Ruston, LA- Week #38

 Good Morning Everybody!

 This week has been pretty good! It has been the coldest week in my mission by far!! I have been bundling up like crazy, I can't wait for winter to be over! We have been super blessed though at the same time.

 I had a super crazy experience this week! Sister Mellor and I went to a recent converts house to check up on her, and she seemed so off, like the spirit had left and I did not understand why. She told us that something had been bothering her. And we asked if she felt comfortable telling us what was going on, and she said that she has been having some evil spirits messing with her in her house. Not spirit-but SPIRITS. She said she felt that they were touching her all over her body and that they go wherever she goes. Apparently they talk to her sometimes and say really awful things. As soon as she said that my heart sank.

 I was totally freaked out but I tried to not let it show it. I tried to discern her needs and tried to comfort her. We sang hymns to her, read the scriptures with her, everything! She had a blessing on her home multiple of times, but they are still there! I felt helpless, I really did not know how to help her. The longer we were there the more I felt the spirits there. They did not dwell in us but they were definitely there! She would tell us what they would say to her and it was super freaky. Before I left I decided to pray for her and her home. I remember saying " As a representative of Jesus Christ, I command that all of these evil spirits leave". After I said those words they left, but a few hours later she called us and told us that they came back.

 My family asked me if I have ever felt scared on my mission, the answer is YES! I have never felt more scared. On our way out of her home she told us that her neighbor (who is also a recent convert) is experiencing the same thing. We called the Elders and told them about it, and they said that in that area it is FILLED with evil spirits. This used to be an elder's area and they wrote about  it in their area book. We will ONLY go there to visit our converts. Please pray that these converts can feel safe in their homes! Anyways, this is the story for the week. The moral of the story is, prayer is real. We can pray in any circumstance and God will help us if we have faith. I love ya'll and I hope you have an amazing week! (: 

Some responses to McKennah:

Dearest Sister Scott,

        I am so sorry I haven't written to you sooner.  I don't check my emails as often as I should and my computer keeps acting up on me.  I just recently took it in for repairs and it should be doing all right.  The main problem is me.  I can't seem to get the hang of the new technology I'm surrounded by, my cell phone included.  

        I can relate very well with the evil spirits.  There was a time when I was very troubled by them and members of my family were also troubled.  I had one or more for a month or so.  It would come to me at night just when I was dropping off to sleep.  I can tell you it bound me so that I could just barely move or talk.  I finally felt I needed to touch my husband who was laying beside me.  I struggled and struggled until I reached out and touched.  The evil spirit (or spirits) left me immediately.  This happened many nights in succession until I was afraid to go to sleep.  I talked to my neighbor and related to him what was happening to me.  He was my Bishop and he explained (Uncle Don and I were just coming into activity) that because I was doing good things I was being bothered and I needed a Priesthood Blessing to command these spirits to leave and not return.  I had the blessing and was not bothered after that.  Other members of our family had experiences with evil spirits and had blessings to command them to leave and not return.  The Priesthood can command these spirits to leave and not return but they must have the faith and realize the authority  they have over these evil spirits  and command them as we see the Apostle Peter do. 

      I am so grateful to hear how well you are doing on your mission.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  I will try to write more often.  

Love Always, Auntie

No pics again?!?!?! Sad day!  I love you girlfriend and I am sorry for your scary experience.  It is nice to know Auntie had that experience.....in case you have forgotten that I have to.  It happened to me in the 855 house.  I spent many nights working and would go to bed later than dad. So I used to pray in my closet.  It was in the bathroom and it had a door on it, and I would shut the bathroom door, with the light on, but go into the closet with the light off. There was one night when I got down on my knees to pray and before I could utter even ONE word. A darkness overcame me. It immobilized me. I couldn't move and I couldn't open my eyes, and I couldn't speak. Evil spirits ARE real, but so is the PRIESTHOOD. I had remembered someone saying that we as women could call upon the priesthood and after a few moments I mustered in my THOUGHTS as I still could not speak "By the power of the priesthood in which Jesus Christ holds I command all evil spirits to depart" And they did. INSTANTLY! I honestly remember busting out of the closet and waking up your father and telling him how scared I was and how real it was. That was when he reminded me of the evils that surrounded Prophet Joseph in the garden. And told me that these types of things happen when something major is about to happen in your life, or when you are on a right path and at a spiritual high. Which must've been the case for me.  At that time in my life I was exercising, I was healthy, things were going well in the office, with my kids and with my husband.  I was in the young women's presidency, I was reading my scriptures faithfully/daily, praying morn and night. I felt I was at my very best. And for a while....those evil spirits still won.  I became scared to pray, prayed ONLY with dad, I am sure but can't remember if it stopped my scripture study...as sometimes I just periodically do.  All I know is I have felt in the past a little scared to get to that level again. I did get in a funk, it did take me a minute to get out, but I did. I am braver, I know now that I can do hard things, my testimony is stronger and I know, KNOW there is power in the priesthood and I am grateful everyday for that knowledge.

When I read your email today. My thoughts went straight to the Vision of the South quote that you sent to me a couple of weeks ago....the South has a long, long history of very strong religious views that differ from us. Generations and generations. There will probably be some very angry spirits for those attempting to take a different path. How very brave and in tune these sweet new members are and how they must've jumped in with two feet to do what is right and try to live righteously.  And how exciting to be part of this new generation that is mentioned in the vision of the south. What wonderful people, and valiant daughters/sons of our Heavenly Father they must be to be garnering so much attention from the other side trying to prevent them from happiness and celestial glory. I wish I could meet them. I hope they will stay strong and I hope you will continue to serve and love them. 

