WEEK EIGHT: Sister Dan Jones

My trainer had so much gas that we had to go to the doctor's office. They gave us complimentary tea while we waited. Don't mind if I do!

So I'll start off with the story of Sister Dan Jones. After District Council last week, we went contacting as a group. As part of our contacting, we soap boxed. Let me explain. You stand up on a bench in the middle of town, hold up a Book of Mormon, and preach the gospel so everyone can hear. I have hardly been in the field for a month...so this was absolutely terrifying. And when I stood on that bench, I about died. This tactic may have worked 150 years ago, but I am positive there are more effective and natural ways to preach today. To make a long story short, I found out a few days later that my District wasn't actually serious about it...they just made me do it to build confidence. Because I was the only new missionary who actually did it, I got nicknamed Sister Dan Jones. HAHA. (Dan Jones was a Welsh missionary in the 1800s who used this tactic to preach)

Dan Jones

On Friday we met with a friend named "K". He told us that he needed more direction in his life. He said that he felt like he needed a path to follow and something in the distance to look at for guidance. Can anyone guess what we shared with him? The Tree of life. We read Lehi's Dream with him and bore testimony that we have exactly what he's looking for. We are excited to continue to meet with him and hope he will be able to find what he is searching for!

On Saturday we spent the day in Rotherham. We jumped from house to house teaching about the Plan of Salvation, repentence, and baptism. These Slovakians are so ready for the Gospel! It's always a bit chaotic in their homes because many of them have 7+ children, and share a home with grandparents, cousins, etc. In one home we taught a lesson with 12 people in the room! What an experience.

Playing memory match with the Macko kids

I have some very exciting news... three of the Macko children want to get baptized! Anna Maria (8), Nikolas (11), and Geiza (12). When we went over to their home, Anna Maria whispered to me, "Teacher, I like when you come over." I asked why and she replied, "Because you teach me about Jesus and make my home so happy." Oh how I love those children. They will be baptized this Saturday! On Sunday, their father Frantisek took two trips to get everyone to church. It was four hours traveling for him. Wow. Can you imagine that? I am touched by the sacrifices these people make to come to church, when at home I could hope over the fence at 8:59 am.

A question so many people ask us here.... IF THERE WAS A GOD, WHY WOULD HE LET ___ HAPPEN? Here are my insights.

The other day, I received this text from a man I met on the bus: "So apparently God loves all of his children? So tell me why some babies are born with incurable diseases, pneumonia,...etc. God wouldn't allow that to happen to his people right??" I have been contemplating this question over the past few days. After studying the scriptures and the Plan of Salvation, I have discovered that it all comes down to three major points.

1. WHAT is God's plan for us?

2. WHY would a loving God allow suffering?

3. HOW can we overcome adversity?

I challenge you to read through this chart that I have put together, along with the scriptural references. When we have the eternal perspective, we understand that God allows us to struggle now in order to gain something so much better. But he does not expect us to suffer alone. I know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ, I can overcome anything. I love this Gospel!

Cheers! Sister Jones

Ps: I just wanted to express gratitude for those of you who have sent me emails or messages. It's what keeps me going. I was so touched this week as I received an email from my aunt, my former Sunday School teacher, a neighbor, my grandma, a few good friends, and of course, my family :) I love you guys so much! Thank you for your love, prayers, emails, and support. Have a great week!)