Holy Guacamole!

Hey y'all!  

 I am now serving in Searcy, Arkansas. I've gone from the southwestern most end, to the northeastern most end, and now to the middle of the state almost. :) My companion is Sister Aase, who is as sweet as can be. She is from Minnesota, but her family just moved to Arkansas! I have actually looked up to her for most my mission. I had met her back when I was in Hot Springs and thought she was incredible nice and a great missionary! Who'd a thought we would be companions?! And for anyone that remembers her name can guess this next part. I have been called to be a Sister Training Leader.

Ahhh!! But it's really not that bad. :) I'm just a little nervous. I'm sure that not many people know what an STL is. We are the equivalent of a ZL over the sisters. Does that make sense? We go on exchanges and see what we can do to help the sisters serving in our zone. We instruct at zone meetings with the ZLs. Basically a leader to the sisters. But it'll be good!

I am still in the Searcy Zone, so I know most the people here. Also, because we go on exchanges with the sisters, I will end up in Paragould for a day :) But my address is
512 Walrose Cir
Searcy, AR 72143.
Let the letters commence!! :)

That sounds like fun for the Christensen family! Also, congratulations to Brother Doctor Dent :) He is a good man for the call. Wait... the Christensen's are going to miss this whole school year! Is that allowed? How is everyone else?

 

Well, this week has been kind of interesting. Said a lot of goodbyes on Monday and Tuesday. That was hard. Even though I had said how hard this area was, it became my home and the people my family. But I had had a feeling that I was getting transferred. The Lord knows what is best for each of us. Then since Wednesday, I've been meeting and trying to learn the area. And my companion. And what I'm doing as an STL. Little known fact about missionaries: _______________________________!!!! I couldn't believe it either! :)   You didn't think I was actually gonna let you in on it, did you?

The General Women's Broadcast was really good! What was actually a little unnerving is how they delivered their talks. Usually the Sisters go all happy valley and tell us how good we are doing. But this time, they were pleading with us and telling us things we need to do. Sister Aase and I half-joked that it was turning into Priesthood session. But it's true. The Church has never had double standards. We are all big enough to be told what we need to fix. No need for sugar coating. 

Then on Sunday, I gave a talk. Brand new to the ward and I'm talking! But I'm a missionary and I'm always willing to talk! :) I made a little joke in the beginning to set myself at ease and because I was introducing myself. (Hope you approve of that Mom.) First, Bishop said my name wrong, but knew he did because he sorta asked it when he announced the program. Then, before I got up there were two youth testimonies. The young man was INCREDIBLY TALL! So I joked with the 1st counselor about lowering the podium. That's what the 1st counselor in Paragould did for me when I spoke in church. But I felt better :) Then Elder Cunningham gave his talk and started with a joke about how I was not only after a tall person but also before another one. So the podium had a good work out yesterday :)

My scripture of the week is going to be a talk today. It is called "Finish With Your Torch Still Lit" by President Uctdorf. Let me know what you think! Then I'll share my insight :)

Love,
Sister Pochop

 

I did flip this but it didn't stay turned.

Dang Good Week!

Sept 14, 2015

We are doing better. I have no idea about transfers. We don't hear anything until the Sunday or Monday before transfers. I would like to be transferred. Not because the area is hard or that I don't like the people. I love the people and the area! It isn't hard either- no area is golden. It's more that's it's very stressing. I know the people and their lives. I'm very attached to them- they've become like family. It won't be the end of the world if I'm here another transfer, because it means the Lord knows what I'm capable of. 

This week has been pretty good. On Tuesday morning, we had district meeting. Two of the elders and I instructed because we had attended the MLC. (I mentioned it two emails ago.) It was one of my favorite district meetings! We talked about FAITH: what it is and why it's so important, PLANNING: why it's so important and how to make the best of it, and PRAYER: what it is and how to make it real and meaningful for us and those we teach. They all go hand-in-hand, just like all the principles of the Gospel. Simply put (and this applies to all of us with our various Church responsibilities and callings, not just missionaries): we need to have faith that God will help us teach and meet their needs. Faith is the first principle of the Gospel and the stepping stone to all we do. Then we need to plan according to our faith. Planning isn't just scheduling time to fill pages in our calendars. Planning is about people. President Uchtdorf said that oftentimes love is spelt t-i-m-e. We love the people we plan for. Then we need to pray to insure that we are doing God's will and confirming that we haven't let our personal desires interfere with His work and glory. 

 We had another scare with a member. She doesn't have the best health. We saw her the other day to visit and had to call the ambulance. She is doing much better!! We actually found her about a month ago collapsed. But she's doing better and both times the elders were able to come over and give her a blessing. I know I've talked about it before, but I love priesthood blessings!!! There is such a great power in them. What was mentioned in this last blessing was specific to her needs. Only our Father in Heaven knows that. This is an example of seeing the Lord's hand in my life. Both times I can gone to see her where we've helped is based on a prompting. The Lord knows He can trust us. I don't ever want to lose that trust. 

