So... Groundhog day is kinda pointless when you dont get to find out
what happened... haha... But whatever.. It's not like I've really
experienced a winter here anyways. Crazy Arkansas NOT cold weather...
yeesh....
Anywho... So.. This week has been a pretty significant week in the ward.
It's pretty interesting because the ward seems to have done a complete
360 since I got here 3 months ago. I first got here, and felt totally
unwelcome and didn't really see much of a motive on anyone's part to do
missionary work, so I didn't really know how to handle that. But as I
continued to work and time progressed, the Bishop seemed to be
experiencing some pretty significant spiritual changes of heart. A
couple weeks ago he spoke in Sacrament meeting and told of how he had a
terrifying vision of the way the ward members were heading, and he said
he was shown through the spirit, who was in danger of not achieving
their full potential by reaching the Celestial Kingdom. So now he's gone
into this incredible "the ward's attitude has GOT to change NOW"
mentality and the Ward is responding to it so well. We as missionaries
are being given assignments that are helping the members of the ward be
strengthened, and recent converts are getting serious about preparing
for the temple and all in all, the whole ward is changing for the
better. I think a significant contribution was this new Tongan family
that moved in from California. They have 10 kids and the Dad is a former
Bishop. Our Bishop said he had been praying for a long time to be able
to know how to meet the needs of the members and he said that all his
concerns were answered with this one family. haha. They're a huge
strength to the Ward already. And it seems like within the last 3 or 4
weeks, the chapel has been busting at the seams because it's been so
full. It's so wonderful to see!!! The spirit is so strong in those
meetings and things are getting done, and all this has happened within
the past 3 months! I'm actually thankful that I've been able to see the
progress of this ward. It's helped me appreciate and love the members
here more and more. This is an exciting process, and I'm thankful for
the spiritual nature of the Bishop and what he is now doing to change
things so that they are the way they need to be.
Also, on Saturday there was a ward temple trip in which 20 or so members
of the ward all came together and made arrangements to be able to make
the trip to Memphis. Three of the members of our ward went through the
temple for the first time, and two of them, Bro and Sis Enriquez got
sealed. When I saw them yesterday at Church, they were GLOWING!!! They
were so full of love for each other and for the gospel, and it was a
pleasure to be able to see the Spirit so strong within them.. I feel
really close with the Enriquez's because they're been a huge support to
us. They've always been our go to people whenever we're in a pickle.
hahaha...
We're also teaching this less active couple that just got married last
Saturday, because they want so bad to be active and worthy. They're
definitely something else... they have their struggles and trials to
overcome, but their desire is sincere.
There are incredible things happening with the ward here. I'm so
thankful to be a part of it and to feel the support of the Lord in
bringing everything to pass. The Church is so true. Heavenly Father
provides ways for everything to be accomplished, and it is so apparent
in Hot Springs.
Love y'all. Happy February.
-Sister Dyer
