Testimony builder

TERESA - Hi Family,

OK, so life has been beyond crazy lately. Loads has happened and it's really been a big testimony builder to me on how Heavenly Father is so very aware of me and my efforts and desires.

Gosh, it sent before I was finished! OK this is after my first paragraph OK? Haha

The district meeting we had in the beginning of the week totally got us amped to go out and have success. After all, at that point we had NO investigators at all! But we knew that Heavenly Father wanted us to find them and even President said that every single companionship could go out and baptise every month starting in June. So we knew we could do it! I just have to really focus on following the spirit. So we started to organize our potential investigators so that way we could go by them when we were in those certain areas. All right, good!

So on Wednesday we found two potentials and scheduled to see them the next day!  Here's Thursday for you! It was a great day! Let me tell you, it was a real change of pace for us. We went with Sister G. to teach one of the men. His name is A. F. and he's in his 80's (he kind of looks like Richard Nixon too!). But anyway, he was very nice and the lesson went very well. We taught him the Restoration. He said he'd come to church this past Sunday and that if he knew it were true he'd "probably" get baptized. OK, better then nothing! He said he'd read and pray about the Book of Mormon as well :). It was neat! Then we went to see the other potential named P.M. Sister B. came with us, she's like our unofficial ward missionary, she's so great! It was an ideal lesson. He's quite the character but he understands the message well so that was good. He said he'd come to church too and that he'd read and pray about the Book of Mormon! And that he'd get baptized on the 26th of June! Yes! We were so happy because we knew this could happen. Things were really looking up for sure. When it rains with blessings, it always seems to pour! Haha But we are so happy.

Friday was excellent because we started out with a district fast to find. Such a good idea! It was funny because that morning I was looking up scriptures on fasting and it talked about how fasting = rejoicing! That helped me get into the proper spirit of things :). Then our district blitzed each other's areas. It was wonderful! They spent an hour in out area then we went to Hamilton then Motherwell for each an hour. It was a really amazing experience. We found some pretty amazing potentials for Hamilton and for Motherwell. We also talked to this one less-active who hadn't been to church in decades! The spirit was SO strong while we were speaking with her that she was crying. She said she missed the feeling she got when she was active, that she missed the spirit.  She said she just felt a little neglected by a lot of the church members and didn't know if she was wanted back. It was incredible! (And that is why I'm so excited for the SJ California mission to do a major reactivation! There are hundreds of less-actives out there, just like this woman, that just need to be INVITED back. That is all, and now they are focusing on bringing them back in! How inspired is that?! I'm so excited to see this take place!) The whole time the district was fasting and we saw success. It was amazing.

Saturday we started to get worried about Sunday (by the way, in the mission, Sundays are the MOST stressful days because you want people at church and to be fellow shipped! So please, to make it less stressful on the missionaries, help them out by being pro-active and friendly!). And plus, I was getting really scared because I only have about 5 months left and it is just too close. You have no idea, 5 months to a missionary is JUST around the corner! I LOVE being a missionary and I don't want it to be over! But anyway, I received personal revelation that a lot can happen in two days and that it is my choice whether or not I make my mission great. No one else can determine that for me! So that was comforting!