 I was studying the Book of Mormon today. I was reading in 1 Nephi 17 about Nephi building the ship. In verses 8-11, it mentions specifically how the Lord tells Nephi to build the ship in His manner. Nephi then asks where to find the ore to build the tools he needs. This made me think of 1 Nephi 3:7 where it talks about how the Lord will give no such commandments to the children of men except He gives us a way to accomplish them. Sometimes we are the way to accomplish His commands. 

 We have met more elect people. We are working with them to see if they are prepared at this time.  I still struggle with the discouragement of them not being ready, but I've been remembering what someone said at MLC that we are teaching those who are ready. So we have planted the seed. Sometimes we are the sowers and not the reapers. But the role of the sower is just as important as the reaper if not more. If no one sowed, there is nothing to reap. 

 The elders had a baptism yesterday! And he is on fire! He had an interview with President Milne during Sunday School about getting ordained and receiving a calling. Nick also wants to serve a mission! The fire of the Gospel is incredible!!! The church is true!

 Scripture of the Week: Ether 3:4-19
4  And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all ^apower, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy ^bfinger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have ^clight while we shall cross the sea.

5  Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this.  We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which ^alooks small unto the understanding of men.

6  And it came to pass that when the brother of Jared had said these words, behold, the ^aLord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with his ^bfinger.  And the ^cveil was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the brother of Jared ^dfell down before the Lord, for he was struck with ^efear.

7  And the Lord saw that the brother of Jared had fallen to the earth; and the Lord said unto him: Arise, why hast thou fallen?

8  And he saith unto the Lord: I saw the finger of the Lord, and I feared lest he should ^asmite me; for I knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood.

9  And the Lord said unto him: Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me ^aflesh and blood; and never has man come before me with ^bsuch exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger.  Sawest thou more than this?

10  And he answered: Nay; Lord, ^ashow thyself unto me.

11  And the Lord said unto him: ^aBelievest thou the words which I shall speak?

12  And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and ^acanst not lie.

13  And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord ^ashowed himself unto him, and said: ^bBecause thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my ^cpresence; therefore I ^dshow myself unto you.

14  Behold, I am he who was ^aprepared from the foundation of the world to ^bredeem my people.  Behold, I am Jesus Christ.  I am the ^cFather and the Son.  In me shall all mankind have ^dlife, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my ^esons and my daughters.

15  And never have I ^ashowed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man ^bbelieved in me as thou hast.  Seest thou that ye are created after mine own ^cimage?  Yea, even all men were created in the beginning after mine own image.

16  Behold, this ^abody, which ye now ^bbehold, is the ^cbody of my ^dspirit; and man have I created after the body of my spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the flesh.

17  And now, as I, Moroni, said I could ^anot make a full account of these things which are written, therefore it sufficeth me to say that Jesus showed himself unto this man in the spirit, even after the manner and in the likeness of the same body even as he ^bshowed himself unto the Nephites.

18  And he ministered unto him even as he ministered unto the Nephites; and all this, that this man might know that he was God, because of the many great works which the Lord had showed unto him.

19  And because of the ^aknowledge of this man he could not be kept from beholding within the ^bveil; and he saw the finger of Jesus, which, when he saw, he fell with fear; for he knew that it was the finger of the Lord; and he had ^cfaith no longer, for he knew, nothing ^ddoubting.

 

(Book of Mormon | Ether 3:4 - 19

Love,

Sis Pochop

 

 

Working hard!

Hey y'all!

I am halfway through my fifth transfer- kinda crazy. It's gone by
really slow, but I have a feeling it'll pick up again. Happy Labor
Day! Hope everyone's enjoying the long weekend! It doesn't effect a
missionary schedule.

I got my boxes! Thank you so much!! So very yummy and delicious and
needed! I was especially happy for the contacts and the note. Thank
you! I love the minion picture :)

I'm really sad! And it's sad for our branch too! The VanAntwerps are
moving! They have been my bucket house and adopted family here in
Paragould. They fed me for my birthday and are always the first people
to help the missionaries! He got a job in Missouri, which is going to
be so good for them! But we will also be losing our 2nd counselor,
Relief Society president, Sunday school teachers, and branch organist
:( We are eating with them tonight, so I'll take pictures and send
them next week.

On Friday, we had an interesting Specialized Training. In case I
haven't explained before, Specialized is a training meeting done by
the Wakolo's and the APs. It's done by zones. This time, and future
meetings, we decided to "just do it". Not only were we going to be
learning new and better things, we were actually going to apply what
we learned while there! We broke up in 6 groups- not in our typical
companionships- and were dropped off in an area to practice what we
preached. It was really good. It also gave us the chance to work with
other missionaries. I was with another new sister (similar to my
everyday work with Sister Wright), and we got to learn from  each
other. Really a good meeting!

