My mission has been the sweetest, most sacred experience of my life. Words will never be able to explain it.

How exciting about our new stake presidency, they will be sooo good, and just what we all need! We had stake conference this past week and it was really good:) I had the opportunity to speak at it about how members and missionaries can work together to hasten the work and I talked about the 2 keys to success (that I have found while serving), which are first, Faith in Jesus Christ, and second, Working with members!!! The whole meeting was really good-we really do have such incredible members here in Western Australia, they have become some of my greatest hero's! This week has been sooo good because it has been veryyyy hard (haha). Satan has been working really hard on all those we teach and it's been one of the greatest tests of our faith- but I feel like I've learnt so much and grown a lot from it! This week will be another really good one as well, because we have a lot of really exiting lessons with our progressing investigators, as well as Bryan (recent convert from my first area)  is going through the temple for his endowments :) and to finish it off Matt is getting baptized!

 

It really is incredible how much Faith in Jesus Christ can effect the work. Just Friday, Matt experiences some of the most challenging trials of his life, having his family split up being one of them...we thought we had lost him cause he disappeared and we worried he might have fallen back into old habits...but that afternoon, and night we prayed out hearts out! The next morning for personal study I spent it on my knees with my scriptures...I studied Faith in Jesus Christ. I finished personal study and went back to my companion for companionship study...we sang, got on our knees for our opening prayer and then just into our prayer we got a call....Matt had finally come home. we immediately went to see him...wow....my heart just broke as we listened to how he felt, but it was made so whole as I listened to him bear his testimony! He shared in tears with us and also in the addiction class later that day, that he is NOT GOING BACKWARDS! He is determined to move forward because this is the closest he has even been to succeeding and he knows it's because of the Lord and His church. It was so sweet in He expressed how he really felt Satan working on him so much but that he was not going to let him bring him down, but rather "I will keep preparing for my baptism on the 20th". When he shared those things we knew our faithful  prayers had ad been answered and we just wept on our knees in prayers of gratitude!

 

One day this past week we went to see a returning less active man and upon our arrival he told us he had no food and hardly any money. we talked about a few things, and then said a prayer with him. as soon as we said "amen" the spirit opened my mouth and said, 'How are you going paying your tithing?". He went on to tell us he didn't have enough money to pay...we were able to teach him about the miracles and blessings that come as we do show Heavenly Father our love for him by paying an honest tithe. I was grateful the spirit had us ask that because as he pays, we KNOW things will work out for him and it will be much easier in the end- he agreed to start paying:)

 

Yesterday after stake conference I got to see 3 recent converts get the priesthood...sweetest experience ever!!! And a cool part was, a recent convert Bryan (who is going through the temple this week) was able to give the Melchizedek priesthood to someone else as well. It's just beautiful to see people progress and to see them work towards the potential heavenly Father sees them at. Adams blessing was one of the most incredible ones I've ever heard. he was told he will serve a mission. he will be a leader, and that he was strong in the premortal life. Ahhh,  I just cried! I love those we teach so dang much and it's just so special to be with them in those sacred moments!

 

Matt wasn't the only of our investigators to experience an extremely difficult week....it's really interesting to see that Satan will do anything and everything to get us down, and to keep us from being near the Lord and the truth! But I love being a missionary, and listening to those who ache, as well as help guide them to their Father in Heaven who will bring comfort- I really do have the BEST calling!  Life truly is filled with various challenges, some harder than others, but they are here to build us and to turn us to the Lord. I really have found that when I am broken down the most, is when I am the strongest! I am so grateful for my Father in Heaven who does hear each and every one of our individual prayers and WILL send us the strength and the comfort we need. My mission has been the sweetest most sacred experience of my life. Words will never be able to explain it. Yes it's been hard, but i am so much stronger because of it! I trust the Lord and will forever and ever. Yes I am still a natural man, but my fears have greatly diminished because I have HIM on my side. I better understand my purpose on this earth, and how i can more fully keep my covenants! He is the reason I am who I am and I will boast in Him and His strength forever! I have never been happier! I love you guys so much and can't wait to be in the temple with you! (yes that will be the first thing we do:))

 

We are working so hard...literally exhausted every night,  and don't you worry, we aren't slowing down for anything- but please do keep praying for Matt, Les, and Kim! They all need your prayers! :) and us...:) your prayers mean a lot to us!

 

 

Love always,

Sister Ensign

I am in the Lord's hands ............

Hey Sister Ensign is back.... :/

This past week I prayed, got in bed, and felt the spirit tell me to get on my knees and pray again...so I did...I went into my changing room, and knelt to talk with my Heavenly Father...I wept, and wept and wept. I realized that the aching spot in the corner of heart was because I am honestly having the hardest time accepting the fact that my full time mission is coming to a close. It kills me...but then I felt this sweet peaceful feeling that I am in the Lord's hands and he will help me in the various stages of life I go through, I felt much more confident...still very bittersweet, but a lot more confident in the Lord and His plans for my life! As I re-dedicated my whole self to him I have felt greater strength and the spirit more abundantly! I love my Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ so much, and especially this sacred time they have give me to serve them!  I will be forever grateful!

So anyways, it was because of that experience that I am able to say more to you this week...so sorry about the last few ones,  haha. This week has been incredible though! ...where to even start? :) Well earlier my companion and I were a bit worried about teaching our progressing investigators (who want to be baptised) about the Law of Chastity, because they are partners living together....but after studying HEAPS and being spiritually uplifted (especially after MLC),  we felt the power and authority of our calling in the need for us to "cry repentance". We got to Nick and Nhiari's house and felt so confident in the Lord. Initially you think, "Do I really have the right, to enter into someone else's home and tell them what God needs them to do, and ask them to start living the Law of Chastity, and leave behind their old ways?!?" But then I am always sweetly reminded that "I AM A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST" and so.... yes, I need to invite them in behalf of Him! As we taught the lesson the spirit was so strong (it honestly is one of my favourite lessons to teach, because it is so sacred) and Nhiari said she wanted to live it and felt it was right, but Nick doesn't think it's necessary...he luckily did commit to pray about it and ask God, and then committed to act upon the answer God gives him! Please pray for him that he will be willing to live the Law of Chastity with Nhiari!  :)

This week we got to go to the temple with Adam (recent convert) for his first time, and also with Jordan (a retuning less active who has come sooooo far!) It was soooo special:) Adam is progressing so well in the gospel! This past week we taught him the new member lesson, of tithing and he shared a really cool experience. He said since he has been baptised, he has been setting aside 10% of his money (keep in mind he is a uni student who also works, so he doesn't have an abundant stash of money like most young adults) and yet, as he has shown obedience and faith, he has seen the blessings in return! He said he is working less hours than he was in the summer, but somehow is able to save more money! He is so committed to the gospel and yesterday in church spoke about his conversion story! He said he now knows who he is, his potential, and what Heavenly Father needs him to do with his life. This week we feel it's time to teach about serving a full time mission, and commit him to fast about it this Sunday. We have talked about it here and there and he seems keen, but the big invitation is coming this week, pray for Adam:) He will make the greatest missionary!

Last experience I want to share...so about a year ago when I started my mission, I became good friends with a YSA girl who was working on getting her temple recommend back, and her boyfriend was taught and baptised by the elders...so together, they were doing really good :)....well this past Sunday she came to my new ward and as I excitedly asked her how she was and if she was still preparing for a mission.  She said things aren't going good and she has had some setbacks and is really struggling.  AGH!!!!  The ONLY thing that came to my mind and heart, was to embrace her and tell her how much I loved her! As I did I told her how happy I was that she had come to church and that she should just keep moving forward by relying on Heavenly Father, I felt that our Heavenly Father probably feels the same way about us...when we mess up Satan says, "run, and hide, you can't talk to anyone, especially God about your sins" where as the Lord says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of my, for I am meed and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29-29). He invites us to come to him, to find rest and peace. This morning while reading in the Book of Mormon, this scripture touched me so much, Jacob speaking to the Nephites says, "and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate"...Christ is our only chance, and the only way. His way is the way to happiness. Eternal and lasting happiness! I am grateful for his mercy with each of us in our sins and weaknesses, he truly is quick to forgive when we are quick to repent! The atonement is the greatest gift we have ever been offered!

