Santa Barbara!

FAMILY!!
 

I'm glad you guys are FINALLY in the new house haha! It sounds like every one is doing great!! I'm getting transferred to Santa Barbara!! I'm STOKED. I have loved serving in Ventura though.. I love it so much here, but the Lord knows what he's doing and I can't wait to see what it will bring. It was a great week to end this transfer and time spent in Ventura! I have been so blessed to serve here and with two wonderful companions.
Sister Morrison taught me so much about what it means to have that genuine love for the people we teach. She's become one of my closest friends.. We're kind of bummed we only served together for one transfer, but I hear my new companion is really great!! Oh and Cris and Morg.. she's a bit older than you ;) hahaha

We had a lesson with Robert this week and taught part of the Gospel Of Jesus Christ with the Overton's. He has been thinking A LOT about his baptism and says he wants to be baptized, no later than the first week of August, but he will continue to pray about it. He's so prepared.. He has such a solid testimony and firm foundation. He attended church yesterday and loved it! Something that I've learned from my time meeting with him is he really has that sincere desire to know if this really is true.. not for educational purposes. He keeps his commitments.. he reads the Book Of Mormon and prays with that real intent. It's been awesome to see how far he has come and how much his faith and humility is affecting my testimony.

We also met with a woman named Pat that the other sister's  had met. She has a lot of health issues and has a hard time walking, but has such an optimistic attitude and always turns to God. She is very interested in what we have to teach and loves visiting with us! She wanted to come to church and bring her grand son as well, but they were not able to make it. Her grandson, Patrick is also very open to hearing what we share as missionaries! She really wants that foundation for him and wants him to have those standards that will keep him safe and close to the Lord!!

We have been meeting with Shirley for a couple weeks now.. she was a referral from Sister Belisle and she is always open to us coming over. Usually we only taught at the doorstep, but this week she let us in and we had the opportunity to teach the whole restoration. She asked a lot of good questions.. We focused a lot on the priesthood and the importance of having that proper authority to baptize. She was a little unsure of it , but we invited her to sincerely pray to know if Joseph Smith really was a prophet..  because she has a hard time with that.

On Saturday we had the opportunity to set up a booth at the Swap Meet they hold at Ventura College. Such an effective way to do missionary work!! We met sooo many wonderful people who were sincerely interested and we had a lesson as well!! 85% of the people only spoke Spanish, but we still made it work haha!

Welll, I have loved serving here in Ventura.. it has changed my life. I can't wait to see what Santa Barbara will bring!! Thank you for all the support and prayers.. I feel them every day. Keep finding ways to draw closer to our Savior.. He loves us and he's in the details of our lives. I love this gospel and I love you guysss!!!

Sister James

This IS the Lord's work!

HEY!!

 I have to give a shout out to my mother!! I no doubt, have the most amazing mom in the world! I LOVE YOU MAMABON :) Talking to you guys was the best!!

 Danni was baptized this week!! The baptism was wonderful and the spirit was incredibly strong. Everything seemed to be emphasized on how baptism is just the beginning.. it prepares us to make further covenants with our heavenly Father. I felt so much Joy seeing Danni make this important decision that will change her life for eternity. Those who spoke also emphasized the importance of doing the work for her family and participating in baptisms for the dead. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to be of service to our family who have passed on.. it binds us to them and to our father in heaven!!

Robert came to the baptism and loved it!! He loved the spirit that he felt and it was great because he had the chance to meet some of the members of our ward.. he is kind of shy and that's part of what has been holding him back, so it was great!! We met with him this week and taught him the Plan Of Salvation. It was such a powerful lesson.. He asked a lot of questions about the spirit world and we talked a bit about temple work for our family members.. he LOVED it. He told us that if his dad were here he would accept the gospel in a heartbeat. We talked about missionary work on the other side.. we told him, "maybe it's your dad who is pushing you to accept this message and be baptized." He thought about it for a second and said, "he probably is." he expressed to us how neat it would be to do this work for his family. He has loved reading the Book of Mormon!! He's already on 1 Nephi 9.. He explained Lehi's dream perfectly.. he couldn't stop talking about how much he loves Nephi and the Book of Mormon. We Invited him to be baptized on June 14th.. At first he was hesitant, but then we talked about how keeping that goal in mind will help him. He then accepted, but told us he wants to come to church and be more involved and be 100% committed!! This lesson was especially powerful. I LOVE sharing this perfect plan of happiness with others.

