Hello, family and friends!
Before I really begin my weekly letter, I want to share a spiritual experience I had when I opened my mission call. When my mom was reading where I was going to serve my mission...I had the strongest feeling that I would not serve 18 months. I knew that the Lord needed me to serve for only a short amount of time. I turned to my mom and told her what I was feeling. I thought the only way this would happen is if they changed mission age. But nope...CORONA!!!
My mission experience is coming to an end. I got a call from my mission president Tuesday evening with the news that because of my asthma, they will be sending me home...I immediately burst into tears as I reflected back on the last six months, all the positive memories flowed through my mind. My mission has been a GIFT from God! It has helped form and shape me into the Valiant Daughter of God I now am.
I have learned so much during my missionary time. The best lessons I have learned were not ones that came easy. My time here in Florida I was given very little teaching opportunities...however, the people have taught me. The people of taught me the importance of knowing who Jesus Christ is. They have taught me the importance of family, repentance, sacrifice, unity, love, and so much more. THE PEOPLE OF FLORIDA WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART! They are GOLDEN💛
Sister Copeland at the corner of Park and Copeland, named for some of her ancestors.
Behind her is the church that was formerly an LDS chapel where her Grandpa George was baptized.
This church is so true. I have a testimony that God hears and answers all of our prayers. He sees our full potential from where we are. He knows each of us by name. He is our loving Heavenly Father. He loves us so much that he sent his only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ to pay the price. Through Jesus Christ's atonement, we can return to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father! God has laid out a perfect plan for each of us! I am so grateful that God allowed Jacksonville, Florida, to be a part of my plan. This experience has changed me forever. I am going to take what I've learned and make myself an even better disciple of Jesus Christ.
JESUS CHRIST LIVES! Never forget his AMAZING sacrifice...turn to him in sincere and sweet prayer!
Something that helped calm my nerves and frustrations. Was...last night I had my last interview with president...he looked me in the eyes and said, "Sister Copeland...you didn't need 18 months to be a life-long disciple of Jesus Christ." I know this to be true. I am now FULLY CONVERTED
"My name-tags written on my heart forever"
CTR
I LOVE YALL
<3 SISTER LAUREN COPELAND
No comments:
Post a Comment