Hello world! It's been a crazy week!
Monday
After P-Day, Marie took Sis. Johnson and I out to the Olive Garden. I love her so much! I'm sad to see her go back to Kuwait! Then we drove out to Pittsburgh and arrived around 10:00pm. We stayed the night in the HUGE Pittsburgh sister's apartment.
Tuesday
The next morning, Sister Quijano (who I came out with) and I left Sister GIbson and Sister Johnson to get to work! Sister Quijano and I went off to meetings. I had a training meeting and then lunch with the new missionaries. Sister Mortensen is my new comp. She's great! She's from a ranch in Colorado and is super excited about missionary work. She's had two sisters and a brother serve so far. Then we went to a training meeting together and then the transfer meeting. Around 4, we headed back for State College. We arrived around 7:30 and then waited for the Lancaster Sisters to bring Sister Juliano and an extra car up. It was fun to see all the sisters within two days! That pretty much never happens! So now Sister Quijano (key-hawn-o) and Sister Juliano are serving in the other State College area and I am the pseudo-District Leader. It's not technically a calling, but I do what the elders would do if they were here.
Since we were gone, James (our branch mission leader) and Heidi (a branch missionary) met with Zack and read with him. He kept asking questions that led right into the remainder of the Restoration. He said, "If Jesus set up a church when he was on the earth, I think the right church would be the one that's most like it." He asked, "If there were prophets then, shouldn't there be prophets now?" He's so awesome! We have another appointment with him tomorrow.
Wednesday
Off to work! We now have 2 hours of companionship study almost every day, so we did that and then all came together for District Meeting. We taught Caden and set him with a date, although he didn't come to church, so it's changed now. Jordan dropped us. We met with Shaun, our recent convert and Stephanie stood us up.
Thursday
We got to do a forum! It was Sister Mortensen's first street contacting experience and she did really well! I'd have been terrified if State College was my first area, I think. We did service at the food bank and then went tracting. We met an awesome couple who isn't interested in learning just yet, but will let us help them record their personal history. He, Bro Memmott, is 91!!
Friday
We taught Caden again, and he had read! We also got to teach Deb again. I think I said she was from Lybia, but it's Liberia. She is SO cool! We read the introduction with her since she hadn't read, and she's just picking it right up!
Saturday
We went up to Bellefonte to follow up with a potential--Bro Rich. He is 84! We had to teach him on the porch, since there wasn't a woman home, but it was good. We taught the Plan of Salvation and he was able to see how similar it was to some personal beliefs he'd always had, but that aren't taught outside of the Restored Gospel. We got to teach Deb the Plan of Salvation, and it was AMAZING! She absolutely loved it and was so excited to learn about the whole plan. It just confirmed to me the truthfulness of the Gospel. It really has been restored! We also got to teach Rachel, one of our Chinese investigators. She rescheduled her baptism date for Aug 20 and committed to be better at church, reading, and prayer.
Sunday
After church, we went with the Elder's Quorum President to give Bro. Rich a blessing for his health. I really hope he felt the Spirit. Then we had dinner with an awesome couple in the branch. While walking, we met Ben who moved here from China 5 days ago! We have an appointment with him tonight. We had an appointment fall through that night, but James was with us, so we went over to teach Sariah. She's moving to Western PA soon. Sad day! She cancelled her baptism for now, but I know it will happen eventually. It's got to be so hard to have your family against it! She is awesome, though!
Well, there's the week! I hope all of yours was great, too! This truly is Jesus Christ's church and I'm excited to be a part of it!
Love ya!
Sister Denton
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
4/11/11- Letter to the World
Hello world!!!!
Well, we have some exciting news this week! I'm going to be a mom--it's a girl! (Mission lingo for "I'm training!") Her name is Sister Mortinson (not sure of spelling yet) and she is from Colorado. Sister Johnson is getting transferred to Pittsburgh. We're driving in tonight and spending the night with the Pitt sisters. Then I have training in the morning, transfer meeting, and drive back to State College! Sis Juliano and Sis Quijano are doubling into the other State College area.
On the investigator front we have the following:
Branch
Sariah
She doesn't think she'll be ready by Jul 31, but she's still one of the most active members in the branch! This week we were on the way to Institute a little early to teach her and we mentioned the family history center was open. She got REALLY excited and spent 2 hours there! She LOVES it, which is exciting because I do too! It's so fun to see people get excited about their family history! She's been reading every morning, too, which is awesome!!
