Feb. 17, 2014

My dear family,

Oh how very much I am learning! The Lord's work continues to "roll forth" through our area and throughout the mission. The members are becoming more excited and we have lots of members who will go out and teach with us this week. It is so amazing to see the difference the members can make in the lives of those investigating the church. For example, yesterday the family of Guilherme, Mateus, Amanda and Geovana weren't at church when we got there- as my companion and I were conversing about what to do, a member came up to us who knows the family- he had recognized that the family wasnt there, and asked if he could go pick them up. He did, and they had such a positive experience at church.

Quickly, I want to share something Pres. Pinho shared with us. He heard this story-

"The sole survivor of a shipwreck was able to reach a small deserted island. He asked God to save him. Daily he looked closely at the horizon waiting for help, but it seemed there was no hope. Exhausted with the passage of time, he managed to build a small wooden hut to protect and save the few belongings they had left. However, one day, after seeking out something to eat, he came home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rising into the sky. The worst had happened, all was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he shouted. However, early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. The ship had come to save him. "How did you know I was here?" he asked. "We saw the smoke signal," they replied.

He then said this: In China, the word crisis is synonymous with opportunity.

Thus, to act in difficult times, the secret being to trust God and have an attitude of faith, optimism, motivation and patience. Often in difficult moments we give up everything, all, however, our attitudes in these moments will make all the difference in our success or failure.

I know this to be true. As we experience the tests of mortality, these can be great opportunities for our learning and personal growth. I know that the Lord is always there with an extended hand outstretched towards us, inviting us to come unto Him. Only by coming unto Him can we receive "peace in this life, and eternal life in the world to come."

I love you!

Sister Katie Thornhill