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.

9 months and already a triple threat.

Hi yall!

This week I got transfer news! Sister Leavitt is going to be training a new missionary, and I am headed to Bonifay to be in a trio with Sister Wall and Sister Trawick! Talk about a triple threat! The people of Bonifay better be open, because we will be spreading the gospel like crazy! I am sad to be leaving the Pensacola stake, but I am excited to go to a whole new stake and try something new!

Also, as of this wednesday, I will have been out for 9 months! It is so crazy how fast time is flying by.

This week, we saw many people, and taught them all the gospel. We also had the opportunity to go to the Foo foo fest/ the gulf coast arts festival with a member. It was so much fun!! They have many cool things. Then we had dinner with our Investigator, Lyndsey. She made a delicious pesto pasta, with parmesan chicken! It was so much fun!

On Sunday, we got asked to teach gospel principles class. The topic was on the Gathering/ Scattering of Israel. I definitely learned alot that I did not know before. What was so cool was at the end, we opened it up for testimonies, and so many members shared their testimony.

One of our Investigators, Rozelle, is moving back to California so we said goodbye to him on Sunday.

This area has been amazing! Even though I haven't seen anyone baptized yet, I know that by sharing my testimony, I was able to help change lives.

I love you all so much! I am so thankful for all of your love, support, and prayers.

Love,

Sister Lewis

and they biked and biked and biked AND Biked

this week was super crazy! We biked alot of the week, and tried to see many people. On saturday, we biked to a member's house that is 4 miles away to help them do family history, and then we biked 6-7 miles to downtown Pensacola, walked around, and biked 6-7 miles back. Then stopped at an investigator's house to teach them. Then biked 2.5 miles home. It was around 20 miles or more that we biked. Good thing my companion helped me to be prepared for that by having me do some circuits with her for exercise. 

We did have a cool experience on Friday with a member. Sister Coleman took us out to lunch, and then was going to come with us to teach an investigator named Bobbie. When we got to Bobbie's house, she was not there.So we were driving back because Sister Coleman had to leave soon. We passed the Life Care Center ( a member by the name of Brother Allen is currently there), and as we were driving past, Sister Coleman kept asking if we would like to stop and visit him. We told her it was okay, we could visit him another day. Well then next thing we knew, she was pulling a U-Turn and heading towards the Life Care Center. She said, "I am bad about following promptings the first time, so I am going to hurry and follow the prompting right now." When we got to Brother Allen's room, he was in the middle of telling his occupational therapist about the word of wisdom. We got talking with them, and the OT, Theresa, had questions about our missionary work and she mentioned that she knew a member. We then shared a scripture from 2 Nephi 25 with them and said a prayer. As we were leaving, I gave her a pass along card, and then asked for her number and to set up a time to meet with her. As I was doing that, Sister Coleman started asking her about what church she goes to. She goes to a methodist church, but only because her daughter is going to preschool there. She was very open. It was so cool to see that even though an appointment cancelled, there was a reason for it.

Love you all!!!!

-Sister Lewis

It's finally fall yall!

Happy Holidays yall! It has officially "cooled down" here in Florida. The humidity makes the cold "chill you to the bone". 

This week has been a great week! We volunteered at the Ronald Mcdonald house, where we met this super amazing lady named Danika. We met with her this past week and were able to teach her the Restoration. At the end, we asked her to be baptized on December 2nd. She is so excited to learn more about the restored gospel!  

We also biked to an investigator named Destiny. We taught her and her sister Kelly the Restoration. When we got done reciting the first vision, They both kept saying, "It's true. I know it's true." We plan on teaching them again this week, and it is miraculous to see how many truly prepared people there are in the world. After all, you never know where you are in someone's story.

Then on thursday, we went on exchanges with the Sister Training Leaders. I went with Sister Fletcher to Gulf Breeze. It was so much fun! We volunteered at a thrift store, visited a recent convert named Eliza, and had dinner with Paul and Paula. Paul and Paula are members that love the missionaries. Paula makes really good Omnish French Bread and they love to help the missionaries. They are the cutest and most amazing couple ever. We went to this autism center to do service with a Less Active member who is just opening it. While waiting for her to show up, we started talking to the receptionist, Valen. We were able to teach her the Restoration, which the sisters had never been able to teach her before. We focused on Eternal Families, and she had so many questions. It was so amazing how Heavenly Father planned things out for us to be able to teach her. 

On Saturday, the Pensacola ward did a trunk or treat, and a chili cook off. There were at least 16 people there who were not members of the church. 4 of them which we had invited, and the rest came with members. It was so much fun! Many of the members gave us lots of candy, and stuffed our jacket pockets full. 

Elder Holland said, "Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve... If something is buried in the past, leave it buried. Don't keep going back with your little sand pail and beach shovel to dig it up, wave it around, and then throw it at someone..." ("Remember Lot's Wife").  As we move on from the past and have confidence in the future, all while enjoying the present, we can receive blessings and can remain focused on the here and now, and what we already have versus what we used to have, or what we could have.

I love each and every one of you, I am so grateful for all of the support you give me. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Love,

Sister Lewis

Flying Squirrels!

Hello Yall!