Well,  I love you guys and am so grateful you are all so strong in the gospel! There honestly is nothing else I would want more than to be with you guys for eternity! Thank you for your examples, you lift and inspire me daily!

love always,

Sister Ensign

Funny experience: We were at the train station contacting these two guys (probably late 20's), one from England and one from Scotland...well after telling these two atheist men about our loving Heavenly Father an committing them to read the pamphlets we left, they then said, "we need a hug bye", and went in for the kill...I ducked and tried to push them away,  haha,  but then my sweet companion nearly karate chopped them away ,hahaha , I was laughing so hard but she was just way freaked out;) we laughed about it really hard after......lesson learned: Don't contact drunk guys at the train stations at night,  haha. My sweet companion makes me laugh heaps!

Highlight(s) of the week:

Getting texts from Matt (baptismal date) who is so converted now! he shares his experiences of receiving answers from God, and feeling the spirit, and it's just the sweetest thing to read about! He is so grateful for the gospel! I can't tell you enough how much he has changed! he seriously has come from the absolute lowest of lows...amazing what the Atonement of Jesus Christ can do!

 

And second high light is seeing my companion grow! She has been really nervous to talk to people but has been working so hard at relying on the Lord and the spirit to know what to say, and I have been giving her a lot of opportunities to lead;) Yesterday as we would quickly pull over to talk to someone I would, "Go sis! you got this I'm right behind you!" and there was one time when she walked over quickly to this couple, looking confident as and contacted them sooo incredibly well! I love seeing the Lord strengthen others in their weaknesses, and I'm just grateful for my companions example to just bite the bullet and do what she knows she needs to while patiently waiting for greater strength and ability to come from the Lord! I love her!

With the Lord's help it will be a great journey ...................

Well this transfer has come to a close, I  just wish they'd slow down haha, time goes way too fast!  This next coming transfer President Lindsay has asked me to train a new missionary and be a Sister Training Leader for the zone, haha. With the Lord's help it will be a great journey in fulfilling these 2 responsibilities- I'm excited!

 

Fasting....again....has brought incredible miracles! The day we were fasting, we were also in our flat for part of the day doing weekly planning when all of a sudden we heard yelling outside...so we ran to the door to see our neighbor at the top of his driveway, crying on his knees...we ran to see what had happened and his sweet cat had been killed by his own dogs and was in his front room on the floor, dead,  when he came home from work:( he is the sweetest man (who honestly is way cool), has the biggest heart, and a great love for animals...this cat had been with him for 11 years so he was pretty sad...well turns out that that same week he had had 2 other deaths happen in his family/friends...he spirit was broken down, and from our eternal perspective, we know it is so the Lord can rebuild and refine him...well after taking some "love" over later that evening, we met with him and his partner (ahhh , she is the cutest thing ever!!!)...keep in mind they are our NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS (who just moved in a few months ago) and they became our 2 new investigators! #fastanswered. They came to church this past Sunday and the speakers first words were "each of us have lost a loved one, but it is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that..." my companion and i just about died of gratitude and love for the inspired speakers who spoke and addressed perfectly our investigators needs! I LOVE CHURCH!!! :)

 

This past week we have been able to teach some really powerful lessons where we felt the spirit very strongly and as a result saw more of our investigators hearts, soften even more! BUT the one I want to share with you is when I was on exchanges with Sister Atkinson (like one of my favorite sisters ever...we experience wayyyy to much joy together:)). So last year when I was in Wanneroo we took some of our investigators to another set of sisters baptism when there was a mother and a daughter being baptized. Seeing them at the baptism and then later at general conference, we just hit it off (even though I've never been in their area/ nor their "missionary"). well since I had last seen them, the dad also got baptized and that leaves their family to two other sons who have not been baptized! Well before my exchange with Sister Atkinson this past week, Wister Atkinson and rogers had taught one of the sons (18 yr) twice and tried to commit him to be baptized, but he just said he wasn't ready...well...this past week sister Atkinson and I went for another lesson with him and were able to teach the plan of salvation! ...:)....ahhhhh......the spirit was so strong as we taught him about THE ONLY way to live with our families, Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ for eternity in the Celestial Kingdom is to have faith in Christ, repent, BE BAPTISED (by water and the Holy Ghost) and enduring to the end...(after the lesson his mum told me that when I started down this path she though, "oh Sister Ensign, don't bring up baptism again" haha) but I just felt the spirit so strongly prompting us to invite him to be baptized on September 13th...so I did as commanded, haha. And guess what?!?! HE SAID YES!!! He explained that he does want to be with his family for eternity and so he is willing to repent and be baptized! He said the most beautiful closing prayer and we left just totally filled with the spirit! The Gospel really is the ONLY WAY and I love being able to remind others of the path back HOME!

 

Monday night we knocked on a door of a referral given to us by our patriarch and when the door opened, a wonderful lady answered crying, and saying, "I've been waiting for you!" This sweet less active lady has gone off track but KNOWS THIS IS TRUE! She has such a deep desire to come back and it will be ONLY through the atonement that that will be possible, but she CAN DO IT! She explained that she knew what the Atonement was, but was unsure of how she could apply it...as we taught her, I could hardly even talk i was so overcome with emotion for several reasons. one, Heavenly Father led us to one of his precious daughters who had fallen "lost", second, that we do have the Atonement which can cleanse and strengthen us and lastly that i have this chance to sit in people home and teach and invite them to repent...this will NEVER happen again! Since Monday, Giselle has progressed so well (along with her two young daughters!) . They came to church on Sunday and just couldn't have been happier, they felt "home!". Her partner is a non member and it is extremely rare that we can catch him sober...please pray that he will be sober this week for us to be able to teach him and help him and his family become an eternal one!

 

This morning my companion and I put together a zone sisters companion study and Sister Lindsay joined us, it was wonderful! We focused on the Book of Mormon and as we asked the sisters about their conversion through the Book of Mormon it was so special to hear how much this 431 pg book has CHANGED OUR LIVES! We must share it with everyone !! It is true. it brings us nearer to God and Jesus Christ and it does hold the map back to our Heavenly Father! I have spent so much time on my knees holding that book as i pray and search for guidance and direction from our Heavenly  Father and not ONCE has it let me down! I wish i had more time to share with you about how it's been able to do the same for those we are teaching, but I'm out of time....it's powerful! Please take your study of this sacred record more seriously, i promise that as you do you will find a greater ability to resist temptation and to become like the Savior in turn> Love you all!

 

Love always,

Sister Ensign






Post:
AUGUST 3, 2014 -
It all started when I held up a picture of Jesus Christ....

This week my companion and I were able to see the power of fasting and prayer as we came together with a hope of finding more families to teach and baptize! We invited Matt, our baptismal date, to share what he has learnt/how he has felt about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with his fiancé...The following night the member who Matt is living with said they had read the Book of Mormon and prayed together over the phone!!! On Saturday Amanda (Matt's fiancé) and her kids were able to come join us for the lesson. As we shared the plan of Salvation with their family she said she felt "secure" and "hopeful". The Plan of Salvation does exactly that, and we are just so grateful for the member who had courage to open his mouth and extended and invitation, which has led to another soul being brought to Christ, and potentially his family with his as well! We are so exited to hear what Amanda and her 10 year old son have to say when we follow up with their prayer to know if they should be baptised on August 30th!!!