Also had quarterly interviews with President. I love that man. He and
Sister Wakolo say thank you for your support and all that you do as
parents. Truly a man of God.

We also had exchanges after. This was my second time with Sister Aase.
I love her! I've noticed that I've reached the 'age' where I can have
a really good learning experience and personal insight and growth from
the STLs. (Mission age). I look forward to any opportunity to learn
and have better insight and apply it to help me get better.

Church has been rather fun lately. Because of the smallness of our numbers, the sister are now attending young women’s, primary, and relief society. Wednesday was my first youth activity in 2 years. And Sunday we went to young women's and primary.
I am the substitute Primary pianist! Sorta :) The regular pianist is out of town most weekends because of her dad's health. So I get to play! It's fun to be in Primary again!

I love you all and hope y'all have a great weekend!!

Scripture of the Week: 1 Nephi 8 and Mark 4 they go together! :)

Love,
Sister Pochop

It feels like a minute!

Hey y'all!

For being August in the South, the weather is pretty nice. We have been really lucky with weather that hasn't been too hot thank goodness! :) I'm on walk week again. For those who missed it the past many times I've had, its when we have an entire week out of the month that we walk. We don't have the use of a car. The situation is a little different from before because we are now sharing two cars with three sets of missionaries. But it's for the best! By the way, it's done tomorrow :)

Tuesday was District meeting. It's always pretty fun. We talked/ learned about the importance of listening to the Spirit and our investigators as we teach. It is so important! And not just the listening to them verbally but also physically. Body language is often more telling. Every time I read about it in Preach My Gospel or hear about it in meetings, I always think back to ASL, and how dependent the language is on that. It's really interesting, and I feel lucky that I have that step up on others :)

For some reason or other I, along with a dozen other missionaries scattered in the mission, were invited to attend the Mission Leadership Council meeting. Typically it is only for the Wakolo's, Assistants, Zone Leaders, and Sister Training Leaders. This meeting is for the leaders to discuss the monthly focus, how to increase the focus, what the missionaries need, and other things like that. This time, they decided to invite other missionaries that typically wouldn't attend. But it ended up being another type of training meeting. It was very good though! I was grateful to have been able to attend.

We had two brethren from Church Headquarters attend. One was the head of the Proselyting Department, and he allowed questions to direct his part. Naturally the questions were about the best finding ways, effective use of certain times, good scriptures to use in certain situations, things like that. The best way to find people is through the members. Because you know people and are friends and have opportunities to talk about the Gospel and what you believe in a way that is less threatening than "we're representatives of Jesus Christ with a message for you..." Y'all have already done the scary part :) So to all my loverly family and friends reading this: will you think of people that you can share the Gospel with and people you can give to the missionaries to meet? I promise that it won't offend them. It actually shows that you care about them in another way. 

 Renea is still doing good. She missed her date because she "wants to know everything". She has a lot of questions about all aspects of what we believe, but she has a testimony and knows that what we are sharing is true. The thing is to help her see that. Something that came to me while planning for her was Alma 32:21: "And now as I said concerning faith--faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." She has faith which doesn't require a perfect knowledge! I think that will help, but ultimately it is her timeframe. But I'll keep y'all updated!

 We also finally met with a family that was referred to us. We had met them in the past, but plans fell through or it was just visiting and trying to set up another time. We actually got to sit down and teach them on Saturday. It was such a good lesson! It was the Restoration- can I just say that I love the message of the Restoration? It is my favorite thing to teach. And I always feel the Spirit so strong with the First Vision. It so happens that the last few times of teaching it I have the part with it to teach. (We switch on points so that our teaching is 50/50.) I love being able to recite it because I know it is true! It isn't just words that I memorized- it is the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith! And as I have recites it more and more, it has become my testimony as well! It was a miraculous event that changes my life! I know it is true and am so grateful that I can share it with so many others. And the wife came to church on Sunday! So very exciting!!

Scripture of the week: Psalms 27:14

Love,

Sister Pochop

Brithday Week

Hey y'all!

This has been a fun week! First of all, I got my new companion! Her

name is Sister Wright. She is from Mesa, Arizona but doesn't know the

Hinman's or Ross's. I already tried :) She is doing really good so

far. She is a fast learner, which makes it easier for me.

 

Thank you so much for the package and goodies! I love the case- so

cute!! I'll probably get the See's today or tomorrow, so thank you!!!!

I got all the videos- they made me trunky :( I can't believe y'all

bought a cake for me that you couldn't even eat! So silly, but was

just like y'all.

 

It was actually one of my favorite birthdays because it wasn't about

me. We still went out and did work. We harvested an apartment complex

that I have felt prompted to stop by for a week now. We hadn't earlier

because the hectic schedule of transfers and I had the excuse that we

were too busy to stop by. I am so glad that we did though! Our first

door was Sister Wright's choice. He was really nice and still new to

the area. He is looking for a church, and we taught him about the

Restoration and the Book of Mormon and invited him to read. He said he

would, and we are going to see him next week! I can't wait!

