Where do I even begin?
For starters.... All of the emails I've gotten this week of pictures at the temple and miracles they have seen have brought miracles and blessings beyond measure here... I'll write about a few I know were a direct result of your prayers and faith: *We were able to teach 27 lessons in only 7 days! Fort Meade hasn’t seen that in a long time. Each lesson was powerful and filled with the spirit. *We knocked on a door completely unaware of the miracle we were about to see: Tasha. After letting us in, we were able to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Plan of Salvation. Wow. I have never met a person more prepared and where the spirit was SO strong. Teaching the healing power of the atonement, being made whole through Him and our decision to come to earth, was powerful. Seeing her hear that she chose this life, trials and all, because she knew that someday the happiness and glory she would receive was worth it; she would do it ten times over. I was grateful for the opportunity to teach that and see her feel her Savior’s love. No surprise... she practically asked us to baptize her! She wanted the soonest baptismal day possible.... so November 19 it is :) We went back a few days later to teach the restoration! Here's the fun part.... Earlier that day I received a picture of someone at the temple, so I knew something good was going to happen. When we walked in she told us how she had been craving reading the Book of Mormon ever since we left and had been highlighting/marking in it! She asked, "is this allowed? I know how precious it is, but I just wanted to remember the things that stood out to me!" So we showed her our own scriptures and all the markings WE have. We hadn't even taught the Book of Mormon and how to FEAST from them... she's practically teaching herself! Talk about MIRACLE! She came to church and absolutely loved it- participated in lessons and everything! Just goes to show that the Lord has people prepared everywhere, everyday. We are just instruments in His hands- He and the spirit do the rest. *Next miracle... Caitlin! Her dad (Brother Burr) was baptized 10 years ago this week. He is the sweetest man in our ward. Last Sunday she, came to church with him, so we got to meet her! Next thing you know, we have a return appointment. After our first lesson with her she knew she wanted to be baptized. Her faith has already grown so much just in the few lessons we've had this week. In fact... she is currently praying for a baptismal date as we speak! (Or I guess email?) *A blessing we saw in our less-active member’s life was she felt the spirit for the first time in years and years as we taught her this week. It was an emotional and powerful lesson. God knows his children. He knows their weaknesses, but He knows the deep desires of their heart. It was a privilege to witness that moment. The list could go on and on. There was not one day we didn’t physically see the Lord’s hand guiding and preparing his children. I want to tell you all a secret... My mission hasn't always been easy on me. I haven't been happy every day. I haven't had a constant dry pillow. There have been moments, even days, I was pulled down lower than I knew was possible. I had heartaches I didn't know how to fix. But this week.... this week I, for the first time, lost myself in the Lord and His work. I gave every piece to Him. I turned to Him completely. The FULL 360 for the first real time. You want to know what happened? Those burdens were lifted. Those pillows were dried. My shoulders were lifted and my eyes were opened. I-saw-miracles. I was a true representative of the Savior. I can now say that I AM a true missionary now. I KNOW of my Savior. I have FELT His guidance and love. He knows me. I have never been happier or more grateful to be here. *The ultimate miracle was this prayer being answered through this- Alma 58:11, Mosiah 24:14 Love, Sister Montgomery ❤️
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I stayed and took over Fort Meade! I am so happy to still be here! Mostly because I'm pretty sure nothing bad will happen during elections when you're surrounded by the entire United States Military.... but I guess for the people too ;) President put us in a big bad trio. Super different and definitely an adjustment, but Sister Lemperle and Sister Klaass are so sweet! I can't believe I was reunited so fast after the MTC with Sister Lemperle! This is Sister Klaass' last transfer so we are definitely working some holes into our shoes to have her go home with a bang! Remember the challenge I gave to all of you last week? I only received ONE picture of a temple this week (shout out to mom), but even receiving ONE single picture brought miracles. 9 to be exact! We now have 9 new investigators just as of this week. I've been praying to have this challenge truly bring miracles and blessings- and it has. I knew it would! Please keep having faith and helping me with this challenge. Sorry for the lack of updates/stories, but I did find something in my studies this week that really touched my heart and helped me feel closer to my savior- 2 Nephi 7:1-2 "When I came, there was no man; when I called, yea, there was none to answer." As I read this it hit me.... have I ever put myself in his shoes before when it comes to prayer? We often struggle feeling as though our prayers are never answered; there's no one listening to me. But every single prayer is answered- silent, out loud or simply in the heart. As I read this through the saviors eyes I realized how hard it must be for HIM; when we pray, he answers. Every single time. How heartbreaking it must be for HIM to be the one unheard. How hard it must be for him to literally be embracing us, yet receive nothing in return. HE is the one not being listened to when we immediately claim he isn't listening. HE is the one standing alone when we disregard his embrace. Yet, he never fails to continue answering. He always has and always will. What true love. He hears us. He knows us. He loves us. He lifts us. It's as simple as that. I am grateful for his embrace. Please don't disregard him and his answering to you this week Love always, Sister Montgomery Hi hey yo hello what's up hi
