Hey folks!
Sorry today has been a crazy day off! We will keep it short and sweet :) We had some tracting time one night, so before we went out we prayed that we would find a family. We were drawn to a building where we went to the top floor, very last door. Next thing you know Steve answers the door! We started talking about the Plan of Salvation with him when his wife came around the corner about ready to pop! (Side note.... they had their baby this weekend! Hooray!) they looked at the Plan of Salvation pamphlet where there is a picture of a new little family. He said, "look that's us!" So later that week we went over and got to teach him and his children the entire plan and truly how wonderful it is that we can have eternal families. Oh the spirit was so strong! Towards the end of the lesson he asked, "when do you know it's a good time to get baptized?!" So..... we invited them for June 3! And they all accepted! I've never met a more prepared family who already has such a sweet spirit in their home. Heavenly Father really is guiding this work. It is such a testimony to me that he hears and answers prayers. He not only heard our prayer asking for guidance, he heard the prayers of Steve’s family that they have been saying for years. Silent or out loud. He knows every child. He knows every heart! How wonderful that we get to be instruments in answering his children's prayers! Love you all! Can't wait to SEE YOU THIS WEEKEND! MOMS ROCK! LOVE LOVE LOVE Sister McKayla Montgomery Write me! [email protected]
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Hi Beautiful People!
The 3 baptisms were AMAZING! Oh how special it was to see the smile on each and every one of their faces when they came out of the water. I wish you all could see the pure joy that radiates. It has made me see just how real the cleansing power of the Savior’s Atonement is. We have been teaching the sweetest little family; Wanjung is from Taiwan and Matthew is from here. They have the cutest 2 year old ever! We have taught the Plan of Salvation before but this time there was something very special in the room. Matthew had to take the baby to get ready for bed so we got to teach Wanjung personally. I have seen a pain in her eyes and aching in her heart; a true sorrow that comes from not knowing you have a literal Father in Heaven aware of every piece of you; so aware He sent a piece of His heart, His only Begotten Son, solely so that our suffering and anguish can be taken away. I saw this pain because it's one I too once felt. I was able to testify that we have the opportunity to have every burden lifted off of our shoulders and pain moved from our souls because of a love so strong we can't begin to comprehend. That is an everlasting truth I have come to gain; not just a hope or belief.... something that I know. Tears streamed down her eyes as the realization of the Savior’s Atonement touched her heart. I gave her a picture of The Savior and shared with her one of my most favorite poems. I asked her to look at this picture while imagining herself in this poem; what files would she read? What memories would she have? What pains would she feel? After sharing the poem, we said no words and had no discussion; simply ended with prayer. The spirit in that room is something I cannot describe. The look on her face holding that picture and placing herself in this story.... that is the reason I can testify The Atonement is real. Place YOURSELF in this poem.... what files would you read? What memories would you have? What pains would you feel? In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “People I Have Liked.” I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn’t match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named “Friends” was next to one marked “Friends I Have Betrayed.” The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. “Books I Have Read,” “Lies I Have Told”, “Comfort I Have Given”, “Jokes I Have Laughed At”. Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve Yelled at My Brothers.” Other I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I Have Done in My Anger”, “Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents”. I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked “Songs I Have Listened To”, I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked “Lustful Thoughts”, I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only and inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: “No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!” In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self- pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore “People I Have Shared the Gospel With”. The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn’t say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. “No!” I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was “No, no,” as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written in His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, “It is finished.” I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written. Love always, Sister McKayla Montgomery ❤ Me again!
My goodness we have been so crazy busy I feel like a chicken with my head cut off; especially having to help 10 investigators at church! Woof! That was a wild Sunday. But that's the way I like it! Right now our area is just booming and we are seeing miracles and prepared sons and daughters left and right. The biggest miracle this week was Otis! I'm not sure if I've emailed about him before.. Otis is married to a member who actually dropped the church 30+ years ago like a hot potato. But as of the past year or so she's been beginning to allow it back into her life. Slowly but surely her and Otis began attending church together about 6 months ago. They were actually one of the first people Mini Coop and I met when we got to the area! We have been working with them ever since! We always saw something special in him and knew that there was a light in him waiting to be lit. As difficult as it was working with their schedule, the past several months we have seen not only him, but his sweet wife grow more than words. Last month they told us, "we desire nothing more than entering the temple together and being sealed for time and all eternity." With tears in their eyes Otis looked at us and said, "how do I get there? How can I take my wife to the temple?" Ever since that moment he has been preparing for baptism and praying for a day. Friday we went over to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ; what a special, tender lesson. At the end we looked at Otis and said, "in 4 days we are having a baptism Otis. April 25. That is your day." He looked at his wife then back at us with the biggest smile on his face and said, "Indeed it is!" You will never believe it.... yesterday he had his interview and is being baptized tomorrow night! My heart could burst! Tomorrow three special people are entering the waters of baptism and I couldn't be more excited. I feel so blessed to have been a part of Christina, Diann and Otis' life. To watch the change it's not only made for them, but their families. To see the light that now burns in them and the testimonies they have of the love of our Savior. It is the most wonderful thing anyone could be a part of. I am so grateful for this work and this special area. Heavenly Father sure brought us low so that He could lift us even higher ❤ Until next week! Sister McKayla Montgomery Such a crazy week!
