then I remember so sweetly that the Lord will not give us anything that we cannot handle.............

This has been an incredible week! I have learned more about my Savior Jesus Christ and how i HAVE to be more like him! Christ has always showed us so perfectly  in his example of how we should be. as he walked, and saw other sitting down, struggling...he bent down (got on their level) patiently listened, showed compassion and love so perfectly!!! This is what each of us need to do...slow down, and take the time to HELP AND LOVE others...and don't do this for the eyes of the world to see, but for the eyes of our Heavenly Father. I've realized that the pure love of Christ is the most important thing...as the apostle Peter says, "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity shall cover the multitude of sins" (1peter 4:8) As we become more like Christ and have the love that he does too, we will be changed for the better, happier, and we will rescue others around us! Ahhh this Christmas season is the best, may we all strive to be more like Christ now and everyday! xoxoxo

My companion and I have seen some of the most unreal miracles! Haha, many times we are at such a loss for words because of the sacred nature of the miracles that occur, that all we can do is pray...Heavenly Father has prepared the hearts of the children in this area, and is not slowing down. at times I think, "Heavenly Father, you keep giving us more and more of your children to help...how can we have time for all of them?" and then I remember so sweetly that the Lord will not give us anything that we cannot handle...I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father, and my Savior Jesus Christ. Before heading home last night, my companion and I felt we needed to stop at a less actives house (which is an amazing story within itself...I can't even put into words how special this lesson was..my companion, the mother, and I were all in tears...all I can say is that the atonement is REAL, and there is nothing that it does not cover!!!) but while waiting at the door for her, my companion and i stood outside...looked up into the sky and as we looked into it and the beautiful stars we both got major goose bumps as we talked about our all powerful God...he is in complete control of EVERYTHING, yet he is SO aware of every little detail in our lives...this brings me so much peace and comfort! He is real...too often we get comfortable with the phrase that  "God and Christ live"...but this is real...they are our kings and just has Mormon says in chapter 8 of the Book of Mormon, they day will come when each of us will have a perfect knowledge of this as we fall at their feet. The members are the reason this work is incredible...without them, none of our investigators would be progressing! We've gained such a great relationship with the bishop and the members that it's just all too good to be true right now! And all of this is because of our heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ who have ALL POWER!!! I've just been so humbled this week...there have been so many times that we are just speechless...like literally...it's insane!

tender mercies:

-Aresh committed to be baptized!!! (son of Akram/Iranian family we have been working so hard with)

-Yashar had his heart completely softened (thank you for your prayers) and was sooo excited to be baptized! He came out of the water and just glowed like no one else I've even seen before!

-Kaleb and Teneesha were baptised and Justin and Stacey (their parents) told us that they will follow their kids example and be baptised very soon! (they first need to be married, but they are soooo close;)) Also on Sunday in sacrament meeting, Justin's mom gave Justin and Stacey her and her deceased husband's wedding rings!!! ahhhhh it's really good happen! This family is going to be forever!

-Sam (who is preparing for baptism in 2 weeks) is soooo strong! She is already telling all the members her conversion story and how she has come to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. She is doing missionary work, and even sticking up for the Mormon church. We have had some incredible and powerful lessons with her and my favorite one was yesterday when we taught about the law of tithing. when we asked if she would live it she said, "well God has been blessing me soooo much for the things I've been doing so far, so sure I'll do whatever he asks!"...ummmm ok....Thank you Heavenly Father!

 

Wish I had time for more, but I have to go! xoxox love you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

....................most sacred week of my life!

ok...I don't even know where to start...most sacred week of my life! I just feel so humbled to have seen so many miracles, that are not just small but incredibly big! I have never worked harder in my mission, my companion (Sister Bailey) and I literally don't take more that 10 minutes for lunch, and dinner to eat...it is just go go,  go, but we are seeing MASSIVE miracles as a  result, so we can't slow down. My head just wants to burst right now because we have been doing so much, but it's all good because the Lord is helping us more than we deserve! But oh.my.goodness!!!!! My companion Sister Bailey...! She is incredible! One reason I love being a Sister Training Leader, is because your guaranteed a hard working missionary:) and Sister Bailey......Holy smokes! I love it! This week President Brown was asked by President Lindsay to come interview our Iranians for baptism, and President Brown showed us that at the bottom of the notes that President Lindsday gave to him, was this comment,

 

"Sister Ensign and Sister Bailey...(nice things ;) haha) ARE FIREBALLS"

 

 

We seriously are just the happiest things ever and we just can't help it, God has blessed us so much that we are just in constant awe. Many times while on our bike we can't help but just have to stop, walk to the grass and offer a kneeling prayer because of what the Lord is doing to prepare his children here in Kwinana. But yes, we are happy as, and just so pumped for missionary work! It truly is the best, This week after one incredible lesson Sister Bryce and I were talking about how the happiness we receive from the gospel is unlike anything else. I am so grateful for the happiness I receive from living the Gospel, and so excited to introduce it to my own family one day. This week I felt such a deep love for my future family and started a huge list of all the things I want to do with them one day, so we can all be close to our Heavenly Father! Ahhh,  I can't wait to be a mother one day, because family is what it is all about! God Sent us here in families (Adam and Eve) and want us back in families, and so I can't wait to start my own :)

 

