Bill and Mark!

Hello family! 

This week I have really seen faith overcome the Adversary, and I am so glad for that! 

Last Tuesday we had a lesson with Brother Toliseli, it went really well! Sister Polaulu is such a pro :) we worked out in companionship study how we were going to teach in English and Tongan. Brother Toliseli speaks and understands English but it doesn't quite click the same and we really wanted to make sure he felt the spirit and understood what was being taught. So, we kinda planned out what she would teach and where she would pass it off to me. She would say a key word and then turn and nod at me and that meant it was my turn haha, it worked out really well actually and he accepted a baptismal date to work towards! December 23rd, what better gift to give the Savior than a willing  and repentant heart! 

Wednesday we had a lesson with Mattie. Every week I am just blown away by her sincere, steadfast testimony of the Gospel! I sure do love her a lot! She never ceases to amaze me.

In the afternoon, we felt prompted to stop by 2 former investigators; Skyhler, and... DICE! Yes, the rumours are true, Dice is back! We are hoping they will be able to progress as we follow the Spirit and focus on their needs. 

 Thursday was Thanksgiving, yay! We were with the Toliseli family, and Bill came too! Mark was also supposed to come but was unable last minute :/ it was really good! And I think Sister Polaulu like the mix of traditional thanksgiving food and Tongan food :D 

Later in the evening we stopped by our friend Jeremy, who was baptised in June. I sure do miss having him around and we are doing all we can to have him around more, prayers on his behalf would be appreciated :) 

Friday, we were supposed to go over to Bill and Mark's with Brother Patrick to practise for the baptism, but something came up with Bill’s job so we couldn't. We decided we would just meet extra early at the church before the baptism.

Well Saturday night was the time of the baptism and at about 5:30 we were desperately trying to make sure the font was filling with warm water (it needed to be warm because of some of Mark's health concerns), but the water would only run warm for about 5 minutes. So every little bit we would have to turn off the water and let it heat up again. It was touch and go for a bit but eventually we got a full font of hot water! 

The next challenge on his wonderful evening was the program. I think 2 items on the program remained the same by the time the service was over Haha! Last minute fall throughs and unfortunate events led to many last minute changes, but we were blessed to have willing people step in and help out! 

Then it was time for the baptism itself! It took a couple tries, but hey sometimes that happens. After Mark was baptised he said, "thank you sister Holt for making sure the water is warm!" Haha, that made me smile. 

They really have both changed so much over these past couple months! So much light and optimism! They know that they are getting a fresh start. 

The next morning was their confirmation and an emergency came up and they were late to sacrament meeting so they were confirmed in the middle of the speakers; I thought it provided for a great little interlude to the meeting :) 

My favourite part of teaching someone who is baptised is being there when they receive the gift of the Holy Ghost! I love being able to hear a little glimpse of what God has in store for them! I am amazed at the awesome potential that every single one of Heavenly Father’s children have, no matter what age, no matter who they were before, or what they did! 

I know that repentance is real. I know that people can change and become who God would have them be through Christ! I am grateful for clean slates and second chances...and third chances... and sometimes fourth chances. Something I have been talking about a lot with people we teach is that if you fall down 1,000 times but you get back up 1,001 times, God only going to care about that 1 more time that you got up and decided to try again! Repentance is such a joyful choice! 

The Church is true! I love you dearly! 

Sister Holt 

One Lucky Girl!

Hello family!! 

This week has been wonderful as always, the work is stabilizing, getting to a comfortable and yet engaging pace... so naturally I'm trying to figure out ways I can stop that from happening haha. Something I remember my friend Emma telling me at the beginning of her mission was that there is no comfort in a growth zone and there is no growth in a comfort zone. We will see what God and I can come up with this week to shake things up haha.

Monday night we found 2 new investigators, Hector and Michael. We have had return appointments with both and I see a lot of potential with them! I'm excited to continue to meet with them :) 

Tuesday we had lessons with Alyssa, Vaiola, Bill, and Mark. Vaiola also came to the Relief Society service project with us, and Maria, one of the people we are teaching, came as well. 

