TRANSFERS TODAY.

I left G-town and Sister S today after only 12 weeks.

This will be brief but hopefully informative. We just barely made it to AIKEN, SC. We being Sister F and I! She is from Kentucky, has been out 6 weeks longer than I have, and is seriously so focused and close to the Lord.

Also - Sister O got transferred and is in my zone so we'll get to see each other because I was also called to serve as a Sister Training Leader in the North Augusta Zone... So I like.. Go to Mission Leader Conference in Macon monthly and conduct exchanges with the Sisters and I don't really know what else but I'm so excited!

Also feeling just pretty inadequate, just a healthy amount, at everything the Lord has trusted me with. We are white-washing in so.. we don't know anything and haven't been home yet today wherever that is and wow. Round two, anyone?

Feeling humble today.

Also, if you hadn't already heard but I'm sure you have, Elder Stevenson had to reschedule because apparently it "snowed" in Atlanta. So. He's hopefully rescheduling sometime next year.

We are emailing from a library so there won't be any pictures this week either because there doesn't appear to be a place to put my SD card? Sorry about that. 

Jesus Christ lives. The Book of Mormon is true. God has a perfect plan and loves us completely and is in the details of our lives.

Have a wonderful week!!

Thank you for your prayers and faith.

Yours,

Sister Gore

Sister Gore and her new companion on transfer day 

Dear all,

Short letter this week, we are running around trying to finish things today. It's week 6/6 for this transfer! And we are headed to Macon on Friday and we're busy and happy.

Here's a spiritual thought:

When Jesus was told that Lazarus had been sick, He did not leave where he had been to go to Lazarus in Bethany, but waited another 2 days. When Christ did arrive, Lazarus had been dead 4 days and both Mary and Martha mourned, saying that if Jesus had been there, Lazarus would not have died. Though Mary and Martha were both faith-filled women, I am sure that they wondered at their Lord's timing. However, Jesus tells his disciples, "And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe" (John 11:15). God's ways are higher than our own. His plan is perfect. He understands us and our circumstances and will always see that our needs our met in the timing that is best. God answers prayers in His way and in His time so that we might have faith-promoting experiences that humble and bless us and help us on our way home to God.

-Sister Gore

THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving was fun! We played flag football with the ward which was awesome. We drew the plan of salvation in some parks with chalk. We had dinner with the Elders and an awesome member family and some of the Elder's investigators. At one point on Thanksgiving Sister S and I were in a dollar store - we needed frosting to finish the cake we made for Elder D's birthday. We were standing in line to check out and this tall black man comes into the store and says, "Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! Now you'll have to excuse me everybody, I've got chitlin juice on me!". If you're not aware.. chitlins are pig intestines. Ew. Normal day in the South.

Okay so last week I told you about the part-member family that wants to be baptized. We got to see them this week and they are seriously amazing.  The dad had his finger cut off by a machine at work and then.. couldn't work and I don't know why there wasn't some kind of workers comp to help him out or what happened with that but he and his wife and their 2 daughters found themselves living in a hotel for like 6 months with no car and only odd jobs here and there to sustain them. Eventually they sent their daughters away to grandmas house to try and get things going. He started getting more stable jobs and right now he's working at an ironworks place for decent pay. But he works 12 hours a day and works every other weekend and they still don't have a car and so he walks 45 minutes there and back. They now finally have a trailer. And when they first got to the trailer they literally only had 1 suitcase and they sat on the suitcase and prayed so hard. and they've been blessed with furniture given to them or found really cheap and they'll probably be able to move their girls back in before Christmas and they found a car for really cheap. They are so incredibly humble and thankful and the dad has such a strong testimony of the gospel. It is awesome to have him in lessons because he brings the spirit like nothing else. They have so much faith and know that God allowed them to have their trials and carried them through to the other side. They want to come to church and learn the gospel and be baptized because they are thankful and aware of their Heavenly Father and want their family to be stronger. We are just amazed and so thankful for their goodness. 

On Demeber 9th from 9am - noon we will be gathered as an entire mission in Macon, GA because  Elder Gary E Stevenson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles along with Elder Lynn G Robbins of the Seventy and Elder Fred Parker our Area Seventy will be coming to visit! So we're having a way last minute conference as missionaries and we could not be more excited! First because we get another round of instruction from the Lord's representatives and also because the whole mission will be together! Something that wouldn't happen otherwise. 

