Miracles and Training

Family!

What a crazy week! This week felt like it lasted months and yet it went by in the blink of an eye. That happens a lot on a mission I've realized. We had two major miracles that I want to share.

First was with Vicki Xu she's the Chinese lady that we've been working with. When we went to visit her we were planning on taking the restoration lesson super slow and really try to help her understand what was going on. Her little boy is usually a major distraction and it's hard to get the spirit there. This week we took her friend Rozina and her daughter Kelly. Kelly was able to keep her son entertained and quiet the whole lesson, which was a miracle in and of itself. Then when we sat down Vicki said, "So I've been reading this book." and grabs the Book of Mormon. "I really like Mosiah 4:14-15 I think it talks about families and how important it is to have God in our lives." We were in shock and didn't know what to say. She then said, "This book really does apply to us in our daily lives." We were blown away at how the Lord had worked within her this week. The spirit was so strong and we know that she will be ready for baptism in no time. I'm grateful that the spirit really does do all of the teaching.

Miracle #2

Wendy, our Vietnamese investigator committed to baptism!!! We had another ridiculously powerful Restoration lesson with her and our Ward Mission Leader Dave Matene and his wife Marg. The setting again was just perfect for the spirit to touch her heart and help her understand what we shared. It's amazing how every little thing just works out so smoothly when you plan ahead, pray, and rely on the spirit. She is on date for the 31st of August so we are now just helping her progress towards that date. We have planned to set her son Alex (14) and daughter Jennifer (11) on date this week to be baptized just like their mom. Their family really needs the gospel right now. It's amazing to see how we were literally instruments in the Lord's hands by finding them right now. I love being a missionary! The work is moving forward and people are being prepared to hear the word of God! The fullness of the resorted gospel here on the earth today!

Last thing I wanted to share. I got a phone call from President this morning. He started with, "Sister Beckstrand, we have a slew of new sister missionaries coming into the Australia Perth Mission this week and I need you as a trainer." My heart dropped. I of course took the call and told him that I am grateful for the opportunity. He said that he has full faith and confidence that I can do this calling and that we will continue to grow as a mission. He said, "We've had you as a Sister Training Leader and now you are needed as a trainer. I know that we will continue to use you while you are here in Western Australia." I don't know what he has in mind with that comment but I'm sure it will be okay. Not going to lie I am terrified with the thought that I will be training this next transfer. (Transfer is on Wednesday this week so I'll tell you who I am training and where I am serving next week). Although I am nervous I know that the Lord doesn't call the qualified but that He qualifies those that He calls. I will be praying and relying on the Lord more than ever these next few weeks but I know that it will be a major blessing for not only me and the missionary that I will become in the next few weeks but that it will be a great experience to help another missionary become the best that she can be as well.

I know this church is true. I know that Joseph Smith really did see God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. I know that the Book of Mormon is word from God and that as we read it it will help us in our individual lives. It was written to help us. I know that Heavenly Father loves us. I love being able to feel His love for others as I serve. This work is remarkable and I am humbled to be a part of it.

I love you all and love getting all of your letters, blogs, emails, and pictures. You are the greatest support a missionary could ask for.

 

All my love,
Sister Shayne

 

p.s. Here are some pictures.

 

First one - Penny street! It makes me smile every time we drive by. I had to pull over and take a picture to send it to you.

Other- I got my hair cut and layered. The lady did a really good job with the cut and a member paid for the cut. It was a little tender mercy. So I curled it on Sunday for church and thought I would make sure you got a picture so you know that I don't just straighten it every day :)

Love you. Thank you for everything. I printed a lot out this week and will send a better email back next week. I pray that all is going well with you and the whole fam.

All my love,

Sister Shayne

 

Another week, how time flies!

Family!

 

I just want to start with a disclaimer that I am printing emails this week and will read and report back next week :) So much to read and share and so little time to do it.

Okay first off I can't believe Jacob is home. I can just imagine the lunch at their home with him playing the piano. Oh it's still weird that Jaden and I aren't there. Crazy how fast life moves on. I got a letter from the YW stake presidency of the YCL's from girls camp and wrote Sister Spriggs back a thank you card for it.

 

Highlights from this week:

 

We had a FHE with a Chilean family Monday night. Their little 3 year old boy was talking about superheros so we asked him who is favorite superhero is. He smiled and replied, "My daddy!" It was easily the cutest thing ever!