Ok it has been a wild couple of weeks! I'll try and be better and sending an email every week... time just seems to fly by when you're hav(doing)ing fu(missionary work)n! Transfers are Wednesday so Sister Sosa and I are currently in mourning because we know one of us is leaving... I'm going to miss her so much! We find out all the details tonight so stay tuned. I'm hoping I don't leave Fort Meade :( I'll just write a little update on what's been going on: Two weeks ago we had the AMAZING opportunity of having Elder Bennett of The Seventy come to our mission and do an entire day of training. Man, what an experience. The spirit was so evident and strong. The neatest part was he gave me the opportunity to speak to him one on one during and after the training! He gave me special permission to do something that no other missionary got (we'll keep that between me and him). What an answer to a prayer. General authorities truly are chosen, elect and called of God. Keith is leaving to Virginia for two months... I'm gonna miss that guy. Next Sister Sosa and I had a super neat miracle! My first week on the mission while knocking doors, we came across a home in the mobile park I felt really promoted to go to. When the lady answered she started screaming and yelling, telling us "I've been hurt by you before, I'm not seeing missionaries ever again, get off my property!" Etc... so we kindly and quickly walked away. Well... last week we were in that area and both Sister Sosa and I stopped dead in our tracks and said almost in sync, "we need to go to that house again." So we did! Sue answered the door kind as can be and invited us to her back patio/garden area. She told us all about how she was once on date to be baptized until she learned some things that kept her from being able to. She then old us, "but you don't understand- you truly were sent here today from God. You are an answer to my prayers today and I know you were sent here for a reason." By the end we had taught all about God and his love for us and got a return appointment. We have now met with her a few times and started teaching her the lessons again! This past week has been FILLED with mini miracles and spirit filled lessons with Sister Braga. We went over for family home evening and Brother Braga goes, "Do you sisters have a lesson planned?" We said ya and he goes, "ok forget about it and just follow my lead, I invited my neighbor! He's my referral for you guys!" So Ramsey comes on over! Brother Braga taught a great Plan of Salvation. It was weird being like a member present instead of the teacher haha. Ramsey loved it and is now an investigator! We had dinner at the Braga's like four times! One of them turned into a restoration lesson... the first vision was given, me, sister Sosa and brother Braga all bore testimony, and Sister Braga told us all how she "felt her heart palpating". It was really touching to me because that's how I personally feel the spirit. To see her feel it, recognize it and acknowledge it was something I'll never forget. Sunday the Braga's took us to Why I Believe (Ramsey came as well and even brought his mom!) and afterwards we got to walk the temple grounds with all of them. Someday I'll be coming back to watch their sealing... I can't wait ❤️ I love this gospel! I just want to share it with the whole world and everyone in DC! It truly changes lives. So here is my challenge for you all the rest of my mission! -Any time you attend, drive by or walk around the temple I want you to send me a picture! -Anytime you witness the gospel changing lives, whether it be yours or someone else's, send me a picture and tell me your experience -Every picture I receive throughout the week of someone at the temple will turn into a miracle here in DC -Every picture or story I receive of the gospel changing lives will result in a blessing to an investigator here in DC -I will make SURE to follow up and tell you the miracles/blessings :) I HAVE FAITH THIS WILL COME TRUE SO I NEED ALL YOUR HELP. But you all need to have faith as well.... let's see how many miracles and blessings we can get to the people here in DC! With love always, Sister Montgomery ❤️ What a week!
For starters, Sister Sosa and I basically are the worlds greatest teachers together. Prideful...? Nah! We were asked to instruct and teach district meeting Tuesday which was so cool! Only our district leader teaches, but because of all our inspired comments throughout the weeks he asked us to teach! We got the opportunity to teach one of our favorite topics.... Adam and Eve/The fall, and Life on Earth! When we asked at the beginning to raise their hand if these are their favorite points to teach.... no one did except us and our District Leader! We were stoked that by the end, the spirit was so strong and our message was so relatable that everyone left having it be their new favorite! These "points" are in fact not "points" at all! They are a huge key in relating trials and gods love for us to those we teach. I love teaching with Sister Sosa- she can never leave me!! We got to go on exchanges with the Sister Training Leaders which was fun because they actually are ASL speaking! Before we exchanged, Sister Sosa and I prayed that we would see a miracle whether it be in Fort Meade or Rockville. I left to their area while Sister Sosa stayed in Fort Meade. Sister Ram didn't have any dinner appointment set up so she asked me where I would like to eat. Of course I said, "I mean I'm always down for Chick-Fil-A" and she was like, "Perfect there's one right by where we have an appointment later! So off to dinner we went. On the way there she was telling me how being ASL, they have such a hard time finding people to teach. It is few and far between that they even find deaf people. After we ordered our food she asked where I wanted to sit, and I felt like we should sit somewhere in the middle. The minute we started eating I saw someone to my right doing none other than..... SIGNING TO HIS WIFE. I was like omg Sister Ram you need to go talk to them! So I totally got to watch a 'how to begin teaching' all in sign language. I of course had no idea what was being said, so I just smiled and tried to look pretty. The couple was so sweet, and I could tell from their smiles