DanWe taught him part of lesson 2 this week. He was out of town for church, but we have another appointment with him next week.
Brittney and SamWe brought them cookies because of Sadie's surgery, but they weren't home. We've been in contact a little, but we're not sure where else they're going to go from here.
JordanWe have an appointment this week, so we'll see.
Richie
I love this kid! He's been out of town. He made a random friend, Amanda, and brought her to the BBQ last week and he told us she wants to learn, too, so he's trying to coordinate a joint lesson.
CadenHe's been MIA for a couple of weeks, but texted us yesterday as he passed by on the bus and asked when we could meet! We have an appt for this week.
Joey
He got a job, which is great, but it means he's moving out of town. I thought he was completely uninterested after our mission rules/word of wisdom discussion, but he seems to still be interested, so we're going to try and hook him up with missionaries in Indiana.
ZackHe's new this week and AWESOME. We met him at a forum (we set up a table of Book of Mormon on campus) and we met with him. He's probably mid-30s and is a researcher at PSU. He really wants to research and find out if God is there! He said the closing prayer and it was SO sweet and innocent! "Hi God. I don't know what is true, but I want to know. I like you. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen." He came to all three hours of church and seemed to enjoy it. Our Branch Mission Leader is awesome and was at the first lesson, so is an AWESOME fellowshipper. He's actually going to have to do the appointment tomorrow, since we'll be in Pittsburgh.
DebShe is from Libya. We tracted into her Saturday and taught her Sunday. It was awesome! She is also seeking for truth and is willing to search this out and see if it's true! I love it when people are truly seeking!
Family Branch
Bro RandallWe didn't get to teach him this week, nor will we be able to see him tonight, but we have an appointment for next week. He came to church this past Sunday, all three hours, and said he'd go again next Sunday! He is another one who is truly prepared.
Ward
RachelShe still has a baptismal date of Jul 26th, but we haven't seen her in awhile. She's been pretty busy with deadlines, etc.
Bro WalkerHe's been MIA this whole transfer. We got an appt with him this week, but he cancelled. We're hoping we can reschedule.
AmyShe has also been MIA for awhile, but she called this week and said she'd been reading the Ensign on campus and would like a copy, so we were able to go over and teach. She studied for awhile before, and she wants to be careful this time and make sure she knows. She is going to start reading again and see where it goes. She is an amazing woman and I hope she continues learning with us!
Bro. McAllisterHe's a Recent Convert, but he is AMAZING!!! He's 75 and so excited to learn everything he can. He was just baptized the end of May, but already read the entire Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. He's on his second time through the Book of Mormon. Meanwhile, he's reading Our Search for Happiness, the Gospel Principles Manual, and True to the Faith. He took us out for Mexican food this week. Yum!
SamanthaShe's a recently reactivated woman who moved here about a month ago. We've been able to spend more and more time with her and it's amazing to see her diligence in turning her life around. She is committed! Her little boys are adorable, too!
Funny story--we were tracting these apartments and there was tons of construction, so we were trying to make this elaborate plan to get to the apartments when we realized a path to the temporary stairs. I said, "That's disappointingly convenient" and it has become one of my favorite phrases! I hope that was funny to someone...lol
Well, I think that's it! I am so blessed to have all of these amazing people to work with. I'm excited for the adventure that lies ahead! This truly is God's work! We quote the Standard of Truth every morning, and I love it. It says, "The standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rise, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent 'til it has penetrated every continent, visited every climb, swept every country and sounded in every ear. 'Til the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say, 'The work is done.'"
Well, we have some exciting news this week! I'm going to be a mom--it's a girl! (Mission lingo for "I'm training!") Her name is Sister Mortinson (not sure of spelling yet) and she is from Colorado. Sister Johnson is getting transferred to Pittsburgh. We're driving in tonight and spending the night with the Pitt sisters. Then I have training in the morning, transfer meeting, and drive back to State College! Sis Juliano and Sis Quijano are doubling into the other State College area.
On the investigator front we have the following:
Branch
Sariah
She doesn't think she'll be ready by Jul 31, but she's still one of the most active members in the branch! This week we were on the way to Institute a little early to teach her and we mentioned the family history center was open. She got REALLY excited and spent 2 hours there! She LOVES it, which is exciting because I do too! It's so fun to see people get excited about their family history! She's been reading every morning, too, which is awesome!!
DanWe taught him part of lesson 2 this week. He was out of town for church, but we have another appointment with him next week.
