had faith, and prayed, and tens of thousands were baptized and their leaders were astonished.

Growing hurts, but it is worth it! In Jacob 5:64-77 (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/jacob/5?lang=eng) It talks about how Christ wants to perserve the natural branches to Himself. Naturally we are all good. We are sons and daughters of God. But sometimes we have evil fruit and branches that cumber our tree. They cannot be removed all at once or else the tree wouldn't be able to handle it. They are removed a little bit at a time as the good is brought in bit by bit. It takes diligence, but it is worth it. Sister Bush had that great insight a couple weeks ago.

Tender Mercy/Miracle of the Week:

Wow! I don't even know where to start. So Elder Christofferson (one of the 12 Apostles on earth today) came and spake at our stake conference. I don't know why, but he did. I'm not complaining. We also had Elder Parker (from the Quorum of the 70). Yesterday he came right to our row and shook our hands (and said my name!) and shook the hands of an investigator we had there and two recent converts. It was great! Our investigator loved the talks and plans to come to church every week, oh, and is planning on getting baptized soon. Yeah, it was a great week!

Other Highlights of the Week:

We are just talking with everyone and bearing testimony and inviting! We were blessed with 9 new investigators this week. There were two families. We found them all sorts of ways. My favorite though, was just last night. A member texted us that he felt prompted for us to stop by a house on his walking route. We asked him if he could come. He said that he had plans. We didn't respond. About 15-30 minutes later the Spirit had worked on him enough for him to text us and say that he could meet us there. He did. He had never actually met the family before. But he introduced himself and us at the door. They let us in. They were very receptive. We ended the lesson with the mom in tears for feeling the Spirit. It was so cool! We found another investigator right outside their door (he was just walking to his sister's house). Yup, the work is hastening and even faster and members get involved.

So, guess who made our programs for Stake Conference? Press Media out of Provo, Utah. That was a nice little tender mercy to see :)

It was just an awesome week! Here are some highlights from stake conference:

-It was said that the missionaries in each ward should be getting 100 referrals a month from the members. 100, not under 10... and even that is lucky. So, guess what members? Go to work!

-Satan wants us to keep our mouth shut from doing missionary work.

-If we express thanks, God will give us more (we have been trying that this week and its been helping us so much!). Especially more of the Spirit.

-All Bishop positions are reviewed by the First Presidency. Trust in your Bishop and their calling.

-Don't have time to list all the things, but Elder Christofferson basically gave our stake a blessing by the authority he holds. It was cool!

Invitation: Refer a friend to the missionaries today. Do not delay. Share your testimony with someone today. It is not up to you to judge who is prepared and who isn't. It is your responsibility to invite. After that God will do the rest.

I know that this is Christ's true church. I know that He directs it. I know that the prophets and apostles today are called by God and hold the Priesthood authority.

I know The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know the Bible is too. I know we are God's children and that He loves us.

Keep up the great work!

Sweet goodbyes :)

Sister Jenkins

The Errand of Angels: Week 37 Transfers and Betty's Baptism

Hello Everyone!

Sadly, I left all my letter notes at home! Hopefully I don't forget anything! :(

Transfer Information: 

The stress is on... where in the Florida Tampa Mission will Sister Jenkins go next? Well, she sure wish she knew! I know I'm being transferred, but I don't find out until transfer meeting on Tuesday (so essentially until I am on my way to the area). I will let you know where I am going and my new address. Please hold off on mail for the week.

Funny of the Week: 

Well, a few weeks ago we found a live gecko in our apartment. We found a dead one this week. That was fun. 

