Week 15

Dear Family,

Yesterday we had 3 investigators come to church! Two which have a baptismal date for March 30th. It was very exciting to have them there! For missionaries there isn't anything much better than that, than a baptism itself. We as a companionship have a lot of work to do though to make the 30th possible for these investigators. One of them has a drinking problem, and is scared to find out the truth. She is scared because she knows once she knows the truth there is no unknowing it. She also stated that "ignorance is bliss" so honestly she's there, and we feel she is ready, but it is going to be up to her agency, whether she is ready to make a change. I know it can bless her and her families life so much, so we are praying really hard for her. T was able to make it as well, but had to leave right after so we are hoping to go over to her house tonight and talk to her about what she thought!

Can't remember if I told you but J.C has committed to coming to General Conference with us! We are so exited about that! He will be able to see our Prophet and 12 apostles today and I know he is going to see they are men of God. General Conference is like the Super Bowl for missionaries. ha. We have a count down we are so excited! 

The weather here is warming up! On Friday we looked like lobsters. We were out knocking for 3-4 hours and it was 90 degrees. HOT! Its been in the high 70's low 80's since, so I'm grateful its not quite summer yet. 

Because of the influx of missionaries coming out, this transfer is being cut short. It will only be 5 weeks, instead of 6, which also means I will be coming home a week sooner most likely as well. So now its looking like April 9th. SO CRAZY. I'm only about a year now. Its flying! We are getting 25 new missionaries this next week, and the work is hastening. This month is going to be record breaking I think for baptisms. So amazing how many were bringing to the fold. 
 
Funny story - there is a man John who is a Baptist. A devout one at that. Yea funny, "John the Baptist". We have been teaching him and he says he was born a Baptist and will die a Baptist; however, he has agreed to read The Book of Mormon! :) He is always concerned about our safety though, and asked us if we had pepper spray in case of attackers. We said no and so he said he would be right back. He came back with the biggest bottle of insect spray. He told us this will be better and that you can spray from 15 feet away. ha ha. We started laughing, but he was dead serious. And he told us we better keep it with us in our back packs at all times. Pretty sure it adds 5 pounds to our bags, but so very nice of him. ha.

The people here for the most part truly are so nice, and care about us, they just don't want anything to do with our religion. The big thing really though, is that there are just so many misconceptions. So I'm grateful we have the privilege of clearing those up ;) Some funny ones we get...we grow horns on our head, we sacrifice chickens at church, we worship Joseph Smith and he wrote the Book of Mormon himself in 5 days with a magical hat. We worship angel Moroni (they pronounce it Maronee) on our temple, and the best one, they always ask us how many mothers we have. I actually love answering their questions though. I would way rather them ask then just assume and send us on our way.

The days sometimes are really long. Especially when we knock and not anyone is willing to listen. The Lord truly is mindful though. The other day we were really trying to stay positive, but it was rough. After hours of knocking a man drove by and stopped and yelled out our window if we were missionaries? We excitedly replied yes! And he said "I thought so, you two are so beautiful and wholesome." Then he drove away. He wasn't willing to listen, but just that complement made me realize I am set apart from the world. I was set apart and have this mantle. I have been called by a Prophet of God to share what I know. And I know the message I share is true. 

I know my Savior lives, and I am so grateful for the Atonement. I am learning so much, and definitely learning patience. Love you all! 

Sister Turner

Some Bible belt t-shirts we got. Haha.

  
Some of the Lubbock Sisters out to lunch

 

Week 14

Hey Family,
This week was a bit of a slow one. We are still in the finding stages, just trying to find people to teach. Cool story though, on Saturday we were outside tracting. Surprise. ha. And these two middle aged women were out walking. Turns out they are sisters, and one of them just recently moved here. We had a good conversation with them, and talked about the Book of Mormon. They were extremely friendly, and pretty receptive compared to some here in the Regal Park area. We went on our way though after talking for them for about 10 min. Well then yesterday we went tracting on the complete opposite side of town. We felt prompted to work in a certain area, and then knock on this certain street. The first door we knock on is a women  who says a friendly "Hey" and is just looking at us smiling. Not usually the normal door approach we receive... she mentions how we saw her yesterday, at first it didn't click, because we were on the complete opposite side of town, and didn't do any knocking in this part. She then explained to us how she was the women who was walking with her sister! She just moved here, and we met her husband as well, and they are both so nice! I'm pretty sure they have talked to missionaries before, wherever it was they used to live. So we are going to go back and try to start teaching them! I know it was not a coincidence! So we're excited about that!

