Kelley's Conversion Story

     My very first transfer from my first area certainly was an experience. I had been out on my mission for 4 1/2 months and not only was I going from an inner city area to a very affluent area, but I was training and opening an area new to sisters. To say I felt overwhelmed and under-qualified was an understatement. The big fancy houses terrified me and I realized that missionary work was done a completely different way in my new area. I was only there for a short three months, but that time was one of fervent prayer and seeking divine help from my Heavenly Father and mission leaders. Many nights were spent in heartfelt and tearful prayer, pleading for a miracle. My dear companion and I knocked countless doors, all with the same answer: NO! Our area was relatively small and we knocked through the houses in a short amount of time. I was reaching a point of desperation and wondering what we were possibly going to do next when we knocked on Kelley's door. It was a particularly hard day and we had resorted to "service tracting" - showing up with a bottle of Windex and offering to wash people's windows in hopes that we would get a better reception. Although Kelley declined our window washing offer, she accepted to listen to our message about Jesus Christ. We set up an appointment and taught her the Restoration lesson during which she said that she would be baptized if she came to know that the Book of Mormon was true! That alone was nothing short of a miracle and Sister Blotter and I went home that day, full of gratitude to our Heavenly Father for answering our prayers to find someone prepared for the message of the Restoration.
      We met with Kelley and had a few more lessons with her before I was transferred from the area. The night before I was being transferred we stopped by Kelley's home and although she had some real concerns, I knew deep down that she would come to know for herself that our message was true. We had given her The Family: A Proclamation to the World and when we returned for that follow-up visit, she had highlighted and marked all over it. As soon as I saw that piece of paper, I knew that she would come to know for herself that the gospel was true. My incredible companion stayed in the area and trained a new missionary herself - the next part of the story is hers to tell. A few months later, Kelley DID come to know for herself that the gospel was true and she chose to be baptized.
      I received a card in the mail from my companion a few months later with a picture of Kelley at her baptism. Since then, Kelley's son has also been baptized and she currently has a calling in her ward. I know without a doubt that my companion and I were sent to that particular ward to find Kelley. I know that the Lord has a perfect plan and that He sends us to be instruments in His hands to carry out His work. When we do hard things, try our best, and endure in faith, God WILL bless us with miracles. Sometimes those miracles come after we have cried and prayed and tried but they will come in God's timing. I know that when we are struggling, we can place our trust and faith in God and He will bless us. Our efforts do not go unnoticed in His eyes. I know that this is the gospel of Jesus Christ and that the Atonement has the power to change, bless, and heal. I feel blessed and honored to be a small part of the conversion of one of God's precious children. I love my Savior and His wonderful work!
    

     My name is Kelley Wenger, and I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and this is my conversion story. 
    I was raised in the Catholic Church until I was 10 years old when my mother and father divorced. My mother moved with us, 3 kids, and my younger borther and sister, to Orange Park, FL. My mother, who was Episcopalian, tried to continue our Catholic upbringing but it became too much for her as a single mother. We started going every once in a while and then stopped going all together. I tried different churches with friends that attended church but did not find any where there was comfort. Upon moivng to Louisiana with my 1st husband and daughter, she and I again went to a Catholic Church for a time but then we found a wonderful family church with a non-denominational church called Word of Life. We were welcomed and felt very at home there through the birth of my son and divorce. 
   When we moved home to Florida after the divorce, we searched for a new church and again tried a few different types of churches but did not find the right fit for us. It is very awkward to go to a new church to investigate and have the pastor/father/speaker ask the visitors to stand up in front of the entire congregation. It isn't comofrable when you don't know anyone to have lots of eyes on you to see who to go talk to and feel very singled out. So we again stopped going to church. I however kept reading the Bible when I felt weak or like sometihng was missing or when help was needed or when I felt like I needed to speak to Him.
   In late November, I got an itch and started to have the desire again to start looking for a church and was thinking of chuches in the area to investigate. One day in December these two very sweet young women knocked on my door and asked if they could wash my windows. They were Sister Blotter and Sister Phelon. I would not let them wash my windows but said that I would agree to have a lesson with them. The first time they visited I recieved the handout "The Plan of Salvation." I read it and then had LOTS of questions. The sisters were patient with me and answered what they could. I even stumped them a few times and they had to do some research and asking others to get me some answers. 
    Sister Phelon was transferred after about the third visit and Sister Gillman joined Sister Blotter as my missionary teachers. I think I shocked Sister Gillman with a lot of my questions, well I shocked all of them with some of them, but Sister Blotter was used to my questions by then and Sister Gillman got used to them really quickly.
    I was given the Book of Mromon and dove right in with the chapters I was given to read. I was amazed and in awe of the similiarties between the Holy Bible and what I was reading from this tribe that God had sent away from Jerusalem who had chosen to keep an account of the words and revelations from God. He truly is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His message does not change. The teachings are the same. It opened my eyes and my heart.
     The sisters invited some wonderful women to come talk to me. Hilary, Christine, and Laura all came to visit and helped me to understand even more. I loved the glow they have in them and the peace they exude and wanted that for myself. I wanted to know more.
     After reading and praying, I was finally ready for my first time at church and I loved it. No one made me stand up in front of everyone by myself. Those came up and introduced themselves were friendly and didn't pressure me into anything. It just felt like family, like coming home to a very comfortable place that I belonged.
   I knew that I was where I was supposed to be and I was finally ready to start learning to prepare myself for baptism. I was baptized on February 22nd and was blessed with the Holy Spirit on February 23rd. I will never forget the journey to get me home.
       I know this book is true. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. I know our prophet, Thomas S. Monson, is the true prophet. I watched some videos of the President and his words are so inspiring and they truly do come from our Father. I could feel the Lord in his words and when I prayed I could feel what he said was true. 
    I have prayed and spoken with our Father. I come to church and feel the love in all of you, my many brothers and sisters. I love you and thank you. I know we are true believers in the true church and I am blessed to know all of you and I am blessed to be here. I know Jesus led those two wonderful women to my house. I know He is our Savior. In Jesus's name I say these things to you. Amen.  

