Us and Elders O'Barr and Adams
Baptism May 25 2013
Oak Harbor 1st Ward
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
WEM Week of 5/27/13
Dear Family and Friends,
I am so sorry that you did not get a letter from me yesterday! It was Memorial Day and the library was closed!
Last week was a little more rough than the previous weeks have been. We have realized the difficulty of missionary work and also the discouragement that comes when those whom you have taught choose not to accept the truth. We had one day where all of our appointments cancelled and we were dropped by two of our investigators. It was especially discouraging when one investigator dropped us because about three hours before we had had a lesson with him and the Spirit was really starting to work on him. As we were teaching, the thought "it's ringing true" came very distinctly to me. My heart was just very sad as we had this experience. It made me think of how sad our Father in Heaven must be as well when his children choose not to act on the truth they have received. However, this week was also very rewarding. We have made great progress with Sis. Smith and her son, Alex. While we were at church on Sunday, she noted that she recognized the adversary working on her harder now that she was making the choice to progress in the Gospel. It was a great learning and testimony building experience to share with her that the adversary knows that she is making righteous decisions and not be discouraged by it, but to keep going on strong, which I have full faith that she will. I shared with her my experience of coming on a mission and that it seemed the closer I got to reporting to the MTC, the more Satan worked on me and especially on my family to the point where I questioned whether or not my decision to go on a mission was right, but that my righteous decision has blessed my life more than I can explain.
On Sunday evening, we had a special mission fireside that we were encouraged to invite investigators to. There is an Elder Schmidt in our mission and it turns out that his dad is none other than pianist Jon Schmidt. Brother Schmidt put on the fireside this weekend after a few concerts that he and the piano guys played in Seattle this weekend. It was such a cool experience. We invited Sis. Smith and Alex to attend and it was EXACTLY what they needed to hear. At the end of the fireside, us missionaries sang "Onward Christian Soldiers" as Bro. Schmidt played an arrangement of his and the Spirit was really strong. Sis. Smith could not get over how much she loved it. I loved the car ride up too (it was in Arlington). We talked and laughed and learned together the whole time. I truly felt like the Smiths were my family. And I realized as I have thought about it that they are. We are all brothers and sisters and I cannot wait to share eternity with them as well as my biological family.
We had our first baptism (Kelli, 10 y.o.) on Saturday. It was such a beautiful, positive experience. The Spirit was strong and all of Kelli's family was edified. What a blessing the Spirit is to calm us and reassure us as we make the right choices! Her mother was kind of nervous and on edge going into it, but I know that she felt the Spirit was as happy as the rest of us that day. Kelli had a smile on her face all day and I hope that she remembers the Spirit and peace she felt.
The other day as I was studying, I came across 2 Nephi 9:40 (all of chapter 9 is great) which reads, "I know that the words of truth are hard against all uncleanness; but the righteous fear them not, for they love the truth and are not shaken." I am grateful that as I am living my life the way I should, I find that I am learning to love the truth more and more. I am grateful for it, and wish that everyone would love and accept it too. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and has created a plan for us to receive a fullness of that love, which never ceases to amaze me. The truth is so beautiful!
Sister Cromar and I are still working hard and doing all that we can. We are determined to meet the mission goal of having ten progressing investigators a week and are constantly thinking of new ideas to reach that goal. We currently only have one progressing, so it is going to take extra faith and extra work in the coming weeks.
I hope that you are all doing well and keeping the faith!
Love you all!
Sister Turley
I am so sorry that you did not get a letter from me yesterday! It was Memorial Day and the library was closed!
Last week was a little more rough than the previous weeks have been. We have realized the difficulty of missionary work and also the discouragement that comes when those whom you have taught choose not to accept the truth. We had one day where all of our appointments cancelled and we were dropped by two of our investigators. It was especially discouraging when one investigator dropped us because about three hours before we had had a lesson with him and the Spirit was really starting to work on him. As we were teaching, the thought "it's ringing true" came very distinctly to me. My heart was just very sad as we had this experience. It made me think of how sad our Father in Heaven must be as well when his children choose not to act on the truth they have received. However, this week was also very rewarding. We have made great progress with Sis. Smith and her son, Alex. While we were at church on Sunday, she noted that she recognized the adversary working on her harder now that she was making the choice to progress in the Gospel. It was a great learning and testimony building experience to share with her that the adversary knows that she is making righteous decisions and not be discouraged by it, but to keep going on strong, which I have full faith that she will. I shared with her my experience of coming on a mission and that it seemed the closer I got to reporting to the MTC, the more Satan worked on me and especially on my family to the point where I questioned whether or not my decision to go on a mission was right, but that my righteous decision has blessed my life more than I can explain.
