21st Semana en Ceres - Happy Thanksgiving

Querida Familia y Amigos –
         We had a wonderful week this week that ended with a miracle--a baptism!
R was baptized yesterday by the Branch President. There was such a wonderful feeling there! He truly was ready and prepared to be baptized and he was converted. The branch was so supportive--almost all of the branch was there. He had wanted to keep his baptism a surprise for his children (they are all already members) and when he walked in all dressed in white they were all so surprised! His youngest son, L said, "Dad?!? It's you Dad?! You are the one getting baptized?!" The whole family was beaming. His oldest son was speechless and bore a beautiful testimony after his dad was baptized. R's wife was also beaming--I don't think I've ever seen her so happy! The Spirit there was truly something special.
          When R was baptized, he came up smiling and looking the happiest I have ever seen him. As I watched his baptism and glanced over at his family to watch their reactions, I felt the Spirit testify to me that he was ready to make this covenant with our Heavenly Father and that baptism is the first important step to having an eternal family. He has opened a door to having an eternal family. The closing hymn was "Families Can Be Together Forever" reminding me and them that their next step is to go to the temple and be sealed as a family for time and all eternity. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it and Heavenly Father will be helping them every step of the way. How grateful I am for the opportunity I had to experience this miracle!
           We also taught a lesson to J this week--she is planning on being baptized on the 30th--this week, but we are still waiting on permission from her mother. As we reviewed the baptismal interview questions with her, I marveled at how much she knows. As a 10 year-old she has much knowledge and has a simple testimony of the truths we have taught her. How powerful a child's testimony is. Hopefully she can be baptized this week.
            How grateful I am for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that He suffered and died for you and for me! I know that He lives and that He loves us. How grateful I am for the covenant of baptism and the opportunity that it gives us to live with God again and be sealed to our families for time and all eternity. I know this is the work of the Lord! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be serving in the California Fresno Mission.
             I am so grateful for you and for your support! In the spirit of Thanksgiving-- I love the scripture in D&C 78:19. Let us all be grateful for the many blessing our loving Heavenly Father has given us!
                         I hope you have a wonderful week!   Love, Hermana VanWie

20th Semana en Ceres y 7 Dirty Dogs!

Querida Familia--

     This week has been a wonderful week!  I had a great exchange with Hermana M. It was wonderful to stay in the same area and still have the opportunity to work with and learn from another missionary. Hermana M is a wonderful missionary! She really knows how to listen and ask inspired questions. She knows the importance of silence and allowing those we teach to feel of the Spirit and have time to think. I admire how she is always able to take her time and ask inspired questions. In our exchange we had the opportunity to do two service activities! It was wonderful to be able to serve the members. Our service project was to wash all seven of the member's dogs. It was definitely an adventure! Through doing service, we were able to help these members/less actives know that we care and really truly want to help them.The miracle we saw from this service was that the less active family came to church! It was wonderful to see this family working again at coming closer to our Heavenly Father and Savior.
      This Sunday we also had a great lesson with R. He is getting baptized this week! He is ready now and is very excited to make this step in his life. He understands the covenant he is about to make and knows that it will help both him and his family. What a wonderful opportunity it is to see this progression and this change.
     In the zone meeting we also talked about how we can help the members in our area use Preach My Gospel and become Preach My Gospel Member Missionaries. Since this zone meeting we have done the family mission plan using Preach My Gospel three times and the members are very excited about it.

     Last night we visited with a member in the branch presidency and discussed the importance of using Preach My Gospel. He then related a story that was a testimony builder for me--that when he first joined the church he began using Preach My Gospel to prepare to go on team-ups with the missionaries. However, as he was studying he began to see his testimony increase and his conversion to the gospel grow. I know that Preach My Gospel is a wonderful tool! It is for missionaries--ALL missionaries and that includes all the members. Every member is a missionary and as we are working more and more in this work together, missionaries and members need to know the doctrines that are taught in Preach My Gospel. How grateful I am for Preach My Gospel!

     I am also very grateful for inspired leaders. After a conversation with our district leader, I have reflected on what I have learned thus far in my mission. Here a few of the things I have learned: 1) Our Heavenly Father is always aware of us and works in mysterious ways in our lives. 2) As we look for the hand of the Lord in our lives (or tender mercies) we are happier. 3)The Atonement is an enabling power--it allows us to change and do hard things. 4) I cannot do things by myself--I need my Heavenly Father's help. 5) God has a plan for me--it is specifically designed for me--to help ME learn and grow. 6) We are all sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father and each of us has Divine Potential.
       How grateful I am for the gospel and our loving Heavenly Father!
Espero que tengan una semana maravillosa!  ( I hope you have a marvelous week!)
                                                   Los quiero! Con amor,
                                                                        Hermana VanWie

19th Semana en Ceres - Exploding Pumpkins!

