(April '08)
I have learned more about God’s love for me and for his children than I ever knew I could. He loves us unconditionally and more than anything wants us to return to live with Him. What trust he has in us. After creating us in His own image and loving us for who knows how long in the pre-mortal life he recognized our desire to have a body. He knew we would have to come to earth and be tried and tested and be out of his presence with that great gift of agency. He knew he had to let us do it… but gave us EVERY possible tool He could to return back to Him, He even sent His Only Begotten as the ultimate sacrifice. Now He watches and he waits and he yearns for our return. He wants more than anything for all His precious sons and daughters to be obedient and return to His presence, but He won't MAKE us do anything. Since He is perfect and the purest of all pure, He cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. Notice the scripture doesn’t say he “will” not, it says he “cannot” [alma 45:16]. I think about my parents and how much they desire the safe return of the children and cannot begin to imagine how our Heavenly Father must feel. I get to teach people how to get back to Him, it is AmAzing . I definitely feel His help in this work, with Him, anything is possible.
Best news of the Week: JESS HAS A BAPTISMAL DATE. Jess is a 17 year old girl the elders met and have been teaching. She comes from a strong Catholic background and has been attending a Roman Catholic Church here in GB. She lives with a part member family. I bonded with her one pday when I took her on a tour of the church while the boys were playing football in the gym. We only made it to the chapel and had the BEST conversation EVER about the reality of prayer. We both were in tears as I bore solemn testimony that in fact God has been there her whole life. She committed to pray. She did. As the elders continued to teach her, her heart softened. The gospel made sense to her… you know, had that “familiar ring” to it that PMG talks about. She had her step-mom order her a set of scriptures. She started coming to activities. She knew it was true but feared telling her very Catholic Mother who lives a few towns away with her two little sisters, she knew her mom would keep her from them out of spite; Jess raised those girls. She came and had lunch with us at the church on Friday and began again to tell us that she just couldn’t tell her mom. In a matter of minute the conversation changes and she mustered the courage to call her and just get it out there. She did. The missionaries were scattered about the church in our own corners on our knees. She got the reaction she expected. Her mom was not pleased and continued to tell her she was going to Hell. We told her if that is the case we’ll all be there too, at least she’ll have friends!!! She was very upset though. That is a hard thing to hear as a 17 year old girl from your mom. I just think she is so courageous. Elder Oldham asked that we sing her “Do What is Right”. So we did. She cried, so did we thru the whole thing! I couldn’t help but smile though. Afterwards E Oldham asked her what day she was going to be baptized… May 9th! I can’t believe it. The Lord is working miracles in our lives each and every day! He asks us to do hard things, yes, BUT HE BLESSES US! I know she was one of the valiant, I am so thankful to have been able to see her thru this process; she is such a great example to me!!!! This gospel changes life. Jess has physically changed. Her countenance is SO bright now. I love her.
The weather? IT IS GREEN NOW… it turned green right before our eyes, literally. It rained three days straight. This side of the country personifies the saying, “ April Showers bring May Flowers”.
I had a lot more planned to write, I will write it next week… I promise. We must go… I have got to expel some energy after these 3 long days of rain… so It’s off to P-day at the Church Building. 1st lunch provided by the Spanish Branch (leftovers from a wedding I guess) then VOLLEYBALL…. I love pday volleyball with the elders, good times.
Sorry to everyone I didn’t get to write back this week [or the past few weeks]… next week for sure. I love you all.
Love,
Sister Pamella Jo Black
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