SUNDAY! The big day. We pick up A.F. with Sister G. and he's looking real spiffy in a nice suit! We were very happy that he was still coming. We get to church and the members were doing wonderfully at fellow shipping him! Ahhhhh, what a relief! P.M. didn't show up so that was a real bummer but we figured we'd make the most of it because we had A.F. there. That was a blessing! So he goes to Priesthood and then when it was time for Sunday school we walked out of Relief Society only to find A.F. walking out the doors of the church! We run after him and he tells us that he's not very religious and that it "dragged" (plus, the lesson was on tithing so I don't think he liked that either! haha) We asked if we could still see him and he said to "leave it" (that's Scottish for no). So yeah, we dropped us on the spot! Right on the doors of the church during church! HahaHaha Wow, too amusing. Dad told me never to loose my sense of humor on my mission and trust me; I've tried to always see the funny side of things! Anyway we walk back inside knowing that we tried our hardest to get investigators at church and it just didn't work out. They used their agency and decided not to go through with it. So we go into Gospel Principles class to teach on sacrament feeling a bit bummed for sure. Then we see Sister C., Bishop's wife, calling us outside class. So we go out wondering what's going on. We walk outside to the hallway and she introduces us to this man named W.W. He's dressed in street clothes and Sister C. didn't even know him. He told us that he just wanted to know what we believed and walked into church to find out! He was on a search for God and was going to many different churches to find out which one he believed in. Oh my goodness. When I shook his hand I wanted to cry. He stayed for Sacrament and we have an appointment with him on Wednesday. Honestly guys, this was HUGE. Heavenly Father knows our efforts and what we are trying to accomplish: His work. I KNOW that he sent us W.W. because we were trying. That even after all the efforts we had getting people to church and they failed big time, He noticed and then W.W. just walked in. What a loving Heavenly Father we have. He knows YOU. He knows your individual troubles and circumstances and He wants to help. Gosh, I feel overjoyed when I think about this! Sunday was excellent! We sang "Come Thou Fount" in Sacrament Meeting and this next week is full of potential investigators' appointments. Yes, it was right. A LOT can change in two days :)

Monday was beyond the best when we had Zone Development Meeting (hence the reason why I didn't write yesterday!). I learned sooo much and the Spirit was definitely there! The Assistants to the President were there as well and let me tell you that I have inspired leaders! I am so thankful for the Elders in my mission! I was asked to bear my testimony in the start of the meeting so that was a neat opportunity. We had a fun filled day of games and Zone unity. Man it was great!

I just want you to know that I love my mission, that I cannot compare myself to other missionaries in other missions. That isn't what Heavenly Father wanted for me, He wanted this for me. He knows what we all need individually and he gives it to us so we can personally grow more from it. I am so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who tailor makes my experiences so that I can get the most out of them. Every trial I face is for ME and if I get through it well, learning what I was meant to learn, then I know that slowly and surely those rough edges are being smoothed away. I am becoming little by little more like my Father in Heaven. I try to look at everything I'm faced with now with that in mind.

I love you all. Thank you for supporting Rach and me in our experiences!

Love Always, Sister Teresa Kullick

Mom, was the package a box or a bag by the way? I sent 2. If it's the box then just leave it and put it up in the closet. If it’s the bag then open it! It's for you guys!

I love you...

RACHEL - Dear Mom and Dad,

I just wanted to take this time to say that I love you both so much. Throughout my entire life I have been blessed to have you two as my parents and how you have raised us. I am very grateful for your example of living the Gospel and how it has blessed our family. I am grateful for the specific time and attention you have given to every single one of us. Also the love you continue to have for us even when we have made mistakes. My companions hear about you two all the time and the lessons you taught me either by word or example or maybe just even the funny stories and experiences we have had whether they are on road trips, movie nights or family get-togethers. I love my sister Teresa so much that words cannot describe it and I love my entire family. Thank you for always being there for me and talking to me throughout any trial or problem I have ever encountered big or small. I know that you will be great grandparents one day and many things I will teach my children are the things that you taught me throughout my life. I am excited for the many more lessons and advice you two will give to me in the future as well. I am grateful for everything that you have sacrificed and done for Teresa and I to be here on missions. I am very grateful for all of the love & support you have always given to Teresa and I with your mission experiences as well. I thank Heavenly Father every night for you two and how you have helped shape me into who I am today. I love you both so much and I pray fervently every night for Sheila that she will be ok and be at peace and that Steven & Erika will be able to be happy as well. Teresa has always been a great example to me with everything she has said and done. I love you all. 

Love always Rachel

Edinburgh pictures... 33 of them!!!

