Mission Newsletter #27

Sister Butterfield and I :)

This week we have been getting a work out! Let me tell you! We bike and walk everywhere! After my first

day of riding I had bruises everywhere! You can see for yourself! (Pic) I also got into my first crash yesterday coming back from the church building! (Ok. Lies. I had another mini one before when I ran into a parked car. It was all good though cuz I was going slow.) But anyways, I biffed it on the gravel. I was a tough cookie though and kept riding! That's what you do on a mission, just keep going!

While in Sylacauga, overall, the people are nice and I love them, but you can find some Gems. There was a man who pulled over while we were biking. He asked us if we were mormon wives. Because this is a common misconception, we exchanged contact info to clarify and tell him briefly about what we believe. The next morning in our studies, we get a call from him, "What's for breakfast?" Awkward let me tell you. :) After this for several mornings, him calling us sweetie, and then trying to blame a car accident he got to on us since we rescheduled our appointment with him, we passed him on to the elders. haha. He were just getting nervous about meeting up with him and Hallelujah for that! He met the elders at Sonic and ended throwing his change in the air after removing his shirt and yelling to the sky or "heavens." He told them he wants to be a minister and so he's learning all he can. A little crazy in my opinion! haha. Who knows...

 

Everyday life in Sylacauga. First one, I accidentally turned around. Sis.Butterfield feels like it gave it an artistic edge. But I took another one a different day as a re-do! Enjoy!

Also this week, we have continued to teach Justin. He is such a Star! He is progressing amazingly! He came to church for the first time yesterday and bought a suit the day before to wear. He has had such a sweetness and enthusiasm throughout his whole teaching process. So neat to see! We had his baptismal date set for May 3rd, but he said he wants to be baptized as soon as possible. If Sis. Butterfield and I can teach him everything soon enough, we might be moving it up!

 

The Devil is everywhere! It's like he is taking over the world! I don't like it! See this wonderful necklace in hand? Yeah, just discovered that the swirls in it make a skull!!! What? That is horrible! He keeps into everything, even when we don't know it. I don't know if I can wear this necklace anymore... :'(

Yesterday, while walking back from an appointment, we got picked up by a sweet girl named Kayla. She had apparently seen us before outside of her apartment and felt a strong need to do a bible study with us. Her grandma used to be taught by missionaries before. We were able to set up an appointment to come back and see her! It's amazing how the Lord will place things in your path as you work hard and are obedient. He will truly bless you for your efforts and cause miracles to happen. We'll see what happens with her.

Meca's Baptism (I am a shrimp compared to Bro. Burdick...)

Lastly, on Saturday, I was able to go to see Meca get baptized in Bessemer! Congratulations to her! Her family is so sweet and cute! Michael is still on to be baptized in Ensley this next week. He is moved out until they are to be married. I am so happy for that family and it was such a blessing to be able to go back and watch it all take place.

While I was in Bessemer for the baptism, I also go to visit my dear Alisa. I love her so much! It was great to be able to see her and take her out to lunch. I pray for that family everyday.

Lovely Alisa and I after the baptism

I want to leave with you a scripture Sis. Butterfield and I found in our studies this morning. It's Acts 3:19-21. It says, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things (referring to the Restoration of the Gospel), which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." We have found several places in the bible where it testifies of the Restoration of this gospel. It is so clear with our knowledge to find all this witnesses of the Lord's gospel. I know it is back on the earth and it contains the truthfulness. I am so grateful I get to be a part of the sharing of it here in Alabama. I am so happy. I love you all and hope you have a fabulous week!

Love,

Sister Salmond