THREE TOP MIRACLES & MORE DOGS!

[Mama note: Emma sent this on Monday March 10, 2014 and I misplaced it, but now it is found! ENJOY!]

   Today I want to tell about the Top Three Miracles!
   Hermana Walton and I have been focusing on really finding miracles. That means we have to do things in our daily activities that could make way for miracles. I have learned while on my mission that if you expect Miracles, you really need to go out of your comfort zone!
    One thing we have been doing lately in order to find Miracles is staying longer in an area until we find out why we are supposed to be there. So, on Tuesday, we went to a door to try to contact a referral, but there was no answer. Instead of going to our car and heading to the next area, we decided to 'knock it out' ~which means we knock doors (Which is something I rarely did in the North area). As we go to each house we look for potentials for the English Missionaries and ask everyone who they know that speaks Spanish. But we really try to pay attention to the promptings of where we should go! So we went to one house. No answer. The house next to it. No answer. The house next to it, no answer. Then the clearest thought came into my head that I needed to go to the house across the street. None of the other houses seemed like options. I felt we needed to go there.
   But in the yard were two HUGE dogs! Especially one. It was the BIGGEST DOG I have ever seen! One was a Pit-Bull and the other was just a giant! Just as I was about to think it wasn't a good idea to try that house, Hermana Walton said, "I feel like we need to go to that house! But what do we do about those dogs?"
   Exactly my thoughts! Well, we came up with a plan. We would walk as close to the fence as we could to see if the dogs were nice. On our way to the fence, the dogs noticed us and barked, but only the tiniest bit. We continued walking to the gate. Just before reaching the gate, we hear a 'hello.' The hello came from a woman who had just left the front porch and started walking towards us. She soon asked, "Are you missionaries Mormon?" We replied, "Yes!" She then replied, "So, since you are ladies you can come into my house right?" And we again replied, "Yes."
   We then got to know Tammy. As we started speaking with her she soon told us that missionaries just always come after a rough patch in her life, right before things start to look up. She then said that she had recently moved, fell out of contact with the Missionaries, and had gone through some really tough things. But about a month or so ago, she prayed for Missionaries to find her again, and she asked if Heavenly Father could send some lady Missionaries this time.
   Well, here we were! And we knew we had to go to her house. And we made it in! We had an amazing lesson and at the end we invited her to be baptized. With tears in her eyes she said, "There is nothing that I want more in the world."
   So amazing. I am so ready to leave my comfort zone any day because that is what really leads to the Lord guiding us to Miracles!
   So everyday I go knocking. We get a lot of "i am not interested" up front. Lots of times people try to slam their door before we say anything. But I always do all I can to ask them before the door shuts where their Spanish speaking neighbors live. They usually open the door back up! Really! People are amazing, even if they don't want to talk to us at first.

Second Miracle of the Week:
   Our lesson that was rather far away fell through. So, to save the miles we changed our plans a bit. After trying a few things we decided that we just needed to pray to know where to go. So, we took a second, said a prayer, and waited to know where we needed to go. While thinking Sister Walton piped up and said, "I have an idea, but I do not know if I like it at all." My only idea was that we needed to find a family.
   Not having any other ideas, we decided to go with Sister Walton's idea. She went on to tell me that the idea ended with going to a potential they had tried multiple times to connect with, but the people there never were interested at all. Hermana Walton did not understand why she thought that is where we should go. She even said on the way that she was still doubting it.
   Well, we went to the door, and the husband of the house opened the door. We started talking to him and he is Cuban! Whooo, even the native Guatemalan Missionary says that Cubans are hard for him to understand. But I have spent some time with Cubans in my first area and I know the Lord helps us. We started talking to him and the sweetest little kids came to the door. Soon into the conversation, a thought came clearly in my mind to talk about the other Cubans who go to our congregation. (Not the typical contact conversation). So, I said it, and he got so excited. He started naming off the Cuban members who I used to work with! One Cuban member is known as the Godfather of the Cubans. I have yet to meet a Cuban who hasn't known him. Well, we told him our purpose and set up an appointment! He even knows some of my investigators from the North Area. He said he had heard about us meeting with them! It was a miracle! I got to connect with him over the subject of PEOPLE I LOVE! It was perfect! And our Branch President has promised us to bring 3 families to church (which is a big promise for our area). I know that the Lord is going to pave the way for this to happen! And we are going to work as hard as we can to get them coming.
 