MLC this week was incredible!!! It has helped Sister Tupuna and I a lot to focus on our own conversion through our covenants, and as a result we have been able to teach so much more powerfully and with more of our hearts as we invite, promise blessings and testify! One lesson in particular was with a less active who recently has fallen confused and is considering going back to the Hindu faith, meaning she would no longer worship Jesus Christ as her Savior but rather, a good man who walked this earth... We went over and watched a general conference talk with her from Jeffrey R. Holland which talked about Faith in Jesus Christ. As we finished and invited her to exercise faith in Jesus Christ by coming to church to renew her 'covenants' and also to keep her promise to "keep the commandments" (Moroni 4:3) (keep the Sabbath day holy)...as we promised her blessings that we knew would give her reason to change, the spirit was so strong!!! She almost committed, but still just said at the end that she couldn't...We did all we could in that lesson, and then promised we would call her Sunday morning to give her another chance, so sure enough we called her just to hear her say she wouldn't make it...we were 'devastated' :( Well as we were greeting people in the chapel Sunday morning we saw out of the corner of our eye, KAY!!! We had done everything we could to teach her simply, and by the spirit, we had called to remind her, showed our love, and also sadness when she failed to keep a promise she had made with God, but her heart was softened and SHE CAME!!! She was "brought to sing of redeeming love and this [was] because of the power of His word which is in us, therefore have we not great reason to rejoice?" (Alma 26:13). We did all we could, and the Lord made up the rest! :) The spirit truly is the greatest and most important tool to have, because IT is the one that drives people to act, along with their covenants:) Sunday was so good because we had less actives, recent converts, and investigators there! I love being able to worship Jesus Christ with all  of them!!! :)

While on exchanges this past week, I was with an amazing Sister whom I learned so much from about charity, and teaching from your heart! She is a full purpose missionary and is so effective, but struggles with making that first initial contact with people and so while on the exchange I tried to help her with it. One night we were driving down a dark street, and I saw a lady walking and thought...'I shouldn't go talk to her at night, when it's dark, it will probably freak her out'...but then the Spirit told me again, to "JUST GO"- so I pulled over:) When we first contacted Kylie she told us that she didn't believe in God, tried to prove us wrong, and even gave a small laugh about some of the things we had said... but as we shared personal experiences of how we have come to know God, and about the role he has played in our lives she said, "alright, fair enough" and explained that what he had shared was convincing, but we knew that our words weren't enough so we taught he to pray so she could really find God herself...I have to say, reminding people (for this first time here on earth) how to communicate with their father in Heaven has to be one of my most favorite things!!! Then just before we left she then said, "ya know, it's pretty random that you are talking to me about God...on the side of the road...and night...but I think it's actually a sign because I just split up with my partner, and have really been struggling and just feeling...lost". We reminded her that yes Heavenly Father was aware of her, and that she could access his divine guidance through prayer!! It was definitely a success for her, and us missionaries in reminding us that we need to talk to anyone Heavenly Father tells us to, rather than attempting to be the judge of who is and isn't ready to hear our message:)

I've recently been trying to work on Charity and Love and Heavenly Father has given me so many opportunities to grow in this area!:) We were on our way to see Marisela (single mum, from Chile, referral from Member) and we just felt so much love for her! Well,  when we got there she was trying to clean and move heavy Furniture. We were able to help her right away, and she just couldn't believe it,  haha. But as we were able to serve her our love for her increased, and it softened her heart so much! Later while i was talking to her two little boys (5 and 8 years old), and Sister Tupuna was talking to her, her little boys, who were just with Heavenly Father not to long ago, were able to unload their souls questions about God and Jesus Christ. It all started though when I held a picture of Jesus Christ, and little Benjamin said, 'I know who that is...Jesus Christ'. .We truly do  "need to become as a little Child". Their questions touched me so much and I loved nothing more than being able to remind them of what they were recently just taught, back up in heaven by their heavenly parents. my favorite is when we got to kneel and teach them to pray....talk about sweetest moment ever. I was again reminded that there are no greater teachings that can take place in the home, than gospel teachings! I love this family so much, and they are getting closer and closer! They came to the potluck dinner Sunday night and stayed for the message after, they feel something special they say...and they say that they want what we have :) I love that the gospel light that comes into our lives when we live the teachings of Jesus Christ, is actually something we can share...it's not just something that they have to go "shopping" and "searching" for, but that we can offer it to them and then "immediately" it can begin to swell within their hearts, and grow into something magnificent! I love this gospel, and love being able to teach people about the plan and path back to our Heavenly Father!!!:)

Love you guys heaps, please pray for my friends:

-Adelle and Allister, to be able to recognize answers from God as they pray sincerely

-Doug to have his heart softened to at least pray

-Marisela  and her boys to come to church

-Matt to overcome his addictions, and his family to join him in baptism!

Love Always,
Sister Ensign




 

...and i'ts because of this bloke...

I don't even know where to begin! This week has been incredible!

We have been teaching the members the lessons to help build their faith, and also to help them with missionary work! Well the Falkingham family was baptized 3 years ago and sealed in the temple 2 years ago, and they LOVE SHARING THE GOSPEL! We have been teaching them the lessons and working with them and their friend Matt! We have been praying and even fasting (all together to Matt to have his heart softened to hear the missionary discussions. Well this past week Brother Falkingham called to say that Matt miraculously moved in with their family and is keen for the missionary discussions! We went over the next day and taught about the Plan of Salvation but mainly the atonement because Matt has been through a lot! ...speechless I remain...the spirit was SO STRONG! He felt hope, and a greater love for the Savior, and as a result committed to be baptized on the 30th of August! Since that one lesson, we went back and he had repented...knelt, prayed, and poured out his heart to God with instant peace sent back his way. He went with Brother Falkingham to the addiction and recovery class, the ward activity, and all of church just within the past few days! He truly has been prepared by the Lord and now is his time to come to Christ! At the end of one of our lessons, Brother Falkingham (who is a tough guy;)) said to him, "Mate I'm tellin ya, this is the best thing you can do! This will bring you not temporary happiness, but eternal happiness. This is THE WAY! There is no other way! and i'ts because of this bloke (pointing to Jesus Christ) that you can do this!" Brother Falkingham spoke to Matt in his language and the spirit was so strong, I'm so excited for him! He has already made great changes just in this past week!

So earlier this week the stake president came out with us to visit 3 of our investigators...oh.my.goodness! The church is true, and our leaders truly are called of God! For example, it has taken Sister Tupuna and I about a month and a half to find out some of Adelle and Allisters concerns and do our best to address them...Well,  President Brodie goes right in there, no background on them, and begins to speak by the spirit...nearly everything he said addressed their concerns...it was so special! He finished by inviting them to fast to find out if this is really true or not. So president Brodie, Adelle and Allister, and my comp and I all fasted the 23rd-24th for Adelle and Allister to receive an answer! It was one of the most spiritual fasts I have even participated in! Well that day was great, but about an hour before we went into our lesson with Adelle and Allister, my comp and I had a really.......interesting experience that just hurt us a lot and broke us down/humbled us...we realized that it was the Lord trying to humble us even more so that we could fully rely on him for the extremely important lesson we were preparing for...we felt very sensitive and it truly helped us a lot in the lesson to just have the spirit with us! Backing up a bit, the night before we spent a good amount of time on our knees pleading with heavenly father to know what we needed to share with them the next night at the close of our fast...well without sharing any of this until the next morning in comp study with each other, my comp and I both had similar experiences...When she finished praying she opened her scriptures randomly to see what heavenly father needed her to hear...she opened to Alma 12:10 "He that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word,; and he that will not harden his word, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God" (Adelle and Allister SO NEED open hearts right now, so it was perfect!) Well she finished and got in bed, and fell asleep; meanwhile I finished my prayer later and then grabbed my iPod to listen to the scriptures on shuffle...the very first scripture it came up with was ALMA 12! In personal study we both were prompted to study recognizing the spirit, and so when we shared with each other in companion study, what we had learnt in personal study we knew it was from God and it was what we needed to share that night! We were prepared physically and spiritually to teach about recognizing answers and the importance of acting upon them and it turned out to be one of the most spiritual lessons on my mission! While fasting they felt peace, and felt that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter0day saints is one they need to continue to go to and learn about. They ALMOST COMMITTED TO BE BAPTISED, but still have a few more concerns, so please keep praying for them! but I do know for sure that fasting is so powerful! It helps us change, helps us have the spirit more, and helps us work in a way that heavenly Father needs us to! I was so grateful that  the spirit was able to guide my comp and I so much In preparation for that extremely important lesson!! (cool side note: Adelle opened the Book of Mormon 3x and every single time she did, it talked about baptism!!!! Pray that she will have the courage to act upon her answers! Their family soooo needs the gospel!)

Adam got baptised!!! ahhh ;) such a sweet experience! He is seriously solid as! He will make such a great missionary in just a years time! He shared the most beautiful testimony at his baptism and it was about his love for heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! All his member friends who have been with him growing up were there to support him, and it was just so good! Adam loves the gospel because he has seen how it has given him an actual purpose to being here, and he feels like he finally knows who Heavenly Father needs him to become. He has noticed how much it has helped him change for the better, which has brought so much happiness! He has got his temple recommend all ready for Saturday (when we are going to the temple for baptisms for the dead) and has been called as YSA Rep! He is seriously going to make such a great leader in the church! Thank goodness for members who opened their mouths and gave invitations...it's because of them that Adam will get to live with his Heavenly Father again if he remains faithful!                #Salvationisinthebalance

The apostles and prophets truly are called of God. Their words are his words and we must listen and act upon the counsel they give us! I love in lessons when we share a video of an apostle declaring their testimony, and the investigator says, "well that's very convincing!" I am so grateful for a living prophet and apostles, they are the Lord's servants!

