Saratov - Week 10 - "The Gospel of Jesus Christ"

Springtime in Saratov

March 23, 2015

All is well :)

Spring in Russia is quite interesting, very similar to Utah actually where it is 10 degrees one minute and then 63 the next. A lot of snow has dried up and I am just wishing it away... I am a little sick of snow :) I am ready for sprrrring! Everyone in Russia loves spring, how could you not? It's so humid and moist here that spring is just sooo green and overgrown, I've only seen pictures from other missionaries, but I can only imagine how fun it is. 

Such amazing miracles this week :) We have been having baptismal dates pop out of no where. Investigators who have had no desire to come to church have been coming to church and we just have an investigators pool full of people who have seriously been led to the church, SO many of them through church members (and that's the best way to go!) We really aren't doing anything to deserve it but I feel like that's the point... God gives us miracles to show that we aren't the ones who did it. We aren't the ones in charge :) 

Today I really just want to talk about the gospel and what role God and Christ play in our lives, and how much this earth life makes sense if we have the knowledge of the gospel. This next paragraph is how I know that God is real and that he is perfect, because from the very very beginning of time, God's plan has always been perfect. 

Because God loves us, he created us. God wants each of us to receive eternal life, he wants us to know his teachings and guidelines, which have been designed specifically so that we can return to him and be even better than we were before. Because he understands that we are weak, and that it is difficult for us to believe that what we can't see, he has not abandoned us. The Holy Ghost, God's messenger, brings us guidance.  He has revealed this knowledge and these guidelines to prophets by the power of the Holy Ghost. A prophet is someone whom God has chosen to be his mouthpiece. Through prophets God lets us know about his opinions on how we are currently living. Prophets deliver news from God (often warnings) so that we may avoid mistakes or trials. Prophets also write down the words of God so that we too can know the nature of God. In the scriptures we also find the gospel-- God's guidelines, or plans to help us receive eternal life. The source of power and validity in this plan is made possible thanks to Jesus Christ. Christ lived this gospel plan perfectly, he lived a life without sin, and we can follow his perfect example by following in his steps as we read the scriptures (not only read, but APPLY them in our life). 

What is the gospel? * First... faith, then repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Faith that Christ is our Savior, that he understands us perfectly and that he can provide us with peace in this life and eternal life in the next. Repenting because no unclean  thing can entire God's presence. A part of repentance is baptism, which is evidence to God that we are willing to leave behind our old life by being washed clean and striving to live life as Christ would. Then we recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost who helps us to stay on the path and endure to the end. 

I know that this plan is absolutely perfect. It is simple, it is merciful, and it is all that God has asked us to do that we might become better, by living and choosing as our Savior would. His plan is perfect in every way and although we all face different trials and difficulties, this plan applies to ALL! That is how perfect God is! He has devised a plan that works for every single person on the planet. All thanks to our Savior, our brother, and Redeemer, this gospel, the god given plan, has power to exalt us! What a loving God :) 

Be happy, cause it's almost April, which means CONFERENCE. What does God want to tell you this spring....? Start prayin' to know :) 

Love you all!

с любовью,

сестра вильсон

(Yes I have put a ь in my name even though I have no idea how to help my tongue make that letter) 

* More details HERE

Saratov - Week 3 - "Russian bus rides"

January 26, 2015

All is well :)

I used to think that maybe it would be cool to get one of 

those pictures where the frost is all along your eye lashes because it's so cold outside and you know why? I really couldn't care less if that happened, I don't want it to get any colder! I am staying really warm every where but Russian winter really stings your face! However, the way that I start out probably every conversation on the bus is by saying, "Holy moly is it always so cold here in Russia?!" it always gets them... they hear my accent, laugh, and then it starts things all nice and naturally :) speaking about buses... I think that Russians could fit 300 people onto one bus if they wanted to. The other day was so crowded that I was just nice and snug and comfy with 1,000 other bodies around me, and I didn't even have to hold onto anything while we were riding :) then I looked over at my companion and she was so smushed that she couldn't move her arms from her sides at all, and the best part was that her hat had come down over her face so she couldn't seen anything either. 150 people on one bus, and ALL OF THEM are silent except my companion and me, we just couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous it was. (no one talks on buses, ever, it is always a silent ride, and if you do talk sometimes people will turn around and ask you to be quiet, as if we are in a library) 

I have noticed that I feel the spirit much more in abundance when I study something about the Savior during my personal studies. Sometimes we just read the scriptures or conference talks, and it's wonderful, and we feel the spirit and peace, but studying specifically about Christ really has helped me to take more out of my studies. 

