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Monday, May 7, 2018

New Companion. New Branch. Same City.


HAPPY MONDAY!!!

This week has been super great! It's always way crazy the week of a transfer, and this week wasn't any different, but it's been good getting to know Sister I. Sousa and learning how to work with her. She has 5 months in the mission, and is super super sweet. She teaches super well, and people love her so easily. I'm grateful to have this transfer with her!

This week has been a week of changes! The ward that I'm serving in right now was split on Sunday, and now my little area of Cohab 2 is a branch. The other sisters that have been serving in this ward will stay in Boa Vista (in the ward) and Sister I. Sousa and I get to be branch sisters!!! So, even though I stayed in the same area for my 5th transfer here, it's like I received a transfer call. hahaha

A lot of people here were super surprised that I stayed in the same area for my 5th transfer. Including me. But I received a special spiritual experience this week that I'd like to share with you.

I had been feeling a little bit discouraged, thinking that my purpose was just to help other people get to know the area, because they needed to be here, and not really feeling like I was supposed to be here. But yesterday during Sacrament meeting, I received such a clear and tender answer from Heavenly Father that he has a purpose for me. As it was announced that the ward would be split, and my area of Cohab 2 will become a branch, I sat thinking about the last 6 months and all that has happened here in this area, I began to realize that the Lord has been preparing this area so much for this change to be able to happen. (People getting baptized, members returning, etc.) I've been able to be a part of this preparation. As I sat thinking about this, it was as if a voice spoke to me, and I heard these words "Oh my dear Sister Shelton, see? I do have a plan for you. I need and I want you here right now. You were sent to help this specific ward in this specific city on the other side of the world prepare for this important change. And I needed to have you here when this change happened. That's why you are still in this area. Keep working hard; I'm here with you." It was such a tender moment, that I started to cry right there in Sacrament meeting. But that wasn't all. During the part of testimonies, my recent convert Cauã bore his testimony, and said that he was so happy to be a member, and that he knew the church was true. After finishing, he came over to me and Sister I. Sousa and told us that he really did know that the church was true; and then he looked at me and said, "It's you I have to thank Sister Shelton. Thank you for being here in this area." Well, let's just say the tears were flowing freely, and people were kind of concernced about me. Haha.

I really am so grateful to have received such a sweet testimony that the Lord knows me. He has a plan specifically for me. I'm grateful to be a missionary, and to be serving here in Garanhuns PE Brasil. 

Have a great week everyone! (I can't wait to see and talk to you on Sunday family!!)

Love,
Sister Shelton

Omni 1:26
"And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved."


Picture- The two districts of Garanhuns with President Houseman!


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