Eye Single to the Glory of God

Comments from other missionaries here and there about going home soon is not my cup of tea. This week we had Zone Conference Sister Warren and I were asked to give a training on D&C 4:5. We prayed fervently that the Lord would guide us as we planned and prepared to address the mission. The training was a great success, I learned more for myself how to endure to the end and keep my "eye single to the glory of God." Bitter sweet, but special at the same time, President and Sister Brinkerhoff asked the missionaries departing before the next Zone Conference to come to the front of the chapel and sing the first verse to the closing hymn. As we sang I couldn't help but look out at all the missionaries bright, smiling faces. It brought tears of joy to my eyes seeing many Sisters that I have been able to serve and be companions to crying with me. One of the most personal-converting aspects of my mission has been the countless changing of hearts of sisters I've served. The faith that filled that chapel was almost unbearable.

Enough about that mushy gushy stuff, WE HAD TWO BAPTISMS THIS WEEKEND! Mitch and Grady were not only baptized, but their families were brought to feel the spirit through their examples. Can't tell you how much I enjoyed teaching them, and how much I look forward to being a part of their continued conversion.

Love you all so much and wish you the best of everything!

Sister Fredrick



President,

We had an amazing week filled with joyful covenant making and furthering of conversion. One thing I want to talk about specifically is our new investigator, Nathan. Nathan lives with his dad, step-mother, and two step-brothers. His step-mother and step-brothers are very active members, his father is not a member, and his real mother is not a member and is antagonistic towards the church. Nathan Has lived with his father and step mother for about six years and has taken part in family scripture study and prayer off and on. Recently he has attended youth conference and several young men activities. Two weeks ago he was at youth conference and he had an experience where he felt the spirit very strongly, enough to ask his friends how he could become a member of the church.

We got word of this and set up a time to meet with him right away. With his father not being a member, but having full custody, we made arrangements for him to be present. The step-mother, step-brothers, and father were present for the lesson. We learned of his religious background and faith in the Savior and Heavenly Father. He is very sensitive to the spirit. He told us he feels good when he is around his LDS friends and notices the difference in their countenances compared to his other friends. He wants Heavenly Father to be a part of his every day life. We proceeded to tell him why we teach the things we do and how it will affect his life. The message of God being his loving Heavenly Father and the way the Gospel blesses families really touched him. His father, though he isn't the specific one we're teaching, seemed touched and was listening.

As the spirit directed, we invited Nathan to be baptized as his prayers were answered to the truthfulness of the restored gospel. He sat staring at us for the next 5 seconds. These were the best/longest 5 seconds of waiting I've ever had. He sincerely stated, "Yes, I would."

Yesterday his step-mother texted us saying, "He did tell Matt and me about the incredible feeling that came over him when he had told you two that he would be baptized. He said that it was amazing and he couldn't remember the last time he felt that good :-) ." When we received this text, Sister Warren and I shouted with joy! In those 5 seconds of anticipation, he was flooded with the spirit. Nathan is a special son of God. We cannot wait until our next lesson!

I love the Highland stake. I love Sister Warren. I just love my mission and this work!

Love,

Sister Fredrick