The Plan of Salvation is REAL

What a week! We've been excited to meet a few new potential families to teach. I love finding! It's an amazing feeling to plant so many seeds of faith every day.

Wednesday we were out of a car yet again..so we got some great walking and exercise in. I think the Lord is trying to teach me something. Apparently I'm still pretty hard headed.

Wednesday night we prepared the chapel for a funeral that would be held there the next day. In these family wards, everyone is affected by a funeral of the older generation. Just as it was when we had someone pass in the Cochran ward, what a testimony of the plan of salvation. It becomes very real when you begin to imagine what your personal family member is experiencing on the other side at this very moment.

These homes with huge pastures and
mini ponies though...dream come true :D

On Thursday we made the long trip up to Macon yet again for medical purposes. At one point while we were in the hospital, there was a lady sitting next to us who was having an iron transfusion. After we all got settled in, we started a conversation with her. Then, as missionaries naturally do, we began talking about church, God, and family. She opened up to us a little and shared some of her views and thoughts. I didn't want to overstep seeing how the hospital probably wouldn't appreciate their patients feeling uncomfortable. I felt the need to ask her if she had ever heard of the Book of Mormon. As soon as the thought came into my mind..the conversation shifted in a different direction. "No!" I thought. I was praying for the right opportunity to arise again. She was nearing the end of her transfusion... and I was watching the remaining iron grow smaller and smaller. Drop by drop the chance was slipping away. Sister Anderson had closed her eyes for a minute, and the lady was eating her sandwich..so I figured well, now or never!

"Have you ever heard of the Book of Mormon?" The words were out of my mouth before I realized I had made up my mind to speak. She turned to me and said, "You know what..I think I have." Well, that initiated a full length conversation and lesson about the plan of salvation and God's love for us. There we were, Sister Anderson and I, sitting in a hospital teaching the plan of salvation (pamphlet and all) to one of the Lord's prepared children. She was excited to read the Book of Mormon and we got her information so we could send the missionaries where she lived to her. This work is true! The Lord WILL put people in our path. We just have to open our mouths...because it's NOW OR NEVER. :)

Thursday evening we had a lesson with an amazing family! They remind me of the Villella's from Hinesville (By the way, they are getting baptized in 2 weeks!!). There was a sweet feeling of the spirit in their home as their hearts were humble and their questions sincere. What a wonderful feeling! We are excited for them.

A well said quote from Sister Anderson after leaving a lesson we had Saturday morning, "It's a good thing when you walk away from a lesson with a smile on your face." When we speak by the spirit, people can feel things they never had before. It is an amazing process to visibly watch changes in someone's heart as the spirit speaks to them. What started out as a pretty routine discussion ended up as a converting conversation because of the spirit of God!

When running short on pots...

Let's allow ourselves the blessings of partaking of that spirit daily as we become more converted!

I have seen miracles, tears of joy and sadness, hearts softened, when it comes down to it..we have beheld the hand of God. What tender moments!

Love you all, and I love truth

-Sister Brown

Douglas Georgia!!

Well, I am now in Douglas Georgia serving with Sister Anderson! My third 'baby' in mission lingo. I absolutely love her! She is the sweetest girl, incredibly humble and just has the biggest heart. When she speaks, the spirit makes her words so comforting to those we visit. She's an amazing missionary already! I am so excited for the next two transfers with her! 

On Monday, sister Stout and I said goodbyes to some of the people in Statesboro. I attached a few pictures 

Sister Palmer. Sweetest lady we visited every 

once in a while. She always had a hard time 

working her new phone...so we helped her 

with the gospel library app on there.

Tuesday we went to transfers early in the morning. As soon as sister Anderson drove up with President Cottle and the new missionaries, I knew she was my new companion. We have loved getting to know each other. I can feel the miracles that will happen this transfer because of her. After the new missionary meeting and transfers, we had a few appointments to take care of in Macon that afternoon. I was so grateful and amazed how President and Sister Cottle spent the time with us individually to help us out. It taught me that no matter how 'busy' we may think we are, we need to make time for the one. That's what Christ would do, so we should do likewise. 

