Letter July 20, 2015

This week was freezing and wet. Hats, scarves, gloves, coats, boots, tights...you name it, I was wearing it.

But it was a miracle week nonetheless! We have been busy, busy, busy! 

Lessons learned:

Act immediately on any thought or impression, no matter how big or small it is.

We had subtle promptings that led to big miracles.

1. We were asked to visit a sister in the ward, so we planned to visit her on Saturday. However, we felt inspired to visit her on Friday. We went to her former address, then realised that wasn't where she lived, so we had to wait for buses and walk in the freezing cold for a while. We got there and had a nice visit with her, and then her LA granddaughter came. We didn't realise it right away, but we met the granddaughter a few days earlier, while trying to visit an investigator! She was in the house, and we saw her for a brief second. She wants to see what the Gospel can do for her and has agreed to meet with us! She has a beautiful family and we know that the Gospel can bless their family so much! 

Had we not been there at that time (gone through all the maafaan), we wouldn't have met her! 

2. Shortly after our visit with this sister, we were debating whether we should go visit a PM family, go to the bus stop, or use the restroom. We decided to go to the toilet in the shopping center. After walking in, I saw a Samoan guy staring at us, so I went up and talked to him. (Most Polys here have an association with the church). We introduced ourselves and asked if he's ever met missionaries, and he said he was a member! We met his brother too, and they've both been LA for a number of years. However, they agreed to meet with us! 

3. After church, we went out to visit a few potential investigators. We missed our first bus and had to wait. After we finally got on the bus, I thought we were supposed to get off at the shopping centre and transfer, even though we were meant to stay on the bus. So I got off, and my companion didn't tell me it was the wrong stop until after the bus had left. While at the bus stop, both my companion and I were talking to the only 2 people there and they both have a sincere interest and desire to learn. I was able to teach the restoration as well as give him a Book of Mormon. Trevor ( the guy I talked to) was really keen!! 

We just needed to be at the right place at the right time to see all of these miracles the Lord has blessed us with. 

One more example! We were walking to the bus stop, then ran into a LA sister we meet with and she had just gone to the shops to buy snacks, then she decided to give the bag for us so that we can eat them while we study! (her sister just got back last month and said she always needed snacks...) so that was a fun miracle!

Our investigators are progressing in the Lord's time, which is not always what we hope for, but it's His will nonetheless. We've been so blessed to meet so many people who are prepared to receive the Gospel! 

We had a great experience with one of our members on Tuesday! Sister Triffitt invited us over for dinner. As we gathered to the lounge to share our message, I looked up and saw a Children's Hymn book and asked if we could sing a hymn. She was more than excited because she loves music! We sang Sweet Hour of Prayer and it was beautiful. After, she asked if we could just keep singing. We sang hymn after hymn and the spirit was so strong! Music is a powerful tool that Heavenly Father has given us to worship and invite the spirit into our lives. It was amazing. It was so fun too!! I love music, although I can't sing. We started harmonizing into parts and had a spiritual, uplifting jam session. I'm so grateful for music! 

Invitation:

Study the lyrics of hymn #143, Let the Holy Spirit Guide and write down your thoughts and impressions. Then study Chapter 4 of PMG. 

Let me know how it goes :)

Love you heaps! Have a great week!

Sister Lew

There will be miracles when you believe! Letter from July 13, 2015

We had countless miracles!! Have faith when you set goals and have the faith that you will achieve them!! With that faith, say detailed prayers to your Heavenly Father. 

We found many souls that are prepared to receive the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. and by we, I mean the spirit and my awesome soa. Sister Uitu is a faith-finding machine! I feel so blessed to be with someone so humble and in tune with the spirit. 

One thing that helped us a lot with our finding this week was having the faith to be bold. Do or do not, there is no try. Trying gets us nowhere. We have to 'just do it' in order to achieve anything. 