how genuine their spirits were! I told Sister Ram to tell them what happy smiles I thought they had! They loved it. She was able to get a return appointment and everything! Next thing you know we realize the person sitting next to Sister Ram.... is signing to her kids! She got to talk to her for a bit, and then ANOTHER person walked in signing. We met four deaf people in one sitting which I guess never happens. Sister Ram could not stop thanking me for being inspired to eat there haha. I guess as a missionary even your cravings are inspired! It was super neat being in a lesson completely signing. Even with no words the spirit touches the heart of Heavenly Fathers children. It was such a testimony builder to watch and see that the Lord truly speaks in all forms of communication. The next great thing this week was Conference! Ah! It is such a blessing that twice a year we get to hear direct revelation for what we need right here, right now. Conference is great no matter what, but when you go into it with a question that you sincerely desire to know.... it is ANSWERED. I know I received many answered this weekend, but above all, after hearing almost every talk revolve around missionary work, I know I'm exactly where I need to be. If I ever had doubts before, I have none now. The Lord needed me here in Fort Meade right now, October 2016, to further his work and bring true joy to his children. To be his representative and feed his sheep. I LOVED how everything revolved around missionary work and how greatly important it is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Having a little black name tag is not what makes you a missionary- knowing that you have a loving Heavenly Father who knows you by NAME, who has a plan of eternal and perfect joy is what makes someone a missionary. Knowing that through and because of His son, Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven, clean, perfected and WHOLE. If you have even the slightest knowledge of that truth- YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO BE A MISSIONARY. In case you didn't hear, it's time for us all to step up and share that good news. No matter how big or small; whether by example, deed or word. Strive to strengthen your own knowledge; gain YOUR unshakeable faith! There is nothing greater in this world than knowing, truly knowing, that my Heavenly Father knows me by name. Jesus Christ has given everything, even his life, just so that I can know true joy and eternal happiness. There is NOTHING sweeter, more fulfilling or edifying than watching someone feel the spirit touch their hearts for the very first time. To see someone's eyes when they first hear they are loved unconditionally. It's what has brought me the most joy and brought me closer to my Savior and loving Heavenly Father. You can know that sweetness too :) I hope everyone is well and happy happy happy! I pray for you all always! Know that there is a girl out here in DC who loves and misses you dearly ❤️ With love always, Sister Montgomery ❤️ It's me again!
This week after making so much progress with investigators, see them feel the spirit and then watch Satan do everything in his power to stop their progression has been hard. He works on every investigator, any way he can, because they have been so prepared. Marking someone for a baptismal date and then having them completely drop you has broken me and Sister Sosa's hearts this week. Our ward mission leader said something that really impacted me, "If you don't want Satan to get to you... don't work." Quite a profound statement. The more I thought about it, the more I realized what a compliment it actually is to have Satan work against you. If he is scared from the minute I wake up in the morning and is putting all his efforts into stopping us, it's because we are truly doing the Lord’s work. We are literal representatives of His son, Jesus Christ. We are touching the souls of those we teach and bringing the spirit into their lives. We are helping them heal and know of their Savior. Of course he's going to try and get me to be sad. Of course he's going to try and make me feel inadequate. Of COURSE he is going to try and stop that and get me to quit; I am doing the Lord's work. But, no matter how hard he tries, this is the Lord's work and it will only progress. In the end he will never win- he can't! I loved the Women's General Conference this weekend! They talked about having UNSHAKEABLE faith in Christ and our Father in Heaven. When we are unshakeable we can and will get through any and every trial and challenge. I love what Dieter F. Uchtdorf said during the broadcast, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And faith comes to the humble, diligent, enduring and who pay the price of faithfulness." Being unshakable isn't something we can just decide to be. It requires work and diligence. Paying the price of enduring no matter what. But through all of this, every step of the way, we are never alone. We always have the Savior and our Father right with us. Isaiah 43:2 "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." We all need to strive to have that unshakable faith and do what it takes/requires to continue to strengthen and share it. Girls- at this time, in these Latter-Days, we NEED more women who are willing to not only gain that faith but SHARE it. Whether it be at home or leaving to go on a mission, the Lord needs you! Women have such a special spirit; one that can change the world! If you have ever remotely thought about a mission, continue to know if that's the path for you. The Lord will carry you, protect you, strengthen you and bless you because HE needs YOU. isn't that neat? The Savior of the world and Father of all the Heaven and earth need YOU and YOUR spirit. How Firm A Foundation 5. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply. The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, thy dross to consume, Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine. 7. The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake! I am so grateful to be out in DC and learning to be unshakeable. The Gospel is true, and so is His love for you. Love, Sister Montgomery ❤ My goodness prepare yourselves- MISSIONS ARE MIRACLES!