Brittney and SamWe brought them cookies because of Sadie's surgery, but they weren't home. We've been in contact a little, but we're not sure where else they're going to go from here.
JordanWe have an appointment this week, so we'll see.
Richie
I love this kid! He's been out of town. He made a random friend, Amanda, and brought her to the BBQ last week and he told us she wants to learn, too, so he's trying to coordinate a joint lesson.
CadenHe's been MIA for a couple of weeks, but texted us yesterday as he passed by on the bus and asked when we could meet! We have an appt for this week.
Joey
He got a job, which is great, but it means he's moving out of town. I thought he was completely uninterested after our mission rules/word of wisdom discussion, but he seems to still be interested, so we're going to try and hook him up with missionaries in Indiana.
ZackHe's new this week and AWESOME. We met him at a forum (we set up a table of Book of Mormon on campus) and we met with him. He's probably mid-30s and is a researcher at PSU. He really wants to research and find out if God is there! He said the closing prayer and it was SO sweet and innocent! "Hi God. I don't know what is true, but I want to know. I like you. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen." He came to all three hours of church and seemed to enjoy it. Our Branch Mission Leader is awesome and was at the first lesson, so is an AWESOME fellowshipper. He's actually going to have to do the appointment tomorrow, since we'll be in Pittsburgh.
DebShe is from Libya. We tracted into her Saturday and taught her Sunday. It was awesome! She is also seeking for truth and is willing to search this out and see if it's true! I love it when people are truly seeking!
Family Branch
Bro RandallWe didn't get to teach him this week, nor will we be able to see him tonight, but we have an appointment for next week. He came to church this past Sunday, all three hours, and said he'd go again next Sunday! He is another one who is truly prepared.
Ward
RachelShe still has a baptismal date of Jul 26th, but we haven't seen her in awhile. She's been pretty busy with deadlines, etc.
Bro WalkerHe's been MIA this whole transfer. We got an appt with him this week, but he cancelled. We're hoping we can reschedule.
AmyShe has also been MIA for awhile, but she called this week and said she'd been reading the Ensign on campus and would like a copy, so we were able to go over and teach. She studied for awhile before, and she wants to be careful this time and make sure she knows. She is going to start reading again and see where it goes. She is an amazing woman and I hope she continues learning with us!
Bro. McAllisterHe's a Recent Convert, but he is AMAZING!!! He's 75 and so excited to learn everything he can. He was just baptized the end of May, but already read the entire Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. He's on his second time through the Book of Mormon. Meanwhile, he's reading Our Search for Happiness, the Gospel Principles Manual, and True to the Faith. He took us out for Mexican food this week. Yum!
SamanthaShe's a recently reactivated woman who moved here about a month ago. We've been able to spend more and more time with her and it's amazing to see her diligence in turning her life around. She is committed! Her little boys are adorable, too!
Funny story--we were tracting these apartments and there was tons of construction, so we were trying to make this elaborate plan to get to the apartments when we realized a path to the temporary stairs. I said, "That's disappointingly convenient" and it has become one of my favorite phrases! I hope that was funny to someone...lol
Well, I think that's it! I am so blessed to have all of these amazing people to work with. I'm excited for the adventure that lies ahead! This truly is God's work! We quote the Standard of Truth every morning, and I love it. It says, "The standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rise, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent 'til it has penetrated every continent, visited every climb, swept every country and sounded in every ear. 'Til the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say, 'The work is done.'"
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
7/5/11- Letter to the World
Hello World!
Let's get down to business!
Monday
For P-Day we took some pictures on campus and I got to rock out on the piano...well, as much as you can rock out to church music lol. It was fabulous though!
We taught Bro Randall again--the referral out in the Elders' old area. He had read all of 1 Nephi!! In a week! He really wants to know if this is true, and I'm excited to help him find out! He said he'd pray about a date to set for a goal to be baptized.
Tuesday
We had a forum in the morning--we set up a little table at an assigned place on campus and get to contact anyone that comes by! It's quite fun. We had District Meeting afterward on campus, since we 4 sisters make up the district. Our 3:30 stood us up, but James, our team-up, suggested going to see Sariah. It was a great lesson! She agreed to try reading every day so long as we text her. In reality, though, she's been AWESOME this week and has read every morning before we even remind her!!
