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| Meet Rafael |
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| Sister Missionaries in the Washington District |
No, I haven't gotten anything in the mail yet but I'm sure it'll be here really soon! I'm sending out some letters, so they should be there soon too!
Well, it sounds like you guys are doing awesome!!! That's so great!!! People think that Utah is Mormon central and I guess in a way it is, but there are children everywhere that need His gospel! I am so so so so proud to hear that our ward is killing it with missionary work!!!!!!! Never ever underestimate the power of members!!! It is so true when we say every member a missionary! When we get referrals and members involved the work goes a billion times faster!!!!!!! You're young woman's theme sounds awesome! That is what we teach people all the time! Ezra Taft Benson said that "When we choose Christ, we choose change." Amazing right?! Coming unto Christ is our whole purpose on this earth! It is what will make us happy in this life and the eternities to come! When we choose Christ I promise something wonderful will happen. Like for example that family that is going to church in our ward right now!!!! that's what the gospel is for! We become a part of a family, we become a crucial part of the body of Christ (Corinthians 12) and recognize our own spiritual gifts and how to use them for others like Christ does! Also, like Ruben! Mom! You and Dad are living up to your potentials! I have never been so proud as I am right now! I am so proud of you sharing the gospel with others. We had a talk in church yesterday about the love of Christ which as you will read in my letter, was EXACTLY what I needed! He said that when we go to a movie or a restaurant or a place that we loved and enjoyed, we go to people and say "Hey! You've gotta try this out!" Such it is with the gospel! We love it, We live it, We share it!!! But how often do we say, "hey, you've gotta see this movie! In fact I'll go with you sometime to see it!" Usually we just tell them how great it is and then leave it at that! Take that spiritual journey with them, invite them to read, ponder and pray and sit in missionary lessons with them. I promise it will mean so much more than just telling them about it and letting them figure it out themselves! This past week was a little rough but It was when I changed my attitude from endurance to love that things got better! You'll read about it in my letter! It's amazing! Whether you're born into the church or not, everyone is a convert! We must all find our own way to Christ and become like him! That is our goal and purpose!
We listened to a talk by John Bytheway this week in the car and it was amazing! You really need to find it and listen to it or read it! it's awesome! It's called five scriptures that will motivate you to action! It's great! I couldn't find it on lds.org which is the only one we are allowed to search so if you find it could you e mail it to me? I encourage everyone to read it and get to work!!! Missionary work starts now!!!!
Well, like I said it was a tough past week BUT I am sending you a good long letter and it is awesome! You will love it! I know I did! I definitely know what it means to come unto Christ after this week! For the first time in my life, I had to rely solely on my Savior. My mom and dad, my sisters, my brother, my family and friends. They weren't just a phone call and a hug away! And now that that trial is over, I have become so much stronger for it! And guess what! We finally have our first investigator since we got here! It's Donald! Sweet huh?! ha ha! I tell ya, If you are of the age to serve a mission, there is no greater thing you can be doing right now than serving a mission!!!!! Especially if your the age of the new age change! School, it can wait! Boys! Blegh! Who likes them anyways?! (ha ha ha) Work? Family? All these things will actually be benefited and better after serving a mission! I get scared thinking of what would've happened had I decided not to serve!!! I know it's bold to say, but I hear other elders and sisters saying it, my president from the MTC and here in the field both said the same. "There is no greater work that you can be doing at this age and stage in your life than missionary work!" 50% of marriages are ending in divorce, EVEN IN THE CHURCH! But couples with both spouses that have served? That percentage is only 2%!!!!!!!!! Serve serve serve! and if you can't serve, well than get to work at home with your family and friends! I am so so so so so grateful to be where I am! And with the new year coming, I look back at the beginning of 2013 and the resolutions I made for myself and laugh! I definitely didn't see myself living in Missouri serving a mission!!!!!!!!! ha ha ha! But now my one and only resolution for this year is a resolution that only a full time missionary can make! To serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 24/7, all day, everyday. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually AAAAALLLLL His for the entire year of 2014!!!! ha ha ha ha what a powerful and amazing resolution! One I will treasure and cherish forever! An opportunity like this will never come again! I am only this age once, I only get to be a missionary like this once! I will make it count! So my advice to home! PUT HIM FIRST! I promise that when you do, the decisions you need to make will become clear! Listen to that talk by John Bytheway! Decisions that need to be made will be made simple when you put the Savior in the center of them! When we choose Him we can't go wrong! Love the life you are leading! Everyday you live is the only one of it's kind. There is only one December 30th, 2013! What were you doing when it happened?! And it you're not loving it! Come unto Christ! An eternal invitation that everyone should accept! I promise you will see the most amazing difference in your lives! Mine has changed! Those around me are changing! Catch the wave my dear loved ones! Don't be left behind!!!!!
Sorry, I get a little excited! I love you mom! I promise that blessings will come as you invite Rubin and his family to learn more and as you lead by example. Be an example! I know that you are mine!
My endless love and gratitude for everything! Love always!
Sister Martinez
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