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

New Place, New Calling and 1st Baptism!

Family!

Okay so this week has been totally crazy.  I moved to a new area this last week.  On Monday night I got a call from President asking my to be a Sister Training Leader (basically a Sister Zone Leader).  He didn't tell me where I was going to serve but asked if I would accept the responsibility and set the example with my companion on what an obedient missionary is supposed to be and help uplift and support our Zone.  I happy agreed.  The next day I found out that I would be going to the Wanneroo area in the North Coast Zone. (same zone I was already in) My new companion isn't so new to me.  I am companions with Sister Ensign, my MTC companion!  Crazy right?  They put two sisters from Utah who have been in Australia for 2 months together to be the Sister Training Leaders of a zone.  It's terrifying but I guess the Lord has a lot of trust in us.  We are definitely going to relying on Him more than ever I reckon. 

This area is amazing.  We had a baptism of 3 wonderful children on Saturday.  I only met them a few times before they were baptized but I found an instant love for them. Bobkie is 16, Malad is 10, and Blessing is 11.  Bobkie and Malad are brothers and Blessing is their cousin.  The baptismal service was incredible.  I don't know if I have the words to describe it.  The spirit was remarkable.  Blessing and Malad bore their testimonies afterwards and brought the whole room to tears.  Malad had a simple testimony that he knows the church is true because he asked God if it and the Book of Mormon are true and God told him that they are.  He will be an apostle someday.  Blessing said, "Before I met the sisters I figured all there was to life was me listening to my music and just going by day to day.  I'm grateful that I met the sisters and that they were able to help me learn for myself that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and that there is more to life than just listening to my music."  The spirit was soo strong. 

We have several investigators that are super keen and ready to be baptized but we are awaiting permission from their parents.  I've really been opening my heart to have more charity and love for everyone around me.  I think it's something that I will always have to work on, it's slowing coming along.  At District meeting this last Tuesday we made a District goal to get 18 new investigators this week.  It's a very attainable goal but some missionaries have doubts and wouldn't take it seriously.  It broke my heart to see their faith in themselves and the areas that they are working in boil down to almost nothing.  It kept coming to mind so much that I asked Sister Ensign that night if she would fast with me for our District.  That they my be able to keep their fire burning and their desire and determination going strong.  We thought about them and prayed for them heaps yesterday.  I really want to see their confidence increase and to see them succeed.  We ended up having the Balcatta Sisters and the Zone Leaders call us with miracles that they had during the day.  Fasting and prayer works!  In the scriptures it says that "they did fast and pray oft".  It brings forth miracles if you work for them. 

 

I was able to go to the temple today with my Zone and President ans Sister Lindsay.  I cried the whole time I was there.  I couldn't help but think of baptisms with Sophie and Josh.  I thought about driving around town with Ben and David and all of the times that we would go get snow cones down at Harmon's.  I haven't had a snowcone here and I miss them.  I can't believe how awesome everyone's summers have bee so far.  I hope the little boys all have an awesome time in Lehi while everyone is at Girls Camp.  Can't wait to hear all of the stories.  Ben keep up the good work in swimming.  Pretty sure you will be faster than me by the time I get home.  David I hope you are having fun with all of your swim lessons and camps that you've been able to do.  You two are awesome!  I miss you tons.  Don't ever forget how much I love you.  Even though I am half way around the world I think about you every day.  Every boy I see kicking a soccer ball or just playing with their friends makes me think of you.  Sister Lindsay gave me a huge hug in the Celestial room today at the temple and I thought of the first time I went through and when we went for Jaden's endowment.  Mom gave me a huge hug and said, "This is what it is going to be like in the Celestial Kingdom." 

 I miss you all loads. I wish I had more time to write because this hour never does any justice.  Have an awesome week!  I love you all :)

All my love,
Sister Shayne

Sister Missionary Armour of God

There are a few things I wear everyday that I consider my armour as a Sister Missionary.

 

#1 My YW medallion.  I never leave the house without it.  It is my constant reminder that my body is a temple and a reminder of the covenants that I have made there.

 

#2 My name tag.  Not only do I carry my own name to let others know who I am but I also carry the Saviors name to remember who I am as a daughter of God, what Jesus Christ has done for me, and who I represent every day. 

 

 

 

#3 My CTR ring.  Choose the right at all times, and in all things, and in all places.

 

#4 Modest dress.  I show that I am a strong worthy daughter of God by the way I dress.  Encourage all of them to stick to the For the Strength of Youth guidlelines.  They will bless their lives. 

 

 

#5 My bike helmet.  It looks dorky but it is proof that I am obedient to all of the rules I've been given.  Never justify the commandents that Heavenly Father as given us.  They will bless us as we work to be strictly obedient to them.

 

Much love,
Sister Shayne

What A Week!

Family!!!

Wow this has been a great week in Clarkson!

Just some little stuff first. 1. I set you some pictures in the mail today. I figured out how to send them on here but I don't think I'll have enough time today because I have heaps to tell you. 2. My p-day next week will be on the 27th. We have been issued that day to go to the temple! So we will be moving p-day to that day so we don't miss out on opportunities to find, and teach. 3. Transfers are on Wednesday. We find out tomorrow at Zone Meeting who is going where and what not so I'll let you know when I email you next week.

