Stories from Afar (Volume 11)

WOW!!! This week has gone by super quickly!! But I guess first of all you are all wondering exactly what happened to the person we asked to be baptized last minute. Well, I'll just say that it didn't happen... He was super busy and didn't really reply back to our texts at the beginning of the week. Needless to say, it was the cause of much stress. But we are planning for the 26/27th of this month. So that will be exciting!

Dinner.... a shake and fries!

 On New Years Day, (The day after P-day) Sister Burnside and I wore our SLACKS!!!! WOO!! It was definitely more warm and pretty crazy... We looked like business women, Haha! We went to a restaurant called First Watch! (hehehe....) It served mostly breakfast foods and I realized that those are my favorite. I can't count how many times we had breakfast for dinner before coming out on my mission. (I'm really missing French Toast.... I'll probably buy the supplies today)

We met with Shannon there and we showed her our slacks and told us she felt like she was at an interview or something. We all laughed at that. Of course, with them being black I got dog hair all over them that night and haven' taken the time to brush them off. I guess we are both so used to dresses it will take time to realize we have something more to wear. It's super exciting!

Okay, you are also wondering more about what more I did this week in missionary work. Well, I am pleased to announce that last Saturday was probably one of the BEST days of my mission so far! Huzzah! It was definitely a day where I learned how amazing it is to be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and be able to rely on the Holy Spirit as it testifies of truth. I also learned that sometimes missionary work is so much more than teaching. It is about friendship and service.

Sisters of our District

So the first thing I learned happened because of a lesson we had with a family who we had found the night before and had a history of learning about any and every church they ran into. So it was the very first time inside the house and our plan was to share the Restoration but apparently, God had another plan. We listened to the mom as she explained her journey of experiencing so many churches. We could barely get a word in, it was that crazy.... But then it got SUPER CRAZY!!!

A knock sounded at the screen door and since the main door was open, I could see the shadow of a young man. He called out "We are missionaries for another church (I will not say which)." They proceeded to bribe this family into hearing a lesson with candy and balloon animals! I repeat... BALLOON ANIMALS!!!! Thankfully the mother was kind enough to tell them no because we were there. She also told them off of going to church the next day because she had already agreed to come to our church. (YAY!!! That made me very happy) But these two missionaries were persistent. They offered food, rides for her children to their church, and even more candy. All I could do was sit silently because I was so shocked!!! 

Me and my super cute Eevee!!!
(drawn by a friend)

This experience was definitely a testimony builder at the truthfulness of our church. We don't have to bribe people to come. We reverently invite them to experience the truth for themselves and we have a promise that if they earnestly seek for it, it WILL happen! We can gain a powerful testimony that this is God's church. I definitely felt it that day. I know our church is Christ's true church! How grateful I am to be a missionary for Him!

The next story I have happened much later that night; at 7 PM. The Elders had called us and explained how they had a lesson planned with a woman named Jennifer but they were too far away to make it to her house. Thus Sister Burnside and I came to the rescue! And what a rescue it was!!!

This lady was trapped. She, herself, has been clean for over 2 years but the boyfriend that lives with her is definitely not. He totaled their car and basically is like a zombie. She loves him with all her heart but he cannot feel emotion for her; which is super sad. She cannot go anywhere because she doesn't have a car and its cold outside. 

But when my companion and I came she told us her life story because she really needs girlfriends. Someone who can understand what she needs and loves her and helps her. (I'm not saying that the elders couldn't do that) We were able to listen and love her already.

Chocolate Cheeks

During one of her pauses as we talked, I took a step towards her and gave her a hug. Of course, not everyone likes hugs but sometimes I just go for it, no questions asked. And I am glad I did because after Jennifer recovered from her shock she meekly told us that she couldn't remember the last time she has been hugged!!!! WHAT!?!?! I died at that! How can someone go for so long without a hug?! We were all so full of emotion and I cannot tell you how many hugs were given and promises to come back and bring brownies (my specialty, hehe). But we also gave her a Book of Mormon and told her exactly what someone once told Shannon "If you want to have true happiness you will read the Book of Mormon!" We know she's in so much pain, so we invited her to read Alma 36. We book-marked it for her and I hope that she does and learns that through Christ can all of her pains be washed away.

So from this experience I learned that there are people out here who really need friends. I have seen so many already! Friendship is a great way to do missionary work; even back at home! So I encourage you all to reach out to old friends. Pray to know who to talk to and the Lord will help you remember! Love them, listen to their stories, and help them out in anyway you can. The Lord is on your side!

I am so grateful to be a missionary! I enjoy being out here in Ohio and serving others with all my heart. Though a piece of my heart will always be in Utah, I look forward to the year-ish I have to be here. I love you all and I hope you guys are doing well. SO! Farewell until next Monday!

Love, love, love,

Sister Becca Steiner