#LIGHTTHEWORLD

As some of you might know, the Church's Christmas initiative this year is #LightTheWorld. If you're unfamiliar, the initiative is a powerful way to focus on Jesus Christ during Christmas. Our Savior led a life full of service and love for others. December 1-25 we can be the light of the world as we serve just as Jesus Christ did. Each day leading up to Christmas a teaching of the Savior is featured, along with realistic applications for our own lives. Each day there is a new video to watch. I know that this initiative is inspired! Go and watch the video and download your calendars and take this challenge to look outside of yourself and do good. 

Get started here: https://www.mormon.org/ 

Then take it one further - share it with others! Tell your family, your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers, all your followers on Instagram and friends on Facebook, use it in your visiting and home teaching, and involve your family and friends in the service you do. Use this as an opportunity to share your beliefs and love for Jesus Christ!

Yours,

Sis Gore

The plan of salvation in chalk

This week we helped with 2 moves which was so fun. And awesome to see a ward pull together even last minute. And that the church really provides an immediate support network.

Last Sunday, November 12, a lady  called the church and asked that missionaries come by. We didn't think too much of this - last time missionaries were requested from the church it was for a good bible bash in the McDonald parking lot and sometimes people are just funny! We tried the address a couple times but no one answered. The note had said to try after 6 so that's what we've been doing but we also felt like Saturday is probably different rules in regard to time. We stopped by on Saturday and met her husband. He is a member of the church, but hasn't attended in several years. Also his address had changed so we would've been looking for him in the wrong place if they hadn't called. He said that he wants to come back to church and his wife wants to be baptized! We are seeing them this week on Friday night. 

We had a lesson with a woman  this week. Early in her life she began to ask questions of her pastor in regard to what they believed and why she believed it. Because of her questioning, she was labeled as a blasphemer and banned from the church. Since then, she has not ceased her search for a religion that she can call her own. She picks a religion and studies it and practices it. And is looking for something that her family can build on, despite awful experiences with church early in her life. I was so impressed with persistence and the hope that she clings to. I love finding people like H who have not closed themselves off to their Father in Heaven, but rather move forward and cling to the faith they do have. I know that the restored gospel is the answer to Heather's search. We are excited to help her progress. We were also thrilled to be able to explain to Heather that questions - sincere, truth-seeking questions - are more than welcome. 

While tracting this week we met a lady named K. Her and her husband are searching for an Episcopalian church to attend but she was super willing to talk to us and we had an awesome conversation about the church and were able to leave her a Book of Mormon! I love the Book of Mormon. I try to focus on giving them away every day and it makes me happy.  I know that the Lord is pleased with our best efforts and I love when those efforts include putting more of the word of God into the hands of people yet unaware of the great wealth of knowledge given to the world in the past 200 years.

Okay funny story - sometimes we come across Vivint doorbells or skybell doorbells where the people can see you and hear you and talk to you from your phone. Usually they are kind of frustration because people choose to stay inside and tell us no through the doorbell rather than come to the door and at least have some kind of positive exchange. This week we literally MADE A RETURN APPOINTMENT THROUGH A VIVINT DOORBELL WITH A FAMILY THAT IS OUT OF TOWN AND WANTS TO LEARN MORE.  We just laughed and I felt grateful for technology. 

This past week it was Sunday at about 7pm. We had one hour left of proselyting time because we were headed to watch the face to face devotional at 8pm. We had planned to go and try a  family and then walk around their neighborhood. The family wasn't open to having visits so we hit the street! We met a lady who gave us paw patrol cupcakes so that was cool but no one who wanted us to come back. Last door of the night and we met a man named John. John and his wife have 2 kids - one 3 and one 3 weeks. John has lots of LDS family and spent time with a cousin who served a mission in the area while he was a missionary.. if that sentence made sense. Anyways, John was so kind and open and we are going to see their family the week after Thanksgiving. Talk about a Sunday night miracle. 

