Week 24.

We showed up to an appointment that fell through, but we knew the Lord had something else for us to do. We started biking and talking to everyone we saw. All of a sudden we noticed a mom in the distance walking with 2 little boys all carrying big grocery bags. I exclaimed, "a family!" and we quickly flipped a U-ie. We asked them if we could carry their groceries in our baskets and we got to talking. The mom, Sharica, moved here 2 years ago from Memphis. She has been through it all, including being forced her into prostitution at age 12 in order to get money for food. While living the "bad girl life", she always knew she was a "different bad girl". She always feared God, not Satan/man. She eventually realized she needed to take a leap of faith and get away. She moved to Corinth knowing nothing. 

When we met her she said, "You don't know how much it means that I met y'all today. You are the friendliest people I've met in 2 years. I rarely leave the house because it is so dangerous but today something just told me I needed to." Needless to say, she came to church 2 days after we met! At church Markease, her 5 year old son, turned to her and said, "Mom. I knew we would find our family."

The moment her son said that Sharica knew it was true. She knew God had answered her prayers and led her to the true gospel of Jesus Christ. She has been fighting for 2 years to do what is right, with no family, friends, or money. She stays in the house all day because she lives in a bad part of town. I know God led us to Sharica and her 2 sons, CJ and Markease.

I don't know how to describe it, but I feel a different type of connection to Sharica than I have to anyone else. She is a very special strong spirit. I know we knew each other before coming to earth. It is really crazy and I've never felt this way before, but I know I was supposed to meet her. It was predestined. She said, "girl, you and I have some spiritual thing going on here. Whenever you talk I just cry."

I am deeply humbled and so grateful I was able to listen to the subtle prompting to notice them in the first place. If I hadn't promptly followed, Sharica would still be living in confinement with no help. She would not have found the truth. She would not have found her family. I love being a missionary more than words can describe. The work is real. The power is real. I know with perfect clarity that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth, and I am eternally thankful.

All my love and amazement at the goodness of God,

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

 Sister Bryant and I driving to Iuka, the dinkiest little town ever! had to stop and take a pic with the field!

 Sisters Restaurant! Had to document!

Ms. Sarah Spencer. My favorite little old lady who has blue eyes. Gorgeous. She is getting baptized Saturday!! (my first official baptism, well Gods, but first person I've taught!! yay!)

 Bonnie!! She made us chicken casserole and chocolate pie this week! Such a gem!

Sharica!!! She was SO EXCITED to get the Book of Mormon! She taught me how to throw up the "deuces" hahhahha

Week 23!

Yesterday I had one of the most powerful experiences of my mission. Two months ago Sister Schwendiman and I saw a lady smoking a cigarette sitting on a bench. We started talking and soon learned she was a Mormon, but hadn't been to church since 1982. Yesterday Bonnie came to church. I can't possibly explain the pure joy I felt. We have been visiting her since mid January, trying to help her rediscover the light she used to feel. She had made a new years resolution to go to church every Sunday, was attending a non denominational church with her daughter, but knew there had to "be something more". We helped her start reading the Book of Mormon again. She soon remembered the happiest period of her life was when she was active in the Mormon church. Yesterday at service Bonnie told me she was "home".

  

As I sat next to her in church I felt God's love SO strongly. I was overwhelmed with the spirit. My heart burned as with a glowing fire. My eyes were filled with tears of the purest, most real, lasting, peaceful joy I have ever felt. I learned for myself that these scriptures are true: "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God" (D&C 18:10) and "if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" (D&C 18:15).

I learned Heavenly Father values each individual person more than we can even imagine. Amongst the billions of people living on earth, the simple fact that I had helped ONE person find the truth again meant the world to God. I felt like everything I'd done for the past 5 months as a missionary was worth it. All the effort, work, stress, diligence, exhaustion, obedience, struggles, doubts, confusions, etc. were ALL worth it. Bonnie learned God has a plan for her. Even though she has been gone for 30 years, it is never too late to turn your life around. God had miraculously led us to her on that bitter January day, and she remembered The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is where she belongs.

Have a wonderful week my dear friends. The JOY IS REAL, and I have tasted it! I love being a missionary!

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

 Sister Bryant and I were accidently matching with our polka dots!!! So fun!

 ROB MORSE SENT ME HOMEMADE PESTO VIA MAIL. Absolute best moment of my life. Ate it with a spoon right then and there. Also, TRISH MORSE sent me a package this week with perfect organic delicious smelling high quality soap and chapstick, my favorite bars, and the kindest letter ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM THE LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE! I love you Morse's and appreciate you more than you'll ever know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 random EMU we found on the side of the road! hahah it had red eyes, so cool!!

 stunning Mississippi sunset!

gorgeous sunset on the most beautiful day of sunshine and bike riding!!

