A Letter from West Richland: Monday, May 13, 2013

Subject: My wonderful family!!

My wonderful family!! It was so good to talk to you all yesterday and see all of your bright and happy faces. It means the world to me to have such a FANTASTIC support base. You all truly are amazing and I am so proud to call you my family.

 

So as I explained yesterday on skype, Denise was not able to meet with us. We know she needs the gospel and that she has been prepared to receive our message. It's just getting that chance to actually do it! haha But I know that as long as we trust in the Lord and look to him, he will show us the way and help Denise on her journey to find more happiness. She is just one of my favorite people in this world and we just want her accept it all!  :) In the Lords time :)

 

We went and saw Miranda yesterday after I talked to you all and she is doing so great! Like I said she is back on date to be baptized on the 24th of May. We are so DANG EXCITED for her! That cutie made us treats! She is so sweet to us!! We took her a picture of Christ and chatted about church. She said she loved it! In Gospel Principles they talked about the Priesthood which is exactly what we talked about with her when we taught her Friday night. She said it was really good and loved that just because the dad holds the Priesthood doesn't mean that the sons automatically hold the Priesthood. They have to be worthy and want it themselves. She just has been so willing and accepting of the gospel. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and ask myself if this is real life. She is just the very best! 

 

We have been trying to work with a less-active family in the ward. The Roberts :) I don't know if I told you about them last week but they are just so great! They also came to church today! That is only the second time since I have been here that they have come to church. I may or may not have wanted to scream when I saw Sister Roberts at church in the hall. They are some of my very favorite people in the world! They truly are trying so very hard to make changes in their lives. Wonderful people! 

 

So here is something I learned in my studies this morning. I've been thinking about the last days a lot and things that we will be jugded on and what our character has to be like in order to withstand the temptations that Satan will throw at us. I think often times we just want to over look what is coming our way and the sin that is invading the world around us. While I was thinking about this I remember the scripture in 2 Nephi where it says: " Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion.." When I read that for the first time I didn't quite get what Nephi was saying to us. But as I think about it, we can't say that all is well in Zion.. Things are happening and they are going to get worse and it is our job to get with the program. We are either with it or against it. We have to decided.. no one else can do it for us. As I kept studying and reading today, my love for my Savior grew. I know that as we prepare ourselves and make sure that we are doing all we can to continue to keep the commandments that we will be blessed and we will not be caught in the ways of the world. I LOVE this gospel!! It provides me with so much peace!!!

 

I love you all!

 

Love Sis. Mecham

A Letter from West Richland: Monday, May 06, 2013

Subject: Hello!

Hi my wonderful family!

 

I hope all is going well! So this week has been a wonderful week. On Monday we had a lesson set up with Denise and she totally forgot about it... BUT! Something that I am constantly reminded of is that the Lord knows all things. So we are at the church and we are waiting for Denise to come to the lesson. We wait and wait and wait. She doesn't come. We prayed and decided to go and see if she was home but turns out she was really busy and couldn't meet. We were sure that that is where we were suppose to be but turns out the Lord had other plans for us.We had gotten a call from our Elders and so we called them back. They told us about this Sister in their ward who had met this sweet women named Cindy at the doctors office that morning and they had gotten on the subject of religion. This women told this Sister that she was on happy with her church and they weren't being spiritually fed when they went. She said she would be interested to know more about the LDS church. So of course this sweet sister got her first name the street she lived on just before she was called back to see the doctor. Called our Elders and told them to tell us to go and see her. So we did!! In this part of our area there were two streets named the same thing. One is east court and the other is west court. We didn't have her house number so we ended up going to every door on one side and tracting that court, asking everyone if they knew Cindy. But no one knew her. It was getting late and almost time for us to turn in fo the night but we were determined to find Cindy. We ran over to the next court and starting knocking on the doors. Finally at the second house we asked and they told us exactly where she lived! We ran over there and met Cindy. It was EXACTLY where we were suppose to be. She said she couldn't believe how fast this sister had sent us to meet her to give her a Book of Mormon. She is just the most darling lady in the world! I already love her! So here is the even cooler part of this story to me..... So jump back about a month and a half ago. Sis. Duncan and I received a referral in this very same court and turns out they weren't really that interested. So we decided to tract that court thinking not very much of it. Met this sweet women named Cindy who said she was Lutheran and she was happy with where she was at. Flash forward to Monday when we met Cindy. I didn't realize where we were at until Sis. Meyers and I started to walk up to her house and I stopped. Looked around and just about jumped for joy! It isn't a huge deal but I just thought it was the coolest thing that I had only met her a month ago and she said she was perfectly happy with where she was and now here we are giving her a Book of Mormon and talking about a good time for us to come back. The Lord prepares hearts in his own due time. We can't complain with how the Lord wants HIS work to go.