We also have a man who is in his early 50's is a divorcee and knows a woman, the bishop and another man in our ward. He came to church for the 2nd time yesterday and LOVES it. He went to his church after ours and told us wow what a difference! His church they celebrated his pastors birthday, and our church there is just something different. (the spirit ;) He loves how family oriented we are and that we talk about Jesus Christ all day! ha ha. He is super funny. And did I mention LOADED. Let me give you an example. He took this woman on a date. She told us on their first date he pulls up in a Corvette. She could care less about money, and tried to make him feel bad by telling him she loves a man who drives a truck. So 2nd date what does he pull up in... a truck. Yea he bought himself a truck and a nice one at that. ha. He is a spinal surgeon, and is very well known in this area. It will just be a matter of time now before we get the phone call from him saying he wants to take the discussions. Just what we need... another doctor in the ward. ha. No but he's actually a very loving and spiritual guy. He wants to do whats right, and he realizes that money hasn't been making him happy. So I think good things are to come with him! It will be nice to receive another referral from the ward!

When you're a missionary you can admit your a creeper. ha. We started going to this park and double teaming on each side of speed walkers. (they sure love that ;) ha. We just start walking with them, talking about the gospel and give them a pass along card. ha. Its pretty humorous some of things we do. I'm noticing though we are helping this area realize Mormons aren't weird, but that we are normal and happy people! People really are starting to realize how many misconceptions and judgments they had about us. 

Last week our mission had 14 baptisms! That is almost half of what we normally get in a month, so its evident the work is increasing with the new missionaries! I can't wait to get the next 102 missionaries, then the work really is going to increase! 

This church is so true!! SO TRUE. I have no doubts. I know it. And its my job to help others come unto Christ and help them know what blessings come with the covenants and ordinances they agree to make with our loving Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ at baptisms and the rest of their lives.
 
Love you all!
Sister Turner

Week 13

Dear Family,

So yesterday we had a terrible blizzard that came out of nowhere! The day before was 75 degrees, so it was super odd. But all the missionaries were stuck indoors all day. I was going to go crazy! ha. We wrote lots of letters and we just played games and watched church movies.

Training is great! Sister Dunham is a lot of fun, and she has a super strong testimony so I think we will do great things together!! Funny story too. Last Monday during orientation all the new missionaries go out knocking right as they land off the plane just to get a feel of it right away. She was the only sister to come out and so I was asked to be her "companion" during this hour of knocking they do for orientation. I wasn't to tell her that I indeed was her real trainer/companion. So I kinda got to be undercover and see how she would act thinking I was just a random sister, instead of her trainer! ha. She was pretty surprised to find out that night I was her trainer though! ha ha.

Sister Dunham's "Greenie Breakfast"

I was able to see Elder Tuckett last Monday at transfer site. He goes home in June. He doesn't have too much longer, so we were able to chat for a bit and get a pic.

This week included lots of finding, and lots of rejection, but we did have a really neat experience. One day we had been knocking for a few hours, and not having much success. I remember saying a small prayer in my heart to please help us find someone. One thing led to another and we were prompted to knock on this particular door. A young man opened it and seemed pretty interested. We got to talking, and we left him our number. Not two minutes after we left he texted us and said, "Um its so weird that you guys just came by. I have been struggling with this for awhile now, I really just quit going to church and kinda lost faith, just really lost my way. I was sitting in my chair thinking before you guys came to the door thinking God, give me something, let me know you are real, and then y'all show up. Thank you!" It just goes to show how mindful God is of all his children! He answered his prayer, as well as mine! He is a young single adult, and so the other sisters will be teaching him, but it is pretty exciting! 

I love the gospel so much, and I know that it is through faith, repentance, baptism by the proper authority, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end that we can have everlasting life. It is the way, and the only way. And how lucky I am to help others learn that for themselves! :) 
 
Love you all! Until next week!

Fruits of Our Labors- Week 12

This was the most INCREDIBLE week thus far on my mission!

Valentines Day we heart attacked some of our investigators and less actives doors! Valentine's Day on a mission is a little different. You really think of how much LOVE God has for us, and Jesus Christ. He loved us so much he suffered everything, even his life for us. Its a love we truly can't comprehend. 

On Saturday we had our first baptism! S was so happy! She was so prepared for the gospel! We taught her this week in 2 lessons what we normally would cover in 5-6 lessons. We knew the lord knew she was ready though. We had to cover word of wisdom, law of chastity, law of tithing and fast offerings, and the plan of salvation all in one lesson. She understands the restoration. She realizes we are not just another "church" but that we are the same gospel and organization Jesus Christ taught when he was on the Earth. She has so much faith, and was willing to sacrifice the things she knew the Lord asked of her.  