 

One of our Zone Leaders, Elder Patuaka, had his 20th birthday this week and we had a big dinner at the Ward Mission Leaders home with a massive chocolate cake to finish off the night. Every time we called them with a question or for permission for something we sang a different primary birthday song when they answered the phone. He said he felt more love on this birthday than he had in a long time. It was awesome to make his day special.

 

Bobkie blessed the sacrament for the first time on Sunday! It was the greatest thing to hear him bless the water for it to be passed to the congregation. He originally was just going to sit up there this week and then bless when he got more comfortable but he just went right ahead and took the opportunity. He is an amazing kid. His dad was our other miracle this week. We have been praying that Bobkie and Malad's dad would be more interested in hearing the message of the restored gospel but he was just never home. WELL, we went over last Friday to talk to Bobkie, Malad, and Blessing and there was their dad Bobby laying on the couch. He had been home sick from work for 3 days and was still ill. We quickly called the Elders and they came over straight away to give him a blessing. The spirit was so strong that you could have cut it with a knife. After the blessing we talked about the priesthood for a bit and then it lead to baptism and how Bobkie now holds that priesthood and what not. I ended up extending the baptismal invitation and he accepted! He said that he wants to come to church and learn more before he completely accepts but that he is willing to learn and progress towards baptism. It was amazing! We asked Bobkie what it would mean to him to have his dad be baptized and he said, "It would be an answer to a lot of my prayers." He had an ear to ear grin on his face when we asked his dad to be baptized and his comment brought me to tears. I haven't felt so much love, happiness, spirit, and peace in one living room in a long time. It was amazing. Then this morning before coming to email we went over (we took time out of our p-day) to have a lesson with Bobby. We taught him the restoration in it's fullness and he just clicked with it. He said that it makes sense that there needs to be a prophet and he talked about how in the Bible the priesthood had to be passed down from person to person and that when we showed him the picture of Peter James and John giving Joseph the priesthood that it just made sense. It was amazing! I couldn't believe how well he just accepted everything. We invited him to be baptized on the 31st of August and he said that we would work towards that date. We left in awe. I love being a missionary. People are prepared to hear this message!!! It could be someone you talk to at the store, park or wherever! Missionary work is the greatest thing on the planet.

 

My last tender mercy for this week happened last night. President called our companionship the other day and asked if we would come with him to the Stake YSA Sunday fireside to help him with his talk. Of course we agreed and went. We walked into the church and started looking around for President. We made our way to the gym where everyone was waiting for the fireside to start. We had been standing by the door for literally 20 seconds when I hear, "Sister Beckstrand!!!" and see one of the YSA guys booking it from the other side of the gym to come say hi. It was Mike Hawkins who when I met him was ELDER Hawkins. Mike was the Elder serving in my YSA ward in Washington when I got my mission call to come here. He said he had been asking his Elders in his ward if they knew where I was serving. It was so neat to see a familiar face and know that someone had been waiting to see me here in Australia. It was fun to catch up with him for a bit. He is working and getting ready to start Uni (college). The Lord definitely watches out for His missionaries. Just seeing someone you know half way around the world can make your day so much brighter. He lives in a completely different zone than I serve so I was surprised to see him there.

 

This work is amazing. I know the Lord is mindful of all of his children and loves each of us more than we could ever know. I pray for you all everyday and love getting letters from Ben and David and emails and letters from Sophie and Josh. You are the greatest siblings a missionary could ask for. I love you all!

 

Sister Shayne :)

Things I Know

Family!

This letter isn't going to be to long. We had a really interesting week this week. I saw miracles, experienced some of the lowest times so far on my mission, saw goals achieved through faith, and felt Satan trying to bring me down more than I would have ever thought on a mission. I've grown and learned more about myself, the atonement, and my Savoir this week than ever before. I know that fasting for a specific purpose can bring forth miracles. I know that prayers are answered. I know that we need to pray when we least feel like it. It's in those times where we are frustrated, angry, down, or just lost that we need to pray the hardest. Heavenly Father is always listening to our prayers and He stands ready to bless us when we turn to Him. I know that developing Christ-like attributues will draw us closer to the Savoir than anything else in the world. When we earnestly strive to become like Him in everything that we do, that is when we understand His love for us and others, that the atonement wasn't just a good story but that it actually happened, and that we can become like our Savior and Father in Heaven. I've come across heaps of people here that just don't believe that there is a God. Those are the saddest conversations to walk away from. I know that Heavenly Father is real. I know that He loves me. I know that He has provided a plan for each of us and it is perfect, (even when it seems like it isn't). I know that my Savior Jesus Christ lives. I know that He literally walked on this earth. I know that the church we are a part of is HIs church that has been restored to the earth today. I know that through that restoration we have not only another testiment of Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon but we also have the Priesthood authority and power again on the earth. I couldn't imagine my life without the priesthood. I'm grateful for faithful worthy men in my life that have helped, comforted, and blessed me through that priesthood power. I am eternally grateful for the Book of Mormon. The more I read from it the more the people feel real. The more I read the more my testimony grows of the love those past prophets and leaders had for us in these days. They went through a lot to keep this sacred book protected. I know that it really will draw us closer to God than any other book we read here in this life. I'm grateful for my conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. At some point we all have to do the same as Joseph Smith and must pray to know if the church is true. I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is the only true church on the earth. I know that my Savior died for me and that I can repent everyday to become better. I'm grateful for the strength the gospel brings in my life. I know that it will bless the lives of all those who let it enter their lives and hearts. The gospel is true. Missionary work is the greatest work upon the earth. I know it, I live it and I love it. I say that in the name of my Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