Querida Familia y Amigos,
      This week has been a great week! Our week started off with an explosion--literally! On Tuesday morning we were making breakfast and it was cold so we were making some hot cereal and hot chocolate and all of it blew up all over the microwave. Then we had an explosion of revelation during our personal and companionship studies. Then we had an explosion of papers--Stake Correlation (missionary paper work to help us work with the large areas more effectively). Then we had an explosion of laughter as we laughed about the absurdity of our morning. Then we had an explosion of pumpkin--the pumpkin that we had in our apartment from Halloween exploded and we had quite a mess to clean up. We also had another explosion of laughter as we related our day at dinner to the other missionaries. Overall, we just had a fantastic exploding day as we also received 3 referrals  (recommendations of someone who might like to speak to the missionaries) from a member.  The rest of the week has been an equal adventure.
      We also were in the Primary (church children’s auxiliary) program in the branch. Hermana W and I were in charge of playing all of the songs and singing in one of them. We didn't find out any of this until about 5 minutes before church started. So, we have become very grateful for the ability to sight read and to play the piano. I also have become very very grateful for a companion that can also play the piano. It went very well and the sweet testimonies of the children touched the hearts of the congregation and the investigators that were there.
      We are continuing to work with the people in our branch and are seeing them gain a desire to come back to church. How wonderful! This past week a large family came to church for the third week in a row. This time one of the grand-daughters, J (our investigator) stayed for all 3 hours of church and loved it! We are seeing her mother also have a desire to come back to church and learn more and more. Little by little the chapel is filling up with people and I am beginning to see what the Lord's vision is for this area right now--to strengthen the members. We are accomplishing this by doing the family mission plan with the members. As we have been doing this family mission plan, we have been able to see a change in the members--they are now having a desire to help their families come closer to Christ and they are realizing the simple ways that they can help their friends have this desire as well. It is truly amazing!
      This week we set another baptismal date! Well actually, he set it for himself. One of our investigators--R, went and talked to the President of our branch and told him that he wants to be baptized this month. They set a date for the 24 of November! Now we just need to make sure that he is completely prepared for that day. It is amazing what miracles happen in missionary work!  F and J still have baptismal dates for the 30 of November and J is all ready to be baptized on that day--she is very excited!
      We went and did harvest blessings on the first street that came to our minds--one that did not logically make sense for where we were, but we soon found there was a reason that we went there. We met 2 men and a woman outside of their home who were very open and willing to talk to us. Years ago they knew some friends that were members of the church and had very many questions about our beliefs. That morning during companionship study we had practiced teaching a lesson  in 5 to 10 minutes in a street contact. As we talked with these men and this woman we were able to be prepared to answer all their questions in an orderly manner. We ended up teaching almost the entire first lesson just standing outside and talking to them. We can't wait to go back and see them again! I know the Lord puts prepared people in our path. He puts prepared people in the paths of prepared missionaries. I now understand more than ever the importance of companionship study every morning.
       I love you all so much! I am so grateful for all of your love and support.  One scripture that has really helped me this week is 2 Nephi 32:9 . I know that through our prayers we can access to heaven and heavenly help and guidance. How grateful I am for prayer!
Have a wonderful week!  Espero que todo esta bien con ustedes! Como estan? Ustedes siempre estan en mis oraciones! Tengan un buen dia y una maravillosa semana! (I hope you are well.  You are always in my prayers.  Have a good day and a marvelous week.)   Los quiero mucho!  

Love,
Hermana VanWie

 

18th Semana en Ceres

Querida Familia--
       Last week we (Anne, her companion and 2 other sister missionaries) had the opportunity to go to the Ramate (Flea market). We received a lot of funny looks because we were all speaking Spanish and could communicate well, but that just added to the fun! It immersed us even more in the culture here. Now we know what some of the members and investigators do here for work.
      I have learned this week of the blessings of searching for the Tender Mercies that the Lord has placed in our life. As we do so, we find more joy in the work of the Lord.
      We also got transfer calls this week. I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to be with Hermana W! for another transfer (missions usually are divided into 6 week segments called transfers – she is happy to be staying with her same companion.)
      This week we started working on teaching the Family Mission Plan with the branch. As we are teaching them of the importance of bringing people closer to Christ, they are coming up with ways that they can help in this Work of Salvation. It is so exciting to see their desire to help people to apply the teachings of Jesus Christ in their lives.
      This week we had a great session of harvest blessings. We met two men named R and C. They both have a faith in Christ. I bore my testimony that I know that He lived and died for us, that He loves us, and that He truly is our Savior and Redeemer. He felt the Spirit and began to cry. As I reflect on this experience, I only had to open my mouth and it was filled with the Spanish words I needed to say when I needed to say them. I know that the Spirit truly fills our mouths!
      F and J are also progressing! It is so exciting to see their progress and desire to learn! F shared with us a miracle this week. Two months ago he stopped drinking alcohol and began spending more time with his family. His family is much happier now and so is he. When we explained the Word of Wisdom (we also call it the Lord’s law for our health) to him, he was so willing to accept it. He told us that he would never drink coffee in the morning again, and since that lesson he hasn't! How prepared he truly is! We had a lesson with him and his family again during the week and talked about eternal marriage with them and the blessings of the temple. They are now discussing about getting married because they both want the blessings of an eternal family!
      How grateful I am to have the blessing of sharing the gospel and allowing others to experience the joy of an eternal family and the blessings that come by being obedient to the Commandments of our Heavenly Father.
      I love this work!  Los quiero mucho! (I love you lots.)  Tengan una buena semana!  (Have a great week!)

