The Gilbert Open House is now over. The last day was this past Saturday. We had, I mean got the opportunity, to work three shifts this week. We worked the very last shift and it was as crazy as we all thought it would be. Everyone went earlier in the week so it was a lot crazy then. President Hale, who's in our Mission Presidency, gave 17 of us missionaries a private tour of the Temple after the last tour went through. It was amazing and he was able to tell us a lot more details than we had gotten before. It was also very spiritual as everyone bore their testimonies and of course because the spirit is already in the Temple. I can't wait for it to be dedicated on March 2nd so we can do a session! We go to the Mesa Temple on the 26th and it will probably be the last time I'll ever do a session there. It's been exciting to work at the Open House and now it's about to be opened. I thought this day would never come when the Temple would actually be completed. I love the Temple and the peace and comfort I feel there!
Valerie is golden! She wants to be baptized and her baptism is going to be on March 15th as well as Sierra and Preston's. The month of March is going to be fabulous (well every month is fabulous). We love teaching Valerie because she really has the desire to change and to really find out if this is the church for her. We were also able to meet with Sierra this week and we went to the Open House with them on Wednesday, even Kelly came. I think his heart is being softened even more. Hopefully we'll be able to start teaching him as well soon! If only Denise would fully commit! They finally came to church on Sunday! It was great to see them again at church. They're slowly doing more and more and building good habits. I'm excited for their family because I know how much it will bless them now and in the eternities.
This Sunday we taught BYD. We had challenged the youth to invited their non-member friends because we were going to be teaching the Restoration. We had many kids invited, but only 2 non-members showed up and neither live in our ward boundaries. One of the girls is already taking the missionary lessons and the other wants to but her dad won't let her. It was a success though! The kids had fun and the spirit was strong. We played telephone to tie in with the apostasy and going straight to God to find out the answers. The first time we had them try to pass, "A little tug boat tugged as hard as it could down the river with two little blue men down the shore." What got told at the end was, "Tell me something I don't know." We were just like WOOOW. lol The second time we had them pass, "Joseph is a true prophet." That one didn't get messed up at all. Then we watched the Mormon Message, "Origin." I would highly recommend looking it up: https://www.lds.org/youth/
I know God answers prayers since He answers mine every day. He answered my prayers when I asked if this church was true, if Joseph Smith was a prophet, if the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know this church is the same church Christ did establish when He was on this Earth and that Joseph Smith did restore the church and translate the Book of Mormon by the power of God. I cannot deny it because of the many experiences I've had and how many times the Spirit has born witness to me of the truthfulness of the message I teach every day. It comes through just living the Gospel and God will let us know. We have to take action and actually find out for ourselves, we can't rely on someone else's opinions. Actually read the Book of Mormon with a sincere desire to know if it is God's word and He will tell you through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Love,
Sister Collins
The Rice Family
Baby Turkeys!
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