Week 22.

Monday night we went to go visit our neighbors Danielle and Chris. We locked up our bikes and knocked on the broken screen door. Danielle answered with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. She said "we ain't doin' anything but y'all are welcome in". In we went. We all sat around the coffee table staring at the candle burning while Pandora was bumping through the tv and smoke was wafting through the air. Danielle is a cute 20 year old white girl who lives with her boyfriend Chris, a 30 year old black man with tattoos and freckles.  Danielle comes from a broken family and earlier that day her dad called and put his phone on speaker. He had all his old men friends over drinking and laughing as they yelled into the phone, "your daughter is a n****r lover. HA ha haha." Her father does not approve of her being with a black man.

As we listened to Danielle's depressing life we felt prompted to read from the Book of Mormon. I opened to one of my favorite scriptures in 2 Nephi 26:33, which reads, "the Lord inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile." We testified that God is our loving Heavenly Father. He does not judge us based on our appearance. We helped her realize that Jesus Christ has already suffered the pain she feels, so she can turn to Him with her troubles. 

Just as peace started to fill the room we see a light beam through the window. Danielle quickly went outside because she realized it was her father. He had been calling her nonstop but we were studying the word so she didn't answer. As she stood on the porch confronting her dad my heart ached. She desperately exclaimed, "What are you doing here?...Why do I live here?! Because I love him! I can't help who I love! ... And I don't understand why momma still lives with a man who beats her. And you are a drunk-look at you right now! You are always intoxicated! Go! Just leave." As she fought back the tears I did too. It felt surreal.

I don't fully understand why some peoples lives are infinitely harder than mine. But as I talk to more and more people I realize we all have a cross to bear. Life is not easy, nor was it ever meant to be. We all face challenges in order to help us grow. When Danielle came back inside we listened to her troubled heart. We testified of the peace Christ offers. In the Bible Jesus said, "Peace I leave you. My peace I give unto you. Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). No matter what we go through in life, if we cast our burdens at Christ's feet we will feel the reality of His love. His peace will fill our hearts and He will give us strength to move on.

I know Jesus Christ lives. I know He knows us individually and by name. He knows our hearts perfectly. Turn to Him. Trust Him. As you do so, comfort and peace will flood into your life. I love my Savior and am humbled to be His servant.

All my love and gratitude

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

 Michelle-my dear friend at church :)

 Michelle's hilarious husband Jeff! He thought my outfit was the ugliest thing ever...hahha!!!

 The Hermanas and Michelle and I. I love the Corinth Ward! So much color and uniqueness and love!!

  Exchanges with Sister Wilson!!! We had a blast. I love her. She is from Provo and knows all my friends. YAY.

Sister Bryant got her bicycle!! Whoo hoo!!

Week 21.

This week I received a new companion straight from the training center! Sister Bryant, whose fam is potato farmers! On her first day in the mission field we went to teach Sarah. She is a 73 yo black woman with bright blue eyes and short gray hair. We were teaching her about faith, repentance, and baptism when we heard a knock on the door. In walks her brother Herbert! He pulled up a chair and joined in the Jesus conversation. We explained who we were and that we had more truth to share with the world.

 

Sarah was excited to tell her brother about how her life has changed since she met us sisters just 3 weeks ago. She said, "I feel at peace. It feels so good. I sleep better. I'm not as tired. I just know this is right. I can feel it in my heart." She told her brother how she finally found what had been missing her whole life, and she was so grateful. Sarah told him how she is planning on getting baptized so she can feel this peace all the time. Herbert could feel the peace and love in the room (which is the holy ghost), and told us he wanted to learn more. 

 

I am grateful for Sarahs willingness to share what she feels. I have been feeling this love, purpose, and peace for 19 years and it is still challenging for me to talk about it. Sarah has only been studying the Book of Mormon for 3 weeks-and she already told her brother how awesome it is! Sarah taught me to be honest and open and bold, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the best BLESSING and GIFT we could ever have. It is true and I love it!

 

I love you all! Make it a great week my dear friends!

Sister Madsen

 

 reunited with elder redd. what a goof. he was my zone leader and we served together in prattville.

 we had a tornado warning and had to come in for the night! crazy winds, thunder, lightning, rain, so fun!

 cute yellow southern home!

 lunch at sister plunks home in selmer, tennessee! this is her pond! my eyes are closed...awk...but here is cute sister bryant! love her!

 sister murray and sister bush! what lovely ladies!

 Sister Haws!!! We were both at transfer meeting, love her!!

