Shakin' My Faith? Psh As If That Was Possible

Hi!!!

okay this week was probably one of my favorite weeks of my mission this far. It was amazing. we had about 22 lessons and almost all of them were in person! We have seen so many miracles since things have opened up. We've had back to back lessons all day and we're so exhausted by the end of the night but it feels sooo good. I love being this busy. 

I've been thinking a lot this week about the power of the Book of Mormon in conversion. We have a friend named Andrew who's already read all of the Book of Mormon. He read it in the 2 weeks we've been meeting with him. His testimony is so pure and he's been so receptive to learning more about the truths of the Gospel. All because he read the Book of Mormon with an open heart. 

Then, we have a friend named Chuck that we met doorknocking last week. Chuck is a pastor in another church and the first time we met with him he totally bashed us. He had looked up a bunch of anti church stuff and came at us with a ton of questions. So we pointed him to a few chapters in the Book of Mormon and told him that if he read with an open heart, his questions would be answered. Sooo we went back this Thursday and he told us that he thinks the Book of Mormon is childish, sophomoric, and that it's a commentary of the Bible. The whole time we'd been talking with him I was pretty nervous about how to respond and what to say. Then, he admitted to us that his only intention in meeting with us was to shake our faith. Right when he said that, I felt so much peace. I felt comforted. Like the spirit was confirming to me what Sister McNeill and I had already guessed. After that I testified of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon to Him. I told him that I know that the Book of Mormon is true not because I grew up in my church, but because I have had very personal experiences with reading it. I know that the feelings i've felt as I've read the Book of Mormon come from God. there's no way it's not from Him. It felt so so so good to tell him that. I felt like the Spirit was giving me the words to say. Also, we didn't do it in an angry way. We told him that we admired his faith, but that nothing he said would shake ours. I promised him that if he reads the Book of Mormon with an open heart and mind, his questions will be answered and he will know that it's of God. 

It was a powerful learning experience for Sister McNeill and I. I hope that someday he'll be receptive to learning the restored Gospel. I'm grateful for that experience because it strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon as the word of God. I can't deny it. I know that it's true. I also know that if one is to read it and sincerely pray to know, they will get an answer. Just like our friend Andrew did. 

Speaking of Andrew.. on saturday we got to go over to his house and meet his family! They were having a fourth of July family lunch. They were so welcoming and I felt so at home.After we ate, we shared the message of the restoration with them. Andrew bore his testimony of the Book of Mormon, and they all agreed to give it a try and read the introduction. I can't wait to keep teaching them. this family has so much faith in Christ. they are true Christians. Also they watch our facebook lives all the time hehe it's the best. It was such a miracle to meet and teach them.

On tuesday we went to an address we found in areabook and met a girl named Kasie. She let us in and we taught her the restoration. it was so special to see her go from being sad to laughing and smiling and telling us she felt so much peace. This gospel brings so much joy. 

A lot of our friends are progressing. It's amazing. Shauna, a less active member who we've been reading the Book of Mormon with every week for the past few months, said she's finally ready to accept Jesus Christ in her life. she bore her testimony on sunday. It was the greatest thing. I can't explain the joy that comes from seeing someone you love grow their testimony of Jesus Christ. 

Jacob is doing so so good!! He's come to church in person the past two weeks and said he wants to come again next week. He wrote us the sweetest notes ever saying how grateful he is for us in his life. I cried haha it was so special. 

I felt so much love as we met with Jimmy and Ashley yesterday. Ashley expressed some difficult things she's going through. I just felt so so much for her. I don't like when people have to struggle, but I also know that the Savior can bring so much peace. He makes healing possible.

Justin came to church! He is so intelligent and we have the coolest discussions about the Gospel with him. we talked about the Plan of Salvation. He told us it brings him comfort. I would say i have to agree with him:)

I could go on writing for sooo long. I just feel so so filled. I know that this Gospel is true. I know that Heavenly Father loves and knows us individually. I feel like God gives me a glimpse of His love for His children when we meet with people. It is the most special feeling and often brings me to tears. 

I love this Gospel. I couldn't imagine not serving a mission right now. I've learned so much and the feelings I get are indescribable. I love the Lord. I love the people of Cheboygan. 

Love you all!! 

P.S. As a mission we've committed to reading the whole Book of Mormon before general conference and to mark all the verses that have to do with Charity. If you wanna join, let me know and I'll send you the chapters to read every day! It's already been such a sweet experience.

P.P.S THANKS FOR ALL THE BDAY WISHES!!!! It was the greatest birthday ever. I love and appreciate you all!!