I love being a missionary! I love knowing that heavenly Father is with us when we do things HIS way! The gospel is true, the Gift of the Holy Ghost will guide us safely in life, and JESUS CHRIST REALLY DOES LIVE! We took a picture in a frame of the Saviour to another investigating family this week and it brought the sweetest feeling into their home! He is the reason we can have hope! We truly do need to focus EVERYTHING on Him!

love always,

Sister Ensign

centered on the ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST!

Well this coming Saturday our friend Adam is being baptised! He is from Australia and is 21 yr old. (member referral, yay!!!) and has lived...a typical young adult, aussie life...if you know what i mean...but has had some amazing experiences that have led him to where he is at right now! He has truly repented, and has the most beautiful testimony, it's been the coolest thing to see him change! Well just yesterday we were talking to him on the phone when he was like, "sisters, i just want to finish reading the Book of Mormon before i am baptised"...and in our heads we were like 'noooooo Adam, you are not doing this right now!' haha. (concern!) well we met with him and a member a few hours later and had a really special lesson  where Alma's words brought the spirit so much when he says, "yes i say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing  to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with im to keep his commandment, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism"(alma 7:15)...my companion read this is so much conviction and the spirit had flooded the room. Later after the lesson Adam received a priesthood blessing, and left feeling "so much better, and excited for this weekend"! It's amazing what the scritpures, the spirit, and a priesthood blessing can truly help us find that lasting peace! It was a really sacred experience!  As a missionary  i have often had to ask myself 'what do i need to add or eliminate from my life that will bring me closer to my God?'..just as alma invites us to consider this, and as we surrender, giving up all bad habits or sins..we truly find HIS PATH! After the lesson the member texted us and said, "spirit present lesson" we think it needs to be a new key indicator haha!

Adelle and Allister (investigators) had a really good experience at the temple (in the waiting room) with their friend (bishops wife) and in there we were able to re-commit allister (the father) to pray about being baptised, and he accepted with a more willing heart this time!!!  he came to church yesterday without his wife (which is a big step because she is the one who was raised in the church (but never got baptised) and so we just always assumed it was her who was more keen) and he even brought his little daughter! He is really coming along and we are so grateful that Heavenly Father is working with their family so much, this Tuesday night president Brody (stake president) will be coming out with us to visit them, we are so excited! PLEASEEEEE pray for them! They are soooo close to just being baptised!!!

So on our way to return our mini missionaries, we are walking into the chapel just to see our two recent converts, Phill and Natalie coming to the temple totally on their own!!! They had family names they had found on their own as well! :) We were sooo happy:) They are truly converted and committed, we are so happy to see the strength behind their testiomonies! They both already have callings, and are just LOVING being members and learning more and more each day! They participate almost more than anyone else at church haha, sure love them!

 

On Friday we went to see Marisela, a members friend who is from Chile!!! horayyyy! :) (you know i love my spanish people;)) So about 2 weeks ago we had our first lesson with her after dinner, and it was really good! This week she invited US FOR DINNER (*sign she is on her way to membership in Jesus Christs church haha) and we were able to have a really good time with her and her sweet kids! (Time out, funny story: maybe don't put all the details in mum haha. We got To Marisela's house when her brother in law was just in the front driveway cleaning...wearing just house clothes, nothing nice. Well we got to talk to him a bit, and then we went inside and left him for a bit...Well...nek minute he comes in the kitchen where we were (keep in mind he just barely came from chile about 3 weeks ago, and he is in his late 20's unmarried) with a nice button plaid shirt, tucked into his pants, really nice tennis shoes, his shirt is unbuttoned about half way down with his hairy chest and beaded "cross" necklace hanging out hahah with like 6litres of Colone on hahahaha. Sister Tupuna and i were DYING inside haha. He tried to get all latino/handsome on us hahahahaha. Bless his heart! ha) Well after dinner we were able to teach them about the Restoration! Wow...the spirit was so strong!!! As we taught we would stop and ask how they felt and the Mum and the 8 yr. old son (who was listening so intently) would say, "really warm.and fuzzy...just good!:)" We invited them to be baptised and the sweet son said, "yes" but mum is praying about it! They will join! I feel it! they are just so ready, and i can't wait for them to recieve all the blessings that come from the gospel!

 

2 nights ago we were driving down the street when we felt prompted to stop at a house. knocked on it. introduced ourselves, just to hear the man say, " i know who you are! my uncle is the bishop of the dianella ward, i'm just less active!" Heavevnly father is 100% of all HIS CHILDREN! He loves us and will help us when we need it most! Nothing we can do will take us out of his reach, i am so grateful for that knowledge and so grateful that Heavenly Father is always aware of us and our circumstances!

 

We have chosen to center everything on the atonement for our zone this transfer...can't remember if we already explained that! But to finish off the transfer, Sister Tupuna and i have planned a musical fireside for our ward, where all the missionaries can bring their investigators to, and it is centered on the ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST! Each time we work on it, we get so exctied! It truly is amazing what jesus Christ can do in our lives, and we can't wait to share more about his atonement with members, and non members at the fireside! 3 weeks ago while praying before bed, Heavenly Father told me clearly to do this...i talked to my comp about it. then sunday the bishopric 2nd counselor came up to us and said, "this past week Heavenly father told me to put together a musical fireside, and i remember you two singing at the baptism...i want your help!" We all know that this is soemthign Heavenly Father needs us to do, and so it makes workign for it so much easier! When we are doing what the Lord needs, living the commandments, and following the spirit, regardless of how hard it may be, it is the most rewarding thing where the Lord truly is walking side by side with us! As we have testified of the atonement to everyone this week the spirit has been so strong and i have truly felt like a representative of Him...Jesus Christ! Through HIS atonement, Christ as changed my companion and i; he has strengthened us in our weaknesses, and given us physical and spiritual strength beyond our own!  I love Jesus Christ and will glory in Him forever!

 

Love always,

Sister Ensign

some of them have literally just cried in our arms..............

This week has been so good for me! Zone conference was just what I needed to have an additional boost to continue to give all my heart to our Lord and this work! As we left the zone meeting, all excited to begin working again and helping our Lord in hastening it we barely made it around the corner when we saw a lady walking...she was maybe 200 m from the chapel and we pulled over to talk to her! As we did, we were able to share about the Restoration and wow...the spirit was sooo strong as we were able to testify of our loving Heavenly Father and older brother Jeus Christ who were able to restore their pure teachings. She committed right then and there to learn more with her husband and to come to church! Miracles truly are wroght when we have faith, act, and expect them! As we have continuted to not only testify of the gospel but of our Savior Jesus Christ, I have been so overcome with emotion...I am soooo grateful for Him, and just honestly feel so blessed that I am able to testify of Him to the people here! 

 

This week the assistants asked me companion and I to host some more mini misionaries, and the one I have, Sister Pemberton is wonderful! :) She is just from another stake, here with me for 5 days, is 16 years old, and is EXTREMELY QUIET haha,  I love her! It was actually really cool, because just the day before I got her, I prayed for more charity and love, as well as patience, and serving with her has helped me grow in those areas in the past few days! From the beginning she was so quiet and didn't even want to tell people her name ;), but wow.... as we are able to strengthen our testimonies together and role play lots, we both have grown a lot and it's cool to see her change! She gets very emotional when she shares he testimony and from just the past 2 days, she has had some really special experiences! I felt like Heavenly Father needed me to help her how to turn to Him through prayer, and also through using the scriptures so we have been working on that! Yesterday, because it was such a nice day we went outside for our study! I invited her to think of a question she had, and she came up with this, "how can I not be so shy to talk to people?". She then randomly opened the Book of Mormon and we began to read together! The answers came like crazy and we just cried! After having the spirit with us we then role played...oh.man...it took my sweet companion a really long time (I  won't tell you how long haha) to gather her emotions to respond to the "investigator"...but when she did, the spirit was so strong that when she finished I just stood up and held open my eyes and we cried together! She has such an amazing testimony and yesterdays study cracked the ice to where now she feels so much better about sharing her testimony with those we talk to- I am so happy for her! As I thought about how happy I was for her when she was able to grow a lot, I caught a small glimpse of how happy our father in heaven is when we grow spiritually! Again, if we are not moving forward, we are moving backwards! This life is all about growing and becoming like the Savior!

