I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Hey Yall!

I hope your week has been well! 

This week, we helped a member to sew together Christmas Cards in the form of a box. It was alot of fun, and I made a few knots in the yarn by accident, haha. We also helped a member to can some apples and pears. I did all of the chopping of the fruit, and I am pretty sure my wrist/ forearm gained some muscle that it didn't have before. 💪

We also had a lesson with our investigator, Ronnie this week. It was so cool because the member, Chet, that he lives with/ works with, stayed for the lesson and participated. Also, Chet's non member wife, Helen listened to our lesson from the kitchen while she made Christmas candy. It was a very spiritual lesson. We read the Book of Mormon with him, and answered any questions that he had.

We served ice cream at the Bonifay Nursing home on Thursday, which is always super fun. 

One cool thing I did this week, that I have never done before, was go to jail.....

🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓

Okay, I didn't really go to jail, we went and sang with the ladies in relief society at a women's correctional facility (jail). It was so much fun! It was also a great learning experience! The Spirit was brought in as we sang some Christmas Carols, and handed out some bags of soap, chapstick, socks, and candy. Many of the women there were in tears and the Relief Society sisters gave them all hugs and wished them a Merry Christmas.

Then afterwards, we went to Waffle House with 2 members, Branda and Tammy. While there, our waitress saw our tags, and asked what building we were located at. She then explained that she was baptized in Geneva, then moved to Bonifay, and stopped attending church for a while. We were able to invite her to come back to church and to come to the church Addiction Recovery Program.

This is like the 4th "lost member" as I call it, that I have found on my mission. It is so cool how Heavenly Father puts us in the right place at the right time. 

This past saturday, we were out with the primary president going to visit a few less active, part member families. We decided to stop at this family's home, whose 8 year old daughter is a baptized member, Leilani. Her parents are not members, but she has some adopted grandparents that are members. We had pulled into their driveway and it didn't look like anyone was home, but we were trying to find out more information about this family, so we just waited a minute. Then this man comes out of his house and starts walking towards our car. So we hop out and start talking to him, and his wife and baby comes out. They recognized us as "the people from the church Leilani goes to". We start talking to them and they tell us that they just lost one of their best friends. So almost immediately, the Spirit told me to start talking about the Plan of Salvation simply. We were able to share Mosiah 24:14-15 with them and bare testimony. We gave them both a Book of Mormon and Plan of Salvation pamphlet and got their phone number to stop by this week. I am so excited to start teaching them, and helping them to find peace through Jesus Christ.

LIGHT THE WORLD DAY 18:

https://lds.org/media-library/video/2017-09-1560-lighttheworld-day-18-forgiveness-mormonorg-christmas-2017?category=2017-light-the-world-25-days-of-service&lang=eng

Love You all!!!

-Sister Lewis

Christmas movies

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2016-05-5000-act-in-faith-the-stonemason?lang=eng

https://lds.org/media-library/video/o-come-emmanuel---christmas-version?category=christmas-songs&lang=eng


https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2017-01-0008-repentance-a-joyful-choice?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2017-01-0004-live-by-faith-not-by-fear?lang=eng&category=social-media-shareable-videos

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2017-01-003-we-dont-need-to-be-the-same-to-be-one?category=social-media-shareable-videos&lang=eng

Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas Yall!

Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas Yall!

On Wednesday, we went Caroling with the youth for mutual. It was so much fun! We were asked to lead the youth in the songs at each door. It was cold and raining, but all of the youth enjoyed it. 

On Thursday, we drove to Defuniak Springs to meet the Sister Training Leaders for Exchanges. Sister Corbett came to Bonifay to be companions with me and Sister Wall, while Sister Trawick went to Fort Walton with Sister Schoeneman. We did service at the thrift store, then we helped a member to clean out her fridge, and we had dinner with our recent convert, Edna. We also did our studies.

