Wednesday, July 10, 2013

DC Week 21-22!

Hello everyone!

Sorry I dropped the ball with writing last week. Life here is so good though.
Happy (late) Fourth, and Anniversary Mom and Dad!!! Sure love you both. Thanks for raising us the way you did. We can never repay you... I will be writing you soon so keep a wary eye on the mailbox. 

Well, these last two weeks have been full of miracles. 
We had another baptism! Her name is Tiffany Heath. She was baptized on Mom and Dad's anniversary (7/7). I can honestly say we did nothing. Nothing. Tiffany was so prepared by from the beginning. She practically taught herself the lessons. I was just lucky enough to participate in that special day with her. It is so interesting how the adversary will try so hard to destroy these sacred days. Every time, no matter how much preparation goes into the mix beforehand, he still looks for ways to trip it up...to ruin the show. I know he has real power...but I also know without a doubt that Heavenly Father is more powerful.  It always works out. With some work on our part and God's, it always works out.  Sister Bowman, Sister Tembo and I sang When I am Baptized. Reminded me of sweet and simple primary days. The speakers were wonderful, and she was truly changed, I know. There was definitely a special spirit there, and we couldn’t be more proud of her and this decision she’s made. I will send pictures. 

We’ve also been working with many less actives in Laurel. It’s interesting how many aspects of “missionary work” there really are. I have come to understand that the Lord works in the details of each of our lives.  He works many mighty miracles in every stage of our “conversions”… 

There is this one woman, a less active named Sheryl, whom we have been working quite closely these past several weeks. It’s the first time I have had a situation like this on my mission. She has been struggling with same-sex attraction, and is currently in a relationship that she wants out of, but she feels trapped. Since her conversion to the church as a young adult, she has been sealed in the temple, raised a family in the gospel, and taught seminary for eight years. Then…the unthinkable happened, and she admit to us that she let Satan get a hold of her. She confessed to giving in to temptation, and watched as her life slowly and painfully fell apart in front of her eyes. When we visited her the other day, she expressed her gratitude to us for our visits (which have been in secret at her request so her partner won’t begin to question her motives). Sheryl sheepishly mentioned that “Taking lessons from the missionaries was a lot easier the first time…” She then added that she never fully understood our role as missionaries until now. I didn’t either…
Our sole purpose is to help individuals come unto Christ. No matter their situation or circumstances. We are not out so simply baptize; we serve God by being that pure vessel for good and truth in the lives of ALL those in need--whatever they stand in need of. Last Sunday, Sheryl attended church for the first time in years. We have been visiting her regularly, and she is beginning to take those steps to mend her relationship with her Heavenly Father by casting out fear, and “lay[ing] aside every sin which easily doth beset [her].” I love seeing the humbling process in action…it’s something each of us must go through.    

Our recitation for this transfer is the following:

“[We are] called of God. [Our] authority is above that of the Kings of the earth. By revelation, [we] have been selected as […] personal representative[s] of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is [our] Master, and He has chosen [us] to represent Him. To stand in His place. To say and do what He himself would say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent [us]. [Our] voice is His voice. [Our] acts are His acts. [Our] words are His words, and [our] doctrine is His doctrine. [Our] commission is to do what He wants done. To say what He wants said. To be a living modern witness in word and deed of the divinity of His great and marvelous latter-day work. How great is [our] calling! ~Bruce R. McConkie.

Oh family…I love you. I also love being a missionary. I hope you all know that.

This church is so true. Until next week.

Love,
Sister Graff

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