She was baptized on Saturday at 9:30am. The Spirit was so strong, and after we asked her how she felt and she said, "finally complete". I gave her a gift, a journal with my testimony and a picture of us. She was in tears. I really have grown to love this woman, and she already is being a great missionary and wanting to share the gospel with all her friends! 

We also went to the sealing in the temple!! It was INCREDIBLE. The promises and blessings that are given are indescribable. She also is now sealed to her parents and her grandparents. What an opportunity the temple is to do our family history and to make covenants and promises with God to help us on the path back to him. S will have the opportunity to go to the temple in 1 year to get her endowments, so I'll be able to go with her and travel from whatever area I am in! So that will be exciting!

And now for the last bit of BIG news...

I've been in a trio for the past few days. Our third companion is Sister Schiess from Idaho. Transfers are tomorrow, and I will be staying. One new sister is coming out in the field, just one, and guess who is training her.... yup... me! Ah! Pretty crazy! I'm excited, yet really nervous. I know I will learn a lot from it though. It will just be the two of us here. Her name is sister Dunham and she is from Washington State. I most likely will be in this area for another 3 months, so at least 6 months total since the training program lasts 12 weeks. Sister Sekona isn't transferring too far! She actually is staying here in Lubbock and is just going to the Young Single Adult ward for the college. She is really excited! I think it will be a nice change for her since she's been in the area for over 7 months now!

I love this gospel so much, don't take for granted the blessings we have to have the truth. To know the plan, Gods plan with the fullness of the Gospel. Love you all! Until Next week.
Love,
Sister Turner

Week 11

Howdy Fam,
Exciting things are ahead!

First off Sister Sekona and I get to go to the temple on Saturday!! I almost started crying with joy! ha. As missionaries we are not to go to the temple unless one of our investigators is going to get their endowments. Even if missionaries aren't here in Lubbock they can travel to go! We have a recent widow in the ward who is being sealed to her husband who never joined the church. She really wanted us to be there. We asked president, thinking of course we wouldn't be able to go, but he prayed about it, and told us today to go and enjoy the spirit! This is such a privilege! We are the only missionaries in like history of this mission that President Augustin has let go for other circumstances besides investigators getting their endowments. I have been missing the temple so badly and am searching for so many answers, and I think this is JUST what I need right now. Seriously I'm so excited!!!!!!!!

We also have been working really hard with a inactive family. They are incredible! Our last visit we were all in tears! She beat cancer, and he beat cancer twice. He now has liver cancer and is given 1-5 years to live. We were teaching them about faith, and he says, "What's the point in having faith?" We asked if they believed in miracles, and they said, "How many miracle tickets does one get in their lifetime?" They feel like they have run out of those. They used to be extremely active and happy in the gospel. They are converts, were sealed in the temple, and were both dedicated temple workers. They had the missionaries over all the time and were very involved in their callings. We asked them why they aren't happy anymore and when the last time they were happy. They both said when they lived in Florida they were SO happy. But things are different now. They both used to have everything, including good jobs. Of course they were happy in Florida because they had the gospel then, they had the temple and all the blessings that come with it. When they moved here they slowly just fell away. It hit them, and I think they know why things are going downhill for them. Of course we all have trials, but how important it is to be even MORE faithful when you're going through something like this. I know they can come around though, and he always thanks us each visit for bringing the spirit back in their home. This was the scripture we had shared with them. Ether 12:6 "And now I Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things, I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."  They really are amazing people, I have truly learned to love them. They just need a reminder of the true joy of life. I know they want to be there, and the great thing is they can always come back! Its never too late :) So we're excited to continue visiting with them! 

We were knocking one day, and door after door we were getting rejected. Then we knocked into a family full of kids. The first thought that came to me was wow, they look Mormon! ha. Turns out they were! They had moved there the day before. A military family with four young kids. (reminds me of our family) So it was a tender mercy to knock into them. They invited us in and we helped them unpack a bit. 
 

The craziest thing happened at church yesterday. The fire alarm went off! Its a brand new building (since Sept.) and a sneaky little kid pulled the switch.. It was during fast and testimony meeting. A women was up front crying, when it went off. She got really scared. ha ha. It was really funny. No one knew what to do, everyone just stayed in their seats... Good thing there really wasn't a fire.. ha ha. But yea it took about 15 min. for them to figure out how to turn it off. My ears are still ringing. ha ha. The cute family behind us was the women who I said looks like Sabrina the Teenage witch. Her little 6 year old daughter is so cute. she goes. "Mom what if there really is a fire, but its the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, so we're not going to burn." ha ha Sister Sekona and I were dying. So yea that was quite an adventure, and we were actually really grateful we didn't have any investigators with us, because it just was a little chaotic. We had a short sacrament meeting. ha.

