This week was MIRACULOUS!

This week two of Heavenly Father's beloved children made a covenant with Him and were baptized!

Mike and Jennifer's baptism went so well! Satan tried to thwart our efforts: Mike and Jennifer had car troubles the morning of the baptism, and we couldn't get the copy machine at the church to print the programs, but we were victorious. Many of the ward members came to support Mike and Jennifer, and the Spirit was so strong. :) I am happy for them, they are a great strength to the ward already. 

Also, yesterday Sister Burton and I spoke in church. I talked about Faith. Broad topic. not. enough. time. :) I thought I would share some insights from my talk though.

I began by talking about my favorite account in the New Testament, one that has great meaning for me. Matthew 14:22-33 

22 ¶And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

This sounds a bit like my life at times. Whether our opposition comes from others, our own choices, or life, each of us can agree that we've felt the contrary winds.

 25 And in the fourth watch (footnote: between three and six in the morning) of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

Sometimes our hardest trials and deepest sorrows come at midnight, when we feel the most alone. When the "light" has gone out.

 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

Sound familiar? I know it does for me.

 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

In the midst of the trial, we might be afraid, but comfort comes as we seek the Lord.

 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

Pure, unadulterated faith.

 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

Where was Peter's focus? The Savior. (Now I'm thinking of the last verse of the Hymn "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief." It's a good one. look it up. Our faith moves us forward. We live a life of miracles when our faith is focused on the Savior.

 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Peter looses his focus. He gets distracted. He falters.

These last three words are important to me, personally. My first week in the MTC was hard. I was facing all sorts of opposition, and one particularly rough night, after my companion had fallen asleep, I fell to my knees and pled for the Lord's comfort. Three words came into my mind "Lord, save me." When I arose, I opened my scriptures and read Matthew 14:31. 

 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

At that moment I felt the Savior's love flood over me. It was a tender moment I will never forget. 

 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

My storm had calmed. Through the next few weeks, whenever I was tempted to be afraid of "the wind boisterous" I remembered the truth spoken in the 33rd verse:

 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

I know Jesus Christ is the Son of our Eternal and loving Heavenly Father. I know that when we have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can do all things. This strengthens me.

I love you all. Remember, the LORD is always there. He loves you.

Have a fantastic week. 

Love,

Sister Sarah Jane Lewis

P.S. Transfers are next week. :) So if you're sending a letter, speak now or hold your peace for another couple of weeks.

I'm a Mormon

Hello!

This week has been wonderful! We're working hard and seeing God's grace every day! :)

We had interviews with our mission president and his wife this week, and that always makes the week fantastic. Jennifer and Mike are excited to be baptized on the 26th, and are doing so well! :)

My invitation to you this week is to use technology to share the gospel this week. Here are a few that I like

I'm a Mormon and  lds.org

Denny

Lifting Burdens

Inspiring

Fun

Love

ME!   You can make a profile too! :)

-Sister Lewis

P.S. You know you're a missionary when... you have a tan line like mine.

Also, I spent the 4th of July near the Beautiful Ohio River!

4th of July: Babies in the Bushes

Hello!

It's been another week full of miracles. :) (Are you getting tired of hearing that yet? Too bad, because they're going to keep coming.)

This Wednesday we had an AWESOME lesson with the father of a less-active family. He's not a member but wants to learn more! His family isn't interested in coming back to church right now, but he is such a strong leader, I know that when he joins, the family will follow him. :) He's a great example to me of someone who is teachable. During the lesson we were talking about something completely unrelated to the Spirit when he said "you know, sometimes the Spirit hits you like a gentle breeze." He recognizes the Spirit when it's there, and he has the faith to move forward. He is deciding between 2 baptism dates in August. At the end of the lesson we asked him to pray. After finishing his prayer he said "I have goosebumps and my eyes are welling up, I had better go inside." The Spirit was so strong during our lesson. It's great to see people who are teachable!

On the 4th of July we drew out a genealogical fan chart in a nearby park. We talked to everyone that we met and invited them to come to the Family History Center this week! At the end of the day we went down to a street fair next to the Ohio River. People were sitting along the banks of the river, getting ready for the fireworks show. We wish we would have had more time there, but missionaries turn into pumpkins at9:00. On the 4th Sister Burton and I found 5 new investigators, including one family! We are so blessed to be working with so many families! Heavenly Father's plan really is for families to be together forever, and I see that here, especially.

Shout out to my family: I love you! :) 

One last miracle! the couple that is on date to be baptized on the 26th are staying strong! They are so excited! They just have to give up tobacco and coffee by Saturday and they'll be ready! 

Just kidding, one more miracle!

