Conference Weekend:
This weekend while listening to conference I felt one story hit home. It was Elder Bednars talk and he shared an experience of a friend getting stuck in his truck. Well when he started sharing the
story I did all that I could not to laugh. Because well Friday I got stuck in a mud puddle. So my comp and I were driving home from an appointment and it was 8:30pm we were in the middle of no where and on a really muddy dirt road with tons of pot holes. I didn't want to get stuck when we came up to a puddle so I thought let's go around. I barely got through half the puddle and then I couldn't move. I ended up getting stuck it was awful there was no one around and it was so dark. So I thought let's get out of the car and see the mess I am in. But when I opened the door I couldn't even step out with out getting wet, then I looked back and there were 4 pit bulls growling at us. Now feeling a little scared I thought we should say a prayer. Afterwards, I felt okay drop my pride and call the Spanish elders for help. The elders laughed and laughed but rushed to our aide. Right after we hung up the phone a cute Hispanic guy rolls up in a cute bug and says in broken English you need help. We exclaimed yes. So he said he would go home and get his truck. So he flipped a U'ie and went back. I thought o just make it look easy driving in this puddle when we are in the nicer car completely stuck. But the elders came and laughed at us and took pictures until our Spanish friend returned. It was so
embarrassing he brought his entire family of 10 people to rescue us. But after pushing and getting everyone muddy we were saved. So how was my prayer answered well. Right after the satan looking dogs took off and a man came to our rescue. It was perfect that we called the Spanish elders because they were able to translate for us and help us get out of the hole. In a funny way it was a miracle. But it was so embarrassing. However, when we got out of the car safe from the mud I ran to the cute family and gave them all hugs well the girls and shook the guys hands. I felt like we should talk to them about what we do and invite them to meet with us. But it was dark and late so the family was trying to go home. So I asked to take a group photo. They quickly left after that and we weren't able to get any contact information from them.
The rest of the night I felt awful. I just wanted to thank them and I knew the best way was to share with them the gospel. I hated that I hesitated and missed my chance. That night I prayed for forgiveness and for an opportunity to see that family again. The next day we were talking with the elders investigator who is a sweet Hispanic in her teens. I thought hum I should show her the pictures
and see if she can help me in my search. I showed her and she laughed saying yep that's my good friend Brenda. We looked her up on Facebook and now we are friends on line. It was a miracle. I am so thankful to be a Facebook missionary. It gives us so many opportunities to meet people and keep up with the changing world. We are able to fill our investigators pages with up lifting messages. I have truly enjoyed being a missionary through the internet. And there is talk of us testing more things out in the future so it's pretty exciting.
What I learned from this crazy experience is that I want and need to share the gospel with everyone I come in contact with I can not wait. They could be the person The Lord has been preparing. I want to help them receive this restored truth. I am no longer afraid of rejection. It happens but it's not the worst thing that can happen. Honestly the feeling of not opening your mouth and sharing what you
know to be true is worse. I hate that guilty feeling. My goal is be complexly open and ready for everyone around me.
Conference was such a spiritual experience. I loved all the talks and wished everyone I have been working with watched them. The spirit was so strong that I can never deny it. I love that we are able
to listen to modern day revelation from a prophet of god. Each time I see him the spirit testifies to me that the things he says are true what God is wanting to say to us. Three of my investigators watch
conference and all of them loved it. Glenn even quoted it to us and said he needs to make some changes. He said priesthood session called him to repentance about being selfish and not keeping God as his priority. I can't wait to see how he makes these changes in his life.
Now I want you to do something for me. Just like we make it a priority to study the scriptures daily, please remember that this includes the modern day scriptures as well. Study and feast off of the
words that were shared this weekend. I know that the things that were shared were the things we need now to get us through the trials of this life. It's proof of how much god loves us today!
One last miracle there is an older man named Zack that just moved into the ward I think I mentioned him last time. Well I taught him once in Yuba and thought I would never see him again. But yesterday we were talking in the hall and someone was talking to him about paying tithing. He then smiled and said Sister Johnson taught me this and then proceed to quote me by saying after he had said sorry I don't think I can afford to pay tithing. He said quoting me "honestly Zack, you can't afford not too. God has blessed you with all that he has. He is willing to give you the 90 and only asks for 10. It's a small amount to show your thanks and then he can bless you with so much more.
Satan though wants you to focus on the 10 not the larger number of 90." I was completely taken back. I told him that 4 months ago. I couldn't even remember what I taught him. But he than looked at me and said I never got to thank you for what you taught me. I have paid my tithing since that day and I have seen the blessing of that. I now know I can not afford not to. I just felt do blessed and need to hear that someone had listened and applied what I taught. And really not what I taught but what the spirit taught through me. I know I didn't say that to him. But I appreciated the thanks. I have been struggling through the week because some of the people I was teaching in my last area have reached out to me saying they are falling away and things they feel. So it was nice to see a success. I needed that and I am grateful to know the spirit touched him.
Love you all so much.
Sister Johnson
Funny story with conference. While sitting at church in the chapel watching conference one of the elders came up and asked me to come outside. There is a drunk lady that wants to be saved. They said we think out of everyone that you would be able to talk to her. So I went out said a few things to her. She got super excited and decided she would like to listen to the prophets with me. So she came in sat down and started calling out amen ect. I explained reverence and she sweetly said ok and stopped then she fell asleep. She then got up and asked if she should go home. I said yes go home and sleep off the alcohol. I got her contact information and invited her to come to the Sunday sessions. She said yes and took off. Sunday she surprised us all by showing up. She said that she was sober and would like to sit with me. I scooted over and talked to her about what was being talked about. After one talk she looked at me and said o no I am having the shakes from not having alcohol and I think that guy over there is going to kill me I should go home. I gave her a hug and said yes go sleep it off we will call you in the morning. Haha she was super crazy and all over the place but it kept things interesting at conference for the total of two talks that she watched. I'll let you know if something
comes of it.
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