4th MTC Email

Hola!
I can't believe I've been here for a month!

I have seen some friends from Colorado:  Sister Briana Barkdull, Elder Craig Eves, and Elder Andrew Krueger.

This week Fabian agreed to be baptized! Then the next lesson he was very depressed. He felt hopeless, overwhelmed and felt like he had no self-worth. Hermana Stoeltzing and my hearts just broke! He has such a good heart, but he is so hard on himself because he is such a perfectionist. Then we had the opportunity to talk to Hermano Wells (he is one of their teachers) and explained what we thought Fabian was feeling. He was stunned by how much we were able to understand about Fabian. He said that feeling that much for a practice investigator and being able to understand them and how they are feeling is a wonderful trait.

On Sunday night we had a devotional by Elder Stephen B. Allen-- (one of the church leaders in Utah) this time he gave the talk he had originally prepared. He used clips from the Homefront commercials.  these are some messages sometimes seen on TV)  Here is what I learned:

1. "When everything says you can't, believe in the part of you that says you can!    --essential for our missions and our lives

2. "It's not who you aren't, it's who you are. And being who you are is part of being great!"  --Focus on who YOU are

3."Sometimes the most important thing you can share is yourself" 

4."Give of your time"   --give all your time to your family, the Gospel, and the Lord

5."It's often life's small moments that bring the greatest memories."  --listen to the Holy Ghost in the small moments--that it super important!

6."The people in your heart can't see inside your heart, you need to let them know it everday!  --let your family, investigators, and companions know you love them!

7. "It's not who you aren't it's who you are. Being different is being great!"   --The Lord called YOU! He needs You! Trust in Him!

8. "Whatever you do in life, just do your best!"  -Finish the race you have started! You can make a real SPLASH just by giving it your all when you serve your mission.

On Monday night we bonded with the new hermanas. (New Sisters who have just entered the Missionary Training Center) It was very fun to meet new people! What a wonderful opportunity the MTC gives us!

On Tuesday we taught in the TRC (Teaching Resource Center). To those who are attending BYU, go volunteer at TRC! It is wonderful! The missionaries love teaching there! It is such great practice for the field! When I get home, I want to go volunteer there!

On Tuesday night Elder Gay of the 70 ( one of the church leaders in Utah) spoke. He came with no specific prepared message--he taught by the Spirit! Some of the things I learned were:

1. What is the power you have as missionaries? You have the power to astonish this world!

2. The Savior is your real companion in this work!

3. Any blessing you receive comes through obedience

4. D&C 50:13-14----what missionaries are called and ordained to do

5. Missionary work at the end of the day is Revelatory work! Through faith we can receive revelation on what we can do to hasten the work. We need to follow the spirit and do all things He tells us to do even if it doesn't make sense. Missionary work is all about revelation!

6. With revelation, the more you act upon it, the more you will receive.

7. The Lord gathers, but He reveals how to go about His work through the Spirit.

8. Missionaries have 2 responsibilites--Listen to the Spirit, and listen to the investigator.

9. Baptism brings the powers of heaven in to your life and your family's life.

On Monday we had the opportunity to teach our companions. We both taught each other about Grace and putting all of our faith and trust in God. It was a wonderful experience!

I'm so glad that the fires in Colorado are becoming more contained! You are all in my prayers.  I know this work is the work of God! I know this Gospel is true! I know the Grace of God is sufficient for all men! Yo se que el Evangelio es verdadero. Yo se que Dios nos ama. Yo se que nuestras familias podemos vivir para siempre.

Te amo mucho!  Hermana Anne VanWie

 

Here is a picture of all the missionaries in our district and zone. (a term for organizational units of missionaries)