The rest of Tuesday consisted of a long drive back, unpacking, and reading up about the area. Thankfully, the sisters before us left things very organized. I was amazed. Because of the preparation they put into this whitewash, we have had much to do. We have met some amazing people so far. 

Mother's day was wonderful!! I feel so grateful for the family I have been born into and the love they have shown me. I KNOW families are the structure of heaven. It may seem hard when we see so many broken families in the world today, but when functioning properly, the family is the best learning and growing atmosphere. I pray that I can create an environment where my children will feel the spirit daily and learn to follow what their Father in Heaven teaches them personally. I know we can receive personal revelation because HE LOVES US. 

The Rhymes family. The are so, so good to the 

missionaries. They were recently baptized

and we would go over there about once a week

for the new member lessons. When we both left,

she gave us little care-packages. CUTEST

Yesterday we were able to visit a young mother who is living with her father and 3 yr. old daughter right now. From what we had read about her from the previous sisters, it didn't seem like she would be interested in coming back to church at all. When we went over though, we had one of the most amazing first visits I have had. I have only been here one week...but I felt a strong connection to her. By simply loving her and listening to what the spirit told us to say, she opened up to us a lot and she was really touched by our inspired questions. Heavenly Father knows exactly what she needed to hear, and I was so grateful He put that into our minds. The spirit was speaking to her last night. Of that I am sure. When that happens, we want to change. Change means we are progressing...and that is the purpose for this wonderful plan. We choose how much we progress. When we feel like we're at a stand still..then pray to know where to put that first footfall and take the step. I have loved the talk "What lack I yet?" From Larry Lawrence. Ask your eternal Father and He will tell you. 

I love you all! Fight for God's army!

-Sister Brown

Jovan was a deaf, less active member. I was so grateful
to meet her and to be able to have full conversations
with her. I think it had been a long time since she
had really had someone to sign with. What an amazing
experience! I was a bit rusty, but she was patient
and had the biggest heart! I'll miss her dearly! 

Goodbye Statesboro

What a week! After being with Sister Stout for this short amount of time...we have both learned so much. Wow. What incredible experiences we have had. We come here for the people we teach, but we also come for our companions. I have only friends, and those I don't know well enough yet. I am so grateful for the lasting friendships found in the mission! We are here to learn and grow from each other. Find your friends this week! Make new ones, catch up with old ones, find your family. :)

This week was amazing. We had a few wonderful service opportunities, met some amazing people through miraculous ways, and saw the love of our Savior grow stronger within those we continue to work with. I wish I had more time to tell you the stories...but some of those will have to wait. 

During our weekly planning on Friday, I received a call from the APs extending the call for me to train again! I am so excited! I absolutely love training new missionaries. It is such a wonderful experience to be put with these sisters who have a fire in their eyes and excitement in their step. I feel honored and blessed to be a part of their life. In all honesty, I probably just need to go through the training program all over again for a third time...maybe I'll finally get it right. ;) 

Oh, I will be white wash training again as well just like with sister Lewis. 

Saying Goodbye to sister Palmer!
Sweetest lady ever!

With that being said, we changed some plans around and drove up to the mission home in Macon to have a trainers meeting with the three other trainers (and Elder Holt-AP-who will also be training). The meeting was filled with the spirit and love. It was run a little bit differently than they usually do it in the past. I really liked it. We had more of a discussion than a training. A few things that really stick out to me this time around is how it truly is an opportunity to serve. It is an opportunity to find humility. Leadership positions never, never put us above another person. It becomes even MORE critical to listen and love those we serve. Always look out, never in. 

Then on Sunday, we went on a mini 'exchange' with some other sisters in the zone so Sister Lewis and I could attend MLC (mission leadership council). Since I am training, I won't be an STL (I know...there are so many acronyms to remember :D That's a sister training leader) this next transfer. It was a treat to attend at least one more meeting. Those are the absolute best. You feel the righteous desires of all the mission leaders in the room, and that is amazing...but then President Cottle speaks, and the spirit just flows into the room so powerfully. 