 

Adam is doing sooo good! We taught him the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity this week (2 things pretty much everyone struggles with here in Australia!) but he has been doing amazing! He is repenting as we lives these commandment, and is having such spiritual experience throughout the week that is pushing him to keep moving forward! My favorite thing is to see people live the gospel and repent, and that is exactly what Adam is doing! He is so excited for his baptism in just over a week! He already wants to serve a mission like all his other mates who are already out serving,he is amazing!

 

We got to help Natalia take her Dad's name to the temple this week to be baptised for him!...It was one of the best experiences i have had at the temple! Her and Phill there, and I saw Brian there (another RC from my first area), and so was some of our ward to support Natalie and Phill! Seriously, nothing is better than seeing RC's in the temple! (p.s. I talked to the coyle family this week and Justin (the dad) told me about his experience of going to the temple for baptisms for the dead. He said, "I can't put words to it, but it was just really....special!" :) :) :) I love it! I love them and love hearing about their growth! Just this past Saturday Justin baptised his mates family! The mum, dad, and the daugther! Recent converts truly are the best missionaries!) But as Phill was baptised for Natalie's dad, I felt the spirit SO strongly and knew that Natalie's dad was with us, and was so happy! When Natalie was baptised 3 weeks ago, she not only got herself onto the path back to her Heavenly Father but she now is able to help her other family do the same! Last night at our potluck dinner, Natalie shared her testimony with us all and how happy she was that she was able to help her dad get baptised so that he can live with our Heavenly Father, and her again! I love this gospel! It truly is one that always remember the eternal perspective, and I love that!

 

The spirit has guided us so much this week! We randomly end up at peoples houses, just to hear them say, "this week has been so hard............, what you shared is just what I needed!" as some of them have literally just cried in our arms. It is the gospel that helps us through trials..it is our only hope, and I feel so grateful that my companion and I are able to stand in behalf of Jesus Christ, and remind people of that!  I, like the sons of mosiah have all reason to boast in my God. He is almighty, and the very reason we are able to see miracles and help his children, and I glory in him!

 

I am so grateful for the experiences I am havingt right now, and am grateful for the strengthening and enabeling power of the atonement! It has saved me  and will continue to carry me through everything throughout my life! Love you all!

 

Love,

Sister Ensign

.....all the answers we need are there.

This week we have really seen people repent, and it's been the most beautiful things to see!...I don't even know where to begin...

 

At the beginning of the week, I finished the Book of Mormon!!! (I challenged myself to finish it last transfer, 6 weeks) As I read the Book of Mormon over those 6 weeks, each day I felt the spirit as the words were directed perfectly to me and my needs and those were more indications of the truthfulness of the Book...but as I finished it and read Moroni 10, with Moroni's challenge to us all to read and pray about it...my heart was so overcome with the spirit! I sat in the car, with the rain pouring out around us when the warmth coming from within me, again taught me that , YES! THE BOOK OF MORMON IS THE WORD OF GOD! I am so grateful for the many times Heavenly Father builds my testimony, it pushes me each day to become more and more like Jesus Christ, and to sin less! I love the Book of Mormon!

 

Well for transfers another sister came with Sister Tupuna and I just for a day, while she waited for her new companion, and we had such incredible experiences as a companionship! Our trio was awesome with Sister Kennar, she is such a good missionary! We were driving to see some people that night, and Heavenly Father told us to go see a former investigator I had written in my planner a while ago...we knocked on the door and the mum (late 50's yr.) seemed kind of irritated, but after she remember who we were and we told her that Heavenly Father had told us come to their house, she said, "my son is actually really struggling right now, come in and talk to him". We sat down with her son (30's yr.) who told us of the trials he has recently been facing as he just lost custody of his 7 month old girl...We taught about the Plan of Salvation and the atonement...oh.my.goodness...one of the most powerful lessons! We finished by inviting him to pray to use the atonement to repent/and have his burdens lifted...as he said the closing prayer the spirit was so heavy and powerful! we were all in tears! This Sunday he came to church and had the greatest experience! He had the best fellowship who has been through like the exact same things, and come out on top and now is one of the greatest gospel dad's ever!

 

 

This week we had another lesson with Adam and first followed up by asking, "how did it go when you repented?" (as much as we shouldn't have we were a bit unsure if he would have repented because the lesson where we invited him to, he said he didn't know if he should do it again cause we was scared he would slip up again with the bigger mistakes...)....well he said..."I usually ask to be forgiven in all my prayers, but this one was a bit different...I was a lot more sincere..." and as he explained how he felt, he told us how he felt a lot of peace! He said Friday night he met up with his mates, and had this bad feeling like he should leave...he said he ignored it since he himself wasn't doing anything bad (only his friends), and then he said by the end of the night that warm peaceful feeling, had left him and he felt guilty....he told us how he thought it went away because he didn't obey it...(ok Adam...talk about so spiritually smart huh?) He was exactly right! The spirit is so sensitive, and it cannot dwell in unholy places! He is so onto it and is growing more and more each time! The lessons we have had with him have been so powerful and as we have asked inspired questions about why he wants to be baptized, he has been able to share his testimony of his pure love for Christ and desire to follow him! I am so excited for Adam!!!

 

I jut want you to know that I am so grateful for the scriptures, all the answers we need are there!

 

I love you all,

 

Sister Ensign

 

...the atonement of Jesus Christ can change us!

Wow..I'm not sure even where to begin...BEST WEEK EVER!

So it started earlier this week when we visited the Grande's the part member family whose father always says (regarding the gospel), "IT'S JUST NOT ME!" They haven't let missionaries in for 20 years but guess what?!?! The Lord has softened their hearts because they let Sister Tupuna and I in and we have been working with them! Well this past week we had an amazing feed with them (the top notch gourmet, it was awesome) and one of the most amazing lessons following! Doug (the non member father) and his wife are in their 60's and are just some really special people! Well after Tea we began our lesson and talked with Doug openly about everything, I don't have time to explain it all but what was really special was towards the end when my companion was able to share her story of how the atonement has effected her life (she was Less active, on the wrong path for a while- and I share that because she is the greatest now, so strong and so converted to the Lord....it shows how much the atonement of Jesus Christ can change us!) After her sharing her testimony I also shared how the atonement allows us to change beyond our own ability (ex: "it's just not me" "I'm never going to change, it's just not in me" doesn't have to stay that way forever!) Well we finished and Doug says to us, with tears in his eyes, "Well girls, your pretty convincing!" haha we had to laugh cause it's not us, it is all the spirit but he COMMITTED TO READ THE BOOK OF MORMON (For the first time!) It was one of the most powerful lessons, and is one I will never forget! Because I have seen how much the gospel has blessed our family i want it so badly for them...they need it so they can be together forever! Please pray for Doug as he reads the Book of Mormon. (ps Doug and his wife Rhonda said they are coming to America for my wedding and I told him dad, that you would take him out fishing haha- they are so crack up and lovely! I can't wait for you to meet them!)