Overcoming Lupus through Faith in Christ

     I was baptized at 10, only went to church a few times, this was in the 60's. I remember feeling floaty after being baptized. We stopped going because our ward was not warm and loving. As an adult I searched out many different religions and philosophies. I never had really been taught the gospel even though I had been baptized. Before I was converted I was heck on wheels although I slowed down when my children were born. Although I was baptized at age ten my true conversion didn't happen until the kids went to church. I was told by friends it was as if I was a new member.
     When my babies were ages one and three I was diagnosed with SLE-Lupus. Back then it was a definite death sentence. I was really angry with God. When my girls were five and seven years old they began asking who God was. I thought I would take them to the LDS church around the corner and I stayed for all 3 hours for the kids.  I walked out with a testimony and the kids were baptized, followed by my husband. The grandparents joined as well and eventually our family was sealed.  Later I realized that lupus had actually been a blessing because of the things I learned. I almost died three times due to complications from lupus. One time I saw my deceased grandma who had passed away twenty years earlier. She told me everything would be all right and that I would get better. The next time, I was visited by a Catholic Priest in an ICU ward. He wanted to know what I thought would happen to me. He knew I was LDS. I told him Heavenly Father had a plan for me, I knew where I was going, and that I was not afraid. He came two times and he didn't understand. That second time I almost died I received a second priesthood blessing. I was told that I would live. One of the brothers that performed the blessing heard a small quiet voice. The third time I had a spinal break and had to have neurosurgery. My kidneys had stopped, lungs and heart were going. I have six pins in my spine. I should have been permanently paralyzed and had a colostomy.
     Well I can get around with a walker and no colostomy or dialysis. I learned we only take the love we have for others and our Heavenly Father. There is no pain physical or emotional. It is awesome there. The Gospel is true. Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. We have a purpose to fulfill on earth. Priesthood blessing, prayers and temple prayer lists work. I am a walking miracle.

-Your friend Moya

 

Cayman Islands Conversion

 I never expected to have a roommate from the Cayman Islands when I signed up for housing at BYU Provo. Yet my wonderful roommate helped me get through some of the most difficult times of my college experience and I treasure the friendship I have with her. Little did I know that I would be called to the Florida Jacksonville Mission and would visit the Orlando Temple as a missionary, the same temple where she was sealed to her family. Her entire family converted to the Church when she was young. This is their story. 



     This is a summary of how my family came to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One day, sometime in October of 2001 my wife Camille was home with our youngest daughter Mari who was barely 5 months old at the time. Camille would usually take the opportunity to do a bit of cleaning and laundry, etc. while the baby was asleep during the day. Once she was finished she would sit and read a little if time permitted. On that particular day she said she had the urge to clean the house and then read her scriptures.

     No sooner had she sat down to read her scriptures when she heard a knock on the door. It was two young men in white shirts and ties and dark pants. The missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints introduced themselves and then asked her to do the same. After a few minutes of conversation about our family they introduced her to the Book of Mormon and invited her to read a few verses from Moroni 10:4 and pray that night about the authenticity of the book. They promised to return the following Sunday when I was home.

     When I came home later that day Camille casually mentioned the visit of the missionaries and expressed surprise at herself for even opening the door to speak with them. You see, we lived at that time on a fairly busy street with quite a bit of pedestrian traffic. Because of that we got fairly frequent visits from persons from different Christian denominations handing out tracts and pamphlets or selling religious books. Usually we would either poke our heads out the door and tell them we’re not interested or refuse to answer the door. I listened to her account of the visit and promised to take a look at the book but never got around to doing so.

     The following Sunday when I awoke Camille reminded me that today was the day the missionaries were returning sometime after lunch. I then somewhat reluctantly requested the book and saw the area towards the back where the missionaries had marked for us to read. I read it and thought to myself "Why would they ask a person to read from the back of a book?’" (I had no idea what the Book of Mormon was; I had never heard of it and didn’t know it was scripture so I was expecting a regular book.)

     I decided then that it made sense to read from the very front of the book to understand what it was about. I read the Title Page, the Introduction, the Testimony of Three Witnesses, the Testimony of Eight Witnesses, and the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, right on into a few chapters of 1 Nephi. I stopped only long enough to have breakfast and shower and went back to reading what I found to be a most interesting text! In fact I was still reading when the missionaries came by around 2:00pm.