We had dinner at a member's with Rachel and her husband, Hank. They are from China and she reminds me so much of YeYang! We talked about the Word of Wisdom and she said, "Mormons don't drink? Even the men? Maybe you just don't know..." lol. Hank keeps the Word of Wisdom perfectly, but he's not really interested in learning. Because it was a member's, though, he was at least in the room as we read from the Book of Mormon.
After they left, we went out tracting and got POURED on, so we ran to another member's home to dry off and teach a little lesson. 'Twas a good day!
Wednesday
We volunteered at a blood drive on campus--we got to run the food station. We met an awesome FBI agent who lived in Utah for awhile. He told us that John Huntsman had announced his candidacy...funny how we find out those things through nonmembers! lol
We had dinner with a member and then taught Marie again. I LOVE her so much! She is the Muslim from Kuwait who came to church on Sunday! She gave me a beautiful hairpiece that I had complimented on Sunday. We watched the Restoration DVD and she said that she felt like she was kneeling next to Joseph as the light came down. Wow!
ThursdayWe went on exchanges and I got to be with Sister Wilson! Woot! I love her so much! We did another forum. Sister Johnson stayed in our area and we got a new investigator. She also went to see Marie again and she had had a dream about Christ. Ashley had read through 1 Ne 13! In one day! Sister Wilson and I went to see this awesome guy named John she'd met last week. He'd already read halfway through! (He finished on Sunday!) He's ROCKIN'!
Friday
We taught Justin, who is another awesome new investigator. Hopefully you'll hear more about him. We also went to see Samantha, an amazing woman who has recently started coming back to church. She then came with us to teach Bro. McAllister--my favorite 75-yr-old Recent Convert ever! He has such a strong faith! His wife sat in too, which is great :D
Saturday
We had meetings in the morning and then went to see Sis. Mickels--a less active who got in a crash the night before. We then went to a baptism, which was so great! It was for an 8-yr-old, but I LOVE baptisms!! We taught a member afterward and then went home for dinner. We went out contacting and then went and taught Sariah a lesson. I love her!
SundayChurch was pretty standard--awesome. Sis Kost went home, so we're back to a threesome.
Monday
'Twas great! We had to be in by 6pm and do paperwork till 9. At 9, we made an AWESOME music video. O ya.
I love you all! This truly is Christ's church and can bless everyone! It's not just for some :D
Love ya!
Sister Denton
Let's get down to business!
Monday
For P-Day we took some pictures on campus and I got to rock out on the piano...well, as much as you can rock out to church music lol. It was fabulous though!
We taught Bro Randall again--the referral out in the Elders' old area. He had read all of 1 Nephi!! In a week! He really wants to know if this is true, and I'm excited to help him find out! He said he'd pray about a date to set for a goal to be baptized.
Tuesday
We had a forum in the morning--we set up a little table at an assigned place on campus and get to contact anyone that comes by! It's quite fun. We had District Meeting afterward on campus, since we 4 sisters make up the district. Our 3:30 stood us up, but James, our team-up, suggested going to see Sariah. It was a great lesson! She agreed to try reading every day so long as we text her. In reality, though, she's been AWESOME this week and has read every morning before we even remind her!!
We had dinner at a member's with Rachel and her husband, Hank. They are from China and she reminds me so much of YeYang! We talked about the Word of Wisdom and she said, "Mormons don't drink? Even the men? Maybe you just don't know..." lol. Hank keeps the Word of Wisdom perfectly, but he's not really interested in learning. Because it was a member's, though, he was at least in the room as we read from the Book of Mormon.
After they left, we went out tracting and got POURED on, so we ran to another member's home to dry off and teach a little lesson. 'Twas a good day!
Wednesday
We volunteered at a blood drive on campus--we got to run the food station. We met an awesome FBI agent who lived in Utah for awhile. He told us that John Huntsman had announced his candidacy...funny how we find out those things through nonmembers! lol
We had dinner with a member and then taught Marie again. I LOVE her so much! She is the Muslim from Kuwait who came to church on Sunday! She gave me a beautiful hairpiece that I had complimented on Sunday. We watched the Restoration DVD and she said that she felt like she was kneeling next to Joseph as the light came down. Wow!
ThursdayWe went on exchanges and I got to be with Sister Wilson! Woot! I love her so much! We did another forum. Sister Johnson stayed in our area and we got a new investigator. She also went to see Marie again and she had had a dream about Christ. Ashley had read through 1 Ne 13! In one day! Sister Wilson and I went to see this awesome guy named John she'd met last week. He'd already read halfway through! (He finished on Sunday!) He's ROCKIN'!