 

also side note-one of our investigators, kim from prattville, who is 27 died in a car crash. so sad. she has 2 little boys. she is the black one who i had tons of pics with and totally loved and adored. i think god is just not making it seem real bc i found out a week ago and it didnt really affect me. so thank you heavenly father, i know she is in a better place and can actually accept the gospel without all her earthly distractions!

i met a man wearing this hat the other day outsie of the grocery store...i asked if i could take a pic in it bc it said "FBI Firm Believer in Jesus. I love Jesus!" hahah so classic! i love the south!

lunch at sister plunks home in selmer, tennessee! this is her pond!

Week 20!

 it is so amazing to have this perfect family! I feel so much love. especially this week because I got packages from mom, the muirheads, hargadons, chloe Johnson, kramers, and $ from mariedda, and letters from the greassles, Julie, kate hargie, and a handful of other people. WOW GOD IS SOOOOOOOO GOOD and we have perfect lives!!! I am so humbled and grateful and full of love! y'all are the best ever.

I love y'all deeply, more than you know. I miss you all very very much. but this is exactly where I need to be. keep living those good lives!!!!!!!!

XOXO ella rae

Wednesday night we biked to the library and began locking up our bikes. Just as we did so, we saw a man drive up who had a flat tire. We quickly approached him and asked if we could do anything to help. He said no, but we got to talking. He was speaking slowly, but we listened intently. We showed our genuine love for him as our fellow brother. As the conversation continued, we learned that he had met Sister Senior and Sister Seville (other missionaries) back in the summer. We talked about life and were able to pivot to the gospel and teach the restoration, right there in the snow. We got his number, gave him a restoration pamphlet, and told him we owed him a Book of Mormon. The next day during planning Sister Schwendiman had the inspired thought to call him and set up an appointment. I was a little hesitant, but we did. Words can't possibly describe that phone call. It was perfect. It was everything a missionary ever dreams of hearing. He said, "I know this is something real because y'all wouldn't be out here in these conditions if it weren't. I have been lost in my life and I don't want to mislead my family. We are going to church right now, but I want to know where I really belong. A lot of these churches are just about traditions, and I don't think traditions get you into heaven." He wished he had met up with the other sisters, but never got around to it. He realized getting a flat tire and running into us was a sign from God that he needed to do something about. He said, "I am really interested. I talked to my family about meeting y'all last night. I can't wait to read the Book of Mormon and learn more." We set up an appointment to teach the family-husband, wife, and 4 kids!

What I learned: 1. We must listen with love. Often times I get caught up in the gung-ho missionary mode and forget that these people are people! We must connect with them, build trust, and tailor our message to their needs. Otherwise we will just be throwing words at them. 2. Follow up promptly! It hadn't even been 24 hours when we called Ray Hood back, but our encounter was fresh in his mind and he was able to remember the spirit. Because of this, he was eager to set up an appointment. 3. God has a perfect plan for each of our lives. His view is infinitely larger than ours, but it all works together for our good. Ray needed to meet the previous Sisters and get a flat tire 7 months later, and we needed to be at the library at that very moment.

God is so good. Miracles are real. I love this work and am excited for the new adventures that lie ahead!

Sister Madsen

 Just sending off the apartments mail...I think we send about 20 letters every week! The mail people probably are SO confused! hahha

We made homemade rolls the other day. BEST. THING. EVER.

 THANK YOU for the cookies mom. They were oh so delicious!

 sisters in our apartment!!! 2 of us are leaving :( this was valentines day and we all dressed in pink!!! so fun!

 I'm going to miss Sister Schwendiman!

 classic corinth, mississippi shot. got to love all the historical looking building and statues.

 

also, sorry these emails are spread out. we just got back from lunch with the former mayor of corinth!!!!! IT WAS AWESOME! He was mayor for 16 years and he is THE MAN. He is seriously the perfect connection because he knows everyone! he bought us lunch at the cutest, most local precious southern restaraunt ever!!!! i am obsessed with this small town! we just go in there and talk with everyone! the owners were so friendly and kind and we were just chatting it up with everyone adn there dog! it was SO rad!!! awwwww everyone wanted to know who we were and what we are doing. the cutest owner lady is super stylish and she was loving that the mayor took us to lunch so she took a pic of schwendi and i and said, "we have a fb page. do you mind if i post this picture to it?" um NO we dont, PLEASE POST IT! so check out fillmore burgers in corinth, ms. hopefully you can find smoething. but seriously, pics of the mormon missionaries on there site! hollaaaaa i was talking to the nice couple next to me at the bar stools and they were super interested in what we were doing. cnoversation was hopping and they said we should go meet this man named barry, bc he is a minister and does tons of community outreach! they said they would lvoe our help! this is my dream come true! We need to get involved in the community so people know mormons are normal and servicable!!!!! WHIPPEEE cant tell you how stoked i am! but the mayor man, jerry, said he would take us to go meet him! connections on connectinos! he can put in a good word for us! boom life is good!