This was the training that we received in our Zone Meeting. "Just do it". Trust that the Lord will guide you. Nothing happens until we open our mouths and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

We had a miracle with Kirby!!! We had a great lesson with her as we taught her the message of the Restoration. We asked her what her goals are for her and her family. She said that she wants to be sealed to her family for eternity. That moment was so beautiful. The spirit filled the room instantly. As we talked about her goals and vision, we discussed the effort it would require. She has agreed to be baptised on September 30th! Although it seems far away, it's coming up quick! (they need to get married and sort stuff out...)

This past week, we also had a great lesson with a LA member of over 50 years...

He's been struggling in his life for a long long time. He left the church over 50 years ago. He never denied the truthfulness of it, but it just didn't 'suit' him. However, apparently he was praying to Heavenly Father for help, and shortly after that, Sister Uitu and I rocked up and knocked on his door. We know that the spirit guided us there. He is accepting the Saviour back into His life and we all know that God was the director behind all of it. It was so powerful as he bore testimony and acknowledged the change he wants to make in his life. 

I had the best trade-off ever with Sister Mikaele-Pali, our Sister Training Leader. She's amazing!! I absolutely love her! We even have matching sheets and towels from Wal-Mart! We also finish each others' sentences haha. She reminded me of who I really am. This next part will sound a little narcissistic. As I've the advice of President Hinckley's father, to "forget yourself and go to work", I've been struggling with my 'identity'. Losing yourself in the work is so rewarding, but it can be scary. Lately, I've been trying to figure out who I am. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, who used to be someone else, and who is never looking back. I have been called to cry repentance to the children of God. I am Sister Lew. I like to dance, have fun, and laugh. I love music and find that it's one of the best ways to feel the spirit. I can have fun and do this work. I can be myself and smile. I can be "Little Miss Sunshine", like I used to be in High School (according to every single club I was a part of). This is who the Lord needs me to be to serve His children here. 

What else...

I gave a talk in sacrament meeting yesterday. yay. 

We're in a cold snap right now. this week will be freezing. It finally feels like winter. Except, I didn't prepare for that :/and I got a haircut!

Love you all! 

Sister Lew

1 year! Letter from July 6, 2015

Shoal Bay

It's been one year since we were all together at Nin Nin's house. WHAT THE HECK, how insane is that? In 3 days, I'll hit my one year mark. I can't believe it. It's flown by, but at the same time, it's been so long. It's been a great year. I can look back and say that I am happy and proud of the person I have become in these 12 months. I have become a disciple of Jesus Christ. Although I still struggle to act like it sometimes, I know who I am. I am a daughter of a Heavenly King. I am a disciple of Christ. I do my best to follow His example and live His gospel. As a missionary, I've learned that this is the Lord's work. Not mine. It is directed by Him and He leads and guides us through the Holy Ghost. 

My testimony has grown tremendously. I know with all of my being that my Saviour and Redeemer lives. He performed the Atonement so that we can overcome our sins, transgressions, and suffering. Because He lives, we too can live with our Heavenly Father. I know that families are eternal. I know the Book of Mormon is true. It is the word of God and it testifies of Christ. It was translated by the prophet, Joseph Smith. I know that he did see God and Jesus Christ, and restored the Church of Jesus Christ on the Earth again. We have a living prophet on the Earth today. He is called by God and continues to receive revelation for God's children today. I am here because of President Monson and the revelation he's received to call me to be a missionary at the age of 19. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains the fullness of the ever-lasting gospel. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I've had to be raised in this Gospel. I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to share it with God's children in Australia. 

I am a witness to the Lord's miracles. He loves His children and wants to bless them. It's amazing how much joy, peace, and happiness the gospel can bring people. This Gospel is so beautiful. 

