I am officially a Tennessian! A member found out that none of us had ever had squirrel before and he was determined to change that! So he gave us two young squirrels that he had caught earlier this week and we fried ourselves up some squirrel!
This week has been fantabulously successful! By sharing the Book of Mormon more, we have seen so many little miracles and have been able to recognize Heavenly Father's hand in the work much more clearly.
On Thursday morning, Sister Starks, Sister Burch and I were all sitting at the table in our pjs eating breakfast when we got a text from Carolyn, one of the people we are teaching. She asked if we could meet in 1/2 an hour!! So we scrambled to finish getting ourselves ready and presentable for the day and started our day out in the best possible way. Carolyn is married to a recent convert, and though his testimony is strong and bright, she is determined to feel it for herself. She has been struggling a little bit with the apostasy and usually asks us for specific scriptures that will prove this or that. In the lesson we had on Thursday morning, we really emphasized the role that the Book of Mormon should play in her seeking truth.
The Book of Mormon really is the keystone to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As we come to know of its truthfulness, everything else falls into place. Sometimes Joseph Smith is accused of being a false prophet. Well, Jesus Christ taught us that we shall know them by their fruits (Matt 7:15-20). Isn't the Book of Mormon Joseph Smith's fruit? So is it a good fruit or an evil fruit? I encourage each and every one of you, already baptized or not, just like we asked Carolyn, to really look at where you and the Book of Mormon stand. There are multiple promises within the Book of Mormon that challenge us as readers to sincerely and faithfully ask our Father in Heaven if the Book of Mormon is true. We are promised that if we have faith in our Savior and are sincere in our asking, the Holy Ghost will manifest the truth of it unto us (Moroni 10:3-5; Introduction paragraphs 8-9).
One of my favorite things to share as a missionary is the Holy Ghost. I don’t want people to take my word for anything I am teaching, but I encourage them to listen and feel for the Holy Ghost. He is the only one who can truly witness truth to our hearts in a way we will feel and recognize. So listen for him!
I love the Book of Mormon and I know it is true. It was written for us. I can't even begin to describe how much peace and comfort it brings me even/especially during difficult moments. I love my Savior, I know He lives. I love my mission and the people I get to serve. I love my family and I love the rest of yuns too!!
-Sister Shumway
Fried Squirrel
Our Trio!