 

so the story of how we met the mayor is even cooler!!!! the other day in companionship study schwendi told me she prayed for heavenly fathers help to know how she could get out and work in the snow bc her boots were letting water in whenever she walked. she said "god blessed me with the idea to wrap my feet in plastic bags then put them in my boots!" hahah love her. but i wouldnt let her do that so she borrowed my combat boots. we got on the bikes and rode away.

 we biked past a shoe store and both felt prompted to check it out. we locked up the bikes, prayed, and went it. and the kindest man ever was working there. he said he had been working there since he was a teen! He gave schwendi a FREE PAIR OF BOOTS! first of all, the prayer was answered. second of all, the kind man was JERRY THE MAYOR! love it! i asked how to clean my cream boots and he said "I will do it for you. LEave them here and pick them up tomorrow!" I let him serve me. sure enough we went back the next day and he had them cleaned and scrubbed and polished waiting for me! we made him some cookies :) and that is when he invited us to go to lunch. so this morning we called him up and made it happen!

 

sorry that was so long, but i love it!

 sweet girl we met when we were looking for a referral! love the butterflies in the back, her grandma made them all! hahha

 the elders and sisters and hermanas of corinth ward. jan-feb. its been a good crew!

 This vest-SO not missionary style but I could not let it pass! I found it at Goodwill and am obsessed. It has huge golden animal pendant things and cheetah! So I was wearing it when we got home and then I pulled out my cucumber for lunch and bit right into it. All the sisters were very confused by my behavior. hahha just got to enjoy some of my santa cruz life out here in mississippi! individual worth people! :)

 We made homemade rolls the other day. BEST. THING. EVER.

todd and carina-precious couple who were a member referral and are getting baptized!!!!!!!! LOVE THEM! they have a sweet 2 year old daughter and live in Tennessee!!

 the MAYOR MAN and us at lunch! love him! 

coca cola painting in downtown corinth! I am pretty sure they have a plant here or something!

Week 19!

The other day Sister Schwendiman and I went to go see our investigator Sarah. She didn't answer the door, so we figured we would try the two other people we knew in her same apartment complex. As we stood at Sarahs door we looked across the way to see both the people we know get in the same car and drive away. We found ourselves in the middle of a huge rainstorm, on our bikes, far away from home, with no one to see. So we got down on our knees and prayed. We told Heavenly Father we knew He needed us here for some reason, and we would discover it. We were prompted to bind the Lord-if we were to stay out in the pouring rain for the entire 1 hour 30 minutes with positive attitudes, that Heavenly Father would provide us with someone willing to hear our message. After we concluded the prayer we stood up and both pointed to the same door. We had to cross some serious puddles to get there, but we made it. We knocked on the door and sure enough, a kind older man opened. We were able to teach him and his wife about Joseph Smith and how he restored Christs church. The wife was very excited because she already had a Book of Mormon! God answered our prayer and provided us with a miracle.

 

Before we left the apartment Saturday we prayed that God would place people along our path that would be ready to receive the truth. We hopped on our bikes and started riding. We saw a few people outside of a house we pass by everyday, so we smiled and waved! One of the 2 people yelled out, "Don't catch an ammonia!!". Even though we were running a little late to our next appointment, we felt prompted to stop. We started talking about God with Mr. Pops and the 21 year old girl Danielle. Danielle doesn't go to church anymore because her preacher told her she was going to hell because her cell phone vibrated in church. She told us she was looking for a church and really needed some help. We were able to bear testimony that we had what she was looking for. WOW! Miracle!!! But God did not stop there!!! When we had finished our appointment and were biking to the next, we saw a man outside of his home and stopped to talk to him. Sure enough, he has a mormon friend and a Book of Mormon! And he really wants to read it and bring his 4 kids to church! SERIOUSLY, that is real! It was a very cold day and the only 2 people that happened to be outside were open to our message! God is too good to us! He literally placed them in our path!!!! I know that if we truly turn each day over to the Lord, everything will work out. If He places someone in our path because we have prayed for it, we better stop and talk!! Talking to everyone is such a blessing, because we never know who could need the happiness we have to share.