Things have been pretty rough here in Fort Meade. After a full week of not really being able to teach and having problem after problem, whether it was investigator, member or health wise, the Lord gave us a miracle to say, "Keep going- I love you." On Friday we received a referral from the Visitors Center Sisters for a girl who had randomly stopped in that afternoon. We tried calling her but the number didn't work. We then tried putting her address into our GPS except that didn't work either. We tried again the next day, but the number still didn't work. We were about to drop her when we felt like we should try one more time. So, instead of calling we tried texting. Low and behold, IT WORKED! We introduced ourselves and told her we would love to meet with her sometime and hear about her experience at the Visitors Center. She was super excited and wanted to set up a time STAT. So, we invited her to come to church with us in the morning! Usually inviting people to come never ends up working out, especially when you haven't even met them yet. But she goes, “Yeah! What time?" So we told her if she came a little early we could give her a tour of the church. She was EXCITED which is something we don't get too often, especially here on a military base! The next morning we met her and gave a tour of the church which was so cool. she had SO many questions and was just soaking everything in like a sponge. Sacrament was super cool because we had another investigator and three less active families who we have been working with all come! It was AMAZING! Every Sunday Sister Sosa and I are on the edges of our seat hoping that our investigators and less active members actually keep to their word, and every Sunday our hearts break a little bit when the doors close and none of them come. So the fact that we had everyone there all at once for the first time ever- I was so giddy! Back to our investigator... I sat by her while Sister Sosa sat by our other investigator. She kept asking me questions and was so excited to be there. I asked her how she felt after hearing the sacrament prayers and she said, "I feel really good. I feel happy." After some of the talks and leaning over to me and said, “So, tell me a little bit more about being a missionary. What do you do? How do you get ready to go?” So, I told her all about missions- how we leave our families, friends, scholarships, relationships and life behind for 18 months to come here and teach the gospel full time. We only get to communicate with our loved ones once a week on Monday's via email or letter, but we get to Skype on Christmas and Mother's day. We do this every day all day for 18 months because we know this Gospel is true, and I would do anything to help one person be brought to that knowledge and know of their Savior. She looked at me and goes, “So, when can I go on a mission? When can I go to the temple? I want to be baptized." WHATTTT- She literally hasn't heard any of the lessons and had only known us for about 2 hours! So we invited her come with us to "Why I Believe" that night to hear some of the testimonies of recent converts, and why THEY believe. "Why I Believe" is held at the Visitors Center in DC once a month and it was amazing! Perfect timing too, may I add. We looked at the temple and she said, "That's my goal. I want to go on a mission!” So, we invited her to be baptized on October 8, because that is the soonest she could be baptized. No surprise, she said yes! (and was ecstatic we could get her ready that soon). She is already counting down the year mark for when she can enter the temple and leave on a mission! All it took was one day- feeling that peace and love from her Savior ONE time to know this is true. It was the most amazing thing to be an instrument in the Lord's hand for someone who is so prepared and has so much faith. We are not always going to receive angels or these big AH-HA moments, in fact, newsflash.... that rarely happens. He is answering our prayers so simply by just helping us feel at peace. He is answering our prayers daily, constantly and simply; we just need to listen, it only takes once. Have faith that that is enough. With Love, Sister Montgomery Well, I have officially finished my first transfer in DC, can you believe it? Sister Sosa and I will be staying in Fort Meade a little bit longer :) Thank heavens because we have a lot of work still to do here. We have some great progressing investigators and have seen lots of miracles the past few weeks. One of which is Keith- We found him while tracting one day and got to teach him a little on his porch and give him a Book of Mormon, however he wasn't entirely sober.... When we came back for our return appointment he had his cold one and was again, not entirely sober, so retaining information on the Restoration was a little tricky. The highlight of Keith that lesson was when he told us, "Man i'll tell you what, I lit a couple joints, got in the zone and then read from the Book of Mormon and man... it was something. I felt it here (points to his heart) and here (points to his head) I mean wow it was like I was IN the story. You gotta try it some time." Is that what one would call a 'Spiritual High'....? He told us, "I may not really know what you're teaching me, but I do know that I feel something when you're here and something tells me I need to learn more." So we called him that week to set another appointment, and told him that because our message is so important, in order for us to keep teaching he needed to be completely sober and not under the influence so that the spirit could be present with us. And miracle.... HE STAYED SOBER! He hasn't been sober for years so it was really neat that he did that for us. We have now taught him several lessons where he has remained sober and really recognized the spirit. He even called us today saying that he read out of the Book of Mormon (not on the good kush) and it helped him feel at peace and "chillaxed" as he says, after a hard week. Missions - are - MIRACLES This week I really leaned on Ether 12. As I looked back on everything that has happened over the past few weeks and the miracles I have seen/been a part of, I have witnessed just how powerful faith can be. It is because of FAITH that we receive miracles. It is because of FAITH that we receive answers to prayers. It is through FAITH that we come closer to our Heavenly Father. It is because of FAITH we are able to find ourselves and happiness, because faith is the foundation of everything. There's a reason the rewards from faith are so amazing- if faith wasn't hard, it wouldn't be worth it. One little requirement to receive EVERYTHING in return, even the knowledge of our Savior and Reedemer, yet it's one of the hardest things to gain. Strive this week to have faith, TRUE faith as you get out of bed in the morning, really put it to the test. Find that faith through which miracles and joy is found.... Ether 12:6,12,27 <3 Love, Sister Montgomery [email protected] Another great week as always here in DC! I'm still loving being a missionary and the truly amazing blessings and miracles I get to witness and be a part of.