Cary - My apologies ahead of time for the few pictures that are sideways! It took over 2 hours to get all 33 pictures in here with her captions and with the way things are going these days I just wasn't up to turning those few so...

 Sister Peterson and I with a member of the Stake Presidency, President Patterson. 

Like his kilt?

 Sister Sorenson and I. I love this sister! She has been out only 4 months less than me. We served together for 1 day! Best day ever!

 Sister Peterson and I. She's home now in Idaho. It was really good serving with her! A lot of laughs :-)

 Me, Sis Peterson and Elder Duran. 

We're on the way back from a Tri-Zone Conference in Aberdeen with our district. 

Excellent conference!

 On my Birthday morning! Sister Peterson made me a poster! Nice huh?

 The amazing candy bar letter that I got from mom and dad! Thank you! I loved it!

 Me opening Rach's presents :-) Gosh, I love my sister - she's the best.

 My birthday dinner at the McKay's. I love this family! It was a great 22nd birthday. 

 My first meal that I cooked on my mission! Ha-ha! A pasta tuna bake! Yum! A moment to be documented.

 On the Royal Mile in Edinburgh... 

Cary's comment - if you don't know about it, google it!

 Loved the phrase on the monument... Perfect for a missionary!

 Sis Peterson, Rebecca Cunningham and I. She is an amazing YSA here! 

She would go out teaching with us loads!

 Us and the McKays! They took such good care of us! McKay is pronounced McK-"I" here :-)

 Elder and Sister Graham. They work in the Mission Home. I adore this couple! 

Elder Graham even reminds me of Dad at times!

 Sister Woolley & I walking up Pratt's Hill.

 Sister Woolley and I on top of Pratt's Hill.

 Our trip to the Edinburgh Zoo!

 Most of our district plus the APs at the Zoo.

 I thought this was amusing. Ha-Ha!

 The Edinburgh Castle

 The Scot's Monument on Prince's Street

 Me and Sis Woolley with our less-active member, Joanne. She is so great!

 Sis Woolley and I eating our chocolate Easter Eggs!

 Me with Shona & Andrea Dixon. They are less-active members but still a very special family :-)

 The spire of the Church of Scotland in front of our flat.

 Sister Manson (RS Pres.) and I. I love her so much!

 Dot, me, and Doreen. They took care of us missionaries!

 The Mateer Family and myself! Amazing family - so helpful in the work!

 Bishop's family of the Edinburgh Ward.

 Annie & Ahmad; the muslim investigator couple! They were so kind and hospitable.

 Sister Peterson and I by Mary King's Close.

 A question on the UK Census! You would never see this on a U.S. one! So funny, the different options.

Me with my old district in Edinburgh! Man, we has some really fun times!

Small miracles taking place

TERESA - Hey Family!

Sorry about the shortness of the previous email! Now I have all my info so I can fill you in accordingly :) But remember how I said that loads had happened, yeah get ready for it!

So last Wednesday was amazing. We had taught K.T. a lesson on tithing and fasting. Now usually you wouldn’t think that that would be an excellent lesson but it was. The spirit was so strong as we testified of the truthfulness of these commandments. At first she was very leary of the idea, she kept throwing out all these excuses and we just had so say that she needed to come at this with an open heart, that Heavenly Father was asking her to do this not us! And if she already made up her mind that she wasn’t going to do it then there was no point in discussing it further. But by the end she was saying how she’d need to take a look at her finances to see how to work it! Then we asked her how real her ‘real intent’ was, if she was fully planning on acting on the answers she’d receive from her prayers. She said yes, that she wouldn’t care about all the other stuff and that if she got an answer she would “be crazy not to be baptized” (her own words), needless to say we were very happy about that! Then at the close of the lesson we had her offer the kneeling prayer and as always she prayed to know that what we were teaching her was true. Then something happened. Right after she had asked that question she stopped. She reached out and held both our hands and we looked up and she had tears in her eyes. She said she had never felt this way before and that she felt warm and calm but at the same time it was a very powerful and distinct feeling. We talked together and we helped her to identify that it was the Holy Ghost answering her question. She kept sincerely asking, “Really? You think that’s what it was?” And we would confirm to her that it was. We told her to write it down and reflect on it and we would talk about it next time. During my entire mission I have NEVER experienced something like this. We have knelt with our investigators countless times and never have we been sitting there when someone’s received their witness of the truth!! It was amazing!