Veronica has been texting us and she text us on Tuesday and said, "Sisters, I've really been seeing the benefits that come from praying!!" She's never prayed in her life, so it's been amazing to see!! We met with her on Wednesday and she talked about commitment. She brought up that her son is gay and she wants to support him, but really wants to invest herself in the gospel. We had a super powerful lesson on the importance of sincere love and how the gospel is centered on christ like love

Due to the area split, the other sisters will now be meeting with Tony.. :(  I know that they will be able to help him and their testimonies will touch him and help him continue to progress towards baptism and help him quit. This area is so blessed.. The lord's hand is heavily involved and we wouldn't be able to do these things without him. I Absolutely love being a missionary.. so, so much! THIS IS the Lord's work. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

 

SISTER JAMES

EVERY ONE

FAM AND FRIENDS!

 

We had another great week here in Ventura!  I had the opportunity to go on exchanges with Sister Stoker.. This is her last transfer, so she knows what she's doing!  I learned so much from her, especially about what it means to fight to share the gospel. She doesn't give up on any one and is super, super persistent. My exchange goal was to talk to EVERY ONE, no matter what, and as a result we found two new investigators with great interest in the Book of Mormon. Megan and Helen!! We did a lot of finding this week, especially on Sister Morrison's b-day. Our celebration was knocking doors!! Haha. We also met Kevin.. he is the definition of a  Californian.. sponsored surfer,  says gnarly every other word, but he seemed super interested. He had a lot of mormon friends in high school and said he's been offered a book of mormon, but said no. Now he's been thinking a lot about his purpose in life and everything, so we're excited about that!

We also got Danni's baptism organized and she had her interview last night! She is so prepared. Her baptism will be May 10th, so her family can be there. Seth (her BF from the ward) will be baptizing her!!

Robert decided he wants to meet with us again! He explained to us that he wants to be baptized, but he wants to be devoted 100%.. he's really taking it seriously, which is a good sign! This week we talked a bit about the Plan of Salvation.. he loves it because his mom recently passed and expressed that would bring him so much comfort knowing how he can be with his family for eternity. Sister Morrison and were able to share that the gospel and the plan of happiness is not too good to be true.. it's not just something that's nice to think about, but that we truly do have that opportunity to live with our families and our father in heaven. He asked a lot of questions about our life style and why we have certain commandments, such as the word of wisdom. He really, really loves mormon.org and the book of mormon! He expressed to us that he KNOWS Joseph Smith is a prophet.

We met with Tony again! We had a great lesson with the Colvin's from our ward. Brother Colvin was recently baptized and sister Colvin also has dealt with smoking. We have decided to read the Book of Mormon with him to help him better understand. He has that desire to be baptized, he just needs to overcome his smoking. Please keep him in your prayers!

We meet with a lot of less- active members again this week.. and two of them came to church yesterday, which was great!! We also had the opportunity to participate in the mormon helping hands in helping clean up a middle school.. it was a blast.

 

I truly love this work more and more each week and I love the people! I think that's my favorite part.. just hearing peoples stories and how they have come to develop their relationship with Christ .. how they have found their faith in him. Something I'm learning each week is the importance of seeing divine potential in every one and who they can become through the gospel and Christ's perfect atonement. I'm learning how to apply the atonement as a missionary and I'm quickly seeing how that's affecting my relationship with my savior. Sharing the gospel is the BEST.. I wish I took more opportunities to do it back home. You never know who could use your testimony..even if they are a baptized member of the church! Well, I love you all!! Thanks for all the support and encouragement and packages too!!!