     I was almost a little disappointed at how young they were when I first saw them – to this day I’m not sure why. However once they introduced themselves and we got to talking I realized they had a maturity about that that was well beyond their age. Their names were Elder Folk from California and Elder Larson from Idaho. They told us about their mission and what they wanted to talk about. For the first half an hour I was expecting them to try to sell us something (after all that’s what most of the religious people did when they came by) but they simply outlined some strange sounding topics they wanted to talk about and asked if they could return at some point in the future. They seemed pleased that I was at least reading the Book of Mormon. Both Camille and I sat down with them and Jenessa our oldest daughter was there quietly listening. I was really interested when they mentioned that the Book of Mormon was scripture that was found on plates hidden in the ground in America and translated. We arranged to meet again on Tuesday evening.

     Over the next two or three weeks we met with the two Elders and I had lots of questions about the pre-earth life and the three degrees of glory and Apostasy and priesthood, etc. They invited us to church and we went. I was amused to see that they met in the old town-hall building that was used as a traffic courthouse on weekdays. The congregation was about twenty-five to thirty-five persons but there was a peacefulness and comfortable feeling I could not explain in those gatherings. On one Sunday I saw an older man and a teenage boy talking to each other and for some reason they looked familiar as if I had seen them somewhere before. After a while I remembered. They had knocked on our door one evening months before and said they were from the Church of something or other and I had told them I’m not interested!

     Because Mari was still very young, we could not always stay for all three hours at Sunday meetings with her. Besides she was born prematurely and quite small and fragile even at six months. Sometimes however I would take Camille and the kids home after sacrament meeting and return in time for Sunday School and Priesthood.

     During those few weeks I learned a lot about the church. I read from the Book of Mormon and was fascinated by the fact that persons lived on the American continent that knew Christ. I was a big fan of novels and movies about the American West and the Indians and immediately recognized that the Great Spirit mentioned by the Indians in these novels could well be the Christ their ancestors knew! Everything I learnt had strangely very familiar ring to it as though I had heard it before or somehow already knew it.

     During one of their visits the missionaries asked us if we would pray about a date when we would like to be baptized. Camille and I did so on several occasions and I recall feeling comfortable about being baptized at some point. We however did not discuss it for several weeks; telling the missionaries on every visit that we were still praying about. Finally one day I said to Camille after a visit from the elders ‘I don’t know about you but I feel quite ok about being baptized.’ She looked at me and replied ‘I know, I feel the same way. I was waiting for you to ask’. We decided then that we would tell the missionaries we wanted to be baptized.

     They were thrilled. The entire congregation seemed overly excited at the news. Everyone came to us the next Sunday and congratulated us on our decision to be baptized. It was arranged for December 8th 2001 at a member’s home with a pool. I was to be baptized by the president of the Elders’ Quorum and I did not recall at the time whether he was going to baptize Camille.

     That Saturday morning we went as a family to the member’s home and the entire congregation seemed to be there gathered on the pool deck. We felt special. I felt nervous but good inside. I was baptized by the branch president and was then confirmed a member of the church. They then proceeded to ordain me to the office of priest in the Aaronic priesthood. Immediately following this I was asked by the branch president whether I wanted to baptize Camille. Of course! I went into the water with Camille and following instructions, I baptized Camille.

     We continued to attend church and also Institute classes on Wednesday evenings taught by the branch president’s wife. I was amazed at this new doctrine we were learning. I was given some books by the branch president. Among them were ‘Jesus the Christ’ and ‘Articles of Faith’ by James E. Talmage. I began to read these immediately.

     One Sunday morning sometime in January of 2002 as we were preparing for church, the branch president knocked on our door. Accompanying him was the mission president visiting from Jamaica for a few days. They explained that I was being considered for the Melchizedek priesthood and needed to be interviewed by the mission president. That interview took place in our living room and I was ordained later that morning during the priesthood meeting.

     In February of 2002 the branch president and his family had to return to the United States due to work. I was called as the 1st Counselor in the branch presidency and I was also called as the Institute teacher in that same month. Those were exciting times! My reading was accelerated as I prepared for the weekly classes. I will always be grateful for those callings because I think it give me a good foundation of gospel knowledge.

      On the 1st anniversary of our baptism, Jenessa was baptized by me having turned 8 years old in October of that year. In the summer of 2003 we were sealed as an eternal family in the Orlando, Florida temple.

     We have continued since then to serve in many callings in the branch here. I have served as branch president, Elders’ Quorum president and branch Mission Leader. Camille has served as a Primary teacher, Primary president, Relief Society president and first counselor and Seminary teacher. We have embraced the restored gospel and have watched the blessings flow into our lives as we tried our best to keep the commandments and magnify our callings.

Tragedy, Triumph, and Testimony: Tyeisha's Story

     You would never guess seeing Tyeisha on the street that she has endured some of the most heart-wrenching struggles and trying times. Despite the incredibly hard trials that she has gone through in her life, she has continued to hold fast to the gospel and make it a part of her daily life. Tyeisha is a living witness that the power of the Atonement is real and that the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers a peace that cannot be found anywhere else. She is an example of faith and perserverance, and we love her! This is her story. 
     
