January 18, 2016

Mom I love you!! Thank you for your prayers, they mean a lot. I have been praying my heart out for them too!! P____ is in a state right now where he has seen what a new life can do for him but he isn't sure if he is ready. But he wants it. But of course he is ready!! If he waits then he'll never be ready!! But we aren't too worried about him not taking this opportunity. It's just scary having to give up your old life for a new life. It's a huge step. But we have all the resources he needs, he just needs to accept them. But he is progressing! And he is going to make it over this road bump in life!   We have so many different people with so many different needs. It's amazing how God gives us insight to how to help them!! I wish I had more time to tell you about all the people we are working with. They all have different stories and backgrounds. But each person is amazing!! 

Sister Rowley

January 11, 2016

What a week. I can't believe it has already been a transfer! I am happy to say that me and my companions are staying in London! We get to serve together for at least one more transfer! I was not ready to leave the people here. We have been putting our whole heart, soul, and selves into these people, and are seeing their progression! I love them! 

We met M_____ who is a mother of five kids. She knows all about our church due to many missionaries coming over and teaching. Also due to her husband being a Mormon for a time. She loves the missionaries! And we love her! 

We were going to teach L________ the first night I came into London, but the appointment fell through. We went contacting, and that is how we met one of our investigators, P_____! But then L____ called this week out of nowhere and said he wanted to serve a mission!! He has committed some sins in the past and wants to completely change his life around. The Lord works miracles!

P______ is one of a kind! He always says to keep smiling! No matter what you loose or what is taken away from you, you always have your smile. He has gone through a lot. Lost his business, house, wife, cars, motorcycle, has anxiety and depended on alcohol to hide all his problems for a time. He told us that before we met him that he would pray to God to take his life away. He would look for ways to take his life. But then he met us. He said we were sent to him just at the right time. Now he prays to God and thanks him for saving his life!!! He calls us his three little sisters, haha. What a blessing that God sent us at that time to P_____. God is aware of all of us! P_____ has quit drinking almost cold turkey. He is having some withdrawals and it's hard for him to see the reward sometimes. He still has some family problems. His issues have not disappeared but we see such a transformation in him from the first time that we met him!  He seems more capable, happier, and the light of Christ is coming into his eyes. His burdens will become lighter and he will see the huge reward of his efforts as he keeps pressing forward! We love coming and sharing the gospel with him because he has such a desire to change his life. 

We had zone conference and went to the temple this week! I love the temple! Then we awaited our fate Sunday night. If we received a call then that meant we would pack up our bags and get transferred somewhere in Ontario, wherever the Lord needed us. Haha, it was so stressful! Whenever the phone went off our hearts would pound out of our chest. But we didn't get a call!! I am so happy that we are staying as companions here in London! 

I love you all! 

Hermana Sharie Rowley

January 4, 2016

This week has been one of my favorites. We have seen so many people progress! 

As a district (a group of us missionaries in the area) we went to Mucho Burrito after our meeting. Me and my companions met a Spanish family who had seen missionaries in El Salvador and were willing to meet with us! Then we had a conversation with the people behind us. I love how the mission requires you to be outgoing because we get to meet SO many people! And everyone is unique! The people behind us were super friendly. They told us we were some of the happiest people they have ever met.

P_________ is P________'s brother who got in an accident. We stopped by the hospital and sang to him on Christmas Eve. We have been teaching P______ along with P______ever since. Ever since P_______'s older brother has joined us in the lessons, P_______has been progressing immensely. Its so funny because he wants to be better than his brother when it comes to things we commit them to do! They are the best! They came to church on Sunday for the first time!! It was a huge step because P______ has an anxiety problem and P______ is still recovering from surgery. But they went to the first hour and enjoyed it!! 

M______ and E________! What a fun couple! They are in their 70's but they look like they are in their 50's! This couple is from Portugal. They are quite funny because they both have different perspectives. M_____ is the kindness! She told us the moment she invited us in her home she new this was true because of the sweet spirit we bring! What a miracle!! E_______ is so giving. But he has a hard time forgiving people. Because of this he wakes up unhappy and goes to bed unhappy. He feels like it's impossible for him to change because of the things people have done to him.  I can't wait to see the change as we continue to meet with them!

This Sunday we had a fun experience of locking our keys in the car.  After our six hours of church we managed somehow to lock our keys in the car as we were trying to scrape the mound of snow off. It was really funny. Luckily one of the members had CAA who came within 15 mins and unlocked the doors for us. 

This week I had a cool experience. I have so many weaknesses. But I know that God gives me weaknesses so that I can overcome them and become stronger, so that I can turn to Him and become more aware of His tender mercy and love. In reality my weaknesses are blessings. On a mission you need confidence everyday. I realize now that confidence is faith. Faith in God that He will strengthen you. Faith that you can do anything with Him. This week I prayed to God every time I felt incapable. I would say, "Lord I put all my weaknesses in your hands. I know I can't do it without you. Give me strength and courage." And it worked. I felt at peace, I felt confident, like I could do anything. The Lord is my strength; I will always lean on Him. 

We had so many of our investigators come to church!! I love working with these people! I can't even imagine not having gone on a mission and not having meet these people! I know I was called here in Canada for a reason! What a blessing to be here! I feel like I have already changed so much. God has been molding me to be His tool of bringing others to Him. Hope this new year brings you all happiness! I love you all!! 

 

Hermana Sharie Rowley