 

The other person we met is golden! We had felt as though there was

someone else that needed to hear our message, so we walked upstairs

and I stopped at her apartment. Christine let us in. We started with

the Restoration of Christ's church, but then she told us about her

brother that had passed away. We were able to teach the Plan of

Salvation, and answer her questions of the soul: where did I come

from, why am I here, and where am I going? I was able to bear my

testimony of Jesus Christ's atonement and the knowledge I have that

our families CAN be together forever. I am so grateful that I was able

to give the best gift I could on my birthday. It is definitely an

experience that I will cherish and plan to repeat.

 

Not a whole lot of new stuff, since it's mostly getting Sister Wright

to meet everyone. This week will be more "productive" story wise.

 

May I make a request for pictures? People can email pictures, because

I can save them and it's cheaper for all parties. PLEASE????? This

sister misses seeing people she loves!

 

Scripture of the Week: 2 Kings (story of Elijah and his servant being

surrounded by chariots of Fire. I just can't remember the reference.)

 

Love,

Sister Pochop

 

Training again

Hello again!

Sorry for the confusion, but I wasn't on yesterday because I was at
the temple. So I get to email today.

This is going to be an interesting transfer! No, I'm not leaving
Paragould. I was called as a trainer again! Sister Wood is getting
transferred, and she will have another trainer to finish her 12 week
training. Life just got real interesting! But the Lord knows what He
is doing, even if I don't yet. But I'll have the low down on it next
week when I get her!

The temple was amazing! It has been 6 months since I've been to the
temple, and it was so very welcome. There is a spirit there that you
can't get in any other place. I don't know if I explained last week,
but they way it goes in my mission is that you get to attend the
temple during your birthday month. It's always the Monday of
transfers. All the birthday missionaries and the departing
missionaries get to go one last time. That part was sad because you
get to know these missionaries and serve with them. Then you have to
say good bye. But it was still an amazing experience, and I can't wait
until next year!

We had stake conference this weekend. It was really good. It was
greatly focused on temples and family history work and keeping the
Sabbath day holy. It was fun to realize that as a missionary I teach
those principles often. Any time I have a chance to better understand
a principle or doctrine, I am very appreciative. It helps so much
because it's a new way to explain and over time I've been able to
discover more succinct ways to explain and teach.

We haven't been able to see Renea this week- she was taking her son to
college. But we'll be up and at it teaching her and helping her along
the way for baptism.

Sorry about not responding to it. Service is good- it's just finding
the opportunities here. It's going to happen soon though. I'm so happy
that y'all could do that for the Ronald McDonald house! I didn't know
any of that, but I will most definitely drop some change into the
boxes more often.

Sorry it's kind of short today, but next week will be better. There's
just been a lot of planning and organizing going on. I got my bday
package!!! Thank you!!! The memes have been so fun!

I love you thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis
much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,
Sister Pochop

Pleasant Surprises!

Hey y'all!
>
> Business first: in this mission, we get to go to the temple in our
> birthday month. For me it's this month :) So next week, I will be
> emailing on Tuesday instead of Monday. So don't stress out. I am alive
> and being spiritually uplifted. :)
>
> This week was really good! Our branch had two baptisms! One was a
> member and the other was her dad. It was so good! She got baptized
> Saturday, and him on Sunday morning. Baptisms are amazing. The spirit
> present is so incredibly strong. I am so grateful to have been able to
> witness them. To top that off, his daughter (previous marriage, not a
> member) wants to learn more! Her name is Ashton and is 13. We taught
> the Restoration and the Spirit was powerful. What made it even more
> special was that Tom was there and could bear testimony as well. It
> couldn't have been better! The church is true!
>
> Renea is doing great! We taught her the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That
> is about faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the
> Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. We focused on baptism. She is
> excited and ready! Not sure if I said this before, but her date is for
> August 16. We plan on seeing her tomorrow, so I'll keep y'all updated.
>
> So yes, we had a 40th anniversary reunion for the Arkansas Little Rock
> Mission. Someone had the grand idea to have RMs and past mission
> presidents come back and visit and see the growth. We also got to hear
> from some about how they had been changed. It was a very incredible
> experience. We had a choir of currently serving missionaries,
> including yours truly :). So good! The Spirit is intense! I hope you
> get to see it, because my favorite songs were sung. Called to Serve
> and our mission song. It is truly an incredible anthem.
>
> I think the work here is Paragould is starting to lift off. And it is
> definitely making a difference. I just sent you a letter that goes
> into this more. I don't remember all of it, but it's good! :)
>
> The work is hard, but the work is good. There have been tears and
> heartache and stress and frustration. There have also been tears and
> peace and calmness and joy. We offer salvation, but it comes through
> work. Work on all our parts. Regardless of when we see it, a
> difference is being made. I know I'm here for a reason. I make a
> difference, but it is through the Spirit and the love of my Savior.
>
> Scripture of the Week: Moroni 9:6

6 And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God.
(Book of Mormon | Moroni 9:6)

>
> Love,
> Sister Pochop

 

 

 

 

Safety for the Soul

Hello world!! 