Well just wanted to leave you with a scripture. Mosiah 4:30 "But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not." 

This has been one of my favorites this week. Its so important for us to always strive and to never give up, to work hard to keep our will with the Lord's, to be obedient, and to continue with faith, and as we endure to the end, we will not perish, but have ever lasting life! Love and miss you all!

Sister Turner

P.S. A week from tomorrow is transfers! We get transfer calls on Saturday, I have a feeling I will be staying in the area and getting a new companion, so next week i'll be sure and give you the update!

Week 10

Hey Family,

As you all know, yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday. As missionaries in Texas, its not the best day to be out and about.. ha ha. The streets were DEAD. Not a soul in sight. And of course we weren't going to go knocking on doors because that would have just caused some upset football fans. ha. Luckily though in the afternoon we were able to meet 5 new people. So for being the Super Bowl it was a very successful day! My poor companion. She is probably the biggest 49ers fan out there, (since she's from the Bay area) so she sure had to sacrifice yesterday. ha

Church was amazing too! It was our ward conference. And our entire stake presidency as I think i mentioned is in our ward. They all spoke and they are incredible men! They are men of God, it just shines off them. They have such conviction and such love for the gospel and the savior. They all were in tears as they bore their testimony. Sandra noticed that and she said she had never seen any pastors in her life cry, and she loves it. ha. 

We met another women this week Deanna. She has a really hard life. She hasn't gone to church in years and she has a 7 yr old and an 11 yr old. We invited her to church, but she didn't show up. Its always really hard for a missionary to not have them show up. She is really shy, and has like no self esteem. Its so sad to see. She really wants to find out the truth, she said other religions have never made sense to her, and so far what we've taught her she likes. Its just the whole social aspect (leaving her house and going to church in public) that will be the hardest part for her.  Like I said, she is EXTREMELY shy. We had her offer the closing prayer, and it took her 15 minutes to say it. She wanted us to say it or to say it in her head, but we told her that the Lord wants to hear from her out loud. Sister Sekona ended up saying one first and then she followed. There is nothing better than hearing an investigator pray for the first time! It is the most genuine and childlike thing. I love it! 

We met with Carolyn this week. We got to finally teach her and husband! We talked about the Book of Mormon, but they told us they love us and they know we are sincere, but they know the Book of Mormon isn't true. Its so hard to truly get to know and love people, and then them to say they are content in their ways and to not even try. I'm not giving up though. As our mission president, President Augustin says. "On your mission at least convert one person. Yourself! " And that's exactly what I'm doing! 

Well love you all! Hope all is well!

Sister Turner

P.S Only in Texas do they spray paint the grass green. I even have proof. ha ha.

Week 9

When trials come blessings follow. This week was AMAZING! (Sorry this email will be long)

First off, the weather was again great. We had days between 72-76 degrees. So you know how that would make me happy. ha. 

We were able to make contact with Ward. He was drunk again, but we are making progress! We actually had left a note in his door cause he was not home, but after we went tracting around his surrounding neighborhoods we went back to his street to get in our car and he was outside! We waved him down and asked him if he had any water we could have. He said no. He only had a hose. ha ha. So we kindly declined that offer. He told us he got our note and I could tell it made his day. We talked for almost 30 minutes! He let us into his back yard and showed us around, he told us one day he wants to have tea with us and show us pictures of his wife. Than he broke into tears again. He told us through tears he's so sad and lonely, and its just so hard. They were together for 41 years before she passed away. He told us to keep doing what we are doing, to continue knocking on his door and maybe one day he'll listen to our message. Then he chuckled. I know God is preparing his heart! It was funny though--as we were leaving he said "Yes, come back, and we'll have tea!" We explained to him we don't drink tea, and he said, "Oh ok, how about a beer?" We then replied we didn't drink beer either. Then he had the funniest face and said, "What? What do you girls do for fun!?" Sister Sekona said play board games and play pool (he has a pool table) ha. He then replied oh ok, well then i'll give you a nice cold ice water. (And we thought he told us he didn't have any water) ha. He's definitely opening up and gaining our trust. I just want to help that man so much!

