Called to Serve in DC North: Update From DC :D

Hello!:)

This week was so humbling! We had so many growing experiences! Before I share some highlights of my week, I just want to share a couple scriptures with you that have really helped me through this week. The first one is Alma 26:27, "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success." The second scripture is Alma 34:41, "But that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions." I love these two scriptures. These are always scriptures I fall back on when things get a little rough or when things seem hard! Missionary work is definitely not easy, but if we are patient and handle and go through (not around) our afflictions, then God promises to give us the success we seek.

This week, this sweet lady named Ketesha called into Mormon.org! She was telling me how she feels super lonely. The whole time we were talking, she was just bawling. She said her house burned down and she moves hotels every two weeks while she is finding a place to stay. She said because of the fire, she has to live off of oxygen now. Despite all of Ketesha's trials and hardships, she has such a strong connection to God and to Jesus Christ. Her faith is so strong. She called Mormon.org because her friend invited her to church and she just loved how everyone was so nice to her. She wants to learn more and she wants this church to be a part of her life. She told me she was so afraid of dying alone with no one even knowing. It was so humbling to get to talk with and help Ketesha. I left her with a prayer when we were done talking and she said she is finally starting to feel that peace she has been searching for. I know with all my heart that as we offer our broken hearts to Christ, that He will make them whole.

So on Friday our ward had this BBQ at the church building and before it started, all the missionaries came and contacted all around it to invite neighbors to this BBQ! It was so great! A lot of the people were able to come that we just invited on the street! Some of the people that came were even interested in learning more! It was such a huge miracle!

On Saturday, Sister Wilson and I received a referral from the traveling APs. (Assistants to the President) They met this guy while they were out tracting and said he was so golden! So we went and visited the referral! The guy's name was Kareem and as we were teaching him we were thinking, "Man this guy really is so golden!" and then a few minutes later he told us he and the rest of his family are members.... they just haven't gone to church in years!!! So we are going to work with them!:) They want to come back so we are super excited to see how it goes with them!

Yesterday during sacrament meeting, it was missionary focused! We had recent converts get up and share their testimony with the ward. It was so incredible. Recent converts have the strongest testimonies! One of the recent converts that got up was Bruno. He is from Peru and was baptized November of last year! He told us all to remember three things-- to have faith in Heavenly Father, to be persistent, and to be patient. These three things really hit me! As we follow this pattern during our life, everything will play out! Another recent convert named Gavin gave really good advice on making time for missionary work. He said if we give the excuses that we don't have time.... then to remember who gave us the time that we have. This also hit me! God has given us the time we have and He wants us to serve Him! Every member a missionary. He shared a quote from Elder Neil L. Andersen, "If you’re not a full-time missionary with a missionary badge pinned on your coat, now is the time to paint one on your heart--painted, as Paul said, 'not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God.'" This is so true! I promise that as you make time to share what you know about Jesus Christ with others, you will not only bless their lives, but your life as well! I hope your week is full of happiness from our Heavenly Father!

Love, Sister Freeman