                                                             Hermana VanWie

Pictures:  1) Corn on the Cob from the market; 2)  Halloween is here! 3)  Hermana W and Anne in their apt.

 

 

Semana 17 en Ceres

Querida Familia y Amigos
      Este semana fue fantastico! Nosotras miramos muchos milagros y teniamos muchas personas en la iglesia este domingo!  (This week was fantastic!  We saw many miracles and many people came to church this Sunday!)
       First of all, I'm backtracking to last Sunday. Last Sunday we had dinner with a family in the ward and we ate Carnitas Mezcla (braised and fried pork parts). That was interesting, but actually tasted okay.
        But back to this week.... This week has been a week of miracles! Especially the past two days. These two days have taught me that the Lord truly is aware of what we are doing and He knows what we need to do in order to help ourselves and our areas progress.
        On Saturday we had almost all of our appointments fall through. Then, we decided we should go and share the Family Mission Plan (this is a plan that helps families work with the missionaries to introduce their friends to the church) with our branch president. We went and shared it with him and explained what it was and invited him to do it with his family. We then sang "Love at Home ( a church hymn)." We then testified that we know that this plan will bring families closer together and help the work progress in this area.  The Spirit was so strong! We then asked him what he thought about sharing it with the entire branch. He loved it! We asked him how he would like us to share this with the branch and he asked us to do a brief introduction with the entire branch Sunday after church. Sunday when we shared this plan with the branch we explained that we would be passing by their homes and explaining more about this Family Mission Plan. Everyone seemed very excited!
         Right after this meeting an investigator (and nonmember father in a part member family) named R came and told us and the branch president that he wants to be baptized. We had stopped passing by for about a month because he was not willing to keep his commitments, but now he is ready and willing to make and keep commitments. We are so excited! He and his family want to help others come unto Christ and he is starting with himself first. What a miracle!
         We also had a wonderful lesson with L and her husband, A. We are now teaching her husband. He wants to learn more and feel more prepared but he knows that this church is true and that blessings come from being a part of it.
         Going along with the miracles on Sunday.....Almost half of the Familia R were in church! That comes to about 5 less-active families! We were so surprised and so thrilled!! When they came they all sat together and they filled up almost an entire side of the chapel. I know that because we have been focusing on helping the less-actives feel of the Spirit and remember the covenants they have made that their hearts have been touched and that they are now willing and ready to come back to church. We also had J (the 10 year-old girl who is going to be baptized at the end of November) and R in Sacrament Meeting!
            We also had a wonderful lesson with A and K this week. We were able to resolve some doubts about the church. Through truly desiring her to understand we were able to teach to her needs, help her feel the Spirit and still teach what we had originally planned to teach. The Spirit was there in abundance. As we bore testimony about knowing that we will see our loved ones again and that we can live with them forever through our Heavenly Father's plan and Christ's Atonement, she was able to recognize the Spirit as it testified of the truths which we shared. How grateful I am for the Holy Ghost! It truly is only through Him that we can discern the needs of those we teach and know what we need to say in the moment we need to say it. I know the Spirit guided every part of that lesson. How grateful I am for our third companion in our companionship--the Holy Ghost.
          Thank you for all of your love and support! Love you so much!
                                                                Love,
                                                       Hermana VanWie

 