It's me again! This is our walk week, but the weather has actually been better this week!! Funny how a little more clouds or a few degrees can make such a difference.

This week has been better. After the advice and counsel from my amazing friends and family and prayer, I talked to Sister Wood and we came up with a new focus along with finding. As our branch is very small and not very strong, we decided that we were going to ask the priesthood and auxiliary leaders what families and individuals we could focus on this week. We were able to get a few names and will talk to them this week and help them re-find that desire to come back. Hopefully we'll be able to see progress.

I love priesthood blessings! I was able to strengthen my testimony of them this week. I had asked for one earlier for comfort and strength to know that I am doing something here. And yesterday our branch president gave all of us a blessing. None of the four currently serving there had received one from him yet. It is something that President Wakolo had asked us to get when we first got into our new areas. I didn't get one in my last area- I'm not really sure why. Anyway, I was the last to receive one, so I was able to listen to the words used and the theme of the other three. They were specifically about setting apart for the work and how we all work together for the success and goodness for the branch. The first words of my actual blessing were that it was a blessing of comfort. I hadn't said anything to him, and it was just going to be a regular setting apart like the other three. But I know that the Father knows me and that I needed to know that He is always there for me. --I am doing fine, so no worries! :)

This week we were able to set a baptismal date! Her name is Renea, and she committed for August 16th! Not the best day ever, but pretty close :) She is very sweet and ready to learn and join. She heard about the church, and was actually referred to us, by her friend who is coming back to the church. We had a very good lesson with her, and the Spirit was so strong! I am excited to meet with her again this week. We are also slowly working with a few other families and people, but there isn't a whole lot of progress yet. I do know that our efforts aren't in vain. Something is showing from it- we just might not be the ones to see it though.

Thought of the Week: "Safety for the Soul" Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Safety For Your Soul

Love you all!! Please don't forget about me!!

Sister Pochop

 

Growth!

July 20, 2015

Oh my goodness! You always know just what meme to send don't you? :) it made me laugh real hard again. Thank you for the box mommy. Thanks also for the snackie snacks and pictures and the love. It always helps to finally not see an empty mailbox. :) Also, thank you for the socks and piano paper.  Thank you for the emails during the week. Thank you to the CTR 6B class for the letters and pictures!! Y'all made my day! Love and miss you!

This week was fun and full of new/exciting stuff! On Tuesday we had exchanges. It was Sister Wood's first one. I was fortunate enough to be with a sister I had not yet worked with or gotten to know very well. She was in my zone back in Little Rock, but she transferred to the Searcy Zone this past transfer and became one of our STLs. Her name is Sister Aase. She is a sweetheart! I love exchanges for many reasons. One, I have a chance to learn from another missionaries example. Two, I get to meet another missionary. Three, it's for a whole 24-hour period! It's one-on-one guidance with a leader for a whole day! It helps a lot. I think it helped Sister Wood too. It gives you a chance to look at the work with fresh eyes.

Wednesday was our specialized training. It took all day plus 2 and a half hour drive time both ways but it was good. We were officially trained on using the area book planner app. It didn't make a whole lot of sense in the beginning, but now that it's been a couple days I understand it. It helps with the work a lot! It actually makes everything more concise and accurate.

The rest of the week has been filled with adjusting to the new tools and putting all the information from our book into the iPads. I'm so thankful we have two to get twice the work done! We haven't been able to get it with Max or Amie again. He works crazy hours, and she isn't always home. But we are going to keep pushing. We had taught the restoration to them and it went really well. I know that our message and the Gospel will help them and change their lives. That's something he had said after we taught them. He knew we weren't going to give up.

Guess what?! My little girl gave her first talk yesterday! Actually, both of them did. Sister Wood gave her first as a missionary, and Jalynn gave her very first. I am so proud of them. I knew Sister Wood would do great. Jalynn was nervous, but she did amazing! It was about prayer. It's a great feeling to see someone you've grown to love continue to find success in the church and the gospel. Even though she is still 8, I've been able to see that change.

Some of my studies this week have been on faith and hope, 2 Christ-like attributes. They are so important and connect each other too. I think Alma 32:21 sums it up nicely "And now as I said concerning faith--faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true."

You need to have that hope to have faith. You need to have faith in order to hope. And hope is an anchor that we can rely on always for our souls. BUT, it needs to be hope in Christ just like Helaman 5:12 says.

12  And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Thanks again for the love and support. Love you all!

Scripture of the Week: Alma 23:5-6
And thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord, yea, thousands were brought to believe in the traditions of the Nephites; and they were taught the records and prophecies which were handed down even to the present time.