So another really sweet experience we had this week was with Bishops friends Adelle and Allister! We were able to have two really good lessons with them! one in particular was really special, it was Saturday night when we went to just has a simple lesson on the doctrine of keeping the Sabbath day holy. well we finished "in the name of Jesus Christ, amen" when Allister asked us, "how do you know when you have been forgiven?". We opened up to Alma 36 and read about how Alma (the violest of sinners) felt after he had repented! As we read it the spirit was so strong! It led to one of the most sacred experiences I have had on my mission of talking about repentance! Adelle said she felt really weighed down for the past 8 years of something she had done in the past...we told her she didn't need to tell us what she had done when she asked if she could tell us...but then she said she felt that is was the second time heavenly Father had told her to, and she felt like it was part of her healing process so we allowed her to...but what was cool was even before she told us what it was, the spirit told me and told me what i needed to say and bear testimony of! As soon as she told us about it we were able to bear testimony of the healing and cleansing power of the atonement! Serious sins are not easy to work through, but it is possible! I am so grateful for our loving Heavenly Father who provided the atonement for us so that we can be relieved from those heavy trials and guilty feelings, and move forward! That joy brings me to tears:)

This past week after MLC we were able to go to the temple for an endowment session and then AFTERWARDS to join Natalie and Phill (recent converts) in Baptisms for the dead! The endowment video...oh.my.goodness! It makes me cry so much...it makes me love the Savior and Heavenly Father so much more and makes me want to please them more fully with the way I live and carry myself! I was again reminded of the power that comes through prayer when we realize the reality and closeness of God and Jesus Christ! I love the temple and the peace there, it is not comparable to anything else! As my companion and I finished we went and joined Natalie and Phill! (Side story that is really neat, Natalie went through a really sticky divorce and has had some really strong angry feelings against her ex-husband ever since.) Well after the temple she told us that all those angry feelings towards her ex were taken away from her at the temple and haven't come back (even though she is headed to court today). She said she just closes her eyes and pictures herself at the temple, and reads the Book of Mormon heaps and feels so much peace! I am so grateful she has had such positive experiences! She is wonderful! And Phill...grand-dad (what we call him, and so does everyone else) is just great! he has been a member 3 weeks and has been to the temple 3 times, been home teaching, etc. he is a great example! I love him!

Last thing I want to quickly explain before my time is up, is the experience we had on Wednesday with the member Kip and his mate Adam (21 yr.). Last week we invited Adam to read the book of Mormon and pray about it to see if it's true and then to pray about baptism. Well this past week when we saw him again, we had a chapel tour and at the end finished in the actual chapel (which by the way is the greatest place to have a lesson- in the VERY room we partake of the sacrament). As we talked about the sacrament and the Savior the spirit was so strong and he told us more about reading and praying about the Book of Mormon and how this past week he couldn't put it down...he knows it is true! He then committed to be baptized on July 26th!!! He also so told us that when he came he had a lot of questions but that just as we shared what we did, we answered all of them! We know it wasn't us, but the Lord working through the spirit! We are so excited for him! He came to church yesterday and loved it, and he has the greatest fellowship from the members, because they are already his friends! I have never seen the members share so many of their friends with us before, it's such a blessing to see it and it truly is making miracles happen!

The Lord is the head of this church and is the maker of these miracles! It is HIS almighty hand which controls this work and each of our lives! I love HIM and I love representing Jesus Christ! I love you guys!

Sister Ensign

p.s.
I'm not sure if you remember me telling you about the LA family who I was feeling really impatient about, and ready to give up on in Kwinana...and then Nicolle's words remained in my head about LOVING God's children...and then the Lord granted me a portion of his love which helped us keep working with them...Well by the time I left they were coming back into activity and had grown heaps but still weren't quite ready to get their son baptized, to the point where we couldn't even focus on that yet...well this past week I got a picture in the mission newsletter...THE SON GOT BAPTISED BY THE DAD!!!!  apparently they are doing really really well and are a whole new family now! I love seeing people grow "here a little and there a little". Thanks to Nicolle for that one day where her words of love stuck with me and allowed us to not give up on them!

She had my very scriptures I had lost almost a year ago....

Wednesday night was really special because one of my friends, Kip Holder (member) brought his friend Adam (non member) to meet with us just before going to institute...wow! We were able to teach Adam about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the chapel and oh.my.goodness! The spirit was so strong! He said he felt really good about what we were sharing and we are GOING TO put him on date this week! He is ready! I also reckon that he could serve a mission in a year after he is baptised! Ahh i should slow down! But i just love the people we are teaching,they have so much potential!

 

Another exciting lesson was when Bishop and his wife invited their friends over for dinner and a discussion! IT WAS AMAZING! Adelle (from NZ) and Allister (from Scotland, which made me think of Elder Ensign the whole time and love Allister even more) ;) had such sincere questions and are just amazing! They are a young family (we have been praying to teach families) and with Faith in Christ, we will put them on date this week! They also came to a ward activity and it was a major sucess, the members just loved them and they were a big family! At teh Western night activity which followed Natalies baptism was the greatest ward activity i have been to...it would be safe to say that 20+ non members were there! OUr ward truly is catching the vision right now and it's so fun to be apart of it!

 

Exciting news, Bryan (Recent Convert from Wanneroo is getting married to a member on sep. 20th and recieving his endowments a few days before, which i will be able to go to! :)

 

Natalie had a week full of tests and trials, where Satan did everything to keep her from getting baptised, but as we went over the day after one of her really hard struggles...we read with her D&C 6...soooo powerful! This was a scripture taht my EFY couselor showed us girls, that i have loved ever since, but it was really special!As we read the invitations from the Savior to come to him, leave behind whatever is in the past, and come to him remembering the wounds in his hand and in his feet, the spirit flooded the room and peace softened each of our hearts! That day mine and my compainons', and Natalie's Faith in Christ and his power to lift and strengthen us, grew a lot! I am so grateful for the words of prophets that help our investigators when we are unsure of how to word things...the scriptures truly are the best! I am also so grateful for prayer and the instant peace that it brings when we do it! I have felt it bring the spirit so much this week, and i'm so grateful for that! Natalie was able to share her testimony on Saturday and as she shared her experience of coming to know Christ fully, through HIS gospel, the spirit was so strong! She has been on a great journey, and i feel so blessed to have been able to watch her take the steps towards the gate that will lead her on the path back to her Heavnly Father! This week we will be going with her and Phill (both recent covnerts) to the temple, i am so excited! Phill has only been baptised for 2 weeks but has already been to the temple 3 times, he loves it! He is such a great example!

 

Miracles report! Do you remember how last year i lost my scriptures! Well while in Wanneroo on a blitz Sister Rechter and i went to the very first house that the sisters had planned for us to see...a former investigator! As we talked to this former invetigator showing her our badges with the Church's name on it she said, "hold on...i think i have seen one of those on a bag"...she went away, and came back...WITH MY SCRIPTURES! They were my very scriptures i had lost almost a year to the date ago, and i even verified it by showing her the pic of our family in it! coincidence? NO WAY! Miracle!!! She said taht a year ago her partner was walking at the shops...saw them, picked them up and brought them home! She said she was coming to churhc, i sure hope she did that sunday in wanneroo's ward! GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS BUT IN HIS OWN TIMING! i prayed SO HARD  a year ago to find them...but God has HIS OWN timing for us and our lives, and i was grateful to witness that large miracle! He truly does live and is apart of our everyday lives!

 

As my companion and i have trained on the Restoration a lot this week, my testimony has been strengthened so much! So many people have wonderful beliefs that are beautiful, but we are the only ones on the face of this planet that has the authority from God...we are so blessed! My companion and i stopped our car, and got out to talk to some Jehovah Witnesses (p.s they are everywhere here) and were able to have a nice 30 minute conversation with them! They are such lovely people with some great beliefs that are similar to ours...but towards the end of our conversation we politely asked, "In acts 8 Paul teaches how unauthorized baptims so un-noticed, which is where we see it is absolutely essential to have the power and authority to baptise. As the bible teaches the power and authority was lost after Christ and his apostles were killed, so where do you guys claim to have gotten the priesthood?" (don't worry this wasn't a bible bash at all, the spirit was actually really strong), the sweet older lady (such a saint to going door knocking even though she has to use a walker), got up off her walker seat, opened up the seat, pulled out her bible and began to flip the pages looking for esomething...they were confounded.  I am so grateful for the power and authority of God to heal, bless, baptise, seal families, and perform other blessings and ordinances that are essential for eternal life! As we taught them, as well as many others this week, we did our best to take the sacred grove to them and wow...it strengthened my testimony so much! I love being a missionary, i love the unique-ness of our message! IT IS TRUE! and it is "the way" (2 nephi 31:21) back to God, Jesus Christ, and our families!

 

PLEASE PRAY FOR MICK ! (father of a member family...he has been coming to church for 20+ years and the stake is starting regualr visits with him...please pray that his heart is softened enough for him to be baptised so he can live with his famaily forever!)

 

LOVE YOU HEAPS! I'm praying for you all, especially our dear Elder Ensign...newest full time missionary in the fam, love ya bubba!

 

xoxo

Sister Ensign

I will never forget him, he truly is my brother in Christ...............

