Service opportunities included putting together bags for a food drive, which we did outside at a park as half a zone. :) It was really nice to be out there in the good weather, talking with the other missionaries, stapling and stacking bags. Who would've thought that service could be so fun? ;) We also got to participate in a different food run on Saturday, and that was a blast!! We got all set up and I helped with setting the boxes of food in people's cars as they drove through. Pretty soon the policeman I was working with switched and I directed traffic. Ah it was so fun! The line of cars stretched for a while; we were putting food in cars for over 3 hours! My favorite part was telling people to have a great day as they drove off. :) Taking time to help people feel like they're cared about is well worth it. Service is the best.
The work is progressing SO WELL here! Wednesday night, Sister Copling and I were feeling pretty discouraged because we hadn't had a single lesson the past three days. We had been praying and doing what we could, but nothing was happening from it. Right at the end of Wednesday night, after 8pm, one of the people I'd messaged on Facebook said he'd love to learn more and asked if we could video chat him that night! His name is Myke and we were able to teach a little bit about the Book of Mormon and share Alma 34:32 before his phone died. He messaged later and said (and I quote) "Sorry about that. My phone died. But I'm actually interested in the knowledge you have. To be quite honest I'm just interested." It made our night, to say the least!! Again and again I see that sometimes miracles don't come until the last moment, but they do come. If you're doing what you should be, the miracles will come.
Friday night was a mic-drop kind of night when we had 2 lessons AND 2 home visits!!! The story worth telling here from that night is that of Marissa. We met her in person at the park with the two elders who were previously teaching her and had an amazing discussion! Marissa took extensive notes on the chapters she read and the things we told her and asked a lot of sincere questions. She soaked it all in and believes everything. She wants to be baptized and has a date set for August 8th!! Her father joined the church, and that's how Marissa became interested. She self-referred herself, asking for a Book of Mormon! We're meeting again with her on Tuesday and I can't wait. Her heart is so open and she is amazing!!
This week's studies have also been a huge highlight for me. Everyone, if you haven't read the Book of Mormon or developed a love for it yet, you are missing out on one of the most amazing gifts our Heavenly Father has ever given us. That book has changed everything for me. For example, here's one thing I learned this week: Alma talked to the people about faith and how we experiment upon the word of God. Once we read and pray, we feel good, having the Spirit of God confirm what is true. Alma said "o then, is not this real? I say unto you, yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernable." Those words: real, light, good, and discernable... Are those not things we seek? The more real experiences we have with the scriptures, the more light we feel and see in ourselves and in the world. That light comes from Christ, who is the definition of goodness. And He is not mysterious, not confusing, and not misleading. He is clear, simple, and discernable. Life changes when we see this pattern take place in our own lives. That scripture is in Alma 32:35, The Book of Mormon.
Last but not least, we threw a birthday party for Sister Frederick! It involved confetti, ice cream, lots of laughing, some yelling, and a little crying. All of which resulted in more laughing. It was a good time! ;) The sisters here in Corona are so awesome and I am blessed to be surrounded by so many good people.
Thank you all for your good example to me! I love and miss you SO MUCH. Have a fantastic week and keep on keepin' on! :))
Love, Sister Mary Goss
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