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Saturday, February 8, 2014
God Hears & Answers Prayers
Holy cow. It is February. So crazy! Well this
week flew by....super super fast!
Mom...good luck on Wednesday. Hope all goes
well and that everything will work out for you too. Dad better be taking good
care of you...or else! haha. I know he will. That is SO cool that Grandpa said in your blessing...that I've been praying for you. Because I have been
praying for your health every night for the past month or so. So that means a
lot to me that my prayers are heard. I'm so grateful God answers prayers!
Our investigators are doing great. They put
money on their wedding bands. (yay!) So they want to get married soon. We had a word of wisdom
lesson with a member this last week and it went really well. They have to make
some changes. But you know what...they are taking huge steps in their life. They
read and pray everyday... It's so cool! They still are amazing and I love them!
They've already come a long ways and I can't wait to see them to continue to
progress!
Our new member friend is doing pretty good. But we
had a COOL experience. We've been wondering what to do to help him quit smoking
so he can get the priesthood. My comp had a really amazing spiritual experience
where she received an answer on what we could do to help him. I feel like it
was God telling us what our game plan should be. Sure enough I feel like it's
going to help a bunch! He's going to be getting a priesthood blessing soon so
that really is going to help! And with fasting and fervant prayer, he is going
to do it! He has the desire..he tells us everyday how he hates it. So I'm so
excited for God to step in and help him. It may take awhile but I feel like it's going to get
better from here.
My old comp emailed me and said our former
baptisms seem to be doing better. Phew...but
I wrote a letter I think I'll send it anyways. And I'll suggest a priesthood
blessing! Man I've decided the worst feeling is watching your converts struggle
to stay active. Yikes! I would do ANYTHING to help them stay in the church. Thanks
for the prayers!
GOOD NEWS! We FINALLY met up with (name) again.
She had dropped off the face of the planet for a second! But we had a great
meeting with her. We taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. I feel she is really prepared. She has been reading the Book of Mormon and she actually has been sharing stuff about the
church with her friends at school. She's coming to church this next Sunday and
she has a baptism date. Yay! I'm so excited! She is so nice. Her mom, who is a
member, is pretty sick right now...so hopefully she gets feeling better
soon.
Weather wise..well I now know that I am in Canada Kitchener
Everything else is going great! We're still
trying to find...but I guess we're always trying to find new people to
teach.
Last of all I just want to emphasize again
that God answers our prayers. I have been having a little bit of a freakout...it's an "I have six
months...I want to be so much better...I want to help more people...I don't
want to disappoint
God/family/leaders/etc..." But I was so touched this last fast Sunday. The testimonies that were given were so powerful. In
sacrament meeting, sunday school, and relief society I kept getting all these
insights. In summary, I was filled with God's love for me. And He reminded me,
"Sister Ogden...you can't be perfect...I'm just asking for your best...and
as long as you do that it's going to be okay..." I just felt so much love
and assurance that God is so forgiving and patient with us. I bore my testimony
in relief society and I just was so happy to be a missionary! I'm so grateful
for Christ. And I'm grateful that He understands how I feel inside and out.
It's really hard to explain but I'm just grateful that He can solve our
concerns and fears...and give us a peaceful assurance that all will be
well.
(note from her Mom: this was
touching to me because yesterday I prayed specifically that Aerin would feel
the Lord's love for her and gratitude for her efforts. So apparently He is
listening to both of our prayers for each other...)
The people here amaze me. I swear every person
I contact/talk to/teach has had a traumatizing event that's happened to them. Unexpected
deaths, sicknesses, separations, suicides, robberies, etc happen here a lot
apparently. Sometimes I get overwhelmed because of all the suffering that is
going on...and I haven't had to face that really in my life. But I'm so grateful for our
Savior who does understand them...and although I don't know how I can help
them...I know the Savior can,from the message we share. My companion and I joke
around saying how the only happy people around are the people in the church.
But it's kinda true...I take the gospel, my family, and life for
granted!!!!
He will make the difference.
Another transfer has come and gone...and I'M
STILL HERE IN (city) WITH MY SAME COMP! I'm so stoked! I just feel like this
transfer is going to rock!