I want to start by telling you about one of the most special lessons of my life, we had on Tuesday after dropping my companion off the Train Station. Sister Chou Lee, Sister Bryce (from Utah) and I were in a trio for the day, and let me just tell you. These sisters are powerhouses and so it was just an unreal lesson. We met with a less active Samoan (father of a 1 yr. old and is 20 yr old) and his less active friend Quentin who is 16yr. old. Well we sat down, started with a song "I stand all amazed" and Costner (the Samoan less active) was already crying. We taught about repentance and the atonement...I honestly cannot even put into words how amazing this was and I almost feel as if it was too sacred to tell you all the things said. But my companions did so awesome in discerning their thoughts by boldly telling them to immediately rid any thoughts of doubt, and gave the sweetest invitation to repent of their sins THAT night! We then decided..."why slow down? We're here to baptize!" So we invited Quentin to be baptized. Quentin at the time had no idea (I'm sure) what baptism even was, but because he felt the spirit and our message had a familiar ring that his starving spirit that was craving the truth, the Lord moved his lips to say "yes"- so now Quentin is preparing for baptism:) He is kiwi and is going to have the greatest time in our ward...oh wait....he already has a best friend who is a member of our ward!!!! So last night we went to teach a Part Member family who has been less active (been on the family 15). Well long story short we decided out of all things...we needed to help with them with heir missionary work! We got them all pumped about it and then said, since we're right here by Quentin and Costner come with us, lets walk to their house, and go teach them RIGHT NOW!!! So we did a little practice with the Kid Nate who was going to come with us (another kiwi who was around Quentin's age) SO we walked up into the house...turns out they are like BEST MATES from rugby and school!!! We taught such a special lesson on the restoration and because of Nate, this family is going BIG places. We are going to help Quentin get baptized, and then Costner (get re-activated) and his partner Shakia (get baptised) and then on the road to be sealed!!! ahhhh I'm so excited for them, because they have such a beautiful desire right now- and all of this is possible because of our MEMBERS !!! WE then went back to the part member families house, and had another sacred experience as we reported our miracle. the mom was just in awe at what Nate had done because apparently he had really been struggling. The mom also expressed how the family hadn't felt the spirit in a really long time but how they had felt it so strongly tonight, and now they all have big missionary tasks to do and the best part was...at the end the mom said to us as we were walking out, "I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO TEACH MY HUSBAND" (who is a non member...this was so incredible because when we first got there they told us how their dad wasn't really keen...)Now what I just told you, doesn't even show a sliver of how amazing this was. My companion and I got in the car...literally speechless at the POWER OF THE SPIRIT that night! We sat there, lost for words...prayed to thank Heavenly Father...finished, still at a loss for words...and then decided the only way we could show Heavenly Father how grateful we were for all the miracles this week, was to offer a "fast" of thanks (even though we had just fasted that day). I honestly have never seen missionary work like it is now. I feel like I'm living in the book of Mormon. because so many are ready, elect, and keen to not only hear the gospel but be baptised! we have 5 baptisms this weekend, and then another 2 coming up on the 28th of December...and how is this happening?!? (I've asked myself this)...but as we were talking to the assistants this week, they pointed out that if we want to see miracles,

"We just have to do what  He [the Lord] asks of us...that's it..." We don't have to do these mighty things, but just do what he has asked...work with all our heart (give ALL our time and attention to His work), be obedient, have faith in Jesus Christ, and open our mouths...that's it. And that's all my companion and I have done...we are not great by any means, but we have seen the Lord work through us...Like and I'm being straight up, it's nothing we are doing...but wow...we were just speechless last night and had to take quite a bit of time to just pray and thank Heavenly Father.

 

 

Miracle #2...Aresh (Iranian 15 yr old son) who has asked more questions that I have been asked my whole mission combined, has been having a hard time receiving an answer...well guess what...this week while at school, he stood outside with his friends, held a small stick in his hands and said to our Almighty and All powerful God, "if this is true, break this stick".................................you'll never believe what happened.....................................this stick LITERALLY broke in half!!! His friends and him were all freaked out, and he immediately called his mum to tell her...So ya...this is true! Don't know how much more clear God could have been! Obviously God needs Aresh to listen and wake up for a reason (because really this kid could have such a big impact on so many, if he can just get on board)...but ya, that was another SWEET miracle from this week! Don't mess with God, is all I can say.

 

 

So Caleb and Tanisha's (2 baptisms this weekend) parents finally woke up this week, and experienced "a mighty change of heart". Sister Bailey and I were thinking of HOW IN THE WORLD we could get the parents more on board...Long story short, we came up with the greatest secret plan (for a lesson with a member) [that we will laugh about one day with Justin and Stacey's family] to help bring the parents into the gospel by involving another adult member and wow....we sat with this member and the family in their front room...had the most amazing lesson with them, and Justin and Stacey (Caleb and Tanisha's parents) just totally opened up. they told us all their dreams, desires and concerns...turns out...we will be working with them to get married and baptized because they want the gospel in their lives. Kiwi family...amazing!!! They said they noticed a different look about members of the church and how they just want that, and how they really just want to have a  stronger family where the spirit can be in their home...ummm ok.....we can help with that! Their whole family of 7 came to church yesterday and it was just beautiful! I feel that this weekend with the kids getting baptized will be a big turning point for the parents, please keep their family in your prayers!