Then there is J.C. That man truly is incredible. He is an amazing father and is SO close with his teenage kids. We had about an hour and a half conversation with him outside on his porch on Thursday night. He had lots of questions and concerns, but it was good! We were able to teach him about the restoration and we taught Joseph Smith's first vision. He was floored! The spirit was so strong! I know he will learn to love that man as much as I do because he has such a love for Jesus Christ and when he realizes Joseph Smith did everything to defend the gospel, even giving up his own life. He'll gain a testimony of him. He's progressing though! He totally got it when we were talking to him! He was like, "Oh my gosh, so Joseph Smith wanted to have the same exact church Jesus Christ had when he was on the Earth?" Exactly! He is such a follower of Jesus Christ, I know he is going to be able to get an answer that the gospel is true. We left him with a prayer, and after he got SO excited. He was like oh my gosh you guys close in the name of Jesus Christ! I'm so glad! ha. He then asked if he could say a prayer. It was amazing. He thanked god for this divine appointment, asked him to help him be open minded(he is very involved in his church) and to protect us missionaries. He is such a man of the lord. Its incredible.  We left him with a "This is the Christ" document and I think that really will help his understanding! 

Then the next day he ran into two of our Elders in our District. Elder Briggs was one of them and he is one of the most amazing, most humble missionaries I've ever met! Just gives off that light! J.C is a technician for AT&T and he saw them walking on the side of the road. Elder Briggs called us after of course and told us how they had met a man named J.C who stopped them on the side of the road as he was driving in his van and said, "Hey do you know Sister Turner and Sister Sekona!?" He just went off about what amazing girls we were.They then had a nice gospel discussion and J.C told him he's been praying and reading and things are beginning to make sense!!! You do not know how exciting it was to hear that!! We were freaking out. ha. Elder Briggs also said it was a tender mercy for him because they were having a really hard day and J.C totally made it! They left him with Alma 32 which is totally what he needed! The Lord knows exactly who to place into our paths! J.C needed to travel 45 min. to talk to Elder Briggs. So our next step with J.C is to get him to come to church! 

Then two of our investigators Sandy and Sandra came to church! As a missionary the only thing I think that would make you happier that having someone come to church is having a baptism! But they are both great!! Sandra is a lot more prepared than Sandy, but I think church was necessary for Sandy for her to progress but let me talk about Sandra! She is amazing! She is one of those people that are happy all the time and it just spreads to others! She actually has been to church 4 times now, but we finally were able to teach her for the first time this week, so we hadn't really counted her as an investigator. We taught her the first lesson (restoration and Joseph Smith). She just wants to learn it all! She already wants to share the gospel with everyone she knows! ha. She brought her friend Terry along too who is having a hard time in life right now, and they are so hilarious together! Terri told us she had spent 175 dollars on a therapist the day before, and she wished she would have known there would be free therapy the next day (referring to us.) ha. 
 
Funny story real quick, last night we were to go to the McCombs house to teach Sandra. We were parked outside down their street and we got there a half hour early, we were planning our lesson inside the car when we saw them drive away out of their driveway. We didn't want them to see us so we ducked. ha. Then they kept driving around the block slowly, and we were freaking out so we just continued to duck! (I honestly don't know why!) ha. Then we thought that they were probably are just putting their baby to sleep! ha. But we decided to just drive down the road and finish our planning down there. When it was time we came to their house, we parked up our car and knocked on the door. President McCombs asked who it was. I said the missionaries. No response and then i heard running, then again I knocked on the door.. no reply.. Usually the house is very energetic and quick to get the door. So finally I rang the doorbell, I heard someone say "who is it" again and we said the sister missionaries!! He said oh phew its the sisters! Apparently he didn't hear us the first time. They opened the door then all the kids came running out! We were thinking what on earth was going on! They told us the night before a creepy man had knocked on their door and asked if he could use their phone. He was being very strange, and then someone said something about calling the cops and the man freaked out and booked it. So they thought we were him. They explained how they saw an unusual car pull up (our car) with a creepy bike wrack on the back. We all laughed and we explained how that was indeed us. The mom said it was so strange because she swore she didn't see anyone in the car (because of our ducking) We just were like oh yea we were in there.... ha ha. Whats funny is they had even written down our license plate number. ha ha. Turns out Sandra had to cancel but we didn't get the memo, so they weren't expecting anyone. They had all the kids run into the safe where they keep all the water bottles. It was so funny! As we were leaving, the 4 year old son yells out the door, "Thanks for sharing the gospel!" with his little lisp. It was adorable!

Love you all!