Well anyways this transfer ended with a
BLAST.
First of all, if I can sum up the past few
days with one word...SNOW. Saturday we woke up to like a foot of snow! Everyone
was shoveling and getting stuck and everything. So we just started trudging
along the neighborhoods asking people if we could shovel their driveway for
them. It actually was really fun because we got into some awesome
conversations. A few old men we asked got really touched and teary. They were
so grateful for our offer and I feel like their hearts will soften the next
time we come around or missionaries meet them. So I've been practicing my
shoveling! I've gotten pretty rusty since Hawaii
But of course I have to put in my comment how
I just hate driving on the snowy roads!
SERIOUSLY! We had to teach though...so I did it. I guess I'm learning how to
drive in poor weather. It's been okay. I just am slow and extra careful. (Everyone
must think I'm a granny) But this isn't a HUGE city so it makes me feel better
that there aren't as many cars out as let's say Toronto
Okay but our investigators are doing amazing!
I love them! We taught the Law of Chastity to them last week. (Since they are living
together) It actually went alright. But after the lesson they said that they
would try to get married as soon as possible. Yay!. She's been reading the Book
of Mormon and that's been awesome. And...THEY CAME TO CHURCH FOR THE FIRST TIME
YESTERDAY! It was really good.
We've been teaching another part member
family. The woman is amazing. Mom...here there are two people I want you to
meet because I know you would love them. First is the ward mission leader's
wife, and then there is (name). She is so amazing. She loves to help
others...and she really practically is a Mormon but she's not baptized. They
feed us every week and are so kind to us. She wants us to teach the lessons to
her...but I think she's just hesitant about the baptism thing. I believe she feels
the spirit in her life but she doesn't know it yet. So we are going to continue
to work with her and see what we can do. She will take time but she's a
sweetheart. And a good person at that!
Other adventures/things...Our recent convert is doing soooo good! He
went home teaching last week which was awesome!
I am so excited to be here another six weeks
at least! There is so much potential here...this is a place where people NEED
the gospel. And I know that since this is God's work. He is going to help us do
His work and help His children.
It was so funny I read Moroni
But these scriptures mean so much because
Christ understands our imperfections. He is the one who will perfect us; we
won't perfect ourselves. I'm so grateful that He is there for us. If we love
Him with all we have....we can be pure as He is...we can become "clean
without spot". This scripture helps me understand that He loves me and
wants to help me. And although I have so many weaknesses... HE will make up the
difference. HE will help this work grow and prosper in the area. I will not
hold back the work because of my weaknesses because He will step in and help.
I'm SO grateful for that. I don't know how to put it in words!
Well I love you all! Hope it's warmer down
there than it is here!
Monday, January 20, 2014
Official "Man there are so many people who have it rough and I have NO REASON to ever complain" Week!
1/20/14
Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day! It was so funny because I have it on my calendar, but we don't celebrate it here in Canada. Hope you had a good week.
Okay...this week WAS SO MUCH BETTER! We had an exchange with the sister tra
i
ning leaders. I stayed here in Brantford with Sister (name), who is going home next week. I feel like I've always been jackpotting on exchanges! The last two exchanges have been with the most experienced sister missionaries who have impacted me so much. I'm so grateful for Sister (name)...she is AMAZING!!! My comp and I also saw so many miracles. We got six new investigators...and I don't know if I have time to tell you everything that happened. But I'll give you highli
gh
ts:
First of all, we met (name). She was contacted by missionaries a year ago, but that's all we knew. We dropped by and set up a appointment. We came in and taught her. She's had a ROUGH life full of hurt and abuse. It's just sad. But she amazes me because although she has had gone through so much, she still believes in God and tells us that He has helped her through so much. It's amazing. When we got to the Book of Mormon part, she replied, "Yup I read all of it!" .....I didn't know how to respond to that one! Apparently the missionaries beforehand had given her a Book of Mormon and she had read it in a week. And she knows it's true. And she tries to live according to the book. WHAT?! She accepted baptism...but the thing she's most hesitant about is church. Hopefully next week she'll come. We are seeing her tomorrow.