I have specifically learned a few valuable things about faith this week. In PMG on page 62 it says, "Having faith causes us to try as hard as we can to learn about and become more like our Savior. We want to learn what His commandments are and then obey them." 

What shocked me a little bit here is that it says, "we WANT to learn what his commandments are, and then obey them." As we develop faith in Christ we actually will want to know God's commandments, probably because we are excited to see the results as we exercise our faith in Christ. That really helped me this week knowing that the more faith I have in Christ, the more of a desire I will have to keep any rules and be obedient.

Well. I think the fact that my companion and I still happen to keeps smiles on our face even though it is -25 degrees outside is a miracle. But a real miracle happened yesterday. The elders have been teaching a young boy who has agreed to be baptized in a week. There was a baptism at the branch building yesterday and this boy's mother came to check things out, her name is F. F watched the baptism and we were shocked when she turned around and had tears running down her cheeks. She apologized and said she didn't really understand what she was crying for. I would have to say that getting investigators to baptisms is one of the most important things that will help investigators to desire to be baptized themselves. She was so touched by the spirit and we explained to her where the feeling came from. It's amazing the way that the spirit works on people, all we had to do was get her to the baptism and the spirit did the rest! We will be meeting with her tonight at a member's place. She is so ready to be baptized :) 

This is F and her son :) This is also probably why I have gained so much weight out here.... We went over to have a lesson at their place the other day and just wanted to tell her what baptism means for her son, and were horrified to see this display of food... oh man. Mom you bet I used my magnesium that night.  

Our mission is about to get reeeally young. 14 missionaries go home this cycle. And then 4 sisters go home next cycle. Trust me that's A LOT. We we only have about 16 sisters after that. 

I wish you all a warm winter in America :)

Love, Sister Wilson. 

Samara - Week 23 - "The Saratov Approach"

                                                      January 5, 2015

All is well,

Russians certainly know how to celebrate New Years... there's been lots of drunks on the streets lately that's for sure! But in Balakovo we have a member with us on the streets every single night, so it's okay :) We had to be inside at 6:00 and I set some good New Years resolutions. However, I think I would have stayed up all night long on New Years if it weren't for my ear plugs. I woke up at 3:00 in the morning and took them out just to see if there were still fireworks going. Russian fireworks sound like bombs... and our neighbors were still bouncing off the walls, playing music at full blast, 3:00 in the morning :) Thank goodness for ear plugs. Somehow my companion can sleep through anything. I can't even sleep if I hear somebody breathing loud, I am the most OCD sleeper. Anyway, interesting facts about Sis Wilson... anyways...

If I could describe the view that I see of Russian people every day... I would say that everyone looks like they are dressed for going sledding or snowboarding all the time. Snowboots, snowpants, patterned snow jackets. It's kind of silly looking to me :) There are also women who are dressed like divas in long fur jackets and high heeled boots. And yes, everyone pretty much wears the same outfit every day, and let's be honest. Every sister missionary has that one skirt that they wear every single day... mine is the grey ruffle j. crew skirt. 

This week, what happened? Wellll... Mom your worst nightmare is about to come true :) 

I'm leaving Balakovo, and I will be serving in Saratov, Solnochney area. And mom don't you worry one bit! My companion is Sister Busman, she trained sister Martinez, I am really about to get whipped into shape. She's the most obedient sister in the mission, 

actually maybe the most obedient missionary in the mission period. 

And obedience equals safety, therefore do not worry about me in Saratov :) 

I loooove Sister Martinez so so much, we've grown so much together, but we both know that our time together is up, we've seen amazing things in Balakovo, and now it's time for me to leave my cradle. My work in Balakovo is done, and any work that went undone will be made right by the Atonement. I have heard that the area that I am going to right now is struggling a bit and I am really just so excited to work with Sister Busman. It's her last cycle and I know that she is going to work me to death but I am sooo ready for it. I know Sister Busman and the way she works is like a bulldog. If you're wondering what kind of prayers I'm going to be needing... it will be prayers of physical and mental energy. We'll be doing a lot of finding in Saratov! 

