This has been a bit of an incredible week, unlike any other that I've experienced previously on my mission! This week was a MIRACLE week--stark comparison to the week prior! We were able to contact, meet, and teach a variety of individuals who came to us from other missionaries, member referrals, and also people we met on the street. It was awesome! And super busy! (We run more throughout the day than we do in the mornings for exercise time...) There is so much potential here! The only reason I think for this change was perhaps the desire that Sister McQueen and I have to improve our missionary work, as well as the action that we've taken to do something about it... but regardless I am convinced we did nothing much to deserve it! God is so merciful... I just can't stop thinking that.
As a companionship we've been focusing on energy less on the stats and more on individuals themselves. Our prayers are said focusing on the specific individuals, as well as on their needs. My own personal thoughts, prayers, and actions have been doing the same--I've been striving for further consecration and focusing more on loving the people I'm serving. Every thought, action, desire, has been more focused on the Lord's work. As we've prayed with more love and concern for other and their needs, God has granted us not only guidance, but also more people to be loved. I'm so thankful for the privilege.
Our goal for each of these new investigators, as well as our other investigators, is to focus on helping their personal conversion. We are working on starting them early on consistent study of the Book of Mormon as well as praying. It's always through small and simple things that great things come to pass, including conversion! As the Spirit bears testimony to them through their mind and heart, they will naturally desire to come closer to Christ. As a missionary, I hope a person I teach is not converted to anything other than Christ! Not even to me or my Korean skills (or rather... lack thereof hahaha)
The thought that struck me this week is truly our desire for obedience! God has promised that as we keep His commandments He will bless us! (Doctrine and Covenants 82:10) But there is a much greater desire than that of receiving blessings... the greatest motivation is LOVE! Love for God, love for His children, love for ourselves... as we are filled with this love, we will gain a greater desire to be obedient to Him. As we are obedient, His love will encompass us. We will naturally become happier, better people. It's all about love, people!
Anywho, I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Upward and onward,
Sister Marissa Hatch
해치 자매
As a companionship we've been focusing on energy less on the stats and more on individuals themselves. Our prayers are said focusing on the specific individuals, as well as on their needs. My own personal thoughts, prayers, and actions have been doing the same--I've been striving for further consecration and focusing more on loving the people I'm serving. Every thought, action, desire, has been more focused on the Lord's work. As we've prayed with more love and concern for other and their needs, God has granted us not only guidance, but also more people to be loved. I'm so thankful for the privilege.
Our goal for each of these new investigators, as well as our other investigators, is to focus on helping their personal conversion. We are working on starting them early on consistent study of the Book of Mormon as well as praying. It's always through small and simple things that great things come to pass, including conversion! As the Spirit bears testimony to them through their mind and heart, they will naturally desire to come closer to Christ. As a missionary, I hope a person I teach is not converted to anything other than Christ! Not even to me or my Korean skills (or rather... lack thereof hahaha)
The thought that struck me this week is truly our desire for obedience! God has promised that as we keep His commandments He will bless us! (Doctrine and Covenants 82:10) But there is a much greater desire than that of receiving blessings... the greatest motivation is LOVE! Love for God, love for His children, love for ourselves... as we are filled with this love, we will gain a greater desire to be obedient to Him. As we are obedient, His love will encompass us. We will naturally become happier, better people. It's all about love, people!
Anywho, I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Upward and onward,
Sister Marissa Hatch
해치 자매