 

 

Last miracle, is SAM!!!! (how special that it's my baby sister's name too?!?!?) Sam is an Aussie lady in her 30's who is married to an American ;) (hey hey) and put in a referral for herself on Mormon.org a few months ago! (amazing huh?!?!) She said when she said the Mormon ad, and how happy the man looked on it, she couldn't help but click and put in her information;) Up until this week, we have always caught her as she was leaving out the door this week we finally were able to have a lesson with her, and the perfect member came as well! We taught the restoration and Sam said everything that a missionary wants to hear...like, "ya I was wondering why God stopped calling prophets cause I figured he loved us the same as he did the people in the bible", "I feel something really special right now" and the best of all..."YES!!!" (to our baptismal invitation to be baptized on the 28th of this month!!! My favorite part of the lesson was when we were sharing the first vision, while showing the pamphlet picture of Joseph Smith kneeling with God the Father and Jesus Christ above him...She said that as we were sharing Joseph Smith's words of his experience all she saw on the page  (of the picture) was Joseph Smith kneeling with a bright light above him (she didn't see God and Jesus Christ even though they were printed on there), but when we said Joseph Smiths words of "which descended gradually until it fell upon me, when the light rested upon me I SAW TWO PERSONAGES" as soon as we said those words she said she immediately saw God and Christ's pictures appear on the page...after explaining it she said "look at me, I have the goose bumps...I feel like this is true"!!! ahhh we all just cried and rejoiced together. Sam came to church yesterday, loved it, and said she will be staying for good! She is amazing, and she is just the sweetest woman ever! I am so excited for her to receive all the blessing of the gospel in her life, she will make an incredible member, and I am so blessed and humbled to have met her!

 

 

This week I have felt closer to my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ than ever before. I have blisters on my feet, calloused knees, and I've never felt better! I know that this is the Lords work, this is what he needs done NOW! We need to help Him, by forgetting yourself and rescuing all (whether they be less active or non members). All we have to do is what the Lord has asked and when we do this, the Lord has no choice but to shower down the blessings he has promised! Continue to believe, because this is the way...and the only way...I have been working on "listening" a lot as a missionary, but Sister Bailey has taught me how to REALLY listen to those we teach. Because when we truly listen...we have had so many doors opened up, and the hard hearts of people are softened enough to receive the gospel. Christ listened, and boy does our Heavenly Father listen to us...so may we all take time to talk less, and listen more...even if we are right! love you please keep up all the great work you are all doing! honestly mother and father...holy cow...well done in all the hard work you put into our family, and especially the love and support you show to collie and I...hunts...you are so dang handsome! You are going to be the greatest missionary too, I can't wait for you, with your hard work you will  be able to witness many miracles, and Sammy...you are just the sweetest thing, keep being kind, loving, soft hearted and never forget how beautiful you are! Sister Ensign...ya you just blow me away, that's all I can say right now! keep those inspired questions coming, they work wonders! Love you all,.......... mmmm just wish I could give you the biggest squeeze right now! "doubt your doubts, before you doubt your faith" (a statement that saved one of our investigators this week, and has also saved me!) Lastly, don't forget to love where you are right now in life! Everything happens for a reason, and so if we make the best of whats on our plate, by noticing the good- we WILL BE HAPPY!!! XOXOX

 

 

love,

Sister Ensign

 

 

 

P.S.

-see what you can do to make your Sabbath day worship, a bit more sacred... (ex. no movies...no face book, etc. I dunno) but it truly is the Lords day...we need to worship our Savior, give up the world for him...at least just one day!

....WE DO NOT NEED PROOF RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR EYES OF EVERYTHING!

Hey so to start out! We got a call about transfers from President this morning...My sweet companion Sister Leiataua is leaving! :( She is just too good to keep in one place, and the rest of our mission definitely needs her example, so I'm not surprised she is leaving so quickly after one transfer. But with that said, I am gutted cause I love her soooo much- we definitely had a good hug and cry when we got the news, but that is where trust in the Lord comes in right? He truly does know best! With that said, he somehow sees that I need to be Sister Training Leader again.........That's not so cool, but what is so cool is my new companion, Sister Bailey! OH.my.GOSH.    She is the best! She is from Brisbane, is the happiest most energetic person and is the greatest missionary! The best part about it too, is she has always reminded me so much of Collie! The way the jumps, runs, gets excited about things...ahhh they are pretty much the same person, and so that is a big tender mercy! She was my Sister Training Leader when I came to Australia and ever since we served around each other, we've always wanted to be companions so I am so excited! A lot of really good things are going to happen, and I'm already sooo excited to WORK!!!

 

 

This week has been...really hard haha, but really good! It was definitely the hardest week we have had this transfer...but with that said, I LOVE the hardest times, because it reminds me that great things lie ahead, so it really motivates me to just work even harder and push through! Our interesting week started when we got to the home of our less active family and just after started to help with the dishes that we saw laying in the sink, we looked up to see the mother crying into her hands...come to find out the father had just gotten into a fight with the 2 oldest kids and had hurt them...She cried and cried as she told us that she knew Satan was working so hard because they had been reading the Book of Mormon everyday! She was so right though, Satan attacks families, and especially when he sees them progressing! It was the saddest thing, but her faith is strong enough to get her through this tough time! I know that God will help them come out on top! Well just after we left their house we went to the next lesson (with a solid member) too teach a couple we were so excited about that we had just found the week before. Well when we got to the house we heard them yelling and fighting, so the male member we were with suggested we knock to break up the fight. Well they let us in, and come to find out they were super wasted on drugs and alcohol, and had gotten into a physical fight (yes knives included)...well the wife had ended up taking a LOT of sleeping pills to ease the pain and because of the number she did, we had to call the ambulance. Satan hates us...he is trying to keep us from God. He tries to get us to ease our pains in ways that cannot last, nor even help... The ONLY way to overcome trials and pains is through Jesus Christ, but we've got to humble ourselves enough to see this, because really the worldly ways cannot help!...Well, It broke my heart to see them like this, but I also learned a great lesson about prayer! While waiting for the ambulance my companion and I had to run back into the house to get the bottle of pills she had taken, and as soon as we walked into the house, the darkest, heaviest feeling fell upon us...As soon as this happened, I turned around to my companion and said to her, "We need to bless the house right now". She immediately offered the most sincere and powerful prayer I have almost ever heard. As good and evil battled, the good finally won as she said some very sacred words in the name of Jesus Christ, and as soon as she had it was as if all evil had disappeared...It was the most amazing feeling as peace filled the room!

