As always, things have been so busy! But first of all, transfer calls were yesterday, and we didn't receive a call. That means I'm staying in Lacombe! Normally it's only 6 weeks, but with the extension of time in the MTC, another week is being added on to this transfer. I have mixed emotions about staying. I love this place so so much! But I'm already so attached! Haha so I wanted to leave because it will be easier now than in 7 weeks! But the Lord still has work for me to do here! I'm going to be an emotional mess when I leave this place!
To start things off, I'll tell you about D! I'm surprised I haven't told you about her yet! This woman is so incredible! She is 84, a former Anglican priestess, and there is no way she is going to join our church. Hahah at least that's what she thinks. She was a referral from a member, and Sister L and I stopped by so many times! Finally about a month ago, she let us in! She has been so so kind to us! Although she used to be a priestess in her church, every time we see her, she's asking us the questions! We've had to teach her in a very unique way because of her determination to stay Anglican, but we can see her heart opening up! The reason she's not a priestess anymore is because her church forced her to step down due to her age! She was so devastated, but still supports her church no matter what. She would make the greatest member! If she doesn't join in this life, we know that she will be well prepared in the next!
Our previous investigator, T, has been doing a great job at avoiding us! Haha but we found out that she was unable to work because her knee injury had gotten worse. We decided to stop by and see if we could cheer her up. We soon discovered that her fiancé's truck was there, and he's the reason she stopped investigating! We decided to pray about whether or not to go inside, and I felt the strong impression to go for it. It was so wonderful! She let us do her dishes, we got to meet the fiancé who was actually pretty nice, and I got to see her daughter who just adores me! We're really building back this relationship! I really hope to get this whole family into the church! So please keep her in your prayers!
This week was an interesting one for Sister P, it was her birthday on Sunday, but on Saturday, she found out that her grandma passed away. This is the 2nd grandparent she has lost on her mission! She handled it so well! The really cool part was what happened on Saturday! Her grandma is from Cardston, and it is crazy windy there! Lacombe has only had high winds once while I've been here, and it happened again on Saturday! It gave sister P so much comfort, and she really felt close to her grandma that day. It's amazing how Heavenly Father can work with the elements to comfort us! Tuesday was a really tough day for me. I was feeling so stressed, overwhelmed, and I would even use the word depressed! But that night, the Northern Lights were out! It was absolutely breathtaking! As we were out looking at them, I had the overwhelming feeling that Heavenly Father had made that happen just for me! Our Father in Heaven cares so so much! It was amazing to have that feeling of love made manifest in such a spectacular way.
I have one more story! The K's had us over for Sister P's birthday supper. When we arrived, her son J was there. He's my age and very less active. We were shocked that he actually talked to us, but then he even stuck around for supper! He's about as pessimistic and negative as a person can be, but we were still able to have a great conversation. All of a sudden, gay marriage was brought up, and he asked us about the church's stand on it. Having answered this question many times, I started by expressing the love the church has for everyone! And before I could even get into the answer to his question, he threw his arms up, exclaimed that he hates our religion and stormed out! I was expecting some pushback but not that quickly! Fortunately, we were able to finish the night with a great gospel conversation with the Kites! But it really got me thinking about how important it is to always be ready to answer the tough questions about the church! It may not be received well, but I hope that we can represent the church well in our answers and conversations!
Well everyone, this week has been the farthest from easy, and down right awful at times, but I know that the Lord has work for me to do here in Lacombe! I can't wait to see what work that is, and I look forward to proclaiming His word to everyone around me! This is the Plan of Happiness and truth! I know that Heavenly Father loves each of us so personally. I hope each of you will feel that love this week!
With gratitude,
Sister Bethany Christensen
#blessed
To start things off, I'll tell you about D! I'm surprised I haven't told you about her yet! This woman is so incredible! She is 84, a former Anglican priestess, and there is no way she is going to join our church. Hahah at least that's what she thinks. She was a referral from a member, and Sister L and I stopped by so many times! Finally about a month ago, she let us in! She has been so so kind to us! Although she used to be a priestess in her church, every time we see her, she's asking us the questions! We've had to teach her in a very unique way because of her determination to stay Anglican, but we can see her heart opening up! The reason she's not a priestess anymore is because her church forced her to step down due to her age! She was so devastated, but still supports her church no matter what. She would make the greatest member! If she doesn't join in this life, we know that she will be well prepared in the next!
Our previous investigator, T, has been doing a great job at avoiding us! Haha but we found out that she was unable to work because her knee injury had gotten worse. We decided to stop by and see if we could cheer her up. We soon discovered that her fiancé's truck was there, and he's the reason she stopped investigating! We decided to pray about whether or not to go inside, and I felt the strong impression to go for it. It was so wonderful! She let us do her dishes, we got to meet the fiancé who was actually pretty nice, and I got to see her daughter who just adores me! We're really building back this relationship! I really hope to get this whole family into the church! So please keep her in your prayers!
This week was an interesting one for Sister P, it was her birthday on Sunday, but on Saturday, she found out that her grandma passed away. This is the 2nd grandparent she has lost on her mission! She handled it so well! The really cool part was what happened on Saturday! Her grandma is from Cardston, and it is crazy windy there! Lacombe has only had high winds once while I've been here, and it happened again on Saturday! It gave sister P so much comfort, and she really felt close to her grandma that day. It's amazing how Heavenly Father can work with the elements to comfort us! Tuesday was a really tough day for me. I was feeling so stressed, overwhelmed, and I would even use the word depressed! But that night, the Northern Lights were out! It was absolutely breathtaking! As we were out looking at them, I had the overwhelming feeling that Heavenly Father had made that happen just for me! Our Father in Heaven cares so so much! It was amazing to have that feeling of love made manifest in such a spectacular way.
I have one more story! The K's had us over for Sister P's birthday supper. When we arrived, her son J was there. He's my age and very less active. We were shocked that he actually talked to us, but then he even stuck around for supper! He's about as pessimistic and negative as a person can be, but we were still able to have a great conversation. All of a sudden, gay marriage was brought up, and he asked us about the church's stand on it. Having answered this question many times, I started by expressing the love the church has for everyone! And before I could even get into the answer to his question, he threw his arms up, exclaimed that he hates our religion and stormed out! I was expecting some pushback but not that quickly! Fortunately, we were able to finish the night with a great gospel conversation with the Kites! But it really got me thinking about how important it is to always be ready to answer the tough questions about the church! It may not be received well, but I hope that we can represent the church well in our answers and conversations!
Well everyone, this week has been the farthest from easy, and down right awful at times, but I know that the Lord has work for me to do here in Lacombe! I can't wait to see what work that is, and I look forward to proclaiming His word to everyone around me! This is the Plan of Happiness and truth! I know that Heavenly Father loves each of us so personally. I hope each of you will feel that love this week!
With gratitude,
Sister Bethany Christensen
#blessed