Wednesday we taught Mattie the Plan of Salvation as part of her new missionary lessons. It was a really wonderful, powerful lesson. I love it when I am able to teach by the Spirit in such a way that I say things I didn't even know I knew haha, that's what this lesson was like. Something amazing happens when you recognize Heavenly Father work through you for the salvation of one of His children. Mattie really is so special, I am so blessed to be able to know her! She is growing so strong in her knowledge and conviction of the Gospel and love for the scriptures and Heavenly Father. 

Thursday, we had Zone Conference which was so needed, as always. What really hit me was the discussion of faith. Faith is a power that makes things happen that need to happen. Sometimes I leave the miracle of conversion entirely up to the investigator thinking, well all I can do is invite... which is true to a certain degree. But when I think of King Mosiah' s faith... that was converting faith! It was because of his faith, not his sons' or Alma's, but his faith, that they had that remarkable experience of being called to repentance and changing their hearts. 

I love everything about being a missionary, the ups and the downs. I have never learned so much about the Gospel, life and myself as I have these past 15 months. 

Also I'm super lucky because I have had the honour of serving with an amazing sister for almost 3 months now. It is a real blessing to be able to spend everyday teaching and learning with sister Polaulu. She really is one of my very best friends and I am grateful 😊

On Saturday we got to go to the Family History center with Bill and Mark! Bill really liked it! I think we will be going back :) they are very excited for their baptisms this Saturday! And so am I! Later we also went to a ward dinner with them. 

Sunday... no one came to church unfortunately :( Bill and Mark had a friend have an emergency they needed to attend to so, we missed them. 

After church we saw Maria, Alex and the Toliselis though :) we kinda had a break through with brother Toliseli, thanks to Sister Polaulu! She followed the Spirit like a pro and taught a little bit right to him in Tongan. We will be meeting with him one on one now as well as with the family! 

I know this is the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ! I love sharing it with everyone who will listen! 

I love you all like crazy, 

Sister Holt 

Fresh Start!

Hello!

 This week has been really great! We've kind of been turning over a new leaf in our area. We had a lot of investigators that were really great but not really moving forward... so we got to find this week! It was great :) we found 3 new investigators, Melvin, Pancho, and Salvador. 

 Last Monday we went bowling with the district. It was a lot of fun! Then afterwards we went and played baseball and soccer baseball with the rest of the zone.

 We got to do some family history work with Mattie on Wednesday. We started getting some names ready for her to take to the temple. Next week she should be getting her recommend and then we can plan a trip to LA!

We also met with Bill and Mark a couple times this week. We went over the baptismal interview questions with them, they are progressing well to get ready for their baptism on the 25th! They both really changed a lot and its been wonderful to see that change take place.

This week we also had the opportunity to meet with some member families in our ward. One of the families was the Christensens. Brother Christensen is my dad's second cousin! Who knew? Well actually I guess it is to be expected since he is from Southern Alberta! Haha 

We shared the new Restoration video with them and then discussed what blessings have come into their lives as a result of this event. There was no shortage of answers, that's for sure! We then talked about how some people don't know about this and therefore do not enjoy those same blessings. We encouraged them to pray about someone they can share this message with so they can receive those same blessings in their lives. 

Also, a miracle that happened this week, someone we have been teaching has been working on quitting smoking and they did!!! We are so excited for them, God really is so good. They said that what made the difference was what they were praying for. They stopped praying to make something happen and instead prayed for understanding and acceptance. It was such a miracle and we are so excited to see this person progress! 

We had 4 investigators at church this week! Bill and Mark came, as well as brother Toliseli and Maria. The theme for sacrament meeting and Relief Society was missionary work, so that was nice! 

After church, we got to meet with Melvin, one of our new investigators, and go to family home evening with the Toliseli's first, then with Mattie at the Bon family's home. 

I sure am grateful for every single moment I have been given to serve the Lord. I love Him, and I love the plan and Gospel He has created and provided for us so we can feel joy, happiness, and love! 