First.... Mini Coop had to go home this week :( She has been having severe back and leg pain due to a car accident for the past 8 months and it was finally affecting her work too much. Hopefully the doctors will be able to help her heal so fast. I miss her! So now for the rest of the transfer I am in a big bad trio again! We have already had way too much fun and seen so many miracles. I know that Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways and that all things happen for a reason. This week we got back into contact with an investigator Mini Coop and I had been working with for several months that had been on date for February but fell through. By the end of the lesson I invited her to be baptized again and she totally accepted! She is so excited for the 25 and so are we! The miracles just kept on coming. While tracting we saw a lady on her balcony a few stories up in the building we were going to. We said hello from the street and asked if she believed in Jesus Christ. She said yes so I asked her, "how has believing in Jesus Christ blessed your life?" She replied, ".... would you like to come in?" Ah! We taught her and her son about the Book of Mormon and the peace this Gospel brings. Yesterday we went back and discussed the atonement. The Spirit was so strong in that little room. Anish, her son, read Alma 7:11 and could not stop smiling. He said, "I just..... I feel great. I can't describe it." We knelt down in a circle as Anish offered the sweetest most sincere prayer I have ever heard. He asked his Heavenly Father to help them know if the Book of Mormon is true because he desires to know more than anything. What a special moment to witness the power of the Book of Mormon in their lives. Remember Elizabeth from a few emails back...? We went over to her home and surprisingly enough her son was there! We showed them the new Easter video 'Prince of Peace' and asked what stood out to them. Richard, the son, said, "I just feel proud to believe in the Savior." And Elizabeth said, "knowing Him brings peace." So I invited them to truly show their love and how proud they are to know such a wonderful Savior, and more fully revive that peace by being baptized. With tears in their eyes they said yes without hesitation. The Spirit was so so strong. I know that Heavenly Father places us where we need to be exactly when we need to be there. I love this Gospel and the blessings I have already seen this transfer. These people's lives and hearts change so willingly when they learn and feel of the love this Gospel brings. I am so humbled to see them so desire to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him by such simple and small manifestations. For some all it takes is simply opening the Book of Mormon- but the feeling they receive is something they just can't deny. They will change everything simply because of one thing they felt as they opened those pages. What an amazing thing it is to be a missionary ❤ I hope you all had a wonderful and Happy Easter celebrating the love of our Savior! I sure enjoyed getting to testify that He lives all week. :) The church is true! Sister McKayla Montgomery ❤ Happy Easter Week 💛
I wish I could put into words how grateful I am for this holiday, but more importantly for my Savior Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice. My absolute favorite hymn is "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"; never once have a sung it with a dry eye. My testimony is just that; I KNOW that MY Redeemer indeed does live, and how grateful I am for it. Easter is so much more than crème filled chocolate, bunnies and spring. It is about the opportunity and privilege we have to become whole because of our Savior who does live, and suffered every price to do so. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, kneeled by himself for hours, taking on the pains of every-single-one of Heavenly Fathers children who ever had, did, or would live. No one was exempt. For hours he cried as he felt more than simply our mere sins.... there is not one pain he didn't experience, one heart break he didn't feel, one tear he didn't shed, one thought he didn't know, one weakness he didn't go through, one anguish he didn't suffer or despair he didn't feel as he cried for you. Not one moment. For you personally, he willingly knelt and pleaded to his father to take on your entire mortal journey just so that one day you can return to his loving embrace again. This pain included something the Savior never knew he would be without; His Heavenly Father. In order to truly know every possible mortal feeling, he had to know what it felt like to not have god in his life. "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" Can you imagine the depth of that pain? To literally feel his father, his best friend, letting go of his hand for a small moment, leaving him empty, alone and afraid? in the time of his OWN greatest pain and anguish, he was left alone. I weep as I imagine my Savior in so much pain with no one to turn to. He suffered the greatest pain of all in that moment so that you never have to. You don't ever have to feel the depth of sorrow that the absence of a loving Father in Heaven brings due to His sacrifice. It is impossible; the only thing making it feel so is you. I testify of a loving Savior, Jesus Christ, who knows you and every piece of you. We are not promised days without despair or trials that may seem impossible, but we are promised strength for tears and light for the way, for He has already cried for you. Do not for one second think that you are alone, that you can't change, heal, grow, overcome or be forgiven. The greatest sacrifice has already been paid. He is carrying us day by day and step by step because He knows exactly the pain of your heart. One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. "Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, you would leave me." He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testing’s. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you." Turn to the Savior. Find the Savior, for He has already found you. He loves you; more than we can ever begin to fully and truly understand. I want you all to know I love my Savior, my Redeemer, Jesus Christ, with all my heart can give. Sister McKayla Montgomery Hi!
Man Heavenly Father is so great and is so aware of every single one of His children. So many amazing things happened, so I'll just tell you a few! The past several weeks have been pretty slow... We had to clean out our area book, drop a ton of people and go through the beginning of the missionary cycle. Aka the past several weeks resulted in many canceled appointments which lead to lots of finding. So, this week Sister Cooper and I desperately wanted to get work on progressing and find new investigators that were ready to hear the everlasting gospel. We started it off by praying and praying and PRAYING to find new investigators; practically begging Heavenly Father to help us find His children whose hearts had been prepared. Wednesday we received the sweetest miracle! I saw two women standing by their car talking and immediately went up to them. One of them said she had grown up as a Christian but had never attended church and has been longing recently to attend one. By the end of our conversation she was thrilled to have us come over and discuss more of Heavenly Father’s plan for His children. She said, "It’s funny you guys talked to me today, I was literally just thinking about all of this!" But the miracle doesn't stop there! Later as we were walking back to our car we saw an older lady walking in front of us carrying a bag and suddenly I found myself practically running to her! I asked if I could help her carry anything. She turned to look at me and paused with tears in her eyes. She said, "I have been praying, begging that God would send me a message of hope; He has sent you as my angels." Apparently she had met missionaries once before and desired to know more but could never find them again. We told her how that is our sole purpose as missionaries; to teach the hope this Gospel and the Savior’s Atonement brings. She grabbed my hand and said, "I know. I know what you teach. God sent you to me today." We never know the reason behind God’s timing or the thoughts behind His planning, but in the end it always works for our greatest happiness. He does know every single one of His children personally. He hears each of our prayers; especially the silent ones we cannot say. This week was such a testament to me of my Savior’s love and divine, personal role in my life. I felt Him with me as Elizabeth cried seeing her prayers answered. It was as if I could hear the Savior saying to her, "I know you've needed a message of hope. I AM the hope you are looking for. I've been with you this whole time. I'm never going to leave you. Take my hand." What a tender and precious moment that was; seeing the Savior answer my little prayer through the cry of another's heart. I know God and our Savior Jesus Christ live; but more importantly I know their love is real. They do indeed know you and hear every prayer you give; silent or out loud. Their entire purpose is to guide you to your eternal joy. The Savior is the light and hope we each so desperately need. Don't give up on them; every cry is answered in their own due time. They see your eternity. Trust Him; He's waiting to take your hand. Love always, Sister McKayla Montgomery Hi Beautiful People!