Remember Sv? She was baptized while I was here, and we have been teaching her parents now. Well the other day we went over to their home and told them that I would be leaving and Sv's father was shifting in his chair and kepting saying, "For good? Are you coming back? Do you have a warm apartment there? Who will you be with?" Then Sv's mother burst into tears and said, "But we're already used to you." Oh it just broke my heart! I am in love with these people, it made me feel so grateful that someone can feel that way about me. It often seems hard to love so fully with this language barrier, but with us speaking to them in their native language they can feel that love so purely. Yes, Russian is hard! But if I won't preach the gospel in Russian then who will? Someone's gotta do it :) And I'm so glad that I was also able to tell my Heavenly Father, "send me!" 

Miracles... well about 3 weeks ago my companion and I got off a bus where we had just been yelled at by basically a mob of angry women. We stood there a moment with our heads down and a few seconds later a woman approached us and asked if we were from Germany, we told her no, told her we were from America, and then began to explain our purpose in Russia. She took a Book of Mormon, then almost immediately gave us her phone number and address, and then came to church with us the next day. WOW, what a miracle right? Well we FINALLY got to meet with her this week, and she told us that when she saw us she had a warm feeling come over her and she felt strongly prompted to approach us. I was in shock when I heard that. We hadn't even explained to her who the Holy Ghost is, what he does, and what he feels like, and she pretty much just perfectly described the third member of the Godhead :) That's the first time someone has said something like that to me on my mission! It just built a testimony in me that not only is God real to me, but he is real to all people, if a very literal sense. It really IS the spirit that does the work, and not us, because SHE came up to us. That goes to show me that God really is preparing people. That he does the work. Did Sa. get baptized because of us? No... We didn't even find her, she happened to be the daughter of a woman we met on the street. Actually now that I think about it, the majority of the investigators that we have right now haven't even come up because of our own findings, God has led them all to us. I remember when I first came to Balakovo... and Balakovo is literally overflowing with miralces right now. And I can honestly say that it's not thanks to me! It's all God, he led us to every single person. I'm sad to be leaving during such a special time... but I do know that my work here is done. I am ready for Saratov :)

Enjoy the new year, make new years resolutions and write them down! Otherwise, like Scott Robley used to say, "You have goals? Really? Have you written them down? No...? Ohhhh, so you have wishes!" A goal is a wish until you write it down :)

With Love, Sister Wilson 

Samara - Week 20 - "I Love Shubas!"

December 15, 2015

All is well :)

As I laid in my bed last night, I realized that I have never done so much in such a small amount of time. I literally can't believe what happens in a 3 hour evening or even in one day. Things change drastically from week to week in life. I have never been more busy and I've never been doing anything more worthwhile! 

It's really not been too cold down here, but I'm going out to buy some new boots today... pffft... my boots were supposedly waterproof. I didn't last 2 hours in the snow with them this week! There's snow everywhere right now :) so beautiful, and much warmer. 

We are seeing miralces! The elders and us had 7 investigators at church yesterday and they just ate it all up! They are elect and ready, they loved church, they are reading the scriptures, and they are willing to meet with us. We do what we can, we humble ourselves, recognize that he is all powerful and merciful, then step back and say, "That is all I can do God, please do what I can't." And he is doing it. 

We had exchanges with the Sister training leaders this week again and WOW I was so happy to get out of Balakovo. It was just such a fresh breath of air. And Sister Busman is just a bulldog. She is from Sweden and it was so awesome to work with her. I've never met a more obedient missionary, I love all these example missionaries around me. This day with Sister Busman is a day that I will never forget :) 

This is a Shuba!

This is also a Shuba ...

It's Russian herring under "fur coat" salad. 

I wonder which one Sister Wilson would prefer?