 

Thinking about these experiences is very humbling. I don't know why Heavenly Father is allowing us to see so many miracles, but I am finding the greatest joy in this work. These are our brothers and sisters, and they need the happiness, peace, and deapth of purpose we have. This truly is a marvelous work, and I am eternally grateful to be apart of it.

With all my love and happiness,

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

Week 18!

In Doctrine & Covenants there is a scripture that reads, "the field is white already to harvest". This is referring to how people are ready to open their hearts and recieve Christs gospel in our day. Aka, people are looking for happiness and truth, and that is what we bring people as missionaries. However, we must meet people before we can help them. This week my faith has been strengthened in the fact that God is preparing people to receive my message.

 

On Wednesday we went to bring a card and cookies to a lady on her 73rd birthday. We met her the previous week and had given her a Book of Mormon. We visited with her and talked about her life. We soon learned she was confused as to why she was still on earth, since all her family had passed on. She felt like something was missing in her life. We were able to teach her about Joseph Smith and how Christ's church is back on the earth today. Her eyes seemed to light up as she learned this truth. She felt it in her heart and knew it was true. We discussed how God has a purpose for each of us, and that everything happens for a reason. She realized she was still alive because she needed to meet us. We helped her see her path back to Heavenly Father, and how she needs to follow her Savior. Jesus was baptized by God's authority to "fulfill all righteousness" and show us the example, so we must be too. We set a date for her to be baptized. This is so incredible because baptism allows us to be washed clean of all our mistakes. It allows us to start a new life of goodness, and is the gate to pure happiness!!!

 

On Thursday we taught a cute couple who have a 2 year old daughter. When we showed up they had a card for us that read "Thank y'all so very much for taking your time to teach our family about the Lord! We have been so lost in our life...and are so ready to be found! Thank y'all for helping us find out who we really are!" This touched me. I am the one who is grateful to be teaching them, for they are such wonderful people. The day after they started reading the Book of Mormon, their power was turned back on! When they read it at the hospital, their daughter was miraculously better. They have already seen miracles because of their willingness to follow God, and now they won't leave the house without the Book of Mormon! hahah love them! We were also able to set baptismal dates for them.

 

Sister Schwendiman and I have been doing our part, so God is fulfilling His promises. When I first got to Corinth 4 weeks ago, we didn't know any of the people we are now teaching. We have 4 solid people who are learning more and progressing and preparing to be baptized! It is so cool to help them on their journey to happiness!!! God is placing people in our path who are ready to learn. I know that we each have spiritual needs, somewhere inside of us. All of us wonder from time to time why we are here on earth. Or perhaps where we came from or where we are going. It is so profound and AWESOME to find people who are yearning to fill this gap. When we help them feel the truth they cannot deny the power. Hearts are touched and lives are changed. Even though all these miracles are happening, I know it is not me doing it. This is Heavenly Fathers work. I know I will only see these blessings if I humbly and prayerfully serve Him with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. And that is exaclty what I am striving to do.

 

In case anyone was wondering, I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!! I have never been so happy!! The church is true!

 

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

 IT SNOWED!!!!

 just out in bolivar, tennessee visiting a precious less active!! she gave us 2 dozen fresh eggs from her chickens, YUM! also she has the best garden ever! country country!!!!

 this sweet lady named Jan sewed us these scarfs, hats, and gloves!!! she works at the dry cleaners and we met her there. she knows we ride bikes in the FREEZING weather, so we made these for us just to be nice! and now she texts us and wants to be fb friends. she said "god laid it on my heart to do it, so i did. i prayed he would teach me how and he led me!" I LOVE THESE suothern people!

 reunited with Sister Butterfield (MTC companion) at zone training!!! She and Elder Johnson are both serving in Tupelo, Missisippi!!! YAY! :)

 mexican food for lunch with one of my new stls!!! sister wilson from provo! she is bffs with lauren holmoe (my freind from byu, kaelin hales rommate). love connections!!!!

sister schwendi and i had a little photoshoot while we were waiting for the hermanas baptism to start!!! 

  our photoshoot!! hahah so hilarious yet so fun! this is right behind our church! SO gorgeous! i love it! 

so last night we went to this precious old ladys house for dinner. she is a member and she fed us the sweetest most humble meal ever. then we ended up only having 20 minutes before 9 so we didnt have time to go visit the people we wanted to go see...and we were sharing a car bc it was freezing and DUMPING rain...so we went to walmart and picked up trash, put buggies back, and walked people to their cars with our umbrellas! it was SO fun!!! then we were soaked and hypothermic, but we surely planted some seeds! the crazy mormon girls! love it! 

 the ellisons PERFECT package!!!!! thank you so very much! i am currently wearing my scarf! I am in love with it!!! we have the best family in the whole entire world!