Transfer 12 Semaine 3 7/21/14

Dear family and friends, 

What a week this has been!!! In rain and shine we work! 

This week we worked a lot with Demila and Marie, who are each experiencing difficult trials in their lives. As a missionary, I mourn and sorrow with them, yet at times I feel little and helpless. What does bring me hope, though, is that God lives and answers prayers. I try to always remember, "with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible" (Mark 10: 27). Please keep Demila, her daughters, and Marie in your prayers. 

In a time of trial, we often ask ourselves, "Why me? Why this? When will it come to an end?" Considering many circimstances, I believe it is fair to ask such things. Let us never forget, however, that trials arise for a reason, and they allow us to learn and grow. Remember that some of the most difficult trials in life, with time, can become the sweetest memories because we look back and see that we did it, we overcame it through the grace and mercy of our loving Savior.

This week I read several scriptural passages that speak of trials. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, the children of Israel slaved under pharaoh's wrath, Abinadi was burned by King Noah, Nephi and Lehi were beaten in prison, and Moroni witnessed the destruction of his people. It is clear that although we may be disciples of Jesus Christ, we still have tribulations, but we have promises of protection and deliverance from all that may come. 

"For behold, ye shall be as a whale in the midst of the sea; for the mountain waves shall dash upon you. Nevertheless, I will bring you up again out of the depths of the sea; for the winds which have gone forth out of my mouth, and also the rains and the floods have I sent forth. And behold, I prepare you against these things; for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves and the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come" (Ether 2: 24-25). 

Knowing it is Christ who saves us, how do we, then, become His disciples? We keep His commandments. When we keep the commandments, not only can we count on blessings of deliverance and protection, but we will recieve a fullness of joy in His kingdom. From the words of a living apostle, we learn, "the greatest test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God's commandments in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure the storms, but the choose the right while they rage" (President Henry B. Eyring). Everyone experiences difficulties, but it is those who believe in Christ and keep His commandments that recieve the greatest rewards in heaven. 

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help and always, always remember to smile.:) 

I love you with all of my heart, Soeur Laura Lee Judd

Transfer 12 Semaine 2 7/15/14

Dear family and friends, 

Happy Bastille Day and Happy Tour de France! Soeur Trautman and I had the time of our lives yesterday.:) I dont think life can get much better than this.:) 

This week was another beautiful week! I love everything about my mission, and I cherish every minute of it. 

Demila and Marthe came to church!!! and loved it.:) Each of them have been investigating the church for about four years, and Sunday was the first time they came to sacrament meeting. What a blessing it was to sit next to them and feel the Spirit with them. We were also happy to have had several other investigators with us on Sunday. Each of them spent some good quality time with member families and are all planning on coming again next week! I have such a strong testimony of church attendance, and I know that as these amis continue coming to church, they will better understand the Gospel in its restored form and desire to become a part of the church of Jesus Chist. Please keep them in your prayers. 

This week I came across this quote, and it has been ringing in my ears ever since : 

Jesus Chist not only came to atone for our sins; He also came to show us the way. He is the Way. You not only may become like Him; everything is stacked in your favor to become like Him" (Lawrence E. Corbridge). 

Isn't that beautiful? EVERYTHING is stacked in our favor to become like our Savior, Jesus Christ. What we need to do to realize this promise is keep His commandments. But we need not think we are alone in that effort! Jesus Christ gives us all the strength we need in order to follow Him. Let us not forget the common words of Nephi, "...I know the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he has commandeth them" (1 Nephi 3:7). This week, after praying with a new investigator, she looked at us with tears in her eyes and said, "I feel stronger having just heard His name." And so it may be for us. Call upon His holy name in faith, and I promise you strength to keep His commandments. As we continue in this manner, we will, one day, become like Him. 

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help and always, always remember to smile.:) 

I love you with all of my heart, Soeur Laura Lee Judd

Transfer 12 Semaine 1 7/7/14

Dear family and friends, 

Bonjour! Changes came today...and I am so happy to say that I am staying in Mulhouse with Soeur Trautman!!! The work is really growing, and I am so grateful to be able to witness the unfolding miracles.:) I couldn't possibly imagine a better way to finish my mission. 

This week we traveled to Paris to meet Président and Soeur Babin. They are incredible! As I listened during the conference, the Spirit confirmed to me that the Lord has called them to this mission and that they are on His errand.

I love them already. During their presentation of their objectives for their mission, President and Soeur Babin talked about the relationship we each have with Jesus Christ. They challenged us to strengthen that relationship and promised blessings of purity and strength. May we all strive to know him and to become like him. Let's regularly ask ourselves, "Have [I] recieved his image in [my] countenance? Have [I] experienced this mighty change in [my] heart?...if [I] have experienced a change of heart, and if [I] have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, can [I] feel so now? (Alma 5: 14, 26). Christ is ever on our side. I know that through him, we can be cleansed and fortified; one day, at that perfect day, we can become like him. 

Each of our investigators are doing well! Demila and her daughters are reading in the Book of Mormon on their own and will be coming to church this week! Marie is accepting every commandment and, as she continues to recieve answers to her prayers, has accepted to be baptized on the 20th of July. Marthe is moved in to her new place and will also be coming to church this week. She, too, is praying about baptism. Please keep each of them in your prayers. 

Last week Soeur Trautman and I found several new amies, several of which are already progressing. Titi is a young Muslim mom looking to convert to Christianity. She came to church this past week and loved it! We have lots of hope for her. Doina is a young Romanian woman living here and working. She also came to church for the first time and loved it. Keep each of them in your prayers as well. 

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help and always, always remember to smile.:) 

I love you with all of my heart! 

Soeur Judd