We have been praying to specifically find kingdom builders to teach and last Monday and Tuesday Heavenly Father led us to so many of them by the spirit! We were so grateful to know that Heavenly Father really does answer prayers, and that he really does lead us to his elect, and to those who have been humbled to a point where they ARE IN DIRE NEED of the gospel!

 

One experience I want to share with you about finding a kingdom builder, was when I was in Wanneroo for exchanges with Sister Rechter (a brand new missionary who is just wonderful). We were about to go visit Bryan (the recent convert from almost a YEAR AGO- so weird how fast it flies) and we pulled up and i just felt like we needed to see someone else..so i turned around and went to a potential we found a year ago...well we talked to them, and then when finished went to go home for lunch and passed this young couple walking. I was hungry so I was like ahhh...just get home ...ha but then the spirit helped me see that we needed to talk to them, so when we got to the round about I turned around;)  We started walking towards this couple in the park and then called their dog over (haha funny contacting tip we learnt from an elder in our district). Sure enough the dog came over, and we were able to start talking to them! Sean and his girlfriend ARE AMAZING! They were raised catholic but are now at a stage when they are just confused about things. We told them a little and then asked if we could sit down and share more! We taught about the plan of salvation and oh.my.goodness! The spirit was so strong in this sweet peaceful park as we reminded them of things they knew and believed in in the pre-mortal life. We asked them a lot of questions about what we were teaching and they were able to remind themselves of why they are here and what they need to be doing! By the end they expressed how they felt so much peace, happiness, and even a desire to share what we had shared with others! She said, "I think the Catholic church needs to look into reading the Book of Mormon as well" :) haha. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and the sacred and true words of the prophets in there, it truly is the greatest source for teaching!

 

Yesterday my wonderful companion spoke in church about the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End)- and oh my goodness the spirit was SO STRONG! I was so grateful for FIRST, the sacrament which helped cleanse and strengthen me (i will never miss a week of church, the sacrament is the best) and second for the pure doctrine of Christ my companion taught us about. Since being a missionary, I have come to realize that better than a funny, or crazy memorable lesson, is a lesson filled with the spirit! The spirit is so sensitive and fragile and without it we are nothing, but my companion is wonderful at teaching by the spirit and being very sensitive to it! We do our best to have the spirit with us, and as we focus everything in our home, conversations, etc. on the Savior, it enhances it so much! (p.s. my love for pictures of the Savior have grown even more...I want my home filled with them one day!)

 

Being in Wanneroo was a really sacred experience for me! The one recent convert I want to share a little about is Bobkie! Bobkie has remained active this whole year (this month marks his 1 yr. anniversary) and blesses the sacrament each week! As I saw him this week, my heart melted and I just felt such a deep love for my brother! They spirit totally lights his face, and he is so strong! He told us how people mock him for being "Mormon" but he just says over and over again, "I don't care I'M PROUD TO BE A MORMON!" :) He recently just shared a Book of Mormon with his soccer coach, and invited his friend to meet with us the missionaries! He is 18yr old in September and is PLANNING ON SERVING A MISSION! I wanted to cry when I heard that :) I can't even express words for how happy I am that Heavenly Father and the ward have continued to strengthen him since he has joined Jesus Christ's church! Bobkie was the first baptism I saw here in Western Australia and I will never forget him, he truly is my brother in Christ!

 

This week has been a really good one for me- I feel like I have learned a lot from my companion and the mini missionary we had (Sister Tata) about charity and love and following the spirit! I have felt the spirit so much this week and have had my testimony strengthened so much that this is THE LORDS WORK! The rising generation is so strong and I am so happy that Hunter is about to join the ranks in fighting against evil and bringing souls to Christ as a full time missionary! The new missionaries that keep coming out are getting better and better, and more and more prepared, and I know Hunter will just be another one of those! Bubba, I love you! I am so excited for you and so proud of you and the things you have done to get where you are right now! I will pray for you everyday! Remember to be humble and trust the Lord in all you do! I can't wait to hear from you next Monday about your experiences in the England MTC- love you brother!

 

I love you all so much and am so grateful for your support during this sacred time of my life. you truly lift me, and inspire me to be better..to be more deeply converted to the Lord! As I have studied Christlike attributes a lot recently and relied on the atonement to help change and strengthen me, I have seen the Lord work with me! I am so grateful for his patience and willingness to help me! I have felt his love so much recently as I have worked on my weaknesses and I KNOW that he is totally aware of every single one of us right now, wherever we may be in the world. We are so blessed the most almighty, and all powerful King who reigns over the earth...knows us perfectly! He loves us, and truly is here to help! I hope we can all take a bit more time to realize how great we are to him! Love you guys!

 

Love always,

Sister Ensign

I want to be a missionary FOREVER!

Jesus Christ  is MY Savior and Redeemer! Through his atonement he has made of me what I couldn't have become on my own! This is HIS work and I was able to rededicate myself to HIM this week! Being a full time representative of Jesus Christ is the most sacred and wonderful gift Heavenly Father has given me, I feel so grateful to be out here! This week I was able to feel of the reality of the atonement through repentance as I have been striving to cleanse myself outwardly and inside! As I studied Enos' experience in depth, my soul hungered just as Enos' did...for the cleansing to take place within my heart through the Holy Ghost! And I HAVE felt just what he did,  an increased "desire for the welfare of my brethren, the AUSSIE-ITES".  So many times this week, as I have been striving harder and harder to cleanse myself , I have felt the atonement work within me, and I am often brought to tears in gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father who is so patient and merciful with me! Feeling clean daily is something I strive for, and I have noticed that when I am stripped from anything that is not of this work then the work is so much better, because it's the Lords way! So many sacred experiences this week and I have felt the spirit so much- I love this work so much!

 

My companion and I got a mini missionary for the week and she is with us until Wednesday- Sister Tata is wonderful and we have been able to all be apart of some really sacred experiences, especially as we have taught the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is something i will never deny nor doubt the slightest bit- Joseph Smith really did see God the father, and His Son Jesus Christ, and my life has been forever changed because of it! As my companions and I have done our best to take the 'Sacred Grove' to those we are teaching, by relying on the spirit to do the main work, hearts of investigators, members, and us missionaries have been changed! I love the members who are so keen right now to do the Lords work with us and it's because of them that we are seeing the changes we are, in those we are teaching! The spirit is the most important thing to have with us! As I spoke in sacrament yesterday on the Holy Ghost I was sweetly reminded of this gift, it being one of the greatest gifts we have been given, and the importance of us living worthy of it! I invite you guys to consider what you can add or eliminate from your life to have the spirit with your more abundantly in your life! With the spirit in our heart as we are worthy, we are on the straight and narrow which is something we can't afford to fall away from! I know that as we kneel and pray, and ask Heavenly Father what we can do to have the spirit with us more, THEN OPEN THE SCIRPTURES that Heavenly Father will show us ways to grow, be cleansed and improve! I have seen and felt it and I know the Lord loves us so he will help us change:) As the scripture teach us, they day truly will come when "we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness, and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment and their righteousness being clothed with purity" (2 Nephi 9:14) and that by asking Heavenly Father what we can do to change (and to have the spirit with us more), that we will be ready to meet God! If we are not moving forward we are moving backward! Now is the time to not just be good and do whats required...but aim to be like JESUS CHRIST and constantly strive to be better!  Now is the time to prepare to meet God;)

 

Wow! The fast we are doing as a zone is remarkable! Our zone has almost doubled our goals set and it is literally MIRACULOUS the things that are happening! The other night we said a prayer of gratitude with the Zone leaders over the phone in just utter amazement for what is happening! The Lord is being so gracious to us right now, and it's just a great privilege to witness what we are seeing in the zone! The Lord definitely has HIS hand in this work, and is making of it what HE needs!

 

I am honestly just at a loss for words at the feelings I have right now! I just...I am so...grateful to be here- I want to be a missionary FOREVER!

 

Love always and forever,

Sister Ensign

FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST AND EXPECTING MIRACLES WORKS.........

Wow! This week has been filled with miracles and many experiences that have strengthened my faith in our Savior a lot!