This week while we were tracting we knocked on the door of an older man. He looked really hesitant when he answered the door, especially after we said we were missionaries. We were done explaining that we would love to share a message with him, he looked at us SO sassy and goes, "Do you not see the signs all over this neighborhood and my door that say no soliciting?" So I looked at him and I said, " Oh no sir, we're not soliciting! Salvation is free!" hahahaha it just came right out I couldn't even help it! He had no reply.... He just sat there for a second and said, "Have a nice night." and slammed his door. So funny, Sister Sosa said it was her proudest mommy moment. The storms here get pretty crazy... this week we all had to go back to our apartments for the night because the flash floods and lightning was out of control! There was lightning every 3 seconds and they were all a mile or less away, so it was pretty scary! The lightning hit the Odenton Sister's (Sister Gehlen and her trio) apartment and all of their power went out which meant- SLUMBER PARTY AT OUR PLACE. Mission sleepovers are the best! Our investigator is progressing every day; she even went to the Philadelphia temple open house on Saturday with her family! She was so excited to go and see where she can be sealed to her family for forever. Her husband and children are all members, so being sealed to them someday really means a lot to her. Something cool this week from our lesson with her is when we gave her a picture by Greg Olsen of Christ holding a woman. We asked her what she saw and she said, "A father holding his daughter...." and the spirit touched all of our hearts. I had never looked at the picture that way, but I instantly thought of me and my own father. I can't begin to imagine how great it will be to hug him again after 18 months; he is my best friend! If hugging my father after that short of a time can mean the world to me, imagine hugging my SAVIOR after my entire life here on Earth. The person who has walked with me every step and carried me on his shoulders. The person who died for me because he loves me so powerfully and unconditionally it can't be described. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are just WAITING for they day they finally get to give a simple Father's hug to their daughters and sons again, I'm sure of it. That hug will mean everything and more to me someday. I love you all! Thanks to those of you who remember that I'm still alive! I always love hearing from my friends and family! Love, Sister Montgomery <3 [email protected] Raise your hand if you have ever tracted in 98 degree weather with the heat index making it 115 degrees for 2 hours.... *raises hand*. That was a good time. The humidity was so bad you could literally SEE it! Basically you can't ever get ready here because you walk outside and are instantly wet. It's always fabulous showing up to a house looking like a dog :-) We had a great week! I handed out 4 Book of Mormons and the best part was two of them became new investigators! We had some great experiences, but i'll just focus on one for today, my first Book of Mormon lesson- I'll be real honest, before my mission I was never very good at reading my scriptures; Feasting on the words of Christ. Something I've always heard is, "There is power in the scriptures", and I believed that to be true. Power to me meant that I felt the spirit while reading, or I got an answer to a prayer through a verse. I didn't understand what 'Power' truly meant until Tuesday this week, when I left it all on the field: Before every soccer game we are told to leave it all on the field; have no regrets, have no fear. When I step foot onto the pitch, I grab hold of my passion for the sport and my love of the game. When you find passion for something, you allow yourself to be vulnerable; take shots on goal, try moves you've been working on, make breakaways. You give everything you have for 90 minutes because you know leaving it all on the field will never leave you with regrets, and only provide you with a positive outcome. I love putting on my cleats. I love making breakaways and running towards goal. I love taking shots and putting my work to the test. I love being exhausted from sprinting and running for an hour and a half straight. I love working with my teammates and celebrating after a victory. These loves gave me power on the field, it gave power to my teammates, it's what drove us to victories and triumphs, and that power came from being vulnerable. From giving it our best and leaving it all on the field. For the first time in my life I laid my entire testimony in the hands of the Book of Mormon while teaching our investigator. I bore testimony on the truthfulness of every word on every single page. Because of this one book, we have the fullness of the Gospel and absolute undeniable evidence that the Savior lives; this Gospel is the way and only way. Without this one book we would have nothing, we would NOT have all the pieces. I left my entire testimony on the line when I said, "If this book is false, everything I have ever told you is false too. Everything I believe is wrong. If this book is false then I do not know my Savior... but I KNOW it is true. Joseph Smith gave everything for this one book. He DIED so that we could have the words on these few pages. I would not be sitting in your living room today if I didn't KNOW that this book is true. Every word." In that moment I learned that 'Power' in the scriptures is being vulnerable to it's truth. Allowing yourself to give 110% faith that every word is true, translated and will continue to stand the test of life/time. When I found that power, found that vulnerability, I knew of my Savior; I felt him next to me as I testified. I did not have one doubt or fear leaving it all on the field because the power of the scriptures was manifested when I put my faith in them. Before we started our lesson, our investigator said, "I want to read it. I want to know if it's true. I just don't know how to know." That's when I left it all on the field and put my vulnerability in the scriptures, and asked her to read Moroni 10:3-5. After she finished reading, the room was silent for about a minute or so. She looked up at me and said, "all I have to do is ask?" The spirit absolutely flooded the room. It was such a neat moment! I urge you all to be vulnerable- something that is much easier said than done. Allow yourself to figure out what you believe; what are you willing to stand up for? What do you have complete faith in? Are you willing to leave it all on the field? With love, Sister Montgomery 7501 Trafalgar Circle #212 Hanover, MD 21076 [email protected] Leaving it all on the field in soccer and in DC!HELLO MY LOVES!