I have heard about days on your mission that you will never forget, but this one is engrained in my memory. We were out knocking at 8:30 and it was almost time to go home, and then suddenly I had this reassuring feeling rush over me, I just felt comfort. I don't even know why, and then Sister Busman turns to me and says, "I have a feeling that something amazing is about to happen." Her saying that just confirmed to me that the Holy Ghost had touched us both. Then suddenly a man walks by who earlier had slammed the door in our face and says, "try apt. 116, someone there may be interested." So we hop on the elevator and standing there in front of us is this beautiful young woman in a white fur coat with dainty little gloves, glamorous high heeled boots, and naturally curly hair. We began talking with her and turns out that we even got off on the same floor with us. She then says, "Want some tea?" Sister Busman gladly accepted and walked in her home. I was just dying over her fur coat. (They are called "shubas" and I want one soooo baaad. I don't know what it is with Russians and fur but I am suddenly obsessed with fur. Me and clothes... the natural man really gets me there.) Her name was D, she looks like she's 18 but she's 23. We sat down with a drink and chocolate and talked about our relationship with God and prayer. She was thinking very hard and was so open with us. As we were talking with D I just had a feeling come over me that I have known her before, and that we had once hugged and maybe shed a tear or two before we departed down to earth :) It was love at first sight! That thing called a language barrier did not even exist with her, I have never experienced that on my mission yet. Where I just felt like I was automatically best friends with someone. That language barrier burst with my dear friend D. I know that my friendship with her started before this life and that it will extend to the next. She promised to pray... but she looked a little sad when we asked if we could come by again sometime. Her husband is a bit of a jerk, WHY. Whyyyy?? I'm just praying for her. I know that's not going to be her last meeting with missionaries, that's for sure. 

Also we had a taxi ride this week while we were on exchanges with the sister training leaders. Both Sister Martinez and I were exhausted, and I don't know what it is about car rides but they just make you THAT much more tired. Regardless of how tired we were we made conversation with the taxi driver the best we could. He understood so clearly. He understood why we don't wear crosses and why we don't pay for baptism and why the orthodox church probably isn't God's church... he just said he'd never even heard of our church. He'd never heard of this "Joseph Smith guy". His questions were so beautiful too, our favorite type of questions... "how will I know this is true?" We explained prayer and he didn't even know that we can pray with our own words. He promised to pray to find out if this is all true and we asked him the baptismal question. He said he will be baptized if God reveals to him the truth. The best part of all of this is that he lives SO close to the sister training leaders and he's seen them many times. We're not allowed to talk to men on the streets unless prompted by the spirit, and so Heavenly Father sent him to us in a taxi :)

First of all I want to copy and paste something in this letter that happened in our mission just recently, this is from our president's letter. (sorry you'll have to change the format to forward this) "While I did not participate much in it, I was nonetheless able to see it as an eyewitness. About a week ago, a man called the office and Elder Ledford answered and transferred him in to President Blinkov. The man said he was from a city called Dimitrovgrad, in the northern part of the mission. He and about 15 other men had been studying and wanted to be taught and start a Mormon church in the city!

Last Thursday, President Blinkov, two Elders and I drove to Dimitrovgrad and met with three leaders of the group. I have never seen people more prepared to hear the Gospel. They had already studied quite a bit about the Church online. The two Elders did a great job of teaching the Restoration and at the conclusion of the First Vision, the men, almost as one, joyfully indicated how amazing they felt inside and that they knew how they felt could only come from God. All three accepted invitations to be baptized and to read the Book of Mormon. Follow-up appointments (and lessons to others in the group) will be held this week. 

Did any of the missionaries involved do anything to convince the men to call? No. This was, plain and simple, a wondrous blessing given directly from God to all of us. I believe that it, and many other wonderful miracles I am reading about in your letters, are being given by our loving Heavenly Father because we are ASKING for miracles."

This letter is already long, but wow aren't we so blessed to experience such miralces in our lives? And really do you think that WE can do this? No way! I can't get even 1 investigator to church on my own, I can't make anyone read the Book of Mormon. I can't soften anyone's heart. We trust God, we rely on Christ, and we listen to the spirit. And miracles with happen. I wouldn't trade this experience for 500 shubas... I love my mission :) and I love how close it's bringing me to my maker.