Then we went out chapping and we actually got into a house! That NEVER happens! The woman was so nice and she was totally willing to talk with us and have us back. Her son (18) came in and asked what the Book of Mormon was and after we’d explained it he asked if he could have one! WOW! It was a wonderful day! We are so excited to visit them again. :)

Ok, so the follow up on K.T. We really didn’t have anything specific we wanted to teach her because we wanted to ask her about her experience and what she thought about it. We definitely relied on the spirit for this lesson! And what we feared would happen, happened. She sat there talking down her experience and making it seem trivial. We were open and honest with her and told her what we believed it was and offered sincere testimony. She believes all churches are true and are of God so we just simply explained the Apostasy and the need for the Restoration. But she even said that she knew our job wasn’t to convince her, only God could do that. She said she’d really have to come to a decision now. But she was pushing away and wanted to see us and the church less and less. We explained to her in a loving but bold way that Heavenly Father already answered her and that coming to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would provide answers for her. She knows, she really does but that experience to her just wasn’t good enough. We phoned to confirm our next appointment a few days later and she cancelled on us and said she wasn’t going to learn anymore. We were extremely disappointed in her and her decision. We were so helpless and there wasn’t anything we could say or do. Needless to say we were feeling down for a bit there because our only other investigator dropped us as well so that was sad too. But I can honestly say that there was nothing more that we could’ve said or done to have avoided the situation and for that reason I feel comforted knowing I have no regrets. But it still doesn’t always make you feel better. We have been trying to be upbeat and positive knowing that if we just work our hardest Heavenly Father will give us the satisfaction we are so desperately looking for. At District meeting our District Leader talked about what a successful missionary is. Now let me tell you, we REALLY needed this...

“Your success as a missionary is measured primarily by your commitment. . . Avoid comparing yourself to other missionaries and measuring the outward results of your efforts against theirs. Remember that people have their agency to choose whether to accept your message . . . Some may not accept your message even when they have received a spiritual witness that it is true . . . You should not, however, become discouraged.” Preach My Gospel pg.10 A Successful Missionary

So we have been really trying to focus on the good things that can and could come our way. I have a strong feeling that we are going to find someone who’s ready in our area book, so we are going to be focusing on that. I just want to see conversion and see others accept the message we share. I know thought that to measure your success off of other people’s choices is flat out silly. So I do feel calm about it. I am looking forward to the future with joyful anticipation knowing that nothing worth having is ever easy so it is going to take a whole lot of hard work. So now we have a few things that are looking even the slightest bit hopeful even though nothing is set yet. The last couple of days have been very special and it’s nice to notice the small miracles that are taking place!

We have been guided by the Spirit to go places when we didn’t even know it! On Sunday we visited Sister J.C. who is a single parent of two young adult boys and is the only member of her family. When we randomly just dropped in, her son L. (20) and his girlfriend L. (22) were there. There were super nice and relaxed and very easy to like. But let me tell you, this was inspired! Because we ended up discussing the restoration with them both! It was super natural and simple and they were both totally willing to listen and were quite receptive to the message. Lindsay was a tad more receptive and said that it was made perfect sense! The spirit was totally there because everything we said to them was what they needed to hear, there wasn’t a question we couldn’t answer that they didn’t like! But since this was the first time ever that they had heard the gospel and considering it was an unexpected visit we told them that we would love to talk to them more about the gospel and they said they’d get back to us. But they took a Book of Mormon and a Restoration pamphlet! It was so great! On our way out Sister C. gave me a hug and discreetly I jumped up and down! Sister C. phoned us later that night and left a voicemail telling us how happy she was! That this was the furthest she had ever gotten with L. She thanked us for the spirit we brought into her home and that she is sooo happy! Gosh we were so happy about that!

