Called to Serve: Faith & Knowledge = Power

Hey Y'all!

This week has been a rough one. I think sometimes we just highlight the highlights of the week instead of sharing our struggles and how we overcame them. I dont want y'all to think that things are just a breeze all the time here on the mission. Honestly, this is the hardest thing i have ever done in so many ways. However, i wouldn't change it for the world. Missions are so full of tender mercies. A mission is the hardest thing you will ever love. To those of you who might be thinking about going on a mission, i want you to know that it is the best thing you can ever do to be deeply converted to the savior. He needs dedicated servants to hasten his work. This work is the most important work there is. It is such a privilege to be part of something so immense, and edifying. I truly have been changed into a disciple of Christ over the course of my mission, and i know that will continue throughout my life. So if your thinking about a mission, that is not a coincidence. Deeply consider it, and start preparing now :) It will change your life!

So this week was rough, yes, but I am so grateful for the scriptures, and a very loving and understanding companion. I think some feelings from the past transfer or so have just been building up and finally they all came to the surface. I am grateful for the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that it was only through him that i got through this week.

I have also been having some pretty great studies. I get to studying, and all of a sudden its 9:00! I wish i had more time to study every morning haha. I have been learning a lot about the importance of power in missionary work. Today i leaned how knowledge and faith leads to power. It was a great! This is the verse that sums it all up that i absolutely loved.
Alma 23:6 And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.
That verse is full of so much promise. If we as missionaries teach with power and authority, the people we teach can be converted in such a way that they will never fall away. Also, Preach My Gospel has some great insights as well. "Faith is a principle of power. God works by power, but His power is usually exercised in response to faith (see Moroni 10:7). He works according to the faith of His children. Doubt and fear are opposed to faith. Your faith will increase through diligent study, prayer,dedicated service, and obedience to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the commandments. Your faith in Jesus Christ grows as you become better acquainted with Him and His teachings. As you explore the scriptures and search them, you learn of His ways,His love for all people, and His commandments. Faith includes confidence in the mission and power of the Holy Ghost. Through faith you receive answers to your prayers and personal inspiration to guide you in the Lord’s work."

Monday was a pretty swell p day. We got to hang out with our neighbors, who just happen to be missionaries too! :) So i have attached some pictures of our adventures. I may or may not have played beautician for the day....

On Wednesday, sister Jensen and I hitched a ride to Tallahassee with some other leaders in the mission to attend mission leadership conference. It was amazing. We talked a lot about how pride prevents us from progressing. We also talked about how adversity is necessary for us to progress in this life. Without adversity, we would have no traction. That was very fitting for my rough week haha. The spirit really needed to teach me something i guess :) We summed everything up with building upon the rock of our redeemer. Which is so great to me, because that is my mission scripture. President smith is focusing strongly on how we need to be deeply rooted in Christ. I am seeing now, what i am to learn from president and sister smith. :) I leaned a lot of lessons of love from the previous president and sister smith, and now i am learning a lot of lessons on the power of knowledge, and making Christ our foundation from the current pres. smith. So now i have my own rock to be reminded of where my foundation should lie.

After a wonderful MLC, we had exchanges with the Troy Sisters. I was with Sister Adams in Troy. It was a great exchange! I learned a lot about diligence and hard work from sister Adams. She is awesome! :) And they have a huge book of mormon just chilling in their apartment haha

Everything is going well with sister Jensen and i. We are really growing in unity. We are really excited to see how this area grows as we do our best to be obedient, and find those prepared individuals to teach.

We are loving it here in Dothan!

Hope yall have a blessed week!!

Love, Sister Melissa Jean Wood

Melissa Wood

12:04 PM (2 hours ago)

to dandelionvolta., deshkaolson, gdonaldson, suzykd, thellyjelly, tinamariepierc., wvaughnjunior, Alexis, Alyssa, anna, Aria, Branden, butterfly_soul., Carl, Carolin, Casey, Cornelia, Crystal, Da, Dad, Darlene, Darrin, dave, Dion, Dona

Also, here is a video from MLC. President and Sister Smith are awesome!

MAH03846.MP4

Here are the lyrics of my new favorite song haha

My feet are planted on The Rock,
No evil wind will knock me off
Up here it’s clear just what is true,
I’m on The Rock how about you?
Get on The Rock,
You’ll like the view.

Well sometimes the road we take is filled with ruts,
And your eyesight can get a little dim.
But you can make it thru, If you just remain true.
And every day you sing this little hymn.

Well sometimes it seems like you don’t measure up,
And that can make you feel a little blue.
You can make it to the end with the Savior as your Friend.
And don’t forget to smile, because it’s true!!

Get on The Rock!

Sister Wood