On Sunday evening, we had a special mission fireside that we were encouraged to invite investigators to. There is an Elder Schmidt in our mission and it turns out that his dad is none other than pianist Jon Schmidt. Brother Schmidt put on the fireside this weekend after a few concerts that he and the piano guys played in Seattle this weekend. It was such a cool experience. We invited Sis. Smith and Alex to attend and it was EXACTLY what they needed to hear. At the end of the fireside, us missionaries sang "Onward Christian Soldiers" as Bro. Schmidt played an arrangement of his and the Spirit was really strong. Sis. Smith could not get over how much she loved it. I loved the car ride up too (it was in Arlington). We talked and laughed and learned together the whole time. I truly felt like the Smiths were my family. And I realized as I have thought about it that they are. We are all brothers and sisters and I cannot wait to share eternity with them as well as my biological family.
We had our first baptism (Kelli, 10 y.o.) on Saturday. It was such a beautiful, positive experience. The Spirit was strong and all of Kelli's family was edified. What a blessing the Spirit is to calm us and reassure us as we make the right choices! Her mother was kind of nervous and on edge going into it, but I know that she felt the Spirit was as happy as the rest of us that day. Kelli had a smile on her face all day and I hope that she remembers the Spirit and peace she felt.
The other day as I was studying, I came across 2 Nephi 9:40 (all of chapter 9 is great) which reads, "I know that the words of truth are hard against all uncleanness; but the righteous fear them not, for they love the truth and are not shaken." I am grateful that as I am living my life the way I should, I find that I am learning to love the truth more and more. I am grateful for it, and wish that everyone would love and accept it too. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and has created a plan for us to receive a fullness of that love, which never ceases to amaze me. The truth is so beautiful!
Sister Cromar and I are still working hard and doing all that we can. We are determined to meet the mission goal of having ten progressing investigators a week and are constantly thinking of new ideas to reach that goal. We currently only have one progressing, so it is going to take extra faith and extra work in the coming weeks.
I hope that you are all doing well and keeping the faith!
Love you all!
Sister Turley
Me, Sister Cromar, Brother Jon Schmidt and Alex
Monday, May 20, 2013
Pictures Thus Far
Here are some pics finally! Here are some descriptions too (mostly so I can remember):
Me and MTC Companions at Provo Temple. From left: Sister Christina Holt, Sister Desma Lisonbee
District 107 at MTC. From left: Elder Josh Green (WEM), E. Hunter Marshall (WEM), S. Holt (WEM), S. Turley, S. Lisonbee (WEM), E. Sheldon Baker (Maryland Baltimore Mission), E. Jacob Warner (MDBM), E. Brennan Rasmussen (MDBM).
Me and Sister Vanessa Webster (MLS Program at BYU, Philippines Naga Mission) by the map!
Me at a members home by Dugualla Bay
Sister Turley
Monday, May 13, 2013
WEM Again
Dear Family and Friends,
We had a wonderful, productive week last week! We were so blessed! As we exercised faith to pray specifically for new investigators we were definitely led to those who are ready to hear the Gospel. We were blessed to find four new investigators. All of these individuals are earnestly seeking truth and have been prepared. We pray that their hearts will continue to be opened and receptive as we continue to teach them. It was such a faith builder to have this experience and put to the test the Lord's invitation to "ask" and "knock," to have the faith and to act on it and be successful in our endeavors as a result. We expect that one of the sisters that we are teaching will very soon be progressing. She told us over and over as we met with her that "it is time" and "I am ready." She has a brother in Salt Lake that is a member and they have had some great discussions and she mentioned that she and her family all really enjoyed visits to Temple Square that they have made. We are excited to work with her and her family. They have such a beautiful spirit and as I said before, are so prepared for this message and recognize that it will indeed bless their family. Another investigator, Andrew, will definitely give us a run for our money. He asks one or more questions for every principle that we discuss. He also has a firm belief in the Bible and wants a Bible reference for everything. He also takes literally the verse in Revelation that says not to add or take away to what was written, so that may be a big obstacle to have to overcome. But we are grateful for his excitement to learn what we believe. He has a great foundation and is very open with his own feelings which greatly adds to our conversations. We look forward to working with him as well as our other investigators.
