Week 25: It's Raining Pollen!

So the whole Lansing Capital Area Libraries' internet services were shut down yesterday for some weird reason so I wasn't able to email! Sorry about that! But this week has been an adventure! I am getting to the point on my mission where I barely remember what I eat for breakfast so remembering this last week will be as hard as remembering what my first name is!;) Haha! And that is pretty hard! No lie! Me and Sister Lau have been practicing a musical number and we are singing in sacrament meeting on Sunday! She only has 2 Sunday's left! Crazy! We are singing, "Come All Whose Souls are Lighted" to the music of "If You Could Hie to Kolob"! It sounds so cool! Sister Hill in our ward found this gorgeous arrangement and we are pretty excited! Pray that nobody's ears fall off!;) Or bleed! Haha! Jk! It sounds pretty good! It is also a good incentive to get our investigators to come to church! Guilt trip them! Haha! So bad, but hey! So true! And we have had some killer P-Days lately! The Lansing Zone is legit! Especially the Meridian District! ;) Well now we are calling it Merlot since that is Lansing, Holt, and Meridian all mixed together! Haha! My family is crazy! Every personality of the rainbow! So fun! It's so nice to be so close to your family out here in the mission field. It makes missionary work so much better! Here are Momma's questions of the week:

1.) Tell us about your investigators? Have things picked up since last week?

Same ol', same ol' with everyone you already know about! Except we did pick up 3 new investigators this last week! So exciting! The work is really progressing in this area! 

Anthony-He is Asian and lives right next door to us in our apartment! He is so cool! He told us, "If it's true, sign me up. But if not, I am jumping ship!" Hahahahaha! So we are working on building his testimony! It is hard though because we can only meet with him once a week! But it will all work out! Pray for him!

Brian and Linda Leeks-We met them door knocking on Saturday and they were sitting outside on their porch. They are the funniest people I have ever met. And so nice! They are black and Brian went to school with Magic Johnson and they are good friends! Crazy! (For those of you who don't know who Magic is he's a famous basketball player. Get with it! Jk! Haha!) They were so impressed that we could answer their questions and Brian was telling us that they had been meeting with Elders 2-3 years ago and they still call him to this day asking why he's not taking lessons! Haha! Well....we found him! We invited them to church and prayed for it that night and guess what......THEY CAME TO CHURCH! They loved it! We were pretty scared because they were telling us they love their church because of the diversity. Sunday morning they walk in the chapel and it's full of white people! All our black people are less active unfortunately!:( We were so worried. But the ward totally swarmed them and loved them after! Brian even went to school with one of the counselors in the bishopric! He thought that was so crazy! And Linda said, "Man! I feel so refreshed! I feel the Spirit working through me!" right after sacrament! They are awesome! We teach them tonight! We are going to invite them to be baptized so please, please, please pray that they will accept and gain a true testimony of the church! WE BAPTIZE CONVERTS!:) 

2.) What are some of your favorite scriptures to share with investigators?

I honestly love the book of Alma! I have been sharing a lot of scriptures and stories in there lately! But I don't think there's a specific favorite! We do share Moroni 10:3-5 a lot though!:)

3.) I know we all love to hear from general authorities. Do you ever share their talks/stories with investigators?

Yes we do! And a lot of less actives and members as well!:) They are way too good not to share!

4.) Have you come across any "Bible Bashers"? What's their reaction to the Book of Mormon?

All. The. Time. And they think it's just a crazy, made up book that Joseph Smith wrote. But it's interesting because EVERY PERSON I have asked they said they read it, and when I asked if they prayed about it they say, "No. I already know for myself." Ding, ding. Wrong answer folks. Ask God. He is way smarter than man's knowledge. Just in case we didn't already know that. People's answers are pretty funny and even mean sometimes. But I just feel bad for them, I don't ever get mad. Someday they will know. We just have to keep trying our best to share and testify of what we know. And the blessings that come with it!:)

Well that is about it! I will see if I have taken any pictures this week! I know we took a ton on our district leader, Elder Cornelison's, camera because we did a Zone Scavenger Hunt on MSU Campus for P-day! It was so fun, but man.....MSU is the biggest college campus in America. You could say we were tired. We split up into our districts and had an hour to take pictures with as many things as you could! Luckily it was a beautiful day! But it is starting to get humidity and man. I can take dry heat, but the humidity kills! Slowly but surely getting used to it!

