Sunday, March 23, 2014

Week 3 about the area

Weekly Update:

Hey Everyone! I guess I should tell you about my area! I'm in Greencastle, Pennsylvania. It's a small town, but it's super cute! I went to an antique shop and bought things for my future house hehez. My companion and I are both new to the area, so we are still trying to find people to teach, but it's going great :) It's so hard to be away from home, but this work is so worth it :) We found this guy named Danny while tracting one Sunday evening, and he invited us back, so last night we met with him. The meeting went really well! We taught him about the Book of Mormon and how it can bless his life. We asked him if he would be baptized if he came to know the Book of Mormon and its teachings are true, and he, "funny you bring that up...I've always wanted to be baptized. If I knew it was true, yes." It was so amazing!!! I said some pretty stupid/awkward stuff in the meeting, and that just proved to me Heavenly Father is the one that does the converting and not me! It was a great experience! I also had an experience where I had no idea what scripture to share with a less active lady, and suddenly Alma 37 came into my mind, and I opened it up, and it was the perfect scripture. I'm so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who know what I'm going through. I am inadequate to do this work by myself, but with the Savior's help, I can do it! Life is good...hard, but good! I hope everything is going well with you all! Send me letters PLEASE!!! I love you all! The Church is true! kbye

Love,
Sister Sparks

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Week 2 from Sister Sparks

Weekly update:

Hello people from normal life!

I miss you! This will be my second week in Green Castle, Pennsylvania. It's a cute little town! I'm having so much fun exploring, but most importantly, I'm having fun spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I'm so grateful for the Book of Mormon which is another Testament of Christ. Jesus Christ is really the center of our religion, and that brings me so much happiness. Knowing the Lord knows me perfectly brings me peace. I'm not going to lie; missionary life is SO HARD. Without the help from my Savior, there's no way I could do this. Of course there are times when I'd rather be at home laying on my  bedroom floor eating a doughnut, but when someone is willing to listen to our message, it makes it all worth it :) The message we have to share with everyone really is about how much Heavenly Father loves all of His children, and has provided a way to return to live with him. That Gospel was taken off the earth for a period of time until His children were ready to receive it again. Because Heavenly Father has called prophets throughout history to teach the people what God would have them do, that's what he continues to do. It was through Joseph Smith that the priesthood was restored, and the Book of Mormon was translated. The Book of Mormon isn't about Joseph Smith--it is a record of children of God in the ancient Americas. It contains scripture that show us God's will (as does the Bible). All of this is on the earth again because GOD LOVES US, and wants us to return to Him. It's evident prophets are essential in understand what God wants us to do because--just like in the past--they receive revelation pertaining to the salvation of God's children. We have a prophet (and apostles) on the earth today who has received the priesthood--the authority to act in God's name--and can help guide us back to Heavenly Father. I know these things to be true. I didn't have a testimony of these things my whole life. It wasn't until I read the Book of Mormon and continuously lived its teaching did come to feel the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you don't know about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I encourage you to search and figure out for yourself if it's true. My testimony is something that is helping me through my mission. I'm here because this gospel has brought me so much happiness, and I want everyone to know of that happiness too. Heavenly Father loves each and every one of you! Pray always. Study the scriptures and really apply them to your life. I have seen tender mercies of the Lord each day. He is waiting to pour out blessings upon you.
"Knock and ye shall receive. Ask, and it shall be given unto you." Have a glorious week!!!

Sister Sparks

Friday, March 7, 2014

First week out in Pittsburgh

Hello everyone!!!  I only have an hour to email, and it goes by so quickly, but I'll update you on how I'm doing! I'm in Greencastlle! It's an area that sister missionaries haven't been in for 20 something years, so it's hard work trying to get everything going again! This work is so amazing, and I'm coming so much closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through it! Missionaries cannot do the work alone, so members make sure to do your part!!! Share the Gospel!! Everyone--remember how much your Father in Heaven loves you, and how much he wants you to communicate with Him. Pray always and read scriptures! Personal study and revelation are the best!!! I'm loving it here, and I hope you're all doing well! I will try to find more time to update next week! I'm getting fatter, but that's okay!
 The Missionary Training Center (MTC)
A random goat 

Her new address to send mail to is

226 S. Washington st. Apt #3
Greencastle, PA. 17225

She would LOVE to get letters!