The Church is true!

Sister Holt 

Ps I've been here so long the dog had puppies again! 

Anthony!

Happy Halloween everyone! 

Hope everyone stayed safe and had a fun time 😁

We stayed in and in-putted some teaching records onto our phones! It was just about as fun as it sounds haha but it was good! 

Last Wednesday we had a great lesson with Mattie, she is just on fire. It is so amazing to see the difference the gift of holy ghost makes in people's lives! God is so good. 

Another really awesome thing happened on Wednesday! After district meeting,  2 Spanish elders approached us and said a guy had flagged them down on their bikes when they were on their way to the church and had requested missionaries to visit him! We weren't able to get a hold of him til the evening after, but his name is Anthony and he is so cool. We taught him the Restoration and he accepted the invitation to be baptized! He also came to church with us on Sunday and got a blessing to help him with some physical therapy he is starting. 

Thursday morning we also did service again for Mark. At our lesson with Bill and Mark on Saturday they decided who they want to baptize them and everything so they are progressing towards baptism well 😁

Friday evening we had our "Meet the Mormons" movie night at the church for investigators, members, and potentials. Didn't have quite the turn out we had hoped but at least people came! So that is an improvement from the last finding activity we tried haha. Bill and Mark came and the Lakewood 3rd elders had some people come as well and we had a few members so they were able to fellowship, which was good 😊

Sunday night we had another FHE with the Toliseli family and it was great! We watched the Restoration video and then talked about what they felt as they watched Joseph's vision. 

Today we are going bowling so I'm super excited! 

I love you lots! The church is true! 

Love, sister Holt 

Chili Cook Off!

Hello family!

So I actually already wrote an email but it apparently didn't send so I'm going to really quickly give a recap sorry it's not going to be the same email that it would have been.

This week has been really good; the weather has been beautiful, it was really warm at the beginning of the week but it’s cooled down today.

We started off Monday night last week with great lessons with Alex and Maria and Bill and Mark.

 At Bill and Mark’s lesson we had Brother and Sister Patrick with us and we watched the Joseph Smith the Prophet - the Restoration video. The Spirit was really strong and we asked them to  pray about whether or not Joseph Smith was a prophet. The next day we went over to follow up and they said that they had felt that he was a prophet and they're ready to move forward with baptism! Yay! They're scheduled to be baptized on the 25th of November.

 Wednesday we had to lessons back to back at the church building. One with Maddie and one with Edward. Maddie's lesson went really well Justin came with us he shared his conversion story with her. It was really great because it helped her to feel comforted knowing that somebody else went through something similar to what she went through. Her faith is increasing so much! She's really wonderful.

Thursday morning we did service with Mark with Viola. We did some yard work and it was really wonderful because he was so appreciative! It's really wonderful to be able to see somebody through Heavenly Father’s eyes and I find that when you do service for somebody you're able to experience that. Charity really is the pure love of Christ!

Later that evening we had a lesson with an investigator that is having a hard time feeling the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. We were able to read some of it with him and bear testimony to him of its truth and divinity. The Spirit was really strong and it was a special opportunity for me to be able to find that my testimony is stronger than I thought it was. I'm so grateful for the Book of Mormon and for how it helps to build my faith and the faith of those around me, I love the Gospel!

Saturday night was our ward’s chili cook off Halloween party activity. We had four investigators come! Tom, Valda, Maria and Alex all came and had a really great time. It was a lot of fun!

The next day at church we had Bill and Mark with us, sacrament meeting was really wonderful. Brother Toliseli also went to church at a different ward because their family was involved in the sacrament meeting.

After church we found a really awesome new investigator name is Carletha. She seems really interested in learning more about the Gospel. We invited her to a Meet the Mormons movie night that we're going to be having at our church this Friday. We hope she comes!

Later that evening we had another FHE with the Toliseli family, it went really well again! 

Well, I sure love you folks! The Church is true! Make good choices, counsel with the Lord always! Pray without ceasing! 

Love, Sister Holt 

Transfers!

Hello all! 