We were able to go to a Relief Society gratitude dinner this week. One of the women who spoke shared her firm belief that gratitude is the single most important way to be happy in this life. And that there is a difference between saying thank you and being thankful. Of all the incredible blessings God has given us, the matchless gift of His divine Son is the greatest. I am thankful for Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on behalf of each of us. And I am thankful for an Eternal Father who loved us enough to sacrifice His son. I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real - I have experienced it's healing and changing power. Please use this incredible and infinite gift daily. Call upon the Lord for strength to resist temptation- for comfort- for the ability to do more- for forgiveness- for the ability to forgive- for desires to do good continually. I know that this process of daily repentance brings great peace and knowledge that we indeed are on the correct path Home.

Be strong and of a good courage.

-Sister Gore

This transfer, ending December 12, I set a goal to seek to develop the Christlike attribute of virtue. As part of this goal I have been praying daily for strength to do good and withstand temptation. On Wednesday Sister S needed a power nap and that left me some time. My initial thought was to put on music and do the dishes. I did put on music and then quickly became dissatisfied. My Spirit wanted quiet. And so I turned off the music and just listened and thought. And no impressive thoughts or revelations came. But the quiet was nice and my thoughts were elevated and I was thankful that Heavenly Father put that desire in my heart. And that I chose best. 

New sisters have been put in the Harlem Ward. We had lunch with them on Friday. Sister Sshared her conversion story which is basically awesome. Sister W shared her resistance to serving a mission for 2.5 years and how she finally submitted to the will of the Lord. Then she asked me, "Have you just always wanted to serve?" Shrugging, I confirmed her wondering with "Pretty much". And the conversation moved on. Unremarkable. Ordinary. No grand revelation or pivotal instance where I had a grand change of heart. And I thought about that for a moment and the Spirit showed me a new way to look at this: I am living my dream.

All of my desires and hopes to serve a mission have been realized and here I am doing exactly what I always wanted and that's incredible. I'm thankful for the things that Heavenly Father allowed to happen such that I can be here - for the sacrifices of my family - for my health and ability to be here. 

I'm not sure what else happened this week.  We can feel your prayers and good things happening. I know that the Lord has miracles prepared for us here. We just need to be willing to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. 

A is still out of town but has been reading the Book of Mormon.  We had msucadine grapes this week and they were so good. It's threatening to get cold which is awesome. 

 

Follow the Spirit. He's pretty good at these things.

-Sister Gore

Is it November already?

Happy things that happened this week:

1. The Elders have been trying to meet a less-active member of the church for like 6 months. We met him the first time we knocked on his door. He opened the door and said "Hi, Sisters" which is like.. my favorite thing that people say to us aside from "Can I be baptized?". It just warms my heart. How good to be a missionary. Anyways, super awesome guy who joined the church just like 7 years ago. We are going back to meet the rest of his family tonight.

2. We had interviews with President  this week. He took the time to role play the restoration (lesson 1) with each companionship. It was so cool to get to practice teaching him and Sister Grayson.   They gave us some really awesome feedback which we have been using in our contacts. As a direct result of applying their counsel, we got 2 new investigators this week!

3.  We met the K family this week. They are both converts but have not attended church in a long time. They are sweet, genuine people. D shared that he first gained a testimony of Jesus Christ when his brother died. Torn with despair and regret, he read the entire Bible in 2 weeks. He could not put it down, but hungered after the word of God. D explained the incredible healing and strength that came as he threw himself into the scriptures and learned about Jesus Christ. They both have desires to repent and return - we are seeing them Wednesday with some members.

Grovetown put up Christmas lights this week on light poles and such  - no complaints.

Finding is difficult. We talk to people all day and are trying to stretch ourselves and find new ways to contact and really... experiment and follow the Spirit when we talk to people. People just.. don't ever want us to come back. I have a tendency to worry that.. I don't know. I suppose I just always question if I'm doing enough or if maybe I'm missing something or falling short and so the Lord can't bless us with work and people to teach. When I account to the Lord each day I work hard to learn how the Lord feels about me as His servant and about the work we do each day. That brings me peace. I especially love when I hear the Spirit whisper a way I can be better - it is good to be shown how to grow.

