I feel like I just wrote a few days ago, but it’s probably because I did. In the meantime, we have been enjoying our time together in Swinton and seeing miracles along the way.
First, I want to report on an experience I had last week! On Tuesday, The Isle of Man sisters were here. Unfortunately, our fellowshipper fell through, so we had the two sisters accompany us. It was actually quite lucky because Jakob (a potential) brought two friends to the lesson rather than the one he told us. (With rules about numbers, it ended up being good because we can’t have even numbers with males and females. We had arranged for a female to come along with us.) The lesson was good. We still need to further establish the role of God as our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, but overall they have a wonderful interest and questions about the gospel. It was nearing the end of the lesson and we didn’t make it all the way through the restoration lesson. However, I was thinking they needed the invitation to be baptized. Shortly thereafter, Sister Doherty explained her baptism and extended the commitment. After the lesson, I thanked Sister Doherty for extending the baptismal commitment. She responded, “I thought you told me to.” As far as I can remember, I never spoke any words (a look maybe, but words no). Sister Doherty heard an audible voice and just assumed it was me. However, it was the Spirit. Sometimes the Spirit speaks to us as an audible voice and can help companions communicate one with another. What a miracle!
Second, Cyr came to church. Sister Beaty and I met Cyr while street contacting one day and taught him a short lesson on the spot. We had lost contact with him, since he didn’t respond to our phone calls or texts and didn’t come to the appointment we had set up. Lo and behold, he walked in halfway through sacrament meeting. The elders and us looked at each thinking, “Is this your investigator?” The elders motioned it wasn’t their investigator, and I thought he looked familiar. The Spirit then reminded me and the name Cyr came to my mind. He stayed for the rest of church and appeared to really enjoy it. We are planning to meet with him on Wednesday evening to teach him more. I am excited! It was such a tender mercy from the Lord. All I could think is, “Oh ye of little faith.” Well lesson learned, my faith has been restored—even in Cyr.
Third, in my reading of The Book of Mormon, I read Alma 32. I was reminded of the cycle of faith as always.
This is the cycle of faith:
Man --> desire (v. 27) --> give place (v. 27) --> don't cast out (v. 28) --> swell (v. 28, 30) --> perfect knowledge (v. 34) --> man --> desire --> etc.
[Read Alma 32:27-34 for the full version]
Desire=Want to believe or find out the truth of something.
Give place=Make room in our hearts. Allow the words in.
Don't cast out=Simply allow it to grow. Nourish it even (read, prayer, study). Don't reject what you feel, learn, understand.
Swell=Have good feelings. Let the goodness grow within you.
Perfect knowledge=You understand! You know without a doubt of its certainty.
The first part of the cycle "man" through "don't cast out" is under our control; it is action. The second half is under God's control; it is power.
I once again took the opportunity to review the cycle and ponder its steps (something we learned in October when President Kopischke came and visited the mission). This time a new thought came to my mind. We are lucky to be missionaries because we are constantly faced with questions and concerns that make us re-evaluate our faith; hence, the cycle of faith is constantly being tried. It is just part of what happens with wearing the badge we do. At home, we will not be so lucky. We will have to provide ourselves with opportunities to experiment with the cycle of faith. Those opportunities will come as we seek for them and look for reasons to strengthen our faith and gain greater knowledge. I know as we experiment with this cycle that faith grows and that is how we progress.
Thanks for all your do. Sorry I don't have any new pictures this week (I should have some more next week). Hope you all enjoy your week and time spent together.
Much love, Becca
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