Study Subject of the Week: Forgiveness  

I love the talk "The Savior Wants to Forgive," http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/the-savior-wants-to-forgive?lang=eng

Not forgiving others is like poison. Forgiveness brings freedom and joy

Tender Mercy/Miracle of the Week: 

This was a really great week! So many tender mercies and miracles. Just to show God puts people in our path for a reason:

We were driving home from an appointment with a delicious, hot Hungry Howie's pizza in the car waiting to be eaten by three starving Sister Missionaries. We passed a lady stopped in the turn lane with her hood up and flashers off. We circled around and came back and asked if we could help. She said sure, but she didn't know what was wrong. We came over and helped push her car to the side of the road (with the help of two young men). She gave them $20 to get her gas. We then taught her a quick lesson and gave her a Book of Mormon. We checked up on her 30 minutes later and they young men hadn't come back, so we went and got her gas. She had read to 1 Nephi 12 by then. We then had another quick lesson for her before she went home. She unfortunately doesn't live in our area, so we referred her to other missionaries. We checked up on her a few days later and she was in 2 Nephi 6 (67 pages into The Book of Mormon). She has already prayed about it and knows its true. She is going on vacation this week and bringing The Book of Mormon. Yup, people are prepared everywhere.

AND it is always worth sacrificing the hot goodness of a pizza for helping someone in need. ALWAYS.

Other Highlights of the Week: 

At Betty's baptism. This picture makes me laugh. I am unsure who took it, but you gotta love the wind chimes!

  

 Betty's baptism! It was beautiful. We had a great choir from the branch and a good attendance with a nice luncheon afterwards. She said she felt so good following the baptism. Her confirmation and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost was the following day. It was so beautiful. She was promised that she would be an example to her family and that they would be blessed to come into the gospel. Betty has really given up A LOT for the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was the choir director in her previous church and was an active member for 20 years. None of her friends or family members came to support her, yet, she knew she did was right. Also, two of her grandsons are now joining our lessons and want to come to church. It is beautiful to see the ripple effect. Oh, and one woman gave all our recent convert women a bouquet of flowers on Sunday. That was so special.

So, I cried a lot when transfers came. I LOVE GULFPORT. I cried when they announced it in church. I was in front of everyone because I was interpreting. I cried so much in my departing testimony because I was so touched by how much love I felt for this branch and from them. Many members were crying as well. I know they will all be blessed for their service. I really feel so blessed to have served here with Sister Bush and, later, Sister Howard. I love and adore these sisters and this branch. I was also so blessed to serve in Carrollwood. We will see where the Lord needs me next.

 Invitation: Have you checked out the Hastening the Work Website yet? If you haven't, please do! It is a great Family Home Evening Activity. In fact, I think I gave this invitation earlier. So double judgement if you don't do this! :) http://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013/hastening/a-new-vision Have a great day! 
Sister Jenkins 

The Errand of Angels: Week 36 By Small and Simple Means

Hello Everyone!

I absolutely love being a part of God's army!! I love this work so much!! Being a missionary makes me so happy!! Well, and whenever I'm down, I try to choose to be happy, and it helps a lot!! I LOVE Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I love this work!

Funny of the Week: We were at an appointment and it was pouring rain. We called for a ride to take us and our bikes home. By the time they arrived the rain had mostly stopped. There was still lightening though, so I guess it was a good thing. We arrived home and our electricity was off. That was fun! It came on about 30 minutes later.

Study Subject of the Week: So today isn't a specific talk, I am going to do a "study subject." Why? I absolutely loved my scripture study this week!! (Well, I love it every week, of course). This will be titled "by small and simple means."

There are many instances in the scriptures that describe how even the small choices truly matter, "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass," (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/37.6-7?lang=eng). So therefore, we must be, "diligent in keeping the commandments of God," (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/37.20?lang=eng). 

In Alma 47(http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/47?lang=eng), we learn how the adversary works in many instances. In this story, Lehonti and a group of men leave the city because they didn't want to be obedient to the king (Alma 47:50). At the beginning of this story, the disobedience is actually good because they aren't going to war, but think of it symbolically, disobedience can put us into danger.