Last Miracle:
   Branch President Condon might be the biggest role model I have here on the Mission. His leadership is completely guided by the Spirit. During Branch Council Sunday (my favorite meeting of any week), we read scriptures about Priesthood Keys. Then abruptly he told us that we are gong to go set up the overflow chairs for the Spokane 2nd Ward (which we had never done before). We went, set up all the chairs, and before heading back to the council room he led us into the chapel and had us sit on the stand.
   President Condon then stood before the whole ward council and explained, "I hold the keys over this Branch, especially for the Missionary Work. Because of this I have the responsibility to show you the Vision I have for this Branch. I want you to see it right now.
   Then he had Brother Anderson the Branch Secretary open the overflow curtains.
   President Condon continued, "Look at each row of chairs and each seat. They are going to be filled one day. Every single one! Can you see it? You better, because nothing is going to happen until you see it." Then as his voice shook with upcoming tears he said, "I also hold the responsibility to turn over the keys. I am doing that now. I turn the keys over to each one of you. It is through your hard work that this vision will come."
   I felt a change in that very moment. Something undeniable happened there. I can't even imagine what these next few weeks will hold.
   As I walked away from the church that day, it started to rain really hard for about 30 seconds. I mention the rain, because it always leads me to take a moment and think about Heavenly Father. All I could think about was how I know the Lord is in charge. He has a plan and part of His plan requires me to get up and work and find those MIRACLES!
   I am ready. Not perfect, but I am ready to forget about that and go to work.
      I LOVE you all so much!
      I Live and Work on your PRAYERS!
           Love, Hermana Phipps

FABULOUS FRIDAY!!

   What an amazing day Friday was (along with the entire week), but FRIDAY was AMAZING!
   I am dedicating my whole email this week to this day. It was orchestrated by the Lord, I have no doubt about that. I learned so much in that one day.
   There is a potential we have been trying to teach for a couple of weeks, but everything kept falling through. We had almost daily contact with her trying to set things up. I started worrying that we were being annoying, but while planning on Thursday, we planned to just stop by her house for one more try.
   It was raining! (Of course, everything amazing that happens to me happens in the rain!) As we drove over there I started worrying. I kept having a strange thought that we shouldn't go, but it was a confusing anxious feeling. We parked and Sister Walton expressed some doubts about if we should be there also. We sat for about 30 seconds then at once we turned to each other and both said, "Well, we are here and we are looking for the elect." So we went to the door. (Of course, Satan was trying to discourage us.)
   Our potential opened the door. She explained that she was super busy at the moment and was about to leave to go pick up her children from school. It was pretty funny because I was worried that we were annoying her so in basically a half whisper I said, "We just have a REALLY amazing activity going on tomorrow (Women's Conference) that we just had to invite you to." Immediately she replied, "Are you staying in the area? I would love for you to come visit me in a half hour." We agreed and went off to work until we could return.
   [Short story pause]: While working those 30 minutes we found a most amazing mother! We introduced her to the Book of Mormon and invited her to be Baptized. She said, "Yes!" When we asked her how we could help her right now, she replied, "I can't think of any better help you can give than this Book and to visit me again." People are so humbly close to the Spirit and His Guidance!!
   While driving back to our first potential, Sister Walton turned and asked if we should call a member. We decided that we really should and she began calling. The first member we called dropped everything they were doing, grabbed her spouse, and drove the 20 minutes to the town we were in.
   They arrived and we told them how we were going to teach the Restoration. We had decided to focus on her family and then we walked in. What happened next was one of the most powerful moments from my mission.
   The mother and her 15 year old joined us. We invited the four little kids, but the mom said they were too shy to want to come out. Our members connected with the mom 100 percent, right off the bat. She talked about going to the LDS church with her grandmother as a 5-6 year old. She told us she remembered that her favorite part was taking the water and bread each week. She told us she felt there was something special about it. We didn't have a lot of time and I started to worry if we should really teach the Restoration. Luckily, Sister Walton had no fear and started us out. As we taught it, the Spirit really helped us to be simple and I felt the Power of the message as it bore testimony of itself by its simplicity. As we taught, each of the little children one by one came into the room, sat down and started to listen so intently.
   Sister Walton ended testifying about how when they pray, they will know. My mind went completely quiet except for one word at a time, the Baptism Invite came into my mind. As I said it, I felt the Spirit so strongly, so immensely. As I finished the sentence and looked into their eyes, they both immediately responded, "Yes." I testified that the Lord was going to help them, so amazingly, to get there. Sister Walton followed by inviting them to be baptized on May 3rd to which they both said yes and the mother followed by saying, "Yo quiero." (I want to.)
   I know the Lord takes such loving care of each of His precious children. I know this is His work. Such things like this wouldn't happen without His amazing Love and Guidance.

