September 6, 2011
Thank you dad! I printed this out, and will read it again...
Family and friends,
I feel the Lord knows what's in store for me.... My heart is so full and my eyes sting because this morning at a leadership training meeting, President Pingree had Elder Hill and I bear out testimonies as the "departing missionaries" I walked up to the front of these missionaries and felt very humbled...not seeking to impress anyone or say something that is going to be remembered forever as I so often felt like that moment would be...but rather I just felt well..."silent...like a lamb.." not much to say with words, only with tears can I truly express how I feel about serving here in Houston.
I started out by saying "there is a motto the Coast Guard has: 'We do this, so that others may live'....my first thought was as missionaries...but my mouth opened and I expressed of Jesus Christ. He suffered beyond what we can imagine so that we could live...when the storm was so rough that no one else dares travel in it, our savior took the blows. Because he loves us. I testified of our saviors love, of the love I have for him and how humbled and chastened I have been on my mission, more than ever in my life... but I have also NEVER felt a more sincere desire to LOVE then here as I have served.
I want to bear my testimony to you! I know this work is eternal, it's true. I know our brother and savior love me and you, and that he did what he did for us! So that we might live! I know in my heart that missionary work is part of the eternal plan of Heavenly Father to be a type of savior for our brothers and sisters waiting to be saved. In our meeting, I felt so much warmth from the Holy Ghost that my heart could barely contain it. I knew the things being taught were true. I know that these 19 year old boys have been set apart and called of God and am fulfilling their Priesthood responsibility of serving a mission and feeding the sheep! "Tens of Thousands" President Pingree says and today shirts were passed out to each missionary and we signed our standard of truth flag testifying to our mission, god and ourselves that we will strive to honor and respect our call as missionaries as well as all the missionaries that have come before and will come after!
Elder Holland came and spoke to us 2 weeks ago and said "missionary work is the life blood of this church, it has started that way, it is today and it will finish that way..." his eyes begin to fill with tears as he grips the pulpit and continues..." and YOU DO NOT HAVE TO RIGHT to degrade those who have served before you as missionaries". Wow! My heart was pounding, to hear such words. I never thought about it like that.
I feel so deeply moved to have the support of those I love and I know love me because I have had support out here serving the Lord. I then looked into the eyes of the elders many with watered faces and I said "many of you know my younger brother has chosen not to serve... seeing you here, gives me hope. I honor and respect you for serving. I watch and love each of you.
The Book of Mormon is true; it is the word of God. It stands as a witness to the world that Jesus is the Christ that he lived, died and was resurrected again on the 3rd day and we do claim that through a living prophet Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father has again called and restored that priesthood authority on the earth. Because it was lost, thousands of years ago because of sin. Today is the day we MUST share what we know to be true. Find this conviction within yourselves. The Gospel of Jesus Christ heals all hurt and breaks down all barriers. God lives and his love for us are shown through his words. The Holy bible, the book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, pearl of great price and his living prophets today! Thomas S. Monson is a prophet for the world today. I know this to be true through sincere prayer.
We do this so that others may live....as members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days saints. This is our duty and if our motive is love, nothing can prevail against us!
The work is amazing. Natalie Powell is getting baptized Sept 16th!
Amanda is doing great got baptized last week and Susan got baptized the week before. They are doing wonderful! The church is true. Families are forever through God’s eternal plan!
I love you
Form here to home
Sister Judkins
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Letter #73
August 29, 2011
Question......
I am finishing strong don't worry, got tons of stuff I need to accomplish and plans to strengthen the ward and missionary foundation before I leave....everyone is saying I should come back and get a job down in Texas here with all my contacts I have! Thinking about it.
Side note:
last night I went to Amanda’s house (she got baptized sat) so funny...we forgot to tell her to bring underclothes (extra) and we went running around and ended up tying a big trash bag around her chest to bind her down while she got baptized!! It was hilarious! :) She is awesome!!! All she wants to do is share the gospel! :)
Love Sis. Judkins
Question......
I am finishing strong don't worry, got tons of stuff I need to accomplish and plans to strengthen the ward and missionary foundation before I leave....everyone is saying I should come back and get a job down in Texas here with all my contacts I have! Thinking about it.
