What an inspiring week. We took an early train to Lyon on
Monday and then silently loaded the charter buses to head to Nice. The bus ride
went by quickly and sacredly. It was spiritually uplifting and impressive that
all of us missionaries were able to control ourselves. We arrived at the hotel
and went to sleep, anticipating the next day, it was like Christmas Eve for us.
Satan knows when the best things are arriving. He's like the
Grinch, destroying the beauty and joy of Christmas morning, only he doesn't have
a change of heart and return the splendor of gifts to reward our unwavering
hope. We entered the conference center and the silence was a bit painful as I
saw some of my most favorite people in the world and I had to hold myself back
from running into their arms... It was worth it though. Before the Andersons,
Kearons, and Roneys entered the room, I experienced a Spiritual Whirlwind. It wasn't foreseen, in fact the few weeks before the conference were filled with an
empowering study of the words of Elder Anderson. I was on top of the world! I
felt as if I had never before been so edified by my studies. I came prepared to
hear this apostle speak, but at the last moment, the momentum halted as my
pride pondered at the pool of popularity, and my mind meandered in the maze of
mediocrity. This all occurred suddenly and from something that to others would
seem insignificant, but for me it was devastating news. I felt like a useless,
unappreciated, unwanted dog. Satan strikes at the most precise of moments. He
knows our capacity and he will do everything to hinder our success. As the
conference began, I prayed that I would still be edified, and that I would know
what I needed to do to move forward with faith. Elder Kearon, a 70, and his
wife addressed us. As Sister Kearon advised us, I received the answers to my
pleading heart. It was as if she was speaking directly to me: "Turn
yourself over to the Lord. Give up your pride, your desires, your will, and
your heartaches and repent." her words forced the powers of Satan from my
mind. As the Andersons spoke, I was able to listen not only with my ears, but
with my heart. As Elder Anderson spoke, the Spirit continually blessed me with
the gift of believing another's testimony. As he told us our mission could
baptize more, specifically every team could baptize every month, as he told us
the Savior himself would be present in the Paris temple, as he told us we would
see literal miracles as our faith moves up, the Spirit witnessed to me that it
was true. When all was said and done, we stood as a mission choir to sing one
of the Holy of Holies; the Hosanna Anthem. I have never sang in a more heavenly
choir. Angels were lifting us up, as we praised and thanked the Lord for the
spiritual outpouring He had rained upon us. The minutes after the closing
prayer were the most precious as we sat together in silence, inhaling the
beauty of the moment. None of us wanted it to end, but alas, the most important
part of the conference was that we returned to our own villes and applied the
inspiration we had been blessed with. As Soeur Grunke and I began to lift our
faith, we walked with more confidence, we invite more people, and we testify of
the divinity of the Savior. Miracles have arrived, and more miracles will arrive as we continue to plead and pray deeply to the Lord each morning we are
on our knees.
Elder Anderson spoke of different missions, specifically the
Fortaleza missions in Brazil. He had just come from visiting them (Jordan Wood's
mission. WOW!) He told us that the two missions in Fortaleza have about 150
baptisms a month... We had about that LAST YEAR! haha, but then surprisingly
Elder Anderson told us that our mission is no harder than their mission. Wait,
what? I was lost. But it must be true. He is an apostle of the Lord. Our
mission is not any harder, just different. It eased my pains :) I love my
mission. Also, Elder Anderson served in Angouleme when he was in a missionary
in France!! WHAT!! I freaked out and just about jumped out of my seat when he
said that. He saw me, and looked over at me and smiled. I was a little excited
to know that I have served in the same place the apostle of the Lord has
;)
Elder Anderson invited us to move up our faith. But we have
faith! But, we need more faith. We read Ether 12 together. Wow. Things hit me
that have never hit me before. Miracles are a product of faith. He promised us
real, scriptural, miracles in our mission if we showed more faith. So guess
what Im studying right now? The Atonement.. but yes, Faith as well :) The
conference was an undeniably incredible experience. Probably once in a lifetime
for me. It was so precious, and I am eternally grateful for my Savior, and for
my mission, and for my calling to be a missionary. There is no other place in
the world I would rather be.
So, my week went well. For a week short three days, we blew
it out of the water! Amandine is officially committed to baptism the 5th of
July! YAY! We had an incredible lesson with her about the plan of salvation. We
all wept, even the member, as we discussed the atoning sacrifice of the Savior.
It applies to every aspect of life. It really touched her. When we invited her
to be baptized, there was no hesitation. It was as if she had already signed
up, and she was confused as to why we were asking. She is so prepared and
humble. She came to activities this weekend and was able to forge relationships
with the other young adults. Everyone is raving about her! We are worried about
Antonio and Ryan... We don't feel they will be prepared to be baptized the 5th,
but Armand still seems to be buoyantly moving forward towards the 5th! We saw
our fantastic less actives again this week... One sister, Soeur Bartin, wanted
to sing a hymn during the lesson... So we sang. And she was so ridiculous about
it that Soeur Grunke and I couldn't help but laugh at how adorable she is!! She
laughed with us and kept entertaining :) We also had a fun little experience
this week where a bird came into the chapel and Soeur Grunke and I had to catch
it and get it out. You can imagine a lot of screaming from my part, and a lot
of hushing from Soeur Grunke, haha. We had a super fun BBQ with the young
adults after church yesterday. I got sunburned! And we just laughed. I feel at
home here already. Three short weeks to integrate me. Not bad. I love it here.
I am so grateful to be the Lords missionary. I am so grateful for the
truthfulness of this gospel. I love my Savior. I wouldn't want to be anywhere
else.
I love you all. Have a fantastic week :)
Avec tout mon amour,
Soeur Beeny
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