 

SISTA JAMES

"Because I know the Book of Mormon is true!"

HEY!!

Where do I begin? This week was incredible! Mission conference with Elder Nelson was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I've always known how significant the prophet and apostles are, but being in the presence of Elder Nelson strengthened my testimony of the restored gospel. This IS Christ's church. Elder Nelson was such a powerful speaker and just incredibly genuine.. and witty too. Throughout the entire meeting I felt the spirit so strongly, but especially during the prelude music following the meeting. As I was able to reflect on what had been shared, I felt so inspired and changed. We also had the privilege of listening to Elder Bowen from the quorum of the 70. Elder Bowen's focused on not setting false limitations as missionaries.. that message motivated me and helped me take a step back and realize that I can work towards higher goals. Sister Nelson also told a story about Elder Nelson's response to a nurse that said, "Why are you different than other surgeons?" His response was,  "Because I know the book of Mormon is true." I absolutely love that statement.. simple, yet powerful. So the next time someone asks you, "Why don't you drink coffee? Or Why do you keep the Sabbath day holy.. respond with "because I know the book of mormon is true." And it is! This particular question was revelation to sister  Morrison and I for two of our investigators, Craig and Carol. They left us with a question last time we met with them.. "How do you test the prophet Joseph Smith? How do you know he is not a false Prophet." Because WE know the Book of Mormon is true. That is the number one source in helping others overcome their issues and concerns. It changes lives and hearts. Elder Nelson also stated something I loved  "repentance is conversion, conversion is repentance." We can always be more converted.. we must continually use the atonement in our lives. Each and every one of us is imperfect. Each and every one of us NEED him and his love.

Last night we met with Tony for the second time this week. We focused especially on how the Book of Mormon combined with prayer will be the best way to overcoming his smoking addiction. We had a super powerful lesson with Brother Overton, our ward mission leader. We watched the restoration video and as each of us bore testimony of the restoration, the spirit was strongly present. Tony got up.. walked to the garbage can and threw away his (almost full) pack of cigarettes. Brother Overton then gave him a powerful priesthood blessing. I know that Tony will be able to overcome this.. he desires it, but especially wants to make that covenant with his heavenly father.

Easter Sunday was also so amazing. I love the video Elder Nelson displayed, "because of him."  I love my savior Jesus Christ.. his grace and mercy is real .. I know there is a plan, a perfect plan. I want to be his disciple forever and through him only can we receive eternal joy. I love sharing this message with others every day.. that they don't have to fear death. There are second chances.. they can change.. and they can have that never ending happiness. I know the lord directs this work. I know without a doubt, this is Jesus Christ's church.. I could never deny it.

Sister James

 

I'm staying in Ventura!

Hey guys!!

What an incredible week It has been!! It's hard to believe that my first transfer as a missionary is coming to a close. I have learned more about my testimony and relationship with my savior in these past six weeks than ever before. Sister Mason Is leaving :( but I am staying in Ventura! She was seriously an answer to my prayers. I could not have been with a sweeter person! Plus.. we had a blast together and had some of the most awkward, funny experiences. (You don't know awkward until you knock on random peoples doors sharing the gospel) haha. Oh, I forgot to mention Sister Mason sleep talks and teaches the lessons in her sleep. It is tooo good haha, but I am definitely excited to see what this next transfer brings!

This week, Sister Mason and I sang at a baptism. The singing was rough, but the baptism was amazing! Tony was able to attend and it made him super excited for his baptism coming up. We had an incredible lesson with him on Monday night… we taught him the gospel of Jesus Christ with brother and sister Wood! Having lessons in the member’s home brings the spirit even more. Brother Wood was able to give Tony a priesthood blessing so that He would have the strength to quit smoking this week. It was so powerful and that next day he had only smoked ONE cigarette. We also met with him on Thursday night with Sister Belisle! Sister Belisle has been in his exact situation.. her testimony and advice to him was absolutely perfect. We try to understand his situation best we can, but when someone knows exactly how you're feeling, they can better relate. We talked a bit about the power of the atonement and sister belisle expressed that, "If she could do it, he could too." Tony is doing AWESOME! He just has to resist the temptation to smoke and drink his coffee. He desires to give it up and he said that Monday would be the day that he quits completely.