Thank you for sending me emails every week and keeping me updated on your lives! I LOVE getting them, so keep them coming my way! Sister Sosa is a G. We have way too much fun- when it's appropriate of course! Turns out our apartment is haunted... Without all the details, we woke up to strange noises, our things being thrown everywhere throughout our kitchen, items being moved, and a knife by my bed.... the joys of Satan hating you being on a mission :-) Alright alright, so turns out... missionary work isn't always that easy! We had lots of doors slammed in our face, many "no thank you's" and tons of pass along cards handed out with no call back. I was starting to get a little bummed out, but then I received a tender mercy at the end of the week: It all started after I came up with a plan called 'Project 28'. We have around 28 days left in the transfer, and there are so many empty streets and areas on our Fort Meade Map. So I looked at Sister Sosa and said, "For the next 28 days we will go to a different street every day. Make a list of what street we will be at on what day so that Heavenly Father knows where we will be, and place those who he has prepared for us in our path. 28 new streets, 28 new places. We will fill up this Fort Meade board." So Friday we started on our adventure Project 28! We were driving home after a long, exhausting and unsuccessful day of 'Project 28' finding Saturday night. I was so determined to find that one person Heavenly Father had prepared for us to meet that night on that street, but we found no one and I was pretty sad. After a hard week, I was certain we would find something to make up for it. Maybe I'm not doing it right? Maybe the Lord prepared someone elsewhere for us? As I was looking out the window feeling like all week I didn't succeed at my job as a missionary, I saw something magical; my very first firefly :) I saw so many of them just lighting up the trees, the bushes, the grass; everywhere! I realized that Heavenly Father is aware of me. He knows my efforts and my feelings. He knew I would be there to see that firefly; something I have always dreamed of seeing! And you know what? He is preparing someone, right now, this very moment, on one of those 28 streets, i'm sure of it. Seeing something as simple yet magical as a firefly just reminded me how amazing Heavenly Father and his creations are. He took the time to create something so little and simple, knowing that it would bring joy and magic to people here on Earth. So amazing. Every leaf, stream, breeze and firefly- he created. What a wonderful thing it is to see his creations and feel his love. He is always showing his love for us by giving tender mercies, even if they are as simple as seeing a firefly. I promise that he is aware of our thoughts and the deepest desires of our hearts. He is constantly blessing us and giving us reminders he is there; we just need to look for them. Look for those simple moments this week as you go about your lives. You'll be shocked at how much he gives us to smile about :) With love always, Sister Montgomery [email protected] I am officially a missionary!
MAN what a week. Missionary life started right off the bat- we landed in DC and were greeted by President Johnson and his adorable wife, took all of our luggage to the car and then were handed a Book of Mormon and some Visitors Center pass along cards. They took us to the metro and said, "alright, go hand out some books!" Let me tell ya... the metro is NOT like the role plays you do in the MTC- but that's what made it so exciting! This is real life! I saw a woman sitting down reading a book and decided to go talk to her. I asked if she like to read. We started talking and she asked where I was going so I told her about the visitors center (we were meeting the mission president and his wife there). She was really interested and talked about how she had seen the temple and thought it was so beautiful! She loves to learn about why people believe what they do, the history behind their beliefs, all that good stuff. So I asked her if she had ever heard of the Book of Mormon; she said she had heard of it but never read it or anything. It's amazing how the Lord truly does fill you with the spirit and guide what you say- I decided to have no fear and say, "Well this book, THIS is why I believe what I do. What is written in here is what has made me the person I am, and it's the reason I'm here in DC. This MY favorite book to read." So I said I would show her a few of my favorite parts, which were the introduction page (more specifically the last two paragraphs) and then Moroni's promise. I asked her if I could give her this copy, and if she would read those parts. She was really excited and said YES! We were all getting off the metro because it was our stop, so I told her that if she had any questions or thoughts about what she read to go to the visitors center (I gave her a pass along card) and they will answer everything! It was so neat to have such an inspired little metro ride. I am currently serving in Forte Meade which is a military base! It is definitely a unique experience serving here.... once we enter post we are not allowed to wear our name tags. We are also not allowed to proselyte, teach outside of a home, or basically do anything pertaining to a missionary. The only time we are allowed to teach is if we have a referral or an appointment set up. The ward is very small due to many of the members being deployed or on duty, so church attendance is usually pretty low. Being on a military base isn't as pleasant as some may think... On our first day Sister Sosa said, "Don't EVER EVER drive on that road" so I asked why and she said, "You'll get shot." We continue driving and she says, "Oh and do not EVER turn left here, or on the road up there.... they will shoot you." "Also do not ever walk on this street, especially with your name tag because the snipers are ordered to shoot you." My response..... "oh good :-)" Basically I am out here being a martyr- wish me luck My favorite part of the whole week was my very first lesson- We went to teach Sister Braga whose husband is a member, but she has always refused to join the church. She's been going to church with him on and off for years, and taken many many discussions from tons of missionaries, but still- no desire. Of course I took this as a challenge and said, "well then Sister Sosa, looks like she's just been being prepared for us." The moment I met her I was overwhelmed with the spirit and my heart started to race. I knew that this meeting was going to be really important because I could tell that she was ready to hear the gospel. The first thing she said to us was, "I just don't think Heavenly Father hears or answers my prayers. I want him to be real, I just don't know if he is." We started teaching of the plan of salvation- how we used to live with him in heaven. We walked with, talked with and lived with our Heavenly Father. We are here because we CHOSE him." She started to cry because she couldn't believe that she had chosen him. She felt so much regret and remorse for not finding God sooner; she has felt very lost. I related to her a lot. I know exactly what it feels like to be lost from your Savior, so I began teaching of Earth and of Christ's atonement. The