Friday
We taught Justin, who is another awesome new investigator. Hopefully you'll hear more about him. We also went to see Samantha, an amazing woman who has recently started coming back to church. She then came with us to teach Bro. McAllister--my favorite 75-yr-old Recent Convert ever! He has such a strong faith! His wife sat in too, which is great :D
Saturday
We had meetings in the morning and then went to see Sis. Mickels--a less active who got in a crash the night before. We then went to a baptism, which was so great! It was for an 8-yr-old, but I LOVE baptisms!! We taught a member afterward and then went home for dinner. We went out contacting and then went and taught Sariah a lesson. I love her!
SundayChurch was pretty standard--awesome. Sis Kost went home, so we're back to a threesome.
Monday
'Twas great! We had to be in by 6pm and do paperwork till 9. At 9, we made an AWESOME music video. O ya.
I love you all! This truly is Christ's church and can bless everyone! It's not just for some :D
Love ya!
Sister Denton
Monday, June 27, 2011
6/27/11- Letter to the World
Hello World!
Wow...so what's been going on here in PA?
Sariah
She was out of town most of this week, but she is home and doing well! We've been reading from the Book of Mormon with her a lot. She's preparing for the 31st of July, so she just needs to get an answer by then! She is more active then some of our members!
Joey
He came to the barbecue that the branch put on. He's kind of put out by all of the rules that we as missionaries have to follow. He doesn't think Heavenly Father would be so restrictive. We talked about choices and blessings that come from obedience. The Word of Wisdom came up and he wasn't a huge fan of the idea. He's going out of town, but we'll see if he'll continue to meet with us after. I hope so. The guidelines given by prophets truly are from the Lord.
Caden
He's doing pretty well. He's made a lot of friends, and has come to some social events. He's out of town for the 4th as well, so we'll see what happens when he gets back.
Tyson
Tyson is from China, but came to NY for the last two years of high school at a Catholic school. He notices the lack of the Spirit now that he's in college and not making God a priority. He really does want this, which is awesome. In fact, we'd met with one of his friends, Kyle, and he told us that Kyle just wasn't ready to hear it. Tyson is awesome :D He reminds me a lot of YeYang.
Jordan
He's from down South and has a very strong faith in Christ. He's willing to check out the Book of Mormon and learn, though!
Richie
He is one of my favorite people ever! He's from India and has an awesome accent and a quick wit. He's made really good friends with Vaughn, our Branch Mission Leader. We've taught him once, but ran into him on campus a few other times. He came to the BBQ too, and actually brought friends! One of which we may continue teaching :D
Now for the ward
Rachel
She's pretty much the only one we're working with in the ward. She's from China. I don't remember if I talked before about reading from the Book of Mormon with her. She hadn't been doing it, so we read with her for a lesson, and she LOVED it! She had no idea the Book of Mormon was so exciting! I hope she makes time to continue progressing! That's the biggest thing with her, she's busy. She's also moving to CA soon, so if she doesn't get baptized on her date (July 26), I hope she can hook up with missionaries there.
And finally our curve ball!
There are currently no Elders in the area next to us (which is why Sis Wilson is our District Leader). We received a referral from their area and we went last Monday. It's an hour drive one way! It was SO worth it though! Bro. Randall is an amazing investigator who's had lots of LDS friends in the past. He loves the lifestyle and has observed that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints just seem happier! It was a great lesson with a former Branch President from the area. We're meeting with him again tonight and he's scheduled in church for next week (he was out of town this week).
So ya...it's been a great week! State College is a great area, and I've been so blessed to get to know Sis. Wilson and Sis. Kost better before they leave next week. This is Christ's church! Remember that and live it :D I love this quote by Elder Holland, "It's hard for an egg to become a bird, but it's impossible for an egg to learn to fly." We have to go through hard times to reach our potential! Sometimes, living the standards of the church are hard, but it's impossible for us to do what God asks of us if we won't try! Like Elder Denton (the one and only) said a couple of weeks ago, obedience yields blessings.
Love ya!
Sister Denton
PS--P-Day plans for the day include Penn State pics around campus, rockin' on the piano (as much as you can rock with EFY songs), and making a music video doing the Hakka to Alex Boye's version of "Israel, Israel, God is Calling." Look it up...it's a great version :D
Wow...so what's been going on here in PA?
