Hermana Gardner: 7/4 & 7/27/23

 

7/27/23

These past two weeks have been a whirlwind and I have learned SO much about our Savior Jesus Christ. 

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but as a mission we are studying the Book of Mormon looking for Christ's attributes and it has really changed my perspective! (Mind-blown when I read thinking of Nephi as a type of Christ especially in 2 nephi 1).

One of the major Christlike attributes that Lehi and His family have been blessed with is HOPE. Lehi always talked about how they had "obtained a promise" from the Lord and they were continually lead by Him through their journeys. They had the assurance that the blessings would come and it gave them the strength to continue in their afflictions. No matter what they were going through, they could feel joy because the Messiah was their hope. I want to share a scripture that helped me come to know Christ a little more. In Hebrews 12:2 we learn that Christ

"who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

I love that it was for the JOY that was set before him that he made an atonement for our sins. The hope of OUR redemption and resurrection gave him the assurance and drive to continue forward. 

With this in mind, although their were setbacks and hard moments, I felt so much joy in the redemption and resurrection of Jesus Christ this week.

Here are a few joyful moments I want to share:

☆ starting to teach one of the recent convert's brother. He is really excited to come to church and so far loves reading in the book of mormon! 

☆ being guided by the spirit to the cutest young couple! They have an adorable 2 year old and want to feel more united as a family. We met the husband at a time when he felt really stressed and he felt it was a miracle. They came to church on Sunday! I got to speak about the blessings of the temple and they are very interested in learning more about that. 

☆ hearing one of the Young Women in the ward share an experience of when she was able to feel the Holy Ghost and forgive one of her friends.

☆ getting to decorate for the wedding of the friends the elders in the ward are teaching and then getting to play the piano at their baptism! They are a beautiful family

☆ stopping by the wrong apartment, but not realizing it until the man opened the door, but then teaching him about Jesus and setting up another time to meet!

☆ temple tour with a long lost sheep! A member who was baptized when she was 12, but hasn't been to church since. It was a beautiful tour with her a her cute daughter. We met them at English class and it's such a miracle we got in contact with. 

I love you all!! Hope you have a great week 🧡

Hermana Gardner 

7/4/23

Dear fellow disciples, 

What an amazing week!!! 

We met our new mission leaders President and Sister Botchway and they are so amazing. The moment I met them I just felt so much love. They are so genuine and full of the spirit. Today for pday they had a bunch of the missionaries over at their house to try some African food!! It was SO yummy. I love them so much. 

We also saw so many miracles this fast Sunday! Our friend Jose has been growing so much! We met with him and the bishop this week and he has been diving into the Book of Mormon. He loved church this Sunday and just has such a desire to change. 

The next miracle was an inactive family we have been working with! They have been struggling a lot and their grandmother died this week. They texted us and told us they would be at church and the whole ward rejoiced to see them there! They were thanking them as they were bearing their testimonies. It was a joyful reunion. 

God's hand is in every moment, we just need the spiritual eyes to see it! As we focus on Him and do our best to serve Him, all we feel is joy 😊 

I love you all, happy 4th!

💕 hermana Gardner