Follow the Prophet

 Hello Friends!

This week was a bit of a chaotic week, but I felt God’s love so much. I just love being a missionary!

This week, I had my last Zone Conference! I cannot believe it was my last! I was able to share my testimony about the things I have learned on my mission. When I first started my mission, I saw a video where Elder Holland bore testimony of how his mission changed his life. At the time, my mission was not what I had expected, and although I desired to have a similar experience to Elder Holland, I worried that it might not be my reality. In my closing testimony, I was able to testify that I had experienced Elder Holland’s desire for me. It was a special moment for me. I remember my first Zone Conference and watching other missionaries give their last testimony. At that time, going home felt so far away. I couldn’t even imagine giving my last testimony.

My last Zone Conference was so fun. There were tears of love and lots of delicious food. The missionaries who were soon to be going home, were given candy and necklaces. I felt so much love from the other missionaries and I am so grateful for them! I have so much love in my heart for my mission, these missionaries, and the experiences we have shared here in the Philippines.

This week, we also had another bagyo, or typhoon. It was actually pretty strong. We had to stay inside for a day and a half. During that time, we called our friends to check on their safety. What was a difficult situation became sacred because we were able to share with them about the power of prayer. I loved sharing that when we are scared, or things seem uncertain, we can always pray to God. He will listen to us in our time of need. 

The bagyo affected a lot of people. Most areas experienced severe flooding. But the people here are so resilient and strong. We tried to help with the cleanup, but people didn’t seem to want the help of two missionaries in dresses…we should have come in work clothes! But they did let us share messages of peace and hope! 

Another highlight of our week was when we were able to participate in the farewell of a missionary in the branch! I made a little over 100 cookies, and we got to sing at his farewell. I am so excited for him. The mission is amazing. There is nothing quite like it and I am excited for the adventures he will have on his mission.

This week, I thought a lot about President Nelson and his invitations to us. As I was reading the Book of Mormon, there is a verse that says that if we choose not to accept the words of the servants of the Lord, we choose not to accept the Lord as well. I was impressed to read President Nelson’s talk from the last general conference and see what I felt inspired to do because of his talk. I love when he said:

“It is neither too early nor too late for you to become a devout disciple of Jesus Christ. Then you will experience fully the blessings of His Atonement. You will also be more effective in helping to gather Israel.”

He invited us to become disciples of Jesus Christ, to study the Atonement of Jesus Christ, to attend the temple, and to center our lives on Jesus Christ. He gave a lot of invitations of how we can be better disciples and prepare for the second coming of the Lord. I know that President Nelson is a prophet of God. We need to accept the prophet to accept the Lord. When we accept him, we will find that we know the Lord.

I invite you all to read President Nelson’s talk again, and write down what you feel prompted to do, and then make a plan! Schedule time to study the Atonement, to attend the temple, and do whatever else you feel the Lord would have you do.

I know this church is true and I know that we have living prophets to guide and direct it.

Love you all! 

The church is true, God loves you,
Be happy, Be brave, Be smart,
Love, Sister Miller