With love,

Sister Wilson 

Samara - Week 13 - "When plans fall through"

October 20, 2014

All is well :)

Oh my goodness... you would not believe the miracles we had this week. I think I went to bed every single night this week with butterflies in my stomach, I was just so happy with each day, something miraculous has happened every day in this companionship. I love my companion so much, she is my best friend. So so sweet, and I trust her so much. I can't believe how much unity I have with my companion. We are pushing ourselves so hard and building each other up. We complement each other so well, things are going very well in this companionship to say the least. She is a tiny little Mexican girl, she has a very soft voice and seems super shy, but she loves to laugh. She just gives me so much courage, we are a perfect little happy companionship right now :)

Man, this was a crazy week. Our visa trip- it was SOOO good to see every one from the MTC, I was just so happy to see everyone and see how everyone is doing. I can't believe how much everyone has grown, it language, in maturity (haha) and it was also good to see Sister Palmer :) However, the actually visa trip got a little mixed up. One of the sister's visas didn't renew until the day AFTER our flight was set for. My companion ended up having to stay with her. Which means I got to spend a day working on the streets with Sister Palmer in Samara. We actually got permission and went to one of the senior couple's apartments and watched women's conference and priesthood, which was AMAZING. Not to mention their apartment is so nice... wow. I felt like I was at home, there's even a cute little fire place. They also fed us hot chocolate and ginger snaps. I wish we had a senior couple in Balakovo. 

Okay, now for the miralces. Or things that made me happy this week :)

One night this week all of our plans fell through, and isn't it so interesting how when our plans get scattered that's when I see God picking up all the scattered pieces and he puts HIS plan into action. One of the miracles was when Sister Martinez and I were on the bus. It was very crowded, my companion and I were sitting across the isle from each other and our member help was in between us in the "hall/isle" of the bus. I was very into my conversation with T, whose entire family got in a car crash a year ago, her husband and grand children were killed in the wreck. My heart was torn as I looked at the expression of grief on her face, I testified that God loves her and he doesn't want her to be sad, he wants her to turn to him and rely on him. Our member looked at me and told me that our bus stop was next. I wanted to get her number so we could explain the Plan of Salvation another day with her, but she couldn't write her number down fast enough! We got to the stop and I panicked a little bit, then the member told me that actually our stop was next. I breathed a sigh of relief and was able to write down her number. When we got off the bus I learned that my companion was also trying to write down the number of the person she was sitting next to, but still wasn't done writing it down as we pulled up to the bus stop. The member, standing between the two of us saw that we needed more time and had us ride one more bus stop so we could get their numbers. It was just so interesting to know that my companion was experiencing the same thing that I was sitting across from me. That was a miracle having the member there helping us watching us. 

Another night all of our plans once again fell through. Sister Martinez, the member, and I all prayed that we would still be able to see miracles that night. We decided to have a lesson with one of our long time investigators (she's been investigating a whole year now). We were a little bit hestitant on going by because we had no lesson planned for her, we knew we'd be relying on the spirit very heavily for that lesson. When we walked in, our investigator Sv had us sit down and she told us, "look at what I opened up to the other day." It was a scripture about baptism :) She said that she feels like she is getting closer and closer to baptism. Right then and there I testified that she is ready for baptism NOW, and then my companion invited her to be baptized on the 8th of November. I do believe that we had to push that question at least 5 more times, and then I had the thought to get on our knees with her right then, but some time passed while she was talking and it didn't feel right anymore to all pray together. However, I remembered that anything that says NOT to pray is from the devil. I raised my voice and said, "Sv, let's all pray about this together right here, on our knees." Reluctantly, she agreed, and we all got down on our knees before God. She offered such a sincere prayer, saying that she's been waiting and studying and praying for an answer, and that she knows he will give her one, and that she knows that he loves her. When we finished praying I asked Sv what she was feeling, and she said, "peace." My companion then testified that what she was feeling was from the Holy Ghost. Sv agreed to prepare for baptism on the 8th of November. However, when we were heading out the door she asked, "what if I want to be baptized later.... or even earlier?" we told her that we will pray about it with her together, and that her baptismal date can be adjusted if needed. 

The next day Sv came to church and announced to us that she wants to be baptized THIS Saturday. We were shocked! She said that she is getting this feeling like she can't wait until Nov. 8th. She keeps saying the thought keeps returning to her mind, "you are running out of time." She doesn't want to procrastinate anymore :) She doesn't know what that answer means exactly, whether it means that her life is literally going to be cut short, or if it's that she needs to get started on temple work for her family, or if it means that it's time for her to be baptized so she can start sharing the gospel with her family. For one reason or another she can't wait. This is a MIRACLE, we've been working with Sv for so long, and have put so much effort into teaching her and loving her. The time is now :) Russia is the new Brazil! It has been promised by general authories, the baptisms will be not doubling, not trippling, but will be increased by TEN. 

