Week 27

Dear Family,
 
Has anyone besides me noticed how many times Alma tells us in the Book of Mormon that he "inquired diligently of the Lord" to know the truth of the things he has learned for himself? It's all over the place! I swear, as I was reading the Book of Mormon this week, I found four of five references! Alma 5 talks about it, and then again in Alma 34 on. He tells people he knows because he's asked. Last night we met a man named Dennis who told us, "I used to be a hell-raiser. I always wanted to be a Christian; I always wanted what other people had. I wanted faith like that. And I've always been a seeker. I used to go to church about once a month with my friends (before I was a Christian). I never turned them down. Not once. And then one day in church [I had the most remarkable experience]. And now I know for myself that God is real. That Jesus the Christ is my Savior. I can't tell you more than that, but from that point on I knew [it was true] and I am Christian now. I left my old habits, I left my old ways, and I lost a lot of friends. But I didn't care, [because I knew it was true]." I too, know for myself the things I share with people are true. Elder Lawrence Corbridge's talk is going to be something I will read again and again until I can speak with that much clarity, power, and simplicity. I wish that I could tell you all how much I know this is true right now, but sadly I've only been out for 29 weeks and my words are still weak. But I know this church is true. Like Elder Corbridge said, consider the evidence. All of it, together. Not one piece but all of it. And now tell me that some 14-38 year old boy just dreamed it up. And that by some dream all of the miraculous things and all of the lives that have been changed are just coincidence. No. I know my Savior. I know my Father-in-Heaven. I know there is absolute truth and I know they have a plan for us.
 
This week we met with a woman who "did some research." We set up this appointment about two months ago, so I knew she would. She came back with a stack of papers--evidence that this church cannot be true. I knew she would. But I know what Elder Aidukaitis said at Confrence to be true. "One should not roam through garbage." I know it takes more than a simple, hey God are you up there, to get an answer. After Joseph read James 1:5, he was excited! He finally had his simple answer! But he also was careful and went somewhere quiet and in the morning. He took care on how and where he asked. I know that God answers prayers, but we have to ask dilligently! We need faith. And sometimes God wants us to act in faith before He answers.
 
Before I chose to serve a mission, I really wanted to go. So I just decided that if it was wrong, God would stop me, but it was all systems go until then! And nothing stopped me. And it felt right. And it worked out. And here I am. :)
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2014/04?lang=eng&vid=3439077335001&cid=7
I have like fifteen minutes to finish this... why is p-day time so short!
 
Anyways confrence was incredible. I absolutely loved it. I felt so much spiritual power from each talk, and really know that each and every apostle is one of the Savior's apostles. I know President Monson is God's prophet. We missed the second hour of the Saturday morning session, but that's okay, because we'll watch it soon! And I know we were blessed for being obedient, because we found a new investigator during that time.
 
One of my favorite thoughts from confrence was in Elder Perry's talk. He said that we should be willing to change the course of our entire life by even the slightest "tug of the Master." I took that to heart and already had the chance to apply that last night. We felt a slight tug to a street I usually avoid. So we went. It was one of the first times in a long time that I've almost cried during finding time. I was so sad for those people that would not listen and did not understand. It was really hard. And it's a long street. But we did it. And then we discovered a small street of about 18 houses that I had never seen before. (And I've been here for over six months!!!!! That's crazy!) We didn't get the chance to talk to a lot of people (because of Dennis :)), but found 3 awesome new investigators in five houses. Miracles come after faith. And faith is shown by obedience.
 
Love you all! Elder Ballard told us to all have copies of Preach My Gospel! So have them and study them!
 
Sister Thomson
 
PS. Sorry if I didn't write you individually yet, I have less than five min left so sorry!
PPS. Sister Reed=awesome. That's all.