We had zone training on Tuesday and I loved it! Every little thing they addressed was exactly what I needed to hear! How to bring the Holy Ghost, what to do when it is dark (because the sun sets at 4:30pm and we stay out until 9pm), how to spend an extra 20 minutes, talking to everyone, how to initiate conversation, what to do during sacrament meeting, stress, being your self and a missionary, serving from your strengths, being comfortable saying "I don't know" and following with your testimony, seeking referrals and contacting them, having a vision, not comparing, and involving members were all topics we covered. It was AMAZING! At one point we were trying to decide what our zone baptism goal should be for November. We were debating between 9 and 12, then our STL said "well why don't we pray!" So we all got down on our knees and an elder said a prayer. We all got back into our chairs and just sat there pondering. Our ZL said, "well what do we think?" we all sat there some more and then the spirit just filled my soul up and the word came spitting out of my mouth "12". I was like, "seriously ella!!! you are the new missionary! you don't even know what you are doing! and in october there were 0 baptisms!" but i felt the prompting and followed. it was beautiful. then a few others followed and all said 12 as well. so 12 it is. we must do every little thing in our power to make this goal come to pass. i am not going to waste one minute! there are people who are ready for our message and we are going to find them. So Zone Training got the fire burning even brighter and we are so excited to go forward this month and find, teach, baptize! It is so motivating to see so many young people who are STEADFAST IN CHRIST (our mission motto). I love it!
One beautiful thing that happened this week: We went over to a less active lady Manna's house to follow up on her Book of Mormon reading. We were very excited to hear she had been keeping her commitment and reading 30 minutes everyday! We had shown her the BoM videos online so she could better understand the stories before reading all the details. It really brought the stories to life and she said she could hardly put the book down! Whooo hooo!!! Then we asked, "How has your life changed since you started reading the BoM again?" She sat there pondering, then said with the most beautiful, genuine smile on her face, "Well, I haven't thought about it until you asked, but I smile more." It was incredible to physically and spiritually see the difference in her face. The light of Christ is real and we could see it glowing from within her. Oh how I love the Book of Mormon and the power held within its pages. I love seeing it change people. This is why I am here-to help others feel the same happiness, peace, and blessings that come from living a Christ centered life, and I LOVE IT!
One hard thing: I have to watch people choose to be unhappy. It is heartbreaking when people know and understand what they need to do-pray, read the scriptures, and go to church-but they just don't have the will power to do so. I have been pondering and praying about how to motivate people. One thing I need to do is promise specific blessings. If people understand the specific "reward" they will get by keeping the commitments we extend, then they will want to do it! I mean WHO DOESN'T WANT TO BE HAPPY! PEACEFUL, LOVED AND WITH THEIR FAMILY FOREVER!!! And that is just the beginning!! The gospel is everything and it gets me so excited!!! I just wish people could feel the same way I do! But our purpose here on earth is to grow and experience life-thus we have agency. I am trying to have more patience, compassion, and love when working with people. But I can assure you I have a lot of work to do! That is the beauty of it all though-we are here to learn and grow!! And I am SO GRATEFUL I am here in Alabama to do so.
I know Christ lives and He is our Savior. There is nothing more powerful or rewarding or humbling or motivating than wearing HIS NAME on my tag every single day. I am a servant for the one and only Jesus Christ. This is the greatest calling in the world! I love bopping around Prattville and talking to everyone and complimenting them. I am trying to be like Jesus by building everyone in my path. I feel His love shining on everyone when I smile or talk to others. My goal in doing this is to help people see His light working through me. This is not me at all, this is Him. I just try to leave everyone with a positive experience of the little Mormon girls! SO fun!
I know I am being watched over and prayed for and I am so grateful. The power of God is real and the priesthood is the biggest blessing. We have the exact same authority that Jesus had on earth!!! What what!!!! So miraculous! This is HIS CHURCH I am representing, He is here with me. I know it. And I love it.
Go forward this week and try to be better tomorrow than you are today!
With all my love, enthusiasm, and gratitude,
Sister Ella Rae Madsen!!!!
Some delicious Pecans!
Sister Haws and Ella!
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