Get ready for some new miracles next week :) 

Love,

Sister Brooklyn Wilson 

Samara - Week Seven - "A Mighty Change of Heart"

September 8, 2014

All is well,

Oh my goodness did we see miracles this week. 

We decided that we would spend the evening trying to get more acquainted with our less active members. One family in particular has about 6 people in it, that is LARGE. No body has been able to get ahold of this family for YEARS, no body even has their number AND their domaphone doesn't work. Now here comes a list of miracles :) A man was walking out of the flat as soon as we walked up to it and let us in. Then as we are standing outside of this family's door we hear yelling coming from the other side, however, we decided to knock either way. A woman opened the door and the look on her face said, "what on earth do you want??" it took her a moment to realize who we were. She then got very upset and began to yell at us, telling us how she would never come back to church. We stood there silently and waited for her to get all her anger out. Suddenly her demeanor began to change, her shoulders slumped down and she began to cry... and then proceded to tell us about how she has a testimony that God answers her prayers. She began to list off all the blessings that she's had in her life because of the gospel. She told us that she loves the missionaries and that we are welcome to come visit her and her family another time. She then gave us her number :) This all happened as we stood there, literally silent. We did no convincing, no pleading or begging, in fact we probably only exchanged about 5 sentences. I have never seen such a transformation in a person in such a small period of time. I have never seen the Holy Ghost influence somebody so strongly. We did nothing, we only brought the spirit by being there, he did the rest. It was a huge testimony builder to me that the teacher is the spirit, in fact, the spirit can teach by himself if he wants. Our job is only to invite the spirit.

Another miracle we saw was with a member who hasn't consistantly come to church in 7 years. We have been trying to get ahold of her as well, calling or dropping by to have a lesson, but we hadn't heard anything from her. Yesterday she randomly showed up at church and declared to everyone, "I am back, I have returned for good." We asked her.... Why? How...? And she simply said, "the Holy Ghost." God is everywhere, he is working on people even when we cannot see it. 

A little update on a couple investigators. V. is going no where... we haven't met with her in forever. She's just busy. K.: Well we met with him about 10 days ago. I can't believe I didn't write home about this? Usually we aren't supposed to meet with people for more than 45 minutes. K. needs way more time than that.  So we set aside an entire evening to talk to him. What ended up happening is that we lovingly taught him that there is more to the Bible.. We also took turns reading verses in 2 Nephi 29, I made sure that he was the one who would read verse 3... pretty sneaky. ANYWAY, in short the lesson could not have gone better. He has asked that we not contact him for 2 weeks and during this time he will pray to know about the Book of Mormon. Which means that we'll be meeting with him this week. About that mom we met on the bus... we were supposed to meet with her 2 days ago, that didn't work out unfortunately. We have a good pool of investigators right now. About 5 or 6 that we constantly meet with, but that also includes a less active. 

We were just informed this morning that there are about to be some serious problems in this branch. There are only about 15 active members, about 5 or so of them are actually keeping the entire branch from collapsing. But let's just say that there is an enormous problem that we were just informed about with our branch president. Unforunately, we will most likely be getting a new branch president sometime soon. Satan is so nasty, he is so real. And he is working as hard as he can to tear this work apart. Pray for the tiny branch of Balakovo. 

I have noticed that I have made a HUGE mistake in this companionship, and that is that I am not CONSTANTLY looking for the good in my companion. For the past two days I have been diligently seeking to see good in her, and then I write down the good things I see, and WOW I am so surprised at all the things I didn't see before! I am developing a lengthy list :) she is so wonderful and one thing I think I have looked past is that her desire to be a good missionary is so evident. I think one thing that we could all work on down here on earth is realizing that we are all here for the same reason. Recall the plan of salvation! Every single one of us decided to come to earth. We all want to get back. Remember that the next time you want to argue with your parents, when you are frustrated with your school teacher, or when your friends hurt/betray you. Remember it when you look at every person you see. Some of us just forget it from time to time, and some of us don't remember it at all :) That's what I'm doing here in Russia, just restoring a couple memories!

Thanks for your love and prayers,

Sister Wilson

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of spirit, without a body of flesh and bones. He is often referred to as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter.

The Holy Ghost works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, fulfilling several roles to help us live righteously and receive the blessings of the gospel.

