September 22, 2015

Tuesday Missionary Message

Hello! Sorry it's been a while... How is it already almost the end of September?! 

It's been a crazy few weeks. We had a huge mission wide conference because a member of the quorum of the 70 came to visit and give a training. It was incredible the power and spirit he carried, and the instruction he relayed from headquarters. We worked on ways to be more effective missionaries, and the thing they are really emphasizing is working more with the members. Truly this is meant to be a combined effort, not just in giving the missionaries names to visit, but to go with them, to pray for them, to open your homes to them and offer support in whatever way we can. When we as members volunteer to help, the work doubles, and miracles happen :)

We've also been getting to do a lot of service. This past weekend there was a city wide food drive held as a combined effort between the church and the Calgary food bank. All the missionaries spent a day loading trucks with the donations collected - and it was amazing to see the generosity in how much people gave. In our stake boundaries alone we collected about two semi trucks full of food!!! And there were five stakes participating... That is one of my favorite things to do as a missionary, to serve, because it brings a unique kind of joy. :)

On another note, Sister Tolbert and I are working on building trust with the ward. Any ideas on how you all have come to gain that with your own ward missionaries over the years? Thanks!!

Anyway, Canada is beautiful, the fall colors are in full swing, and it has definitely gotten chilly! I am expecting to stay in this area for a third transfer, and then probably move somewhere new at the end of October. But in the meantime, we're trying to rock the east and baptize nations! Our biggest setback is that a lot of people here speak Punjabi, so it's hard to contact. But we finally found someone who can translate!!!! We are super duper excited in hoping to finally teach some of these people who've shown interest in learning.

I love you all and keep praying for you! Remember, life by the yard is hard, but life by the inch is a cinch!!! ;)

Love,
Sister Patterson