Sister Neel 6/28/21

 

Hey guys! Happy Monday! 

To say the least we got some crazy transfer news yesterday morning. And it was the last thing we were expecting. President is closing Washington...yup...I'm just as heart broken as you are. Again since its a slower paced moving area so he's moving missionaries to busier places where he needs them. It was tough news to hear because I guarantee you, in a month we could have put Charles and Hector on a baptism date. We had a few referrals progressing with their lessons and Brother Noe was on the path of reactivation (I'll explain more later). The branch is so missionary minded so we felt horrible they were taking us out. It was hard not to become disappointed in myself and wish I could have done more for this area but I was comforted with peace and reassurance that I did what needed to be done here and planting seeds is a way of change for anyone and everyone. I'm so sad to leave Sister Crockett but I can't wait to watch the amazing things she'll do in her new area before she heads home! Love that girl! 

Sister Crockett and I were asked to teach the Relief Society lesson and after the sisters found out we were leaving they each went in a circle and shared one memory we had with their family or a way they saw us bless the life of another. What a touching experience! Rather than wallow in pity they were losing missionaries, the members uplifted us and let us know our work in the Lord's vineyard isn't over and His plan is only going to get better for us. They told us our sweet spirits changed the branch and caused a new feeling of work to penetrate their hearts and for that they are forever thankful. They kept trying to find ways to keep us around and were willing to drive to Raleigh to debate our case HAHA. I think it touched us most when President Wilson began to cry and let us know they weren't ready to give us up yet but were so proud of us and would forever be remembered here. The Washington Branch is sacred ground and my love for the elderly people there can never be explained. We live in the best area filled with the best people. We will miss our neighbors and gathering with them on the front porch to drink lemonade and laugh until our stomachs hurt. Talk about the friendliest 6 elderly people you'll ever meet. They offered their homes up for us to stay at when we come back and Sister Crockett and I are taking them up on that;) Little Washington is heaven on earth and these 6 weeks were amazing. I came into this area as one person and am leaving as a whole new missionary. I couldn't have asked for a better experience ♡

This week was great tho! Busy as ever! On Wednesday we had a mission wide meeting and an area of the 70 in our area, Elder Martino came and spoke to us. He highlighted our role as missionaries and related us to Alma and Amulek in the Book of Mormon. He talked about how we could find the so called 'Amuleks' in our lives as members that can fellowship with the people we are teaching. He promised that by us prayerfully doing so and seeking revelation as to who in specific can bless the people we teach; our baptisms would increase by 50%! Sister Crockett and I had been praying over ways we could improve our missionary efforts and this was an answer to prayer! Such a neat conference. 

Ok! As for Brother Noe, we went on a ferry ride with him to one of the islands to go exploring and have a lesson with him on the beach! The topic of church was brought up and we asked what had made him stop wanting to come back. He let us know he didn't feel a desire to come. We asked him if missing out on the sacrament made an impact on him and he let us know he didn't need the reminders. He could remember Jesus on his own. We had a discussion about the importance of effort and how the Lord doesn't have to watch out for us each and everyday but HE CHOOSES TO and to thank him we choose to remember Him as well. Brother Noe took a moment to reflect and then agreed. He told us one of the main reasons that's holding him back is people preaching what they think is true to him. That then led us into the topic of the Holy Ghost testifying truth to our hearts and our conversion should be through Him and not the members. Honesty the spirit took over the lesson and filled our mouths with questions and answers we never would have said without the help of heaven! Brother Noe is not one to remain quiet and yet he sat pondering at what we had to say and kept agreeing with us! We could tell we had gotten to him and caused deep reflection. He told us he would consider coming back. Now...this is a man that has been inactive for over 40 years and no one could get him to talk about religion or even come back to church and yet here we were! After 6 weeks of forming a close relationship with him it finally enabled him to feel comfortable to listen and focus on his thoughts. He told us he loved us and felt so blessed to become lifelong friends. We love Brother Noe and pray that after we leave the members will continue to help him! 

Anyways I know this gospel is true! We are all so blessed to have what we have and know what we know. Keep your testimony burning bright! I love you all!! 

♡♡♡

Sister Neel