One highlight from my week was the lesson we had with the Sam family. I think I've told you about them. The parents Mohi and Barbra are members as well as their 14 year old daughter Jai. Their sons Jason (25) and Zac (20) however are not members. Zac had a baptism date set but never followed through with it. We showed a video about how the gospel changed this kids life and then shared 1 Nephi 8 where Lehi partakes of the fruit of the tree of life and desires for his family to partake as well. We asked Brother Sam how he found the gospel, how he knew it was true, and how it has made a difference in his life since. It brought the spirit into the room soo quickly. Everyone could feel it. After he answered those questions I asked him what it would mean for him to have all of his family partake of the fruit that he has. The spirit couldn't have been more present. We then asked the boys what they have noticed about their dad since he joined the church and if it would be something they could see blessing their lives. I could see the spirit touch Jason's heart as he answered us. He has a lot of worldly things he will need to change before he gets to baptism but I know that we sparked something in his heart. I want so badly for their family to be able to go to the temple and be sealed together. I feel so at home when we visit them. We told them how much we love their family and love visiting them because we feel like we are at home. We said that we have nothing to give them in return but the opportunity for their family to be together with that love that they share for eternity. I was on cloud nine leaving their house that night.

Wednesday was the complete opposite of feelings. We did another day of tracting with the other sisters in our area. Sister Teriipaia and I walked up to a lady weeding in her front lawn and offered our help. She asked who we were and invited us inside to chat with her family. At first we were thinking, "Sweet! Meet the family, teach a lesson, this is good stuff!" Then we went inside and met her husband, daughter, and granddaughter. First words out of the husbands mouth was, "We are all Jehovah Witness here." We tried to just share a quick thought, bear testimony and get out but we had passed the point of no return. We were stuck in the house for a good 20 minutes just being bashed on. They didn't give us any opportunity to say our belief on anything, they just took the opportunity we had put ourselves in to tell us off about what they thought we believed. I tried soo hard to just bear testimony and leave but they wouldn't have it. I just sat there and smiled at them, staring them in the eye, as they talked and tried to tear me down. I couldn't help but think, "Some day after this life you and I will stand before the bar of God and you will wish you would have let me at least bear my testimony." We finally found the opportunity to get out. We met up with the other sisters and I felt like my soul had just been wrung dry. I am soo grateful for the Plan of Salvation. I know that God has a plan perfectly laid out for each and every one of us. "Adam fell that men might be, and men are, that they might have joy." Mom, I've never loved your favorite scripture more than I did that day. I know I'm hear on earth for a reason. God sent us here to learn, grow, and prepare ourselves to meet him again. I'm so grateful for the Book of Mormon. The bible has many great truths but like Joseph Smith said in the introduction of the Book of Mormon, "No man can get closer to God than by reading this book and abiding by it's precepts." I know that the fullness of the truth of Christ's gospel has been restored to the earth. Anyone who challenges that can just read the book for themselves and then pray to know. It's a simple method but if done with a sincere heart and real intent to act upon their answer the Holy Ghost will testify to them the truth. I know it.

I love you all so much. I love reading your emails every week. I'm sorry if I don't have time to reply to them all and if I do that the replies are short but know that I do love each of you soo much. It's a major boost to hear from you all every week. Keep the faith, share the hope. Have a sweet as summer :)

All my love,

Sister Shayne

Find A Change In You

Family!

Not much has happened in the last couple days since I last wrote you. We've been keeping busy but not any big major things have happened. The best thing that I've had happen to me in the last couple days is that I've noticed a change in myself. I am relying more and more on the Spirit every day. I'm pretty sure I've demolished chapter 4 in PMG. I've prayed harder and more sincere than I ever have before. I'm learning what it means to serve with your all your heart might mind and strength. Most missionaries serve with their whole might and strength. They strive to be diligent and obedient. They find success and make a difference in many peoples lives but they don't make a change in themselves. I've been trying to find the best way to serve with my heart and mind as well. I sing while I'm biking, I recite Scriptures that I want to share with people throughout the day, I think about my investigators entering the waters of baptisms in their all white clothing. I'm striving to find the change in my heart. Seeking for those virtuous, lovely and praiseworthy things at all times and in all things and in all places. It's one thing to say it and think you're doing it and it's another thing to look back at yourself and really evaluate your connection to Heavenly Father. I'm learning the absolute importance of subjecting yourself fully to the will of the Father. Agency is a wonderful thing. Some chose to accept what we have to give and others don't. I just have to keep focused, know that it's all in God's timing, and know that as long as I'm doing what I've been set apart to do in this part of the vineyard that the Lord will do the rest. Missionary work is a beautiful thing. I've learned more humility in 3 months than I have in the last 19.5 years of life. I wouldn't trade this opportunity to serve for anything else in the world. I continually encourage all to serve a mission. If you are worthy and willing the world needs us to share what we hold dear to our hearts. I'm so glad to hear that all is well at home. I've loved hearing about Youth Conference. Sophie's email made me cry. I love that the Spirit can be felt everywhere in the world. Utah, Australia, and everywhere in between. The gospel is true. We know it and we need to share it. I love you all and can't wait to hear more about summer activities. Keep the faith!

Much love,

Sister Shayne

PS. Mom that email about Chase was awesome! I'm so happy for him! That is the perfect thing for him to do. Let him know I'm stoked for him.