JOY WHILE SERVING IN THE FIELD!

   Hermana Phipps and Hermana Walton

REJOICING IN THE WORD!!

   I Love You all so much! Sunday is transfers, it astounds me how fast it has gone. I haven't the slightest idea what will happen. The only thing I know is that there are rumors that we will move to Airway Heights, a town more central to our huge area.

   I've been in the Mission for 6 transfers! How crazy!! I still have so much to learn! I'll never be done learning, a fact I LOVE!!

PS ~ I loved Women's Conference so much! 

I bawled during the moment when the 8-11 year olds began singing 

"Teach Me to Walk In the LIGHT."

I sang that song with Krystal at Javier's Baptism. 

This mission means so much to me!!

AND...GOING TO THE TEMPLE...WE WENT TO THE TEMPLE

ON FRIDAY ALSO!! What a GREAT DAY!!

Miguel and Ramon LOVED IT! 

(See below!)

HAPPY SPRING!

   HAPPY SPRING! It is so beautiful outside and everyone just loves it! Everyone here is just so happy. I completely LOVE it! How is Spring treating Brigham city? It is 50 degrees outside and everyone is breaking out their summer clothes. I can't remember how to make my clothes summer ready anymore! I'll get it figured out, no fear!
   I can't wait to hear about all the fun adventures that are coming your way as it warms up. I am especially excited for General Conference! I'm praying and trying to receive any revelation I can get to help our Investigators make it to General Conference this weekend! I know the Lord can make it happen!
   I could never thank you enough for the package! It made out to be just a perfect tender mercy! Elder and Sister Wilson are returning home for Utah today. Last Wednesday, Sister Quinn asked me to make a good-bye sign for them, but my scrapbook supply was really lacking. So I sat down at lunch on Thursday thinking what I could do and I had an idea! But as I looked through the paper I had, I didn't have what I wanted. Just at that moment, there was a knock on the door and I heard a package drop on the door-step! Doesn't the Lord just bless us?!? Thank you for being such amazing Missionary supporting parents!
   Well, today is P-Day and we get to tour the town! I can't wait! Spokane is so NEAT!!
LOVE, Hermana Phipps

OUR SENIOR COMPANIONS THE WILSONS

WILL BE GREATLY MISSED!!!

Hermana Quinn, Sister Wilson, Hermana Phipps

PLAYING WITH PITBULLS!

