March 14, 2022: don't got the Alaska clear

 I saw a man sitting at a bus stop. We walked over and the man started bashing on religions in general. It hurt my heart a lot. I felt the power of the Savior's compassion for him as I pondered how he was a child of God, even if he didn't believe in Him. He told me I couldn't be happy in a religion. I asked him if I looked happy. He paused, looked at me and responded, "you are glowing of happiness". I said, "it's because of my faith in Jesus Christ ''. He didn't like the answer and got really angry. So we wished him a good day and quickly walked away. What he said really made me feel down. As we were walking away heavy, a man in a blue Chevy volt drove by, smiled big and gave us a thumbs up. This man, through a simple deed, brought me to tears. I know God sent him there and then to give us the confidence to continue sharing the word. 

We read Alma 36 with our friend Devon in Yakutat. We read verse 3, where it says, "whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials". We asked him if he had an experience with this scripture. He went on to tell us that when he was wrongfully accused in prison, there was an elderly couple who visited him. They told him if he read his scriptures, he would be okay. So he began reading The Book of Mormon! When he was on the last page, he was released. He testified that God is in the details of our lives. Then, I asked him to read verse 27. He read slowly, sinking in every word. 

"I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me". He paused and we could hear him weep. I know the Book of Mormon speaks to our hearts what we need to hear. This was a testimony to me, Devon, and my companion. 

I talked to a man at a Russian dumpling place and when a crowd of people walked in, our conversation ended and he left. I grabbed my Book of Mormon and looked at Sister Youncia and said, "Ready to run?". We ran after him and offered him a message. I love Sister Younica and her willingness to run with me:)

I go on a flight to Anchorage today and Brian texted us early in the morning to say a prayer. He promised me he would say a prayer before I left! So we drove over early this morning before my flight and Brian said his first prayer EVER!! I was able to teach him how and it brought me so much joy. My favorite line, "please bless Sister T-Rex to have a safe flight". ♡

We found two families to teach this week who are very prepared to receive the gospel. I saw Felipe in his garage and I told Sister Youncia to whip over. He gave us his number and invited us back on Sunday. He said he is tired of his current faith and wants to become Christian. He was so reverent and filled with peace during our discussion. He reminded me of my dad, and when I told him that I cried a little. We promised him that he will be blessed for following the restored gospel. He said, "This is the first meeting I have had with missionaries like you that has been beneficial. I know this will change my life for the better. I know God is all about timing because I would not have listened if it was at any other time in my life". 

Then we had a lesson with Braydon, who we knocked on his door to see if he knew his neighbors. He said his friend is a member of our church and he wants to learn more and join! We had a lesson on his doorstep in the snow. We parked our cars on the side of the road, and this lady came out of her house and yelled at us for parking there during our lesson... awko! So after, we went by and apologized. Turns out she used to be a member of our church and wants us to visit with her about it! She had a total attitude change towards us. But it's all because we parked wrongly on the side of the road that we met her. #miracles :)

A nice man that I walked up to, told me I didn't have the Alaskan clear but my companion did... this is the whitest I've ever been but I'm still not "Alaska white".

Choose JOY, 

Sister Rex 

Pics:

-Brian's first prayer

-Braydon's freezing lesson 

-Felipe&Jade

-Maen, "I'll be baptized in 22 years"

-Monte gets the preisthood

-Goodbye Interview w/Presdient King (he was released this week)

-The Lohreys