week 68 - faith and diligence produces miracles

Ma chère famille,

Happy Birthday to Lyla and Tyler this week! (I hope I have the dates right)
A week ago we received a call from our zone leaders during our morning studies who wanted to give us a little training about diligence and sacrifices. They asked us to reflect on the things that we could change and do better and the little sacrifices we could make. That evening we recieved a call from our district leader telling us that president wanted us to fix the goal to have a baptism on Saturday. Some people might think that President Poznanski is crazy, but Soeur Alves and I were excited and said, "If we have faith and work our hardest, and if it's the will of the Lord, we will have a baptism this Saturday." We didn't have a baptism this weekend, however I'm not sad, because I know we did our best, and we were more diligent than we ever have been. Every time we had a few extra minutes or while we were traveling from one rendez-vous to another or when we had to go to Colmar for my legality (5 hour train ride there and a 5 hour train ride back) or traveling to and from Brussels for sister exchanges, we talked to people! We looked through our area book to find former investigators, and part member families who would be able to be baptised in one week. Through, prayer, fasting, diligence, and faith we truly did our best to have a baptism. Although we did not have a baptism, we have progessed so much and have many more potential investigators and two new investigators. Throughout my mission I have only once fixed the goal to have a baptism when I didn't already have an investigator with a baptismal date. President Poznanski has really emphasized faith lately and I realised that zero is not a goal and it definitely does not show our hope, faith and desires. We found out at the end of the week why President Poznanski gave this challenge to all of the missionaries. There was not one baptism scheduled for this last weekend, and President felt that we could not have a weekend without baptisms. We ended up having 5 in the mission! Almost all of our key indicators (statistics) as a mission increased this week.
Soeur Alves and I had many little miracles all throughout the week. For example, we found Veronique! On Tuesday we were moving like crazy, because we only had until 3 o'clock before we had to take our train to Colmar and I turned to Soeur Alves and asked if it was worth it to try and pass by Veronique's (we had not had contact with her in over a month). Soeur Alves felt that we should and after getting off the metro and heading to her apartment there was an old Muslim couple that needed help getting back to the metro. We helped them find their way and quickly turned back to go to Veronique's. We saw a woman in the distance and both of us said, "Let's contact this lately". As we got closer I recognised her and said, "Veronique!" She, and we were so excited to see each other. We found out that she had been in Italy because her grandfather passed away. Now she is home and still wants to get baptised and no longer has a job for the moment but is supposed to talk with her boss, so we reminded her to tell him that she can't work on Sundays. She promised us she would. I know that the Lord blesses us when we are obedient and when we have faith and follow the spirit. I love this work! I hate thinking about the fact that it's coming to an end, but I will work hard until the last moment and I will continue to be a missionary for the rest of my life! I love you all!

Bisous, Soeur Reeves

week 67 - joy comes from sharing the gospel

Bonjour à tous!