Mum y Daddy!
   I got so caught up in Max the new family dog that Amy & Jon now have, that I forgot to write my funny/scary story of the week. Last night we went to try a 'Potential' house. We knocked on the door and while we were waiting, the owner's dog came to the front porch. It was a pretty BIG Pit Bull! But, because of Lisa and Russ, I love and am not scared of Pit Bulls one bit! It kinda was a strange dog though. As we waited at the door it kept on jumping on the both of us multiple times every second. Finally I bent down and petted it enough to distract it.
   No one answered the door (though people were inside), so we headed off to our car which was quite a far distance off. All of a sudden, the dog jumped up, bit my hand pretty hard and twisted it's head with my hand inside. I freaked out! Not a second later, it did it again and again, biting my arm and my stomach! It hurt but I had no idea what to do! The owner was watching from inside so in my mind, I didn't want to 'offend' them. So I cried out, laughing, to my companion telling her the dog was eating me! I didn't want to be laughing though! I was so scared. We got to the car as fast as we could. I looked at my arms and the dog had actually left marks and broke the skin in multiple places! I have bruises too! I am so happy that our Max is a shy, loving and cuddly dog.
   Love, Hermana Phipps
PS I love Lisa and Russ' dogs! Much Better Behaved!!!

THIS WEEK IS GOING TO BE GREAT!

On Monday March 24, 2014 Emma wrote:
   I am so excited about this coming week. It is going to be SO AMAZING! Hermana Walton and I have made it our goal to get Ramon and Miguel to the temple to do baptisms for their ancestors this week. It is so essential that converts go to the temple right after they are baptized. And...we got permission from the President to go with them too! I cannot wait!!
   On Thursday we had a wonderful lesson with a member. We focused on the TEMPLE and how we can all point our families to the TEMPLE. I loved that lesson. I know that everyone in my family has helped me be pointed towards the TEMPLE. I especially thought of Amy. This member reminded me a whole lot of her! I remember over-hearing Amy once tell sweet Kezi and Erika about how important it was for them to make their goal to be married in the TEMPLE. I know that as I heard Amy tell them this, my testimony of the TEMPLE grew too! Thank you family.
   Can I just take a moment to brag about Hermana Walton. She is the absolute BEST! Me and her have lots of similarities, but also lots of fun differences! Making life just perfectly enjoyable always. She is the hardest worker and most dedicated missionary I know. Even when numbers are low and days are slow we are happy because we know we are working the hardest we can be!
   Transfers are in two weeks! I have not even the slightest idea about what will happen. But it came so fast so I haven't even thought about it at all... I want to be with Hermana Walton FOREVER! Another of the Spanish Sisters will be returning home this transfer. The President asked our temporary missionary to stay for another transfer. That would mean we would have an odd amount of Sisters! Who knows what will happen though. But I will... "Come What May and Love It!"

AND ON FRIDAY, MARCH 28TH

WE ALL WENT TO THE TEMPLE!

WHAT A GREAT DAY!!

MIGUEL AND RAMON LOVED IT!!

Please PRAY for the Spanish work out here in the SouthWest!

LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Hermana Phipps

SPRINGTIME IN SPOKANE!

   As the weather is getting nicer, more and more people are making their way outside, which is so PERFECT! We are trying to talk to EVERYONE we see! In Preach My Gospel, it reminds us that we should never talk with anyone without extending a commitment or invitation. I LOVE IT! Inviting people to ACT is the BEST!
   We also are trying to turn more of our street contacts into lessons. My favorite thing to do is to get the Book of Mormon into the hands of the people! They can feel the power of it as they hold it! :D We have given out so many Book of Mormon copies lately and I LOVE IT!

LOVING ALL THE PEOPLE I'VE MET!

OH THE PEOPLE YOU'LL MEET

AND THE THINGS YOU WILL DO,

WHEN YOU GO SERVE A MISSION

THAT WAS MEANT FOR YOU!

We decided to put in the fun moments Emma has been enjoying
with all of her investigators since the beginning of her mission. 

 Enjoy getting to know the people she loves!

EMMA'S ZONE -- HASTENING THE WORK!!

            I am learning from the Lord how to see the divine potential in others! I Love IT! It takes a lot of work but missionary work becomes more powerful and personal as we think of the potential others have.

RAMIRO

            The Three “Investigating” Nephites live at the Lopez home. Javier and Jorge are the first two and Ramiro is the third. He walked into one of our lessons one time with sincere questions. We rejoiced when at the end of his lesson he told us that he lived there! At the end of the lesson he asked us, “Why do you have to not drink, not smoke, and not do all those things, I just don’t get it.” Four lessons later he said, “I don’t know what it is, but since I have been meeting with you I don’t want to drink or smoke anymore. It is the craziest thing.” Statements like these always make me rejoice! It is amazing how the spirit works.