They established their camp on a mount. This is great. Many of us may be on a spiritual mount and think that we are safe. A very wicked man, Amalickiah, sends three embassies to Lehonti desiring that he come down to the foot of the mount. Lehonti does not. The adversary typically won't tempt you with a large sin, and if he does, you typically won't give in. For example, you might not walk out of a church building and see someone selling drugs in the parking lot, and you probably wouldn't give in if they were. 

Amalickiah tempts Lehonti a fourth time. This time he comes to right below Lehonti's camp and asks him to come down a little way and bring his guards with him (a little can't hurt right?) (Alma 47:12). The adversary will typically tempt us by saying "lie a little" or "go to church late" or "you are so tired, you don't need to read your scriptures today." He may even make sin look like a really exciting option (Alma 47:13). But he really isn't there to help you. Sin WILL never lead to happiness, only sadness, pain and guilt. 

In Lehonti's case, he is offered great power, but then is killed by Amalickiah's servant by being "poisoned by degrees" (Alma 47:18). 

By "small and simple means are great things brought to pass."

Tender Mercy/Miracle of the Week: Ask and ye shall receive. We asked for new investigators this week and got one that day and then three referrals. It was great!

Other Highlights of the Week: I am just so impressed by people showing their determination to follow Christ. On Sunday, we had multiple people at church in severe pain, yet they stayed. For example:

-Barry was wincing for a good part of church. He stayed.

-Betty stayed home from many activities yesterday so she could get enough rest to arise and come to church, even when her legs were hurting her.

-Many, many other members. 

I am so impressed by these people who choose to put God first. He will bless them and bless you as you do the same.

Invitation: Read your scriptures and pray. Those are some of the "smallest" things I can think of. These truly do yield the most powerful results.

I know that this is the fullness of Christ's gospel and we become happier as we follow Him and His teachings!Have a wonderful day!

Sister Jenkins

The Errand of Angels; Week 35 Talking with Everyone and a Brush with Fame

Hello Everyone!

Thank you all for your birthday wishes! I had a very enjoyable birthday! Actually probably one of my best, if not my best, because I got to teach people the gospel of Jesus Christ on my birthday. Wow, I sure do love being a missionary!

Funny of the Week: You know... I don't know... I had a blast on my birthday, which was a "FUN" for the week. We also went to the Ray's baseball game for "Mormon Night," which was also a "FUN" for the week. 

Talk of the Week: "Come, All Ye Sons of God" by President Monson. This talk discusses the importance of stepping up and doing your duty. It is your duty to help others and become like Christ. You have the freedom of choice (agency), and the responsibility to choose to put God first. One of my favorite quotes for helping us with the duty to choose correctly, share the gospel, and become a disciple of Christ: "May I suggest a formula that will ensure our success: first, search the scriptures with diligence; second, plan your life with purpose(and, I might add, plan your life regardless of your age); third, teach the truth with testimony; and fourth, serve the Lord with love." Here is the talk: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/come-all-ye-sons-of-god?lang=eng

One other talk that stood out to me is, "Your Sacred Duty to Minister," from Elder Beck. The fullness of God's priesthood power is on earth again today. I testify that that is true. For those who hold the priesthood and for those who support the priesthood (so, basically everyone). You have a responsibility to minister to others. This is a sacred duty and God will hold you accountable for how you have used it. Have faith that God will qualify you. He WILL. Move forward with that faith. "Minister every day. Opportunities are all around you. Look for them. Ask the Lord to help you recognize them. You will find that most consist of small, sincere acts that help others become followers of Jesus Christ. As you strive to be worthy of the Spirit, you will recognize thoughts and feelings prompting you to minister. As you act on these promptings, you will receive more of them and your opportunities and ability to minister will increase and expand." I know that God will help you see those opportunities and will help you know what to say when they come. http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/your-sacred-duty-to-minister?lang=eng

Tender Mercy/Miracle of the Week: On Friday we had a member go with us to a couple lessons... well, it ended up being five lessons. The sister that came is so awesome! She teaches with us whenever we have the car and whenever her health will allow. During the first lesson of the day we had two different sisters with us. It was with Betty, who by the way, finally committed to a baptismal date of August 17!! We are so excited for  her! She was a really strong member of her other church and she is still going to be friends with all of those, but she just says she can't deny something higher. She knows this is higher. She wants to go higher.