Highlights of the week! On Tuesday when we had our rendez-vous we were running late so we tried to call Benoitte to let her know, but she wasn't responding so we were afraid she wouldn't be there but headed over anyway. When we got off the metro we passed by the bus stop to see when the bus was coming. We had about a 12 minute wait and thought we might get to her home sooner if we walked quickly. Sitting at the bus stop however was an African woman with her baby and something told me that we should wait for the bus and talk with her. I looked at Soeur Alves and we both said we should wait for the bus. I then turned to the African woman and started talking to her and asked some questions about her baby and then she said, "I know who you are. I'm Gilberte you or your friends came by my house the other week." "What?" I thought to myself trying to remember who Gilberte was, maybe a former investigator that we had tried to visit, or maybe the Elders had passed by. She told us her address and recognized the name of the road, so I told her, "Yes, I think it was us who came by." She then told us that she used to come to the church and even got baptised. It then clicked and I remembered that we had passed by some in-active members the week before but she had told us she was too busy to see and that she would call us. We had left her a note letting her know that we would love to meet her and if she needed anything she could call us. While talking with her at the bus stop we learned that she had been baptised 5 years before but her life got so busy with her kids that she quit coming to church. We invited her to come back and again she said she's too busy right now. I asked her if her life was better when she came to church and she thought about it for a second and said yes. She admitted that when living the principles and commandments life goes better. We haven't had a rendez-vous yet, and she didn't come to church, but she said she for sure wants to see us before I go home. So if she doesn't call us before then we will. ;) and we also left her a happy mother's day card (It was yesterday here in France). I've seen that it makes a difference when we keep in contact with in-active members and show them that we care. When we showed up to Benoitte's it was perfect timing because she had just finished cleaning and put her baby down for a nap and we were able to have a great lesson. I know that the Lord helps us in this work and I'm so grateful that both Soeur Alves and I listened to the spirit and talked with Gilberte. Who knows if she would have been willing to tell us who she was.
On Wednesday we had an amazing Zone conference with Elder and Sister Teixeira who were doing a mission tour. It was mainly focused on faith and finding new investigators which is exactly what I needed. After the first half of the training an Elder gave the prayer and blessing on the food. Elder Teixeira asked him to pray and ask the Lord to help each of us apply the teachings we had learned. Oh my goodness! The spirit was so strong during that prayer. I will never forgot the feeling that came over me. Everyone afterward was full of the spirit. Many of us missionaries sat there for a minute before getting lunch so that we could right about it in our journals/notebooks. Elder Teixeira talked to us to about casting pearls before swine, not that he was calling us swine, but he said that he had pearls for us and he didn't want to share it unless we were willing to listen and then do those things that we learned. He said to keep our minds and hearts open to the spirit so that we would know how to use those pearls. Towards the end he said that he wanted us to leave the conference and act immediately. He said that too often he goes to zone conferences and missionaries linger around afterward and chat and it's so long before the finally leave. He said he was going to stand at the podium and wait until all of us left after the conference. We had two and half hours before our train ride home and some other missionaries wanted to go to Grand Place, but Soeur Alves and I both took this to heart so after we said goodbye to everyone we asked the Brussels missionaries for their phone numbers and the church address. We walked out the door and started to walk to Grand Place but Soeur Alves and I stayed behind the other missionaries and decided to contact people. It's always hard at first, but after the first person it gets easier and easier and it's great to have a companion at your side cheering you on. Most of the people we talked to at first were not at all interested, but then we saw a young African woman (haha, we always go for the Africans because they're always nice and they love talking about Jesus. Don't worry we contact French people too). Her name is Sandra and she wasn't interested at first and said she was in a hurry, but Soeur Alves quickly said, "We just came from a conference and it was amazing and we really want to share this with you." (ha, something that Elder Teixeira said to go ahead and say). Sandra stopped and looked curious. She didn't have much time but we were able to share a quick summary of our message on the restored gospel and we got her number and address! We then talked with another young woman named Melissa (who is African, but from England) and she had already talked to missionaries back home. While talking with her however we learned that she had misunderstood what the Book of Mormon was and we asked if she'd be willing to meet with the missionaries and learn what the book is truly about. She accepted and we were able to get her address and number for both Brussels and London. We may have only gotten two referrals, but we were filled with joy! By the time we got to Grand Place we really weren't that interested to be there. We were more content sharing the gospel with people than sight seeing. We had just enough time to meet up with the other missionaries, get some dinner and get to the train. We were then able to talk with Odile who sat accross from us on the train (this time an older French lady).
We truly find joy in doing the work of the Lord and the gospel brings more happiness than any material possession. We were able to fix a rendez-vous with Aimée. She's a friend of Clever (the V. D'Ascq Elders investigator) who just got baptised on Saturday. She came to show her support for Clever and was very touched during the baptism. I asked her if she would like to learn what Clever had learned and if we could teach her our message. She was happy to fix a rendez-vous!
Bonne semaine! Choisis le bien!

Bisous, Soeur Reeves

week 66 - people who are prepared

Bonjour à tous!

Happy Memorial Day! I hope everyone enjoys their day off. :) It's also a holiday here in France, but not the same one. And it has been beautiful these past 5 days! Finally after two long months of rain we have sun! We had a good week. Maybe not as far as statistics, but in our spiritual progression, yes! We found, thanks to the Elders, another new investigator. Her name is Benoitte and she's from Congo. We had a really good lesson with her. At first it was kind of bumpy, but as we talked with her and got to know her and followed the spirit she really opened up and we were able to leave with a strong spirit. She told us that a year ago the missionaries knocked on her door, but she was in the middle of moving, so they asked her if she needed help. She was so grateful, because she had a three year old and two month old baby. She said that the Elders came back the next day with four other missionaries and helped her move all of her things to a new apartment. After that she lost her phone (or it broke, can't remember) so she no longer had the missionaries phone number and has not had contact with them since. Then last Monday the V. D'Ascq Elders knocked on her door and she immediately let them in. They weren't able to stay since she's single, so they told her Soeur Alves and I would call and we could pass by that week. The Elders immediately called us and we immediately called Benoitte and we were able to see her on Wednesday. She told us that she knows there's a reason that God sent us to her and that we must have something for her. It was so neat when she shared this experience with us! She was supposed to come to church yesterday, but sadly didn't, however we're going to see her tomorrow, so hopefully we can help get to church and respect the commitments we give her. She is very sweet and was happy to receive the Book of Mormon. I know that the Lord prepared people for us to teach. You can help too, by finding these people for the missionaries. ;) Love you all!