So this past Saturday, we had our ward Christmas party and decided that we would do something with Light the World with it.We handed out pass along cards amongst the tables while people were socializing.After the primary did their Nativity scene, we showed the introduction Light the World Video. Then we handed out glow sticks to the primary kids, and had the adults get the flashlights from their phones ready. We gave them examples of how they could light the world, such as wrapping a Book of Mormon, and giving it away; or visiting someone who is lonely. Then we turned out all of the lights in the gym, and had the kids break their glowsticks, and the adults turn on their flashlights. Slowly as the room lit up, we explained the impact they could all have as they go out and light the world by serving others, and sharing the Light of Christ that they each have in themselves. We then told them that on the pass along cards which we had handed out, we wanted them to write how they were going to light the world with their families after the Christmas party, or write a favorite scripture verse, and give it out. Whatever they could do to light the world, we encouraged them to do it. Then we promised them blessings. As we were helping to clean up the party afterwards, we found only 10 pass along cards left on the tables, the members had all taken the pass along cards with them to give out to their friends. After the Christmas party a few of the members told us that they loved the presentation we did.

It was a fun activity. I had gotten the light idea from a pre-youth conference fireside I went to a few years ago. It was a great way to involve the kids and the adults.

After the Christmas party, we were trying to figure out who to go see to spend our last 30 minutes before we had to be inside. We said a prayer, then as we were looking for this less active member's home, we saw Santa Clause and an elf walking on the side walk. So we stopped at a stop sign and decided to give them a Book of Mormon. Only, my companions kind of dared me, and had me get out and run 2 Book of Mormons to them.So I  quickly got out and started speed walking towards them, saying "You always hand out gifts to everyone else, so we thought we would give you this special gift, it's called the Book of Mormon." Then they told us they already had one, so I looked at them and I was just like that's cool, while in shock. Then it clicked! It was a member couple from our ward, the Johnsons! It took me a minute to recognize them, especially because I am learning who the members are. It was quite a funny and awkward experience, especially because neither one of us recognized them in their costumes.  We were able to talk to them for a bit, and of course we had to take a picture with them.

I hope yall have an amazing week! Happy Holidays!

❤Sister Lewis

What are some of the miracles you have seen as you Light the World?

Hey Yall!

I hope you have had a great week! What are some of the miracles you have seen as you Light the World? This week we went to Panama City for zone conference. That was a really good spiritual experience. We focused alot on the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Atoning Sacrifice. It was also fun to get to know some of the missionaries in this area, being as I am in a new stake and new zone with different missionaries. We also had the opportunity to hand out Light the World pass along cards at a parade. It reminded me of all of the times I participated in the Light Parades with my dad's work. I love talking to people and getting to know different people with different personalities. 

We also had lessons with our investigator, Ronnie. We were able to teach him the Plan of Salvation, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is so open minded, and loves learning. Whenever we leave commitments he always says, "I mean, I will if you want me to." He is so funny, and often gets embarrassed whenever he doesn't understand something. But I have seen the Spirit testify to him in lessons as my companions and I teach him.

One other miracle, we got a text from a member saying that her brother,Mason, who just turned 8 wants to be baptized December 17. They are members of a less active family, so we told bishop about it, and he told us that even though Mason is 8 and has a parent who is a member, he would like us to teach him all of the discussions. I am so excited to help this young boy to be able to make promises with Heavenly Father, and to help him to be able to understand the promises that he will be making.

We also were able to help another member to rake the leaves on their property. It took us 2 hours to get at least 3/4 of the way done. But man, did I gain some arm muscle while doing it.

If you have NOT seen the Christmas Devotional, please watch it!

https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/archive/christmas-devotional/2017/12?cid=HP_SU_3-12-2017_dPFD_fBCAST_xLIDyL1-C_&lang=eng

Triple Threat Thanksgiving times two

Hey yall!