 

We had Miranda's baptismal interview on Saturday. She was so excited and seemed to ready. We told her that if she didn't come to church on Sunday that she couldn't be baptized. It was Stake Conference and so we set up with our Ward mission leaders wife to come and pick up Miranda for church so that she didn't have to walk in by herself. We told her that we would safe her a seat and we would be right there with her. Well... she calls Sunday morning and tells Sis. Woodward that she won't be going to church and that she is just is feeling really crummy. The Woodwards texted us and told us about had happened. We did what we have been taught to do and that is to go over there and tell her to get her butt to church! In the nicest way possible of course :) Well she wasn't going to come no matter what. It was so sad to leave her house that morning knowing that she would not be baptized. She is so fantastic and she is prepared but she just seems to not want to put in the effort to get to church and keep that commitment  We were sad and disappointed but then we had to think, all things happen for a reason. This could deepen her conversion and want to be baptized even more because she will have to wait or it help us to know she is not the elect YET. I'm so grateful for the spirit in helping us to discern what an investigator needs and where they are at. Obviously, there is something that is holding her back. We just have to figure it out. 

 

Well my wonderful family, I love you all! I can't wait to talk to you on Sunday!! I will have Sis. Nelson email you with more of the specifics. We are trying to set up put Skype times and everything with the family that we will be with. But it will around 7 pm your time.I know that's late but we don't get out of church until 4 and then we have dinner at 5. Sis. Meyers will be skyping her family at 4 before dinner  so that means I'm after. I love you all!!! 

 

Love Sis. Mecham :) 

A Letter from West Richland: Monday, April 29, 2013

Subject: There is sunshine in my soul today!!

My dear wonderful family! My goodness this week been a blessed week! So many things happened that just made my heart sing will joy! We were able to find a new investigator and teach her! So here was the beautiful sunshine, hallmark moment to our week.

 

Sis. Duncan and I tracted into a lady about a month ago named Denise. I don't know if I already told you about her but if so oh well. :) Sis. Duncan and I the night before we met Denise were getting ready to tracted this street. We stopped the car. Read some scripture to help us refocus our minds, said a prayer and got out of the car. We started walking and knocking on some doors. It was dark out and I just kept feeling like we needed to get back into the car and go tract somewhere else. For whatever reason that night, we were not safe or we just weren't suppose to be there. Sis. Duncan and I looked at each other and without even really talking we both knew that we needed to get back into the car and go tract somewhere else. So we all but ran to car and left. We decided that we would go back the next day and tract that street when it was light out. We went back at around 6:00pm. We were walking up to this house when a women came out of her house carrying a laundry basket full of things. We introduced ourselves and started talking to her. She told us that she was looking for a religion and that she was going through some really hard times with her husband and that she needed something to give her hope. We gave her a card with our number on it and told her we would come back the next day to meet with her. Well everytime we went back, she either was home or she couldn't meet with us then. We keep trying and going back and going back. Finally, Sis. Meyers and I go over there one Sunday night at about 8:30 and she answers the door. We set up an appointment to come back and teach her. We were so excited! We go back that Tuesday to teach her and she isn't home and leaves a note on the door telling us she is so sorry that we will have to reschedule. So we keep going back. We were starting to get a little frustrated and think we put her down as someone for missionaries to contacted later. Wednesday, we were driving and chatting and found ourselves over by her house. Sis. Meyers and I both knew that we needed to go and see her. I was terrified. The last thing that I wanted to do was to turn someone away from the church because we were too pushy but when the spirit says go... You better go. So.. We go. haha The whole way up to her house I am just praying and hoping that she lets us come in. We say Hi and chat with her for a minute and then she asks us if we want to come in.. Sis. Meyers and I both could not say yes fast enough! So we get into talk to her and she tells us all about her problems that she is having with her husband and with her kids and how she needs something in her life. She turns to me and says "Sister, when you met me on the street that day, I was going to give up. And then I met you guys." The spirit was so strong! I told her about when Sis. Duncan and I were going to tract her street the night before and how we knew that we needed to meet her and so did the Lord. She told us how everytime we come to see her she is having just the worst day and then we show up on her doorstep. We have a return appointment to teach her about the Restorationa and prayer tonight :)

