Sharon Springs - Week 4

Hello again!

Sister Storrs and I have caught the stomach bug and I'm still recovering and my head is kind of foggy, so this post will be rather short. But all is well! The Lord takes care of his servants.

So this week has been great. We had Zone Conference. President Bennion and his wife spoke. They are fairly new. They've only been out 4 months. And they are amazing examples of faith in Jesus Christ and trusting in him. It is amazing to see that we are all in this work together; the mission President and his wife, companions, the members. We are all one in purpose in bringing others closer to Christ.

Something that stuck out to me during Zone Conference is that our faith is powerful. When we increase our faith, we increase the power that comes through us. Our personal faithfulness and righteousness can and does affect those around us. A very inspiring and intimidating thought. But the amazing thing is that the Lord is there. He is always, constantly there for us and we wants us to increase in faith. All we need to do is show our desire and take steps of faith. 

​A bridal shower we were able to visit.

Maybe next week I'll have more pictures! I keep forgetting to take pictures. 

Thank you for your prayers and support! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

Sharon Springs Week 3

Hi again!

Sorry for the generic blog/email titles. Not much time and thought for creativity on P-day. 

Sorry for the picture in the last email! It must not have been uploaded all the way before I sent it. I'll send it today. 

I can't remember what I've written in the past emails, but I'll just jump right in and write what comes to mind. 

My companion, Sister Storrs is great. She's from Louisiana. She graduated from BYU in exercise and wellness. So we definitely exercise in the mornings. Which is awesome. We wake up at 6:15 and usually go on a run. Sometimes there are sprints involved. Sometimes we stay in the apartment and do a workout. Tricep dips kill me. This morning we were able to run in the rain and that was my absolute favorite!

Georgia is gorgeous. When it rains, it seems to mist up from the ground. It's beautiful. So many trees and I love it. 

We've really been working with the ward with missionary work. It is amazing to see the ward get so involved. Members are always coming with us to lessons, or letting us teach at their home. It is so important for investigators to form that connection with a member and not just the missionaries. And eventually, we want to help them for their own connection with God so they are able to stand on their own and say 'I know this is true, no matter who or what tells me otherwise' It's been very sad to see people fall away from the church because of something somebody did a long time ago and they can't let go of it. It reminds me to constantly be aware of what I say and what I do and just who I am, because it truly does affect others around me in ways I do not know. And especially at this time, when I have been called as a representative of Jesus Christ. Amazing responsibility, but such an amazing privilege and blessing. Remember that you are an example and your faithfulness and righteousness does influence others.

I love you all! I love hearing about how you are doing.
Until next time!

​This was the picture that was supposed to send last week.   

​Sister Storrs and I contacting in a little park down our street.

​First exchange with Sister Paulson from the Coal Mountain area

                                                                                                       

         ​​Sister Storrs and I on our first P-day

Tree-lined streets of Georgia. So beautiful.

Sharon Springs Ward - Week 2

This week has been great. It has consisted of teaching lessons, and visiting potential investigators, visiting members and tracting. There are so many amazing people here. Good christian people that are trying to live Christlike lives and teaching their family to do so, which is so great to see. And we, as missionaries, just want to add to that light and share the fullness of the gospel.

The restoration is an amazing thing. What a blessing it is in our lives to have the full truth and power of God on the earth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was not reformed, is not a break-off, it is not a man-made religion. It is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. We truly do have a prophet that has been called of God, just like Joseph Smith was, to lead this church, and the world, through these latter days. Having the importance of the restoration reiterated in my mind makes me want to cherish it. It really is a blessing from our Father in Heaven, because he loves us and wants us to return to him, and we can only do that through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Georgia-Week 1

'So here I am, safe and sound in Georgia! I've only been out for less than a week and I already love everything about it. My trainer/new companion is a hardworking, bold-talking girl from Louisianna. She is so great. My first area is amazing. The ward is very much involved in missionary work, more so than any other ward I've lived in. The members are wonderful, always feeding us and driving us around. We've been contacting and met some wonderful, interesting, sweet people. Our investigators are beautiful people that are searching for truth. And it makes me so happy to share the truth with them.

Our purpose as missionaries is to invite others to come to Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. But this is not just a purpose specific to missionaries. It is for every single member. Two words that really stick out to me are 'invite' and 'help'. It's an interesting connection to make to realize that we can best HELP people by INVITING them to accept the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ is where true happiness can be found. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for EVERYBODY. When I'm teaching investigators, I wish I could just open my heart and let them feel what I feel about this gospel. But agency is a very important part of God's plan for us and they have to decide for themselves. So all I can do is teach the principles with clarity and simplicity and let the spirit speak to their hearts. This gospel is a beautiful gift. For everyone who reads this post, please just realize how happy this gospel has made you. Please recognize the gravity of bringing souls to the truth and to Christ. I'm so grateful for all of you and for your wonderful examples and influences on my life. Keep strong and carry on my friends.'

Okay, so there's a change with sending letters and packages in this mission. They would like everything to be sent to the individual addresses of the missionaries, including packages (before, it's they've always had packages sent to the mission home/office). And then they'd like all letters and packages to be held for a week or two before transfers. So my current address for the next 6 weeks is...

4123 Preston Pointe Way

Cumming, GA 30041

Sister Newman with President & Sister Bennion

New Arrivals

Flying out of the SLC airport. What a beautiful morning.

All the missionaries from our MTC zone going to Georgia.

Pic #3-I found my favorite painting in one of the buildings at the MTC! 

This is my MTC companion, Sister Barnard.

Look who I found! (Tell his mom and family hi for me!)

I have the best Aunt ever. Thank you Aunt Lynette. I love you!

MTC district