We met a lady who recently joined herself with Jehovah's Witnesses this week. She shared with us her understanding of the fall of Adam and Eve - that it was an unforgivable mistake and that Adam and Eve ruined God's plan for us to dwell in a paradise with Him. Sister S and I listened and then shared with her our knowledge about the Fall. As we did so, it became so apparent to me that everything we know about the Fall is taught so plainly in the Book of Mormon. Heavenly Father knew that Adam and Eve would partake of the fruit - He prepared a way to redeem man from sin and death, the effects of the fall - the choices of no man have the power to upset God's work - Adam and Eve gained their knowledge of good and evil after partaking - children could be brought into the world only after the fall - the fall enables us to have joy. I am thankful that Heavenly Father's plan is outlined so clearly in the Book of Mormon. I am thankful for opposition - for weeds and trials and heartache - I am thankful for my agency - I am thankful that Adam and Eve chose to leave the garden that man might be - I am thankful for Jesus Christ, the Savior from the foundation of the world.

22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.

23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.

24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.

25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.

27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;

-Sister Gore

welcome to the south

Looking happy in jackets and sweaters  :)

Hi! I am sure that some really awesome stuff happened this week but I don't remember any of it except Elder Klebingat. So.

Let's see, we went to Macon for conference on Saturday. We wanted to leave at 6. But then neglected to turn on the alarm that we set. So we woke up, luckily, at 6:06. And were in the car by 6:18 (hold the applause) and still managed to get McDonald's for breakfast (now you may applaud).

Anyways, super awesome conference! I'm not even sure how to communicate it all to you. Here are some thoughts that might be valuable to you: 

1. Silence in the face of calamity is sin.

2. Do not be casual - arise and shine forth.

3. It is always better to avoid sin than to resist sin.

4. The pain of discipline weighs ounces; the pain of regret weighs tons.

5. The gates of sin open inwardly.

6. Recognizing the distance between ourselves and the Savior is happy. Grow.

7. DECIDE to love the gospel/Book of Mormon/Savior/etc and then DECIDE to never let that love fade.

8. Be conscientious. Do not sit back and see what happens. Plan. Make goals. Take things to the Lord. Bring about good in your own life.

He talked a ton about the scattering and gathering of Israel which I then studied more on my own. We actually ended up teaching the lesson about it on Sunday in gospel principles! I remember learning about it in seminary but understanding it on a very surface level and not understanding why I needed to know. And now I get it. And I understand more fully why I get out of bed at 630 hundreds of miles away from my family. Because the Lord made covenants. And is keeping them. God's work is the family - His family - and as a minister of the restored gospel I have the unique privilege and responsibility to gather God's children - to give them the knowledge they need to covenant with God and return to Him and receive all of the blessings He desires us to have. I wish I could.. share with you the feelings that I have about all of it. Emails don't cut it - I want you to be able to feel what I feel - but that's okay. 

Pretty much the best weekend ever. 

Also, Sister V went home on Monday and I got to see her at the conference on Saturday! So thankful for her. 

Have the best week ever until next week. 

Love,

Sister Gore

With Sister V before she went home 

Because

What else are you going to do on Halloween?

Guess what everyone? 

Turns out that every week is a good week. 

A came back this week!! For 2 days. He's gone again. But we did get to see him and he's been reading the Book of Mormon and he met good LDS people while he was on his trip (I prayed hard for this). We went and saw him on Sunday night with a couple in the ward,she  is a returned missionary and her husband is a convert whom she taught on her mission. Turns out, A and Brother H have the same religious background (grew up religious and involved before becoming agnostic/atheistic). It was so awesome to see them connect. We taught the Restoration. Great lesson -  lots of questions so it is exciting to see him understand and have those questions answered. Also, he has way more faith than he realized and gives himself credit for. It is rewarding to help him to recognize that. He even said he will pray one time this week! His heart is softening. 

On Sunday night we had parked our car and were walking to go and see someone (it was like 8pm and dark at this point) and we crossed paths with a girl who was just kind of walking home by herself and was pretty nervous about a dog up ahead. We had previously met this St Bernard and knew he was fine and volunteered to walk this girl home. Sweet girl. Lots of ambition and drive, ready to graduate high school in the spring. We shared some of our message with her as we walked mile or so to her home and she said we can go back Friday to share more. I love experiences like that. When it's obvious why we are in a place at a specific time. And so we get to serve God's children. 

Not much else happened this week - we tracted -it rained - Sister S learned that Moroni who wrote the book Moroni is different than Captain Moroni - we had some other good lessons with some new investigators. 

-Sister Gore

He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.

Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.