Side note:
last night I went to Amanda’s house (she got baptized sat) so funny...we forgot to tell her to bring underclothes (extra) and we went running around and ended up tying a big trash bag around her chest to bind her down while she got baptized!! It was hilarious! :) She is awesome!!! All she wants to do is share the gospel! :)
Love Sis. Judkins
Letter # 72
August 22, 2011
WHAT A WEEK!!!!....
Ok...Susan's Baptism was INCREDIBLE!! There was a party for the Spanish branch @ the same time...but the spirit was so strong. She is doing GREAT! The lord is really blessing her physically with her cancer and health. She is telling her friends and family knows that smoking in her home is not appropriate any more! :) She is great! Received the Holy Ghost and when we raised our hands to welcome her, she was so funny, she started to wave to everyone! She is so good. ha ha ha! so cute
it was so cool too because after the baptism we went to eat the Mexican food at the party ;) (you know if there’s a party that's where I'll be) and we had the opportunity to meet Liz (leaving in 2 weeks on her mission to California), Katy (22-thinking about going...but lots of things r holding her back) and Hanna (an 18 yr old girl you would never guess would want to serve...but if you look close, you can see what's inside) ! I was able to bear testimony to them of what my 18 months has been like for me and why it truly is the best thing in the entire world! they all kept coming to me and asking questions and their eyes really wanted to know. to me I feel so happy, this work is not done when I take off the badge (which isn't happening, I'm going to wear one under my shirt ha ha!) but really it goes deeper. this job is literally sharing the truth...the plan to happiness! if you’re not happy...read the scriptures. if you are still unhappy serve your family look around you, feel God's love. don't let Satan put thoughts of anger, hatred, and depression in your hearts, we are children of God. we have a body and have a purpose in being on earth. we have eternal parents and because they love us with all their hearts they give us commandments to follow and by keeping these commandments we get to show them how much we love them and want to be with them again! wow! Mom and dad, we should treat you with so much love and respect, you are such great examples to me of reading the scriptures and saying family prayer and FHE and going to church no matter what! thank you for your strength in holding on to the iron rod and teaching us kids how to do the same! WE ARE STRONGER THAN WE THINK! how grateful I am to not only KNOW this but FEEL it inside!
Amanda is getting baptized This Saturday and has been receiving opposition also with her new boy friend and that's been a struggle. But God has his plan for her. and she was in the same predicament defending her religion tooth and nail 2 years ago...she said she just needed her heart to be softened! she is ready. came to church and passed her interview and right after Bishop Carruth had her come in for an interview with him in the office. she was nervous to see her b-friend's family yesterday because they had a LONG talk the night before...so we offered to say a prayer with her. she is INCREDIBLE!
getting our new converts their new member lessons has been a HUGE challenge...this week sister Taylor and I incorporated a stratagem! we are assigning all 4 (soon to be 5) new members to another member (including ward missionaries) and committing them to take PMG and within the next 2 months set up apts with the new members and teach the lessons. they are in charge of setting apts up and getting a partner to come with them. we are going to each member’s home and inviting them personally and letting them know what a HUGE influence they will be for this new member! we talked to bishop and the ward mission leader and they all like it. we pray that it works, because the rate this ward is going, we are going to need a class just for our investigators (friends) :) we are also getting HT involved with lessons!
Marisa and Jacob are doing well...slow process....Jacob going to school, and getting new member lessons and attending young men’s are all going to help him be more respectful and appreciative at home. reading scriptures and coming to church and praying we are focusing on with them!
RHIANN!!!! is new! member referral! sister Houston organized a time we could have lunch with her and Rhiann came to church Sunday! she really loved it! I asked if we could meet together for us to teach her more. and she said we would talk and stay in contact with sis Houston!!! I LOVE WORKING WITH SUCH INCREDIBLE MEMBERS!!! The power of conversion starts within the hearts of those we love. let us love our friends and just like you President follows the promptings of the spirit to follow through and share the most precious gift we have! and when they feel our love and sincere desire for their happiness...they will open their hearts and like Amanda receive the convincing power of the Holey ghost as it whispers within saying "this is home....your search is now done, now you must follow"....WOW!!! I love this gospel with all my heart! I can hardly believe I get to do this for the REST OF MY LIFE!!!!
