Letters from Sister Alston: Iowa Thunder Storms

Hello from the stormy Midwest! :)

HAPPY TUESDAY! and HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY yesterday! What an exciting week it has been! Thursday we had our first zone conference; which was incredible. Hearing from President and Sister Jergensen, the AP's, and the Stake President was so spiritually uplifting and a great pick me up as always. (I'm so glad we have district and other meetings once a week...I don't know what I would do without them!) Elder Moore and Elder Van Woerkom spoke on concerning being “Messengers to Match His Message”: The differences between spiritually mature and immature missionaries and making efforts to become those that are spiritually mature. They had us each read our ministerial certificate, which reminded us of the power that we have as missionaries. It reads, "This certifies that the bearer, Sister Natalia Chantae Alston, who is in full faith and fellowship with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, has been duly called and set apart as a missionary of the church and as such has authority to preach the principles of the gospel. We Invite all people to heed her message." WOW. That was the first time I truly read that and felt and understood the meaning. I have been called by a prophet of God, and set apart for these 18 months to invite ALL people to listen to this great message. I'm so grateful I have the Lord's trust in teaching Heavenly Father's children. Sister Jergensen talked about treasuring up the word and earning trust. As we earn trust with Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost we will also earn trust with all those around us. President Jergensen emphasized the importance of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ and how we access the atonement through the Doctrine of Christ. Everything in the gospel truly does go back to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Lesson Learned: Well, there are many; but this week I experienced the power of the Atonement like never before. Being able to finally understand and fully use the Atonement and repentance in my own life...feeling my burdens, sins, worries, etc...literally lifted off my shoulders. It took longer than it probably should have on my part, but I know the Atonement is real, I know that Christ suffered for each and every one of us. We shouldn't be afraid to access the power of the Atonement, because only good will come of it. :)

Saturday morning Sister Hill and I had a incredible opportunity to join the Bishop and 2 of our recent converts, Toussaint and Paul, to go to the Nauvoo temple for baptisms! I just love being able to see new members first experience at the temple...it is special! AND THEN....Saturday afternoon Sister Hill and I had our first baptism!!! :) :) :) Kagulo got baptized, and Toussaint (one of the recent converts) was able to baptize him! I will never forget the service, for it was unlike any I've ever been to that's for sure! The Elders in our area had a baptism the same day, Magali, so we combined the services into one big one. The whole thing was done in French, Spanish AND English! There was such a sweet spirit there, I can't even explain how cool it was! It does help, of course, that Bishop Gelder is trilingual and speaks all of those languages! One day, One day... haha. On Sunday, bishop confirmed Kagulo in French, and Magali in Spanish...yep...he's amazing!

The Young Women's president called us Friday night to see if we would be able to teach young women on Sunday, and oh my heavens...it was just wonderful! I love being with the youth, and miss the amazing youth back home so much. There are a total of 12 of them, all have such strong testimonies and when we asked who wanted to serve missions, I think 9 of them raised their hands! YAY!!!! I wasn't even thinking about serving a mission even a year ago! They are truly prepared and know it's part of the reason they are here today.

Well, time is running short, even though I have so much more to say...but I want everyone to know that I testify of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. I know it is the only true and RESTORED church on the earth today, and I am forever grateful for Joseph Smith and his faithfulness and trust in the Lord. I strive to become like him...and as I study more about him I can feel more of the love he had/has for the people and desire to bring others closer to Christ. He went to through so much, and never allowed himself to question if God asked too much of Him. He did it with a smile, because he knew why it was so important. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and testify that it answers the questions we may have each and every day. Just this week I had the neatest experience with reading from the Book of Mormon and receiving a very clear answer to my prayer the night before. I am so grateful for the Plan of Happiness, for the comfort it gives me. I love my Father in Heaven and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with all my heart, and am honored to represent Him at this time.

I love you all so much, and thank you for being a part of my life and shaping me into the person I am becoming.

Love Always,

Sister Natalia Chantae Alston