As a kid I don't remember much of church or the Savior. I did not know much about prayer either, but for some reason every night I remember praying asking for the simplest things. I wasn't raised in a religious home...I was always around drugs, alcohol, violence and bad examples. Though my life was hectic that did not stop me from accepting the gospel. I was almost 14 when I had first heard of Mormons. One of my friends invited me to a Christmas dance (even though you had to be 14, I did not know at the time but my birthday was a few weeks away). I had a blast, but little did I know that that encounter with the church would change my life forever. Though I had only attended church a few times after that, I felt at home. It seemed like a safe haven for me. But things happened and I moved out of my friends family apartment and went back home. I lived in an area where there was always violence and shooting etc. So no missionaries were ever allowed back there (at least that's my guess). I didn't really think much of the church after that, I just always stayed inside. Months later in September of 2008, two tall handsome white men knocked on my door. Whose going to turn that sight down ay!! But after a few lessons I did not hesitate to agree to be baptized. Going to church took me away from reality, and helped me feel more loved. Not long after my baptism (which only consisted of the missionaries, my friend, the bishop, one other leader and myself), my family became homeless due to a hurricane and some other issues. For months I had to deal with brushing my teeth in the car on the way to school, taking a bath at one place and sleeping in the next. It was terrible. But for some reason I always was comforted. At that same same age (14), I moved in with my Young Women leader and through her family I've learned the true meaning of family, love, the church, prayer, etc. It was a huge blessing for me to finally have my own room. But that dream didn't last much longer. After almost 3 years I found myself having to move out. I was almost 17 years old. But, after being on the street many years my mom managed to get a place with her boyfriend. Though I was sad, I was happy to have seen my mom after so long. The first few months were great until the missionaries came over to teach my baby sister about the gospel. My mother never had an issue with me being LDS, but apparently her bf did. Once again (at age 17) I found myself being kicked out, and having to find a place to stay. For months I dealt with verbal abuse...I blamed God, I hated my mom's boyfriend and her even more. I hated my life...I couldn't deal with the pain anymore. So I turned to drinking. It's only lasted that summer, until I finally found another place to live. Another church leader took me into her home with her husband my senior year of high school. Life was great once again. I worked hard on getting my seminary diploma and my Young Women Medallion (Personal Progress program). But happiness never seems to last in my life. After my first semester of college I found myself starting on my mission papers, everything was done...until I found myself hanging out with the wrong crowd of people. And the drinking kicked in once again. Every bit of pain I had ever felt rushed back into my life...I wanted to die. I didn't feel loved. I was beyond hurt. So my mission was a no-go. I let life get in the way of that. Though I was "too in-tuned with the world," this gospel never left the back of my mind...I always tried to talk to my Heavenly Father about leading me. It took about two months to realize that I had to turn to Him as well...so with a little faith I had left, with every cigarette I put out, and every cup of alcohol I poured down the sink, I was to see a little clearer. And for the first time in my life I decided to do what was right for MYSELF. Not for any member who had taken me in, or for any of my friends or family. It took time, but I was able to grow a close relationship with my heavenly father once more and feel of His love. This gospel has taken me places words can not explain. For years I had been confused, I've fallen, made mistakes and turned far from my savior and heavenly fathers love. But I've learned to get up every time. I've learned to fight even harder...stronger...longer. This gospel has forever changed my life. No one can ever break the strong testimony that I've gained these past few years. And if I had the opportunity to choose a better way of life if I was asked to give up this gospel and the things I know....I wouldn't take it, I'd put on the whole armor of God and fight my way through it all over again. I've lived life with and without this gospel...I cannot survive alone without it. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have come across the missionaries and this gospel at the time I did. It's been so life changing. I have finally learned true happiness...true love...true friendship, all from my Heavenly Father. This gospel is true. I know it, I live it, I LOVE IT. :)

"Grant, You Look like a Mormon!"



 Grant's Story
There are few things more precious in the life of a missionary than conversion stories, especially the  stories of their recent converts. Meet Grant. He had no faith in God prior to his moment of realizing in February that God existed. Since that time, his faith and testimony in Jesus Christ have increased tremendously and Sister Dodd and I have seen that transformation take place firsthand. Grant is the only member in his family and has made incredible changes in his life to more fully live the gospel. He faithfully reads two chapters of the Book of Mormon daily and is preparing for a full-time mission next summer. There is no greater joy than watching the miracle of the Atonement change the lives of people you love! This is Grant's story in his own words.    

Testimony of the Book of Mormon: "So I started reading the Book of Mormon in late February and I finished it on May 25, 2014. I started off by reading a chapter a day, and started reading a couple chapters a day soon after. I loved reading it, but I didn't fall in love with reading it. Not yet at least. With my missionaries, reading became more enjoyable. Along with it being enjoyable, I started making so many correlations with the Book of Mormon. My life literally seemed to be written a century and a half ago. And once I realized that, all I wanted to do was finish, and finish I did. I love reading the Book of Mormon because I have truly fallen in love with it. I can't not read it. I know it's true because it reflects my life, me, who I am. And with that I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I know God gave him the Book of Mormon so that he could change people, like you and me. And with these changes, I've become someone new, someone I'm proud to be. I love Jesus Christ and I know he's my Savior. I know Heavenly Father loves all of us bc he gives us this chance to find this book. I love this Book and with it I plan on bringing as many to water as I can, and hopefully as many as I bring, that many will drink."