6  And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.

Love,

Love,

Love,
Sister Pochop

Transfer #4

Hi again!

 I'm a trainer! For those that don't know, that means that I have been entrusted with a brand new missionary to show her the ropes of the work. I'm excited to do so, but I would love some advice from my RM family and friends. What are some things that you did, things you wished you had done, things that helped you... I'm going to miss Sister Brunt, but she's going to do well in her next area!

We had a baptism on Sunday! It was Jalynn, the 8 year old we had been teaching. I am so proud of her! She was my first start to finish investigator, so it meant a lot more too. She is going to do so well. She is very fortunate to have a strong support system from her grandparents (recent converts themselves). I just love this little girl!

So far, we still don't have anybody that is progressing. But if we keep pushing and doing our part, the Lord will help us. I remind myself that during the tough times in life God is with me as long as I am righteous and committed to doing my all. 

On Saturday, the branch had a day of service cleaning up some trails. It was a lot of fun! I have missed giving service and being in nature. So it was good on both respects! It was also a good time to meet the members of the branch in circumstances other than church. We did see and snake and encounter ticks, but we are clean and happy! 

I'm not sure if I have explained why we have iPads. I know I told y'all that we have them, but here is the down low. Our mission was chosen to pilot the use of iPads. We are one of 5 missions in the Southeast States that is piloting them. We've had them almost this whole transfer, but the work is being introduced in stages. We have just been getting used to using them to help us study and teach. The church put the pamphlets on an interactive app. It's pretty amazing! The next stage is the area book and planner app. It is all going digital. We have the app now, but won't get the training for another week or so. The final stage will be online proselyting, such as Facebook, Skype, Mormon.org, emailing... We aren't there yet, so I don't know all the details yet. As I learn them, you'll know. :)

Scripture of the week: Moroni 10:23

23  And Christ truly said unto our fathers: ^aIf ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me.

Love,

Sister Pochop

 Service project painting benches

Jaylyn was baptized!!!

Another busy week!

Hi!

Transfers aren't until next week. I will know by next Monday our fate. Your fave missionary is doing pretty good! The work is going well. I'm staying healthy. My heart is doing good. Hopefully everyone else's hearts are still working like they should! I didn't email the dads- I sent them cards! Hopefully they got them

 Elder Temus's email last week talked about having a week or so left. It would be nice if you went. Send him some good juju. 

I'm missing out on the Bandon adventure?! Sad day. Give the Parks' my love and Aunt Terri a big squeeze!!

Scripture of the Week: D&C 100: 15-16

15  Therefore, let your hearts be comforted; for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly, and to the sanctification of the church.

16  For I will raise up unto myself a pure people, that will serve me in righteousness;

Love,

Sister Pochop

PS: First, Sister Bradshaw and the rest can come over to feed/visit me and my
comp! I asked President the other day, and he said yes. What is her
number again? That way I can arrange a day. If she still wants to.
Second, we had interviews with President Wakolo yesterday. They were
good. I love that man! I am so very fortunate that he is my mission
president.
Third, we are going to have a baptism on Sunday! Her name is Jalynn. I
think I mentioned her last week. She is so excited and ready to be
baptized. We just have to finish up teaching the lessons, but she is
ready.

Life is good, I just miss getting letters and hearing from people.
Mommas, you are the only person that emails me consistently.

June 15th (I'm a week late)