Sariah
She was out of town most of this week, but she is home and doing well! We've been reading from the Book of Mormon with her a lot. She's preparing for the 31st of July, so she just needs to get an answer by then! She is more active then some of our members!
Joey
He came to the barbecue that the branch put on. He's kind of put out by all of the rules that we as missionaries have to follow. He doesn't think Heavenly Father would be so restrictive. We talked about choices and blessings that come from obedience. The Word of Wisdom came up and he wasn't a huge fan of the idea. He's going out of town, but we'll see if he'll continue to meet with us after. I hope so. The guidelines given by prophets truly are from the Lord.
Caden
He's doing pretty well. He's made a lot of friends, and has come to some social events. He's out of town for the 4th as well, so we'll see what happens when he gets back.
Tyson
Tyson is from China, but came to NY for the last two years of high school at a Catholic school. He notices the lack of the Spirit now that he's in college and not making God a priority. He really does want this, which is awesome. In fact, we'd met with one of his friends, Kyle, and he told us that Kyle just wasn't ready to hear it. Tyson is awesome :D He reminds me a lot of YeYang.
Jordan
He's from down South and has a very strong faith in Christ. He's willing to check out the Book of Mormon and learn, though!
Richie
He is one of my favorite people ever! He's from India and has an awesome accent and a quick wit. He's made really good friends with Vaughn, our Branch Mission Leader. We've taught him once, but ran into him on campus a few other times. He came to the BBQ too, and actually brought friends! One of which we may continue teaching :D
Now for the ward
Rachel
She's pretty much the only one we're working with in the ward. She's from China. I don't remember if I talked before about reading from the Book of Mormon with her. She hadn't been doing it, so we read with her for a lesson, and she LOVED it! She had no idea the Book of Mormon was so exciting! I hope she makes time to continue progressing! That's the biggest thing with her, she's busy. She's also moving to CA soon, so if she doesn't get baptized on her date (July 26), I hope she can hook up with missionaries there.
And finally our curve ball!
There are currently no Elders in the area next to us (which is why Sis Wilson is our District Leader). We received a referral from their area and we went last Monday. It's an hour drive one way! It was SO worth it though! Bro. Randall is an amazing investigator who's had lots of LDS friends in the past. He loves the lifestyle and has observed that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints just seem happier! It was a great lesson with a former Branch President from the area. We're meeting with him again tonight and he's scheduled in church for next week (he was out of town this week).
So ya...it's been a great week! State College is a great area, and I've been so blessed to get to know Sis. Wilson and Sis. Kost better before they leave next week. This is Christ's church! Remember that and live it :D I love this quote by Elder Holland, "It's hard for an egg to become a bird, but it's impossible for an egg to learn to fly." We have to go through hard times to reach our potential! Sometimes, living the standards of the church are hard, but it's impossible for us to do what God asks of us if we won't try! Like Elder Denton (the one and only) said a couple of weeks ago, obedience yields blessings.
Love ya!
Sister Denton
PS--P-Day plans for the day include Penn State pics around campus, rockin' on the piano (as much as you can rock with EFY songs), and making a music video doing the Hakka to Alex Boye's version of "Israel, Israel, God is Calling." Look it up...it's a great version :D
Monday, June 20, 2011
6/20/11- Letter to the World
So the first half of this week was with Sister Wilson, but Thursday, Sister Kost from Ephrata met up with us and we split back into two companionships. We've been working like crazy, and it is so wonderful.
I don't have a ton of time, so I just want to bear my testimony.
I know that this church is Christ's church here on the earth. I know that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and that through him, the Priesthood power was restored. I know that that Priesthood power is held by worthy men all over the world who are members of this church. I know that Heavenly Father loves us each personally and because of that, He sent His son Jesus Christ to atone for our sins and feel everything we would ever go through. I know that our families can be together forever.
I love you all!
Sister Denton
Monday, June 13, 2011
6/13/11- Letter to the World
Hello World!
It's been a crazy week here in State College. A sister went home early, so Sister Johnson and I are in a tripanionship with Sister Wilson--a temple square sister. We are going crazy trying to teach all of our investigators, which is actually a fabulous problem to have!! Add to that, I love Sister Wilson to pieces! We have a ton in common and it has been a fabulous few days! We may be getting a mini-missionary until Thursday, so things will go back to normal until Sister Wilson leaves a week before transfers to return to Temple Square.
We mainly taught people from the branch this week, so I'll just talk about them!