But also we were guided without knowing it the night before to a less-active’s home where the family had been deeply offended by a few members of the ward earlier on in the week. We never visit this family and they thought that the Bishop had sent us to talk to them! Nope! Unfortunately they were just so bitter that there wasn’t much we could say or do without making it worse so we just kept apologizing that they were hurt. It was really sad to me that they were letting the MOST trivial thing get in the way of their salvation. We were glad though that we got into their home that night and to form that relationship before they closed their door completely on the church. Now we have an “in” with them, where if we hadn’t been prompted to go there that night, wouldn’t have ever been able to establish.

Sister Baxter and I had NO idea that we needed to be at those specific places at those specific times! It was a great testimony builder for me to be a part of that - a very special few days for sure. I hope and pray that it will only get better from here. But also on Sunday we were busy Sisters because we gave a little message on following the prophet in Primary (totally fun!) and then we gave a little lesson in Young Women’s (even better!!). We talked about how all members need to do is invite people – not teach lessons! We shared funny stories with the girls of our personal experiences on sharing or not sharing the gospel before our missions. We came up with 3 simple steps for members:
1.) Be an example
2.) Bear testimony
3.) Invite
How easy is that?! So that was a neat experience. We also had an amazing Fast and Testimony meeting where some excellent testimonies were given!

The week before was our Glasgow Stake Conference and it was the BEST ever! It was a broadcast from Salt Lake City and the prophet spoke!!! Also Elder L. Tom Perry, Sister Barbara Thompson, and Elder Patrick Kearon of the Seventy spoke. Every single one of their talks hit me so personally!

• Elder Patrick Kearon’s talk was amazing. He spoke about how there are worldly things we are tethering ourselves to that are dulling our spiritual sensitivity. That we need to make a personal assessment of ourselves and our homes. We need to be receiving light and making it brighter not dimmer. He said the world is made up of patterns and labels, they will brand you. But the Lord does NOT. He knows exactly what we could and can be. But do we? We need to be determined to change and to lift other while we are at it.

• Sister Thompson spoke about how we need to steady ourselves against life’s challenges. We are given clear instructions through our prophets and commandments on how to do that. If we follow them we will make it back. She said that NO sacrifice is too great to get to the temple. None is.

• Elder L. Tom Perry’s made me think of a lot of things that he didn’t even mention too much about in his talk! So I learned a lot of personal things that I needed to learn.

• President Thomas S. Monson’s talk was excellent as always. He talked about how we need to focus on our less-actives and bringing them back. How we need to tell the ones we love that we love them. To get rid of pride and be forgiving of others. He said, since we are on the Lord’s errand we are entitled to His help! What a comfort! And this was my favourite thing: Have the ability to see Christ in every face you encounter and then treat them accordingly.

Wow! What a wonderful experience! I was so glad I was here for this because if I were still back in the States I would have missed out on it!

This has been an eventful week for sure but very nice at the same time. Thank you to everyone who is praying for Rach and I. We sincerely appreciate them. I love you guys!
Love always, Sister Teresa Kullick

Life is wonderful!

RACHEL - Hello!

We have been seeing sooo many miracles this past week, it has been so amazing!! I love to be constantly working and speaking to everyone about the feelings I have are of pure joy! I am sooo happy being a Missionary! I really really Love this work! A couple days ago I had this feeling of completeness which was indescribable! I have also thought about asking my new Mission President for an extension!

