Transfer 10 Week 5

From: Lindsay Sanders <lindsay.sanders@myldsmail.net>

Date: December 6, 2015 7:23:33 PM MST

Subject: Transfer 10 Week 5

Transfer 10 Week 5

Hey friends and family! I love you! How is Christmas time in the US? I have been pleasantly surprised here in Ube because there are so many people who put up Christmas lights! Lights are my favorite!

All of our investigators dropped themselves. Say what? They were progressing and doing great, then all three of them asked not to be contacted anymore! That hurt. Now we are back to zero investigators, but I can totally see how Heavenly Father is testing our faith. The true test of faith is not receiving immediate blessings, but being patient and faithful to the commandments, especially if things aren't working out. Now we have so much more fire to find new people who are gonna go the distance! Actually, we did have many amazing miracles this week! We found a Chinese girl named Tina who wanted to know about he true meaning of Christmas, and we have been inviting everyone to come to church. We are so blessed here in Ube! I am of course sad that our investigators chose to walk away, but I know I gave them their best shot. I did all I could. They will have more chances. Now we have more opportunities to help even MORE people!

We had a junkai (companion splits with the STL's) and I was not looking forward to it because of the drama that happened last time. We got through the junkai and I had a moment this where I thought "Wow, I really need to change". Not really because of what anyone did... i just noticed how I want to be more positive. Negativity holds you back from progressing. 

I read "Yielding Our Hearts To God" and loved it! It is so straight forward: let it go. If something in your life is not right, Heavenly Father will help you know. As we yield our will to God's will, we are more happy. We feel more peace. We feel like our lives are full and fulfilling.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said: "If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God. … The Lord will not forsake us."

This week I have been focusing on consecration. I know the word, and I know that as a church, we consecrate and dedicate temples... But what does it mean to be a consecrated missionary? To consecrate means to devote something exclusively to a particular purpose. We state our purpose every morning as a companionship... I have been pondering and studying how I can devote myself exclusively for the purpose of inviting my brothers and sisters to come unto Christ. 

There is so much more I can do to be a better missionary. I am just tackling one weakness at a time. I can look back at my mission and see how much progress I have made. I see where I am now and I am at peace knowing I am imperfect, but trying. I look ahead and see so many opportunities for growth. I am so thankful that my mission has changed my perspective on basically everything. I am forever changed. 

Have a merry Christmas season! Spread the good news! Christ was born for YOU! Your life has meaning and purpose. What will you give for Christmas?

Ponderizing Mosiah 7:33 - But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.

Much love!
サンダーズ姉妹より

    Sanders Shimai

Lindsay's District

Pretty Christmas lights in Ube