I love you and your family, thank you president for encouraging us.
-Sister Judkins
WHAT A WEEK!!!!....
Ok...Susan's Baptism was INCREDIBLE!! There was a party for the Spanish branch @ the same time...but the spirit was so strong. She is doing GREAT! The lord is really blessing her physically with her cancer and health. She is telling her friends and family knows that smoking in her home is not appropriate any more! :) She is great! Received the Holy Ghost and when we raised our hands to welcome her, she was so funny, she started to wave to everyone! She is so good. ha ha ha! so cute
it was so cool too because after the baptism we went to eat the Mexican food at the party ;) (you know if there’s a party that's where I'll be) and we had the opportunity to meet Liz (leaving in 2 weeks on her mission to California), Katy (22-thinking about going...but lots of things r holding her back) and Hanna (an 18 yr old girl you would never guess would want to serve...but if you look close, you can see what's inside) ! I was able to bear testimony to them of what my 18 months has been like for me and why it truly is the best thing in the entire world! they all kept coming to me and asking questions and their eyes really wanted to know. to me I feel so happy, this work is not done when I take off the badge (which isn't happening, I'm going to wear one under my shirt ha ha!) but really it goes deeper. this job is literally sharing the truth...the plan to happiness! if you’re not happy...read the scriptures. if you are still unhappy serve your family look around you, feel God's love. don't let Satan put thoughts of anger, hatred, and depression in your hearts, we are children of God. we have a body and have a purpose in being on earth. we have eternal parents and because they love us with all their hearts they give us commandments to follow and by keeping these commandments we get to show them how much we love them and want to be with them again! wow! Mom and dad, we should treat you with so much love and respect, you are such great examples to me of reading the scriptures and saying family prayer and FHE and going to church no matter what! thank you for your strength in holding on to the iron rod and teaching us kids how to do the same! WE ARE STRONGER THAN WE THINK! how grateful I am to not only KNOW this but FEEL it inside!
Amanda is getting baptized This Saturday and has been receiving opposition also with her new boy friend and that's been a struggle. But God has his plan for her. and she was in the same predicament defending her religion tooth and nail 2 years ago...she said she just needed her heart to be softened! she is ready. came to church and passed her interview and right after Bishop Carruth had her come in for an interview with him in the office. she was nervous to see her b-friend's family yesterday because they had a LONG talk the night before...so we offered to say a prayer with her. she is INCREDIBLE!
getting our new converts their new member lessons has been a HUGE challenge...this week sister Taylor and I incorporated a stratagem! we are assigning all 4 (soon to be 5) new members to another member (including ward missionaries) and committing them to take PMG and within the next 2 months set up apts with the new members and teach the lessons. they are in charge of setting apts up and getting a partner to come with them. we are going to each member’s home and inviting them personally and letting them know what a HUGE influence they will be for this new member! we talked to bishop and the ward mission leader and they all like it. we pray that it works, because the rate this ward is going, we are going to need a class just for our investigators (friends) :) we are also getting HT involved with lessons!
Marisa and Jacob are doing well...slow process....Jacob going to school, and getting new member lessons and attending young men’s are all going to help him be more respectful and appreciative at home. reading scriptures and coming to church and praying we are focusing on with them!
RHIANN!!!! is new! member referral! sister Houston organized a time we could have lunch with her and Rhiann came to church Sunday! she really loved it! I asked if we could meet together for us to teach her more. and she said we would talk and stay in contact with sis Houston!!! I LOVE WORKING WITH SUCH INCREDIBLE MEMBERS!!! The power of conversion starts within the hearts of those we love. let us love our friends and just like you President follows the promptings of the spirit to follow through and share the most precious gift we have! and when they feel our love and sincere desire for their happiness...they will open their hearts and like Amanda receive the convincing power of the Holey ghost as it whispers within saying "this is home....your search is now done, now you must follow"....WOW!!! I love this gospel with all my heart! I can hardly believe I get to do this for the REST OF MY LIFE!!!!
I love you and your family, thank you president for encouraging us.
-Sister Judkins
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