So I can finally tell you all how excited I am! My best friend is PREGNANT! I've been dying keeping it in, but I am so excited for you Paige! ❤ Also, CONGRATS BRINTON FOR WINNING SUNSHINE and also for hitting your first varsity homer! Woot woot I'm just the happiest little gal in DC! This past week was pretty dang slow because apparently not everyone is spending 18 months 24/7 focused on the Gospel and nothing else....?¿ Whoda thunk! So this week it's going to be super short and sweet, sorry about that! Something that is super duper great as a missionary is General Conference because it gives us so many teaching opportunities! This week will be full of inviting people to listen to our modern day Prophet give specific revelation for our time right now. Its amazing to see their faces when they learn that God loved his children and still speaks to them; it never ended with the Savior! It's especially great to be able to testify to those you are teaching that God truly does 1- hear every single prayer 2- answer every single one in his own due time 3- give revelation to Thomas S. Monson and his divinely called apostles that truly give us insight and answers if we take our feelings and concerns to the Lord and listen with an open and sincere heart to the talks given. I know that Thomas S. Monson truly is called of God and is HIS revelator and tool in these latter days. I know that if we take our deepest concerns, questions, desires and needed guidance to the Lord that he will manifest truth and guidance to you through one of his given messages this weekend. We all have eyes to look and ears to hear, but it takes faith to have eyes to see and ears to listen; LISTEN to your Savior and SEE his hand and ever caring heart in your life this weekend. He does know you, and he indeed loves you. Can you all do me a favor? Will you email me next week with something you needed to feel or have answered that was manifested to you during conference? I need all the help I can get here in this crazy city, and your powerful testimonies and experiences that have been shared with me these past months have truly changed lives. I love you all! Sister McKayla Montgomery ❤ [email protected] Hello sweet friends and family ❤
This will be a longer one, but I pray you will take the time to read and gain something from this letter today. How lucky am I to be on the Lord's errand at this moment. Because I am serving I have seen many downs, but with all downs come the joy when those tribulations are made up. As we all know, every storm, eventually, runs out of rain, and no race starts without a place to end. I have come to learn that life, especially living the gospel, is quite similar to the dreaded 400 meter dash. Contrary to popular belief, track, especially the 400 is NOT just going out and hoping your legs move faster than everyone else around you and "running in circles". Put aside the hours of lifting and pains of conditioning, you need: Hours upon hours of training your ankles to stay at the right angle. Hours of strengthening and properly moving and placing your arms; holding your fingers in the right position. Hours of one little 3 second drill, over and over again, training your mind to remember again reflex and react accordingly. Hours of taking one step out of the blocks and coach yelling "AGAIN" until you finally get it right; and once you get it right.... hours of repeatedly doing that first step until you're only counting your mistakes. Hours and hours and hours of not even running. Preparing for the 400 is exhausting in and of itself. Nothing in this world gives me more anxiety than warming up for an open 400, standing in my lane and watching as my heat gets closer and closer. "I know I've trained. I know I've practiced. McKayla Montgomery, I know you can do this." The moment the gun goes off it usually becomes silent; just me and my thoughts. For all you sprinters out there, I'm sure you know the thoughts that come as you finish your first 100 meters. "I have so much more to sprint holy crap... it's ok keep pushing keep pushing!" But no matter how confident you feel or how well you've prepared, about half way through you get good ol butt lock. Your legs start to get tired, your chest starts to tighten. Suddenly you're running through sand. "Are you kidding me I'm only half way..?" "Why on earth did I train for the 400" Coming to that last curve your body is asking you to stop; "I can't do this. I can't feel my legs. I can't breathe. I can't do this." "Am I even running?" "I can't do this, my time isn't going to be good. They're all going to start passing me. I don't think I can do this any longer." My desire slips away. But something miraculous happens.... As I make my way around that last corner, I see something I wasn't able to for 3/4 of the race; the finish line. I hear something I wasn't able to on the other side of the track; I hear my family cheering my name, my sister telling me I got this, my parents telling me to stay ahead; don't give up, my friends and loved ones saying, "you're ALMOST there! Keep pushing! You're so close!" In that moment, something sparks in me as I see how far I've come and how much I'd be giving up if I quit. Suddenly I don't care about the burning in my chest or pain down my legs; I see the finish line, and I see my Savior saying, "Don't. You. Quit." There is no way to describe the feeling of crossing that finish line in your fastest time after feeling so inadequate. Nothing could be more similar than falling into our Savior’s arms after battling our own race. Pushing until that very last step giving all we had. My life has brought me ups, but it has certainly brought me downs. Moments I wanted to quit and thought I couldn't go one step further. Moments I had no idea how on earth I could get through this trial. Moments I felt so distant from love and joy. Moments I doubted this Gospel and my testimony. I testify of the power that comes through entering that last curve and hearing your loved ones and Savior yelling, "don't you quit. Don't you give up. You are so close." Truly giving all you have to the very last step- even if sometimes all you have left is hope. I know your trials may be masked by a curve or the burning in your chest, but that finish line will come- no race is started without a place to end. Don't you give up. It's only 400 Meters. Sister McKayla Montgomery Helloooo from Silver Spring, Maryland!
This week was a little more quiet and pretty slow. To be honest it seemed to last forever and it was hard to find moments to smile about. Especially after being flashed full frontal by an old wrinkly man.... White Oak's always full of fun surprises :-) In all honesty I really struggled this week. I found myself aching to be home; to be there for the people I hold most dear in times of their greatest struggle and loneliness. To be there for some of my loved ones mile stones that have recently happened. To maybe somehow make a change for those I see struggling and falling away that I hold so dear to my heart.... I simply struggled allowing my heart to be here when it is needed there. I realized missions are often full of many thorns with few, but wonderful, roses. As I was studying in D&C my heart was touched and my sorrows lifted as I learned a very important truth: I am His. D&C 50: 40-44 40: Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. 41: Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; 42: And none of them of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost. Right now I may not understand why things happen the way they do or why people change the way they have all while I am away. I do not understand His eternal plan for me and why I needed to be in DC at this particular time when I know I am needed in other places as well at this same particular time. I will not understand why my earthly sorrow and the thorns in my path are what Heavenly Father has placed there to help me grow and smile. None of us will be able to see through His perspective and understand His timing, but I have learned that that's ok. We are quite literally little children with eternity ahead of us. Heavenly Father knows that we quite literally "cannot bear all things now". That is why we need a Savior, for He has overcome the world and seen all of our thorns. But we are His, and because of that we will never be lost. We cannot bear these earthly trials without turning to Him. I know my eyes see so little, but I have seen that if I turn to Him, I will never be lost. Where do I begin!
