Week 16!

Week 16 yaaalllll first week of transfer 3!! So happy to be staying here in Lubbock through Christmas:,)

I got a new comp and her name is Sister Avery! She got to the mission 1 transfer before me and she's been in a tiny town called Eastland which is between Abilene and Dallas. Lubbock is a lot different for her compared to her last area BUT it's been a pretty busy week so I think it's been good haha.

One of the highlights this week was our involvement in a local nativity event. There were hundreds of nativities collected and displayed and there was a concert as well. The stakes in lubbock put it on but it was free and open to the public, put out on social media, all the things.

I was in a big choir of missionaries that was able to perform for a special luncheon for town leaders, religious leaders from other faiths, and some of the main contributors... honestly such a cool experience and the spirit was super strong.

The actual event was on Friday and Saturday night and the music was SO GOOD. they had performers from all religions with different styles of music. One of my favorites was this super cool bassist and vocalist... it made me trunky for college hahah (shout out chilbo!!!) but probably the coolest thing was that we got Doug and PJ to that event!! Two inactive members that willing came to a church building and BOTH of them said they felt the spirit and liked it!

Moral of the story, CHRISTMASTIME IS AMAZING and it's a great time to do missionary work. Throughout this week, especially with this event, I got to see how the common ground of Jesus Christ's birth and mortal ministry brings so many people together! I am so thankful for him and the love he has for all of his brothers and sisters, no matter their race, religion, testimony, or anything! He loves us all because he knows us all personally and perfectly.

This week we also tentatively put Crystal on date for baptism! She chose April 4th because it was her moms birthday:)) there are a lot of obstacles she will have to overcome before she will be able to be baptized so please please please pray for her!!

I found out out why I'm supposed to be on a mission yesterday.......

I've talked a bit about PJ, he's a guy we found by accident trying to find a different guy named Henry the elders told us about. We never found Henry but we found PJ and he was super receptive to our message. The next time we went back, we found out that he was a member, baptized when he was 8, inactive by 18, and he's in his 40s now. He grew up and went to church in lubbock so when we told him to come to church with us he was like WOAH that's the building I used to go to! He came to church last week, loved it, went to the nativity with another member, loved it, and then came to church again yesterday. After sacrament meeting, an older couple went up to him and gave him the biggest hugs and he started crying... I guess the couple used to teach him in primary as a kid! The sister said, "This is where you're supposed to be. I know your parents are so happy you're here." HOWW AMAZINGGG. guys if I weren't here in lubbock right now, PJ may still have been lost. His parents would still be up in heaven hoping and praying for a miracle. US MISSIONARIES WERE GODS HANDS IN PJS RETURN!!! I just can't imagine the reunion that will happen in the next life when I'm able to meet PJs parents and they'll hug me and thank me. That is why missions are worth it.

If you're thinking about going on a mission, go. If you're on your mission and you're struggling, stay. GOD CALLED YOU TO THIS WORK! It is the most fulfilling and joyful work, even when I'm sad and depressed and burnt out. The Lord qualifies and strengthens those who will put forth their talents and efforts. You are on this earth to impact certain individuals and there is no better way or place to do that than on a mission. Being set apart with special power, especially to promise blessings, is the coolest thing ever. And to see people start or restart on the covenant path is the most special thing EVER.

anyways basically I love my mission. Its hard like REAL HARD but yesterday, I realized it's truly worth every minute of these 18 months.

Thanks for hangin in there if you read this far HAHA. I love yall! Thank you for all your support and prayers and love it truly means the world!

Sister Sage Johns

People to pray for:

PJ, Lamont, Matthew, Doug, Crystal, John,

Email:

sage.johns@missionary.org

Address:

5824 4th St #1407

Lubbock TX 79416

Pictures:

1. Lol