Mission Newsletter #29

Went to the Jenkins home and got to watch the fireworks off the lake.
Justin was able to come too! So fun. :)  

So, I have food allergies, like most of you know. So, in addition to the sacrament bread, we also have tortilla chips on the trays for me. In our congregation, we have an autistic girl. This last Sunday, when they were blessing the sacrament bread, after they said, "bless this bread..." she panickly said "and chips! And Chips!" haha. It was so darn cute! I couldn't help, but chuckle. I love my little branch here in Sylacauga! :)

This weekend, we also had a branch 4th of July Cook-out! With lots of fun and games!...and eLdErS! We didn't plan on that one... They dropped off our elders and stayed to clean up and ended up joining in, since we had a small turn out. Ended up being lots of fun though with good food, a pie eating contest, egg race, balloon toss, and singing. It was  good times for those who were able to come. :)

Some of the prizes we made!

All the pies and party stuff shoved in our fridge! Don't know how we got it to fit!

Eat up!

Let the pie eating contest begin!

The Pie Contest got a bit messy...

Egg race, so fun!

Three-

This week was Clara Jean's Baptism! She is Esse's grandma and is so funny and sweet! Let me tell you, she

is adding some nice baptist spice to our congregation! :) She bore her testimony several times during our testimony meeting from her chair. haha. I love her so much!

Huge Miracle: Last transfer, I met two sisters, Anna & Stephanie, on an exchange. They said we could come back and teach them. They seemed really nice and open. A couple days later, Sis. Shattuck and I went to their house. They seemed cold and said they weren't ready for church. It's was like a 180 since last time I saw them. I felt an urge to go back again, but Sis. Shattuck pointed out that it was a pretty solid no. I too could recognize it. So, I prayed that God would provide a way for them to have another chance to receive the gospel, if not with me, with missionaries in the future. I just felt that they still needed it for some reason.

A month later: I went to call a lady we met, Anna, but I accidentally called the wrong Anna. I didn't realize it at first. I set up the appointment and then asked for her address. When she gave it to me, I recognized the error. Oops! So, the next day, we headed to the appointment on foot, although we were quite afraid of another shut down. However, when we got there, they were open and ready to hear the gospel. Anna & Stephanie mentioned how they get confused with all the different interpretations of the Bible. They are studying with many religions, trying to find truth. We were able to share with them the example of Joseph Smith and how they are much like him. We shared with them about how we have a Book of Mormon to help clarify the meanings of the Bible. We promised to bring them one back and they were excited about that. Since then, we have brought them a Book of Mormon and taught them the Plan of Salvation. They love what we have been teaching them thus far.

I know God loves His children. This is only one of the evidences of it. He won't ever give up on us and will give us another chance over and over again. I love our Savior and I am so grateful, I was able to play a part in this miracle. I know it wasn't a co-incidence that we made that accidental phone call. Miracles happen in his due time. Look for the miracles in your life and the amazing timing the Lord has and He places things in your life. He truly is an incredible micro-manager and is watching over each of us, helping us every way He can. I love Him for that.

I love you all! Thank you for all the prayers and blessings!
Have a great week!
Sister Salmond