Esther's baptism was so very special. Leading up to her baptism she told us, "You have changed my life. You mean so much to me. This day is going to be to special; one that I will never forget." And it truly was; one I will never forget! Needless to say, watching her enter the waters of baptism wearing all white and the smile on her face as she came out of the water was one of my most treasured moments. There are no words to describe the type of happiness exuding from her that night and the following morning receiving the Holy Ghost! I feel so blessed to have had the privilege of watching the true Light of the Gospel impact someone's life the way it has hers. She was bouncing her baby at church and said, "Only 8 more years until yours!" And went to all of our investigators and told them, "I can’t wait to be at your baptism one day! I am so happy!" Ha ha she just radiates her testimony and I am so grateful for her. Her and her husband already have the day marked on their calendar when they get to enter the temple and be sealed for time and all eternity! I love them so dearly. Here is a little miracle for you all: a few weeks ago during sacrament meeting we met this sweet lady named Koko, who we had never seen before. We asked if she was new to the ward and could immediately tell she had no idea what we were talking about. She told us, "I haven't been to a church in years and woke up today and just felt like I really needed to go to one. So I looked one up and decided to come here." Me and Sister Cooper didn't even know what to say we were so excited! She stayed the rest of church and absolutely loved it! She kept saying how she felt so happy and could not wait to come again after she got back from her vacation! Well, she got back earlier this week so we got to meet with her and talk some more. Turns out, her fiancé is a RETURNED MISSIONARY. We had the most amazing lesson on the Restoration with her and invited her to be baptized. We told her that this Sunday was fast Sunday, where we can have a prayer on steroids to truly get answers and help from our Heavenly Father. So, she fasted with us yesterday to know if she should be baptized- holy cow! We are so excited to meet with her again and see how she feels. I know that fasting, especially with investigators truly does bring miracles. We fasted for several particular cases yesterday so stay tuned! I love you all so much and just wanted to say thank you for all of the many prayers and the support you give. I know that without the Savior and the love from you all I wouldn't be able to do this on my own. I feel your love strengthen me daily and am seeing the blessings of the many faithful prayers you give. Thank you for all the contribution you do for this Great and Marvelous Work! I know this Gospel is True and am so grateful to be a part of it. Love love love, Sister McKayla Montgomery ❤ Exciting news... Me and Mini Coop are staying another transfer here in White Oak! Thank goodness- we have so much work to do here this transfer and we could not be more excited to get to work and make miracles happen! The weather here in Maryland has gotten so nice! We didn't even have to wear tights this week! I will admit though, I felt pretty naked without them after having to wear them every day for the past several months. LOL! But man, secretly kind of jealous of all the amazing snow you all are getting down in Springville! Have fun sledding and watching movies all cuddled up for me :)
Things are going super duper great here in White Oak! This week is one I've been looking forward to for some time now; Esther is getting baptized this weekend! My goodness, don't be surprised if you see her called as the next General Relief Society President here in a few years. Esther truly is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. Her spirit radiates, her testimony touches my soul. I will write more about her and her testimony next week, after she enters those waters wearing all white ❤ This weekend we got to take Whitney, our 14 year old investigator to the Visitors Center to watch the Joseph Smith movie. Whitney's mother is a less active who, to keep the story short, won't allow her to be baptized until she is "old enough to understand and actually know". Because of that, Whitney has been trying to gain her own testimony and truly know for herself if it is true. During the First Vision she looked at us and said, "Did that REALLY happen. I mean really literally legit happen?" Sister Cooper and I both smiled and said, "Yes. It really, really did." For the rest of the movie you could feel a different spirit fill the room. It was powerful, sincere and most quiet. I have seen this movie several times. I have rehearsed the First Vision in too many lessons to even count. I have read about Joseph Smith and watched his documentaries, but this time.... it was different. For one of the first times in my life I finally understood why the scriptures say, "your heart will swell and burn" and "The Spirit will fill your whole soul", because as I watched Joseph Smith say goodbye to his children and let go of his cherished wife Emma and ride to Carthage Jail, my heart swelled and burned in a way I haven't felt. My whole soul; every fiber of my being was touched with The Spirit. With silence in the room and tears streaming down my face, I got to bear testimony to Whitney of Joseph Smith in a way I never had before. It was quiet for a moment, and then she said "I want to go on a mission. When can I get baptized so I can prepare. Everyone needs to know Joseph Smith is a Prophet." I bear you my personal and special witness that Joseph Smith did, in reality, see God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ; he knows their voice and has of heard their love. I know, that a man would not have hugged his sweet little children goodbye, and let go of the person he loves more than anyone; his wife, who time after time was there to wipe away his tears. I KNOW, that he would not have said goodbye, suffered day after day after day.... been beaten, tormented, tried and burdened with more sorrow than we can imagine, for a book. Joseph Smith would not have carried the permanent image of his children's face as he walked out the door for the last time, for a book; for something that wasn't as real as this Gospel and our Savior's love is. Every member who died, was persecuted and left every single thing behind willingly would not have done so, brothers and sisters, if they did not know that this was true. Not just good.... True. I know that Jesus is the Christ. This IS in reality his Gospel, once again restored to the earth. With every beat of my heart and breath of my soul I know that it is true. There is not anything on this earth I could ever have that is greater than this knowledge. My testimony of Joseph Smith and this Gospel has grown so much and will only continue to, as can yours if you allow it. With all the love of my heart, Sister McKayla Montgomery Well folks the time has come..... my least favorite week of the whole year. Anyone who knows me knows how much I hate Valentine's Day... and have been dreading this day on the mission field.... but all is well because my Valentine just turned TWO WHOLE YEARS OLD (yes, Price! I'm talking to you). Can you all do me a favor and stop living your lives for another 9.5?! Too many of you are growing up and getting married and it's freaking me out. SLOW DOWN AND TAKE A BREATHER.
Ok onto real missionary stuff: this week was so amazing and filled with miracles, just as every week can be if that's how you make it. Last week while we were walking back to our car after a lesson, I saw a man across the way packing his life away and hauling boxes to a moving truck. How I saw him I do not know, but I immediately began walking towards him and told Mini Coop (the most fitting name for my cute companion, considering she is 5'1") that we needed to talk to him. With movers there and all the craziness that goes on with moving, it was a less than ideal situation to walk up and start sharing the gospel. But I've learned the Adversary always puts the hardest contacts to those who need the Gospel most. We talked for a second and learned his family is moving back to Malawi in a few weeks, but he told us we could come back later that week and share our message with his family. Friday came and him and his wife let us in; sweetest people! She speaks very little English, but gladly participated. I had not anticipated how much this Restoration lesson would change my life... The spirit in the room as we shared the first vision and the miracle and blessing of that day was indescribable. I haven't cried while sharing the first vision since I taught Sister Braga. Even without understanding everything that was being said, the wife began to cry with me. I bore testimony in that moment that I KNOW Joseph Smith truly did see God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ that day because of a humble prayer. As she was wiping her tears she got up from the couch and ran upstairs ; next thing you know she came back down with two of her daughters and ushered them see the picture we shared of Joseph in the Sacred Grove. I asked her why she was crying; she looked at me and her daughters and said, "This is true." The Husband then said quietly, "this is a miracle." After sharing the miracle and blessing that because of that humble prayer, we now have the Book of Mormon to know these things, and so much more, are true for ourselves, I invited them to be baptized in Malawi. They all, even the girls, smiled SO big and so sweetly said yes. AH. Even though I won't be there on one of the happiest days of their life, just the fact that a family is now on the path to being sealed for time and all eternity is what missions are all about. That is the reason being on a mission has been the happiest time of my life. One day, I will get to see them again, and thank them for growing my testimony as I look at them filled with the love and spirit of Christ; clean and whole. We don't always see the fruits of our labors... and that is 100% ok. Those missionaries in Malawi are about to meet some of God's most loved and elect children. My heart is so happy it could burst. I love this Gospel; it changes lives. It blesses families and it has blessed me. Sister McKayla Montgomery I have a confession....