2 Nephi 26: 24-25

A's mom - got baptized in Perry

Exchanges and Colgate

Hi so it was a bomb.com week and my heart is super full. :)

On Tuesday we went bowling and I totally creamed our district which is hilarious because I have proven myself an awful bowler in times past. Not complaining. It was fun.

This week we met a lady who was baptized in  July and the Elders have been working with her but now we are because the ward felt that that would just be better. She has a teenage daughter and a husband who are not members of the church.

A is still out of town on business but he has been reading the Book of Mormon!! Which is awesome. I love that book. 

We met a lady named Sister C this week. She was baptized in Spain when she was 8 but her family was totally inactive. So she now has a daughter who is 24 or so who has also been baptized but neither of them know anything about the gospel. So.. we went over and were trying to understand why they don't come to church and whatnot. And she was saying that all the missionaries in the ward have come over and asked the same questions. And she seemed a little perplexed that this was being repeated. So we slowed down and asked some questions and learned that neither of them know anything about the church or the gospel but want desperately to understand. So that's exciting. We're gonna see them once a week. :)

On Sunday we went to church!! Sister S and I were sitting in the front row of the overflow. Sacrament meeting had just barely started and a little girl, probably 4 or 5, came running into the chapel to where her family was sitting. "Did I miss the sacrament???", she asked. It totally made my Sunday. She understands the why! Young as she is she understands that we come to Church to partake of the sacrament and make promises with Heavenly Father and to remember Jesus Christ. 

On Monday I was on exchanges with Sister P. We are very similar and have the same work ethic so it was way awesome and we saw so many miracles!! We got 2 return appointments with people we met and got a referral from mormon.org (those are incredibly rare in Grovetown) for a lady who was meeting with missionaries in Omaha and just moved here and wants to keep learning! Amazing. Also on exchanges we met a gecko. And named him Colgate. Col for short. Also I had to buy new toothpaste today. Yes, the wonder of missionary work. 

ALSO BACK IN PERRY :C,A's mother, was baptized on Saturday!!! Which makes my heart so full. I love those two. 

-Sister Gore

We finally had a lesson with Alex last week. He is awesome. His highest pursuit is that of truth. Alex has started to read the Book of Mormon, but hesitates to pray because he feels that all the prayers he offered earlier in his life went unanswered. 

Our biggest challenge right now is probably just that the people we meet are incredibly busy. And even if they sincerely want to learn, it's hard to set appointments and what not.

My study time has become.. Just, awesome. It's something that I am guaranteed control over! So I have been focusing on digging into the plain and precious truths of the gospel while the work is slow so that the Lord can draw on my understanding when we do have people to teach. I usually can get ready fast enough to have 1.5 hours of study. A +. This week I studied a ton about how through Jesus Christ we can be cleansed from sin. I studied the relationship between grace and our own works. This doctrine is taught so clearly in the Book of Mormon! I love 2 Nephi which teaches us that "salvation is free" and that "men are free" and given all the knowledge and ability to "choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death". No unclean thing can dwell with God, and our sins and failures and carnal nature certainly makes us unclean. Jesus Christ came and suffered for us so that we can be clean and return to the presence of our Heavenly Father as we CHOOSE to be made clean by living the gospel of Jesus Christ. God calls unto us, saying, "whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest" (Alma 12: 34).

I am thankful that the way is prepared. I am thankful that Heavenly Father expects me to change and grow and learn - that I cannot be saved in complacency. I am thankful that God is not content that we stay how we are, but that we become more like Him and rely on Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ - it it simple, it is true, it is a sure way to have peace in this life and to know we are on the path back to God and eternal joy. I am thankful that God expects us to work - as He surely works, ever on our behalf. I am thankful for Jesus Christ and his abounding and perfect love, by which He atoned for the sins of all mankind. He is the way, the truth, and the life - through Him we can grow closer to our Father in Heaven. I am thankful that God loved us so much that He sent Jesus Christ, His Only Begotten Son, to suffer, bleed, and die. I am thankful that the Savior ever pleads with us: Come, follow me.