Sister Cromar and I were privileged to speak in Sacrament Meeting in the Oak Harbor 1st Ward yesterday. The Bishop gave us the assignment and told us to pick our own topics, but to keep in mind that it was Mothers' Day. For me, Mothers' Day is a little bit different. To me, it means faith and trust in God and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. For Lari, I would recommend that you read the section on the Atonement in Preach My Gospel on page 51-52. Especially pay attention to the last two paragraphs of that section. They are the best! The Atonement is real and ready for us to use. For a long time and sometimes still, I had the faith that the Atonement was real and that Jesus Christ could do what he said, but I didn't exactly trust that He would do it and wasn't willing to allow Him to or stretch my hand back out to Him and take His extended hand. The Atonement only works when we do that. I have experienced a lot of healing and peace as I have humbled myself and allowed the Savior to take on my burdens. That is kind of a big task sometimes. To just turn it ALL over to the Lord and let Him take control, and then sit back and trust. But it works. Pull a Nike and just do it!
I really enjoyed being able to talk to my family yesterday, and thanks for keeping me mostly on task by asking about the missionary work and not too many other things. I was a great Mothers' Day. Sorry this letter is short, but I feel like I got it all out yesterday. But if you have questions, feel free to ask!
Love,
Sister Turley
We had a wonderful, productive week last week! We were so blessed! As we exercised faith to pray specifically for new investigators we were definitely led to those who are ready to hear the Gospel. We were blessed to find four new investigators. All of these individuals are earnestly seeking truth and have been prepared. We pray that their hearts will continue to be opened and receptive as we continue to teach them. It was such a faith builder to have this experience and put to the test the Lord's invitation to "ask" and "knock," to have the faith and to act on it and be successful in our endeavors as a result. We expect that one of the sisters that we are teaching will very soon be progressing. She told us over and over as we met with her that "it is time" and "I am ready." She has a brother in Salt Lake that is a member and they have had some great discussions and she mentioned that she and her family all really enjoyed visits to Temple Square that they have made. We are excited to work with her and her family. They have such a beautiful spirit and as I said before, are so prepared for this message and recognize that it will indeed bless their family. Another investigator, Andrew, will definitely give us a run for our money. He asks one or more questions for every principle that we discuss. He also has a firm belief in the Bible and wants a Bible reference for everything. He also takes literally the verse in Revelation that says not to add or take away to what was written, so that may be a big obstacle to have to overcome. But we are grateful for his excitement to learn what we believe. He has a great foundation and is very open with his own feelings which greatly adds to our conversations. We look forward to working with him as well as our other investigators.
Sister Cromar and I were privileged to speak in Sacrament Meeting in the Oak Harbor 1st Ward yesterday. The Bishop gave us the assignment and told us to pick our own topics, but to keep in mind that it was Mothers' Day. For me, Mothers' Day is a little bit different. To me, it means faith and trust in God and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. For Lari, I would recommend that you read the section on the Atonement in Preach My Gospel on page 51-52. Especially pay attention to the last two paragraphs of that section. They are the best! The Atonement is real and ready for us to use. For a long time and sometimes still, I had the faith that the Atonement was real and that Jesus Christ could do what he said, but I didn't exactly trust that He would do it and wasn't willing to allow Him to or stretch my hand back out to Him and take His extended hand. The Atonement only works when we do that. I have experienced a lot of healing and peace as I have humbled myself and allowed the Savior to take on my burdens. That is kind of a big task sometimes. To just turn it ALL over to the Lord and let Him take control, and then sit back and trust. But it works. Pull a Nike and just do it!