This week has been full of cancelled appointments and beautiful weather for finding more of God's children to receive the Gospel. It has been hard. But that's okay! We can't expect it to be easy if it wasn't easy for the Saviour. Sister Uitu and I have grown a lot together as a companionship, and I'm so grateful for that. I'm incredibly grateful for the gift of forgiveness, love, and patience. She definitely has that because I know that I fall short so frequently. Thank goodness we have the Atonement. Without it, I would definitely not be here. 

Sister Uitu and I

What else has happened...

we celebrated the 4th of July with sparklers! That was fun! 

It's cold but sunny!

I have at least 5 more weeks in Newcastle! 

President Packer passed away :( 

I love you heaps! I hope you have a great week!!

Love,

Hermana Lew

My 4th of July creation

Sparklers for the 4th of July

Elder Lucerna's going away party

Hugs, Kisses, and Goodbyes OH MY! Letter from June 29, 2015

Last zone conference with Pres and Sis Howes

I haven't been this spiritually, mentally, and emotionally drained in a long time. The draining came from amazing experiences though. 

We had our last Zone Conference with President and Sister Howes. That was intense. As soon as it started I was already bawling. The spirit in that meeting was so incredibly strong. There was so much love. I feel so safe when I'm with them. I realised that as missionaries, we leave our parents to be under the direction of Heavenly Father, through our mission parents. I know that we have Heavenly parents who love us far more than we can possibly imagine. This love is incredible. We have divine potential as children of God. I have come to know this love through President and Sister Howes. God loves ALL of His children. This is why He has called us to serve, to invite and help His children to return and live with Him for eternity.

We had last interviews with Sister Howes and President Howes gave us each a blessing. It was one of the most beautiful blessings I've ever had. We did workshops with the Assistants as well, and one of the activities was to share a scripture and bear testimony of what it means to us. That was really cool! So many good insights and testimonies. We have such great missionaries in Newcastle Zone. I am so blessed to be able to serve with some of the elect. 

It was incredibly hard to say goodbye to President and Sister Howes, but I am looking forward to serving with President and Sister Checketts. They arrive on Wednesday. Exciting stuff!

I know that the Lord has called me at this time to serve both the Howes' and the Checketts'. There are lessons I need to learn from both of them, and that their leadership is needed for the people of the Sydney North Mission at this current time. There is a purpose behind God's plan for us. 

We also had to temporarily say 'bye' to Jenni :( She went up the coast to live with her parents for a while. 

But enough goodbyes! 

I'm 20 years old now! Sister Howes called and wished me a happy birthday! One thing really stuck out to me. She said, "thank you for being worthy to be here for your 20th birthday". I know that without the Atonement of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, I would not be here. Forgiveness and repentance is a beautiful gift from our Heavenly Father. I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to share this message with everyone. Nobody is perfect, but we are all given the chance to overcome all of our flaws, mistakes, and sins through the Atonement. 

June 27, 1844, Joseph and Hyrum Smith were shot. I studied D&C 135 in my personal study. My testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith grew so much that day. I'm so grateful for the sacrifices that were made so that we could have the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today. I'm grateful that I now have the knowledge that I can be with my family forever. I would not be here (like...alive) had Joseph Smith not had the humility and faith to pray on that beautiful spring morning in 1820. 

I didn't tell anyone, other than the sisters in our flat, that it was my birthday, yet they all found out. Those darn elders... sneaky sneaky. But it was sweet! I got to celebrate by doing a service project with the ward and cleaning a house of a member. Then we had pizza with a few members, taught Allen, then were with Marlies. Finally we went to the Skelton's for my birthday dinner, where they made pizza! The elders told them, so they ran out and got this delicious chocolate macedamia nut cake and other sweets :) It was really nice and low key. Then we came home to a decorated room full of streamers and balloons! LOVED IT. It was a great birthday! Full of miracles as well!

Throughout the day, we lost keys and we were with people that lost keys. The first thing to do when you lose something is to PRAY, not look for it quite yet. Prayer works. We will be inspired on what we should do to find/replace whatever was lost.