We also had stake confernece this weekend in Evans. The Augusta stake is awesome! Super inspired leadership. We talked about how revelation from the Lord comes to the prophet and works its way to area authorities and stake presidencies and bishops and to parents and into the home. And that's the end of the road. And that's where it really matters that we live the gospel. One thing that touched me was said by a man who spoke of his new-found love and appreciation for family history work. He said, "I prayed often that family history would be a spiritual experience for me." I had never thought to do that! I am sure that if I had sought that from the Lord that I would've more diligently searched for my kindred dead. I resolved after that meeting to pray that the Lord would help me to have more spiritual experiences and that I might recognize them and have my testimony strengthened and light brightened.

I challenge you to do the same! Identify an area in your worship or.. daily life in which you are bored or less enthused about. Perhaps it is mutual or presidency meeting or council meetings or family dinners or your own personal study. family home evening. family council. Anything! Pray that the Lord will show you how to make it a spiritual experience. Act upon the impressions you receive. Be open to the influence of the Holy Ghost, who knoweth all things and inviteth and enticeth to do good continually. 

-Sister Emma Gore

Week 2 in Grovetown. 

I've never been so tired in my life. We spent all our time walking. In the sun. I sleep like a rock. It's amazing.

Grovetown is interesting because it doesn't feel like GA. It's a military community so.. no one is even really from here. Also it was cold this week so that was odd. Who knew that happened in GA? 

This week we met our ward mission leader. He is from AZ and sells.. something to do with trash. Anyways, he's super awesome and has a lot of energy for missionary work. We had ward coordination at his house with the Elders the other day,he taught Sister S and I so much and we've been using it as we tract and people are way more open to us and to talking and it's awesome. . 

General Conference was this weekend! It's basically Christmas as a missionary. So good. I loved President Nelson's pondering of the Book of Momon:

How precious is the Book of Mormon to me?

What would my life be like without the Book of Mormon? what would I not know? what would I not have? 

When I think of the Book of Mormon I think of ____.

I've been pondering the answers to those questions yesterday and today. I took about 30 minutes of my study this morning to reflect on what the Book of Mormon really is and why that has matters in my life. To share a few thoughts:

The Book of Mormon taught me to fully repent and change.

The Book of Mormon is my first source of knowledge and understanding in regard to the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon confirms the reality of a life after death.

The Book of Mormon shows us how to withstand temptation.

The Book of Mormon brings light into my life - light that can only emanate from that which is true and good and testifies of Christ - light that leads to repent and reach for a better way. The Book of Mormon leads us home to a loving and merciful Father in Heaven, eager to grant us eternal joy and progression according to our deeds and intents here upon the Earth. 

I also loved Elder Arden's words. He encouraged us to be patient disciples, waiting upon the Lord, holding to the things we do know and feel and understand while waiting for further knowledge. He encouraged us to "pay the price" for gospel knowledge. Are we willing to do so? Do we trust Heavenly Father?

Keep being awesome. 

"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?"

Love,

Sister Gore

Growin in Grovetown

Hi!

Today makes day 6 in Grovetown,  It is tiny and just about a purely residential town. Tons of new homes and lots of construction and the families are typically young and with children,and move around a lot. The demographic is totally different from Perry, GA.  Right before we got to the ward they actually had to split the boundary and create a new ward because this are is growing so fast. Our area is tiny! And I love it.

I am here with Sister S. She has been out about 5 months and was baptized last year. She's from Iowa, plays trumpet and did so at Iowa State, so that is fun.

There are Elders already serving in the Grovetown Ward and President Grayson just added us as the Grovetown Ward Sisters. So we are re-opening/white washing here. Which is insane. We got our assignment and were just... left to ourselves! It was a huge blessing that Sister S had a GPS. We made it! White washing is so weird because no one tells you how to do it. There's no instructions. You just go to your area and figure it out.

It's been an absolute blast. So fun. And I love not having a companion who's been in the area because I didn't step out the door of the apartment to work with any pre-conceived notions about what the people/area were like. We've just been figuring stuff out on our own.

Missionaries already pray a ton but I'm pretty sure my praying has like.. tripled since getting here. I am just so desperate to be led and instructed by the Spirit. We have seen miracles this week. Primarily, we have been led to some amazing people who seem really sincere and ready to learn the gospel.

Thursday we also had dinner with Bishop B and his family. They are awesome! Bishop B's push with his ward this year is that each person has daily accountability to the Lord. He loaded us up with  families to visit. It was clear that he had very high expectations for us as the missionaries serving in his ward and that was super exciting to see. 