I love my mission and I never want to come home! Sorry everybody but I'm staying a missionary for the rest of my life! One of our investigators stopped us in the middle of speaking while talking about missionary work and asked, "What is in it for you? I mean really what do you earn? Why did you leave everything to come here?" The only response that could come out of my mouth before tears came to my eyes was, "What do I not earn?" My mission is everything to me. I have said it before and I will say it again; I am not teaching or giving, I am the one gaining. I am the one coming to know my Savior. I am the one who has the privilege of being in His special care day to day. I am the one who is constantly learning that He has a plan in store for me, even if right now my little mortal eyes are blocked and disheartened. My mission is changing ME. Being here is not a sacrifice... leaving my home was not a trial. Being here is a blessing. Leaving everything was the best thing I have ever done, because I have gained so much in return. This week we got to finally meet Esther, whose husband is a wonderful member. They are from Sierra Leon and have the squishiest little baby (not holding him is the only trial and sacrifice I am making here...). Wednesday we got to go over and hear more of her story. From the minute we met her I could feel the spirit so strong testifying that she is one of God's chosen at this moment in time. We taught the Restoration and bore testimony on the First Vision. When we finished those words, "This is my Beloved Son, hear Him," the spirit flooded the room. She looked at us and said, "Now I KNOW that he is a true prophet." When discussing the Book of Mormon we read a paragraph from the pamphlet which says, "The Book of Mormon is convincing evidence of the Restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith. You can know for yourself that the Book of Mormon is true. To gain this knowledge, you must read it, ponder its message, and desire to know if it is true. You must ask Heavenly Father to confirm that it is His word. As you do so, He will reveal to you through the Holy Ghost that it is true." She looked at us and said, "Those three word mean everything to me. READ it, actually open those divine pages, DESIRE to love what you are reading and then ASK God. That is how I know the Book is true, and that is why I am going to read it. Every word." She had already shown such great faith, so no surprise when we came back on Friday she had opened those divine pages and prayed about the message they contained. Every minute I spend with her and listen to the words that come from her mouth, my jaw just drops to the floor. She has such a desire to know her Savior and come unto Him. She has such a desire in fact, that she willingly and whole heartedly accepted to be baptized on March 4, if work allows! My heart could burst! She is so prepared and practically teaches herself by her desires! How could being in the presence of a family who now has the opportunity to enter the gates of being sealed for time and all eternity, watching someone feel the truthfulness of the divine words in the Book of Mormon and this Gospel be a sacrifice? Watching Esther's husbands face as she told him she was getting baptized as he walked through the doors coming home from work was everything and more to me. I know this Gospel is real; it changes lives. I could not be more grateful to have that knowledge. The Savior's love is real; I Know it. Love always, Sister McKayla Montgomery Hello people of the real world!
Sorry it has been so long since you've heard from me... Our Pday got moved last week so that we could go to the temple, which is always a good reason to wait for emails! SO much has happened in the past couple weeks i dont even know where to start... i guess I'll start with the big news: I'M ENGAGED! Jk, Lorenzo wishes. Sister Cooper and I were sitting with one of our investigators at the laundromat when this old man comes and sits by me right as I'm pulling a restoration pamphlet out of my bag. Of course, I see this as a great missionary opportunity! I introduce myself and begin doing the typical missionary thang when I am so caught off guard by the smooching faces and eyebrow raises he is giving me.... He then goes on to say, "Ohhhh Ms. Montgomery chu are so beautiful... wow." The conversation continues as follows- Me: uhhhhh Lorenzo: Ms. Montgomery come with me.... I can buy you big house Me: But I'm a missionary! Lorenzo: Dats ok, you can still be missionary Me: but I have to go home to my family, I miss them very much! Lorenzo: Bring them too.... its big house. One minute i need to go get my laundry.... LOL why he was doing his laundry at a laundromat when he has "such a big house" no one will ever know. But lucky me, looks like I'm set for life ;) For the real news, Last week was the world wide missionary broadcast which was so awesome. In the broadcast they announced that they are changing the missionaries daily schedule! Super wild and a little bit of a weird adjustment, but it's given us a lot more leniency and accountability for when we plan and go out to spread the Good news of Jesus Christ! Sister Cooper and I have been working our little tails off this transfer... white washing we had to start completely from scratch which resulted in lots of finding.... more finding.... a little more finding.... and even more walking. But the more we wore holes into our shoes, the more we saw the Lord's hand in our work. When you see His hand, you see miracles. We now have 12 new investigators, 5 progressing and 1 one on date for baptism! I just know that the Lord is really preparing the people here in White Oak, and I am so happy to be a part of it! It's crazy to me that spending hours upon hours walking around in freezing cold weather, having door after door slammed in your face, shoes wearing out, canceled appointments and flat out hard days.... have brought me so much joy. I often find myself smiling the most on those days and bearing testimony more frequent. How could you not have joy, despite all these things, when you are under the Lord's care and doing His work? How could you not smile when you are bringing His plan of happiness to his children? As hard as days can get, they never outweigh the joy that comes from serving the Lord. No matter how many of his children don't accept the Gospel.... the light and love that comes from simply being His set apart representative with His name over your heart makes every single moment worth it. I love my mission; even good ol Montgomery County and our investigator who talks to her stuffed animals :-) With love always and always, Sister McKayla Montgomery What a week!
We had transfers on Wednesday, which means a little piece of my heart was left in Fort Meade... Spending 6 months including Halloween, my 20th birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve/Day in one place really makes it become home. I have grown to love that little place and those people so dearly. But good things are going to happen because Heavenly Father sure sent me on an adventure! Sister Cooper and I will be white washing White Oak down here in Silver Spring, so I'm super pumped! To start off the transfer we got to have a once in a lifetime opportunity by having the privilege of meeting and hearing from Elder M. Russell Ballard, Ronald A. Rasband and 6 of both the General Authority Seventy and Area Seventy. Talk about a room filled with The Spirit when you have both the entire Washington, D.C. North AND South Missions gathered together with chosen authorities of the Lord. The minute they walked in, my heart began to swell. They quite literally walk with The Spirit. It fills every room they enter. With The Spirit that is felt with those General Authorities in a room, you cannot deny that they are truly called of God. They hold the exact same priesthood authority that Jesus Christ himself held and performed miracles with. They really, truly, ARE His servants here on earth today; there is no question. I am so grateful to have had such an amazing, testimony building experience like that. To make that day even better, I got to witness a moment I've been waiting for since the first day on the mission field. The look on Sister Braga's face as she walked into the temple doors for the very first time. That moment can only be put into one word; priceless. I will never forget the way my heart felt in that moment. She performed baptisms for the dead, but what made it really special, is she did one of my family names :) She was baptized for Jessie Brown, who has been waiting since 1880 to be washed clean and made whole again. All these years, little did sister Braga know Jessie has been waiting for her. Before she went under the water, she looked at me and in that moment I could feel Jessie saying "thank you." The Spirit was overwhelming; I know that she was there in that room with us, and is waiting with outstretched arms and a gracious heart to one day hold Sister Braga personally, tell her "thank you" for wearing all white on her behalf. I know this gospel is real. I know it is true. These moments on my mission are moments I cannot, and never will deny. I can bare you personal and special witness that The Savior lives! He has given us every opportunity to be with Him again someday. I love my mission more than words can describe. To be given so many moments where The Spirit testifies of God's love for us, is something I will never be able to thank Him enough or repay Him for. I love my Savior; I know He lives. With all my love, Sister McKayla Montgomery ❤ Hi again!
