The Field is White "with snow" and Ready to Harvest

Lots and lots of finding leads to snow covered boots and wet socks. This was mostly a week of knocking on many doors and inviting people to hear our message. We had a zone conference Friday and talked about new ways we can approach people. I've been coming to learn that above all people want in this life is joy, so we've been trying to share our message with a smile and excitement and I think that's what really gets people to listen. Also to testify and let them know how much this gospel blesses you personally. 

It snowed! It's been about 5 years since it last snowed in coos bay, and we got to witness it! Sister Hernaez got to make a snowman and where ever we walked there were people outside playing. It was a great take to find people at home! We went tracting and felt we needed to go and see a new investigator we found a couple of weeks ago. Her husband, L., opened the door and let us inside. And then J. came out with her Book of Mormon. We left her with 3 Nephi 11 last time we saw her and she read it! That's the chapter when Christ comes to visit the people in the Americas.  Then she started reading from the beginning! We sat down and were able to talk to her about how much God loves her and how much this gospel will bless her and her family as she has the desires to let it bless them. She was taking in everything we were laying down and then she brought up baptism on her own! We invited her to be baptized. she was so excited! We set a date for march 4 and then before we left she said what chapters do you have for me this time?" So we gave her ether 12 and 3 Nephi 18. And then she said "OK I'll read these and then probably keep reading from where I left off." She's so great! 

We were supposed to have a lesson with J, but whenever we called him it said his number was disconnect. You can only Imagine the horror!! Then we called him the next day and we got his voicemail, so in the end it all worked out and he wasn't trying to get away from us! 

 we had a lesson with J Saturday on the word of wisdom. It went super well and he understood and liked the fact that our bodies are temples and gifts from god so we need to take good care of what we've been given. That night after much tracting and being rejected we got to Skype Medford and talk to C. who just got baptized! I was teaching him with Sister Alldredge and Sister Hernaez taught him before I got to Medford. It was so cool and he was so happy. He told us that right after he was baptized he looked at everyone while standing in the water and he dabbed. Classic C! 

Sunday Morning I was searching for scriptures that could strengthen someone and I read ether 12:27 which talks about how god gives us weakness to help strengthens us and then I read 1 John 4:7-12 which talk about gods love for us and how we need to share that love with others. Because god is love. And little did I know that in church those very scriptures would be talked about. One of the brothers in the ward gave a talk and used ether 12-27 to discuss how god gives us weaknesses and trials to humble us and also so we can help others along the way who are struggling with the same things we went through. In a way we can succor someone who is dealing with a weakness we have. Not saying we know exactly what the person is going through, but in a way you have a better understanding. I know with some the weaknesses that god has given me have been a huge struggle for, and in a way it's been a blessing because it's taught me how to make the best of each situation and how to push myself to be happier. I've also had many chances to help others with the same thing. I don't see some of my weaknesses as weaknesses rather now I see them as things that have made me strong. We went to young women's and there the scripture from John was brought up. We talked about how we need to get to know god to have that relationship with him. It's amazing how God prepared me to learn the things I needed to just from a. Simple scripture study before church. 

J. came to church and sister Hernaez and I taught gospel principles about the signs of the second coming. It was a good time. And after church we had a lesson with C. on following the prophet. He's the nine year old. We explained the story of Noah and the arc and told him when we follow the prophet we can be happy and brought it all back to following the commandments of god. After his lesson his mom texted us and said "C. says you two are nice ladies" best compliment! 

I hope you all have a great week! Thank you for all of your support. I love you All! 

Love, 

Sister Peterson