 

 

The war between God and Satan is real, and it's scary...but If we put on our armor by reading the scriptures, praying, and keeping our covenants EVERYDAY, when we are put on the battlefield and when we exercise faith, GOD WILL CONQUEROR and Satan will not have victory over us! Prayer is powerful and miracles come from it when faith is combined! It was an experience I will never forget. Now besides those experiences, we were also dropped by a few investigators, and some of our investigators are starting to doubt, big time...it's so frustrating, but it's teaching me humility! It's teaching me that I shouldn't think my ways and hopes are better than the Lords, but rather...he has HIS plan, and I need to be humble enough to do what he needs done regardless of what his children choose. I am not losing hope, nor faith and MANY good things are still happening, but the past few days...hahah it's just kind of like, "is this really happening?". But it is so good, I am thankful that I am tried, because when I am I always find myself coming out stronger!

 

 

We still have 6 people working toward baptism which is really exciting, and a LOT  of good things are happening in our area and ward, it's incredible! There are more and more less actives coming to church and this week, the Lord was able to rescue 2 more of them as they came to church to renew their covenants, it was beautiful!

 

 

We met a lady while following up with a former investigator, who when we first talked with her...claimed to be an atheist...As we shared with her about the cleansing power of the atonement, an the blessing God has given us to live with our families forever (on certain conditions), she was keen and let us right in! My companion and I shared the Plan of Salvation with her, and by the end of the lesson, not only had she had a countenance change, but she offered the most beautiful prayer where she talked to God like she was talking to a best friend. Just in the 45 minutes that we were there she had changed, and allowed the spirit to work within her. The plan of Salvation is real, and it's beautiful! When we really see the bigger picture, life holds a whole new meaning and what's really important, climbs to come to the top of our priority list. I've definitely seen that by "seeing the bigger picture" I strive to be better because I really want to stand before my maker knowing I've tried my best! I'm also so grateful to know that God's plan enables each of us to be free from guilt and pain, and also live with our families for eternity! How lucky are we?!?!

 

 

Another simple experience that happens often, but that I wanted to share with you, happened while on exchanges with Sister Chou Lee this week. We had planned a great day the night before and decided that back up for one of our appointments, we would pray about a street to tract on (and keep in mind we like NEVER tract, so it was eve inspired that we felt like we needed to). Well we prayer, and looked at the map in silence for a few minutes, and then when we came back together, we had picked the exact same street...WE had a whole suburb to choose from, but the spirit led us to this specific street. Well sure enough the next day our appointment fell through so we went to tract the street...There were only about 10 houses on it but wow...miracles galore! We found some really sweet potentials, and 2 amazing investigators! Maddie and Kaylee (the 2 new investigators) have a great relationship with God, but were keen to strengthen it...so as we taught about the restoration and the Book of Mormon, promising them that their relationship with God and Jesus Christ would be strengthened as they read it, they so anxiously took and sure enough they have been reading it! When we pray, and exercise faith, the Lord WILL lead us down the path that HE needs us to take! We may not understand why he is leading us a certain way, or why things didn't turn out the way we hoped...but God knows best. Everything truly will work together for our own good if we do our part of keeping the commandments and having faith in the Lord to go wherever he needs us.

 

 

This week while trying to help resolve the concerns of many of our investigators, I've also learned that WE DO NOT NEED PROOF RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR EYES OF EVERYTHING! If we had proof of everything right in front of our eyes, that would be far too easy! Everyone would believe and everyone would be so righteous! But that's not why we are here on this earth...we are here to have our faith tested...As I deeply think about the questions that investigators ask us...it brings me back to my testimony...to the things that I know to be true...and how do I know them to be true? By the power of the Holy Ghost! I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost that has taught me more about God and Jesus Christ and their way (which is the gospel). The Holy Ghost will teach us things that will stay with us forever, and that is because they are in our heart, which is far greater than things that are in front of our eyes!

 

 

I love the gospel, I love my Savior. I love that he will never abandon us and that when we are truly humbled, broken down...we can fall on our knees and RISE to a whole new level- and that's all possible because our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ! I have felt that his week, and am so grateful for it!

 

 

Well I have to go, but thank you for talking with me. You have no idea how much your emails encourage me and help me become a better Sister Ensign. I pray for each of you daily and cannot wait to Skype you on Christmas! December is finally here, so let the Holidays roll while remembering the TRUE meaning of Christmas, and make sure that your Christmas music is always on,  ok?!?! Slow down this season, run the thought, "can't wait for this crazy month to be over" out of your mind, and take time to reflect on our Savior. Serve others, and help strengthen other's faith in Christ...it is then, that you will have the best Christmas season of your life! I love you and am eternally grateful for you!

 

xoxox

Love,

Sister Ensign

 

 

p.s.