Sandy
She has a baptismal date!! She's been studying with missionaries for awhile. We taught her twice this week--both reading from the Book of Mormon. The second time we read with her, she read it in Japanese and we'd translate in English...she's trying to learn Japanese. Anyway....I tried to commit her to baptism the first time, but it kind of failed. She doesn't want to commit because she'd feel obligated to tell her parents and they are very against it. She wants to be prepared enough to answer their questions. So Sis. Wilson came in and was able to pretend she didn't know we'd tried committing her in the past and had the idea to do it for July 31. So she's set with the 31st!! Woot!
So my time is totally almost gone!!
Love ya!
Sister Denton
It's been a crazy week here in State College. A sister went home early, so Sister Johnson and I are in a tripanionship with Sister Wilson--a temple square sister. We are going crazy trying to teach all of our investigators, which is actually a fabulous problem to have!! Add to that, I love Sister Wilson to pieces! We have a ton in common and it has been a fabulous few days! We may be getting a mini-missionary until Thursday, so things will go back to normal until Sister Wilson leaves a week before transfers to return to Temple Square.
We mainly taught people from the branch this week, so I'll just talk about them!
Sandy
She has a baptismal date!! She's been studying with missionaries for awhile. We taught her twice this week--both reading from the Book of Mormon. The second time we read with her, she read it in Japanese and we'd translate in English...she's trying to learn Japanese. Anyway....I tried to commit her to baptism the first time, but it kind of failed. She doesn't want to commit because she'd feel obligated to tell her parents and they are very against it. She wants to be prepared enough to answer their questions. So Sis. Wilson came in and was able to pretend she didn't know we'd tried committing her in the past and had the idea to do it for July 31. So she's set with the 31st!! Woot!
So my time is totally almost gone!!
Love ya!
Sister Denton
Monday, June 6, 2011
6/6/11- Letter to the World
Hello all!
So State College is AWESOME!!! I started trying to write by day, but I left my planner in the car and it all kind of melds together, so I'll talk about the area and people!
A lot of the finding we do here is street contacting. There are always people walking around near the campus, so we just walk around and try to engage them in gospel conversations! We also tract a lot of apartments, which is my favorite mode of tracting. It's way faster and the people there are less likely to have seen missionaries lately, even if they tracted there a few months ago, because it's so transient. We've found a LOT of potentials this week, which is super exciting!
There are SO many cultures here; people from all over the world! It's awesome. I love hearing all of the different accents and learning about some Middle Eastern faiths. This week we've talked to people from Egypt, Kazakhstan, India, China, Korea, Italy, etc. It's so cool!
We work with the State College 2nd Ward and then we share the University Branch with the other sisters. It's quite fun! Sundays are crazy because we have to do a crazy split thing to get someone from each companionship to certain places. It all seems to work out, though! This week I went to the Branch and RS of the 2nd ward, so next week I'll go to the last two hours of the 1st ward and all three hours of the 2nd ward. Hopefully that makes some sense...
Branch
Nate
He's been studying with the missionaries for a little while. He is a VERY deep thinker and is really taking his time to find out about our message. We had an AMAZING team up from the Branch....the branch is really incredible with missionary work. We're meeting with him again this week :D He wasn't able to make it to church, though.
Joey
We had our first meeting with him this week and he is a new investigator! He wasn't able to make it to church, but hopefully we'll be able to get him out to FHE. They're going to the Dollar Theater to watch Rango. I don't know what he expected with meeting with us, but he said he'll read the Book of Mormon and we got a return appointment! He wasn't able to make it to church this week.
Kyle
We tracted into Kyle Friday and met with him Saturday. He's from China and has never believed in God..he's a scientist. I challenged him to consider it an experiment--his life is the product and God is the chemical. If he adds God into his life and his life improves, it means God is real :D He's going to try it! He wasn't able to make it to church (this is a common theme, but at least a lot of them text us and let us know they won't be able to make it!)
Sandy
Sandy's been taught for a long while. She's awesome :D She loves Harry Potter and hates Twilight, so we had a great connection from the get-go :D We're working on setting a baptismal date with her. She comes to church, FHE, Institute, and just about every other church activity!
Caden
Caden is SO cool! We tracted into him and he opened the door and said "Hey Sisters!" I totally thought he was a member, but he's from Cali and like 1/2 of his friends there are LDS, so he's super familiar with it. He's really excited to get some LDS friends out here and we have an appointment with him this week!