Anyways, we ended up having five lessons with the sister that came with us. Two of them ended up being at one of out favorite restaurants that we stopped by to use the bathroom. There was this huge downtime and we were the only ones there. We were able to teach the owner the first lesson. She is open to learning more and wants to. Someone walked in at the end of our lesson and sat down with us and started asking questions about the church (the owner had to get up to help this person with food). Then a swarm of people came in so we weren't able to talk to the owner anymore. The man's name who sat down with us is Malachi. He was so open to the gospel and really wanted another Book of Mormon (because he lost his). He felt the power of the message about the fullness of Christ's gospel. We enjoyed sharing some scriptures from Malachi about how important temples are :) (Malachi 4:5-6 http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/mal/4.5-6?lang=eng)

Both the owner and Malachi are in the Gulfport Elders' area, but that's okay! We were happy to refer them!

Other Highlights of the Week: Well, I already mentioned it, but Betty has committed to  be baptized! She is excited! She committed in a lesson with another member there who was so bold in asking her that if she knew this was true, why wasn't she getting baptized. Wowee. It was cool. The Spirit was super strong.

So, I am an old woman now! Well, at least compared to the Elders :) Haha. My birthday was fantastic thanks to my companions and members! Sister Bush made waffles for breakfast :), my companions let us go on a longer run, My district got me a cake and took us out to lunch at Kissin' Cuzzins (best southern restaurant around!), plus they paid for my companionship, We split up and taught with members, which was awesome (our branch sisters are so great!!), We had dinner with the Sloat family who got me a cake and my companions a cake, We made dinner for them actually, which was fun! (salmon chowder), and then I taught the young women ASL and we had a lesson with Barry. Good day or what!! Oh, and I got lots of fantastic gifts and letters! I really appreciated the practical things that Mom and Dad got me... I REALLY needed those.

On Saturday we got to go the Ray's baseball game for "Mormon Night." I was thankfully picked for a missionary choir (30 Elders and 15 Sisters) that sang the "National Anthem." That was really cool! But can I tell you something that was much cooler?! So before the game we had some down time (which I really don't like as a missionary)... And so, we really tried to make the most of it. We kind of semi-split up into two companionships because we had an extra Sister with us. We had the opportunity to give a Book of Mormon away to the lady that helped us at the Ray's stadium (she said that she will hear a message. She has had exceptional experiences it the past with missionaries in Chicago), we gave away another Book of Mormon to a family at Subway, plus we gave away lots of pass along cards and even found a less active. I was so grateful for the opportunity to get referrals for the Gulfport Elders. I just love sharing the gospel. In a very non-vain way, I really hope that other missionaries saw so they would do the same. We saw lots of people with Mormon.org cards so I am sure they were doing that! :)

Church yesterday was awesome! We are definitely getting to the point where members WANT to do the work. Fast and testimony meeting yesterday was phenomenal. One sister got up and bore her testimony saying that if this is true, which it is, why wouldn't you share it with everyone you know. We also had a returning member who recently came back from 20 years of inactivity and a recent convert, Barry, bear their testimonies. The Spirit was so powerful. I really think member referrals are going to explode soon! I am so excited for it! Plus, the sisters are being so, so, so supportive of us and the recent converts, plus some of the brothers are as well. I am grateful for this area!

Invitation: Will you go teach with the missionaries this week? Your testimonies have so much power! Please, please do!

I know that this is the fullness of Christ's gospel and we become happier as we follow Him and His teachings! Have a wonderful day!

Sister Jenkins