Yesterday, after Sacrament meeting, we met two of our investigators who had come in late without us seeing them! Liz and her daughter came to church after a few weeks of saying they would come. Liz told us that her husband was just diagnosed with Leukemia. I know that Heavenly Father put them in our path at this time because he wants their family to know that they can be together for eternity. I love this gospel! I know that this is the only true church. I know Jesus Christ is at its head, and that through the power of the Priesthood on the earth today, our families can be sealed for eternity. I know that this truth cannot be found anywhere else. It is only through the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we can have eternal life. 

I know it. I live it. I love it.

I love you all! Be grateful!

Sister Sarah Jane Lewis

6 Arbor Circle #628 

Cincinnati, OH 45255

P.S. The "Babies in the Bushes" title comes from an experience we had yesterday. After church we were visiting one of our investigators with the ward mission leader's wife. As we were getting ready to leave she said "look!" and pointed through the curtains to a bush outside. There, laying on the top of the bushes, was a naked baby doll. It was such an absurd thing to see, it was hilarious. Then, we nearly tripped over another doll on our way down the porch steps. :) You can find humor anywhere! :)

Photos from Trek:)

Here are a few photos from Sarah Jane!

 Sister Lewis and Sister Burton on Pancake Duty at Trek

 The 'Mini Missionary' with Sarah and Sister Burton

Sarah said she has 22 mosquito bites 'and counting' (she also said they love to bite her because she is sweet ;) )

MIRACLES. They're part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Dear Everyone!

This week has been wonderful and filled with miracles, as usual.

M and J, two of our investigators accepted the invitation to be baptized on July 26th! When they accepted that date, J was hesitant, but said she could always push it back. Her husband, M, said "No, you can't go into it like that! We'll just have to be ready by then!" It was so awesome to see him so excited about being baptized. We asked him to say the closing prayer, and in it he thanked Heavenly Father for the "bricklayers" who came before us to prepare them to accept the gospel. M realizes that he's been prepared. Also, we helped them both download the Gospel Library App on their phones, and M was so excited about it. :) (If you don't have the Gospel Library App on your phone yet, don't wait!) it's a great tool.

We helped our friend Anna with her garden again on Wednesday morning. She has zucchini coming out her ears! :) She gave us some and we made zucchini bread to take to some of our investigators and members. Later that day we taught a Hindu Mother and son from India. Sunita, the mother, told us a story of how she came to believe in Jesus Christ. This woman's mother was very ill, and the doctors said she had 2 months to live. She and her sisters prayed for her mother, and through their prayers and the grace of God, her mother was able to live for another year. Meeting Sunita and her son the night before was a miracle in itself. We were visiting a less-active member (turns out she moved) and we were walking through the parking lot near their apartment. There was a giant thundercloud that was quickly rolling in, and we paused to gape at its awesomeness. :) Well, Sunita and her son had been admiring it also, from a few feet away. We began a conversation about the clouds, and soon Sunita asked us if we were here visiting and serving people. We said we were. She continued to tell us that she loves Jesus, and that she could tell that we're happy "it shines in your faces! You are happy, yes?" We told her, YES! We are happy. Next, she completely surprised us by inviting us to come to her house! :)

Wednesday evening we were able to make an appointment with a family that we've been trying to see for a while! (miracle!)

Sunday evening we met, Tim,  the husband of a member that we've been working with. We talked for a while on his driveway and by the end of the conversation, I could tell from his countenance that what we'd said had sparked something within him. It's exciting to meet people whose hearts have been prepared to accept the gospel. :) It's especially exciting when it means that families can work toward being sealed in the temple for time and all eternity. :)

I love this work! :) :)

I love you! Have a great 4th of July! Eat some watermelon for me! And someone, please watch the Provo parade for me. :)

Sister Sarah Jane Lewis

6 Arbor Circle #628

Cincinnati, OH 45255

2 Timothy 3: 14-16

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable fordoctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction inrighteousness:

What a Week!

Hello, all!

This week has been a whirlwind!

Monday

Our "mini" missionary (she only stays for a week) arrived. 

Tuesday

We taught a new family! We taught the mother and two of her nine children. It was a great lesson. The mom was full of great questions. Heavenly Father has really prepared their family.

Wednesday

We had a wonderful district meeting! We talked a lot about helping people come to church, and having FUN while serving the Lord. Our district leader came up with "Church Go-Go juice" (blue kool-aid) as a reminder for our investigators to come to church. The label listed some of the side effects: long suffering, patience, love, kindness, the Spirit, etc. :)

Wednesday evening we saw another 8:30 miracle. It was late and we had some goals for finding people to teach that we hadn't met yet. We pulled into our apartment complex, parked, and just as we were getting out, a couple walked by. We struck up a conversation (thank goodness for people with dogs! It's a great conversation starter) and invited them to have a chapel tour later in the week.