Yesterday I sat in sacrament meeting thinking of the day when I will be released and have to take off my badge...I felt so sick to my stomach! I never want my mission to end, and hope that president will let me extend 50 more years! Think he will?!?! I sure hope so! Thanks for leading me on a course that has led me to being out here...On Thanksgiving day I layed on the couch after planning and just thought about how lucky I am to be out here. I would be such a different person had I chosen to stay home! This has been the best and easiest decision of my life, and I am so grateful for your support! love yous!

 

 

p.s.s

Collie you got to talk to mum and the family?!?! I hope my passport gets lost for some crazy reason so I get to do the same;) nahh jokes, but you sure a lucky:) Love you sis!

..........the harder I work, the more I come to love my Savior ...........

Hey hey! Another amazing week!!  Sooooo many miracles both big and small, so many prayers answered, and sooo many times when the spirit led us to the elect :)

Nicolle inspired me with her last email with one little sentence/ thought she had, that has changed me, and changed the work even more (for the better). She mentioned how she was keeping daily contact with one of her investigators, (even though it seemed really stalkerish haha), and I started thinking..."hmmm we haven't been doing that..." and then I started thinking of the few other things that I may have been missing that Preach My Gospel told us to do...the spirit then taught me that I need to be EVEN MORE of a PMG missionary instead of an Australian Perth Missionary...As soon as the spirit taught me that (it was night time, after planning) I picked up my PMG and began to read it until 10:30 rolled around...the remainder of this week, EVERY little bit of time (during meals, or after planning) I have studied and studied and studied preach my gospel, as well as the other books they allowed us missionaries to bring. This week I really feel like everything within my mind and in my heart, was totally on the work and how I can improve! I feel that because the Lord saw this desire within me, to be better and more of a PMG missionary, he was willing to bless me both personally and in this area- it has just been incredible! I see more and more each week that the harder I work, the more I come to love my Savior and his work! ahhh it's just the best thing. People ask me "how do you like your mission?" and I can never reply without smiling a million miles wide, I am just so happy! I have also seen that as I study the BOM more, my love for it and our Savior grows enormously, and it literally Changes me! This week I had a sweet experience where I knelt down, holding the book of Mormon, and told God I was going to just "read" the BOM, and asked if he would please just help it apply to me right now, and teach me something new!....ummm ok...it was incredible! The Book of Mormon is that road map back to God, without it, we are lost! There are many tracks we can take in life that may get us close to returning to God, but the only way that we can truly return back to Heavenly Father...literally, is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that is contained in the Book of Mormon. We have also made it a special effort to do more follow up visits, in between appointments where we read the BOM with our investigators and by just reading from the beginning, we have had incredible experiences in helping them see how it does relate to them! I love being able to share my testimony of the BOM with sooo many people, because truly....it is because of that book that I am half way across the world right now...it has changed my life, and I will forever be grateful for it!

So we were supposed to have a baptism this coming Saturday but we decided to wait 2 more weeks so our investigators could be more prepared, so they will be getting baptised on the 14th with our 2 Iranian investigators- it will be amazing:) This week we were also able to put 2 more people on date for the 21st of December (Grandpa's birthday right?!). They are 2 girls from a part member family and their Less active mum is so grateful they have this opportunity to be "in" the gospel now, because she realizes she hasn't really given them that opportunity. The hearts of people are changing...the members who are helping us with lessons are playing a big part in that, but it's just amazing! It is the most beautiful thing to see true repentance take place within our investigators, even when they give up things and habits they have done their WHOLE LIFE! Yes Akram (Iranian mother) has officially gone a week without smoking, her faith in Christ along with all the others we are teaching, inspires me so much! Us (as missionaries) inviting investigators to change/keep commandments has no effect upon them, but when they feel the spirit and realize how important it is to become more like Jesus Christ, they then have the desire to change, and we have seen that heaps this week! It's absolutely beautiful!

Yesterday at church the Lord moved the hearts of 8 investigators and 2 less active families, to come to church...I was just shocked! I shouldn't have been, because this IS the Lord's work haha but it was just amazing! This has been the best transfer of my mission (as far as miracles go)..."why?" I asked myself...Because my companion and I work our absolute hardest, we are extremely happy, and we do our best to follow the spirit. Yes when we follow the spirit it does not always lead us to miracles, but it shows God that we are willing to listen to his promptings which in return blesses us with more guidance! I have felt the spirit so often, as well as so strongly this week! Since I'm short on time I will just tell you of one of the lessons where the spirit was SOOO strong! 2 weeks ago while riding our bikes, my companion and I stopped and talked to a Phillippino couple who we ended up being able to teach (with another Philippino couple in our ward) on Friday night. We got there and it was a big "off" at first...I'm not sure what is was...but it was just weird...I prayed so hard that that the Lord would just allow my Companion and I to say the things he needed us to, so they could feel the spirit...well we began teaching about the restoration and they were keen...well we got tot he Best part; when Joseph Smith see God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. My companion shared this and just after she finished speaking I asked, "How do you guys feel right now?"...The Husband said, "really Good", the mom said, "peace" and the Son also responded with the most fitting word, "peace"...Ahhhh, it was so hard for me to talk because I did not want to interrupt the spirit, but it was thick! IT touched their hearts and it because it did so strongly we invited their family to be baptised (you should have seen our members faces since it was our first lesson with the investigators, they were so shocked that we would ask right away haha, but...) the husband responded "Yes!" He is going to talk to his family about picking a date, but it was just amazing! The spirit was so strong and by the end, not only had we had an incredible lesson where the members played such a big role in helping explain a few things in the Tagalog language, and share their own testimonies, but they created a friendship. We finished by all having a Philippine dessert that was super good, and not this family is excited for us to come back next week! I am so grateful for the help of members, and for the spirit...without these 2 things, many of our investigators would not have progressed this week!