This week we have seen so many miracles! It has been amazing. We have also been committing many people to be baptized within the first lesson.This transfer, I am seeing that I have let Heavenly Father take over for the majority of it. I am more willing to walk up to people and talk to them, I hardly ever feel fear when I see someone. In fact, I have made so many U-turns this week just to go talk to someone that I passed. Even though some of them choose not to hear God's message, I still think about it as " I just planted a gospel seed in them. One Latter Day Saint contact down, who knows how many more they have to go before they soften their hearts to the gospel." One cool experience: Late Saturday afternoon, we biked to this Lady's house,Vivian. We were going to remind her about church the following day. Well when we got there, she didn't answer. So then we walked out of her yard towards our bikes, and saw this lady, Pamela, getting ready to ride her bike. So we started talking to her, and she asked us if we had seen a guy bike past. We said no, and she started to bike away, so we quickly gave her a pass along card. Next thing we know, the guy Pamela was looking for, bikes into this trailer park we are in. We started to talk to him, then comes Pamela biking after him, and yelling at him. They both went behind the tall fence to their trailer, and started arguing. then the guy, Tucker, biked away. Pamela came out and was bringing her bike inside, so we started to talk with her and share a message with her, but she said, "Maybe later, can yall just pray for me? Pamela and Tucker." then she went inside her trailer. Then Tucker came back and jumped off his bike, and walked behind the gate, and slammed the gate.Well as we were standing there, a squirrel fell out of a tree right next to the guy's bike. It was so unexpected. so we just sat there gawking at it. Then this guy starts walking towards us with a shirt that said Jesus on it. I told Sister Leavitt, this must be a sign, I think he needs to hear the gospel. So I said, "I like your shirt!"and then I began to ask him what his name was. He saw our tag and we were able to teach him the Restoration, and invite him to church. As we were talking with him, he told us how he had many family problems, and that he knew that God had inspired him to wear the shirt so that we would talk to him. He was so excited to come to church. then on Sunday, he came! It was so exciting! He said he had questions, and so we set up a time to meet with him this wednesday. His name is Brian and he is so prepared!

On Saturday, we went to visit this referral that was given to the missionaries in 2016, but never recieved his bible. His name is Oscar. We took a member with us, and we taught him the Restoration, then at the end, I felt that I should ask him to be baptized. He said yes. Right now he will be getting baptized on December 2nd!!!   He is so prepared! He has been looking for "the right church". I am so excited to teach him!!! 

I hope yall have an amazing week! I love you all so much! I know that as yall exercise more faith than fear, Heavenly Father will perform miracles.

Love,

Sister Lewis❤🐬

8 MONTHS!

hola! Como Esta?

This week has been amazing!! We have seen so many miracles! On sunday we had 4 investigators come to church, one of which we hadn't even taught a lesson to yet. And by Sunday evening, we had committed 4 investigators to baptism. We have been doing some filtering where we have let some investigators go because it is not their time, and also, we have been doing lots of finding! We have one investigator named Rob, who came to church Sunday! After sacrament meeting he told us that after a few times, we wouldn't have to babysit him. haha. He also said he would come next Sunday! We are meeting with him this wednesday, and plan to commit him to baptism.  On Sunday, we bike on a highway to get to our investigator, Bobbie's house. While there, we read the introduction to the Book of Mormon, and asked her to be baptized on November 18. She said YES!!!! We met a lady named Stacey who has been friends with a member. When we knocked on her door, she let us right in. We were able to teach her the Restoration, and invited her to church.... and SHE CAME!! Our investigator, Lyndsey is doing awesome as always! We had a lesson with her Sunday, and taught the Plan of Salvation, only she was practically teaching us! I know that Heavenly Father has prepared so many of these people, and I am so grateful to be here in Pensacola and sharing the gospel! 

*Side Note* Yesterday marked the day that I have been out for 8 months serving my Heavenly Father, meeting new people, and bringing the Light of Christ to others!

A little funny for the week: we were sitting in ward coordination, and the Spanish elders were looking for someone who could translate for spanish speaking people in Sacrament meeting. Then our ward mission leader said, well maybe God will give the gift of tongues to Sister Lewis and she might be able to translate for you. hahahaha. This has been an ongoing joke, since me and my last companion tried to speak spanish while talking to someone who didn't know any English. Everybody has heard about our translating talents (no talent really). HAhaha.

Well if yall have any fun recipes, please email or mail them to me! I hope you have a great week! Go out and preach the gospel!

Love you all! 

❤Sister Lewis

this is a picture of my new companion.

Hi yall!

Don't worry about hurricane nate! It didn't do any harm to us. It was more of a wind storm, and some rain. We stayed in from 5pm saturday to 1pm sunday. We bought 4 cases of water, and some provisions. It was alot of fun! We were able to do some organizing, phone calls, and have a bible video marathon, with popcorn and candy. We also did manicures and pedicures.

This week, I got a new companion! Her name is Sister Leavitt. She served in Tallahassee and now is serving here. This week, we did alot of contacting. We went to visit our investigator, Catherine, but she was busy, so we started walking back to the car, and decided to talk to a lady that was cleaning out her car. Her name was Wanda. As we talked with her, she was very open, and we gave her a Book of Mormon, and got her phone number. Then when we asked for referrals, she proceeded to tell us about each of the 18 apartments in the culdesac and then told us to go knock on everyone's door. As we did this, we were able to find 6 or 7 people who set up a return appointment to meet with us. They were all very nice and open to hearing our message. We meet with most of them this wednesday. I am so excited to be able to share my testimony with them. It was funny too, because when we asked them for referrals, they kept telling us to knock on everyone's door as well. There were so many prepared people in that neighborhood. 

 On wednesday, I broke my bike seat, so we had to walk everywhere, well while we were walking, we talked to so many people.On the way home from meeting with a new investigator, Katrina and Rodrianna and Jarissa, we decided to stop and talk to this guy who was walking really fast. His name was Frank. He needed to borrow a phone, because he had locked his keys and his phone in his car. So we called his insurance company for him, and while he was on hold, we were able to teach him the Restoration, and get his phone number, to be able to set up an appointment with him to teach him. It was so exciting!

Mormon Message about building families:

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages-video-playlists?lang=eng

After the Storm Mormon Message

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages-video-playlists?lang=eng

Love you all! I look forward to hearing from you!

-Sister Lewis