This was a special meeting because Elder Tony Parker from the 70 was there. He has a wonderful speaking style. His brother is actually a very well known baptist preacher in Atlanta. So imagine that at an LDS mission leadership meeting. Too good :) A neat story from him..he spoke at his brother's congregation one Easter. For about 10 minutes. Being missionary minded, he naturally shared the account of the Savior's earthly visit to the people in the America's found in 3 Nephi chapter 11 of the Book of Mormon. He told his brother he wouldn't hand out any copies of the Book or Mormon while in his sanctuary..but all bets were off when the people hit the sidewalk. In short, the two missionaries Elder Parker brought with him that day gave out hundreds of copies of the Book of Mormon and didn't have enough to go around to everyone that wanted one. People are HUNGRY for these glorious words. We simply have to present them as the precious pearl they are and to those with humble hearts. Share it with your friends! Share it with those you've met for the first time that day. I promise they will receive it better from you than any other way. Fall in love with this work! 

A classic car selfie with Sister Stout on the way to Macon.
We just really needed a couple pictures together because
neither of us has taken many. I love sister Stout!
I'll be sad to leave her, but excited for the adventures
that await her in her next area.

This week, I have continued to feel changes within myself. I absolutely love, love, love this work. I always have...but I have found something even more. There is nothing I would rather do. I fall more and more in love with the mission each day. Agency is a beautiful gift. I know that as we choose to love, and be a part of, the things that matter most, we will find a mighty change of heart within ourselves. 

Love y'all!!

-sister Brown

A Week in Stateboro :)

To start the week off, we have a great YSA group (lots of inactive ysa...but we're getting there)! They all meet on Monday nights for Family Home Evening. Apparently they sometimes bring friends (members and less active members) with them. It's so great to reach out and just invite. When we went to dinner yesterday, the wife of the home told us that when she was 14 she would get dressed and ready to go to church..then wait for someone to invite her (she  wasn't a member). But then they never would. How sad! Eventually....someone did invite her to a youth activity, but imagine how much happier she could have been if a simple invitation had been made months earlier. That's this week's challenge...INVITE. They don't have to say yes, but we MUST invite. :)

Tuesday we service for a part member family in the ward. You learn lots of neat skills on a mission...a new one for me was when we painted and crackled doors. After that I did a bunch of cleaning. Cleaning can make you feel so good because by the end of it, you feel so accomplished. By spending quality time with this family through service, it has softened the husband's heart a little. Years down the road, I pray he will be ready to look into the messages we share with them. :)

Tuesday evening was when the real cool story comes. Since this is a college town, we have a few investigators who are going to school. One of them is a Sorority girl who invited us to come to this coffee shop Tuesday evening with a few of her friends. She said a bunch of girls just come together and talk about Jesus. Sounded good to us. She had been hard to get a hold of recently so we thought this would be great, and we could meet new people. So we go...and order our sodas :D While we did so, she saw us and headed over to tell us to come upstairs and find a seat wherever we could. hmm So we go upstairs..and there are about 30 Sorority girls gathered in a group! wow. we find a seat and listen to this senior tell every one about her 'journey' of finding God. It was super neat to see this side of these girls. After the big gathering, everyone split up into smaller groups. We were able to tell a good number of these girls about the Book of Mormon, how we can have faith, the power of prayer..basically it was amazing! We were mostly planting seeds of faith for later, but who knows when they will be ready? We're hoping to meet with 2 of the girls this week. 

Thursday I was able to have a signing lesson! We have a less active member in the ward. She really doesn't have many people to sign with (even her sister, whom she lives with, doesn't sign much). So it was an amazing experience to use the little I knew to carry on a normal conversation with her. Signs came back that I thought I had forgotten. It was wonderful! I hope to sign with her more and be able to learn more "church/religious" signs. 

