Free to Choose

 Hello Friends!

This week was a great week!

We were SUPER busy. Between preparing to present at Zone Conference, Zone Conference, working in our area, and then even working in the other sister's area, our plate was full!

It was perfect. Exactly how I like it!

First, we spent the first part of the week preparing for our presentation at Zone Conference! I actually loved the whole experience. My companion and I prayed and pondered what to present, and then tried hard to listen to the Spirit. I felt the Spirit guide and direct my words.

Also this week, we worked in the other sister’s area. One of the sisters got sick and had to spend a few days in the hospital. However, they had people who were supposed to be baptized soon, but still needed a few lessons. So, we did our best to cover for them well they recovered. We ran around teaching their people and our people. I felt like God was giving us capacity greater than our own. And I loved meeting their friends and seeing their faith.

One of their friends who is on baptism date has amazing faith. In order to be baptized, she needed to come to church this week. However, her work schedule required her to be in Santiago on Sunday, and her boss would not let her switch her schedule. We told her if she could leave work for one hour and go to church with the Santiago ward, then her baptism could continue for this upcoming Saturday. On Sunday, we were praying that her boss would allow her to leave and that she would be able to make it to church. We texted the missionaries in the Santiago ward hoping and praying that our plan would come to fruition. We were so excited when they responded that she was there! Her desire to be baptized is so strong and her faith is beautiful. 

The work in our area was also amazing this week. Even with limited time because of going to the other sister’s area as well as having Zone Conference, we were able to accomplish a lot of work!  We were able to invite Sister Leonor to be baptized! She was so ready when we extended the baptismal invitation that she was leading the questions asking us about baptism and how to accomplish it in her life. Of course—we explained about the importance of baptism and being a follower of Jesus Christ. As we invited her to be baptized, she was so excited to accept, and we were equally excited with her decision.

Speaking of baptism, Maricel, Maureen, and Von all passed their baptismal interview! Please pray for them this week. They will be baptized on Saturday. 

We also had so much fun inviting people to come to church this week. My companion is really good at inviting people. Sometimes I forget…, but she always invites people to “come and see”! This week, all of our “inviting”  really paid off. We had a lot of friends come to church and they all had a good time. Hopefully, they will keep coming and accept more invitations to come closer to Christ.

Unfortunately, my companion and I also got a little sick this week. Nothing too serious…, just a cold. My companion and I were not about to let a little cold stop us from sharing the gospel with all of our friends, so we continued to work! I was exhausted, but it was worth it! There is a lot of work to be done in the Philippines, and the time is short!

In my studies, I have been pondering a lot about our life here on earth. I read a lot of conference talks from President Monson. He talked about the importance of making good choices so that we can all return to our Father in Heaven. With these thoughts present in my mind, we had the opportunity to watch the new Book of Mormon video of Samuel the Lamanite testifying to the Nephites. I loved where he said that “we are free to choose”.

We really are free to choose. But God is also so merciful and loving. He will do anything to help us all return to Him. But ultimately, it is our choice.

I know that this church is true. I know that God has a plan for us. I am so grateful for agency. I know that as we choose to come unto Christ, we will be more happy, and our lives will become more meaningful.

I hope you all have another great week!

The Church is true, God loves you,

Be happy, Be brave, Be smart,

Love,

Sister Miller