Add caption

Celebrating with the Skeltons

Also, we learned that persistence is key in this work! We've been working with a less-active part-member family since I've been here. They've shown interest on and off, but lately, as we keep going by and showing our love for them, they've started to open up. The dad and son came to the service activity and were able to interact with members of the EQ. After that, they came to church the next day for all 3 hours!! (they have only been to church 1 time since I've been here). The Lord truly prepares his children in his own time. It was amazing to see them there. Now we're working with the ward to help them progress. 

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE PROMPTINGS OF THE SPIRIT! 

Sister Uitu and I were walking to an appointment, when suddenly, I said, "we shouldn't go there". I had the strongest impression that we weren't meant to see Bianca. Sister Uitu then said, "I was just thinking that"...Then we were troubled with what we should do instead. We decided to call a member who lived nearby but said she didn't want visits for the next few weeks because she had a lot on. We were nervous, but as she picked up, she said "I was just thinking about you sisters...come on over!" We had a really nice discussion with her, which led me to tears...Her name is Margaret, and she's an older lady. She's so lovely and sweet. We love visiting her. Her faith is so amazing, and we're so grateful for the bold testimony she shares with us every time we see her.

 

I also got so rebuked last night. I felt prompted to go see a member after saying bye to Jenni, but it was dark and cold, and we knew she had a big day and probably wanted to spend time with her family. I was even in the middle of writing her a text, then let the natural man take over. DUMB IDEA. We were on the bus, after waiting in the cold for 30 mins, and the member called us and asked how far away we were and if we wanted to come over for dinner and she could drive us home. I felt so stupid for not listening to the spirit. Don't do that. 

My invitation to you is to ALWAYS listen to the spirit. Whether the prompting is big or subtle, follow it! 

Anyways, today, we're going over to Nelson's Bay! That should be good. 

ALSO. I got my birthday package! THANK YOU!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!! and Janet Parkes loved the milanos :P 

Love you heaps! Have a great week!

Sister Lew

I Love to See the Temple! - Letter from June 22, 2015

Talofa!

Happy Father's Day to the best daddy in the whole wide world! 

Yesterday in Gospel Principles, we talked about our Heavenly Father and the role that he plays in our lives. He's not just "God", but he's our Father. I'm so grateful to have a dad who is the best example of our Heavenly Father here on Earth. Words can't express the love and gratitude I feel towards both of my fathers. My invitation to you is to reflect on and evaluate your relationship with Heavenly Father. Pray and ponder about what you can do to strengthen this relationship.

And watch this video :) 

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-01-002-earthly-father-heavenly-father?category=mormon-messages/mormon-messages-2013&lang=eng&cid=HP_TU_6-16-2015_dPTH_fMLIB_xLIDyL1-B_

This week has been hectic! I can't believe it's already Monday again. It's been cold and rainy in Newcastle... meh. We've had a few good days of sunshine and many miracles along the way. 

We had our ward Temple trip on Saturday!! We had to wake up super early to drive down, but it was so worth it. June, Tori, and Shulin were there and it was awesome! They had a great experience and it was neat to see how they noticed the spirit of the Temple. Because I grew up in the church, I easily forget that the spirit felt in homes, church, and especially the Temple are more foreign to people who are new to the church. I'm so grateful that I was brought up with this spirit and that I now have the opportunity to help others experience it as well. It was just so peaceful and refreshing. Although I wish I had done a session, it was nice to be in the baptistry. Sister Weiss and Sister Valdes came as well! 

