Give it to God

Hi Family and Friends!!!

This week has been one to remember. I can't even believe all the miracles that have happened in the last 7 days here in Hopkinsville and Oak Grove. 

Here's a few things that happened that made me just leap for joy and give thanks to my Heavenly Father. 

1. Sister Coles and I have been teaching Angelina and her girls for the past few months. They are the ones that we took off date for baptim last week because they haven't been making it to church. I was really sad that they weren't progressing anymore and had been praying that they'd accept the gospel. Well, Sister Coles and I were in Sacrament meeting when we got a text from them saying they were coming, just a little late. We were so happy!!! They came in the middle of a raging storm to the church. They stayed for all of church and are now back on date for baptism! I was so full of joy to see them. I was reminded yet again that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of his children.

2. We've been teaching this wonderful mother/wife Caylen. Caylen actually asked if she could get in contact with the missionaries!! (That NEVER happens)We've been teaching her for 2 weeks. She was on date for baptism for August 4th. I was super excited for her. Then however, I found out that I'm getting transfered August 2nd. I was really bummed because I wanted to be at her baptism since I've been teaching her since day one. I was praying that somehow I'd be able to be there. I didn't tell Caylen, because I didn't want to influence her. However, we were teaching her and she asked if we could move up her baptism date!! I almost died inside! I was so happy. I told her how I'd been praying. Now, she is getting baptized on July 28th! It amazes me how Heavenly Father really does care about what makes us happy too. He truly answers all of my prayers. 

3. Sister Coles and I have been teaching a women named Sabina. She's been through so much. She referred herself for a Bible on mormon.org. When we gave her a bible, we talked about the Book of Mormon. Well, three weeks later and she's been to church everyweek and is getting baptized this Saturday! She's truly been prepared. 

   Now I want to be clear, all these wonderful people are being baptized NOT because of Sister Coles and I. They are being baptized because the Lord has prepared them and they have changed their lives. I have been blessed to be in this area to teach those that Heavenly Father has prepared. I know a lot of people say, " Just plant those seeds." Well, that is true to a point. But the seed planting stage is not my main purpose as a missionary.  The Lord is hastening his work which means, if we are diligently doing ALL we can to find those that are ready, Heavenly Father will put them in our path. We have to be acting on our faith, and moving forth with hope and charity. I'm not saying that every person we meet will be ready to accept the gospel. Trust me,  I've met a lot of people in the South that are perfectly happy with their religion. But our MAIN goal isn't to plant seeds. Our main goal is to "INVITE others to come unto Christ by HELPING them RECEIVE the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism and recieving the gift of the Holy Ghost." -Preach My Gospel.  I love ALL aspects of missionary work! I love building up peoples faiths no matter what religion they are a part of. But, I have seen the success in asking Heavenly Father to guide me to those that are ready, or to those that need us. All the people that are on date for baptism FOUND US! Heavenly Father is picking up the pace on his work. I'm excited I get to be a part of it. 

   I've also been studying a lot on hope. I've realized that Faith and Hope work hand in hand. I was hoping that Angelina would come to church and that I could go to Caylen's baptism. But, I had to have faith in Angelina, Caylen and in Heavenly Father's plan for them. Once I truly gave it to God, it all worked out! 

   So, my challenge to all y'all is to give it to God. Give your pains, sorrows, worries, wants, needs, EVERYTHING to HIm. Trust Him! If you truly give it to God while doing your part, everything will work out for your good! I know this to be true! I know that Heavenly Father loves us and is always listening and is just waiting to bless us. We just need to ask. :) I say that, in the name of Jesus Christ, my wonderful brother, amen. 

Love,

Sister Stone

1. All the missionaries were stranded at the church as all our car keys got taken to Nashville by accident. 

2. Hopkinsville sign

3. Sunday Selfie (I have crazy eyes..haha.)

4/5/6 Christmas in July. A member gave us a gingerbread house.

7. Zone Conference