It is a very exciting time to be at Temple Square as we prepare for conference and the insane craziness that is going to happen. We have a "count-down to General Conference" in our mission office which only makes the anticipation more exciting!
This week we were able to hear from Sister Ruth Todd, the head of public affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We were able to get lots of good advice from her which was great.
One of my very first investigators from here in the states that I told you about a few weeks ago has committed to baptism! He is the one who said a prayer with me over the phone and said "Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Macy to me." He is such a sweet man. He is so happy that he found the gospel of Jesus Christ. We've got a couple things we need to work on with him but that is ok because I know that Heavenly Father will get us there. I'm just hoping and praying that it'll all work out. It is amazing to see the change in people as they read the Book of Mormon and pray to know of its truthfulness. He has really struggled with many things but we just keep reminding him that Heavenly Father loves him and is always there for him no matter what.
This past week we have worked so so hard but it was a very successful week for us. We have four new investigators and I love them ALL. I genuinely care about them and want to see miracles happen in their lives. Aside from all the training, tours, phone calls, and preparation, we were able to teach 22 lessons last week. Before this week, I felt like I was not working as hard as I could be so I just decided to "forget myself and go to work!" And guess what? It worked!
I was able to attend the General Relief Society Meeting on Saturday. I hope that all the women I know were able to watch it and if you haven't, its never too late! Go on LDS.org! The meeting was so special to me because I am always testifying of our Prophet, President Monson. I know that he is a true living prophet of God and I tell this to people everyday.
I have heard many people say that being in the presence of a prophet of God is powerful but on Saturday I was able to experience that first hand. I always thought I wouldn't feel it because I'm such an airhead and I don't pay attention sometimes but I felt it and right then I knew stronger than ever that he was truly called by God. Seriously, as soon as he walked into the room it was like a warm feeling just instantly came over me. Before he walked in I was being all hyper and weird just having fun with the other missionaries but then he walked into the room and it was like he brought this peace into the room with him and I just felt like I was wrapped up in a blanket! I don't even care if that sounds stupid Christie, it's true.
He spoke on prayer and the love that our Heavenly Father has for us and that was exactly what I needed to hear. Missions are SO hard. Only someone who served a mission can truly know how hard it really is. But his talk reminded me that prayer is truly the answer. Heavenly Father loves us so much. He said even if some of us don't deserve his love, we always have it. Remember the story of the Prodigal Son that I told you a couple of weeks ago? Well that is how it is with Heavenly Father.
I am so thankful that we have a prophet to guide us through our lives and who can answer our questions in just a matter of 10 minutes. I'm thankful that God sends us prophets. He obviously loves us so much to do that for us so that we have hope and that we know that we are never alone.
There are literally thousands upon thousands of people at Temple Square this week! To get ready for everything, we have had trainings and meetings all week. It hasn't been this huge thing like "How to Prepare for Anti's" or anything. The members of the church outnumber them by far so we're not too afraid! But you can tell conference is coming soon because a lot of people scream and curse at us as we walk down the street. I actually find it entertaining and I personally like all types of attention so I take it as a compliment and just keep going about my business.
I hope everyone watches conference this weekend. The prophets and apostles all pray separately about what they'll speak on and don't tell each other what they are going to talk about. Everything that they talk about is inspired by Heavenly Father and I have such a testimony of that. They can answer questions we have been struggling with and uplift us. Even when I wasn't the most active member in the church, I was able to receive answers and guidance through general conference and now I am here! It just shows that God never ever forgets about us even if we really don't deserve his love at the time! We always always always have it!
I see God work miracles every single day as he prompts me to speak to a person that I didn't even notice minutes earlier; or when he puts the right words in my mouth at the right moments; or when he literally turns me around and has me walk in a different direction so I will run into a person that he wants me to share his message with. I have witnessed first hand that he is trying to come to each and every one of us- and he wants us to come to him.
So I am going to be the typical Temple Square Missionary right now that every member of the church seems to love- Not! But if any of you have anyone you care about in mind that you feel can benefit from talking to the missionaries either on the phone or in person please let me know. I know its hard because I used to run from the visitors center sisters! I thought they were so creepy with the referrals they always tried to get but honestly it is hard and awkward and scary asking for referrals. If we didn't want to help out the people who truly could benefit from the gospel, we wouldn't ask. I used to think it would ruin my relationships with my friends but that's not something we should worry about at this time. What we should do is try to invite everyone to hear the gospel. The church is for absolutely everyone and I promise one day they will thank you for caring about them so much.
I have seen so many miracles just from member referrals. That's how most of the magic happens-because they have a friend for support. If members and missionaries keep coming together, oh my goodness, imagine how awesome it could be. If you ever have anyone in mind, just get my email from my mom and we'll start getting to work. I promise that sharing the gospel has never hurt anyone.
I hope to see people at conference! Who's coming? I just want to thank everyone who writes me and supports me through this mission. Writing letters is hard but I promise to write everyone back even if it takes a month.
I love you all and pray for all of you every day!
Love, Sister Macy Park
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