Not a whole lot to report this week.... I'm kind of bad at giving updates on my area and investigators (soweeeee) so I'll give a quick update! + It finally snowed! People weren't kidding when they said Marylanders panic in the snow... I mean panic. There wasn't even an inch on the ground yet and roads got shut down and we were banned to our apartment for the day.... lol I love the east coast + We got put into a TRIO for the last week of the transfer since my sweet friend and first ever companion, Sister Gehlen, had to go home for medical reasons. As sad as it was seeing her go, it has been an absolute blast having Sister Lau join us! She's been in my district my entire mission so it was about time we were companions! + We currently have 9 progressing investigators which has been so awesome! One of the investigators I hold most dear to my heart is Modesty. I have had the blessing and privilege of working with her since day one of being in Fort Meade. Her spirit has grown leaps and bounds, and truly changed my life. She radiates warmth and joy which has been such a blessing to me. If anything I needed HER. Though I may not see her be baptized while in Fort Meade, I got to witness her feeling and acknowledging the spirit for the very first time in her life; that was everything. To watch her touch her heart as she felt something she never had before touched me deeply. She then told us this week that she has not only started to pray, but recognize His hand in her life. That is what this work is about, even if it's just seeing someone's face as they feel the spirit for the first time and nothing else. If that's all I accomplished on my mission, it would be 100% worth it. I love my mission more than anything. I love Fort Meade with my whole heart ❤ I hope everyone is as happy as your little East Coaster! PS.... stop getting married!! Love, Sister McKayla Montgomery HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!
Being a missionary on New Years is kind of weird, especially when you have to be inside by 5:00 and asleep by 10:00, ha ha, but we had a great New Year's Eve and celebrated with puzzles and steak! If you know me at all, you probably know how much I love setting goals (jokes). I am the #1 worst at thinking of goals.... and setting them.... and following through with them.... SO I am not going to give one of those typical January 1 shpeels, However, I would like to leave you with a thought throughout the year: One of my all time favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon is 1 Nephi 17; where Nephi is commanded to build a ship. I love this chapter because it is so very personal and relatable to me. As I read it for the first time I compared 'building a ship' to my trials and self worth; doubting, feeling inadequate, believing I'm broken, all these things that have been heavy on my heart. The storms Heavenly Father has asked me to walk through. I'm going to write some of my favorite verses and how I changed them to represent these things: 6- ".....not withstanding (I) had suffered many afflictions and much difficulty, yea, even so much that (I) cannot write them all" As I was going through my storms I felt so alone; had no idea how I could see the light. 13- "and I will be your light in (your trials) and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments (and trust me); wherefore, in as much as ye shall keep my commandments (and trust in me) ye shall be led towards (happiness); and shall know that it is by me that ye are led." Even though I knew my Heavenly Father was constantly by my side, Satan always found a way to kick me when I was down; put those feelings, thoughts and trials right back in front of me 17- The way I saw myself and my trials: "And when my brethren saw that I was about to (push through and believe in myself; find joy), they began to murmur against me, saying: McKayla is a fool, for she thinketh that she can (be adequate and find joy), yea she also thinketh that she can cross these great waters (in other words, get through these trials) 19- "and it came to pass that I (McKayla) was exceedingly sorrowful because of the hardness of (MY) heart." The adversary rejoices during this verse because I started to believe all these thoughts. Believed that I wasn't adequate or strong enough to get through my trials. "...... the adversary did rejoice over me, saying (I knew you wouldn't be strong enough)" Nephi begins to realize throughout the chapter how WRONG the adversary is; he IS adequate, he IS strong enough. He finally turns to his Savior, puts his trust in Him... THAT is where he gained his strength 50- "If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If He should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done." 51- "And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that He cannot instruct me that I should build a ship (or lead me through my trials?)." I just want to end my testimony that I KNOW this last verse is true. If the creator of both the heavens and the earth, all living things; the person who created mountains and oceans and every bit of life. If He can do those things, how is it the He can't help me find joy? How is it that He can't help me become strong? I know that He lives. It is through Him we find joy and strength. He HAS and will CONTINUE to help me 'build my ships' and 'cross great waters'. If He can do that for me.... He WILL do it for you. This year look to Him. Be as Nephi and just say ENOUGH to those feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. Say ENOUGH to those feelings of fear and doubt. This year watch Christ and your living Heavenly Father make you strong. Please look for Him. Please find Him. He is waiting for you, with every tool necessary to build your ships. Sister Montgomery 💛 MERRY CHRISTMAS!
If only I could write in words the kind of week I had and the spirit that was felt... I will try my best! This was my very first Christmas without watching The Grinch, Santa Tracker, making goodies, laying under the tree and waking up to snow. It was also my very first Christmas focused solely on the Savior and why He was born, and that is why it was my favorite Christmas yet. Being away from my family made me see the gift I was given from the very beginning. Something you can't buy in a store or watch on TV. A gift that is everlasting; a Savior who came to this world to suffer and die for us in order for families to be together forever. There was not one person or family I met that I didn't testify of this gift to while working in the Visitors Center on Christmas night. True miracles occurred there as families received the greatest gift that day. The knowledge that their family can be together forever! We are so lucky, SO blessed to not only have this knowledge but CELEBRATE it on Christmas Day. I hope you all had the opportunity to be with and thank the Savior for the greatest gift He has given each and every one of you. One of the greatest gifts we received this week was witnessing Caitlin enter the waters of baptism. We may not have woken up to snow, but we sure did have a White Christmas after all! The purity and love that comes from watching someone dress all in white and be washed completely clean; truly feel their heart made completely light... Now, THAT is a white Christmas! It was greater than any blizzard or snowstorm you could've woken up to. The smile on her face during that moment is something I will cherish forever. Crazy to think I have been here for 6 months and today was my first time going to the city! I already knew I had the most amazing mission, but physically seeing the city just reaffirmed that! I have such a deep love for DC and the people here. It truly is my home ❤ It was so amazing to talk to my sweet family! Sometimes I forget you're all real and living normal, human lives! I love you all so much and have grown to be so grateful for you all as I've been here. Merry Christmas to you all and Happy New Year! Sister Lemperle and I are having way too much fun out here in Fort Meade and can't wait for the miracles to come this year! Love Sister Montgomery ❣ Hello Lovelies!