            I had been praying very constantly that Ramiro would join one of our lessons this week and a miracle happened! He joined us for a lesson we had with Javier on Saturday! Then we committed him to come to FHE on Monday with a promise that it would all be focused on him. I feel a little sad, most of the lessons have been focused on Javier and Jorge because we never knew when Ramiro would be joining us. He has been taught almost everything, but it has been in a random order. So, in the past, we have pushed him at not his right pace. That is something that Preach My Gospel warns about. We are repenting and taking it at his pace whenever we get the chance to meet with him. We will be meeting with him this Sunday! Also, with Javier and Jorge being so converted and excited as they are, and with the whole Lopez family jumping on his back telling him he needs to change and right now, it might have been a little overwhelming. But I know that anything done with great intentions and love cannot go wrong. Ramiro is GOLDEN and very humble.

            JAVIER got called as the secretary to the Elders quorum! While talking to the Elder’s Quorum President, Javier said that it was the perfect calling for him because he takes notes on everything! Hermana Quinn and I, when we were first teaching him, made him a journal to write his study notes in. He went millions of miles extra and now takes notes on everything including his Aaronic Priesthood Interview! I remember feeling impressed to give him a journal, but thinking that was a bit strange. Trust in your creative ‘promptings!’ It is So AMAZING how the SPIRIT Works!

KEILA y JOSE y FAMILILA

            I LOVE THIS FAMILY! They are our miracle family! We found them just by driving past one day and seeing them walk into their house. They are the family that will be leaving for Venezuela. It was a miracle how because of the passport not coming in time, we had more time with them then we had originally dreamed of! Last week Keila called us and said, “I remember you two talking about a family night thing you do? Will you come over, eat dinner with us, invite those members we are now friends with, and do one of those F H Evenings with us this weekend?” Okay,…that is not direct Spanish to English translation, but you get it! How Amazing!! They have accepted to get baptized!!! As soon as they get back from Venezuela. Our Mission President told us that we should skype them and teach them during their month long trip! Now we are just getting the details all figured out!

JORGE y LIVAN

            They are family of Keila y Jose. They have come to church multiple times and are progressing REALLY WELL! We just need to be visiting with them more, but their work schedule is VERY difficult to work around. But we have FAITH that it will work out. In our first lesson with them, they accepted a date to be baptized.

NORMA y ANDONAI

            Norma is our wonderful member! She just had her second child last month. I love this family. Her husband is not a member, but he told us he knows the Book of Mormon is true and that he is ready to be baptized (well, except he wants to read the whole Bible first). Baptism is just the door…but we will talk with him about that. He is great but works SUPER late every day and only has one day off. So we need to get better at getting in touch with him.

YOLANDA y FAMILIA

            Yolanda may be the nicest lady ever! Yolanda loves God and talking about Him with others, so that is why she initially let us in. She also loves Jesus Christ (which is great because, so do I), and she finds her strength in him. Yolanda is amazing!! She has four young children. Her phone is still not functioning and she lives quite a bit away so we try to drop by and set appointments so we don’t lose miles and arrive just to not be in touch with her. We are going by tonight. She is our longest investigator! She has opened up a LOT to baptism. She is a devout Catholic, but loves reading the Book of Mormon and having us come over. POCO A POCO! Now we can share with her the great message of the restoration! My goal, or more my desire, is for Yolanda to feel the Spirit and know the truthfulness of the Restoration. I know that knowledge will change her life FOREVER and ever. Also, since we are trying to help each of our investigators with their needs, we are helping her learn English.

KARELIS AND FAMILY

            Karelis is the neighbor and friend of Yolanda. She came to the Festival and also to the Posada. She has the cutest little family! She is very wise and very thoughtful! We are so happy to be helping her receive answers and learn that Christ’s church has been restored! I can’t wait for her to receive answers! She has an 8, 5 and 1 year old. Shanty her 5 year old is a hoot! She LOVES attention and if we ever aren’t paying 100% of our attention on her, she yells in the loudest voice I have ever heard, “Hey!!” It is so hilarious! And it keeps us on our toes and we remember to keep the lessons focused all on her too.

