Goodmorning! Wow what a busy but eventful week! We found six
new investigators and we are so excited! Shane was baptized and confirmed a
member of the church and we couldn't be happier! From being in Deer Lodge only
a month I have seen so much growth in Shane. He was that guy that had tons of
piercings and was good with the color black. He underestimated himself for
sure. The day of his interview he showed us that he had just taken out the last
piercing he had. Prior to this he said he would never take it out because of
how much money it costed him but I know that the spirit softened his heart.
Sister Phillips and I bought Shane a white church shirt that he did not own and
he wore it to his baptism as well as to church. He said "I own no white
and I look terrible in white" but he showed up and said "I actually
like this color on me." The color white is pure and symbolizes to me
holiness. We are now in the process of getting Shane to the temple to partake
of more blessings that Heavenly Father wants him to receive.
We had exchanges last week and it was so fun! Both Sister
Jensen and Sister Kezele stayed in our area to help us more with our work which
was much needed. I was paired off with Sister Kezele for the day and I just
absolutely adore her. She has always inspired me since the beginning of my
mission. She has a good heart and a huge desire to serve even when things
around her may not be the most stable in her life. She's
courageous.
Wednesday is our day in Philipsburg so we went down to
Anaconda first and had our district meeting. We needed some McDonalds after
that hectic time with the Elders let me tell ya. So one of our investigators
invited us to go sapphire hunting and we were like um we can't do that unless
it's a monday. He never gave up. We ended up going and he payed for us to get
in and it was so awkward, we looked like we were on a date. Sister wives up in
here. We attempted to teach him while doing all of this as well.
Thursday we had lots of service! One of our service activities
was helping a member fix up her trailer that she had five cats in. Funny thing
is that Sister Phillips is allergic to cats so the whole time she was wheezing
haha. The things you do for service!
Friday we had a harvest dinner down in Philipsburg, the
branch we cover, and it was so fun! This past week we have ate so much so every
morning we have been getting up to run to help us feel better about ourselves.
It's torture!
Saturday was the good ol Shanes baptism! I gave the talk on
baptism and Sister Phillips gave the talk on the Holy Ghost and it was an
awesome day! The rest of the day went on with studies, service and some
lessons! We went later that night to an investigator named Tammy who has been
going through some things recently. When we showed up she was expressing how
she felt unsafe and how her anxiety was going through the roof. At the end of
the lesson we asked her if there was anything we could do for her and she said
"I feel alot calmer now and better...you girls did it." We then went
on to explain the power of the Spirit and it was just awesome how she was able
to recognize the difference she felt.
Yesterday was quite crazy. We had to first go to Shanes
confirmation in the Deer Lodge ward then we had an hour and a half drive to Philipsburg.
We were asked to speak in church so we were in a hurry all morning. We had a
wedding dinner yesterday and we were like noooooo more food. The day went on
with some great lessons and finding some awesome people! The work is really
moving along here! We are pooped from the week but the busy days never
stop!
Today we were asked to attend a small funeral service for
one of our part member families. This family is absolutely amazing. A couple
Mondays ago they had asked us if we would come over to talk with them. My
selfish self first thought "man it's preparation day though." When we
arrived in the hotel room that they were soon to be kicked out of I saw the
most beautiful image that I can never forget. We were showing a video called "Mountains
to climb." In the middle of that video I looked over at a father who had
just spent his last $7 to
buy food for his children. The young daughter and her dad were hugging and she
looked up at her dad and said "I love you" and he responded back with
"I love you too." I was humbled in that moment realizing that this
life is not about me. My mission is not about me, it's about others. The mother
was 16 weeks along in her pregnancy when she lost the baby. Today we will go to
be there by their side as a member will dedicate their child's grave. Something
touching about the dedication of a burial spot is that "the place will be
hallowed and protected until the Resurrection." When I read this I got
chills. The priesthood holder who will be dedicating the grave will stand at
the head of the grave and face the east because when Christ comes, he will come
from the east.
I have a testimony of the Plan of Salvation, that those who
have passed on we will see again. That is the blessing of the temple. I am
touched and will forever be grateful for this gospel and the blessings that
come with it.
Happy Halloween eve! Tomorrow we have to be in by six for
safety purposes so Sister Phillips and I have party plans!
I love you all so much! I invite you all to think of the things
you have so greatly been blessed with and to thank our Father in Heaven.
Have a wonderful day! Keep the faith.
Love,
Sister Austin Miles ♡
PO Box 284 Deer Lodge MT 59722
Montana Billings Mission
PO Box 284 Deer Lodge MT 59722
Montana Billings Mission
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