2nd Ward
Rachel
She is from China and reminds me SO much of Yeyang. She's been studying with missionaries for awhile and is just trying to figure out if she really believes it. She comes to church and feels a peace there, but she thinks it's because of the atmosphere or the people rather than the Spirit. She came again this week and we set a baptismal date for July 26. We'll see how it goes!
Sis L
So, this wonderful YSA called us one night and excitedly told us about this amazing woman she'd met at work! We called her and she was very excited to meet with us and we set up an appointment! The meeting went very well and she was all set to go to church. She's 75 by the way :D The same age as Bro McDonald who was baptized last Friday in this ward! She called us Sunday morning with a slue of concerns. Her children are pretty against her meeting with us, so she said she needed some time. Hopefully our awesome YSA can continue to friendship her and at least keep contact with the church. Keep her in your prayers :D
Well, I think that's about it for the week! The work is awesome! I very much look forward to seeing the work progress here in State College!
Love ya!
Sister Denton
So State College is AWESOME!!! I started trying to write by day, but I left my planner in the car and it all kind of melds together, so I'll talk about the area and people!
A lot of the finding we do here is street contacting. There are always people walking around near the campus, so we just walk around and try to engage them in gospel conversations! We also tract a lot of apartments, which is my favorite mode of tracting. It's way faster and the people there are less likely to have seen missionaries lately, even if they tracted there a few months ago, because it's so transient. We've found a LOT of potentials this week, which is super exciting!
There are SO many cultures here; people from all over the world! It's awesome. I love hearing all of the different accents and learning about some Middle Eastern faiths. This week we've talked to people from Egypt, Kazakhstan, India, China, Korea, Italy, etc. It's so cool!
We work with the State College 2nd Ward and then we share the University Branch with the other sisters. It's quite fun! Sundays are crazy because we have to do a crazy split thing to get someone from each companionship to certain places. It all seems to work out, though! This week I went to the Branch and RS of the 2nd ward, so next week I'll go to the last two hours of the 1st ward and all three hours of the 2nd ward. Hopefully that makes some sense...
Branch
Nate
He's been studying with the missionaries for a little while. He is a VERY deep thinker and is really taking his time to find out about our message. We had an AMAZING team up from the Branch....the branch is really incredible with missionary work. We're meeting with him again this week :D He wasn't able to make it to church, though.
Joey
We had our first meeting with him this week and he is a new investigator! He wasn't able to make it to church, but hopefully we'll be able to get him out to FHE. They're going to the Dollar Theater to watch Rango. I don't know what he expected with meeting with us, but he said he'll read the Book of Mormon and we got a return appointment! He wasn't able to make it to church this week.
Kyle
We tracted into Kyle Friday and met with him Saturday. He's from China and has never believed in God..he's a scientist. I challenged him to consider it an experiment--his life is the product and God is the chemical. If he adds God into his life and his life improves, it means God is real :D He's going to try it! He wasn't able to make it to church (this is a common theme, but at least a lot of them text us and let us know they won't be able to make it!)
Sandy
Sandy's been taught for a long while. She's awesome :D She loves Harry Potter and hates Twilight, so we had a great connection from the get-go :D We're working on setting a baptismal date with her. She comes to church, FHE, Institute, and just about every other church activity!
Caden
Caden is SO cool! We tracted into him and he opened the door and said "Hey Sisters!" I totally thought he was a member, but he's from Cali and like 1/2 of his friends there are LDS, so he's super familiar with it. He's really excited to get some LDS friends out here and we have an appointment with him this week!
2nd Ward
Rachel
She is from China and reminds me SO much of Yeyang. She's been studying with missionaries for awhile and is just trying to figure out if she really believes it. She comes to church and feels a peace there, but she thinks it's because of the atmosphere or the people rather than the Spirit. She came again this week and we set a baptismal date for July 26. We'll see how it goes!
Sis L
So, this wonderful YSA called us one night and excitedly told us about this amazing woman she'd met at work! We called her and she was very excited to meet with us and we set up an appointment! The meeting went very well and she was all set to go to church. She's 75 by the way :D The same age as Bro McDonald who was baptized last Friday in this ward! She called us Sunday morning with a slue of concerns. Her children are pretty against her meeting with us, so she said she needed some time. Hopefully our awesome YSA can continue to friendship her and at least keep contact with the church. Keep her in your prayers :D
Well, I think that's about it for the week! The work is awesome! I very much look forward to seeing the work progress here in State College!
Love ya!
Sister Denton
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