 Here are the pictures she added on:

 

The elders in my district at laser tag for Zone P-day last week. The headbands have sensors on them that you shoot at to take out the other players. Our district was blue and the other district was red. We play outside at this awesome arena like place that has several different field where we play game after game. We really got into it this time around if you can't tell haha.

 

 

Kanga crossing!

 

With actual kangaroos in the field next to it! 

 

 Sunset from the other day. Best part about australia is the sunrises and sunsets

Bobkie went to the temple to do baptisms! We got to go with and watch :) Such a sweet experience.

 

 

Another temple pic :) From the morning we did baptisms with Bobkie.

 

 

 

I met one of Mike Grajeks friends this week! She came up to me at church and introduced herself. She's the oldest sibling in the family he knows here. Her name is Dion. She said she would have us over for dinner one of these days. It was fun for have that sense of love from someone I don't even know just because you have friends and I know that everyone is watching out for me.

I feel your prayers everyday and they push me more than anything else.   I love you, keep smiling, know that the Lord is watching out for me and that all is well in the Australia Perth Mission.

All my love,

Sister Shayne 

O that I were an angel‏!

Family! 

 

Wow this has been an amazing week.  Last Monday at our lunch with President Lindsay he asked Sister Ensign and I if we would be willing to come to the mission home the next day and welcome a new sister into the mission and into our companionship.  We were excited and of course willing to have her in our companionship.  Her name is Sister Rooti (Rose) Kanee (Ka-nay).  She is from Kiribati near the Marshall Islands.  She has been serving in her home country since January but just barely got her visa!  Crazy right?!  7 months later and she is finally in the right mission.  She was baptized only 2 and a half years ago.  She is the only member in her family.  She has an amazing testimony and has brought a whole new light into our companionship.  We are the only companionship in a 3way.  We will have all three of us together for the next 3 weeks of the transfer.  It's going to be interesting to really sauce everything out on how to teach, who showers when, etc. but we will figure it all out.  She is 22 years old and loves to laugh.  It's been great having her around.  She and Sister Ensign have times when the jokingly make fun of each other but you know they kinda sorta mean it and it's fun to just sit back and watch :)


I have heaps of awesome stories to tell so I will try to get through as much as I can :)

First off at Zone Meeting this week we did a get to know you game.  The zone leaders had written little questions on pieces of paper and we picked one and answered it.  Our district leaders companion is one of those missionaries that just knows exactly his purpose out here on a mission and is someone that we definitely all look up to for ideas on finding, teaching, and whatever.  He got a paper that said, "How has the church blessed your family?"  As it we couldn't have any more respect for him his answer nearly brought Sister Ensign and I to tears.  He said, "Well when I was 13 my family lost everything.  We never really got back on our feet.  We still aren't.  The church has provided food for my family since then.  I know that as long as we are doing what the Lord asks then He will provide a way for us to be happy and healthy.  Come to think of it the first time I went shopping on my mission I just cried the whole time because I don't remember the last time my family had gone shopping for food that wasn't provided from the church.  I knew that I needed to serve a mission to repay the Lord what little bit I could for the love and care he has given me and my family for the last several years.  I know that this is the only true church and that Jesus Christ is at the head of it and that Heavenly Father knows us and is aware of us.  In the name of Jesus Christ amen."  It was incredible touching and the whole room was just filled with the Spirit as he bore testimony of God's love.  It was awesome.
 