16th Semana en Ceres

Querida familia--
           This week my companion, Hermana W, and I have been working on a list of members in our area. We have been trying to contact them and invite them back to church. As we have been working on this list we have been able to see the hand of the Lord in the work in our area.
             We had a wonderful lesson with a member named E who has been less active for quite some time now. This lesson was truly directed by the Spirit. Going into the lesson we had no idea how to help her. Under the direction of the Spirit we ended up talking about covenants and we read the Sacrament prayers with her. We helped her remember that she has covenanted (made promises) with the Lord to always remember Jesus Christ, take His name upon her and keep His commandments. We discussed how living worthily and coming to church is a big part of this promise and through partaking of the Sacrament we renew these sacred covenants. I know that through following the Spirit we are able to help her learn. She now knows the importance of coming to church. As we continue visiting her with branch members, we know that she will come back to church.
            We also had a great lesson with the Familia A this week. We have been reminding them every night to read their scriptures and it has been working. They have been reading! When we had a lesson with them we continued to read with them and even their children wanted to be involved. They also came to church this Sunday--the first time in a long time! I am so grateful for their desire to attend church and come closer to our Heavenly Father and Savior. As we continue to work with their family and their extended family, we know that little by little their family will feel of the Spirit and have a desire have an eternal family.
             We also had a wonderful lesson with two investigators--A and K. We taught the first part of the Plan of Salvation (God’s plan of happiness) to them and they understood and believed everything. She said she would love to be baptized but that she wants to learn more. We are so excited to help her gain more knowledge. She reads the Book of Mormon almost every day and so does her son. They both agree with what we are teaching them and are so excited to learn more. Right now the only thing that is holding them back is that she works on Sundays. She is trying to get Sundays off so she and her children can come to church. We are so excited by their progress and are so thrilled to have the opportunity to teach them.
            I know that our Heavenly Father is aware of each and every one of our needs and that He is watching over us every day. I know that through the strength of the Lord we can do all things. How grateful I am for the power of the Atonement in my life! I am grateful for the power it gives me to do hard things. I know that my Savior lives! I know that families can be together forever. How grateful I am for that knowledge!

"Eternas pueden ser las familias, por el divino plan. Yo quiero heredar el celestial hogar con la mia por la eternidad, por toda la eternidad." (“Families can be together forever, through Heavenly Father’s Plan.  I always want to be with my own family, and the Lord has shown me how I can – the Lord has shown me how I can.”  This is the chorus of a song from our children’s songbook entitled, “Families can Be Together Forever”)

Thank you for all of your love and support! I hope you have a wonderful week! 

Los quiero mucho!  Love,  Hermana VanWie

15th Semana en Ceres

Querida Familia y amigos--
            Espero que todo esta bien con ustedes! Tuvimos una semana bien ocupada.  (I hope all is well with you.  We have been very busy this week.)

This week we have been working with less actives as well as part member families. (less actives are people who used to attend church regularly but are not presently doing so.  Part member families are families where one person is a member and the others are not.) We had two wonderful lessons with a less active named Sa this week. After our lessons with her she expressed a desire to come back to church and help her family come back as well. We look forward to more lessons with her in the coming weeks.

The part member family we worked with the most this week is the Familia R Martinez. We had a recorrido de la iglesia(church tour) with them this week that went wonderfully! This past Sunday they came to church even though someone in the family was very sick. They are showing their desire to come closer unto Christ. We are thrilled about their progress. They are on schedule to be baptized the 30th of November or sooner. I know that if we hadn't had the church tour, they would not have felt as comfortable in church. On this church tour we had two members with us and they were able to bear testimony of the things we explained as well. The Spirit was so strong! As we explained about the Sacrament and that we partake of it to remember our Savior and come closer to Him I could feel the Spirit bear testimony of the things which we shared. We then sang "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" in Spanish. My testimony of hymns bringing the Spirit has grown more this week than ever before. Sacred hymns touch people's hearts and help them receive the witness of the Holy Ghost that the things that the hymns teach are true. I love the hymns!

I also had an exchange with Hermana B this week. She is such a wonderful a fun missionary! She knows how to be bold and have fun and how to radiate the joy the gospel brings into her life as she teaches! I learned so much from her about always staying optimistic and how to be bold.

Hna W and I also taught two other investigators this week named Yolanda and Socorro. They are from Mitchoacan (an area of Mexico) Almost all the people in this area are from Mitchoacan. We taught them the Restoration and they had many questions and were very receptive. We invited them to be baptized and they said they just need to learn more but are not opposed to the idea! We are very excited to be teaching them.

We also are working with a woman named A and her son K from Nicaragua. They are very excited to learn and she loves everything she reads from the Book of Mormon. She is so humble and hard-working and wants to find some hope again in her life. We are excited to teach her again this week and help her to get to know the other members in our branch from Nicaragua.

We are trying to find more people and the most effective way to find is through the members. When we receive a referral from a member the investigator automatically has a friend to help answer questions and help them feel more comfortable in church.
I know that working through members will bless our area greatly. I know this is the work of Salvation! I know my Savior lives and loves each and every one of us! Thank you for your prayers and for your support! Les quiero mucho!

Love,  Hermana VanWie