 

I don't even have words to express how I felt. My heart ached and rejoiced all at the same time. I know with all my heart that the Lord guided us to Denise and that she has been prepared to receive the message that we share. I love this gospel. I love my Savior and know that he is real. That he lives.

 

A calling to be missionary is not just that but it is calling to be a representative of the Lord. To do what he wants done and to say what he wants said. I love this work!! I love you all!! The church is true!!

 

Love Sis. Mecham

A Letter from West Richland: Monday, April 22, 2013

Hi there family!! 

So this week has been a wonderful yet hard week all in one. Sis. Meyers and I are trying really hard to make sure that we are setting goals that are inspired by the Lord and working hard to achieve them. That has been one of our biggest struggles this week as so many people decided to cancel on us. During these times of trial it's sometimes hard to see what the Lord really wants us to learn from them but if there is one thing that I am sure of is that we do learn from them and we are stronger because of them. I have learned this week that through hard work and prayer and scripture study the Lord can speak to our hearts like nothing else can. Through our rough week we also saw a lot of miracles come from it that we didn't expect. The Lord is always willing to grant us those! Man he is good!! Our zone was pushing for each companionship to get 2 new investigators. Sis. Meyers and I had some people that were beautiful prospects to receive the gospel but alas... Satan worked his magic on them and at the end of the week they were still not progressing. BUT! While we were sitting in sacrament meeting we were thinking about a name that we had seen in our area book that sisters previously had been over to teach and give some serves to. We went over there last night and we didn't even have to say one word to her, she opened the door said hello and told us to come in! I think I may have stood there with my mouth open wide. The Lord blessed us to get one new investigator last night! Through us showing our faith in not forgetting about that goal, we were able to at least get one new investigator through our efforts. 
 
We were still able to each some really great lessons this week as we met with Anne, and the Bowman family and Miranda. On Tuesday President and Sister Greer came and did interviews and specialized training. Our specialized training was all on church attendance which is exactly what we needed!! Sis. Meyers and I have been trying really hard to get our investigators to come to church. One of the things they focused on was giving a church tour to our investigators. Sis. Meyers and I looked at each other and new that is exactly what we had to do!! So we set up a time with Miranda that we could go and have a church tour with her. It has so stinkin' amazing!! We took her around the church and showed where everything was and then ended up in the chapel. The spirit was so strong! We each bore our testimony on church attendance and how sacrament meeting is so extremely important. She ended up not coming to church the next day but I know that she felt the spirit. I know that all of us were changed because of that lesson. I am so grateful for the opportunity to go to sacrament meeting every week and partake of the sacrament and feel the comfort that it gives to me. 
 
We went and taught Anne this week. As we were reading the Book of Mormon with her she just kept saying how she had read something like this while she was reading the Bible. Every time was talked about it you could just see a different light in her eyes! That is why I love my mission!! So many little miracles like that along the way. We can't wait to go back and teach her more about the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine of Christ. I just can't say enough how much this work really just makes my like come full circle. I know this gospel is true. I know our Savior lives and loves us. I know through His infinite atonement that all things can be made right. I LOVE it so MUCH!