Conversion story: "The weekend of valentines day was the weekend I found God. It was either that Sunday or the next Sunday that I finally went to church, for me. After that my faith just kind of took off. I met the two most amazing women in my life soon after. When I first met them, I was a little freaked out by how "Pro-Jesus" they were. Sister Phelon was a little weird and smiled literally all the time. Sister Dodd seemed overly happy and loved to make me cry while she was crying. As I continued to read my Book of Mormon everyday, pray, go to church, and meet with my missionaries, of course I became closer to Christ. I did agree to be baptized at my first meeting with my missionaries, and they loved that. For the next two months, I met with my missionaries constantly. Literally everyday for three weeks before my baptism. But I also learned more about our Gospel and about Christ through my roommate Pedro. I was a little overwhelmed at times, but even the smallest amount light from Jesus Christ can light up any room. As time went on I trusted my missionaries more and more. While waiting for my baptismal date, I would go out with my missionaries on some of their appointments with other investigators. I absolutely loved going and helping my missionaries in every and any way I could. Finally my baptism arrives. I get all dressed up in my Sunday best (of course) and head on over. When I first see my missionaries, Sister Dodd said something I'll never forget. And I agree it was pretty odd. "Grant! YOU LOOK LIKE A MORMON!" Thanks I guess? After that though, we pretty much prepared for my baptism in a normal fashion. I will admit though, when it came time for pictures, I did everything I could to be a menace. Not one picture came out serious, to my knowledge. My good friend Nate baptized me, and I love him to death for it. Before and after my baptism, I was nothing but nervous. Everything did go normally of course, but I will never forget how loved I felt that day on April 12, 2014. From that day on, I've done everything in my power to stay as close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as I can. A friend once told me that the relationship I have with my missionaries will be like no other on this planet. I testify to the truth in that. Since my baptism, I've gone tracting, to more appointments, even to just handing out cards on UF's campus with my missionaries. I do this because Heavenly Father asks for us to do two things, obey his commandments and serve others. I testify that the Book of Mormon is true, Jesus Christ lives and is my savior and redeemer. I will always live this Gospel, I promise you that. And with that I'll give my testimony that because of Sister Dodd and Sister Phelon, I will have eternal life and happiness. They are my rock, and as long as we live, and even after, they will be my rock. I love them more than anyone else on this planet because of how they brought me unto Christ. And I say these things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Alma 5, 18:34, 24, 26:5-7 3 Nephi 14:2-5 Mormon 8:20."
 

ONE YEAR in the Lord's Service

    

Celebrating our year mark with my MTC companion!

One year. 365 days. Oh how the time flies. I can scarcely believe that exactly one year ago I was putting on a nametag for the first time and stepping into the role of a full-time missionary. I had waited my entire 19 years to be a missionary and the day had finally arrived! My heart was pounding and my eyes were wet as I hugged my parents goodbye on the curbside of the Provo MTC yet I felt a rush of gratitude and excitement to be in this wonderous place that I had waited years to enter. The feelings that entered my heart as I clipped on that beautiful little black square nametag for the first time cannot be described. Every moment in the MTC was something that I had prepared for, hoped for, and dreamed of and I LOVED it more than anything in the world. Being a missionary and wearing the Savior's name each day is the pinnacle of my existence. But really. I have forgotten that real life existed before this and it seems that my 20 years on earth has consisted of area books, investigators, baptisms, and companions. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY. When I entered the MTC one year ago, I never could have foreseen the incredible experiences, trials, moments, and people that I have grown to love with all my heart. There have surely been moments where I have dropped to my knees in prayer and desperation, but also countless experiences where I have felt complete happiness and joy. I HAVE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER and that happiness truly comes from losing myself in the service of God's precious children. When it all comes down to it, the most treasured things a missionary can take home are not things that can be seen. Those precious pearls are a testimony, relationships, memories, and life lessons. Here are some of my own life lessons that I have learned here in the sunny state of Florida this past year:

1. A mission is what you make it. The power to choose is real and you can choose to love it or hate it. Personally, I am in love with my mission and I never ever want to leave.
2. Love people with ALL your heart. As I look back and read my mission call, I think of the people that I have loved and realize they are the treasures of my service.
3. It really all does begin and end with the doctrine of Christ: faith, repentance, baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.
4. Daily adventures in the Book of Mormon are critical to real and lasting conversion.
5. There is NO greater joy than declaring repentance and watching people change and make covenants.
6. The ultimate purpose of life is to return to live with God, make covenants, and help everyone else get there too.
7. People need to be loved, trusted, and believed in.
8. There is no substitute for exact obedience, for using every moment of the Lord's time as perfectly as possible, and working hard.
9. The entire organization of the Church is centered around the ONE. Even the busiest of church leaders take time for the one because that is the way the Savior led people.
10. Communication is absolutely essential in loving companionship relationships. Selflessly serve, compromise often, and communicate openly. Love will abound.
11. We are sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is a message of happiness. If we are not happy, we are a walking contradiction.
12. Create a vision, prayerfully set goals, then make specific and timely plans and you will live up to your potential.
13. Do not doubt and expect mighty miracles.
14. Never judge. The outward appearance is most likely NOT reality.
15. The Lord looks on weakness different than He looks on rebellion. He looks at weakness with mercy and rebellion with justice.
16. Accountability is an eternal principle. We perform better when we are accountable for our actions.
17. Our goals guide our decisions and the way we use our time. When we don't have goals, we flail around wasting time. When we do have goals, we excel and come closer to God.
18. The enabling and redeeming power of the Atonement is REAL.
19. Personal spiritual preparation is key to personal revelation.
20. Information precedes revelation; it doesn't just drop out of the clear blue sky.
21. There is no secret know-all answer: we are all trying our very best and don't have things quite figured out. Leaders aren't perfect.
22. We help people most when they feel our love.
23. Striving to be completely consecrated to the Lord is one of my most treasured blessings. I LOVE wearing the Savior's name and being able to publicly represent Him!
24. Preparing throughout the week to take the sacrament is essential because that ordinance is so important.
25. Daily repentance and accountability to the Lord through audible prayer are crucial.
26. Discouragement and pride are two of Satan's most powerful tools.
27. Choose to do tough things first and love them and you will be happy.
28. Gratitude is not a list, it is an attitude. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude! It is a conscious choice.
29. How you look and what you wear does not matter - it's what is in your heart and the light that is in your eyes.
30. We are given weaknesses to be humble and they can be made strengths through the Atonement of Christ.
31. Write in your journal every day no matter what.
32. Telling people the answers to their questions is not as valuable as guiding them and letting them answer their own questions.
33. It is when we decide to put the needs of others above our own that we truly learn to love them.
34. It is okay not to be perfect. Mistakes are a part of the learning and growing process.
35. Without hard things, we would not progress and grow. God loves us enough to give us trials.
36. Nothing can be done without God. It isn't our own efforts that accomplish anything, it is God using our efforts to further His work.
37. Faith leads to action.
38. The central message of the Book of Mormon is to repent and come unto Christ.
39. Take every opportunity to testify. Fear and faith cannot coexist.
40. Being lovingly bold is forever better than being simply loving.
41. Verbal encouragement is essential.
42.  Agency is a central part of God's plan for us. As hard as it is to let people you love make their own choices, God loves us infinitely more and He lets us make our own decisions. We need to step back and let other people make their own choices too.
43. When we are faced with moments of overwhelm and testimony-shaking experiences, it is up to us to choose to rely on the Savior and deepen our own conversion.
44. Testimony is knowing the truth of a principle; conversion is living it every day.
45. Service overcomes selfishness.
46. Seek to understand, then to be understood.
47. A consecrated missionary gives every drop of passion to the Lord's work.
48. We progress by continually striving to do things that are uncomforable. If we are not progressing, we are not happy. Choose to do one new thing each day.
49. Talk to everyone. Every interaction can be turned into a missionary opportunity.
50. The Savior's Atonement is real and personal. Because of Him, ALL things are possible.

I have treasured each moment of my mission and I look forward to many, many more wonderful opportunities to serve the Lord here in Florida. There is absolutely nothing better than serving as one of the Lord's missionaries. Even the hardest of times have taught me life lessons that I wouldn't trade for anything. Each experience or culmination of experiences has helped me to learn things that have helped me become more compassionate, kind, and loving. I LOVE being a missionary and I treasure each moment that I have in the Lord's service. There is nothing better in the whole, wide world than being a full-time representative of Jesus Christ and being able to consecrate every moment and thought to Him. I love being a missionary. I never could have dreamed one year ago of the things that the Lord would require of me or the experiences that I would have, yet I know without a doubt that the Lord prepares us to perform miracles for Him. We are only tiny small hands in His work, but a pair of consecrated and dedicated hands are powerful instruments in the work of God.

My Florida Family's Miracle of Conversion

"Conversion includes a change in behavior, but it goes beyond behavior; it is a change in our very nature. It is such a significant change that the Lord and His prophets refer to it as a rebirth, a change of heart, and a baptism of fire." - LDS.org "Conversion" http://www.lds.org/topics/conversion?lang=eng&query=conversion

      D.J. Donato was baptized into the church in his youth but went less active along with his childhood family. He married his wife, Shannon, and had two children, ages 9 and 11, when we as missionaries first knocked on their door. The Donato family was attending Shannon's Presbyterian church when we met them and each time we went to their home, we always seemed to catch Shannon at home with the kids. She politely referred us to her husband since he was the member of our church and we always stopped at a time when Brother Donato wasn't at home or when their family was too busy. My companion and I had a special feeling about their family from the first time that we knocked on their door, but we couldn't do anything more than continue to stop by and try not to be too pesky. Imagine our surprise when they showed up unannounced to church, sitting in the pew behind us and dressed in their Sunday best. That initial visit to church sparked the reconversion of Brother Donato. He faithfully and fearlessly changed his life to align with church standards and experienced a mighty change of heart. In the process, he baptized his two children into the Church. He is currently serving in the Young Men's presidency of his ward and has been a beacon of strength and leadership in his ward.