look on her face and feeling in the room was something I wish could be described in words. I bore a powerful testimony, one that I never have before, of the power of the atonement- how we can not only be made clean, but we can be made WHOLE. Through Christ we can be found and we can be happy; truly happy. You could feel angels in the room as we all cried and let the spirit teach for a minute. Sister Braga looked at me and said, "I didn't know how amazing it would feel to be found.." and I bore another testimony of God's love for her, because it was so evident that even I, a 19 year old girl who had known her for an hour, could feel the saviors love for her just reaching for her. We then talked about baptism and I asked if she would follow Christ's example, and come out of the water with a new clean slate made whole, and be baptized. She said yes. She looked at me and said, "I have met with so many missionaries. Heard so many lessons. But something is different about you and the message you gave to me today.... I've been waiting for you." Sister Braga will be getting baptized on August 13; I have never been more excited for a day to come. It was a true miracle and such a tender mercy to see the Lord finally be able to stand by her side after years and years of being prepared. He has been preparing her day by day because he knew that my story is the exact thing she needed to hear. The power of the spirit and the timing of God's work is truly amazing. I am so grateful to be a missionary, and a tool in God's hands; to witness his work being done and his children returning to him. The church is TRUE. I know it, I testify of it, I witness it, and I love my Savior Jesus Christ and my Father in Heaven. Have no fear this week- he will walk with you when you let him. Sister Montgomery MY LAST MTC EMAIL
My goodness I can't believe tomorrow I will be in Washington DC! I'll just write briefly about some things I have learned here at the MTC, although the list could go on forever: * First of all... I'm basically a volleyball all star, just sayin. But 98% of the time I resort back to my soccer skills and just use my feet and head lol, I just can't help it! Our district is still undefeated and can I just say we kick trash. Bump set spike BOOM. I'm also highly known and favored for my trash talking out on the court. My most popular saying was when we sent a smoking spike to the to the other team and I said, "Ya that's right Elder, that's what it feels like to have a DOOR slammed in your face, better get used to it!" Everyone thought that was pretty funny and now I'm MTC famous for my trash- I'm honored :-) * Walking up 5 flights of stairs for class every day does NOT get easier contrary to popular belief * I've learned how to do laundry! I think you all thought I was kidding when I said I still had time to learn at my farewell... Nothing has shrunk or changed colors so far so that's good * Tabasco sauce is not pleasant on a kiwi * We have learned lots of riddle games in our pass time which are so fun! So funny when you understand it and you watch someone try to figure it out. Snaps is my favorite * I never knew I could fall asleep so quickly lol- missionary work really is exhausting * I have such amazing friends and family back home. Thank you so much for all of the emails, letters, packages, love and support. Truly blessed with the best * I have started to CRAVE reading my scriptures. Oh man, it's the best part of the day when we get to have personal study time. When you sit down and read them, really read them, you have so many thoughts and prayers answered. You gain an understanding of your Savior that you couldn't get otherwise. Your life feels so peaceful while you read. You look forward to finding/marking a scripture that speaks to you and helps you. You gain a testimony and LOVE for this gospel. It is absolutely another testament of Jesus Christ- true, pure and perfect. * The power of the spirit is real. * Missions are blessings- I've only been gone 3 weeks and I already see Heavenly Father blessing and helping those that I hold most dear. He knows that I am unable to talk with them and be by their side, so he steps in for me. I have loved my experience here at the MTC. I was blessed with amazing teachers, my amazing district who I have become so close to, powerful lessons and testimony builders, speakers/devotionals, lifelong friendships and memories, but most of all I was blessed to feel the spirit in every hallway I walked and classroom I entered. I got to watch the Lord in action and see the miracles of missionary work and having faith in him. I got to become a better missionary and a better me. This experience is one that I will always and forever cherish. Time here at the MTC is a funny thing... Some days feel like they will never end or that you have been here for 7 months. But in the blink of an eye your stay here is done and it's time to leave. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to walk these halls and learn of my Savior here. I'll see you tomorrow DC <3 XOXO Sister Montgomery Has it really already been two weeks here in the MTC?! I can't believe in 7 days I will be IN DC! Time needs to speed up juuuuuust a hair because I am getting too excited!
This week my testimony was really strengthened through several different events 1: Elder Bednar came to the MTC to have a Q&A of his talk called "The Character of Christ" that he gave at the MTC a while back. I was no more than 10 ft from him. I learned something I want you all to ponder: we need to know OF Christ, not about him, OF him. I could write forever on what I learned from that talk, but learning of my Savior and being converted unto him really pierced my soul. I invite you all to take the steps to know of your Heavenly Father and Savior, because they love you more than we can even comprehend, and are waiting to be with you again. 2: TRC's As you know, Sister Gehlen and I have been teaching a lady named Erika. Erika is so sweet and kind; she's been taking missionary discussions for years now. Erika has heard all the lessons, read the scriptures, prayed, attended church, the whole shebang, but has never really felt the spirit or gained that undeniable knowledge called a testimony. Ultimately, Erika struggles with faith. Earlier in the week at a lesson with Erika, she said she wished she could see the plates or meet the prophets, but unfortunately "they don't exist and there wasn't real proof". I leaned forward on the couch, grabbed her Bible, then grabbed her Book of Mormon and placed it on top of her Bible, slid it towards her slowly and said, "These ARE the plates. This IS your proof; it is TRUE". It was my first time truly bearing witness of the truth of the Book of Mormon. It was really powerful/special, especially when she said "ok, i'll keep trying.” Sister Gehlen and I were a bit at a loss of what to teach her the next day, because she just needed to have a prayer answered and feel the spirit. So we decided to do something that would require a lot of faith on OUR part, and have Erika open our lesson with a prayer, asking for anything. Any questions, concerns, thoughts, feelings, to just pray for something she needed answered, and from there we were going to open our scriptures, begin reading, and hope to find