Well I have to go, but I hope you guys know how much I treasure your emails. they are seriously answers to my prayers. I am so grateful for your support and love and don't know where I would be without you! I pray for you often and can't wait to see you again. I hope you have another great week, don't forget to read the BOM everyday...it was written to be read, and we truly will have to account to Nephi (2Nephi 32, last few verses) and Moroni at the judgement bar, on our use of the BOM...Read it, and apply it, and you will come to know Christ more...I love you tons!!! xoxoxo

love,

Sister Ensign the younger (but don't worry, I'm not the wicked one;))

Quote from my companion that has become my new life motto: "If you miss the joy, you miss the whole thing" hahaha-so true right?! Life is all about being happy, it's so much better that way anyways!

If He could just heal my feet.........

Wow...the atonement is real....................not only does it swallow up our spiritual and inner pains, but our physical ones as well.  

Last p day I was really smart and played soccer on cement, bare footed...after about 2 minutes I thought, "hmmm my feet are a little toasty" so I stepped aside. Well I looked at my feet to find huge blood blisters on both feet, the hot Aussie sun on the cement toasted my feet right up haha, it seriously killed! I literally could like...not even walk; well I could but it was sooo painful. The worst part was, was that we have a car...but this week it had to go into the shops so we would be biking all week...Trying to be tough I tired to just keep going, but I just wanted to cry! Well the next morning during personal study I just thought, seriously Heavenly Father...how am I going to do this? I can hardly walk?!?! Well I went into our bedroom, knelt next to my bed and just prayed, and cried, and poured out my heart to Heavenly Father, telling him how badly I wanted to work, but how I was so unsure of how I could do it with my feet. Well I promised God i would talk with everyone he placed in my path and I would try my absolute hardest if he could just heal my feet enough to do so...and then continued on with my personal study...The time came for us to leave the home and start work and I literally FELT THE ATONEMENT TAKING PLACE as I found it sooooo much easier to walk! We got on our bikes and began to work, and I hardly even remembered my feet. That day was incredibly hot, and we had a TON of biking to do, but BOY DID THE MIRACLES SHOWER DOWN OR WHAT?! 

It started when we had a lesson with a less active older lady, and her non member husband. They are welsh, super nice, and the woman has the sweetest, most tender testimony, but her stubborn husband (although he has been taught by missionaries heaps) is unwilling to 'change'. He said to us as we shared our message, "this just really isn't for me"- it was at this point the I could not restrain the spirit, and my mouth was opened as I told him, "Brother Smith, you may not think this is for you; but God knows this is for you and you cannot procrastinate, life is too fragile!" We then shared with him and he needs to prepare now to meet God, and the gospel is the way to prepare. He was left with not much to say. As the spirit moves us to be bold with those we teach, it also moves our mouths to express the deep and endless love that our Father in Heaven has for them! I'm so grateful for the spirit, for the spirit being the teacher, and also for a companion who is so in tune with the spirit- it truly is the spirit who does the converting! Something I was reminded of this week, is that I will not convert 1 person while on my mission...not 1!!!! It is our Heavenly Father who will do 100% of it. As a "teacher" (missionary, parent, Sunday school teacher, friend to someone who is struggling etc.) we each have the responsibility of allowing those we "teach" to feel the spirit, so the Lord can convert them and touch their hearts. That is all we need to do. It will never ever ever be the words we say that change ones heart, that's why the spirit is the most important part.   Anyways after this powerful lesson with the Smith family we continued on and God placed some very, very, very special people in our path, who were ready for the restored gospel. But one of the smallest yet biggest tender mercies came, as we were biking up a huge hill in the heat, when the elders called. The zone leaders said they had a referral for us- it was a woman in her 20's who they had taught and committed to be baptised and SHE IS FROM SOUTH KOREA! At this point in had to stop my bike, and I just prayed and cried and prayed and cried as I thanked Heavenly Father for blessing me way more than I deserved that day! My companion talked to them while I just sat there and let my tears and sweat mix knowing that the atonement is real, and that prayers are heard! I love this work. I love pain- both physical and spiritual and I love knowing that we are never left comfortless. (regarding my feet...soooo much better now so no worries, but it was such a special experience to have and to learn from)

 

This week was also incredible because our investigating FAMILY of 7 came to church and absolutely loved it! I was trying my best to have faith that they would come, but was a little unsure....But MIRACLES HAPPEN! The kids who have been investigating and coming to church for years will be getting baptised in just 2 weeks, and we will continue working with the parents. They have had a colourful past but are getting things sorted. They will need to be married first and so we have a little road to travel with them, but I know that it will be so worth it in the end. Please keep the parents in your prayers, their names are Justin and Stacey (one is from New Zealand and the other is from Australia)- and they are just beautiful people, I'm so excited for them!  Along with that miracle, we also saw 4 of the less actives we have been teaching, come to church as well. Seeing less actives come back is one of the sweetest thing, because it is not a number we report...which makes it even more meaningful. But it was just a wonderful Sunday yesterday and I was totally overcome with the spirit as we sand the hymn "I Stand all Amazed". I love of the last verse, "I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt, such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget? No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat, until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.  Oh it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me! oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me".  The Lord is definitely working within the hearts of his children and I feel so grateful to be able to see it.