This week we went and visited Linda! Usually when we visit with her, she doesn't share much interest in the church because she is pretty devoted to her catholic faith. But this time when we met with her, she was asking a lot of questions about our services. She asked if we have music and we said, "OF COURSE!" We were able to then sing for her.  She's really struggling with overcoming her knee surgery, and she expressed to us the peace she feels when we come and are able to visit with her. At the end of our visit she offered to pray,  she prayed that she may be able to heal quickly, so she could attend church! Every time we go over she says, "YOU MORMONS SHOW UP EVERY TIME I'M IN A CRISIS! I think God is telling me something here."

We also met with Danni! She is still doing awesome!! We gave her a Children's Book of Mormon and she loved it! She's getting really excited about her baptism coming up on May 3rd!

Conference weekend was SO great. I don't think I can just pick one talk that was my favorite, they were all so good. I especially noticed a pattern in Saturday's sessions of the importance of being a true disciple of Jesus Christ…about the importance of defending our faith and not hiding it. Sometimes that can be tough. Especially out here, I've really had to learn to defend my faith and what I believe, BUT with compassion and courtesy. I loved Russell M. Nelson's talk about being truly Tied to God.. and "Increasing your faith, Proclaiming your faith, and letting your faith show." I loved Lawerence E. Corbridge's talk about the restoration. "There will ALWAYS be opposition to the truth." Ah, I needed to hear that one! I also loved what Richard G. Scott emphasized…Sometimes the only way we can influence someone is just by showing them love, that's how we can be a significant influence in someone's life. Just by simply loving them, THEN they will feel God's love through you. President Thomas S. Monson is so inspired, I loved how simple, yet powerful his message was. Loving one another and expressing kindness can change the world and change hearts. (I had a lot of favorites haha)  What a blessing it is to know that we have a prophet on the earth today that receives revelation for our benefit. The Lord truly loves each of his children and wants the best for us. He wants us to enjoy all the blessings this gospel has to offer and he's blessed us with that guidance. I love this gospel.. I love this work. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to see miracles each day, but you can too! You don't need a name tag to share the gospel or show your faith. I LOVE YOU ALL.

Sister James

Elders Leavitt and McKinley, Sisters James and Mason

Sister Mason and Sister James with Tony

TESTIFYING

FAM and Friendzzz

This week was wonderful! We had exchanges this week. I went to Camarillo with Sister Cusick and learned so much in just one day. My goal was to declare the restoration and focus on sharing the restoration of the gospel and be bold in declaring. I had an experience that touched me.. We had a gospel discussion with three young high school boys. They asked several questions about the church and thought it fascinating that we have a prophet and that he is the prophet of the whole world, not just our church. One of them, asked me, " So you've grown up believing this? You were raised this way." I had the opportunity to bear testimony that even though I grew up surrounded by friends and family who were members of the church and have always had that foundation, I too had to find out for myself. I had to get on my knees and pray to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know, without a doubt, that the gospel of Jesus Christ is restored. I know that these things are true. We have to find out for ourselves, but continue to learn from each other and draw strength from each other’s testimonies! I came away from exchanges wanting to be a better missionary in general, but especially to declare the restoration :)

We have been meeting with Brother Allen every week! He is the less active member who's in his 80's. Calling him for appointments is one of mine and sister mason's favorite thing because he cracks the best jokes. Anyway, we are fighting so hard to help him get to the temple. Our lesson with him was so powerful. Discussing personal experiences and why the temple is so important to Sister Mason and I really left me pondering.. through the covenants I have made with the Lord by going through the temple, my perspective on every thing has shifted so much. I have grown so much closer to him and my understanding of the gospel. We aren't trying to get him there because it is the next step. It's because we want him to have those blessings that we enjoy!