 

Love you all!! Sister Mecham

A Letter from West Richland: Monday, April 15, 2013

Hello my dear wonderful family!! This has been another really wonderful week here in West Richland. We have had a hard time with people wanting to see us this week and being home but other than that,we have had some really awesome lessons this week and seen how the hand of the Lord is always stretched out toward us. So I need to tell you all about my darling new companion!! She is fantastic! Her name is Sis. Meyers and she is Denver Colorado. She is the 4th of 7 kids and is just so ready to work and get in and get things done. It's been so fun to see the new missionary fire in her and how it helps me to stay focused. I'm so grateful for that! On Wednesday morning she came back to West Richland with me and we got her all unpacked and settled and then off to work we went. We didn't stop untill we got back home that night at 9. Oh man were we tired! It was so great though! I love those days when I go to bed knowing that what I accomplished that day is exactly what the Lord would have had me do. One of the most beautiful feelings ever!

 

This week we were able to go and teach Anne the Plan of Salvation. It was going really good and then we got to the kingdoms of Glory.... And She was lost. It was in that moment that I knew that I wasn't prepared to teach to her concerns that she had. As of then, I hadn't met anyone on my mission who had a really hard time with that principle. But has I've been studying this week to try and help her understand why Heavenly father has planned it that way, it has just helped my testimony grow in knowing that I as I do all that I can and strengthen myself in the gospel, I will feel comfortable in the Celestrial Kingdom. His plan really is best way. No questions asked.

 

We met with Miranda this last week  and taught her all about the Doctrine of Christ ( faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.) It went really well and we committed her to come to church yesterday. She was so excited and really seemed to be committed to come. She event told us that she would bring her friend with her. We just about jumped out of our seats when she said that. Well Sunday comes and we wait and wait for Miranda. 11:00 hits and church starts and no Miranda... My heart sunk. I just kept thinking about what we could have done to help her in attending church. And if we were listening to the spirit to address her concerns and meet them.. We decided for our companionship study this morning that we would study why church attendance is so important other than the fact that it is a commandment. We were reading in 3 Nephi 18 this morning all about the sacrament. Of course that is why we attend sacrament meeting. We renew our covenants we make at baptism and also in the temple but something different stood out to me this time that I've always known but it was just confirmed to me. In verse 18 it talks about how Satan desires to have us. Desires is a pretty strong word. He doesn't just want it, he DESIERS it! But we are given some beautiful council in verse 25 "But rather that ye should come unto me, that ye might feel and see.." We need to come unto him. That is the purpose of church. To come unto him and to feel and see and to know that Jesus is the Christ. That desire to follow him will always over power anything else as long as we continue to attend and build up our wall against satan. I know that we will feel renewed and receive peace as we attended church and renew our covenants with the Lord. 

 

I love you all!! I know that this church is true!! 

 

Love Sis. Mecham  

A Letter from West Richland: Monday, April 08, 2013

Subject: Conference....transfer calls and springtime!

These are a few of my favorite things!! Well the first and the last but not so much the middle one. We have transfers coming on Wednesday and well I'm staying in West Richland and... Training a new missionary! Pres. Greer called my yesterday morning at 8:30 as we were driving to conference and asked me to train... I may or may not have wanted to throw the phone out of the moving car window and then tell President that there was a bad connection but I figured I better be obedient and accept the responsibility and opportunity. As we got to conference we sat down and got to hear the last part of Music and the Spoken Word and where Lloyd K. Newell was talking about things that seem beyond us and that can seem over baring and challenging. He talked about just keep pushing and by small and simple means are great things brought to pass. Miracles will happen. I took that as an answer from my loving Heavenly Father to know that even though we may not feel like we are right one of the job, whom the Lord calls, He qualifies. I'm really excited for this new challenge and excited to meet my new little kid on Wednesday morning!