Bisous, Soeur Reeves

Les Photos de Villeneuve-d'Ascq

Soon after my arrival in Villeneuve-d'Ascq. There's a huge park across from our apartment with horses and a lake and pathways in the forest. 

Grand Place in Lille

Soeur Murray and Soeur Carter at Zone Conference

Monday night after the huge snow storm. The buses quit going because of the snow and then it started to melt! We had to walk on the ledge along the side. I felt like a rat. Our boots were soaking wet by the time we got home.

week 65 - following the spirit

Salut!

Happy Birthday this week to Sam and Jessica! I hope you enjoy your birthdays, and we'll see if Sam is like some of the other grandkids who eat their entire cake by themselves. Thank you for the wonderful experiences that you shared, Dad, Laurie and Ryan, and Mom for the talks that were given. They're all such inspiring stories. Just to let you know, since you're probably wondering. Veronique has disappeared. Ha, I have taught so many Africans that are amazing and want to get baptised and then they disappear and we never hear from them again; we call and their phone number never works, or we pass by their house multiple times, but no one is ever there. (I think it's often from legal problems or family problems back home in Africa). Alexandre called and said that he talked with his wife, but she is still against us coming, the Elders coming, or the senior couple. He said since she won't let us come over, he might try passing by the church sometime. Who knows, it might be a while. We have planted a seed, but I'm sure missionaries in the future will get to watch it grow.
On a happier note... We got two new investigators this week! Last Monday we were supposed to go eat at some member's home but they cancelled at the last minute because the mom was sick. We had totally forgotten to make a back up plan, I think because we thought we were for sure going since we had confirmed the night before. We said a prayer asking the Lord what he wanted us to do. We had made a plan to pass by some in-actives during the week and at the same time contact in those areas to try to find new investigators. We decided to go to the north part of Villeneuve D'Ascq by the Metro stop Jean Jaurès and pass by some in-active members. Either they weren't home or they had moved, and then a man told us that we weren't aloud to proselyte in apartment buildings (the sign confirmed it). We started to walk back toward the metro. I feel like we were like Nephi when he said, "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." (1 Nephi 4:6). Soeur Alves pointed in one directed and said, "I think the Metro is by there." I didn't think it was, but I was tired and didn't want to say she was wrong so I kept my mouth shut and followed her. As we were walking along the path we walked past a couple who we knew were not from France and who looked like islanders. Soeur Alves stopped and asked them if we were going in the right direction for the Metro, they said, "no," and that it was on the other side of the neighborhood. We thanked them and then they asked, "are you Christian?" We said yes and asked if they were too. They said yes and then we started talking with them and found out that they're from New Caledonia and they asked what we were doing here so we told them we were missionaries. They know the name of the church, since there are a lot of members in Polynesia and they had met the missionaries once before. We asked them if we could come over and share our message with them and they said yes!
We had our first rendez-vous with them on Saturday night, they're names are Geneviève and Jean-Christophe and have 4 adorable children and their family is very important to them. They are very open people and so kind and Jean-Christophe had an amazing story of how he was converted to Jesus Christ and totally changed his life. I'm so grateful we followed the spirit (and that I kept my mouth shut.) I know that we were led by him to Geneviève and Christophe and I'm excited to keep teaching them. We gave them both copies of the Book of Mormon and the family Proclamation. I hope we can get them to come to our church activity and sacrament meeting this next weekend. (We also have two men in our ward who served in New Caledonia).
I know that the Lord prepares people by his spirit and his angels.