I love you all so much! I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you even more! Stay close to them! Keep the faith! And have a stellar week!<3

--

Remember the church is true and I love you!

<3Sister Rogers<3

Michigan Lansing Mission

The Lapreze Family that we are working with! Amazing people! This was taken after we did service for them and we are trying to reteach them the lessons since they were baptized years ago!:) Love them!

Melisse! Love her!<3

Our bowling game scores last P-day! See how "R" beat "Corn Daddy"! Haha! Beat Elder Cornelison by 3 points and since he lost our bet he totally had to write and sing us a rap! Talk about hilarious!:D

Sister Lau calls me an Elder when it comes to old cars and trucks! Bahahaha! I had to! We were out door knocking and even though the man wasn't interested he was still nice enough to let us take a pic by his car!:D

Week 24: All Kinds of Gorgeous:)

Family and Friends!<3

Let me just say Michigan is beautiful this time of year! We are able to go outside, the sun is out more, it is slightly and slowly getting warmer (even though it totally snowed a little yesterday morning...ugh), the flowers are blooming (I didn't know there were so many beautiful flowers....AZ problems....)! Haha! I just think life is gorgeous right now, too. The gospel just makes the world more colorful....brighter....and it makes everyone happier! That is part of why the gospel is so beautiful!<3:)

Here are Momma's "questions of the week":

1.) How are your investigators? Is Timmy Jr still on track?

David came to church yesterday and stayed for a Linger Longer (potluck after) and he's doing pretty good. All our other investigators are kind of at a stand still right now, though. And Timmy Jr just dropped off the face of the planet. And Jesslyn is still hard core in her Bahai faith! So pray for them please! 

2.) Gone on any splits with other missionaries?

We actually go on trade off's with the STL's on Thursday and Friday! I get to go to MSU! Woo-Hoo! I love serving on campus!:)

3.) Is Michigan starting to look prettier without all the snow?

YES!

I have been thinking a lot about Heavenly Father's will for us this past week. We have agency....but what do we do with that agency? That is one gift Heavenly Father has given us that he will never take away. But do we show how much we love him and appreciate him by giving it back? Doing his will for us. Making him proud. Showing we trust his plan for us. How often do we complain when something doesn't go our way? Or when life throws us a curveball? I have been reading in Alma this past week and some scriptures really stood out to me.

In Alma 14 Alma and Amulek are watching the horrible scene as women and children get through in the fire for believing in Jesus Christ. I can just imagine the heart wrenching sorrow and pain on their faces as they had to witness that horrid scene. Amulek exclaims to Alma why don't they just stop them?! They have the power of God at their fingertips. Alma responds and tells him no because the Lord will make sure the evil and wicked people are judged according to their actions in the next life. I can just imagine the tears in his eyes as he has to say that and then Amulek responds...."Behold, perhaps they will burn us also." This verse literally brought tears to my eyes. You can imagine Amulek was scared, but he knew the Lord had a plan for him and he trusted him. But we hear from Alma, "Be it according to the will of the Lord. But, behold, our work is not finished; therefore they burn us not." What great faith they had to be literally at their death sentence and be willing to do what the Lord would have them do! Now, we know that we aren't usually at the brink of death to do the Lord's will, but what if we were? What would you do? Would you proudly and boldly say you believe in Jesus Christ? I love Alma's answer to Amulek right before they break out of the cords that held them bond and the prison they were in...."O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance." 