Friday night we had an interesting experience...while at a less active YSA's apartment, we got caught in the middle of some pretty nasty roommate drama. The one roommate started asking us a whole bunch of questions to get at the girl we were visiting. It was incredibly uncomfortable, and there was the potential for it to turn really sour really fast. Through prayer, and listening to the Holy Ghost...our mouths were filled with what needed to be said to calm the spirit of contention. I was especially grateful for sister Stout's powerful testimony of the Atonement. The spirit entered back into the room, and we left with things placed in the Lord's hands. 

Saturday night we had a lesson with a young family. The grandmother and husband are not members. It was full of the spirit. Neither were originally open to the idea of our religion very much...but since the spirit was there, we could see a change happen within their hearts. The next day, the grandmother came up to me and thanked me for the simple, yet profound way I had connected with the children. That most definitely wasn't me...but she had felt the spirit! That made me so happy! When we feel like what we are doing isn't adequate, the Lord has a way of sending the encouragement we need. 

I love this Gospel and I KNOW that when we pray with all the energy of our heart, we CAN know the truth of all things. We can know our divine potential. We can know the plan our Father has for us. We can know that God does has not shut the pathway of communication to heaven! WE CAN KNOW. 

How I love this work!!! Take hold of it :)

-Sister Brown 

Whirlwind of a Week

Well, this week started off crazy and ended up even crazier. I'm just grateful for the power of prayer and the strength that we can gain because of the atonement in those times when we need it most. I know that we are all put in the positions and places that we are for a reason. I have felt that it is going to be a wonderful, yet challenging next couple of weeks. Good thing life isn't easy...or else we wouldn't become any better! 

This week was interviews with President Cottle. We drove to Pooler on Wednesday afternoon for the interviews. We went over briefly how we were doing and if there were any concerns. Both sister Lewis and I just told him we loved each other and that things are going GREAT. We've had a bit of a rough time in Hinesville, but we always relied on each other and kept a positive attitude..even if we were just 'planting seeds.'  Now, some things have started progressing. President Cottle also quizzed us on our memorized scriptures for the 42 principles. It was wonderful and I was so grateful I had spent the time to gain a personal relationship with the stories I would use to teach my investigators because it gave me the confidence needed to teach President what he asked about.

The Villellas Family. Baptisms set for May!

My favorite part about interviews though was in the very beginning when President Cottle offered the opening prayer. Every time he speaks I can feel the spirit. It is powerful. Tears had formed in my eyes before he had even finished the 90 seconds of communicating with our Heavenly Father. The Spirit DOES bear witness when our words are true. When we are living our lives in alignment with the 'frequency' of the spirit, others will feel it as well. 

After interviews we had the Sisters from Statesboro meet us in Pooler. They had asked us before hand if we could please move exchanges earlier. So we knew before hand it was going to be a little bit of a rough exchange. Well, I went to Hinesville with one of our sisters and Sister Lewis went to Statesboro with the other. What an incredible learning experience it was for us all. By the end of the time together, both the sisters expressed to us that the felt they could make it to the end of the transfer. We knew, however, that we would keep close contact with them to offer support needed.

Thursday night (Sister Lewis and I were back together) we went over to the Villellas (they are the part member family who we absolutely LOVE. They are making such fantastic progress). After a wonderful lesson of missionary work and service, we followed the spirit and invited them to be baptized on a specific date. We were nervous to do so because when they son prayed for the first time, he felt he had received the answer that he needed to wait about 5 months so he could learn more. While waiting is not a bad thing, he was most definitely ready to be baptized sooner. It will only bless his life. So, when the time was right, I worked up the courage asked them both by the Spirit. Wow, as soon as the words left my mouth, both Sister Lewis and I could feel it was right. It was like the Spirit had rolled into the room so thick, no one could deny it. I probably should have asked sooner..but regardless, they will be baptized this May. Such an amazing family! 

Lindsay and Sister Lewis said goodbye.
These two sisters have been a dynamic
force for good together in the field.