Next, We set an investigator on date for baptism! Angawin is a 16 year old girl from Liberia.  She has been taught by missionaries before but we picked her up as a former and started teaching her the lessons again.  When we extended the invitation to be baptized she just cried.  She said that we wants to be baptized.  She said that she has to ask her mom for permission and expressed that she was worried that she would say no.  We talked about faith and how we exercise faith and pray constantly for help that He will provide a way.  She really has an incredible desire to follow the Savior and to be the best person she can in life.  She even talked to her boss to see if she can switch shifts around at work so that she doesn't have to work on Sundays and her boss said yes!  The miracles that we have seen in the last week are truly incredible!
 

We also had another investigator close to being on date.  Her name is Vicki.  Her and her husband David have been investigating for a while.  She has come to church for the last 6 months because she loves the people and the feeling there.  They are both from main land China.  She knows there is a God and she prays quite often.  We've had really special experiences where she has prayed and just finished her prayer in tears.  Her husband David is an atheist.  He just fights the spirit soo much.  At the end of our lesson on Friday Sister Ensign said, "David will you give the closing prayer?"  He said no and she just said, "David." and looked him in the eyes.  He said, "Okay lets do this. Teach me how to pray" and he got on his knees to pray. It was a simple prayer but man oh man was it powerful.  We got in the car and just rejoiced for like 3 minutes about the lesson and that he prayed.  Then we prayed and thanked Heavenly Father for the opportunity we had to be a part of his first prayer.  We thanked him for the Spirit and that it touched everyones heart in the room.  We know that no work can be down without those things.  I love being able to see the Lord work through me to bring His children back to Him.  I love missionary work.
 

I love the Book of Mormon.  We are now more than half way through our BOM challenge that president gave us.  Alma 26:36-37 are amazing.  The title for this letter comes from these chapters in the middle of Alma where you see Alma and Almulek and the sons of Mosiah just going about being incredible missionaries.  Oh I can't even express how much I love personal study in the morning.  Some mornings I'm so stuck in the stories that I loose track of time.  Then other mornings like today I just get sucked into Preach My Gospel and don't want to put it down.  It's such an amazing feeling. 

During testimony meeting yesterday we had some incredible testimonies given.  One lady talked about her love of family here and that have passed on to the next life.  I couldn't help but think of those that have passed on in my life that have made a big impression on me.  The first was Grandpa Scott Wells and the second was Noah.  I thought back to all of the fun times at the Wells home with Scott sitting in his brown chair.  He would just let us sit on his lap and would just love us.  I think back to those times a lot and strive to find that Christ like love more in my life.  Then I thought of Noah.  I know that he is watching out for me.  I know that I have to do everything in my power to be able to see him again after this life.  It's a special experience when you think about these people and even though I am half way around the world from family I feel at home.  I know that they are watching out for me and are always near when I need comfort.  It was a feeling that I know I will treasure forever. 
 

The last testimony. was a 13 or 14 year old boy.  He got up and said, "I know the church is true.  I've been fighting to get up here but I know I have to share my testimony.  I love this gospel and I love my family." Then he got choked up. "I love my mom. . . I love her even though she isn't a member.  I know someday I'll live with her forever.  I love this gospel and say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."  It left everyone in tears.  I love Sundays.  I love seeing investigators, less actives, and new converts at church.  I don't find joy in much less.  In Alma there is a scripture that says, "in thee I find my joy." Or something close to that.  I know that my joy in this life will never come from worldly things again.  The best joy I've ever found is in this work.  I miss you all terribly.  I wish I could have been there to see Ben kick but at his swim meet, or see David work on his dives at swim lessons.  I so wish I could have been at girls camp with Soph and could see Josh's golf tournaments.  Those things give me incredible joy that I can't replace.  I know I'm supposed to be here though.  I don't want to be anywhere else.  The Lord is mindful of each and every one of us.  He is watching out for us and loves us.  I love you all! 

 

Much love,

Sister Beckstrand

 

P.S. We got to have an awesome 4th of July dinner at a members home.  The wife is from Washington so she made pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, and all kinds of good stuff.  Complete with Sparklers!!! It was awesome!  We are very well taken care of over here :)

P.P.S Sister Ensign got her driving privileges taken away last transfer and Sister Kanee doesn't have a license so I am the driver.  I love it!  Driving here is soo cool. Love you!

 

Pictures of Perth

Here are a group of pictures that Shayne sent from her first city Clarkson and what she wrote on the back of each of them

Koala's just for David.

This is the train station where we catch the train for Zone Meetings every other week.  It's called Transperth.  I can get anywhere in Perth with this train and the busses.  I have a frequent user card that you put money on and then swipe when you get on and off of any public transport.  It's cheaper than buying a ticket every time.

Notice the apron!

The sunsets are amazing here!

