Lewisburg 1/20/09

So Im writing on a Tuesday because yesterday was Martin Luther King Day and the Libraries were closed. Thank you so much for the cards and kind words that you sent for my Birthday. I can't believe that I am no longer a teenager...haha, it is so weird. But thanks again. This past week was wonderful. I really enjoyed my exchange with a brand new Elder. It was crazy he reminded me so much of myself at the begining of his mission. It was a different expierence for me to basically pull all the weight but I really appreciated his humility. It was fun, we worked hard and we were able to find a new investigator. The greatest part of the week was what transpired with our investigator S. Me and Elder Jensen the newbie went over to her house on Tuesday and we had a wonderful visit. She said she would be baptized on Valentines Day and agreed to pay tithing. Now to the hard part we knew she smoked but we proceeded to teach the Word Of Wisdom and she committed to give up smoking and stop drinking tea. We asked her to give us the cigarettes that night to remove the temptation but she couldn't. We asked her if the next time we came if she would give them to us she said yes. The following day her brother passed away due partly to drugs. I talked on the phone with her and offered counsel. She didn't question her faith in God but she questioned how he could let this happen. I went on to talk about agency and how Heavenly Father would love to step in sometimes but he can't because that would destroy the plan. He gives us the opportunity to make our own choices to allow us to grow and then we must accept the consequences. I told her that Satan tries very hard to have us question our faith in God and his son Jesus Christ. He wants to isolate us from the only lasting help that we can have especially in times of tragedy. I told her to turn to God and not push him away to ask for understanding and peace. On Friday we went back and just talked with her awhile about her brother and about the Savior and the healing aspects of his Atonement. I wasn't sure if she would still stay true to her commitment because alot of times people turn to addictive behaviors to numb the pain. I was so proud of her as she handed us her last two cigarettes. She said that her brothers death really opened her eyes to the fact that if she smoked it could be her last breath. The next couple days were very hard on her and Satan was working doubletime on her. She was very unstable emotionally and she almost gave in to smoking and drinking but she turned to God instead. She said she has never prayed so much in her life. God gave her strength to overcome. I am so proud of her she stood strong even when she faced terrible temptations when it would've been very easy to give in. She feels so good that she didn't give in. Her influence not only has spread to us but also to members of her family and associates she has. They have noticed a change in her and also the great strength she possessed because God was on her side. Many are taking a greater interest in religion and S has already her family to the baptism. I think much good will come out of her great example. Pray for her continued strength. I pray that we will all turn to God in our afflictions and that we will be strong enough to degeat Satan and his temptations. If we choose to overcome then we choose to invite Gods spirit in our lives. Greater self worth and greater strength will follow. We will be able to feel Gods love more and be able to see clearly. I love you all take care Love Elder Powell