Ignite Your Fire!

High 5!

1. Exchanges! We took the Ladera sisters on exchanges this week. I spent the day in Albuquerque with Sister Johnson and we had tons of fun! 

2. Sister Ropelato turned 20 this week so we PARTIED! (as hard as missionaries can party)

3. We found the coolest family! They have a 14 year old son who is a member but less active but he was SO excited to see us! His dad recently overcame cancer and they all agreed to have us back to teach them! Pray for the Wade family!

4. We had 8 investigators at church this week!

5. Last night we had a fun dinner and FHE with the Sego family and the Jacob's family :)

Down Low, 2 Slow.

1. Joseph's baptism is being moved to May 7th because the Sunday he is supposed to be confirmed, we have a stake meeting for boundary changes. We are crossing our fingers that we don't lose anyone!

2. We have 3 baptisms scheduled for the first 3 weekends of May now and transfers are right before that...we are hoping neither of us get moved.

In thinking about common fears of missionary work, we've narrowed it down to 3:

1. Relationships

-I'm scared they won't be my friend anymore.

-I'm scared they will think differently about me.

-It will make our relationship awkward.

2. Knowledge

-I don't know enough about the gospel.

-I don't know what to say, or how to start.

3. Rejection

-I'm scared they will say no.

In combating each of those things, I hope to excuse some of those fears in your missionary efforts :) (1) Try putting yourself in your non member friends shoes. If someone you know who is active in another faith asked you to attend an activity or accept some sort of their material, would you be offended and chose to not be their friend anymore? Are they really your friend if they do change their mind about the status of your relationship over something very important to you? (2) In Preach My Gospel Elder Holland says, "I promise you that something in what they say will always highlight a truth of the gospel about which you can bear testimony and about which you can then offer more...If we listen with love, we won't need to wonder what to say. It will be given to us-by the spirit and by our friends." Do not be ashamed in what you know. The spirit will prompt you in your daily efforts to share simple truths that have shaped who you are. Remember the 5 second rule. (3) Rejection is good for you! Remember who you represent when you share your testimony. See each of those opportunities as a privilege to know a piece of the pain Christ experienced throughout His entire life. Also remember that your success doesn't always have to be counted as baptisms. Success, or fruit, of sharing the gospel might be someone accepting a Book of Mormon or agreeing to come to a Relief Society or Priesthood activity with you. 

Moroni 8:16 :"[...] Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear."

Fight Satan's temptation to be complacent. I promise as you actively strive to strengthen your conversion to the gospel, your desire to share your testimony will come naturally.

God speed!

Love, Sister Bowen

PS. Sorry to all those who I couldn't write back to individually today! Know that I am SO grateful and love you all TONS!

 (A cute baby kitten at one our investigators!)