Find more about our beliefs on the Holy Ghost HERE

Week Four from Brooklyn - at the Provo MTC - June 18, 2014

All is well,

 This week after our TRC lessons, Sister Palmer and I saw a man down the hall talking with our district. My face immediately lit up once I realized who is was. SASHA!!!! He is a Russian convert. I don't know if I've even told anyone about Sasha, but I met him when Sister Twede and I went up to the Russian branch in Salt Lake. He left a huge impression on me. So let me draw a visual image for you about him. Holy cow. That man... is thee most hardcore Russian man I've ever met. He is HUUUUGE, just tall and ripped and looks like he could break someone in half. Basically he looks like he'd play the perfect part in a movie for the leader of the Mafia.

He speaks amazing English with a thick, beautiful Russian accent. And when he talks you are always amazed with what profound things he says.  It is just amazing to me that HE is a convert. It just goes to show that God really does know his children, even the hardest looking, scariest looking Russian man is a child of God. It's just amazing to me.

As a missionary you talk to EVERYONE. Do not assume that someone does not want the gospel just because they look scary. Sasha is living evidence of that! After listening to Sasha speak to us
I just realized how much I love Russians, and I know 
God loves Russians. I'm so excited for Russia! 

During our lesson with Nastia this week (who is actually our teacher, sis jackson) Sister Palmer had a prompting in the middle of our lesson to stop and pray. We asked Nastia to say it, and while she prayed in her beautiful Russian she began to cry. It's amazing to know we are teaching with the spirit so strongly that even our teachers, as REAL people, are touched. I don't exactly get along with Sister Jackson but as I have taught her as an investigator I have felt my love grow for her more, it's really actually interesting... I don't get along with her as a teacher, but I get along with her as Nastia. There's something wrong there haha:)

Oh! Something cool... There's a teacher here named Brother Parsons. He is a champion, and he served in Yekaterinburg and said that he heard lots about my brother and went into his same areas and found people he taught in the area book.

Also an Elder in our district got a concussion this week... because someone was tickling him and he ended up throwing his head back into a wall while being tickled.

This week for the devotional Elder Ballard spoke to us. After the devotional we gathered together as a district for our own little district devotional. I was very distracted during Elder Ballard's talk and afterward in our meeting. I have realized that my will has not been aligned with God's will. That is not good as a missionary :) As I realized this it troubled my mind greatly. Everyone else in my district had shared their thoughts/testimonies except for me. I said a small prayer asking for God's help, but I felt that the spirit was absent. I looked at 2 lines from my notes and just decided to talk about that because I was not feeling inspired about anything in the least.

As I stood the speak the most marvelous thing happened... my mouth was filled. I was suddenly given thoughts and words and was able to bear one of the strongest and most honest testimonies that I ever have in my life. I spoke about how missionary work is SO important to Christ because not only are these people OUR brothers and sisters, but they are HIS too. He knows us better than we do, he has felt our pains, he remembers each of us from the pre-mortal life. But there is also another brother we have... who also remembers us from the pre-mortal life, and because he knows us so well he is able to use our weaknesses against us. And although I don't understand everything about the atonement... I know that it works. I have seen people's lives changed because of it. Returned missionaries are the #1 example in my opinion. Some of them go out into the field as punks, and they return as some of the most valiant men I've ever seen. They could not do that on their own. The atonement changed them, and I know it can change us. As I spoke I even got a little bit emotional, and that just doesn't happen to me when I'm bearing my testimony! It just felt so good, it felt so real and sincere coming from myself. I didn't say anything I didn't know or anything I didn't mean. It was all honest. It was all truth. Bearing that testimony gave me the witness that God is proud of me, that he wants me to stop worrying so much... and that he will not abandon me. Even when I don't feel worthy of his help.

As I laid in bed that night I just felt God's love for me, I felt peace, I am feeling the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. And the fact that I can recognize that is so humbling to me. I love missionary work, I feel like I am in heaven here in the MTC. 

Til next week.

-Sister Wilson

• It shall be given thee in the very moment what thou shalt speak or write:D&C 24:6; ( D&C 84:85; )

• The Holy Ghost will teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance:John 14:26;
• The voice of the Lord came into my mind:Enos 1:10;
• Everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good is inspired of God:Moro. 7:13–16;
• I will tell you in your mind and in your heart:D&C 8:2;
• My Spirit shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy:D&C 11:13;
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