It was the last week of the transfer and last night we got our transfer calls and...............I'm staying for a 5th transfer in Lakewood 4th with sister Polaulu! We are happy, we get along pretty well and we are having a lot of fun and getting a lot of work done! 

The highlights of this week were probably going to the Temple to do baptisms with Alyssa, who got baptized in September, and Sunday:) 

Tuesday afternoon we went to the Newport Beach  Temple to accompany Alyssa as she was baptised for her Grandmother. It was a very special experience! The spirit was crazy strong and when we talked about it with her on Thursday at our lesson, she said she felt it was very special to be able to help her Grandma receive the ordinances of baptism and confirmation.

Other than that, we have just been spending the week doing the usual; finding, teaching and preparing people for baptism! We had some good lessons with Bill, Mark, Tom, Valda, Rueben, and a few others. 

On Sunday, Bill, Mark, and brother Toliseli came to church and later that evening we had our new weekly family home evening with the Toliseli family. This week we taught the Restoration and focused on how our families are blessed through the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sister Toliseli shared her powerful testimony at the end in Tongan so her husband could better understand. I couldn't understand the words of course, but I definitely understood the spirit of it. 

I am so grateful for this Gospel, I don't know what I would do without it. The thought that anyone might go their whole life without getting the chance to hear and accept it hurts me almost as much as the thought of people hearing the message and not accepting it. 

I know without a doubt that God does answer prayers. If we are in the dark or if we "lack wisdom " it is because we are choosing to be there. Our living Heavenly Father has made it very clear that if we seek, we shall find. If we knock, it will be opened. If we ask, we will receive. I know that answers come to the hearts of man by the power of the Holy Spirit. I know this because that is how I have received my witness and it is how I am guided and led in this work, from dawn to dusk (literally). 

I will be eternally grateful for the absolute gift I have been given of have the privilege to serve a mission for my God. 

I love you all dearly! The church is true! 

Love, Sister Holt.

This kid in our ward actually kinda freaked me out when we were driving at dusk and I saw him just standing super still in the middle of the road, so we took some pictures with him haha 

The sisters is the Norwalk ward had this sweet cut out from their Halloween party!

Sister Toliseli made us our own lavalavas!

Mattie!

Hello all! It has definitely been an exciting week over here in Lakewood California! 

Of course, Las Tuesday we went to the L.A. temple and it was amazing!!! I am such a lucky sister to be so close to 2 gorgeous temples. 

The rest of this week we did the usual, find, teach, baptize. Haha the highlight of the week was definitely mattie's baptism!! She is so, so special and i can't wait to see all of the wonderful that she will accomplish in her life with the help of the gospel. I have been BLESSED to have been a part of her teaching from beginning (pretty much) to the not quite end... Well til her baptism anyways because the end doesn't exist! The gospel is an eternal pursuit! 

Man, I just love being a missionary so much. I don't think I ever want to leave, I finally found something I'm kinda okay at haha. I have never experienced anything so rewarding or worthwhile as serving the Lord as one of his representatives. I have had the extraordinary privilege of being able to live and breathe the spirit of God and I never want toy let that go! 

Folks, if I can give you one piece of advice it would be that NOTHING in this entire world or the next will ever be worth compromising tour standards and looking the influence of the spirit in your life. I can testify of that from the very depth of my soul. Galatians 5:25 says 25 "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Never be weary of well doing! 

Oh yeah funny story from at the baptism... after everyone had left we had to drain the font but someone.... don't know who but someone accidentally broke the chain to the plug so someone, me I am the someone haha, had to go into the don't and unplug it... it was a real awkward situation haha but at least it was at the end of the night! 

Also I got stung by a wasp for the first time, on my hand... so that was great haha

Sunday morning I sang it church again! Weird how the same investigators that came last time, came this time... but they haven't come any other times.... 

Sunday evening we also got to do Family home evening with a part member family in our ward and it was a really special experience. They are very special and i am so blessed to be here. 

Brothers and sisters, God is so good. Never forget that! 

Love, Sister Holt