I testify that Jesus is the Christ. He does give us strength to do the Father's will and always is standing right next to us, sometimes even carrying us along our journey here in mortality. He may not always take our burdens away, but he has promised to make them lighter. To carry them with us. I know he is so proud of all that we do to try to come closer to him and his Father. They love us. So much that Christ still proudly shows the marks on his hands and feet that showed he died for his siblings here in mortality. I love this gospel and I love you all. Have a STELLAR week!<3

Love,

Your Favorite Sister Michiganary

Sister Rogers:)

--

Remember the church is true and I love you!

<3Sister Rogers<3

Michigan Lansing Mission

The flowers and trees here are just UNREAL! 

                                                            

Are you up to par on missionary work?!;)

Using our umbrellas in the crazy rain!:)

(This pic is Sister Lau....just in case you all thought I grew, dyed my hair, started wearing glasses, and became a ton tanner!;) Haha!

We helped Sister Held set up for her yard sale! She is the cutest!:)

Us at Hawk Island Park last P-day! BEST. PARK. EVER.

How we really feel towards each other! Bahahaha!;)

Our 99 year old friend we met while door knocking (excuse how horrible we look...it was pouring rain outside). Her name is Selma and she had to get all dolled up (lipstick, hat, earrings, etc) just to take a picture with us! Apparently, she is pretty famous at MSU too! So sweet!

Week 22: HAPPY MISSION BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!:D

Hey Family and Friends!:)

Sister Rogers is officially 5 months old today and freaking out because I am almost 1/3 done with my mission and it makes me want to cry. Sorry family. But I never want to come home. I think I might just stay here in Michigan forever. Jk. Kind of. Not really. Bahahaha! ;)

This week has been awesome! Me and Sister Lau have been having a lot of fun lately and been super happy! We even made a song! We are super excited to sing it to our families on Sunday! And oh my! I can't believe I get to talk to my family on Sunday! I am not sure if it makes me want to laugh, cry, or scream! It is going to be a good day!<3 

We got a new district leader and new Elder in our ward! I think I mentioned it a little last time, but they are awesome! Elder Corneilson is our new district leader and Elder Hoover is in Meridian Ward with me, Sister Lau, and Elder Olsen. I love my district! I have loved all the districts I have had! You just always add new members to your family! And man! For those of you who have served a mission, you love and appreciate your companions SO MUCH MORE after you leave them! Me and Sister Nelson are closer than we have ever been! I just love her! So glad she is my mom! <3

Here are "Momma's Questions of the Week":

1.) Update us on investigators:

David- We weren't able to meet with him this last week, but we meet with him tomorrow! He is stellar and I feel like a horrible missionary sometimes because he is such a solid, golden investigator that he texts us and reminds us of our appointments, texts us scriptures, asks us on Sunday's "What did you learn at church today?", etc. His testimony is slowly getting there. He used to be on date for baptism, but isn't anymore because he wants a sure foundation and testimony. He is so serious about this commitment and I am so proud of him. He's wanting to do this for himself and God, and not anyone else. He is even writing us a song and singing it to us when "his guitar gets out from getting her nails done" as he likes to call it!;) (Meaning his guitar is in the shop!)

Jesslyn- We met with her on Saturday and she is just wonderful! She may just be the sweetest and most gentle woman I have ever met in my entire life. She knows our purpose as missionaries, loves learning about the gospel, and loves us! We are just working on knowing what she wants out of all this. We are going to talk to her about baptism again soon. We have mentioned it, but he hasn't said much about it.

Russell- Oh my gosh! So I LOVE Russell! Me and Sister Lau just go and knock on his door whenever and we teach him then and there! He is talking about how he has to "do one more thing", before he can move forward in the gospel! He wants to talk to Father Gregory (from the Russian Orthodox church) to see if he can get his membership withdrawn and talk to him about this. We are kind of in shock and hoping it goes well. We got to meet his kid, Ruslan, on Saturday though. He is 7, SUPER SMART (like Russell), and is a soccer player! So cute!

