August 8, 2011

HI EVERYONE!!

  First things First: Happy 32 ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!. . . Yesterday.

I am so thankful that you two are married . . . Sealed for time and all eternity. I thought of you two all day. I even said to Sister Wilks "I hope my parents made it to the temple for their anniversary."

 I have a testimony that Families can be together forever and I know our Family is eternal. Thank you so much for setting the example and loving each other.

 Bradley I hope your birthday was the BEST! and Kristi- I wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW! I love you both a ton and hope that you are doing well!

I had a great personal study this morning and I feel impressed to share it with you. I read Elder Nelson's conference talk. One thing that he said that struck me hard. . especially due to the week I had.

 "Apostle Paul (2 Tim. 3:12)  warned people in the Latter-days, that those who follow Christ shall suffer persecution. That very persecution can either crush you or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives."

 This is true for all of us. When we follow Jesus Christ we are persecuted. This week this happened more than ever before. We, more as missionaries, are persecuted, mocked, laughed at, door slammed, challenged and tried. And yet, we still continue on. We wake up every morning, not knowing what we will really face for the day but have a little idea. and yet we still walk out the front door and open our mouth to everyone we see. This persecution motivates me to be better, to be bolder and to have charity towards those who are not ready for this gospel, and MORE love and HUMILITY for those who are ready and will listen.

We as members of this church need not to shy away from what we know to be true just because someone laughs or mocks you to your face. I know why I am here, I know by what authority I have been called and I know whose name I stand as a witness, Our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is our Lord and Redeemer. I love Him and my Father in Heaven. They sustain me and my companion in doing His work!

I know that gives  you a little idea of what week we had. over 15 hours of tracking with only have about 5 doors open up. It is summer time and two weeks out from the new semester starting. We talk to people everywhere we go. The Lord provided us with a tender mercy. We taught this one guy named Ricky- about 2 weeks ago. It was a powerful lesson- you might recall me telling you that he cried, and accepted baptism without hesitation. We couldn't get a hold of him after that day. He wasn't answering his phone, we didn't have an address, we only knew where he worked, we would go and see if he was there, and he never us. We never ceased praying for him. To get in contact with him again. . Saturday night a lesson fell through, our backup was dinner- we come back home to eat and there WALKING around in our complex is RICKY!!!!!!!!!!!! We instantly forgo dinner and we were lucky he had time to sit with us. We taught him another lesson. He is solid! We extended a new baptism date, now all we are praying for is that he can get Sunday's off. . . (your prayers are welcomed :-)

 We had two lesson this week with gentlemen that were SUPER HARSH! O the joys of experiences and growth. The lesson with Joe on Thursday- He laughed at us to our face about what we know to be true based off our feelings. All we could do is what we do best. Boldly testify. He couldn't say anything after that, but insisted on stating his point and mocked us in his prayer. Our testimonies were tried and strengthened. Last nights lesson was no exception. We walked out with heads held high once more in gratitude for the testimonies we have. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet, he Saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as two separate beings. and even though I dont speak in tongues, aka jibberish, as Javed thought it to be, I have the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He is a real spirit who testifies of truth and guides us when we are worthy of His companionship. My faith was tried, I was a little shaken up when we left. Nothing a  Prayer and the Book of Mormon cant fix :-) The people who try us and test us are coming out of the wood works, and ONLY because we are doing the RIGHT things. I am so grateful for this knowledge and wisdom!

On a higher note- As you can see from the pictures- Anthony was BAPTIZED yesterday- Elder Creer (my favorite elder, besides Elder Durr of course) performed the baptism. It was a wonderful thing to witness. The Elders also had a baptism. It was awesome!!! The work is still moving onward and upward, we are working around Satan and what is thrown at us. Mark received the Holy Ghost also! And we had a new investigator at church! It was AWESOME!!!!!!

This upcoming week will include Zone Conference and lots of dinner appointments. . WE NEVER GET FED and this week it has changed!! The Lord is blessing us and our area. I love serving the Lord, my testimony and faith is stronger than ever!

 Sister Shannon Durr