      I know that the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is real. I know that the Atonement of Christ is what gives people power to change their lives and their very natures. I absolutely know that the Lord puts missionaries in specific places for specific people and that I was called to the Jacksonville, Florida mission for THIS family. This gospel is true. I know that without a doubt and I have seen the power of the gospel forever change this family. Miracles DO happen and they happen in the Lord's timing. He knows what each of His children need and He places experiences and people in our lives to help us become who He wants us to be. I will forever love each member of the Donato family for helping me witness the redeeming and enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This is the testimony of D.J. Donato.

     "I believe my conversion experience started well before I actually came back to church. I, having been given a very prestigious role/promotion in my job, put myself on a pedestal and filled myself with a lot of pride. None of which I granted to the Lord, my achievements, I treated as if they were all my own. This new role allowed me to overlook my concerns at home and with that, focused all my efforts on work. Oddly enough, at the same time, the missionaries started visiting my house. My stress was through the roof and I was tired both emotionally and physically. I woke with coffee for breakfast, drank coffee after breakfast, followed up by a caffeine drink before lunch and more coffee after lunch. When I got home, I drank coffee with my wife. The current momentum that I was on would have surely landed me in the hospital before long. Still, the missionaries were dropping by. As my schedule would have it, I was not there to receive them and when my wife would mention their visit, I simply shrugged off the message. What I didn’t know, was that very shortly, the Lord would spiritually scream in my ear that I needed to slow down.

      One day as I was coming home late in the evening, I caught the missionaries on the way to their car from my house. As I stopped to greet them, I felt a sense of sadness that they were here yet again and I had missed them. To this day I remember my statement to them very clearly…. I replied to them, that I was sorry that I had missed them, that I just didn’t have a whole lot of time for it right now. That statement must have rang and shook the heavens the minute it left my mouth. For the following week, I was relieved of my duties at that current job. I immediately felt the spirit whisper to me, “Well, what are you waiting for, you have nothing but time now….”

      That Sunday I was in church, the following week, the missionaries were at my house giving us a lesson! What I take away from this experience is this: If we have a relationship with the Lord as I once did when I was a youth, you are part of his fold. Now, we ALL are his children, but it is something different when you come to Christ and take upon you the commitment to follow him and accept him. I feel personally when you do this; you are susceptible to the greater part of his love and also his tough love which he must extend to us to get us back on track-as I would relate to my kids when they act up. The track of course, is the one that we freely took, to follow him… but it is also one that has a boomerang affect if we so fall away. If we ignore promptings or in my case, the missionaries who were trying to deliver a message, I failed to heed the message in light of my own pride and objectives. The Lord needed my attention so he got it. My take? Don’t make the Lord yell in your ear to hear him, don’t wait until he brings you to your knees in anguishing prayer to recognize him as the head of all things and the center of your life. 

     I bear you my testimony, the Lord works in mysterious but loving ways. He reaches us in ways that he knows we will see his love and his hand. If we place him on the back burner after we have established a relationship, he will not forget us, he is always there and sometimes has to shake us to remind. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints contains the perfect keys to prepare us to return to our Heavenly Father-the missionaries are like Angels sent from heaven to watch over us and remind us of such a commitment. Through our focus on the Lord’s will for us, will we truly be happy. Amen."

Perfection, Pianos, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ

     Perfection. It is something I have always struggled with. My grades have always been perfect, I've always been completely prepared for performances or speeches, I like to think of myself as a person pretty well put together and on top of my game. Serving a mission has certainly opened my eyes to how real and imperfect we all are and how Heavenly Father has infinite compassion and mercy on us even in our imperfect and human state. Perfection really stems from pride and not utilizing the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives, and I learned that lesson for myself during zone conference in the Jacksonville Florida Mission.
     I had been asked the day before zone conference to accompany one of the elders on the piano for the special musical number. My companion and I barely had time to print out the sheet music, let alone practice it due to our hectic plans. I prepared the best I could - we dragged ourselves out of bed at 5:45 am, asked another set of sisters to get up early and come with us so we wouldn't be alone with the elders at the church, and came an hour before the conference started to practice together. The piece was more difficult than I had anticipated and I could barely manage to make it through the second half of the song. Even though I prayed mightily and hoped fervently, I realized as the minutes slipped past that we just weren't going to be prepared for the musical number. If I could make it through the piece itself it would be nothing short of a sheer miracle.
     The morning half of zone conference flew by and before I knew it, the time was approaching for the special (more like disastrous) musical number. I was shaking in my shoes and a nervous pit was forming in my stomach. The moment arrived and we got up, hoping for the best. The poor elder sang beautifully, but the combination of nerves and lack of practice caught up with me and I could barely manage to plink out one correct note in the string of chords. The entire piece absolutely fell apart and it sounded more like alley cats yowling to a chorus of tin cans banging. I couldn't even redeem myself with the closing chord and the poor elder was struggling to know how to finish the song. As I descended the stand, my face hot with humiliation, the frazzled vocalist met me on the way to my seat with a warm handshake of forgiveness. I sagged into my pew and leaned against my stalwart companion, our shoulders shaking with a mixture of laughter and tears. I cried and cried, thinking of all the mistakes and and how acutely embarrassed I felt. Worst of all, I felt like I had ruined the spirit of zone conference. 
     And then I learned a priceless lesson about the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am not perfect. And that's okay. A feeling of incredible relief washed over me. The world hadn't stopped spinning and the missionaries in that conference still loved me. I didn't have a perfect reputation to uphold and it was incredibly refreshing.     
     I know that the Savior doesn't expect perfection of us. He performed the Atonement BECAUSE of our imperfect and human state. God's plan allows for mistakes. Heavenly Father doesn't expect us to move a mountain with our first seed of faith, He just expects us pick up our shovel and start digging. Imperfection forces us to rely on God and that is when we truly succeed. There is hope and there is still a light at the end of the tunnel for every member of the imperfect human race. Christ was perfect, which means that we do not have to be.
     I know that the liberating power of the Atonement is real. I know that my Savior loves me, regardless of my imperfect daily actions. And I learned from that Christlike elder the importance of forgiveness and compassion. We have to resist the temptation to become discouraged with ourselves or others when we don't perform perfectly. Perfection denies us access to the true power of the Atonement. The Lord doesn't expect us to be perfect, He only expects us to try.  That is all the Lord expects of us and we are not authorized to raise the standards the Lord has set for us. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me, even as imperfect and human as I may be.   
     "If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. - Ether 12:27     
     There is no such thing as perfection while we are here on earth. We are all striving and trying to become better and to change. Repentance is one of the main purposes for us being here on earth and due to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can become more like Heavenly Father as we continually change. God does not expect perfection; He expects progress. I love being an imperfect daughter of God who loves me perfectly!