I really enjoyed being able to talk to my family yesterday, and thanks for keeping me mostly on task by asking about the missionary work and not too many other things. I was a great Mothers' Day. Sorry this letter is short, but I feel like I got it all out yesterday. But if you have questions, feel free to ask!
Love,
Sister Turley
Monday, May 6, 2013
More from the WEM.
Dear Fam/Friends,
We had another great week last week. We were busy with lots of lessons and continuing to get to know the members and establishing relationships of trust and love with them. We have continued to feel welcomed and blessed to be here. I believe that our efforts with the members have been successful as we have received several referrals from them. We are excited to see where they lead us. We have two investigators on date for baptism in about the next month. Both are 10 year old girls who are daughters of returning members. The first, Kelli, was SO excited when we invited her to be baptized. Her eyes just lit up like you would not believe. She is so excited to learn and loves church and the Gospel. The second is named Rowan, her parents just recently decided that they wanted to go back to church. She as well is excited to learn and be baptized. The dad is working to be able to baptize her. We are so excited for what that will mean for their family! We are working hard, but are struggling to find new investigators. We have several potentials, but very few that we have been able to set a return appointments with. We have found many through tracting and street contacting and quite a few as well that are Part Member Families. We pray that their hearts will be opened and prepared to receive the message we have for them.
In my personal study, I have continued to enjoy and be amazed with the journey of Lehi and his famiy to the promised land. I love that the Lord continually blesses their family, literally with EVERYTHING they need to be successful as they are obedient. Food in the land Bountiful (1 Ne. 17:5), animals and ores for their benefit in the promised land (1 Ne.18:25), and direction as they go throughout their journey (liahona--1 Ne. 16:16, 26-29). As I read these chapters this week, I never ceased to be amazed that Heavenly Father is so generous and so desires to bless us. I can't even imagine what a pleasant surprise that must have been for Lehi and his family to find that everything that they needed was in the promised land for them. It was probably a trying thought to think that they were going to have to start everything over. But everything they needed was given to them so their faith could grow and they could be successful. That gives me great comfort as a missionary, that as long as I give my all and strive to follow God and His direction, that I will continue to be blessed with everything I need to be successful, both spiritually and temporally.
On Saturday, we were able to go to Mill Creek (where the mission office is) and have mission conference with Elder Aidukaitis of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He is originally from Brazil. He has the most hearty laugh and laughed at all his jokes and just left us in a better mood that we were in and ready to go forth with the work. His enthusiasm is infectious! I think the greatest thing that I learned is to continue to go forth doing the work with ALL your soul, effort and might. The Lord has promised us such powerful blessings if we are willing to "pay the price to realize the blessings," as Elder Aidukaitis mentioned. I desire to have those blessings of being able to bring others to Christ and have sheaves on my back. As we have gone through our work the last two days, the line that he spoke, "knock one more door" has kind of directed my work in remembering to give all my effort. One more door could mean everything to our success and sense of fulfillment.
My exchange on Wednesday went well. I learned a lot and was grateful for the teaching and learning experiences that I was able to have. We taught one lesson that got me really excited because the woman was just so enthusiastic about learning and hearing the message of the Gospel. I gave me hope that we will find those who are ready and prepared, because like I mentioned before it has kind of been a struggle for us. But there are prepared people out there. We just have to keep working.
On Friday, we had a second lesson with a returning less active in our ward. He had been less active for about 40 years and decided that it is high time for him to come back. He said that his testimony has never faltered but that he has often felt unworthy to return to activity. During our lesson we taught about the Restoration and that God is so excited for him to come back and is pleased with even our smallest steps to return to Him. Our bishop was able to sit in with us and was a great resource for us. At the end of the lesson, the bishop expressed his love and encouragement to the brother in our ward, and after he had done so, I felt prompted to do the same. As I testified that we as missionaries love him and that God loves him, I was overcome with the Spirit and was able to feel God's genuine love for him. I love those small moments of clarity when we are blessed to receive just a small portion of the love that God has for everyone one of us. The small measure is so overwhelming that I can't even imagine what it feels like to be able to receive all of it. By the end of the lesson, everyone in the room was weeping because the Spirit was so strong and testified so deeply to us the truth of our words and His eternal love for us.
