Sharie with the Mission President and his Wife

What a week. We had some really slow days and some really good days. 

December 21, 2016

It was Hermana _______'s  birthday this week so we decorated the house and took her out to a Greek restaurant in the area. It was so fun! I am so lucky to have my companions! 

We contacted one of our referrals and met this amazing family who just lost their father/husband. The two daughters have a hard time learning because of their disabilities yet these two girls are two of the most compassionate people I know! I can't believe how strong this family is! And they were so willing to listen! I can't wait to see how much happiness the gospel will bring in their lives as we continue to meet with them!! I love this family! 

We had so many member lessons this week!! Again and again I see how blessed the members are in a mission! It was so fun to go in and talk with them about the Savior. The spirit was so strong in each members home! We encouraged their help in missionary work. Slowly by slowly we are showing members the big impact they have on bringing others to Christ. 

Exchanges are when you switch companions for a day and go to a different area. I went to Bramfort! I learned so much! We taught this women who had quite cocaine, drinking, and almost completely stopped smoking ever since she started meeting with the missionaries--All because Christ was in her life now. All because she felt his eternal love and His saving grace. This lady is beautiful! In my area one of our new investigators, Phil, is currently smoking and drinking. I kept thinking of him as we were teaching. I kept thinking how anything is possible through Christ. All Phil needs is to put his trust and dedication toward Him. I also learned how efficient a day can be. We did back to back lessons and service. We were on the phone the entire time in the car, calling people, making sure the next couple days were planned. I am definitely going to apply this in my area! I loved the people I taught in this area. 

This week was a little slow in terms of progression. We became a little discouraged because of our high hopes. We felt like we weren't making a difference. Almost none of our investigators were keeping commitments or weren't available for us to teach them. But we are trying are best, and if we continue to do that, we will bless peoples lives. 

I love this time of year! It is all about Christ. I have been thinking a lot on how grateful I am that we have a Savior who is our perfect example, that He suffered all, that He felt every pain so He could succor His people so we could be resurrected and live with God and our families again. I am so grateful! He is my Savior! "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah and 2 Nephi 19:6). He loves you so much! He has given us so much!  What can we give Christ for Christmas? 

Merry Christmas! I love you all!

 

Hermana Sharie Rowley

December 14, 2015

This week was an interesting one. We contacted one of our referrals who happened to be a pastor. We were excited to talk to him until we listened to him for a good 15 mins, bashing and telling us what we do and don't believe, only wanting to fight about religion. All we could do was testify, invite, and leave. There is no way we were going to fight back. We ended on a cordial note and thanked him for his time, then left. Lets' just say we had to hold tight to our testimonies. He told us we can hand out our books, and testify that we know Christ but at the last day He'll say He never knew us. It was harsh and we all took a beating, but we know He knows us. We feel Him everyday as we testify, so it will be a sad day when the pastor comes to the judgment seat and finds out that Christ would have him be more loving. I love hearing other people's beliefs, but when they put you down and try to tell you what you believe and that you don't know Christ, that is what I can't stand. It took a lot to stay friendly and calm. It was interesting because the moment we stopped testifying and the moment he started talking, that was the moment the spirit left the room. I know what I am doing is right and this is because the spirit has testified it to me as I pray. I am so happy that I have this gospel and that I have a relationship with Christ, my Savior!

We had a really awesome member lesson with one of our investigators! Members make the BIGGEST difference in missionary work! We talked about the Book of Mormon, praying, and receiving revelation for trials in life. The testimony the member shared was beautiful. It made the lesson and was just what our investigator needed! And the funny thing is the member wasn't sure her testimony was going to be good enough. This investigator has been through a lot, yet never fails to look at life in a positive light. I learn so much from these people. Having this member to relate to and talk to meant a lot to our investigator. 

I love our Spanish Branch so much!! The culture of the Spanish people is so loving. One of the families invited us to their family Christmas dinner on Sunday. There were three big families there.  It was so fun because it was like being among family again. We got to share a message, feel the spirit, and have tons of fun. Haha, the funny thing is, almost the whole Spanish branch is related. It's like a big family gets together every Sunday. 

Our Sundays are SO busy! We attend the English ward for three hours, then almost right after is the Spanish branch for three hours! (yes, church for 6 hrs) Then we have meetings and appointments after. But it's so fun getting to meet so many people. 

I can't explain how much I love these people. It has been such a great experience serving the Lord. I know that we have a Savior and that He loves us. I know He atoned for you and me and that He lives. I know that when we remember Him every day, He will bless us . Being on a mission has given me so much insight on who I want to be and how I want raise my family. It's a beautiful thing to be able to give even a little and have it change your life because of how much God gives back. I am so happy to have the knowledge of Christ. I am so grateful for scriptures and the pure love of Christ. This is why I am on a mission, to help others, even if it's just one person, feel God's love! 

I love you all! Think of Christ always but especially this Christmas season! Talk to you all next week :) 

"A Savior Is Born"-- have you guys seen that video yet? It's a two minute Christmas video where little children testify of Christ. It's on the Mormon channel. It's beautiful; every one should check it out!

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Hermana Sharie Rowley