Things have been so busy over here in DC this Christmas season! Working at the Visitors Center has been such a neat experience. With over 7,000 people coming in daily, we get to talk to SO many people which provides us with the opportunity to bear testimony all night long. It's been such a blessing having the opportunity to bear my own personal witness of my Savior over and over, no matter how big or small. 30 seconds or an entire lesson. Some moments I find myself listening to the words coming out of my own mouth and am taken back as I listen and realize it's not me speaking. I am literally a mere tool for our Heavenly Father to speak directly to His children. What a humbling experience it is to meet so many of His children during the holiday season! This week has lots in store, the most exciting being Caitlin's baptism! Caitlin ends up teaching me and strengthening MY testimony every lesson.... For some reason, I think it's supposed to be the opposite...? Boy, oh boy is her testimony amazing and the spirit she radiates powerful. Her parents were baptized 10 years ago while she was a young girl. This summer their family experienced a life altering trial when her mother passed away. The astonishing thing about Caitlin is she found this trial bringing her closer to her Savior. She chose to follow Him rather than push Him away. She came to church with her father one day, introduced herself to us and set up a time to meet. From the minute I met her I could feel how prepared she was. How faithful her heart is. We have been meeting with her ever since for the past two months, making Friday one of the most exciting days! The best part is that she will be getting the greatest gift of all on Christmas Day.... the gift of the Holy Ghost ❤ The faith I saw and continue to see in Caitlin is not an outward appearance. It is something that radiated from WITHIN, which reminded me of Alma 55. In this chapter Moroni is trying to free his people from the Lamanites. In the end, the only way they were able to save them was when they not only guarded the outside of the prison, but within the prison walls itself. When the Lamanites wake up to find an army not only surrounding them, but armed from within they "saw that the Nephites had power over them. In these circumstances, they found that it was not expedient that they should fight with the Nephites. Therefore, their Chief Captains demanded their weapons of war, and they brought them forth and cast them at the feet of the Nephites, pleading for mercy" (verse 23). When we arm ourselves on the outside by reading our scriptures, praying, etc, we are strong. But when we also arm ourselves WITHIN- have faith, endure, trust, hope... that is when we are powerful, unshakeable; the adversary has no power over us. The more I think about our savior and his true, everlasting love for us, the more I realize what a blessing trials are. That is when we have the opportunity to be armed 'within'. That's how we find hope. That's where we learn to trust. That's where we try our faith. This Christmas season, and coming New Year, arm yourselves WITHIN. Let your trials strengthen you. I promise you with a personal witness that trials ARE for our good. Trials DO bring us hope. Trials WILL allow you to feel your Savior’s love and embrace, I promise that to you because that is where I found my faith. That is where I gained my hope. That is where I learned of my Savior- in and through my trials. Merry Merry Christmas to each and every one of you! I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family that have helped me be armed within and have made my journey so sweet. Love and miss you all! Don't forget to lay under the Christmas tree for me this year ❤ Sister Montgomery I hope you all aren’t disappointed, but Sister Montgomery only sent us some photos this week! They have had a very busy week helping at the Visitor’s Center this week for the Festival of Lights! Elder Gary A. Stevenson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles visited her mission and spoke to the missionaries. I am sure she will write about it next week! Included in this group of photos is a photo of her talking to him! What a cool experience! She loves it when she gets to see Sister Sosa, her trainer and absolute best friend, and her 5 month celebration with Sister Lemperle, who started her mission on the same day as McKayla (wearing her awesome cow pjs!), and the last photo taken with Sister Klaass before she went home! Also, as a little fun surprise, she has colored her naturally blonde hair dark! She looks gorgeous! :) I hope this message finds you all well, happy and enjoying this Christmas season as you “Light the World!” As always, please send McKayla a note when you get a chance! She loves hearing from you all! [email protected]
With Much Love, Tiffany HOW is it already December?! Time needs to stop going extra fast here in DC.... the Government has to be up to something, time can't ACTUALLY be going this fast..
This week was by far the best week of my mission watching Sister Braga enter the waters of baptism and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost yesterday! What a special day it was. I got to stand by the font and hold her towel which meant I was the first to hug her; one of my most cherished moments. She described it all as, "My heart is so light. It is so, so light." Little did she know it was LITERALLY light as the spirit radiated so brightly from her. She has been absolutely glowing ever since. The Festival of Lights is officially upon us! Here in DC North we have the Temple Visitor's Center, which is one of the largest! It's always fun bringing investigators there and feeling such a unique spirit. But, it's even cooler getting to WORK THERE! During the Christmas season, over 7,000 people come in a day to see the lights, Crèche room and to attend all the fun events that take place! (And may I just say The Nativity scene looks extra put together this year.... The church must have used some big bucks hiring those decorators...) Anywho, since so many people come in, they have some full proselyting sisters come and help teach everyone that comes inside, which has been way cool! You get to meet so many people from all over the world and are constantly bearing testimony. AKA the best way to spend the Holiday's for a chatter box like me :) Just yesterday I got to work with a man named Jonathon who has been so prepared. We got to teach him about the Book of Mormon and how he truly is a Son of God! A son of a Heavenly Father who knows and loves him so deeply He is waiting with outstretched arms for him. In just one night, a simple and short amount of time, his life was changed. The Spirit touched his heart so deeply he wanted to be baptized right then! This is what missions are all about. This is why serving a mission is nothing but a privilege. The gospel CHANGES LIVES. The Savior heals the heart. The Spirit cleanses our soul. This Gospel, Christ's Gospel, is perfect, therefore making US perfect as much as we allow it. And this is why it is such a privilege: it's allowing others to receive the Gospel; change their life. Heal their heart. Cleanse their soul. Be made perfect.... What greater privilege is there than helping someone receive this in their own life? The answer is, nothing. Keep sending me your Temple pictures and making miracles happen this holiday season. I received a picture of a temple from a good friend who drives by going to work every day with the caption, "I thought you would be in need of a miracle today". And want to know what happened? We found a new investigator who felt the Savior physically lift him as the gospel was introduced to his life. Miracles will happen! Keep having faith! I love you all! With all the love of my heart (and also a few strands of darker hair), Sister Montgomery ❤ Me again :)
I need everyone to stop what they're doing, fasten your seat belts, get some tissues and make sure you are safely sitting on the ground because I have the most amazing news in the world.... Sister Braga is getting baptized tonight ❤ As many of you know, I have been working with her my entire mission. She was my very first lesson, the reason for “leaving it all on the field” and the person behind my testimony of missionary work. This moment has been a long time coming... She has been in contact with the church for 15 years and gone through many many missionaries; all of whom gave up and lost faith in her. When I came and met her my first day, she told me "there's something different about you and the way I feel right now". Since that day she has known she wants and needs to be baptized, but something was holding her back. Last month she and her husband drove sister Sosa and I to "Why I Believe," which was a spiritual experience in and of itself. On the way home, we got talking about baptism. I looked at her and said, "I'm not going to give up on you. I never will." She turned to me with tears in her eyes and said, "I've been waiting for someone to say that." Fast forward to Saturday night: Sister Braga invited us over to eat dinner with her! It was just us 4 girls, which was nice. For some reason, a lot of the most spiritual experiences Sister Sosa and I had with her were while we were sitting around the dining table; so it continues! While we were eating, the topic of baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost came up. The spirit made its manifestation and sat with us while we talked; Very powerful. She said she wants to really start reading the Book of Mormon because she knows it will provide an answer for that little missing piece. I grabbed my scriptures and placed them in front of her. Very softly I asked, "Do you truly believe God will give you an answer as you open this." She got emotional and said, "I truly do." I looked at her and said, "I do too." In that moment I felt the spirit speak directly through me; the true form of being an instrument in God’s hands and said, "Angi. IF you have faith, like I do in this moment, and open this book, the first verse you read will be your answer." She gently picked up my scriptures. The first page she turned to was Alma 5:14. She asked me to read it, which went as followed, "And now behold, I ask of you (Angeli), have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received His image in your countenance? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your heart?" There was complete silence for about two minutes as the Holy Ghost powerfully, yet sweetly, testified straight to her heart. She broke the silence by telling us that she had a date in mind and was going to pray about. The next day we were sitting in Sunday school when she put her hands to her chest and began to cry. The spirit had hit her like a ton of bricks. She looked at me and said, "what is your schedule like tomorrow?" I told her it was wide open and began to cry. The next words that were whispered struck my heart so deeply it could burst: "Tomorrow is the day. It's time." This is what missions are all about. Seeing the gospel literally change the life of Heavenly Father's children. Watching the spirit testify so powerfully it's unwavering. Seeing the truest form of love fill their heart as they turn to Christ. I am so very grateful to merely be an instrument to witness these miracles. God is real, but His love even greater. The scriptures are true; every word. I KNOW with an unwavering and unshakeable truth that God knows and loves us. He answers our prayers. He speaks to us through the power of the scriptures. If you don't have that knowledge it's because of two simple reasons: 1- you haven't tried or 2- you haven't listened. Listen for Him. He is there. This gospel changes lives. My heart is so full ❤ With all the love of my heart, Sister Montgomery Hey folks!
