August 30, 2021: 8 pack smiles

 We spent ALL day(11am-9pm) at the State Fair to find people to talk to about Jesus Christ. We talked with SO many people and smiled SO much that we both mutually agreed that we have 8 packs on our check bones. Batman saves lives with his 8 pack of abs and we save lives through our 8 pack of genuine smiles. #literallyflexin :))

"I can't believe anyone would ever eat an avocado plain", said our new friend Eliana in our first lesson. Sister 'BB' and I exchanged glances and announced that I had eaten a plain Avocado for dinner right before our visit. She looked at me funny and changed the subject. HAHA oh well. 

I had exchanges with my favorite, Sister Staheli!!! I love her so much even though every time I see her, she tries to recruit me to attend Utah State... She is serving in Wasilla again so I had the privilege to join her! Since it was a Friday, we decided to stop at our favorite gas station on the KGB and have a "return of the Freal Frazil Friday". I walked in and Travis Scott, the gas station man got so excited that he yelled, "ELLY!!!" And put a huge smile on his face. He bought us candy and apologized that he didn't make it to church 7 months ago when I invited him. He told me that I was the only one that he has ever met that has made him even think about turning out of atheism to start believing in God. Wow. The spirit has really been working hard on Travis! 

We had a member lesson with the Beistline family. At the end, their 11 year old daughter who hadn't said anything during the whole lesson looked up and asked, "How old do you have to be to serve a mission?". I explained 19 and asked If she wanted to serve. To her moms surprise, her answer was yes! It was sweet to see the young woman's realization of her desire to serve Jesus Christ. I love influencing littles:)

After our elderly bible study, an older woman with the name of Katie, rolled up in her wheelchair sad that she missed the study and sad that the cafeteria didn't offer salads. One of the workers informed her that the café did offer salads, but you had to ask! Katie paused and looked at the worker. She exclaimed, "I haven't had a salad in the 3 years I've been staying here all because I haven't asked?!". 

Asking is often hard for people to do. Thankfully in this instance, it was just a salad. But because of this, she never was able to receive the joy that would have come from the salad she had been craving for 3 years! 

Faith takes work. In order to have faith, we must study through faithful sources, have a personal belief of Jesus Christ as our Savior, act in faith, and then simply ask God for help. Faith brings not only power, but also answers! As we ask for help and see Gods power work in our everyday lives, we are allowing the Lord to lead us on a journey of spiritual discovery. Jesus Christ took upon himself your misery, your mistakes, your sins! He paid the price for each of us individually, to show his unfailing love and healing. 

The message I share with the people of Alaska is full of this hope and healing. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is here to bless every aspect of our lives. But only IF, we simply ask for help and open our hearts to the power of Jesus Christ. So next time, if you find yourself complaining about not having salad for the last 3 years, reflect and ask with faith. 

Choose JOY,

Sister Rex

Pics:

-Melissa, Palmer HS lunches

-Travis & FFF &Staheli

-Reed Lake hike

-Jenkins Apple picnic 

-"hey sisters. Get in the trooper car" -Brother Robert's

-Reflection Lake

-the Martodell's dragon