Sister J is incredible. 

Every day I learn something from her about how I can be a better disciple of Christ and minister of His gospel. She is so meek and humble and has helped me to begin to more fully integrate those qualities into my own character. Further, she has the prettiest singing voice. And is a go-getter. I am way thankful for her energy and enthusiasm for the Work!

On Wednesday we saw K with a member of the ward and read the Book of Mormon with her. She is slowly gaining a testimony of the restoration of the gospel. Then we had dinner with a member of the ward who is returning to activity. This individual often comes for Sunday School and Relief Society but has yet to come on time for sacrament meeting. So we focused our message on the importance of participating in that weekly renewal of our promises to God. At the beginning of the lesson, before we said we would be talking about the sacrament, we each wrote down a challenge we are currently facing. Then we discussed how Jesus Christ is able to help us with ALL of our hardships and afflictions. We read from Mark 5 of the woman with an issue of blood who reached out to touch Jesus's clothing, believing that if she did so she would be healed. Just as this woman reached for Christ, we reach for Christ and invite His power into our lives by attending church and partaking of the sacrament, promising to ALWAYS remember Him. It was such a good experience, my own faith in Christ was strengthened tremendously, and this sweet daughter of God attended Sacrament Meeting this past Sunday. 

On Thursday we had a ward social - dessert potluck!Thursday was so different. Instead of worrying about where to be I just was everywhere. There wasn't a person there that I didn't have some kind of meaningful contact with. And it was awesome. Perhaps what I thought was a weakness of mine is something I can turn into a strength. 

Friday was MLC. Such a good meeting! So much of our focus recently has been on technology and how to use it and how to use it safely. Now that the adjustment period is concluding and everyone is more settled, we can spend more time focusing on the doctrine of Christ. In MLC we spent considerable time reading from the scriptures and discussing the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ and the saving principles and ordinances of His gospel. I felt the Spirit so strong as we read from 2 Nephi 31. I've read that chapter probably more than any other chapter in holy writ. However, Its simple declaration of truth and invitation to follow the Savior never dulls. Nephi's teachings on faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and continued faithfulness to the end of our lives culminates in this powerful verse: "And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God.". I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the way God has decreed by which we may be cleansed from sin and return to live in His presence! I am awed by the power of the Book of Mormon as it teaches these essential truths plainly and decisively, that none can misunderstand and all may obey and be saved. 

On Saturday a member drove us and our investigator T to the church building so we could give T a church tour! T has grown so much since we first started teaching her but has still never attended church. It's way outside of her comfort zone. So we wanted to show her the building to help her feel more comfortable coming to a service. I have had few experieneces as powerful as this church tour was. Peace and calm washed over us as soon as we walked through the front doors of the church. Immediately across from the doors is a painting of Jesus Christ- a wonderful reminder that He is the center of all we do. T recognized the Spirit immediately and commented on it then and through out the tour. We showed T the Primary room where children are taught that they are children of God! We showed her where Sunday School and Relief Society take place, and the baptismal font. We used the beautiful paintings of Bible and Book of Mormon stories to teach T about faith and baptism and the importance of church attendance. Finally, we arrived at the chapel. We all moved inside and sat in the pews quietly. Here we taught T about the Lord's commandment to keep the Sabbath Day holy. Sister H, who came with us, bore her witness of the importance of honoring the Lord's Day. The Holy Spirit was so present in those sacred walls. T prayed as we sat in the chapel. I love when she prays - always humble and sincere. Unfortunately, T had a family emergency and was unable to come but she has a strong desire to come this next Sunday. Please pray that T will have the faith to come and that the Lord will prepare a way for her.

Sunday we had dinner with the P family. Brother P hunts alligators and has some seriously crazy stories. He also owns a taxidermy business, which is on their huge property. Also they fed us pheasant and quail for dinner which their son had shot and killed and it was so good. 

Good news! B got baptized in Aiken, SC last weekend and J will get baptized in Aiken next weekend! So very proud of them and so blessed to have been able to teach them the restored gospel. A and C are doing really really well in Perry. 

I love my mission. I love the people here. I love the Lord. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of us all, that His Church and His priesthood have been restored to the Earth. I am grateful for a knowledge that because of Jesus our regrets, fears, pains, and sorrows can be taken from us. 

Make it a wonderful week.

-Sister Emma Gore