Ogden Mission Blog: Groundhog Day

Well, we don't know what the groundhog did in your area, but it was sunny in Murphy, so we're certain he saw his shadow. Yes, there is more snow forecast later this week. The temperatures drop to 0F then within a couple of days we are at 57F. Crazy! We don't know if it's winter or spring! The ground is so saturated with moisture that we even leave footprints in gravel!

We skipped writing last week since the previous post was already in the middle of the week before. Anyway, we are trying to get back on a sane schedule.

Once again two young sisters have been added to our District. They are stationed in Franklin, an hour's drive from Murphy. Our District covers seven counties, five in N.C. and two in Georgia. Two Elders are in Blairsville, GA. We all form a triangle covering a lot of distance. It's interesting the different contributions and effects of sisters, Elders, and couples in the mission field. We all are needed.

Ron Eberly, who works at the Food Pantry with us, has repeatedly invited us to visit his home. He lives back in the hills about 50 min. from us. We finally set up a date for lunch with him and his wife, Mary Jane. Of course, the day dawned snowy with icy roads. However, we were not deterred. We drove carefully and made our appointment on time. Ron and Mary Jane are gracious, warm people. We enjoyed a few hours of food, visiting, and fun. It was an honor to be invited and even invited back. We left them with a couple of special issue Ensigns and a Restoration pamphlet. We don't expect immediate results with most people when we give them such items, but they know we are missionaries and expect we will do something. At the very least we make new friends and answer a few questions.

Our young friend and investigator, Hunter, emailed us a list of 20 questions about the Church and our beliefs. We researched well and wrote up answers for him, as well as meeting personally to discuss them. What a great experience! Such opportunities help us build deep friendships with people here.

Last week brought a few inches of snow again, followed with freezing rain. The schools were cancelled for the entire week, even after the temperatures rose into the 50s! They just don't know how to deal with Utah weather in N.C. :) The Elders spent a lot of time at our home during those days. Their apartment isn't as warm as ours, and they get bored there. At our place we all play games, watch approved videos, cook together, and plan and study.

It's like family. <3

After many moons, Laurel finally was able to get her hair done. She was so happy, she came out dancing with a big smile! A good haircut does wonders for a woman!

The marvelous experience of our week was in a meeting on Saturday. It was broadcast to us from Knoxville. Elder L. Tom Perry presided with several members of the Seventy present. They taught Ward and Stake Councils how to be more effective in the missionary effort. We missionaries also got good ideas. Some of the great quotes of the day are as follows.

"Repentance isn't an overnight experience, neither is conversion." Elder Craig Zwick

"THIS CHURCH IS LEAD BY NO MAN! IT IS THE LORD'S CHURCH, AND HE IS THERE AT THE HEAD!" Elder L. Tom Perry (all caps to indicate his awesome booming voice)

"Leave time in your busy lives to let the Lord permeate your lives....Take time to open the scriptures, ponder and meditate." Elder L. Tom Perry

As Elder Perry concluded his remarks, he pronounced an apostolic blessing on all listening to him. It was so powerful that many of us felt as though electricity was flowing through us! We were moved to tears with the blessings promised and with the presence of the Holy Ghost. For the remainder of the day and indeed even today, we still feel the resonance of that amazing experience. We were so blessed! Testimony of the truth of the gospel reverberated through our whole being!

Today in Fast and Testimony Meeting that wonderful feeling continued as many bore testimony to those same truths and their effect in their lives. Every single person has some struggle to deal with, some burden to bear. Thankfully, the Lord is near to help buoy us up and lighten our load, if we let Him. We love Him!

Heavenly Father is our very loving parent. Jesus Christ is our kind brother, most of all our Redeemer who gave all for us. We are honored to be charged with teaching their word.

The gospel of Christ is true! It is here in its fulness as it was restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith. We are so very grateful for this testimony and desire to share it with you. Please share your testimony with someone else, too.

Love to ya'll!!