Week #47

Hello Hello,

What a great week it has been to be a missionary! I just love the
spirit that is felt each and everyday. I've learned so much about my
Heavenly Father this week. Everything always comes down to the Book of
Mormon. I'm telling you that Book has so much power!

I learned so much from President Cooper this week at MLC! He is such
an example to me of someone who has true faith. Our whole meeting was
centered on the Book of Mormon and why it is important in conversion.
I know that as we each share our testimonies of the Book of Mormon
that those around us will accept the gospel. President and Sister
Cooper did a role play together on how to teach someone how to read
the Book of Mormon and it was incredible. It was one of the high lights from
the week. Those two know how to bring the spirit can make an impact on
people's lives!

We were able to meet up with Elias Wednesday evening and we had a
really great lesson with him on the Plan of Salvation. He was asking
questions and we were reading scriptures together. A member from our ward
was able to bear his testimony to him in Spanish. He told us that he
felt good and that he would read the Book of Mormon before we met with
him again. The following day we got a text from him informing us that
he would no longer like to meet and he has decided to go to another
church. He has been talking to his friend and told us that our beliefs
don't match up with his. My heart was broken into pieces. It really is
so surreal when you think people feel the spirit and they choose not
to follow it. It made me think that's what our Heavenly Father feels
when we make mistakes and sin. Although He is perfect and knows what
we can become, I am grateful that I have a Heavenly Father who mourns
for me. I know Elias will accept the gospel. We aren't giving up on
him!!

Liam, the leader of the Bible study on campus came walking into the
church Friday afternoon. Lucky enough we were just walking out as he
was coming in. We stopped and talked for a moment. He was coming to
apologize because we actually saw him and one of our other
investigators, Vinny, on Fletcher a couple of days earlier. We went in
for a hand shake and he decided he wanted a hug. He told us that he
realized we went in for a good old fashion hand shake and he went in
for a hug.  It was a perfect lead into testifying of what we do as
missionaries. He told us that he read the Book of Mormon with his mom
when he was younger, but left it at home when he came to Florida. We
gave him another copy and he told us he would come to the Book of
Mormon institute class tonight!

I had one of the most spiritual experiences on my mission this week.
Friday afternoon we met with Irem. We went into the primary room and
had a lesson on the restoration. She was able to come to Institute the
night before. The whole lesson was on the scripture James 1:5. Irem
loved it and was able to understand more clearly the principle of
prayer. At the end of our lesson we invited her pray. She has her own
rote prayers that she says everyday. She told us she would. As soon as
she said Dear God, the spirit filled the room. She said thank you and
closed in the name of Jesus Christ. Opened her eyes and had the
biggest smile on her face! I love that Heavenly Father manifests his
spirit in simplicity!

I love this gospel, I love my Savior Jesus Christ and I am so grateful
to be serving here in Florida! It's has been such a journey. It has
been one of the hardest things I have ever done, but so rewarding! I
wish you all the best!

Love,
Sister Kenzie Graham