Never a Dull Moment

(Typical Front Yard Decor in West Virginia!)

This month has been great! We hit a deer driving down a holler (don't worry Mom, I wasn't driving), I was asked to cast out an evil spirit, we learned that one of our investigators is married to her cousin, we doubled in and opened a new area, we were offered a knife, and we have witnessed countless miracles and conversions! It's been a good one!

On Friday Elder Joseph Sitati of the Quorum of the Seventy came to our mission to address the missionaries in our mission conference. Elder Sitati is from Kenya and is a convert of 27 years. He is a remarkable man! In his address to us he focused on our missionary purpose which is to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end."  It was a powerful meeting where the Spirit clearly testified of the importance of deeply understanding our missionary purpose.

The work of the Lord is hastening, and greater understanding of our purpose as missionaries and as members is necessary for His great purposes to be fulfilled.

Our "Foursome" received a call from President Pitt on Thursday with some bittersweet news. He told us that on Saturday Sister S. Williams I would be opening an area in Fairmont, about an hour from Buckhannon. Sister A. Williams and Sister Snow would be staying in Buckhannon where the work is moving forward at a spectacular rate.

 This news was difficult for us to accept; we have loved our fiesta of a companionship!

Sister Williams and I found our apartment in Fairmont cozily surrounded by clusters of ward members who offered us a warm welcome to our new apartment. Our landlord and home owner are both members of our ward, and they have ensured that we are in a good place. Our belongings were soon in the apartment, accompanied by the laughter and warmth of those helping us. Sister Williams and I are so happy to be here! Sunday morning we were welcomed into the ward by the members with such enthusiasm and love that we felt at home immediately! We were even given a part in the Primary Sacrament program! We love the people here in Fairmont immensely already! We are excited to work diligently and to learn and grow in this area. Opening an area is a great experience.

President Brigham Young said, "There is neither man or woman in this Church who is not on a mission. That mission will last as long as they live, and it is to do good, to promote righteousness, to teach the principles of truth, and to prevail upon themselves and everybody around them to live those principles that they may obtain eternal life." Be a missionary this week! We need your examples and we need your help in hastening the work of Salvation. Remember who we are serving and what we are serving for; remember your purpose as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I love you!

Love,

Sister Shumway