Weekly Update: March 23-30, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been a hard, but great week! I have had struggles, something as simple as not being able to find someone to come to a lesson with us until the last second, to miracles.

This week I had the opportunity to see someone I found and began teaching get baptized. His name is Atif (Awe-tiff). In December my zone went down town and caroled. My companion Sister Jones at the time talked to Atif on the street and he wanted to know more. We were not sure if he lived in our ward, or another ward because it was really close to the border. So we began teaching him. On the second lesson he kept saying that the BOM was true. We passed him off because he was not in our ward. I saw in almost every Sunday at church and he always made it a point to come and say hi. 

Atif's baptism was the best baptism I have been to on my mission. When he came out of the water, he had a light in her eyes. He felt the spirit and knew what he had just done by being baptized was right. His emotion overcame him and the tears rolled down his face. He embraced in a hug with the member from our ward who baptized him. Never have I seen anyone else who understood as well as Atif did of the covenant he was making with God. It was powerful! 

That is why I came on a mission! I came to help others come unto Christ. I have seen many people do it. It makes me smile when people make that choice. I know God is smiling as well. I want to invite all of you, to think of someone you know who needs God more in their lives. Do something, share something, with them that will help them come closer to Christ. I promise if you will do that, the blessings that come not only to them, but to you will be unimaginable. 

I love you all!!

See you soon!

Weekly Update March 2-9, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

Lots of miracles are happening her in Calgary. I'm learning a lot and helping lots of people come unto Christ. One miracle happened when a less-active named Benjamin decided to come to church. He's been struggling to overcome his addiction to alcohol. He had been sober for about a month, then relapsed. He was drunk when we went over for a lesson, so we didn't stay long. He didn't expect us to call back, but because we care about him and know that only the Atonement of Jesus Christ can help him, we called and rescheduled. At the next meeting he was dedicated to receiving all the help he can get, including coming to church which is something he was always hesitant to do. I feel like this time he has more hope and a better outlook. It is the best!

I had an experience on Saturday that helped me recognize the small and simple ways the spirit can speak to us. We were trying to find parking before an appointment (it is very difficult here). I found a place, but it was near come townhouses that were under construction. I didn't feel right about parking there, so we drove around the block and found another place. As we were parking we saw two city trucks pull up and park where I had first parked, then proceed to make some quick patches to the road. If I had not moved, I would have been in their way.

I hope all of you have been able to see lots of miracles in your lives as well. Stay strong, listen to the spirit, and believe Jesus Christ when he says he can help.

Love Sister Barton

Weekly Update: February 22-March 2, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

 

I just wanted to send you a quick email about some of the miracles I have seen this week. It was transfers so I got a new companion, Sister Prochelo from Arizona. We are excited to start working together.

 

This week I have seen small miracles of God guiding us the places we needed to be. One day while trying to contact less-actives in the ward, I felt like we should go tracting. I felt we should knock on the door of a specific house. An older man answered who told us all about serving in the war and his experience with God out there. At the end of the conversation he took a Book of Mormon and welcomed us back. I'm excited to start teaching him about God's true church on the Earth.

 

We also taugth an investigator named Vi. She really wants to know more about God and is looking for a church to join because she feels like she needs to do more work. She loves our lessons and always has great insights and questions. She understands that only God can tell her what is truth, she is just unsure of how he will tell her.

 

The second picture I included is of my planner. I created that cover because I really liked the pictures, but as I was putting it on my planner I realized a deeper meaning for myself. A few weeks ago I got a priesthood blessing in which I was told to develop and pray for more Charity and to look for opportunities to serve. Our Saviour Jesus Christ provided the perfect example of charity for us. He loves us and as I show love to all those around me,I can develop more charity. I love that I will see this planner cover multiple times a day and be reminded of what God wants me to do this transfer. I invite you all to ask God what he wants you to learn this month, then write it down and make it visible so you see it everyday. If you will do that, God will help you become even better. I love this gospel! I know with all my heart that it is true and that Christ is our Saviour! Thank you for all your support!

 

Love Sister Barton