Week #15, Forever Changed

As of last Thursday, I am forever changed.  The closing remarks from President Morgan at zone conference shook my soul!  The spirit touched my heart so deeply and gave me the answers I was desperately seeking through prayer.  It was a game changer for me.

 I was prayerfully seeking ways on how to improve and do better.  The spirit touched me so deeply at the conference and I knew there were many things I could change (working out for the full 30 minutes-20 min cardio, 10 muscle/stretch, wearing clothing that is more in accordance with the standards presented on the church's website, and trying my best to keep the rules in the white handbook with exactness). 

 It has been an amazing week as I have tried to become a more consecrated missionary.  Continually I try to think of how I can be better and devote myself to the work.  Now, as thoughts come into my mind of home, life before my mission, life after my mission, etc, my thoughts trigger to being a more consecrated missionary.  When I see someone on the bus or subway who I could easily talk to or smile at, I try to.  I am finding more joy in contacting and finding.  I've heard before that obedience brings blessings, and that exact obedience brings miracles.  Well, I'm selfish, and I want miracles!  So exact I will try to be!  

This week I tried my best to be more exact in my obedience...and I have surely seen miracles!  Just yesterday we were out contacting at Union Square because one of our appointments canceled.  We prayed for help and success in finding those who were ready to hear the gospel message.  To our astonishment, we had about 10 people approach US and inquire about what we believed in!  THIS NEVER HAPPENS!!!!  Even when we were on our way to our next appointment, 2 men stopped us and asked who we were, saying they always see people with black name badges like ours walking around.  :D  You better believe we told them who we were!  Oh, and even earlier that morning we were waiting for the train when I smiled at an older woman across the way.  To my surprise, she approached me and said, " I haven't seen you in awhile."  Now, I've never seen this woman before... but she has seen me.  She said she use to see us more often and wanted to talk with us.  WOW!!!!  Blessings... miracles, really!  

President Morgan was in tears at the conference as he told us of his pleadings with the Lord in wanting to help us to become more consecrated missionaries-- missionaries who will do ANYTHING the Lord asks, and sacrifice EVERYTHING to do so (requires sacrificing our pride, fear, thoughts, etc and putting every ounce of energy we have into the work!  His announcement of asking us to commit to a goal of a baptism in the month of September for each companionship was as earth shattering as the recent missionary age change!  Why is that such a lofty goal you may ask?

In the past (before the age change occurred in October 2012), the mission taught about 600ish lessons PER MONTH, having about 14 baptisms per month as well.  Since the age change and influx of missionaries, the number of lessons SKYROCKETED to 2,000 lessons PER WEEK, but still only resulting in about 14 baptisms.  How is the number of baptisms not parallel to the number of lessons?  So, to know that President Morgan received revelation from the Lord to have EACH companionship (about 120 of us) commit to the goal of finding one individual or family to baptize in the month of September got us SO excited!  As we do all we can, the Lord WILL bless us!  What an amazing promise!  We are so excited!  Keep us in your thoughts and prayers!!!! 

We are trying to have the members help us in finding someone to teach (and hopefully baptize!) in the following weeks!  Each night as we eat dinner with a member, we are challenging them to prayerfully seek names of those who they can help share the gospel with.  Some are nervous and wary, and others are ready for the challenge!  I want to be the former member when I am no longer a missionary!  I want to be more like these faithful members out here who are ready for anything the Lord sends their way!  What powerful examples they are to me!  

What an amazing week!  I haven't even mentioned any of the other blessings we had this week, but they were PLENTIFUL!  God is with us!  This work is not the missionaries role alone, but YOURS as well (member of the church or not).  Spread God's word and love to all those you meet!  And pray for missionary opportunities!  Open your eyes to those you can help.  Even if it means being late to an appointment, follow the spirits promptings.  You will never regret it if you do!  This is your challenge this week!  DO IT!!!

  I love you!  The Lord loves you!  The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored on the earth again today!  This is TRUE!  I KNOW that my Redeemer lives :)  Now let us BOTH go forth and serve!  God be with you till next week!

Love Always,

Sister Weyandt

Pictures:

#1: Me at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the Egyptian section.  Umm... I died with happiness!  Egypt was my favorite country on my cruise last year, and this just reminded me of the good times!  

#2:  Meet Rip Torn (man on left).  We tracted into him 2 months ago while visiting a less active in her building.  When I introduced myself to him, he replied by saying "Hi, I'm Rip Torn, the actor!"  I quickly dismissed him as a "nobody" because I thought, "Who would introduce themselves that way?!" Haha... he does.  Later, our friend Molly showed us online that he is the boss man from Men In Black.  Lol- they know how to digitally alter peoples appearance, cause he is NOT tall (he is my height) and he is NOT broad, and he does NOT look like he does in the movies!  lol!  Anyway... just so you know!  

#3: More Egyptian lovin' :D