08/07/2017

I feel like this week went by so fast, but and the same time it felt very long as well! First off, I love Ammon Foothills so much. The people are just wonderful (an Idaho thing!) and it truly is the most beautiful place on earth! It was so hard saying bye to everyone in Rexburg! But I already feel just such peace and joy, and I know that's how it goes whenever any of us go on any life journey. 

Monday night, we had this amazing lesson with Kent and his son and daughter in law who are both returned missionaries. We finished teaching the plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ, about faith, repentance, baptism, and enduing to the end. We then ended with inviting him to be baptized again, and I had one of the most touching experiences on my mission so far. After the invitation, Kent was quiet for a bit and then mentioned how he'd been thinking about this recently, (the first time, he say he would be baptized only if he knows this is true) and he's been reading the Book of Mormon and going to church, and he said in our last appointment "I would like someone who I know is worthy to hold the priesthood to baptize me, I would like my son to do it." It was a very tender and emotional moment for us all, especially for Kent and his son. I will just always remember that night! Kent was so sweet, and always bought us pizza that night, and asked if I could still come to his baptism in the second week of September. We had some amazing and very touching lessons before I left Rexburg! One investigator told us about how during her baptismal interview, she was asked to share her testimony and she said just was surprised that as she started to, so many emotions just came to her, especially as she testified of Christ and the plan of salvation. 

My new companion is Sister Thompson, from Dallas, Texas (yes, she has great state pride!)! She's been great, and actually knows more than she thinks she knows about the area! She's been out on her mission for almost 6 weeks now, and it's been great getting to know her! She was born and raised in the church, but both of her parents are converts. Both of us want to be the best companionship that we can be, so I'm excited! They have a few investigators here, one of which is this guy names Darren, who has a sweet 12 year-old daughter who was recently baptized. A few weeks ago, she shocked them in asking how long it could take for him to be baptized, so they responded and didn't hear back from him for a few weeks, and they worried because they weren't able to have another appointment and didn't see him at church. But he was there this week, and right away asked if we could have an appointment that day. He's just so awesome, and it was a great discussion with him and his fellow-shippers, and he said that he'd pray about baptism. Apparently he used to be very anti, but I know that Heavenly Father really does just prepares the hearts of His children. One miracle that occurred, was that we went to one ward for sacrament meeting, and this young single mother was there who wasn't a member, and just moved there! The Ward Mission Leader was out of town, so we jumped at the opportunity to teach gospel principles, and she went to it! We taught the first discussion with about eight or so others in the class, and she had wonderful questions and everything was new to her. She right away set another appointment with us to learn more, and even asked if she could keep the Book of Mormon we gave to her. It was just a further testimony to me of miracles. 

We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)

Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is His revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah. -Introduction to the Book of Mormon

One thing that we get to do a lot as missionaries is to read the Introduction of the Book of Mormon to investigators, and I just love the promise in here! I know that as we read the Book of Mormon, we'll be able to feel the power of the Holy Ghost work within us, and that we'll be able to have that witness if we pray and have real intent. :)

Love,

-Sister Cottrell

3135 S Chartwell Gdn
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83406

Pictures: Mary, one of our investigators who committed to church this week! Me and Thessaly, who's getting baptized next week! A few from Ammon Foothills and me and Sister Thompson!