From Thursday night on has been a bit of a blur. To make a long story short, we were up late talking with a set of our Sisters, President and Sister Cottle, and the Lord. For the sake of the work...an Emergency Transfer was made. There were many tears from both sister Lewis and me...but we knew we were always willing to do what the Lord needs.  I packed my bags on Friday, said goodbyes, and we changed companions Saturday morning. I know it is hard on President Cottle as well to perform these ETs...he said only 4 or 5 like this have been done while he has been here the three years. I can feel why. It is not enduring to the end. At the end of our trials, we receive the biggest witness of our faith. Maybe we will receive little ones along the way that makes us seem that we have learned what we should and now we are ready to have the trial taken away...when in reality, the biggest blessings are right around the corner. 

Don't worry though, I have started adjusting to the new area. To be honest, it felt like I was underwater...like that feeling when you can hear people speaking but you don't really know what they're saying...for the first couple days. But the ward is incredibly sweet! And I have started to kick myself back into gear, talking to everyone. That has helped me feel the spirit guiding my footsteps once again. This work is so precious! I'm grateful I get to serve no matter where I am. I pray I can be of the best service needed and give this area and companionship the help it needs. 

I love you all very much! Continue sharing your light. Others WILL see it. Pray for missionary opportunities.

Love y'all!

Sister Brown

Pic 1-Goodbye for now

Pic 2-Villella Family!!

JOY

Talk about a week! Between exchanges, zone training meeting, addiction recovery class, and new beginnings, it was a busy one! 

Tuesday was full of following up with people we have met over the last couple weeks and seeing if they're really interested. Always hard work, but it's worth it if you find one person who accepts this JOYFUL message into their lives. 

Wednesday we drove up to Pooler for exchanges with the Sisters there. That, as always, was such a neat experience.  It was wonderful to see how the sisters down there work and to serve them at the same time. Their companionship seemed to be getting along quite a bit better than expected, so that's always a plus. I love being in this position because you're able to look outside yourself and see if there are ways to serve those around you. It is so true, when we lose yourself in the work...you find that much more happiness. Sister Lewis and I met back up at our Zone training meeting where she trained on how the Book of Mormon answers questions of the soul, and I trained on Joy. Studying Joy has helped me immensely in this work. As one of our mission presidency members said, "I'm not going to be a cheer-leader for joy." Joy goes much deeper when we truly study what it is, and how to have joy. Joy is so much more full than its synonyms. It lasts through all circumstances. To know, and take an active part in, the plan of Salvation is to know joy. 

One of our investigators, whom I've mentioned before, is named Michaela. I figure I'll be sharing more of her story each week so I may as well give a few more details so y'all can follow easier. ;) Anyways, she's the lady we met who's originally from Germany. We met at a volunteer activity. She has had MANY trials and hardships she's been facing lately. She Loves everything she learns. She always says, "Oh, I knew that was true! No one could tell me it until now though." She loves every time we read from the book of Mormon. And every time something inspired comes into our lessons, like an answer to question or a scripture that perfectly fits her needs..she says "Stop it, you're freakin' me out." She's the cutest!! I just love her! And I truly feel that she is one of the main reasons I have been sent to Hinesville. We connected right away. Not to mention God has blessed me to be able to somehow understand her questions that confuse many other people. I know it's the Lord's guiding spirit. I'm so grateful for that guidance. 

On Sunday, she came with us to the addiction recovery program. Her friend, whom she had brought for support, ended up turning on her in the middle of our discussion. It was so sad. Michaela is at a point, however, where she is giving everything up to make the changes she needs to feel God's love and support. Even one of her best friends, she had to let go of for a while. Michaela has been so stressed recently that sister Lewis and I will be leaving soon. She says she has finally found 2 people who love her for who she is and that are willing to help her overcome the hard things in life. She's scared she won't be able to find people like this again. Those moments are when I am SO grateful to know that the same spirit she feels with us now will stay with her as she meets other members of the ward, and other missionaries who will help her on her journey just as we are now.

I love her to death! The cutest part is she always says, "I'm not going to become a Mormon, but..." It's so funny :) She is so very sensitive to the spirit, and I think she knows deep down that this is the path God has prepared for her. 