I pray for you all and hope that all is going well for you! I love you lots!
Love!
Sister Turley
We had another great week last week. We were busy with lots of lessons and continuing to get to know the members and establishing relationships of trust and love with them. We have continued to feel welcomed and blessed to be here. I believe that our efforts with the members have been successful as we have received several referrals from them. We are excited to see where they lead us. We have two investigators on date for baptism in about the next month. Both are 10 year old girls who are daughters of returning members. The first, Kelli, was SO excited when we invited her to be baptized. Her eyes just lit up like you would not believe. She is so excited to learn and loves church and the Gospel. The second is named Rowan, her parents just recently decided that they wanted to go back to church. She as well is excited to learn and be baptized. The dad is working to be able to baptize her. We are so excited for what that will mean for their family! We are working hard, but are struggling to find new investigators. We have several potentials, but very few that we have been able to set a return appointments with. We have found many through tracting and street contacting and quite a few as well that are Part Member Families. We pray that their hearts will be opened and prepared to receive the message we have for them.
In my personal study, I have continued to enjoy and be amazed with the journey of Lehi and his famiy to the promised land. I love that the Lord continually blesses their family, literally with EVERYTHING they need to be successful as they are obedient. Food in the land Bountiful (1 Ne. 17:5), animals and ores for their benefit in the promised land (1 Ne.18:25), and direction as they go throughout their journey (liahona--1 Ne. 16:16, 26-29). As I read these chapters this week, I never ceased to be amazed that Heavenly Father is so generous and so desires to bless us. I can't even imagine what a pleasant surprise that must have been for Lehi and his family to find that everything that they needed was in the promised land for them. It was probably a trying thought to think that they were going to have to start everything over. But everything they needed was given to them so their faith could grow and they could be successful. That gives me great comfort as a missionary, that as long as I give my all and strive to follow God and His direction, that I will continue to be blessed with everything I need to be successful, both spiritually and temporally.
On Saturday, we were able to go to Mill Creek (where the mission office is) and have mission conference with Elder Aidukaitis of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He is originally from Brazil. He has the most hearty laugh and laughed at all his jokes and just left us in a better mood that we were in and ready to go forth with the work. His enthusiasm is infectious! I think the greatest thing that I learned is to continue to go forth doing the work with ALL your soul, effort and might. The Lord has promised us such powerful blessings if we are willing to "pay the price to realize the blessings," as Elder Aidukaitis mentioned. I desire to have those blessings of being able to bring others to Christ and have sheaves on my back. As we have gone through our work the last two days, the line that he spoke, "knock one more door" has kind of directed my work in remembering to give all my effort. One more door could mean everything to our success and sense of fulfillment.
My exchange on Wednesday went well. I learned a lot and was grateful for the teaching and learning experiences that I was able to have. We taught one lesson that got me really excited because the woman was just so enthusiastic about learning and hearing the message of the Gospel. I gave me hope that we will find those who are ready and prepared, because like I mentioned before it has kind of been a struggle for us. But there are prepared people out there. We just have to keep working.
On Friday, we had a second lesson with a returning less active in our ward. He had been less active for about 40 years and decided that it is high time for him to come back. He said that his testimony has never faltered but that he has often felt unworthy to return to activity. During our lesson we taught about the Restoration and that God is so excited for him to come back and is pleased with even our smallest steps to return to Him. Our bishop was able to sit in with us and was a great resource for us. At the end of the lesson, the bishop expressed his love and encouragement to the brother in our ward, and after he had done so, I felt prompted to do the same. As I testified that we as missionaries love him and that God loves him, I was overcome with the Spirit and was able to feel God's genuine love for him. I love those small moments of clarity when we are blessed to receive just a small portion of the love that God has for everyone one of us. The small measure is so overwhelming that I can't even imagine what it feels like to be able to receive all of it. By the end of the lesson, everyone in the room was weeping because the Spirit was so strong and testified so deeply to us the truth of our words and His eternal love for us.
I pray for you all and hope that all is going well for you! I love you lots!
Love!
Sister Turley
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