This past week we have been able to teach so many of the people we have made appointments with on the bus and on the street that we have gained 8 New Investigators! I Love Bus Contacting now! I used to be a little frightened of it, but the majority of our appointments come from the people on buses! My old companion Sister Suaybaguio taught me by her example that we just have to keep on moving. If we stop or hesitate then that's when fear creeps in and stops you from talking to more people. So this past week we were able to have about 23 appointments which is probably the highest I have ever seen in my week on a mission so far! The Lord really has been helping us every single step of the way and it is because we have really been trying to speak to everyone we can. I really do know that the Lord sends prepared people to His prepared service. My mission has really taught me to love sharing the gospel and in a talk by Elder Eyring, he spoke about when we truly love the gospel, talking about it with people will become a part of who you are and I really want to carry that with me throughout my life.

Sister Bibb is a natural! She is so wonderful! Right away she will talk to people on the streets, on buses and cashiers! She is amazing! It has been so nice serving with her. She really good at teaching to the "you" (the individual) and already knows the scriptures and Preach My Gospel well. It seems like since this last transfer there hasn't really been any time to do any personal things! There doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to do everything we need and want to do! Today we will be baking a lot for the members when they help us fellowship and give us lifts! I have seen that make a nice difference in their willingness to help when we take a little extra time to show we care. I wished I learned that sooner on a mission because Sister Gallozo taught me that and miracles have come from serving the ward members in little extra ways.

Our Investigator H.C.P. is doing amazingly! She loves the scriptures and the Church. She has been so sweet and has been feeding us dinner as well! She wants to be baptised on her birthday, June 23rd, so we are excited! This Saturday right next to the Preston Temple, there will be the 400th year anniversary of the King James Bible Concert and we are going to take H. or more likely meet her there because we don't have a lift. It will be so wonderful returning back home to Chorley for an evening! It will be wonderful to see all the 2nd and 3rd Ward members and those I use to teach there! I am excited!

Life is wonderful as you might have been able to tell and I just love what I am doing! I hope everyone is well and I would love to hear nice little Missionary experiences that you all have throughout the week! Let us know! Thank you to all who have supported Teresa and I in our decision to serve, we love you all!
Love always, Sister Rachel Kullick

Training again!

Hello!

Mom and dad I loved the book! (The Dr. Suess one) It was amazing! Thank you so much for that!

I am training! Her name is Sister Sarah Bibb and she is 22 years old from Saint George, Utah! She knows Katelynn Moss! (A cousin) She is amazing!! It has only been half a day since we have been together but I can already feel her sweet spirit and love for the work and a desire to serve with all her heart. I know that this companionship has been brought to pass by revelation. There were only 3 new Sisters coming in so I am very humbled and happy for this opportunity!

At this point, I don't really have much to update you on and I can imagine Teresa will have this very long description of her week, but mine won't be as good! But everything is going great! Helen will soon be getting baptised in the next couple of weeks! I am so excited! Sister Gallozo will be coming back for the baptism. It was so wonderful serving with her, she is so incredible! I am so blessed to be serving in the England Manchester Mission! We were able to have 3 new Investigators so far for this week and so I am excited to show Sister Bibb more of the area and people!

I hope everyone is Healthy and Happy and that you know I love you all! Thank you sooo much for all of the support you have given to Teresa and I!!
Love always, Sister Rachel Kullick

More next week!

TERESA - Hi ya Fam!

Ok so this was moves week as you must've known! I am sorry but this is going to be a very short email because I am in Glasgow right now and I don't have my journal with me to remember everything!! So on Monday I will write what has happened with me! But trust me, It has been a very eventful week. I am still serving in East Kilbride with Sister Baxter! Thank goodness!!! I love it here and love her, so it is perfect :)


By the way mom, I know you will do wonderfully in your new calling! This will be good; you will finally learn to love activities! And trust me, we desperately need them! They actually provide opportunities for ward unity and for fellow shipping investigators - how great is that?! And YOU get to be a part of it!! Get excited mom! Ha-ha. Love you with ALL of my little heart! I promise I'll fill you in on Monday, no worries ;) Love Always, Sister Teresa Kullick