Thursday

It rained buckets! (Which made for an exciting evening as we were dashing, no, sloshing between our car and various homes.)

Friday

Exchanges! Our sister training leader, Sister Rolfe, came to work with Sister Rollins and me. :) Our day started out with pulling weeds for a Jewish friend (her garden is amazing--one day she just took out half of her lawn and decided to plant a garden). We went with a lady in our ward to visit one of her sisters who has not been coming to church for years. She said she would come to church, and she did! She brought her non-member nephew, too. The Elders are starting to teach him. Also, we helped a family pack up their house. They're moving to Boston! We had a day full of service. :)

Saturday

We went with the ward mission leader to teach a less-active family in the ward. When we arrived the house was chaotic. The dog was eating the toddler's pizza, the baby was crying, the parents were clearly uninterested. We watched "The Lamb of God" with them, and afterwards asked the parents "What did you like about the film? How did it make you feel?" The mother said "Honestly, I can't say I liked anything about it." It broke my heart to hear her say that. This experience has helped me understand, just a little bit better, the sorrow the Savior must have felt as he said "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

We ended the day by stopping by Susan's home. We have been teaching her since I got to Cherry Grove, but she has cancelled our last two appointments. In an attempt to encourage her to come to church, we sang "Nearer My God to Thee" and told her we'd stop by the next morning to sing again, before church.

Sunday

MIRACLES. Sunday morning I went to Ward Council while Sister Burton and Sister Rollins and Sister Shaw went to deliver muffins to some of the people we've been working with.

Five minutes before church started, Susan and her husband walked in with the sisters. I was overjoyed! :) Sacrament meeting was especially meaningful to me this week, after this weeks events. I cannot even begin to express the gratitude I feel for my Savior. 

After Church we went to have lunch with a less-active family (a married couple and their 25 year old son). We sang for them and Sister B. sent a video of the song to my sister (apparently she put it on facebook?). I love the hymns for the spirit they bring! As we sang, I watched the countenance of Brother B. change. He loved it and said he'd be listening to it again. :) By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. (Alma 37:6)

We gave a chapel tour to the couple we met on Wednesday, and they said they would come to church! We'll be having dinner with them this week, on Wednesday.

At the end of the day we tallied it all up, and about half of the people invited came to church! (8 of 19) :) It was a miracle! 

OH! and I'm staying in Cherry Grove for another transfer. I guess there's more work for me here! I'm very happy to stay, I love this area.

So, feel free to send letters!

Love,

Sister Sarah Jane Lewis

P.S. Mini missionary= a week of miracles

6 Arbor Circle #628

Cincinnati, OH 45255

Happy Father's Day!

Hello! 

I hope you are all healthy and happy!

This week was great! The investigators we're working with are really progressing well. Tylor and Juanesha are preparing to be baptized onJune 28th! They're so excited. We had an investigator who threw away all of his anti-Mormon literature (we walked with him to the dumpster!) We met some new people to teach, Michelle is one lady that we'll be helping as she quits smoking. 

Saturday we had the opportunity to go up to Caesar's Creek to serve breakfast to the youth. Our stake had trek this weekend. It was so fun to see them all dressed up in their pioneer outfits. :) And I had fun flipping 500+ pancakes! :) I'll send pictures next week, I forgot to bring my camera. 

I am so happy to be serving a mission! The gospel is the way! If we have Faith in Jesus Christ, repent, are baptized and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end, we shall have eternal life! :) My challenge to you all is to read 2 Nephi 31 today. Before you read pray and ask Heavenly Father to help you to recognize a change you can make in your life to become more like  him. I promise that as you read, He will answer you.

This week one of our investigators told us a funny story. She was talking to her fiance and asked "is cursing a sin?" he said he thought it was. So, she decided (without any prompting from us!) that she would stop cursing. And she said that she was coming out of the house when something surprised her, and she said something helped her hold back what she was going to say. 

It's so great to see how the gospel changes people! 

“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.

The study of the doctrines of the gospel will 

improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior 

will improve behavior. … That is why we stress so 

forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel”

Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

(“Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).

I love you all! Write me!

Also! Happy Fathers Day to the number one dad! I love you, Dad! 

And a special shout out to my brother, Drew and his fiance Jamie! (They're getting sealed in the temple tomorrow!) Wish I could be there with you! Have fun!

Sister Lewis

P.S. We are getting a mini missionary this week! (Tripanionship unite!)...singing video