Things in here in DC are still great (per usual) even though I'm starting to freeze my bahookies off whenever we step outside! Currently, we have 3 baptism dates set for December with a few more praying for a date. So, make sure to put some extra time into your daily prayers for our investigators; you'd be amazed the spirit they feel from prayers back home! I just want to share a quick little thought that has really impacted me throughout my mission: Ether 12:12 "For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, He showed not Himself until after their faith." The first time I read this, the first thing that came to mind was Tinkerbell. What gives Tinkerbell her magic is others belief. The moment someone says, "I don't believe in fairies," she loses her magic and her strength. MAGIC, and she can't do anything with it without faith. Even God, our Heavenly Father, the creator of the heavens and the earth and every single thing, having ALL power and ALL wisdom..... He can't do one thing until we believe in Him; until we show our faith. A man with godly power can't even perform a miracle, or lift us, if we do not believe. Kind of makes you evaluate more deeply right? Are we allowing Him to perform miracles in our life? Do we truly believe He is there? Are we strengthening and acting on our faith? Or are we "taking away His magic?” Look for Him in your life. Find Him in the people you meet, the feelings you receive, the beauty of the earth and the breaths you take. He is waiting to bless us, to perform miracles and bring us joy.... all it takes is faith, trust and a little bit of pixie dust! Sending lots of hugs and kisses home this holiday season! I am so thankful and truly grateful for each and every one of you. Your support, thoughts, prayers and love have influenced and help me more than you know. LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL! Sister Montgomery ❤️ First things first…
THANK YOU all for the birthday wishes, letters and emails! I am so overwhelmed by how much love you all have shown. I seriously am grateful beyond words. How did I get so blessed? It is by far the happiest I’ve ever woken up on a birthday knowing that I get to celebrate by wearing His name over my heart and by being one of His representatives. But, hearing all of your kind words and sweet wishes was truly inspiring; the cherry on top of it all! Being that wearing a name tag to celebrate the big 2-0 was the BEST gift I could have received, I reflected a lot on how that gift was even made possible through my sweet Savior. This week I read Jacob 5- the famous olive tree allegory. As I read, I realized how often I related myself (life, choices, thoughts, actions, hopes) to the olive trees. Some good throughout with the help of my Gardener. Others, hopeful for a bit, but later allowing doubt or inadequacy to fill my heart. Some all around struggling to bear one, good, happy moment. With every one of these trees, no matter how good or bad, the Gardener, or, our Savior, continually and constantly attended to each and every one; without fail. Not one tree was left without Him doing everything He could to let them grow. Verse 47 says, “But what could I have done more in my vineyard? Have I slackened my hand, that I have not nourished it? Nay, I have nourished it, and I have digged about it, and I have pruned it, and I have dunged it; and I have stretched forth mine hand almost all day long…” Whether it be MY own doubt, My wrong doing, My unbelief, or lack of letting Him in, HE is the one who takes the blame. His heart aches as He watches us struggle. He asks, “what could I have done more?” The Savior of the world, God’s ONLY begotten son, a perfect being poses the question “what could I have done more?” He loves us so deeply that spending every moment nourishing, guiding, lifting, digging and sacrificing will never be enough until He gets to hold us again one day; Perfect and fully ‘grown.’ This birthday, I am most grateful for the gift of my Savior’s love. Something that isn’t wrapped or given only once a year on the 14th of November. His love is unconditional and selfless. My tree has required lots of digging, pruning and nourishing, which I’m sure has not been easy. But, not matter how tired He may get digging, or how sore His hands may become from pruning, I know He is there, with a smile on His face. I know He lives! I know He is the Gardener of life and joy. I know He is with me every day as I do my best to be His apprentice in the vineyard. What could be greater than that? Love, Sister Montgomery ❤ Hello friends and fam! Long time no see! (Four months last Sunday to be exact!)
Sorry this email will be super short, our P-Day has been pretty hectic because... We had our TEMPLE DAY TODAY! Ah! I love going to the temple so much. The peace and comfort it brings is something you never get used to no matter how many times you go. And every time the actual beauty inside the temple amazes me. Tasha is doing AMAZING. There is no other word to describe her other than 'Elect'. She truly was prepared. Who knew that investigators could teach the missionaries...? Every time we see her, her testimony and desire to learn of and come closer to the Savior is astonishing. I have to take a step back and look at how someone has completely changed her life just because of the peaceful feeling she felt as the Spirit first touched her heart. I often take the gospel and the Spirit for granted. Knowing Tasha has changed MY life and MY testimony has grown because of her. Heck, she even got up and bore her testimony on Sunday after only knowing of the restored gospel for 2 weeks! It was powerful. Her son, Nicholas, is also getting baptized on the 19th with her; What a choice family. We saw so many miracles this week I can't even count them all- So many new investigators and a few of them are praying for baptismal dates. My mission has been the best thing in my life. Love you all! Next time you hear from me I will be one year older and hopefully a little wiser too... ;) Love always always always, Sister Montgomery ❤ |