June and Margaret with Sister Uitu and me

Tori and I

Shulin at the temple

Sister Valdes

Later that evening, we had an amazing lesson with our Korean investigator, Chris. Sister Uitu and I have been meeting with him since our first day together. We went over to the Reed's home for dinner and taught a lesson on the Atonement. It was so cool! The whole thing was really inspired. Before we even arrived at their house, Chris was asking questions related to the Atonement from his Bible study earlier in the day. We read from Alma 7:11-13 and bore testimony on our Saviour's sacrifice for us so that we can return to our Heavenly Father. When we asked him how he felt about it, he said that he was grateful and that he wants to follow Jesus Christ. We then invited him to follow our Saviour's example and be baptised on July 11th and he accepted! It was so quiet and peaceful in the room. The spirit was so strong and I was about to cry! Heavenly Father has prepared His children to receive the Gospel. He has His own timing in His work. Marlies bore her testimony in Korean and it was so cool. It tied off the lesson really nicely. 

The rest of our week has been good. We've been trying to meet more less-active members and finding more new investigators. This coming week will be our last zone conference with President and Sister Howes. I've learned so much this past year from them and am so grateful for the opportunity I've had to serve with them. Lots of exciting changes are happening! 

I hope you all have a great week! Love you heaps! 

Alofa Atu

Sister Lew

Letter from June 15, 2015

There truly is opposition in all things. Just when blessings are being poured down and people are making the right decisions by following Jesus Christ, Satan attacks hard. 

But let's start with some of the blessings. 

When I was in the City, we were teaching an investigator named Liu Ding. She was absolutely amazing and fantastic, but couldn't commit herself to preparing to be baptised. She knew the church was true but living the commandments was really hard for her. The Korean and Chinese speaking missionaries continued to work with her when I left. Since then, I hadn't heard anything until Saturday when I got a call from the Assistants saying that Elder Easton and Elder Arnold want to connect. They told me that Liu Ding just got baptised 20 minutes prior to the call in KOREA. It's been 6 months since I left, and since then, she's continued investigating, moved to Melbourne for a few months, back to Sydney, and then to Korea. Throughout that whole time, she's been meeting with missionaries. She even fellowshipped for them. SO COOL! Heavenly Father is amazing. One of the last things Elder Easton said was that "no effort is wasted", and this whole experience truly testified to me that no effort is wasted. The Lord has a purpose for everything, regardless of whether we're planting seeds, reactivating, or baptising. This work is directed by the Lord himself. 

Shulin is doing really well! He received the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday and got his temple recommend and will be coming to the Temple trip on Saturday along with Tori and June!!! We're so excited for this ward temple trip. I absolutely love the Temple. It's just so beautiful and peaceful. We're able to really build our relationship with God and feel at "home". I feel so blessed that Heavenly Father has provided a perfect plan for all of his children to return to Him and that we have Temples to assist him in his work. 

Another blessing, I'm staying in Newcastle for 8 more weeks!!! I know that the Lord needs me here. There are lessons to learn, miracles to see, and work to be done. Newcastle Ward is so great. I feel so blessed to serve here. 

I personally have felt a lot of Satan's influence on me this past week through discouragement, laziness, anger, frustration, impatience, etc...But through scriptures and prayer, I've been able to push back. I'm grateful for the knowledge and resources I have to overcome these temptations and trials. With these feelings, I asked Elder Ezra for a blessing. It was one of the most beautiful blessings I've received. It reassured me of my purpose here, not just on the mission, but in life. Serving a mission has taught me to truly forget myself and go to work. This isn't about me, but it's about Heavenly Father and bringing His children back to Him. 

I invite you to look up scriptures and hymns that comfort you in times of need. We have been provided with such great tools to remind ourselves that we have a Saviour who performed the Atonement so that we can overcome life's challenges and trials. There will be times where we will need them. They will help us draw nearer to Christ and help us rely on him, thus increasing our faith in Him. That faith leads to many more blessings and miracles that Heavenly Father is waiting for us to experience.

anyways that's about it...

It's cold here. I got to pet a koala today! Sister Metcalf was kind enough to take us to Blackbutt reserve (hence why I'm emailing so late). Life's been good. just busy and cold. also I'm on a chocolate fast until my birthday. (...I think I'm addicted to dark chocolate). I'm excited for the Temple trip this Saturday! 

