Have a blessed day!


 


November 7, 2021 

 

Dear Family & Friends, 

The highlight of the week was participating in teaching a non-member family about the gospel.  We were invited to dinner with a family in our Ward.  They had also invited their non-member friends.  I didn’t know ahead of time that they were going to have Family Home Evening.  It was great!    During the lesson, I was asked to tell the story of Joseph Smith’s first vision. I was glad I had memorized it and didn’t have to look it up.  I began with, “I saw a pillar of light…” and ended with “Hear Him.”  I was able to testify that God knows each of us by name, that He has a plan whereby we can return to live with Him, that Jesus Christ is central to that plan, and that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.  The spirit was strong!  I felt on fire!  After the lesson, the family made an appointment for my companion and me to come teach them.  

As much as I enjoy teaching the gospel, I’m going to try to pass this assignment off to our young missionaries.  My assignment is to serve and support.  And my companion hasn’t been able to learn the missionary lessons. 

One of our more interesting service opportunities last week was helping to set up an apartment for a family of Afghan refugees. Along with other volunteers, we cleaned, swept, vacuumed, and then helped set up furniture and stock the kitchen with dishes and food. Our church is working with several charitable organizations to set up other apartments for refugees.   

I’m thankful to live in a country where I have the opportunity to do and believe what I want, where God was able to restore His gospel, and where I can share this truth.  I am serving in a part of the country people sometimes call the “Bible Belt.”  Other places where I’ve lived, I was used to hearing “Have a nice day.”  Now, I hear, “Have a blessed day!” And a popular sign in people’s yards extols, “Thank you Jesus!” 

I love you all, 

Sister Manwaring 

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