Thank you all for continuing to be a light to those around you. I know this Gospel brings true Joy. I know we can always be of use to our loving Heavenly Father. Ask Him what more you can do with an open heart and He WILL tell you :)

Love y'all!!

-Sister Brown

A spiritual FEAST

Talk about a week full of spiritual uplifting direction! 

Wednesday I was quite ill. Something has been going around and sister Lewis and I caught it once before..but then the same type of symptoms hit me hard Tuesday night and Wednesday. Wanting to be obedient, I still woke up on time and followed the schedule just as usual..but I was performing at far less than my usual ability. The entire day it seemed we had appointments falling through and people not wanting to talk to us. To be completely honest, all I wanted to do was sleep for days. I knew, however, that I didn't come out on a mission to sleep. This was our only FULL day of missionary work because we had additional meetings this week and then general conference this weekend. I had to push through. Although we didn't see any particular miracles or blessings, my testimony of enduring to the end was strengthened. I knew that I tried my hardest regardless of physical limitations. Luckily we didn't have a dinner appointment that day, so I was able to come home and take a quick nap. That was greatly needed and appreciated :) I am so grateful for the strength that the Lord will give us to be able to endure our trials. We can be strengthened just as Nephi was when his bands were loosed. 

Lindsay helps Sister Mim do her hair while they watched
some of the priesthood session. 

A story on the power of the Book of Mormon- We've been working with a less active lady recently. We have tried to encourage her to read the Book of Mormon. we downloaded it onto her phone and her son showed her how to use the listening function of the app. We went back this week and asked her about her study. It had only been a couple of days, and she had already listened to the first 7 chapters. She was in love with the story! We could see the spirit coming into her study more and more. She used to only study the bible because that's what she grew up with and was comfortable with. We went back two days later and she had read 7 more chapters! She was overjoyed with the results. She explained that it was so much easier to understand that expected. She told us about how she felt a great connection with this book. We called on Sunday to make sure she was able to watch General Conference. She said yes she did and she loved it. Then she told us about how she wanted so badly to keep listening to the Book of Mormon, so she also listened to that after the Conference session. She said she couldn't describe the feeling she had while listening. She was just filled with the spirit. Her voice over the phone exuded joy, love, and gratitude for this book! I know that what she felt is how I feel when I read this account of Jesus Christ. It IS another witness of our Lord and Savior. The only way you can know it is true is by reading it. God loves us, so He gave us the Book of Mormon. 

Lindsay says where else do you see a truck flying three
full-sized flags? Georgia, that's where.

On Friday, Sister Lewis and I drove to Macon for the Missionary Leadership Conference. That's where all the Zone leaders and Sister Training leaders meet to receive direction from the mission presidency which we will pass on next week at Zone training meeting with all the other missionaries. During the drive up, we got a text from the Zone leaders in Hinesville asking if we had already left. They told us there was a Tornado warning until 9 pm that night and that we should be careful. They also told us the meeting had been moved up an hour. Seeing how it was April 1st, we figured all of it was a joke and laughed it off. The moving of the meeting time was a joke...but as we continued making the 3 hour trip we ran into a NASTY storm. We realized the tornado warning was actually very real. Thankfully, we were safe..just a little bit wet :) What a blessing to arrive safely to the meeting house three hours away while we drive by multiple areas ruined by the tornadoes. We didn't see the wreckage until the drive back..it's always a bit of a shock. 

We received much needed council at MLC. One thing I would like to touch on is how powerful the spirit can bear witness of our message when we live worthy of his additional witness. This was not a training given, but it was something I felt while President Cottle was speaking. His words hit so powerfully that everyone in the room knew they were true.  The spirit was so thick, you KNEW what was being said was true. I am grateful for the power of the Holy Ghost and the conversion we can receive by listening to those promptings. 

Notice the gator!?!

My time is short, but I want to encourage everyone to listen to General Conference over and over again! The messages shared there are critical for our understanding and salvation. Let's Please humble ourselves to accept what the Lord would have us hear. Put aside our personal views to listen to Him for a time. I love you all and I love this work. I see miracles every day. Just being here is a miracle. 

Love you! 

Be safe!!