This week was fantastic!! We managed
to stay really busy again!! We had a goal of 26 lessons and exceeded that goal
by getting 33 :) I guess Sister Bambrough and I just really like being really
busy!!!
This week we saw ALOT of progress in
our investigators!!! So here is a little something about them:
Jacob committed to be baptized on
July 26th. He had met with missionaries before but wasn't sure about it and
wasn't willing to commit to living the gospel in its fullness. After our second
lesson with him, he had already decided (on his own) to quit smoking!!! So when
we met with him later this week he was super excited to share that with us. He
has been carrying around a pack that has one cigarette in it-- he says that it
is his last one. He carries it so he knows he can smoke it if he wants too, but
as a reminder that it is his last one. So far this has worked for him!! He is
20 years old and we were able to take one of the young men who just graduated
with us to his lesson!! It was so awesome!! With the help of Mick we were able
to share Joseph Smith's experience with him and commit him to be baptized! I am
excited to see how he changes in the next couple of weeks as he continues to
commit to live the gospel more fully in his life. It is amazing- he already seems
happier!
This week Jeanine also made awesome
progress!! She committed to quit smoking on August 4th- her birthday. This is
the first time that we have gotten a firm commitment from her to change. With
the quit smoking date in mind, we were also able to set a baptismal date of
August 16th :) Jeanine has even been reading on her own-- which is a huge and
big change for her!! She is beginning to better recognize the spirit that comes
when she makes time to read. Reading scriptures is keeping a commandment--
keeping commandments brings blessing, as well as the fact that she is reading
the words of the Lord and his chosen servants the prophets. Inviting the spirit
into our lives, into our days helps us better understand God's will for us and
act on it. It can give us the strength we need to keep all of His commandments.
Jeanine is finally starting to put the gospel into action in her life-- and
that is when the blessings come :)
Bill also committed to be baptized
this week!!!! We were able to teach him in his home with his family’s home
teacher!! We had an awesome lesson on the Atonement and forgiveness, eternal
life and baptism! Before the lesson Bill had stated that he didn't believe that
he would ever be able to be forgiven of his sins. He did not believe that he
could be cleansed from his past. The spirit in the lesson was so strong and at
the end of it, Bill committed to be baptized. He understands that this involves
giving up his alcohol and cigarettes, and he is willing now to make this
commitment. I am so grateful that the Atonement covers everything!!! By living
the gospel of Jesus Christ we can leave our past behind and become who the Lord
wants us to be!! We can return again to live with our Father in heaven!
Okay so this email is WAY long... but
one more :)
Renee also committed to be
baptized!!! She is praying for a baptismal date right now!! She was not able to
make it to church because she got sick :( She is only 16, but recognizes that
God isn't really a part of her life right now. She wants to learn how she can
be happy and how she can come closer to Him. Her grandma, who she lives with, isn't
super interested in learning more herself right now, but she is super
supportive of Renee learning more-- she wants Renee to make these changes
in her life! We are so excited to teach Renee and help her find true joy by
living the gospel!!
I know the joy that comes from living
the gospel is real!!! God loves us and wants us to return to live with Him
again!! That is why He sent His son to this world!!! Thank you all for your
love and support! I love it when I get to hear from you!!
Love <3 Sarah
There are so many exciting
things happening right now in Franklin!!! But here are some pictures on a less
serious note ;)
Gotta hate it when your spoon melts
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