Testimony of a Convert

I wanted to share the testimony of Theresa Henry today. She is such an incredible example of living what she knows to be true and not being afraid to vocalize what she believes. She was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints forty-four years ago and has touched many people throughout her lifetime. This is her testimony.
"We are working to grow the Kingdom of God here on the earth. Jesus said to his disciples, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:15-16. Forty years ago I got down on my knees and prayed, and asked God if this Church of Jesus Christ was true. I studied the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and Mormon history books that I requested from the missionaries. I prayed in all sincerity. The feeling I had was so positive. Today I am still positive that I did the right thing by getting baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My three children were also baptized at the same occasion. They are still happy and active also in this wonderful church. I heard one time that 'God don't make no junk.'  This is a first class church."

Why Did I Choose to Serve a Mission?

     My greatest love and passion is missionary work. It all began when my older brother left on his mission to Peru and my mom was called as a ward missionary. My love of missionary work began to solidify when my dad invited his secretary at work to listen to the missionary discussions in our home when I was 14 years old. Before that time, I had been told that missionary work was important but I didn't realize how it applied to me personally. My dad's secretary Socorro and her young daughter Charm met in our home for several months and were eventually baptized the day after Christmas. The deep love that I felt for them was unlike any love I had felt for anyone before because our friendship was rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I soon realized as I watched them learn about the scriptures, bear their testimonies, and eventually attend the temple that there was no greater joy than watching them progress and come closer to Jesus Christ. It was that first missionary experience that sparked my eternal love of sharing the gospel and instilled in me a burning desire to serve a mission.
     By age 15 I was frequently attending discussions with the missionaries and playing an active role in fellow-shipping and teaching the investigators and recent converts in my home ward. Some of my dearest and closest friends accepted the invitation to be baptized and missionary discussions became an integral part of my life. Even though I didn't realize it at the time, my own testimony was beginning to grow as I helped nurture the budding testimonies of the investigators and recent converts around me. I distinctly remember sitting in a lesson and being asked, "How has the Atonement blessed your life?" It was a simple question that impacted me deeply. I knew why the Atonement was necessary and knew how it could bless people, but I realized that I hadn't applied the Atonement personally to my own life. I set out on a quest to be able to answer that question with conviction and the result was a personal and lasting conversion to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
     Since then I have immersed myself in the glorious endeavor of missionary work. My motto in high school was, "There is nothing better than being in a missionary discussion." I left parties early, rescheduled with friends, and juggled my schedule to be a part of the lessons because I loved the opportunity to testify and feel the Spirit. Because of my close association with missionaries, it was easier to keep an eternal perspective and that perspective influenced many of my choices throughout my teenage years. I learned diligence, obedience, Christlike attributes, humility, perseverance, service, and unity from observing my missionaries over the years. They have forever changed my life and I will be forever grateful for the influence of the missionaries on me.
     I am a full-time missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because my life - even though I was raised in the church - has been forever changed due to missionary work. I have come to know my Savior Jesus Christ and glimpsed a sliver of the infinite love that He has for us. I know that no greater love and no greater joy can come than from loving God's precious children and sharing the restored gospel with them. Missionary work is NOT just for full-time missionaries. I am here because I love Heavenly Father and I love His children. I want each and every person to experience the complete and lasting joy that I have felt from doing missionary work!
       "[As missionaries] you have a front row seat to the greatest miracle of all: the effect of Christ's Atonement on individuals and families." - Adjusting to Missionary Life Resource Booklet pg. 17