Elder Lucero! :)

No worries even the weeds here are beautiful.  These flowers are everywhere and I just found out that they are weeds!

 

Me and Sister Bailey

This is Rachelle Hemi.  She is our awesome ward missionary.  We are patiently awaiting her mission call.

ROOS!

First view of the Perth Temple.

Beautiful Clarkson! :)

Our chapel.

This is my amazing district plus Zone Leaders.  Bottom: (L to R)  E. Bangeter, E. Key (DL), E. Cook (ZL).   Middle: S. Kim, S. Manu, S. Peivi, Me, E. Brooks.  Top: E. Walbrecht, E. Gurney (ZL).
 I absolutely love these people!

Father's Day Post Card for Joel.

Missionary Work!

Hi there!

The last couple days have been crazy. On friday we had a meeting at the mission home with all of the Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders. We went over goals from this last month, goals for the upcoming month, roles of the Sister Trainer Leaders, and how to become master planners in this work. It was a good 5 hour meeting that got us really set up for a good month ahead. As STL Sister Ensign and I are to arrange exchanges among the sisters in our Zone. We basically do everything the Zone leaders do but with the Sisters since there are so many in every mission now and Sisters and Elders obviously can't do exchanges together. It will be a great opportunity to meet more sisters and help instruct them on what President and the Assistants know we need to improve on as missionaries in the APM.  

I know I mentioned our goal for our district to really reach out and find new investigators this week. We set a goal of getting 21 new investigators as a district. At first some of the missionaries didn't think it was doable. 3 of our companionships though, us the Zone Leaders and the District leader were NOT going to let the fire and excitement of getting new people to teach dwindle in our fellow missionaries. Sister Ensign and I set a goal of 2 at the beginning of the week. At District meeting we decided we could do better than that and raised it to 4. We reached our goal of 4 on Saturday night and then Sunday before church we follwed up on a couple that other missionaries tracted into and they invited us back to teach them more as well! We reached 6 new investigators in one week! We know that it only happened because we were trying our absolute hardest to be doing exactly what the Lord needed us to be doing. We also opened our mouths and talked to everyone that God put in our path. It's amazing. In Jacob it says that as the servants of the Lord worked diligently He is there working with them. I know that is true for a fact!

As Zones we set goals to hit a certain number of each key indicator every week. I know that doesn't make a lot of sense to you probably but I'll explain. We have 5 zones and we try to reach 5 baptisms a month in our mission. Our zone, North Coast Zone, had 8 baptisms this last month. So because we exceeded our goal we are being treated to lunch by President and his wife. The Dianella Zone got lunch last month for exceededing their goal as well. The work is definitely moving forward!

Speaking of work moving forward! Mom and Dad did you get to see the World wide leadership broadcast? We saw it last night since we are so off of Utah time but it was amazing! The perfect unity described between Bishops, Ward Mission Leaders, Full-time missionaries, and members was remarkable. I loved how clearly the purpose of each person was depicted. I couldn't help but think of Josh, Ben, and David when I heard the little kids sing, "I hope they call me on a mission when I have grown a foot or two!" It brought be to tears. I know that you three are going to be incredible missionaries in the future and that your friends look up to you to be a good example. You have always made me want to be a better big sister and definitely a better missionary out her in Australia. (P.S. I can't wait to hear about how Lehi was! I hope you had a fun time!) Soph, Josh, never stop going to the temple and taking friends with you. Your example will touch so many lives. I've heard lot of stories from missionaries here in Australia that are only here because of their friends. I cant help but think of all the good friends that I surrounded myself with growing up and now the friends that you put ourselves around. It makes a world of difference. One of my favorite quotes from the broadcast was, "When you invite someone to learn more about the gospel out of love for them and love or our Savoir Jesus Christ, the person will never take it offensively." We just have to have, "faith coupled with action and crowned with testimony". I love missionary work. I know that the work I am doing now will change who I am as a member when I return home. The rising generation is stronger than we can ever imagine. Love is our greatest strength. We share the gospel because we love the Savior who provided the way for us to return to our Heavenly Father. We share the gospel because we have a love and testimony of it and how it blesses and strengthens our lives. We share the gospel because we love those around us enough to tell them about Heavenly Fathers love and plan for each and every one of them. I love being a missionary. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love and miss all of you. Hope your summer is awesome and that all is well. I pray for you everyday.

Here's another picture of the temple.

The other is Sister Ensign and Malad. He wanted a picture of the temple so we brought him one and he framed it and hung it in their living room :)

Much love,

Sister Shayne