02/14/11

Dear Family,

Last Sunday we had Stake Conference and it was a broadcast from Salt Lake. The broadcast was through Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. We heard from Elder Marvin K. Jensen of the Seventy, Sister Ann M. Dibb of the Young Women Presidency, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve, and President Monson; the Lord's prophet.

Elder Jensen spoke about covenants and how we need to keep them. He gave the example of Nephi and Zoram and invited us to be able to be so honest that people will know we will do whatever we say and that Heavenly Father's "fears will cease concerning [us]" (1 Nephi 4:37).

Sister Dibb spoke about virtue and she invited all of us to commit or recommit to living a virtuous life. She gave the example of Ruth and Naomi (one of my favorite stories in the Bible) and invited us to live in such a way that, just as Boaz said to Ruth, people can say of us; "For all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman [or man]" (Ruth 3:11). She also invited us to live the young women theme, PROS. Pray every morning and night. Read the Book of Mormon for at least five minutes a day. Obey all of God's commandments, and Smile.

Elder Ballard talked about the gospel and invited/cautioned us to remember to keep the gospel simple. He went over faith, repentance, baptism, the holy ghost and enduring to the end. He invited us to live the gospel fully and said if there was anything in our lives that kept us from doing that to repent. He reminded us of the Savior's Atonement and told us we should be repenting daily so that every week when we partake of the sacrament, we can be cleansed and continue to have the Holy Ghost with us.

President Monson spoke about members of the church who are not currently active. He invited us to reach out to them wherever they are and invite them to come back. It was a wonderful conference and the Spirit was strong there.

Yesterday was also a good Sabbath day. During the evening we were in a part of our area when a previous investigator came to mind. Her name is Stella and she was born and raised in China, and became a Christian there also. The previous sisters taught her but we haven't been able to have solid appointments with her because of the holidays. She's interested in learning more about the church so she can make a decision about the faith she wants to be a part of. She struggles understanding the Book of Mormon even in her own language so we read a little with her last night.

We began in 3 Nephi when the Savior comes to visit the people, and we read and explained each verse carefully. She had wonderful questions and a strong desire to understand every word. As we got to the part where the Savior descends and tells the people to come touch Him, she paused for a long time in deep thought and then she asked: "Is this true?" We bore testimony that it was and I admired her willingness to ponder and truly think about what was written. It's made me evaluate my personal scripture study and be more certain that I understand and don't just read it to read it.

It's been a great week and we're looking forward to another one. We have a lot of good things planned for the area and the ward mission is really pulling together and trying to increase the missionary efforts in the area. Hope you all enjoy your week. Happy Valentine's Day.

Love you all,

Sister Green