Make it a great week. Focus on Jesus Christ. 

Sister Gore

Goodbye to Sister O

Hello to Sister S

Hi.

Tomorrow at roughly 10am ET I will have a new companion and be headed to a new area. Which is insane. Because I just barely got to Perry like... 2 days ago. And Sister Ois training. Which makes me a grandma. (I'm so proud of her.)  I love this place. And these people who are so good and who have such faith and love for the Lord. The Lord has wrought many mighty miracles in Perry. 

Also, I was blessed with some miracles this week that I feel like Heavenly Father allowed me because I am leaving:

A's mom has committed to be baptized on the 21st of October. Her fear is gone. She said "I know this is the way I want to go". I am proud of her. 

On Friday night Sister O and I were working in a neighborhood that a handful of members, less-active members, and investigators live in. It's a busy place. Anyways, it's also a very big place and so we were driving from one corner of the neighborhood to the other and passed the home of a sweet member of the ward. Months ago, this member referred us to her friend who really was going through a hard time and was looking for a church and needed the direction and peace that come from a knowledge of the gospel and the Plan of Salvation. She gave us her address. Yet, for literal months, we could never catch her at home or at this member's home. We kind of put it on the back burner. The member said she is very busy and rarely home because she works such bad hours. As we drove by this member's home, we saw a lady just standing in the front yard. We  were both sure that it was her. Knew it was her. She talked with us for about 15 minutes about the challenges she is facing and wanting to be closer to God. We invited her to hear our message. No one as yet has responded so enthusiastically as she did. Miracle! Long time in coming. 

It has been incredible to focus on listening. It seems that as we do, the Lord sends us to people who are ready to open up and help us to hear and understand and meet their needs. It changes everything about missionary work.

"Shrink not from your duty, however unpleasant,

But follow the Savior, your pattern and friend.

Our little afflictions, tho painful at present,

Ere long, with the righteous, in glory will end,

Be fixed in your purpose, for Satan will try you;

The weight of your calling he perfectly knows.

Your path may be thorny, but Jesus is nigh you;

His arm is sufficient, tho demons oppose."

-Sister Gore

Sister O.  

Hi! It's been... 10 days? A lot has happened. I'll do my best: 

I know you probably want to know about Hurricane Irma so here it is: 

On Friday 2 sisters from Hilton Head, SC came to stay with us. They got evacuated. They are the sister training leaders over the Savannah Zone and are awesome! We basically were on exchanges Friday-Tuesday (they left Wednesday, Sep 13 in the morning). So.. We got double the work done!! And met so many truly incredible people whom the Lord led us to. Also, all 4 of us really just needed those experiences for different reasons. But I just love that amidst the mess of a hurricane, the Lord helped us to find good and answered so many prayers. The work in the Perry area has changed so much since I got here - we are so busy - the Lord has truly opened the windows of heaven in the Perry Ward. By the time the hurricane got here it was rain and wind. We stayed in all day on Monday. The most damage we are aware of is.. Well, Sister K and I found a tree fallen in the road, taking power/telephone lines with it. We had to find another way to our appointment. Also some people we know had a tree break a hole in their roof. Hopefully we will get to do some service this coming week! There will surely be opportunities to go about doing good. 

We met with M (the man who came to church) on Monday the 4th. He knows the Bible so well! He said he came looking for a church because the one he is going to is "dying". He seems sincere and is very excited about the Book of Mormon! 

Sister O, while here with Sister R for exchanges, knocked doors and found a lady who we were able to go and see on Saturday and learned that she is a member of the church! She was baptized in VA 10 years ago and has lost or forgotten all of her gospel knowledge. She is now married to a man  who is not a member and they want to be taught! So incredible how the Lord places people in our path. 

We received a referral this week for a lady who wanted a Book of Mormon. She is awesome - we were able to be in her home within 4 hours of receiving the referral and taught her the Restoration. She is so ready to learn and truly loves God! 

Remember always that the Lord saves us individually. One by one. Not in large batches, but personally. Turn to Him. He knows your heart and desires and can motivate and lift you to righteous action. He knows your sorrows and heartaches and temptations. By yoking ourselves with Jesus Christ, our burdens can be made light. We can have true joy. "If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed."

-Sister Emma Gore

At the Mission Home

Roller Skating on pday

with the sisters from hilton head who evacuated

The church is true - act like it!