This week we were able to go on a couple of splits with people. In other words, one of us would be companions with a member for a day, and the other two would be companions and we would go and visit people. It was a lot of fun! We taught many of our recent converts and even a few of our investigators. Then we did service at a thrift store and had lunch at this cool barbecue place,M&W, with a member. We also had dinner with this cute southern family, the Gallbraiths. They have 3 kids under the age of 8. We had some yummy lasagna with them. For our lesson, we drew turkeys using our hands and shared Doctrine and Covenants section 78:19, and talked about gratitude. It was so much fun! 

For thanksgiving we had dinner with 2 members. So i guess you could say we were "party-hopping". We ate lots of turkey, dressing, pie, string bean casserole, etc. I was stuffed! It was so much fun! People go all out for thanksgiving here in the south. There are lots of homemade pies, rolls, casseroles, and dressing(stuffing).

We did some service this week, we helped a member to put up some Christmas decorations. Her name is Sister George. She is the cutest lady. She also has a super cute dog! It is a great Piranese, or something like that. I will send a picture next week of it. She even told me I could have one of the puppies from it when they breed it. haha. (Mom you better watch out, I have been promised puppies from 2 different members). haha. 

Then we went to teach our recent convert, Eddie. He is 9 years old, and his mom is a less active. When we were at the lesson, his mom, Melina, invited everyone of her kids, and her non member fiance, Reuben, to sit in on the lesson. We were teaching the 10 commandments using hand signs. Reuben began to ask questions and by the end of the lesson, we were teaching him more than Eddie. This was a tender mercy because all of the times that the missionaries have been over to teach this family, Reuben would usually be asleep and only Eddie and Melina would be in the lesson. We invited Reuben to come to church.....AND HE CAME FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!! He only stayed for Sacrament, but loved it.

On Saturday, we went to Carryville, and taught our investigator, Tabitha and her mother in law, Sharona. Sharona had met with elders before and knew all about the Book of Mormon. We taught them the Restoration of the gospel and they enjoyed it. They had so many questions about the Book of Mormon, and were very accepting.

On Sunday, me and my companions participated in the ward Christmas Choir practice. It is so uch fun! i forgot how much fun singing is.

Here is the link for the new Light the World Video! I encourage you to serve people in 25 ways in 25 days! 

 https://www.mormon.org/?cid=HP_FR_24-11-2017_dMIS_fMORG_xLIDyL1-A_

Love you all!

-Sister Lewis

Pictures from Thanksgiving

You can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl

Hey yall!

I am in Bonifay which is a small town! It is so cute! the people here are so amazing!! I love it!! The members are so welcoming! It is a definite change from Pensacola, which is a city (hence the subject line). We get to drive a Toyota RAV 4. There are a couple of dirt roads to drive on. Also, many of the houses are huge with lots of surrounding property! 

This week, we were able to meet a few new investigators, but we mostly met with some recent converts, and less actives. The members here feed us alot! (Yall better email me some of your favorite workouts). We also got to go to Panama City for a fireside. It was so much fun! Being in a trio means we get to be in many places at the same time, we can go on splits with the members. 

One of our new investigators, Katelynn, is dating a member's son (The Bowen's) who is a missionary in the Logan, Utah mission. What a coincidence. haha. She is so sweet! She loves to read the Book of Mormon, and has even come to Young Women's a couple of times. We were able to teach her on Sunday at the member's home.

I am enjoying every minute of being here!! I love yall so much! I thank you for all of the support and love! I hope you have an amazing thanksgiving week!

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2017-01-009-a-good-samaritan?lang=eng&_r=1&cid=HP_FR_17-11-2017_dPFD_fMLIB_xLIDyL2-4_

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/light-the-world-25-days-of-service?lang=eng

Go out and do some service for others to show that they are appreciated in this holiday season!

Love you all!

-Sister Lewis

Our sweet Sister Missionaries- Sister Trawick, Sister Lewis, and Sister Wall with Macy and Katelynn. We love them! — with Katelynn Mims.