To give you some insight to the miracles we have recently seen, let me tell you about an experience. We know that the ward and stake leaders hold the keys to missionary work in our areas (in other words they are in charge of the work that is done). The mission president is really just in charge of the missionaries, myself included. As a result, our mission president advised us to go to the bishop and ask him to prayerfully choose areas for the missionaries to focus on. We told him on Saturday night, and by Sunday after church we were in Bishop Gifford’s office talking about it. He said that he was awakened at 4 a.m. with locations of where we should be. Bishop assigned the elders to Hindley (a location we had recently been drawn to and been having success), while we were assigned to Bryn. I know that these locations were inspired and that the Wigan elders have a lot of good work ahead of them. (Side note: This is the same day that the 40 day fast started as well.)
Ever since that meeting, the work in Wigan just took off. We met with a family, the Needhams, (who we hadn’t seen in a few weeks) who happened to live in Bryn to tell them we were leaving. They agreed to continue to meet with the elders, and I think they will gain a testimony for themselves and be baptized. I am not sure if that is the reason the bishop assigned us to Bryn, but I definitely think it is part of the reason. I know that for whatever reason the Needhams needed a little break, and it appears they have a true desire to know if The Book of Mormon is true and then follow through with the implications of that knowledge. Honestly, I saw a huge change from the dad, Simon, who was rather quiet and eager to listen opposed to the slightly contentious and talkative man we had taught about a month earlier. Not to mention his wife, Aldona, made sure that the member who was with us would return with the elders. She took quite a liking to the member, and it is clear they have formed a bond. I see a bright future ahead for them, especially because they already are searching for the truth and have a close family unit.
Additionally, we saw some wonderful miracles in Hindley. We found two new investigators there! We met Kirsty last Saturday and set up an appointment. Unfortunately, we had lost her number, so we stopped by a bit earlier than expected. When she came to the door, she told us to come back at our scheduled time because a friend wanted to sit in on the lesson too—what a blessing. Furthermore, on our bus ride out to Hindley, I met a nice young lady named Amy on the bus. She was atheist and didn’t really accept the message I was sharing, so our conversation eventually died off. About five minutes later, she tapped me on the shoulder and asked how long I would be in Hindley for? She told me that her brother, Lewis, believes in God and suggested that we stopped by to visit him. Through a series of events, we were unable to stop by. However, the elders did go by later that evening and they were able to teach four people! (For the record, that is a lot...) The work is truly picking up in Wigan and I know that they will see miracles happen this next transfer. I am excited to know what results we see happen, even if I may not be a part of them and not know the exact specifics of everything that occurs.
While I am sad to leave Wigan, I know that the Lord has need of me elsewhere (Manchester South to be specific). I know that the Lord has a hand in this work and that it is His will for me to be in Manchester. I am not sure what that means at the moment, but I know that I will work hard and do my best to accomplish whatever His will may be. I have recently been grateful to have such a rich heritage to look up to and legacy to follow. I really do feel honored to have such a good family, which includes more than just those I love at home. I know that I am continually making my family bigger as I meet new people and form bonds with them.
Thanks for all your love and support! I am excited to see what I have to report next week because it is a whole new area, so there is a lot to look forward to :)
Love always, Becca (aka Sister Jack)
I know that you love seeing my smiling face, so here are some photos of myself. :)
First, Christmas comes quite early here with no Thanksgiving to delay things. This is a picture of Sister Davis and I at a member's home. Christmas season is definitely already here!
Second, this is a picture of myself and a member, Sister Higham. She is great and always willing to come out with us. She takes good care of us and makes sure we always have plenty of fruit to eat :)
Third, a member gave us snuggies, so here is Sister Davis and I wearing them. If only you could have a full body shot to see what they look like. They are fun! And should keep us warm while we study.
Fourth, this is the view out my window each morning from where I study. Notice the plant. I planted that at the beginning of my mission and look how much it has grown over the last 3 months! Isn't that crazy? Go ahead and read Alma 32 because faith is like a seed and that chapter in The Book of Mormon describes it perfectly.
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