 

One of my very favorite things that happened this week in West is that we got our awesome golden investigator on date!! Miranda will be baptized on May 4th!! We planned to go over and watch Joseph: The Prophet of the Restoration with her and her DVD player ended up on working. Heavenly Fathers plan is always better than our plan. We ended up sharing the Plan of Salvation. I can't remember if last week I told you a little about Miranda but her mom died about a month and a half ago. At the ended of a super sweet lesson, Sister Duncan asked her if she would be baptized on May 4th and she sat there for a second and said... " Yeah, I can totally do that!" I cried. hahah we then bore testimony that we knew that Heavenly Father has been waiting for her to do this for a really long time. And that her Mom is so very proud of her. The spirit in that room was undeniable. It was perfect! To top it all off, we found out that she is a direct descendant of Joseph Smith... UHH Say what?!?! We have been teaching a direct descendant from Joseph Smith!! And she is getting BAPTIZED! I didn't really thinking about it until Sis. Duncan said something to me about it. So cool!!

 

I loved Conference this weekend!! Oh my goodness! It was so fantastic! All the talk about Missionary work and how it is booming! It gave me chills to know that the word of God is getting out, not just getting out there but out there fast and it is being received! People have been prepared and often times we don't know who they are until we open our mouths and say something. One of the favorite talks was Sister Daltons talk. All about returning to Virture. I loved the qoute that she shared "What e're thou art. Act well thy part." We have to stand as witnesses at all times and in all things. As we do so we will be strengthened and remember the covenants that we have made and will make and continue to keep. Act well our part. I'm so grateful for wonderful leaders that lead and guide us and help us grow. I know this church is true and that our Savior lives. I love you all and hope you have a fantastic week!!

 

 

Love, Sister Mecham

A Letter from West Richland: Monday, April 01, 2013

Subject: The field is white, already to harvest!

For the West Richland area that statement is so true!! We have been trying really hard to find the elect. And this week the Lord smiled down on us as we tried to do his will. We had receive a referral about two weeks ago from one of the senior couples that works in the office and told us to go and stop by this ladies house named Miranda. Well we kept going over there and knocking on the door and no one would answer. We talked about it and decided that we would try one more time and if she didn't answer than we were going to mark her has contacted and then try back in a couple of weeks. Well good thing the Lord knows best. We went over there, knocked on the door and again no one answered. We started walking away and just as we were about to open the gate and get back into our car, out comes Miranda from her house. Turns out she has been out of town all week and just came back. She was sick and so she couldn't meet then but we set up a return appointment to go back. I love how the Lord is in charge of this work. If it was my job, there would be so many things that I would miss and so many mistakes that I would make. So we go back and teach her all about the Restoration and she is just down right GOLDEN! She had taken the lessons when she was 14 with her mom who just recently passed away about a month ago. Her mom joined the church but she never did. She seemed to really soak it all in and really grab on to it. In the first 20 mins of sitting there talking with her, I asked her if she came to know that these are true, if she would be baptized. She sat there for a second and then said, "yeah, I would. I'm not against it in anyway." I couldn't stop smiling! Haha the Lord really truly is preparing hearts to recieve the gospel.

 

We met with Anne again this week and were about to help her understand more about the Word of Wisdom and how Jesus is the same as Jehovah. That was a really cool one to study and understand! We just need her to listen a little more and then her questions might just be answered as we go along. ;) She is so fantastic and things are going great with her!

 

We had another really cool experience this week has we were tracting. So last monday night we decided we were going to tract this street over in an area we just started to tract. We park our car, read some scriptures to get us more intune with the spirit and then get out of our car and start. Well as we are tracting, no one is answering their doors and we were just not getting a good feeling about being there. We all but ran to our car and drove away. We decided we would go back on Tuesday to finish when it was lighter outside. Oh how the Lord works in mysterious ways! So go back on Tuesday and after a little while, we are walking down the street and women walks out of this house. I say hi and tell her who we are and what not. She then starts to tell us about how she has been looking for a church to go to so she can help her kids. She is facing a lot of really hard life challenges and needs God in her life. We kept talking with her and set up a time for us to come back. She turns to us and says " Ya know, I know this was inspired. You were suppose to be here today. Look I've got the chills!" Sis. Duncan and I just stood there and all but cried. With our jaws all the way to the ground. We were suppose to meet Denise that day as we were tracting. The Lord will lead us where he needs us if we only listen to him.

 

Well family, I love you!! The church is true!!

 

Love, Sister Mecham