 Lastly, 2 more of our investigators Akram (50 yr old female) and Yashar (28 yr. male) committed to baptism- they are from Iran and just incredible! We have been teaching them for 2-3 weeks now and they have become our family. They used to be Muslim, but now love Jesus Christ as our Savior, not just a prophet. They have had some incredible experiences that have brought them to this truth, but i want to share one quick one with you. Th 15 yr old boy (Aresh- he will most likely be baptised as well, but he just wasn't at the lesson when we committed Akram and Yashar) was reading the BOM and asking God if it was true...he told us how he wasn't getting an answer, but we told him not to give up! Well the next day Aresh was in a TERRIBLE bike crash and his face was DESTROYED! But as we talked with him afterward, he told us how when he crashed 3 things came to his mind...his family, friends, AND THE BOOK OF MORMON! And for him it was at the point that he knew it was true. He told us, "I don't know why God had to answer my prayer that way, but i know it's true". haha- this family is amazing! They truly feel like family to me, and I am so excited for them to work towards the 14 of December, and then prepare to enter the temple. But if they want to be sealed in the temple, the dad Muhamed needs to be baptised, but he isn't make much progress now, please also keep him in your prayers so their family can enter together, to be sealed for time and all eternity! They truly are such humble people, who are so 'READY' and I feel so blessed to know them.  Miracles are raining over here in Kwinana, and I wish I had time to tell you about all of them! My companion is amazing, so humble and so in tune with the spirit and I have learned so much from her- I feel so blessed to be in the position I am right now:) Ahhh I wish I had more time, but I have to get going! I love you guys. thank you for all your prayers, packages, letters, and emails, you are all wayyyyy to good to me:)

 

Love always,

Sister Ensign

I am not "great", but I am great to him...................

Oh my glorious!!! It is soooo hot! We stand in the sun for like -5 seconds and I get burned, it's awesome haha! I love it! Finally warm weather...I went from a long winter in America, to a VERY LONG winter here in Australia, so my body is definitely craving the sun;) (hey remember when Nicolle would tell us things her body was craving, like protein haha- gosh I love her so much!)

 

Yesterday after personal study I went into my bedroom to have my good talk with God (it's my favorite part about personal study, being able to spend the last little bit on my knees talking with Heavenly Father!) and boy was it a tender experience! I was reflecting on myself and realized that I am no "great" person. I am not "known among others", I don't have GREAT talents that others remember me by, I haven't won any great awards, and I'm just not..."great" in the worlds eyes...but that does not matter, and that never will matter! All that matters is our personal relationship with Heavenly Father...NOTHING ELSE! God sees my heart, he sees my efforts, and he sees my sincerity and that's what will bring rewards and blessings. Having that true and sincere relationship with Heavenly Father is what will matter at the last day when we stand before him. The spirit brought these words to my mind, "I am not "great" but I am great to him" !   I love my merciful Heavenly Father, and I love his endless love! He truly does think each of us is pretty great....- how lucky are we!?

 

This week has been incredible! The Lord has definitely prepared the hearts of the people in this area and there are just so many of them who are ready to "change". We not only were able to find a lot of people who are ready to learn more about our Savior and His gospel, but some really special families! Elder Bunda and his companion gave us a referral earlier this week for a Persian family, and boy are they incredible! We met them and just in this past week, have had very tender experiences with them! While my companion and I shared the restoration, they felt the spirit so strongly then and were even able to explain what they were feeling. They have since come to church, loved it, and been reading the Book of Mormon- so yes a baptismal invitation (which I'm sure they will accept) will come on Tuesday;) I am so excited for this family, and even more excited that they already have a desire to enter the temple and be sealed as a family- they are definitely elect!

 

Another experience I had this week in personal study, that changed me  was when I studied more about our baptismal covenants, and examples of people in the scriptures who have done anything and everything they could to keep their covenants (seeing we have heaps of less actives). Well while do so the spirit opened my eyes and helped me see even more the importance of covenant keeping as well as enduring to the end. We were able to talk to many less actives this week, about their covenants and shared several examples from the BOM of those who did the same (my favorite example is the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's because I had a really tender experience before my mission at Quest when we were able to reenact this seen on the hillside in the Uintah Mountains) and it has worked MIRACLES! Because the spirit can't help but burn and testify as we read from the scriptures, at the end of the lesson when we invited them to "renew their covenants by partaking of the sacrament" (instead of just "coming to church") they can't help but say yes! The hearts of many less active members were changed this week, and it was the sweetest thing to see several of them (one family specifically) at church yesterday! I know that church...the sacrament, is for US AND GOD! No one else...this is something we have also really tried to help our less actives see this week! I love the sacrament, and have such a deep love for it! I am so grateful that our Savior Jesus Christ gave up his life for this world, for my family, for the people in Baldivis ward, for me, for EVERYONE so that we can be cleansed and healed. I truly "stand all amazed" at the love he offers me!

 

Last thing, quickly! We went and saw a less active yesterday who looked like the Grinch (on a good day) haha, jk,  but she was not a happy camper. being the mother of 7 kids, she was exhausted to say the least, and was not showing much interest! Well naturally I wanted to give up and just accept the fact that she is "not ready", but then I was gently reminded of my amazing older sister who has endless 'lOVE' for those she teaches...this allowed me to Love this less active, and my companion and I were able to have a really good lesson with her. by the end, her countenance had changed, and within a few hours she had texted us and told us all the things she had read in the BOM. The reason the Savior was a perfect teacher, was because of his endless love and compassion he had for those he taught, and I KNOW that as we truly care and love for those we teach and acquaint ourselves with, their hearts will be touched, and they will have a desire to change!