It's been a pretty good week. On Monday, we were given a referral
about an investigator that moved here from Nashville. We haven't been
able to get a hold of him yet, but hopefully soon!! Then on Tuesday,
we received another referral from a sister in St. Louis. Her friend
lives near the chapel and is elderly and lonely. She wants people to
visit her and reassure her that she has friends and isn't alone. She
is a widow of a year now. So we stopped by and saw her... And ended up
being there for a hour or so helping and talking to her! We helped
trim some bushes and just visited. It was a really good visit. She
really took to us and wants to see us again! I can't wait. Visiting
with her reminded me of Grandma. Not Pat, but I was thinking of
Grandma while she was talking about losing her husband.
Speaking of Grandma, two Sundays ago our branch had the stake
patriarch visit. During third hour, he talked about patriarchal
blessings. It was a very good meeting. Later in the question part,
someone asked about their ancestors blessings. Did you know we can
request them? I couldn't stop thinking about Grandma. So I requested
it, and it came the other day. There is great power in our patriarchal
blessings. They really are from our Heavenly Father. No one else knows
how to speak to us in a way that touches our heart and soul. While
reading hers, I could see how she applied it to herself. I'll send it
to you.
Wednesday was hot! Well, all week has been hot! :) We spent the day in
a neighboring city meeting new people and trying to find less actives.
It was such a tiny town! 2,000 people! But we were able to talk to
some people. Also we were able to visit with some less actives. People
are still new to me, but most are even new for Sister Brunt. So, good
for us both. Every Wednesday night, our branch has a Book of Mormon
reading class. Both sets of missionaries and members and less actives
come. We read and discuss a chapter. Attendance is pretty low. 4
missionaries and 3 active members. But we keep trying! That's an
important aspect of missionary work... Never give up!
Thursday we were able to teach a lady in our complex. She works at the
office, and packages are left there. Not sure why, but I think the box
keys were stolen. Anyway, we had to pick up a package, and she started
asking us questions. We sat down and talked for a while. But she had
to get back to work, and we had appointments so we set up a time to
meet later. We did. And it was good. She said that she isn't looking
to convert, but she likes to research and understand better. What's
better though is that she said that we rekindled her desire to study
the Bible. Either was, we did our job! :)
Friday was fun! We had a General Authority Mission Tour. It was Elder
Kopischke, a member of the Quorum of the Seventy. It was really good.
The fun part was that the whole mission was together again! So all the
sides got to visit so soon! We also took another mission picture, but
I don't have it yet. I will send it when I get it! Mommas! You would
be so proud of me! I was part of a missionary quartet that sang at the
meeting. It was very scary. None of us knew that it was going to be in
front of the whole mission until Tuesday. But we did good.
On to the Mission Tour... The first part was teaching. It was about
the importance of having the Spirit with us when we teach. Otherwise
we are just talking. It can be truth and doctrine, but it won't be
with the full power of Godliness as if we had His Spirit. We receive
powers of godliness as we make and keep essential ordinances. Baptism:
remission of sins. Confirmation: sanctification, protection, comfort.
Priesthood ordination: authority to act in God's name. Endowment:
knowledge of God and know to be like Him. Sealing: eternal families!
That last one is our goal! We don't just baptize and leave them at
that. We know the power from progression and the blessings from making
and keeping our covenants! The second part was questions. It was an
amazing meeting! There was a lot of power in the chapel. Almost 200
missionaries and a General Authority... I can't wait until the next
time a General Authority comes. It's a unique experience and chance to
be uplifted.
Saturday was also good. I had some ideas come to me, after the
meeting, to help the branch. I started to put them into action. The
first was a way to focus more while we spiritually harvest (tract). I
remembered it from an exchange I had gone on before. It was to pray
specifically to find a person to fulfill a calling that is in need in
the unit. For example, our Branch President's first answer was a young
men's leader. (Honestly, we need pretty much all the callings. Most
people are serving in every auxiliary at the same time.) I think I
found him. Of course, he has his agency on whether to listen, but as
long as we do our part it is out our hands. The other idea was a way
to have the sisters be more involved in missionary work. I still don't
know all of them. (There is usually only 4 sisters in Relief Society.)
I shared it with the RS President. She seems to like it. I hope the
sisters are willing. Members are so important to have in lessons.
We have another investigator. Her name is Jalynn. She is the
granddaughter of a recent convert couple. She is 8 years old and very
excited to get baptized. We've taught the Restoration to her. She
actually wants to learn, so that's very exciting. She has questions
and concerns. At 8 she questions Joseph seeing the Father and the Son.
I bore my testimony to her and told her to pray. I think she will. She
has become my favorite person to teach! We see them frequently because
we are teaching her and visiting with her grandparents. She actually
drew me a picture AND spelled my name right! Without looking at my tag,
I should add! :) It's the little things!
Sunday was good as well. It really is so amazing that we have the
opportunity every week to renew our covenants with the Lord. And as a
missionary, that hour of sacrament meeting is precious. That time is
specifically for Sister Pochop. I don't need to think about where my
investigators are in the building. It is my time to ponder and
reflect.

The work is true! I love you all!

Sister Paige Pochop

Scripture of the Week: 1 Nephi 3:7

Talofa!

Hi again!

Thank you so much for the card and the packages!! I love them and they made me smile!!!
When we aren't teaching investigators, we do a mix of teaching less actives and spiritual harvesting. Spiritual harvesting is basically tracting, but not door to door. Does that make sense? We knock the doors we feel inspired to knock on.

I'm so sad the Prices are moving :( but I know it'll be good for them and the kids. I hope you gave them a big hug from me! Congrats again to the Bains for baby Brogan!!  That's fun news about the cousins! Hopefully baby Gardner gets a name soon! :)

We haven’t seen Greg in a week. He is currently stuck in Memphis and doesn't have a phone. His neighbor is a member and our contact to him. So we are currently on hold. But hopefully he will be back soon.

My talk went well. I also played the piano in Sacrament meeting Sunday because the normal person was out of town. That went well too :) I enjoy being able to play again. Because I'm also the Relief Society pianist. I hope to learn how to play the organ while I'm here. The piano/ organ we have is electric so it does both. But you need to know how to play some basic organ techniques for that to sound right. I don't know any yet, so I switched to the piano. But I will be asking the organist when he gets back for some tips.

Stake conference sounded AMAZING and INSPIRED!!! I really hope people will listen and apply it to themselves and their families. This branch could use those talks too.