LOORDES

            I Love Loordes. She is a mom of two sons and is best friends with our member friend Luci. She is completely ready to be baptized! She is very excited for the day when she can be. She loves the Church and has been going with her friend Luci. She started investigating the Church in the beginning of 2012 and is all set to go, except her boyfriend is holding her back. He doesn’t really like the church and he has been bothered by the Elders always coming in the past. Hermana Quinn and I are going to use the Love of Christ to soften his heart. [Read Elder Uchtdorf’s talk called “Your Journey Home” from April 2013 YW General Conference, especially the section labeled “Universal Language.”] Love has the power to overcome all things. Christ’s ultimate sacrifice of love has made it possible for us to overcome death and sin. His love has the ability to surpass any problem we or our investigators face. I know Christ’s love will overcome the barriers people put up. We have a plan to start to show Christ’s love to him by showing him lots of respect and by serving him. We have made an appointment to come over and make the family dinner with Loordes. We are praying that this will allow him to let some of Christ’s love into his heart.

FAMILY RANGEL

            My favorite family ever!

TERESA

            Next for our Investigator Introduction is TERESA. I am so excited about Teresa! Teresa was a member referral from Sabrina and Claudia Anderson in our branch. She is 17 and is the oldest of her 4 siblings. She is so prepared! She had actually gone to early morning Seminary that morning with Sabrina. We had a lesson with her the first time we met her. She has the strongest testimony of Heavenly Father that I have seen. I really want to be teaching her, but we faced a road bump. Her mom met us and was really nice to us but ignored our presence while we were talking with Teresa. Then after we left that night, we called Sabrina to tell her we said Hello to her referral. Teresa had already called her to talk about meeting us. She liked meeting with us, but after her mom got pretty mad and went crazy. Sabrina informed us that her mom is going through a lot right now and has a lot of difficulties she is facing. She also is an avid Catholic, though she doesn’t attend church. I felt so horrible hearing about this. So, for now, we are on pause with Teresa. Sabrina’s mom is going to talk to Teresa’s mom. Claudia told us she thinks Teresa’s mom needs the gospel so she is going to share her testimony with her and try to create some understanding. I’m praying that all goes well. Teresa is amazing, I can see her being built up by the gospel. I pray we can find an understanding with her mother.

YEIMI AND THE MOJICA FAMILY

            I love the Mojica family! Rosie and Nicolas were baptized 8 years ago. They were part of the branch when it was dependent on an English Ward. Then, because of some really hard things, they stopped coming to church about 4 years ago. They have two of the most amazing children I have met. You cannot find any more obedient, well-behaved, caring, and smart children in the world. They remind me a lot of my dear nieces and nephew! Yeimi is 12 and she is one of the most spiritual girls I have ever met. She is amazing! She loves church and wants to be baptized! Rosie and Nicholas have some questions that they never had answered before they were baptized and they feel a bit of remorse for not knowing before getting baptized so they are hesitant for Yeimi to get baptized anytime soon. So, now we get to work with this amazing family to help them find their answers! I can’t wait for the miracles to come!

            We had an investigator come to church 3 weeks without even teaching him yet! Last Sunday we finally got the Lord’s hint (not sure why it took so long :S), and asked him if he wanted to hear the discussions. He said, “Of, course!” It is kind of a silly story why we didn’t catch him before… but I feel like it was all just in the Lord’s timing.

            **As we try to talk to everyone we are having some amazing experiences! Many people are telling us that recently they have been thinking about going to a Church! It is Amazing!**

            Remembering all the Tender Mercies of a Mission really makes me feel in debt to the Lord and all the help He sends to hold me up!

            Sister Quinn and Sister Emma Rose Phipps!

Transfers are coming again in April ~ Emma has been Blessed with Two

Amazing Companions to find Investigators