 

Love,

Sister Ensign

 

 

....... he was sitting in his chair in the back yard, thinking in his head, "God, where are you?!?!"

OK.....I don't even know where to start!...I have never been so exhausted my whole mission...this is by far the most physically and spiritually draining work,  but I LOVE IT!!! I seriously have never been happier than I have been on my mission! We seriously like run out of houses and dance and hug we are soooo excited with all the miracles Heavenly Father is sending our way! This week with the Lords help, we found 10 new investigators and committed 2 of them to be baptized! The first one we committed, her name is Fiona! While going through the area book we found a "less active" lady who we wanted to see, so we called her set up an appointment, and brought a member with us so go see her a few days later. Come to find out, this "less active" lady, Fiona...is not a member! She met missionaries a while back, and read the Book of Mormon...she loves it, and she knows it's true! We immediately invited her to be baptized (since that's what we are here to do...;)) and she said yes. We have talked to her several times since, and she is so excited for the 23rd! I'm telling you...this work is not us...it is all the Lord! I know he is preparing the hearts of many people right now, but these people just need a little help and a little direction...that's why MISSIONARY WORK IS SOOOOO IMPORTANT!

 

We are working with HEAPS of less actives, and part member families right now! We have sooo ooo much work to do in this area, but it's just amazing! I wish I had time to tell you about all the lessons this week since they were all sooooo powerful and special, but I only have time to tell you of a few.

 

We met a man named Benjamin who we found out is less active...well not only less active, but now he is ATHEIST! He is a endowed returned missionary, and was recently released from being the gospel doctrine teacher!......what the heck right?! Well we started talking to him (in the blazing hot sun...I'm telling you it's getting SO HOT hahaha) and after like 15 minutes it was very clear that he was not going anywhere - changing his mind right now..so my companion and I took the opportunity to call him to repentance, and share our testimonies(our job as missionaries;))! We reminded him of the most abominable sin, which is to deny the Holy Ghost and invited him to very closely consider this decision he is now making in his life, to distance himself from God (yes my last companion Sister Kanee taught me to be BOLD  haha). Just after saying that,  we shared with him of the endless love and mercy our Father in Heaven has for him. We were moved to tears as we bore testimony of the reality of our Father in Heaven, and our Savior Jesus Christ. This week in zone conference my testimony increased enormously in this...I came to a better understanding that this truly is the Lord's work and he needs it done. He needs his children back, and the only way that can be accomplished is through repentance and baptism and this is something that needs to be taught to everyone boldly, lovingly, and simply! I love my Savior so much, and I know he is by our side everyday...he is always waiting for us to turn to him. But as we bore testimony to this man Ben, I felt soooo much love for him (thanks for teaching me about "love" Collie;)) and after having said what we needed to, I left feeling so mad at Satan! I hate him! Our testimonies are so fragile and unless we are nourishing them, Satan will take hold of them, and drag us down. We cannot be fence sitters, we need to choose today to feed the flame, nourish our testimonies, and give our will up for the will of our Father.

 

This week while following up on a former investigator, we met Frets...a sweet man in his 40's from Chile!!!! (when he told us where he was from I used my sweet Spanish to say hello and introduce myself as a Sister missionary...yes you would be proud of my Spanish that I learned in Washington haha). But we had a really good conversation with him...come to find out, his wife had just left, he had lost his car, and some of his children left as well, and life was just not in his favor. He then took the time to explain to us that just seconds before we knocked on his door he said he was sitting in his chair in the back yard, thinking in his head, "God, where are you?!?!" (as he was reflecting on how much he has lost recently, which had led him to being an atheist). As we talked with him he said in his sweet accent, that he thinks it's a sign from God that we just knocked on the door. We told him that he didn't have to tell us that,  and that we knew it was a sign;) and then told him of the endless love and compassion that our Heavenly Father has for him. It ended up being really special and he just couldn't stop saying how much of a miracle it was that we came. My testimony keeps on getting strengthened in the fact that this is God's work.  And when we follow the spirit, we can accomplish what he needs done. So many people this week have told us, "you have no idea how bad I needed this, you came right at the right time!". I can't tell you how sweet these words are to missionaries ears...I love God, and I love that he leads us missionaries to those of his children who need him most at this time. I know that God's timing is perfect, and that if we trust in it, be "patient in our afflictions",  surely the day will come when we will "rest from our labors" and trials.

 

Australia is amazing! I love it because over here we can be totally REAL with the people...like robotic missionary status...... doesn't work . But as we are obviously obedient, but totally ourselves, the people eat it up. I've come to realize (and not only is this true for missionary work, but our everyday lives) that we are placed in certain peoples paths (and around certain people) for a reason, and we need to lift them. we shouldn't be one who needs others to lift them, but lift others...it is one of our baptismal covenants, don't forget it;)  CHEERSSS!

 

I have felt the spirit so much this week and haven't been able to keep my eyes dry,  holy cow! I know more than ever that Christ is real. The atonement is powerful, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints really is Christ's church..how grateful I am for this knowledge! Thank you for all your prayers, please keep them coming. We are now working with more people than  I have my whole mission combined (jk;) but there really are HEAPS) and amazing things are soooo close (like I can't even begin to explain). But now more than ever, my companion and I are trying to have a lot of faith that things will keep going well because right now, things almost just seem to good to be true:)  I love you and hope you have an incredible week! xoxooxox

 

love Sister Diondra Ensign