We met with Tony this week and taught the Word of Wisdom. He Says, "I know I have to give these things up for my baptism!" He is so solid and really striving to be prepared for his baptism in every way! He came to church yesterday with his Book of Mormon in hand. He also came to the second hour.. wahooo! We will be meeting with him tonight and he has requested to receive a priesthood blessing as he commits to quit smoking by Saturday. It's been a blessing to see his growth and has really inspired me to be more faithful. He has A LOT of faith.

We had the opportunity to watch the general Women's broadcast this past weekend. It was amazing.. I didn't want it to end ha! When I saw the Salt lake temple and the conference center my heart hurt (but only a tiny tiny bit) haha :) The meeting was beautiful. It seemed to be centered on covenants and helping one other in selflessness. Henry B. Eyring's talk touched me.. God has provided us with a plan.. a path marked with covenants. He knew that the journey back home would be difficult at times and that's why he provided us with help along the way. I was thinking a lot about the great women I have in my life as examples and how they have helped me on my path back. I feel so blessed to be a covenant daughter and to feel his love through living the gospel and especially sharing it with others here in Ventura! He sees our divine potential. He loves us and he will be with us as we take our journey back to our heavenly home. I can't wait to see what is in store for general conference this weekend!! I'm sooo excited. I've been thinking about questions I want to seek answers for and challenge every one to pray to receive revelation in preparation for conference. It's gonna be gooood. Anyway, I am out of time! But I love you alll!! You're the best. Thank you for the letters/ emails!

"Those who listen to and follow the counsel of the living prophets and apostles will not go astray. The teachings of living prophets provide an anchor of eternal truth in a world of shifting values and help us avoid misery and sorrow."

 

Preach my gospel Pg. 75

Sister James

3-31-2104

 

 

Another week in paradise!

Hi guyyyys!!                                                                                                                          

It was another great week in paradise! I'm loving this weather, but the work is even better! I love being a missionary. We had Zone conference this week. I came away motivated to use the Book of Mormon more effectively when teaching and motivated to be a better missionary in general. As we focused a lot on how central the book of Mormon is to this work and that it truly is the key in conversion. President Castro talked a lot about how anything worthwhile requires hard work and sacrifice. I've been reflecting on the importance of not getting discouraged.. but continuing to work hard and forget myself! As I'm applying that, I'm finding so much joy. This work is impossible to do in selfishness!

We had been trying to call Robert throughout the week, but he wasn't responding, so we went over on Friday. Unfortunately, he doesn't have the time to commit fully right now :( buuut he said we could try him back in a month because he still has interest in joining the church. We will continue to pray for him and recognize his needs and address any concerns he may have. We were able to give him some information about general conference and he said he would definitely be interested in watching it!

We met with Tony twice this week and he is doing AWESOME. We met with him on Thursday and taught him some of the plan of salvation and followed up on a baptismal map we made with him. He's really striving to quit smoking and we set some goals for him to smoke 5 cigarettes, rather than 10. Yesterday, when we met with him, he said he was down to 6 and he's really, really striving to quit! This week we will be talking more about the word of wisdom and we will commit him to quit in preparation for his baptism. He expressed to us his desire to be baptized and that he thinks about it every day.  He has such great faith and a good heart. He came to church yesterday and loved it! We are so excited for him. He told us how much better he has felt since meeting with us and attending church. We have all our visits with him at the church and yesterday when we went to meet him he was already there  enjoying a potluck with some single adults hahah. He's so great.

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." Sometimes we may feel were insignificant or that we can't make a difference, but you do. I promise! Everyone, go share the gospel with your friends. Even if they reject it, lay a foundation and invite. I LOVE YOU ALL

OH we met a guy named JAMES MASON This week haha pretty funny