Next, we met (names). He was baptized a looooong time ago. But he went less active. But now he's here...he used to not be receptive to missionaries. But now he is engaged to (name), who is not a member. They were watching a FLDS program last week and he wanted to show her that we weren't them. She has also had a hard life...and it is super hard for her to trust people. I think she will take time but she is nice. He is also very nice. It's cool because after we taught the restoration, we answered questions that he had had for 40 years he's been a member. Crazy! I think if we help him, she will follow. We'll see though :)
If you haven't noticed, this week has been, "Man there are so many people that have it rough and I have NO REASON to complain...."
week!
So many people here have gone through things I couldn't even imagine. I'm so so so grateful for the gospel. Anyways, we taught this kid and his friend sat in. Both had been in the foster care system and hated it. They are a little older now and they just need direction to go. They wondered why these things happened to them...but to bear testimony of the
A
tonement and to give them the restoration which is all about having hope...was really powerful. They accepted a Book of Mormon. They were so sincere. And so humble. It was really sad because we tried dropping by Sat night to see if he was still good for church. A lady (we didn't know her) answered the door and she started screaming at us and swearing at us to get off the porch...and then she started yelling at him. That was THE WORST. He is NOT in a good living condition at all. He said he's going to move soon but I honestly don't know if we'll be able to teach him just because of the environment. It's sad....but hopefully he can find peace from the Book of Mormon. If (name)can, I know he can too!
Last miracle we've seen is (name). I don't remember if I have told you but he has had it rough. He started to believe in God while he was in jail reading the Bible. My comp and her old companion baptized him and he's made some amazing changes. But he's also been struggling because you know when you make a good decision, Satan always attacks afterwards. We have been praying for the last couple weeks that he could become strong in the church and find joy in it. Som
e
times it's been a struggle to get him to church and even a few weeks ago he told us he was done. But..this last week...members reached out to him...and there has been SUCH a difference in him. Our mission leader's wife was very strongly prompted to buy him a suit and tie...so last saturday she took him shopping and he ended up being in their home for a while. A few nights before, his other home teacher invited him over and he ate and had a good chat with him. Yesterday he came to church...and it was AMAZING. You can see such a difference in him. He was in a suit and tie for the first time. He was talking to people and participating. He had confidence that he had never had before.
Moral of the story: if you have a prompting to help someone...DO IT! And members...you have such an impact on people. You have no idea. When you reach out to people, it makes such a difference!
God hears and answers our prayers. I'm SO grateful for that.
Well, I don't know what else to say other than yes missions are hard but man I love them. I'm grateful to be here! I've grown so much this last transfer! I've done things that I didn't think I could do. I feel like God puts us in situations to stretch us and help us...and I feel like I've had many stretching opportunities this last transfer. But look at me now! Now I can drive in the snow and I don't freak out too much! I know how to take care of a sick companion! And I'm [still] learning bit by bit how to work in a car area!
I know that this work is true and real. God's work is hastening. I just realized that each of my converts have been from a different corner of the world...(name)from Japan... (name) from Guyana (south america)...(name) (his grandparents are from Ireland)...(name) (from Iran)...and (name) (Nigeria). I'm super blessed! I love it here and I'm just so grateful to serve. I hope I can continue to meet more amazing people! I love everyone SO MUCH!!!!
And I know that patriarchal blessings are so inspired. After a hard day I was praying, and a line from my patriarchal blessing came into my mind. The next morning I picked it up and read...I learned things that I NEVER knew before...It was amazing what God was telling me through my blessing. It was really amazing to see and feel how special that blessing is to me...and how special I feel to God when I read it.
I love you all. Have a great week! Thanks for all your support and love and prayers. I feel them!
Sister Ogden :)
Pics Jan 2014
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| A "Sister Selfie"! |
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| Here's the mail it never fails... |
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| Old & new comps... she loves them both! |
Faith = Patient Confidence (even when it's 40 below)
1/12/14
Sounds like it's still snowing pretty bad down home. This last week wasn't that snowy...but it was COLD!
