Passport to Peace

High 5!

1. Exchanges! Hermana Quist came to Eldorado with me! We had fun and I learned a lot from her. We finally got in to see Steve and Crystal and they had some concerns but we resolved them and they committed to lessons again, once a week :)

2. We went on splits with members this weekend and saw lots of miracles! We met this lady named Jainee who right away, opened up to us and asked us to pray with her right there in a parking lot! It was awesome. We told the missionaries in her area about her so hopefully they can start teaching her. She has so much faith!

3. Amanda is one of our investigators and her daughter Makayla is turning 8 this year. She came to church on Sunday and loved primary! I know she is a great example to her mom!

4. This weekend we had dinner with a family full of investigators, recent converts, and less actives! It was very evident that the spirit was there and we even stayed afterwards to help clean their kitchen. We saw relationships mended and happiness in that home. They recently lost their dad so we knew we needed to be there.

5. Last night we taught the Gatchell family. They are formers from about 2 years ago but we feel like they are more prepared now. We will see them once a week and hopefully get them progressing! They have a lot of questions about the Book of Mormon so we are excited!

Down Low, 2 Slow.

1. Our car got towed one night...it was a mistake so we didn't have to pay to get it back but still pretty funny.

2. Elijah MOVED :(

President Monson says that prayer is the passport to peace. In a recent conference address given by Elder Martino, we learn that when we turn to God, answers to our prayers will come. Personal revelation is key in this life when we desire to do God's will. This revelation can be acquired by remembering the 3 P's!

1. Preparation- we must prepare our minds and hearts to receive guidance from the Lord by being worthy and striving to always be obedient to the commandments.

2. Prayer- we must pray sincerely and with real intent, meaning we will act on the answers we are given.

3. Promptings- we must act quickly on promptings and impressions we receive with faith that the Lord's ways are better than our ways.

Elder Martino uses the sons of Mosiah and Nephi vs. Laman and Lemuel to describe the importance of these 3 steps. Nephi and the sons of Mosiah had spiritual experiences and then acted in faith which led to answers coming and faith increasing. Laman and Lemuel on the other hand, doubted and murmured. Their faith without works was dead. 

Elder Bednar has a Mormon Message called Patterns of Light. Personal Revelation might come in the form of a light switch, suddenly and all at once. Or it might come as the sun rising on the horizon, gradually and little by little.

Elder Martino counsels us, "Be obedient, remember the times when you have felt the Spirit in the past, and ask in faith. Your answer will come, and you will feel the love and peace of the Savior. It may not come as quickly or in the format you desire, but the answer will come. Do not give up!"

God speed!

Love, Sister Bowen