Kia Ora Whanau!
So much has happened this week.
The whole Hamilton mission (about 170 of us) got together and stayed at a camp for 2 nights as our Christmas Conference. During a devotional, I finally accepted and got the reason why I am serving here in NZ. From the moment I opened my call, I knew I was sent to New Zealand because of my ancestors and because my roots are here. Of course. Well, long story short, guess what the spirit confirmed to me during our Christmas Conference?
"Sister Wihongi, you are here because this is the land of your ancestors."
Is that surprising? Nope. But it brought immense peace in my heart. I guess I always took that reason for granted. But as I pondered on it more and more through out the devotional, the spirit became stronger and stronger. Most of the people that the missionaries are teaching in this mission are: my family. The "500 baptism goal" is 500 more souls, my family, coming into the fold of our loving Savior. This Christmas Conference had given me more drive, more confidence, more faith in doing the Lord's work. I will not take my name for granted anymore, I will treat everyone with greater love because I have gained more charity from this conference. These people are my family. On my father's and on my mother's side, there has been a strong heritage within the church and I know some stories of my missionary ancestors as well. I have felt their presence & I know they are helping me with the Lord's work. I grieve as I look back on my mission and could have done more, asked for more help, depend more on the spirit more. It has made me also want to help my fellow missionaries. I want them to know how important this means to me and Heavenly Father, and how important it should mean to them. I loved being with fellow full time servants of the Lord.You bet I am taking this more seriously.
Among the spiritual high, we were able to watch Narnia & The Other Side of Heaven 2, play volleyball, jam on instruments, play touch, and had other fun activities with the missionaries.
Well, we came back from camp and got to work. We have met a whole lot of potentials and have return appointments with a few. We should be getting a few new people to teach within the week. We need to find more!!! And with the Lord's help, we will have success! Also sister Perry and I made it a goal this transfer to finish reading the Book of Mormon by the end of transfers and we are caught up. Sister Perry started from the very beginning and I just started from where I left off. I think it has helped us immensely to remain focused and hardworking this transfer. I've seen my companion improve from this goal. We never have any problems are contentions with each other. That's a promise that comes from reading the Book of Mormon. I know that you are not alone, Christ Lives. God answers prayers. There are no coincidences. You are loved. In the sacred name of your brother and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen!
Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi
"The spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness."
-Marion G Romney (promised blessing from reading the Book of Mormon)