Max Brenner Chocolate

I love you all! Have a great week!

Sister Lew

Baby, It's Cold Outside…. Letter from June 8, 2015

I feel like I should be singing Christmas songs because it's so cold. We're snuggling by the heater with our fleece blankets and in our fuzzy socks. But then we remember we're in 'straya. 

This week was a miracle week…

Shulin's Baptism

Shulin got baptised!!!!! This whole experience was definitely a trial of my faith. I personally didn't think he was going to be baptised, based on our recent lessons with him. He was busy with finals this week, and we finally got to see him on Friday afternoon. During our lesson, we asked him straight up about baptism. He said he still needed more time and wants to increase his faith. We told him that it wouldn't increase if he didn't act on the faith he already has, and the next act is to be baptised. He was still a little hesitant, but then we invited him to pray with us right then and there and ask God if he should be baptised tomorrow or the following week or at some other time. We instructed him to wait after the prayer and just listen to his thoughts and feelings. He said a very powerful, simple, heartfelt prayer and then we waited in silence for over 5 minutes. The anticipation was killing us. Then he looked up and said, I think I need to be baptised tomorrow. The spirit in that room, despite the noise and craziness around us, was so peaceful. It felt so right. Sister Uitu started crying. It was incredible. So then we starting planning his baptismal service. We called everyone in the ward and ended up with a nice, small, and simple service. Right before, the EQ president (who picked Shulin up) called, saying that the house they went to said Shulin doesn't live there and none of us could get a hold of him. I panicked and thought of the worst case scenario. It was crazy. But then everything worked out and his phone is just being silly, and he lived at the house right next door. I got to bear my testimony and sing in Chinese and that was really cool. The Gift of Tongues is real because I know my Chinese is no where near sufficient enough to bear the testimony I bore. He also had an incredible blessing when he was confirmed. He was blessed that he would have the courage to help others receive the Gospel as he received it. Then I thought to myself, HE'S GOING ON A MISSION. Okay, so we'll see what happens, but that would be so cool! Also, we have the same surname! Liu! We might be cousins!! It was a very humbling experience and I know that Heavenly Father is preparing His children to receive the Gospel. 

On Tuesday, we had a conference with Elder Pearson, the area president who was doing a mission tour. That was REVELATORY.  Elder and Sister Pearson are so boss. Super bold and straight forward with high expectations, but they do it with love. It reminds me of the way I was raised, both at home and at school. There was no room for mediocrity when we can excel in what we do. We're doing well, but we can be doing so much better. There is no need to be shy about asking for referrals. There is no need to be casual about the Lord's work. We are here as servants of the Lord. 

As we applied the revelation we received into our work, we saw so many miracles. We had 3 new investigators and I felt that our companionship has grown closer as we've made a conscious effort to invite the spirit into our companionship. 

Seriously, it was amazing. 

Conference with Elder Pearson

The work is going forth. It's amazing to see what has happened in the 6 months I've been in Newcastle. Every fast and testimony meeting, we are encouraged by President to ask a few members to bear testimony of their missionary experiences or on missionary work to set the tone for the meeting. So we did that, we invited a member and one of the primary kids to bear their testimonies and we had such a powerful meeting!! All of the testimonies that were shared were so incredible and full of the spirit. It was really neat. 

I'd like to invite you all to look for missionary opportunities in your daily lives. Jessie and Mum, you have a great opportunity on Thursday as you travel. Carry a pamphlet or Book of Mormon with you. Write your testimony in it and give it out on the plane/at the airport. Every person that walks by you is a child of God and deserves the opportunity to receive eternal life. Let me know how it goes :D

Heavenly Father is pouring down blessings. Yes, I'm tired and I'm stressed (although I shouldn't complain...think about the prophet and apostles), but it is so so so worth it. 

I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to serve my Heavenly Father. I'm so grateful for His love in my life. 

Love you all heaps! Safe travels and stay healthy! 

Sister Lew