T
here was a day where our car didn't even start because it was cold. And we don't have a plug or something to warm it up or anything...or a garage...any ideas on how I can keep it warm? It was quite an adventure. Apparently on our car we have a free "roadside service" number so we called that and you can actually have a guy come and jump your car for free. Who knew? I guess you learn something every day. Now I know what to do if our car ever dies again!
We have a LOT of recent converts here in my new area. So we have been teaching some of them about the temple and family history and I get excited for them! One family is the Henhawkes. They are the cutest family ever and were a part member family but the dad was baptized last March. So it's so cool to help them prepare for the temple so they can be sealed. So exciting!
Well...this week...was hard. But you know what I'm grateful for the hard times because I know they help us grow stronger. Unfort
unately
my comp was sick and we were indoors for five days. But on the up side I guess because of that we didn't have to go outside the day it was -40 degrees outside and now I know how to take care of a sick person! . But I'm so grateful that I didn't get whatever she got..because apparently it's supposed to be pretty contagious. By Saturday she was feeling a LOT better and we got to work the full day so that was good! But due to the crazy week we couldn't see the (name) family..BUT we are seeing them today! I am pumped! (Names) are going out of town so we are going to try to see them in the next few weeks. We saw (name) for a little bit and she said she would come to church if not for her son who has this sickness where he stays up all night throwing up. She's taking him to the doctor this week so hopefully that will help.
We did find a new investigator. We came to the appointment and he told us he's NOT going to be converted. But we had a nice little discussion and apparently one of the reasons why he doesn't want to be Christian is because he knows it has been corrupted and changed over time. So we feel like the Lord is preparing him. We weren't able to teach him the rest but we are planning to this week. He might take time but he's pretty cool and down to earth. If I can describe him in a few words it would be: a deep thinking rockstar. haha.
Right now we are still in rebuilding mode...trying to find more investigators. We've been tracting and dropping by formers and potentials but haven't had the most luck. But I'm excited to be able to work ALL week this week because I feel like it's going to be a lot better.
To answer the rest of your questions: the ward is so awesome. We love them. They feed us a lot and they are really nice people. I really want to continue to get them excited about missionary work. I love them though! They really reached out to us and helped us when my comp was sick. People were bringing over dinners and soups and cough medicine and everything! We feel loved :)
Preparation day? We are going to be cleaning. It's exchanges this week, and so we need to make the place presentable. I've decided that I'm starting to be a more of a clean freak than I used to be. I HATE the house being gross and dirty...I don't know what it is but I'm getting a little more OCD about it. I like our house. It's...homey. haha. It's actually really warm compared to the basement apartments. I like being in a neighborhood and it's cool that we are right next to the train station. It reminds me of our old home in Lehi where we were by the trains...so it makes me feel at home. :)
Anyways, lately I've been so grateful for prayers. I know that it's the times where we feel the most alone where we NEED to turn to our Heavenly Father. It's in those prayers and moments where I am reminded that He knows me and loves me. I had a tender experience this past week where I was praying and felt pretty overwhelmed because of all my shortcomings and weaknesses. But then I read some scriptures afterwards that really touched my heart. It was then that I realized that God knows us so much more than we know ourselves. He knows we are weak and He knows we have shortcomings. But that doesn't mean He doesn't love us. That doesn't mean He is angry at us or upset and just gets frustrated at our weaknesses. He loves us. And we CAN be cleansed of our shortcomings through His
S
on. I loved reading the chapters about how Christ loves and has compassion on so many in the gospels. He healed a leper...who was cast out...and unclean...He loved him and said "be thou clean..." I know Christ can cleanse us not only physically but spiritually as well. And I love when Christ heals the man with the palsy and forgives the man of his sins. He has compassion on us, even though we do make mistakes and sin. I'm so grateful for that. He can heal us and help us. We just need to come to him just as the leper and the man with the palsy did. :)
Sorry for the gospel tangent but I just love the gospel? Do you know that? :)
Anyways hope you have a great week fam. I sure love you!
Having patient confidence,
Sister Ogden
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