Timmy-So Timmy we found less active hunting in the Elders' area in our ward. (We are allowed to be in their area for less active hunting and member lessons.) BUT.....while less active hunting, instead of finding Timmy Mroz, we found Timmy Mroz Jr. He isn't a member of the church and he is my soul brother! He did ballroom for 9 years and is awesome! He has a really hard background though and he loves meeting with us because he feels the Spirit and tells us he feels like we are his "therapists" and he loves having someone to talk to. We can see the light of Christ starting a spark in his eyes and he is happier. We taught him the Restoration then and there and taught him 3 nights in a row! We lost contact with him for the rest of the week, but his phone got turned back on and we got in touch with him last night. He still wants to learn, he was just visiting his brother in Charlotte for a couple days! But he is also on date for June 4th! Please pray for him! And funny story...when we begged President to keep letting us teach him even if he's in the Elders' area he said, "Finders keepers! Keep him! The Elders will mess it up anyways!" We died laughing! Luckily the Elders are cool with it!;)

Please, please, please pray for all our lovely brothers and sisters we are teaching! I am getting so attached to the people here in Michigan! I totally understand the scripture that talks about even the very thought of their brethren not having the gospel caused their souls to tremble. I totally feel that way! I love these people with all my heart, even the ones I haven't met yet. It definitely makes doors getting slammed in our faces more easy to get over knowing they are my siblings and a child of God.

2.) What's been your inspiration lately when you get discouraged?

Just knowing and remembering all the times Heavenly Father has shown his hand in my life and knowing that bad times don't last forever. They can't. Good and evil is in this world, and knowing the outcome that good will win is so comforting. I just have to make sure I am wearing the right jersey. We all have to make sure we are wearing the right jersey.

3.) It seems like you've had a lot of experiences lately of people feeling the light of Christ thru the missionaries? Has that been strengthening your testimony?

ALL THE TIME! There have been rough days where we are door knocking and I feel grumpy and someone tells me they can see us glowing with the light of Christ and it builds us right up. Sometimes missionaries forget how good of a job they are doing! Don't forget to remind them! That is my challenge to you all this week! Do something nice for the missionaries in your ward!:)

This week has just been awesome and we went to 2 firesides last night which was stellar! One was with the BYU Football team and I got to meet and talk to the coaches and some of the players! It was so neat! I was a bum though and forgot to get pictures! But it was so fun! Their testimonies were so strong! 

One of the football players said something I love, "God cannot let us down, because he only lifts us up." With God's help, we can do anything! "All good comes from God, so if you are feeling down it is not from him. Pray for his help. "Be patient. Be humble. And keep on trying." Are we humble enough to ask and then faithful enough to do? Sometimes the answers we have in our minds are so loud, we can't hear God's answers! Make sure you listen to the Spirit and do what Heavenly Father asks you too and you will never be disappointed in yourself even if disappointing things happen! Love you all and I hope you have a STELLAR week!

Love,

Your Favorite Sister Missionary Ever;)

--

Remember the church is true and I love you!

<3Sister Rogers<3

Michigan Lansing Mission

Me saying goodbye to one of my best friends, Elder Wolfenden! He is from AZ and I met him when I first came out! He was in the Lansing Zone and then ditched us to go to the Midland Zone! We were so sad....you can't tell by our faces though! Haha!

Me saying goodbye to Sister Mathis who I have also known since I came out! She left us here in the Lansing zone to go up to Petoskey to be an STL! So proud of her, but I will miss her a ton! She was our neighbor in our apartment complex when I was serving in the Lansing Ward.

Saying goodbye to Elder Dorrough was the saddest thing ever! I miss him! He was such a great district leader!

Someone literally made us a sandwich on the doorstep! Funniest and best tender mercy ever! And it was a good sandwich! God bless that kind, chicken sandwich man!

Me having a blast in one of our member's trucks!;) We were doing service and helping her move!

Me and Sister Lau with Elder Dorrough!