her answer. Throughout her prayer, it was evident she needed peace and comfort in her life. Initially Sister Gehlen and I had studied 2 Nephi 31 for her, but I didn't feel that was what she needed to hear. I remembered that earlier in the week, Sister Gehlen and I had studied the story of Christ calming the sea, Mark 4, and I felt we should read it with her. So we opened up our scriptures, and began switching off every other verse. After each verse, we would say any thoughts or impressions we had. The spirit was very evident in the room. Erika stopped after verse 17 and said it was the most beautiful scripture she had ever read; it was speaking so significantly to her. So far, the whole chapter and all of our thoughts were really connecting to her. So we got to verse 24, "And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given." I noticed there was a footnote by the word "and" which was weird. I looked at the footnote at the bottom of the page which said, "AND unto you that CONTINUE to receive shall more be given". I just bore a small testimony on how true that verse is, and how much it meant to me. Heavenly Father has given us so much to see, but do we really look? He has given us so much to hear, but do we really truly listen? We have to continue to find the blessings and evidence God gives us every single day to know that HE LIVES; this is all TRUE. It is a promise that if we continue to strengthen our faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, more love shall be given to us than we can imagine. That little note really meant a lot to Erika; it meant a lot to me. The spirit began to flood the room as Erika felt the spirit and her prayers being answered for the first time. My favorite hymn is "Be Still My Soul" which actually talks about this story, Christ calming the sea, in it. So I got out a hymn book and read her the lyrics to the song. The feeling in the room was unfathomable. I shared how that hymn, in many ways, is my testimony. I can't tell you how many "storms" I have had inside of me or surrounding my life where I was certain I would drowned. That the Lord cared not that I perished. But not once has he failed to calm my storms. Not once has he let me drowned or be taken captive of the sea. He never has and he never will. I PROMISE and I TESTIFY of that. That lesson really was powerful for me and my journey of becoming a missionary. I've come to know of my Savior more and more every day. He is waiting for us to reach out to him and know him with open arms, I promise you that. I love being a missionary- I can't wait to be in DC NEXT WEEK :) Love, Sister Montgomery Well everyone, Sister Montgomery here! It's still so crazy saying that! I keep reaching up and tapping my name tag to make sure i'm not dreaming. Nope it's definitely real!
The MTC is amazing! Even better than I thought it would be. It's something that you can't really describe until being there yourself. Walking away from my family on drop off day was one of the hardest things i've done; my heart was absolutely aching. But the moment I walked through those doors, my heart aches, worries, sadness and fear were left behind. All I could feel was peace and complete happiness. I was actually taken back a bit, because it was the exact feeling and experience I had as I entered the temple doors for the first time. When you are in the Lords home, everything is left behind with the doors, and you are placed in the lords hands. Being here in the MTC I truly believe that this is a place where the Lord walks. You feel him with you in the halls and in your studies. I am honestly so lucky and happy to be here! I have only been here one week, but it doesn't take long to learn one thing: Missions Are MIRACLES. If you only gain one thing from the MTC i hope it's that. You see the Lord literally lift and grow and change his missionaries in a matter of days! He has changed ME in just days! I mean granted it may be the fact we are stuck in a room for 3 hour blocks during the day "studying" and spend more time reading than breathing, but it's definitely still the Lord ;) You hear so many missionaries speaking complete gibberish, but understanding one another and teaching TRC's (Investigators) only 72 hours after being here. Are you kidding?! It's a neat thing to see the Lord prepare and bless his servants. And can I just say.... thank goodness i'm not here for 2 months learning gibberish lol My companion is the sweetest! Sister Gehlen! She is from West Valley Utah and was baptized a year and a half ago. It's been cool working with her and seeing how she was taught by missionaries. It's actually pretty lucky for me that I get to learn from someone on the other end of the spectrum! We were also assigned as the Sister Training Leaders of our zone the second day haha so we must be doing something right! We taught our first TRC's to a lady named Erika and a lady from china named Ganlin (she spoke english thank heavens haha) and wow. I'm just constantly being taken back by the fact that 1- this is real and i'm literally missionary and 2- this is truly the Lords work and His gospel. Even though they are just "acting", the spirit sits with you in every single lesson. It seriously is true that the Lord will guide your words and help you say what you need to. I felt so unprepared with such a little knowledge of the scriptures and doctrine, so when we had to teach the second day of being here, you can imagine my heart sank. But I've learned a few things by being here and it's this: The gospel is quite simple. In fact we are literally taught to teach "simply" almost as to a child. I was expecting to learn deep lessons or doctrine and facts and scriptures, but no. That's not what's important. What's important is teaching what matters, and that is that we have a loving Heavenly Father who is real, and lives and loves us. And because he loves us, he provided us with a plan of happiness and joy. He died for us to have this joy and success, and all he asks in return is to love him, believe in him, and have faith in him. That's it. Have faith IN him and OF him, and endure to the end. How wonderful is that? How selfless and amazing is that? If we have faith in his love for us and that he lives, we can be forgiven of all our sins and heartaches, and live with our families and loving Heavenly Father for all of eternity. The second is that the Book of Mormon is true. Every word. All we have to do to know that is read it, and ask Him if it is. All he wants is to hear from you and have a conversation so he can let you know he lives, and the Book of Mormon is true. What a great blessing it is to be a missionary. I wake up every day (ok I barely roll out of bed at 6 am) but non the less, I wake up every day happy and excited, excited being the key word. I am excited to learn, to grow, to teach, to be closer to DC, and to be closer to my Savior. He lives and he loves us. I'm sure I left out a lot, but just know that I love and miss you all dearly! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers <3 AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MIA AND SAVANNAH! Me and my roomies definitely celebrated that day by throwing poppits in our dorm followed by getting in trouble :-) did we regret it? Not at all ;) XOXO! Sister Montgomery |