After writing last week,we went to the Aviation Museum in Warner Robins with Marissa and saw the fastest plane in the world and it was so fun. We also ate at this sweet place called The Taco Shed. 10/10. 

We taught BOM class this week about the vision of the tree of life and I learned so much from the members!! It was such a fun lesson to teach and I was amazed at the insight and Spirit that the members/investigators brought to the class. I'll share one piece with you: 1 Nephi 8:30 says that once the people had made it to the tree they "fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree". I had never before noted the phrase "fell down" as one of importance until it was discussed in class on Tuesday night. It was so amazing to hear how the Spirit taught different people different meanings of the word: humility, worship, overcome with joy, no plans on leaving the tree, etc. What does it mean to you? I thought that someone who fell down at the tree was exhausted. I was reminded of this scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants:

12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—

13 Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—

14 These should then be attended to with great earnestness

17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

I left the class with a heightened resolve to wear myself out in the service of God and my fellow men. 

This week we had an awesome lesson with a couple. I'm not sure if I have talked about them previously but we found them knocking doors. They have 2 young teenagers and want to get back into a church and build their home around Jesus Christ. We taught them the Restoration one day.. I think 2 weeks ago and they asked us to come back and teach it again to all of their family. We taught the 4 of them the Restoration on Saturday night. They are energetic and have righteous desires. Sister O and I are eager to help them progress and grow and realize God's plan for their family.

A has started to receive the new-member lessons. We are continuing to teach Angela's mother and have also started teaching C's niece. This week we had a lesson with A, C, and R in a member's home. It was amazing to be in the member's home and have their testimonies added to mine and Sister O and A. The Spirit was so present and definitely helped us to be able to teach the lesson to 3 sets of needs and use the member family in our teaching. A has been embraced by the ward.

This week I went on exchanges to Macon, GA with a Sister A !! She has been out 16 months and is the sweetest Spirit. It was so easy to be around her - she is genuine. As is prone to happen on exchange days, lots of people cancelled or we had to rearrange the day. But it all worked out. The Lord knew where we were and where his other children were and led us to 3 potential investigators. Also, I had the privilege of going to the mission office!

 I walked into the office and it was so clean and organized. There are offices where the senior couples work to manage housing and cars and finances and nursing. I noticed a room at the back of the hallway - the lights were off but the door was open and a large painting of the Savior was visible. I walked to the end of the hall and turned on the light and stood in what I knew to be a sacred place. There was a table surrounded by chairs, Books of Mormon stacked on top. A larger desk was in the back, more paintings of Jesus Christ and Church history. I was blown away by the presence of the Holy Ghost in that room. As I left that room, I became more aware of the Spirit that filled the whole mission office. It was such a blessing for me to experience. God is in this work - He is in the details about who lives where and what to do when a car breaks down and how to help missionaries be healthy and what phones to buy for the mission and sorting the mail. Heavenly Father is concerned about all of it and Elder and Sister Jensen confirmed this to me in some sweet experiences shared that they had had while battling problems in the mission office. Elder Jensen told me one particularly neat experience : He had come across a problem sorting out something with the cars. He couldn't figure it out and had spent a good amount of time studying it out and praying and trying to find a way to make it all work. He called President Grayson, who could spare a minute or two to come to the office and look at it. Elder Jensen and President Grayson found a solution and a way to make everything work. When it had all been made right President Grayson said, "Okay. Now I'll go and see what the Lord wants us to do." Elder Jensen said it had been about a week and President Grayson hadn't gotten back to him yet. I was so amazed by the attitude of President Grayson. I probably would've been content once it had been resolved the first time, sure that that had been made possible by the Spirit. But President Grayson wasn't. He knew that He needed to go the Lord and ask His will again, surely taking the plan to Heavenly Father. Good day.

We had a miracle happen on Sunday this week! A man named M just sort of showed up at church and had been looking for one to join. He asked good questions and stayed for all 3 hours and the members were so kind to him. Sister O and I are going to teach him tonight!

Sister O has started driving which I super love because it turns about being the driver for 4 straight months made me way way way excited to just be a passenger!! And she loves driving so it all works out. 

Go forth with faith.

-Sister Gore

Georgia

Even in Georgia you can fnd Arizona  <3

Pday at the musem