Bisous, Soeur Reeves

week 64 - the Language of Music

Ma chère famille,

It was so fun talking to Mom and Dad, Ryan, Allyson, Julie, Jaclyn and Kristen, Uncle Stan and Aunt Lou yesterday! Mom I think I forgot to tell you Happy Mother's Day! Thank you for being the most wonderful and amazing mother in the world! Congratulations to Jeff, I'm glad many of you were able to be together for that (I'd love to see some pictures). Congratulations Jaclyn! I loved seeing your ring (I'm expecting some pictures from you too). Happy Birthday to Julie, Audrey, and Natalie (got it right this time!) this week! I can't believe you're going to be a teenager Audrey!
Last Monday we had finished everything we needed to on P-day and on time, so we felt great, but then after we left our rendez-vous that evening we saw that we were going to get home late, so we called our district leader to let him know and we hurried to make it to the next bus. The metro arrived at our stop and as I exited, who was on the other side of the door to get on? Alexandre! He quickly stepped back onto the platform and walked out with us. I was so excited to see him again! It's been weeks, and we had tried calling him again about a month ago, but he wouldn't ever answer, then I got an email from Mike letting me know that his girls were still praying for Alexandre and his wife so I called him the next day. This time he answered and he said that he wants to see us, but his wife is still against him taking the lessons. When we ran into him, we and he knew that it wasn't coincidence. He said he's been trying to think of a solution, so we told him we'll keep praying for him and we invited him and his wife to the BYU concert on Saturday. Sadly they didn't come, but I not it was not an accident that we ran into him, and it makes me think of Isabelle with her dad and the fact that she wouldn't get baptised because of him, but the Lord softened his heart and when he met the sister missionaries he was very happy to fix a rendez-vous. Thank you Mike and your daughters for your prayers. Even if it's not while I'm here that his wife's heart is softened I know that one day she will change.
The BYU concert that we had on Saturday was the wind symphony and Jacqueline came with frère and soeur Derone (our ward mission leader and wife). She also brought Kévin her little neighbor who's like a grandson to her. Kévin was present at our last RDV with Jacqueline and Sary. When frère Derone saw Kévin with Jacqueline he invited him to come with them to the concert. He's only 15, but as long as he's with Jacqueline his mom lets him do anything with her. Frère Derone said that he feels like Kévin will be the key to Jacqueline and Sary getting baptised. During the concert the symphony played "A poor wayfaring man of grief" and then they sang a hymn at the end and Soeur Derone said that during both songs Kévin had tears rolling down his cheeks. He told frère Derone that he felt really good while he was in the church and wants to come to our service sometime. They're going to talk with his mom and hopefully he will be coming next Sunday. It was funny when Kévin told frère Derone that he wanted to come to church he looked and Jacqueline and said, "If I go you have to come with me." Sometimes it's children that help bring others into the church. When we were at the concert I also thought about the fact that music is a universal language. Everyone in the world understands and can be touched by music; there is a special spirit that comes with it and I'm grateful that the music that the BYU symphony played touched Kévin.
I love you all! I know this gospel is true and that we are part of the church of Jesus Christ here on the earth today. I hope you all have a wonderful week. A là prochain!

Bisous, Soeur Reeves

week 63 - open your mouth

Bonjour ma famille!

Guess what St. Dié finally has a companionship serving their full-time! I'm so grateful that the members there started to realise that they needed to do their part too, because it's not missionaries who should do all of the finding. I know the Elders their can help save the branch before all of those members die. (All of the active members are pretty old). Sad news, I no longer have a camera to use. Well, I still have a camera, but I don't know why it went crazy on me, same problem as my first camera. Like I said last time, thank goodness for companions and thankfully mom and dad are picking me up so I can take some more pictures with you.
I know I've mentioned before but something I would probably never do back home, is run after a bus in a skirt. I think last week we ran after one every day! They're so nice to stop and I'm pretty sure that all of the bus drivers on line 41 now know who we are, because we're probably the only two girls walking around in skirts, carrying scriptures, that run after their buses. (Unless the Jehovah's Witnesses do it to ;) Jk don't add that to the blog).
We had a good week although none of our investigators came to church :(. We're trying to work on that this week and help our amis understand the importance of the sabbath day and coming to church if they want to be converted. They main thing we're going to focus on this week is contacting and finding new investigators and I was so inspired yesterday at church. Three different members bore their testimonies and shared their experiences of giving out a Book of Mormon (yeah! they kept their commitments!). Each shared the fact that they started by praying and asking Heavenly Father to help them know who to give it to. One sister gave one to a man on the metro, another to a friend and another who felt like she should give it to a client at work ended up giving it to someone else when the opportunity came. I'm so grateful for their example of praying and when the Lord put the person in their path they gave them the Book of Mormon.
Rosita is doing well and is back from the hospital, but sisters are now coming to the Lille ward, so we're going to have to pass her, but I'm grateful that we can give them and investigator since they're doing a whitewash. I know how difficult those are. I just have time to share a little experience about a few weeks ago. There was a strike (you know France and its national sport of strikes) so there were no buses this day. It was a Monday and thankfully a member was able to drop us off to do our emails. We took the metro on our way back, but because there were when we got to the station there were no buses. A girl came up and asked us when the next bus was coming and we told her there weren't any. She walked one way and we went another. We weren't very happy to walk for 30 minutes and there weren't many people out to talk to along the way. After about 15 to 20 minutes the same girl came walking up behind us and asked if we wanted a ride. I was shocked! That doesn't happen often here in France. We told her sure and her dad showed up in about one minute to pick us up. It was only about a two minute drive from there to our apartment so we didn't have much time to talk with them, but we were able to give Vincenne (the girl) and her dad (Christophe) a card and told them it had our number and the address of the church and of course we wrote a big MERCI! on the card. They haven't called us, and I don't know if they've looked up the church website or if something will happen in the future, but I know that little miralces and experiences like that don't happen by accident and we need to take advantage of every oppurtunity Heavenly Father gives us, even if it's just for a couple of minutes. I hope to have many more little experiences like that before I come home.

Bisous, Soeur Reeves