Miracle of the Week:
We are currently
trying to teach an older man named Michael, who for years has had a drinking
problem. We met with him a few short times, committing him to stop drinking,
but we would visit him the next day and he would admit to drinking just hours
after we left. It was so sad, and to a degree, frustrating because we knew we
couldn't really teach him until he was mentally aware and coherent enough. We taught him about
the power of prayer one afternoon. The Spirit was so strong, and we gave
Michael the solid promise that if we would say a prayer to God asking for
strength every single time he felt tempted to drink, he would be given the
power to give up his addiction once and for all. Yeah...super bold promise. Anyways, we the next
few days, he literally dropped off the face of the planet. Wouldn't answer his
phone, wouldn't open the door. It was heartbreaking!
A few days later, we
ended up getting a call from a member that was trying to befriend Michael, and
he explained the situation to us. Michael had kept his commitment to pray and
not drink, and because he stopped drinking cold turkey, he had a seizure and
had to go to the hospital! It was crazy! Sister Schmoekel and I freaked out and
visited him the next day. He was so physically tired, but we could see a
massive difference in him mentally and spiritually. We began teaching him that
day, and a few days ago we committed him to be baptized in October!
Struggle of the Week
(because there always is!): Satan is
real. Don't think he is? Oh yeah...he is.
This week had its
highs and lows in lessons. Sister Schmoekel and I have been teaching quite a
bit, usually 3-4 lessons a week, and we've been crazy busy. The hard thing is
that I am still a sparkling new missionary...which means that my knowledge is
still pretty limited! Satan worked hard
on me this past week on the confidence I had in myself as a missionary. But
guess what...the Atonement is REAL! After I got over myself with the help of my
wonderful trainer, Sister Schmoekel, my desire and motivation to study and soak
up the Book of Mormon has increased tenfold!
I know that the
Atonement is real, that because Jesus Christ suffered for our every sin,
temptation and weakness, not only can we know that there will always be someone
who knows exactly what we're going through, but we can also know that because
Christ endured through it, we can draw power from Him to endure through it
ourselves! The gospel is just SO GOOD!
Testimony of the
Week: This is from my journal entry a
few days ago-
"Today during
companionship study, we discussed the role of the Holy Ghost in missionary
work. Sister Schmoekel compared the Holy Ghost in our lives to a spectrum. Feeling
the Spirit, having the companionship of the Spirit at baptism, relying on the
Spirit and becoming one with the Spirit. I realized how I truly misunderstood
the role of the Holy Ghost in our lives. I could most definitely feel the Holy
Ghost before, but being on a mission now, I've come to realize how NECESSARY it
is to rely on the Spirit for inspiration and guidance. There is NO way we could
be doing God's work without the Spirit...it's just not possible! I love
thinking about how in our companionship, it's never just the two of us (or at
least, it shouldn't be). We're always in a trio: me, my companion and the Holy
Ghost. As long as we're doing the things that we need to do and being worthy of
the Holy Ghost, we will be guided to go where God needs us to go, say what God
needs us to say and be who God needs us to be. Isn't that amazing!
I
am so thankful for this gospel and for the peace that I feel in knowing that I
have come to know for myself that it is true. My gratitude for the Book of
Mormon is growing exponentially and my devotion to this work increases
alongside it.
God is so good! Thank
you all for your support and love- it means more to me than words can describe!
God be with you till
we meet again,
Sister McCown
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