 

This week we had MLC in which we left feeling so excited about this work, feeling our faith in Jesus Christ strengthened so much, and just absolutely ready to go out AND BAPTISE! As we left we told our zone leaders, "we'll be calling you soon with a miracle, we are going to put someone on date"...well the first house we went to was Phil, (the Kiwi man who is getting baptized this weekend!) and his housemate Rob was there! Rob is a 27yr old South African who had lost his faith 13 years ago! The minute we talked with him and heard he had been to witness a baptism down south the day before we knew that God had prepared him! We taught Phil and Rob the lesson and at one point, my beautiful companion asked Rob, "how do you feel right now?"...he replied with "I feel like I want to cry...and I don't EVER cry, huh Phil?", Phil agreed:)...We pointed out that what he was feeling was the Holy Ghost testifying that what we were sharing WAS TRUE! He committed to be baptized on June 28th and we are so excited for him! FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, AND EXPECTING MIRACLES WORK! It was such a testimony booster and as we left, we couldn't help but kneel on the side walk to thank Heavenly Father! He is far too gracious to us!

 

Please pray for Mick ! He is the father of a part member family...he is the last one to get baptized...he has been taught by missionaries for years, but THIS TIME WILL BE DIFFERENT FOR HIM, we know it! But we really need your prayers, please, please, please!

 

Yesterday was Western Australia Day, (hence why pday is today) and boy was it miraculous! So Thanks to Nicolle and her mission for doing the 40 day fast, it inspired our zone to do something similar! When we met with our Zone Leaders to talk about goals we came up with a 12 day fast (there are 12 companionship's in our zone) to find "kingdom builders" (thanks Elder Tautfest for that one) and "families"...The zone leaders kicked this off with their fast yesterday, were absolutely drained for fasting 2 days in a row, but it brought our zone the sweetest miracles! For my companion and I, we have been praying to find families...that is EXACTLY what Heavenly Father led us to and yesterday we were able to find 3 new investigators! The first of the 3 from yesterday is a part member family, (the mother) and her name is Trish- SHE IS FROM IRELAND (Yes Hunter, i think of you all the time when i meet Irish or Scottish people) and she is KEEN! She has been taught by missionaries a lot, but when we went yesterday we did a Book of Mormon read with her and her returning less active husband...oh.my.goodness! The spirit was so strong as we read 3 Nephi 11 and talked about the reality of our Savior Jesus Christ, an the importance of preparing to meet him! As we did so she expressed a great desire to keep learning, we are so excited for her! I seriously can't even begin to explain all the miracles happening in our area right now! i feel so blessed! My companion and i are absolutely wasted at the end of each day- we are trying to take lunch and dinner breaks but just can't find the time. Sister Lindsay gets mad when she hears that, but i only have a year and a half to serve....that is so short....and being a good missionary is not sufficient...being "Extra-ordinary" is what I'm after! This is the Lord's mission, and since he has given me so much, this is the least I can do! I love serving with everything, and i love the blessings he is sending our way! Our ward is so pumped about missionary work and yesterday in ward council bishop (whom by the way is AMAZING) was like, "we have to get one board, we can't miss the train. the missionaries are doing so much right now and we have to join them so it doesn't die out with they leave!" our bishop and ward are so excited about the work and it's hastening things like crazy! I just wish so badly you could witness all the miracles with me! You would be blown away!

 

So the other miracle 2 new investigators were a family!!!!!! We went to follow up with a potential investigator who was interested in family history! Her name is Margaret, from Ireland/Australia, and has 2 boys! We were able to help her sign up with family search, do a lot of family history and boy was the spirit of Elijah alive in that home! (haha). Then the dad came out....k...SO AWESOME! He has met with missionaries before (apparently) and after the end of our wonderful evening with them, they have allowed us to come back and share more!!! I'm telling you, they are the next yw pres. and bishop coming up...INCREDIBLE FAMILY! Please pray for them, their names are Margaret and David! :)

 

There are heaps of less actives who we have been able to help and ahhhh , I just love it here! Each night as I get on my knees and pray I feel so grateful! I love my companion and love who she is motivating me to become....more like my Savior! I love Greenwood and the ward, and the elect people Heavenly Father is leading us too! And I love the Book of Mormon! As I have read it this week and identified examples of Faith in Jesus Christ, my faith in Him has grown and it has helped so much! I love feeling the spirit, and I feel like we are so privileged to have it with us all the time here! Each lesson gets more and more powerful and I am just so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost! I love you guys so much and am so grateful for your testimonies! Hope you enjoy the letter cause it's probably the last one I'll send haha :/ sorry I'm so bad about that! But yes, I'm praying for you all everyday!

 

Oh dang,  I just thought of more miracles to share with you, but my time is up! Long story short, WANNEROO is in our zone, and we went to help the sisters there and just in the few hours we were there, Sister Siilata (she has been out 12 weeks and now is training) and I were able to find 2 new investigators and it was just amazing being back there! Thinking that a year ago, that's where I was...reflecting back to a year ago...wow, I am so grateful for the change my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ have made in me...it's huge! I

 

Love always,
Sister Ensign

we got rejected a lot..... but feel more grateful for the miracles

My new area is amazing! Greenwood has been known to be a "dry" area and they haven't had a baptism in one year...it's sad haha- but we all know that there are no dry areas, just dry missionaries- so I'm so excited to be here! Well,  my companion Sister Tupuna (half cook island / half Tahitian) is amazing and I love her to death! We have been able to feel the spirit so much this week;) my love for the Savior and His work has grown as my companion and I have set many goals! I am so grateful that she is not just satisfied with where she is at, but that she wants to be better and so do I...this will be another transforming transfer! That's something I love about certain companions...they just make you want to be better...it makes me realize that I need to marry someone who will make me feel the same way, that I need to continue growing spiritually! Anyways, my comp and I have set a goal to read the Book of Mormon before the transfer ends (which is about 15 pages a day- yes this will be our 2nd time doing it 15pg per day, I'm so excited) and will be focusing on faith in Jesus Christ and humility as we read; two things I will always need to work on:) I love the Book of Mormon and I have seen it change our mission so much, so I am excited to read it again with my companion and have it change us even more. As my companion and I have set high goals, we know the Lord will help us reach them...this is HIS work, and so with HIS help, great things can be achieved, I know it! ;)

 

There are so many good things happening right now and I can feel that Heavenly Father has big plans for us! This past week Heavenly Father prepared a lot of his children to receive us and our message, and so after someone had committed to be baptized on June 21, we called president with our miracle and he told us that when he assigned my companion and I to this area, he knew that the Lord had many good things in store for us and that he needed us to bring forth those miracles! It was so reassuring to hear that from our President and the confirmation from the Holy Ghost! The Lord is amazing. All powerful. All knowing, and I am so grateful for his mercy towards us missionaries, and to all his children! I love Him, and I love this work!

This week my companion and I trained in zone meeting about our purpose as missionaries...many people say we are here to bring people back to God. to help families be together forever. to plant seeds. Yes, yes and yes, those are things that we can try to do as missionaries...but the REAL REASON WE ARE HERE, IS TO BAPTIZE! People cannot live with God, nor their families, UNLESS THEY ARE BAPTIZED BY THE CORRECT PRIESTHOOD AUTHORITY!

Well over Christmas one of my friends emailed me telling me of a time on their mission when they invited EVERYONE they talked to be baptized...my comp and I took the challenge...and set someone on date that day...more and more people started committing. Then as we gave commitments to our sisters in our zones we would invite them to do the same...one day some sisters called us, (one companionship) and they had set 3 baptismal dates....'THE FIELD IS WHITE ALREADY TO HARVEST" ...the people are literally waiting for the invitation from the Savior to be baptized, cleansed, and welcomed back into Heavenly Father's presence! So this week my comp and I invited our whole zone to invite EVERYONE that day to be baptised..as my comp and I lived up to our own commitment, and invited everyone to do it...we got rejected a lot, of course:) but SET ONE BAPTISMAL DATE! and the next day set another! But that same our district leader and his comp put someone on date, and our zone leaders set 3 baptismal dates!!! They were all so surprised as well, but it's true, the Lord is Hastening this work! We are doing our best to be inviting machines!  It's been so fun!!!

 

One lady who is committed to be baptized is Natalie:) She is an Aussie in her 40's and has been taught by missionaries for 2 years...well this week my companion and I went over...taught her one of the most powerful lessons (Thanks of Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost) and she began to ask us..."so about baptism?"...the rest went from there! She is committed and finally ready!!! I am so excited for her but more grateful for the miracles heavenly father has shown!

 love you!

Sister Ensign