We went on exchanges on Wednesday. They were good. I was actually with the sister I had my first exchange with! So that was fun. It was also good to see how we have both changed and improved.

We got our iPads on Wednesday too! Something President Wakolo said was "Are we excited? Yes. Are we nervous? Of course. Are we afraid? No." I love that because he has such confidence and trust in us. So far we
are using them to get accustomed to showing videos and using the new pamphlets. But later down the road we are going to use Facebook and Skype and other tools that are going to help.

I love you all!!
Sister Pochop

Scripture of the week: D&C 68: 4-6

4  And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the ^aHoly Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the ^bpower of God unto salvation.

5  Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants.

6  Wherefore, be of good ^acheer, and do not ^bfear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I ^cwas, that I am, and that I am to come.

 

 

One advantage of being short....front and center for pictures!

New Area

Hello World!!! :)

I am now serving in Paragould, Arkansas!!! It is just 20 miles from the boot heel of ​Missouri. And for the awesome people in Martin, I am 95 miles southwest-ish from you!!! So that was a fun surprise to see!!

My new address is 913 S. 22nd St #6, Paragould, AR 72450.

Paragould is a branch. This was my first time ever attending a branch... It is so small!!!!! It is going to take some getting used to, but at least I'll be able to meet the members fast! :) And I am now the Branch Relief Society Pianist :)

My new companion is Sister Merita Brunt. Fun fact: she actually came to Arkansas with me. So we are both kind of follow-up training each other, but I am more senior companion. That's only because I know the language. She is actually from Samoa, and she had to learn English. And for only being out here for 3 months, its amazing!!!! I love her so much!! But it was still sad to leave - leaving Hot Springs was soo hard!! Even though it was only 3 months, you still grow attached to the people.

I saw the picture of the car, and it made me laugh! That was the car we had in Hot Springs. It's a good car. In Paragould, we have a silver Toyota Corolla.

This week was interesting. Monday and Tuesday was mostly full of saying good-byes, so not really any work done. Wednesday was transfers in Little Rock, and the drive to my new area is 3 hours away. So we didn't do a whole lot either. Thursday morning, we were in Memphis for a special appointment for Sister Brunt. (No problems, it had been set up before I got here.) But this week has pretty much been me getting to meet our investigators and some of the members. But, Sunday we set a baptismal date!! So that was pretty amazing!! I look forward to teaching him and helping him progress. His name is Greg, if y'all could keep him in your prayers.

I'll have more info next week, I promise!!!

I love y'all!!!

Sister Pochop

Scripture of the Week: 1 Nephi 1:1

 1  I, NEPHI, having been ^aborn of ^bgoodly ^cparents, therefore I was ^dtaught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many ^eafflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a ^frecord of my proceedings in my days.

She knows how much I "love" camo....not!

 

Transfers

May 18, 2015

Hello again!

It's that time again! And yes, I am getting transferred. It's a weird situation. Hot Springs's sisters are being shut down. We aren't entirely sure why, but the Lord has His reasons. I don't know where I'm going, but I find out on Wednesday, so I'll tell you next week. So my address until further notice is 905 Kierre Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116. It's the Mission Office, and they will get it to me.

I am safe! It's just a lot of thunderstorms, but we are safe!! Thank you for prepping a package for me!!! I look forward to it!!!

The service opportunities depend on the places. Those places need a scheduled time in which you can come, and we can't do that.

Congrats again to the Keller's!! They all must be so proud and happy!!

Sometimes the Lord works in ways that we don't understand. Remember with my decision to serve, I was ready. But then He told me no. THEN He told me yes! There's something you need to learn and prepare for that will come out for the best.

Exchanges were great!! We met a lot of new people that have a lot of potential!! It was great! Sister Thompson was with me. She actually left today. But she is so sweet! That's the really sad thing about transfers! We found so many people, but we have to leave them. We are going to give them to the elders, and know that they will take good care of them.

We did meet with Gary. We gave him a church tour then taught the restoration to him on Saturday. He is so golden!! I don't want to give up teaching him, but I know that what is going to happen is going to happen for the best.

Love you too!!!!
Sister Pochop

Scripture of the Week: Doctrine and Covenants 4

1  NOW behold, a ^amarvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

2  Therefore, O ye that embark in the ^aservice of God, see that ye ^bserve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand ^cblameless before God at the last day.

3  Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are ^acalled to the work;

4  For behold the ^afield is white already to ^bharvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in ^cstore that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

5  And ^afaith, ^bhope, ^ccharity and ^dlove, with an ^eeye single to the ^fglory of God, ^gqualify him for the work.

6  Remember faith, ^avirtue, knowledge, ^btemperance, ^cpatience, ^dbrotherly ^ekindness, ^fgodliness, charity, ^ghumility, ^hdiligence.

7  ^aAsk, and ye shall receive; ^bknock, and it shall be opened unto you.  Amen.