Genesis 26:24- Fear not for  I am with thee.  We have no need to fear, I am so proud with how you handled it - you did EVERYTHING right. I am so impressed with your growth, your confidence and your love and concern for others.  You are truly a special representative of Christ Kennah!  How lucky I am Heavenly Father lent you to ME!  Love you! Mom

Ruston, LA- Week #37

Good afternoon mom and dad!  

Sorry I am emailing so late..we have libraries that are closed, so we decided to go to a members house instead! Wow, sounds like ya'll had a crazy week! We were pretty busy too! I had so many awesome experiences this week. Tell the Elmore's hello for me! I was thinking about them the other day! Anyways, Sister Mellor and I are doing great! We went from not talking hardly at all, to now we play games together, talk about boys, and are actually serving each other now! It was super rough at first, but we had to accept our differences and move forward. Things are so much better because we are utilizing the atonement. we trust him enough to guide us and direct us. When things get rough we have to say a prayer and invite the spirit. or in sister scott style, we SING HYMNS! It really does make a difference when we invite the spirit in our companionship! I love you guys so much! I am sorry that the pictures are not sending! I will try it again! GUESS WHAT?! This girl is almost half way done with her mission! YAY FOR 10 more months!! I cannot wait but I can't imagine life without the mission. I hope it never ends! I love you! I will pray for you all every day. I always think of you. I hope you feel my love through these letters. I hope you feel the spirit testify of the things I am doing. I am working hard and doing my absolute best. I am excited to hear from you next week. LOVE YOU! (:

Good afternoon everyone! 

This week was super amazing! We had experiences after experiences. I will share two of them this week! I hope you all have had a awesome week! I love you all so so much. This missionary experience has been so humbling. I really have learned so much about myself and others I serve for and with! I hope my emails give you an idea of how awesome missionary work is, I would encourage anyone and everyone to go! 

This week sister mellor and I went tracting and we had great success. The first story is about a girl named Autumn. On Saturday morning we were trying to think of places where to tract. I suggested we go on Roosevelt street, sister mellor had something else in mind, but we ended up going on that road. We tracted over in some apartments on that road and that was where we found Autumn! We knocked on her door and her and her boyfriend let us in immediately! We started sharing the restoration and she was just eating it up! She had question after question and we answered them to the best of our knowledge! We all felt the spirit so strongly in that lesson. I felt very prompted to extend the invitation of baptism to her, and I she said YES! Her baptism date is on February 19! Please pray that it will go through! That was such a cool experience! 

The other story happened while we were tracting too. We went to another set of apartments and this man came and answered the door! We introduced ourselves and asked if we could share the message with him. He said no, he was already strong in his faith. I saw that would be a good opportunity to share a scripture with him! He said he would not mind if we did that! So I usually have a few scriptures on hand ready to share, but I felt prompted to share Jeremiah 1:5 which says,"Before I formed thee in the belly, I KNEW THEE and ordained the a prophet unto the nations".  And then I felt prompted to bear my testimony of the pre-mortal existence, and how God truly did KNOW US and that we lived with him before! It was so cool how powerful the spirit was. Then he turned to me and said " I know you truly are the servant of Jesus Christ because just 8 days ago my daughter was born and I was asking those very same questions. You really are his representative thank you for sharing that with me. The spirit was there. Nobody could deny it! I am so grateful that he directed me in that conversation with him. It was so so cool. He never scheduled a appointment with us, but I knew that we planted some really awesome seeds. I pray he may find his way eventually and look back on this experience like I will. 

I know this church is true. It is inspired of God. He LOVES US. he wants EVERYONE to return back home to him through his beloved son Jesus Christ. I know that God knew us. He still knows us. It is my prayer that we won't push him away anymore. We should give thanks for the blessings he has given us. I testify he is listening. I love ya'll! I hope you have a awesome week! Love, Sister Scott 

Ruston, LA- Week #36

Hey ya'll! 

Sorry dad, I thought I added you on the last email! This week has been really good! I will be in Ruston for another transfer, I am looking forward to it. REALLY THOUGH! Sister Mellor and I are doing a million times better! (: I am excited about the work! I am glad you enjoyed the "Vision of the south" It gives me hope even when I am rejected. I KNOW that they will change for the better! 

I cannot believe Logan submitted his papers! :( I am so happy for him! I am sad because it is getting real that we wont see each other for 3 and a half years. So crazy. Everyone is telling me that my family and parents will be blessed for the service of both of us. I know that to be true! I can't wait for that kid! It sounds like ya'll had a pretty mellow week.

Sister mellor and I had miracles this week. We taught 17 other lessons, we are pretty happy about it! We were also blessed with 2 new investigators! Hallelujah! Well, I know this is a shorter email than usual. So sorry, I will make it longer next week. But on the plus side I have pictures! (: 

Love, Sister Scott

Going home after a long days work

Good morning everybody! 

This week has been a super awesome week! Sister Mellor and I got to meet a lot of new people! Members have been more willing to come out with us and we love it! For service this week we got to build a house! It was so much fun! Sister Mellor has the pictures and so, I will send those to ya'll as soon as she sends them to me! it was super fun! I got to paint, sweep, and put some nails in a wall! It was pretty sweet. Sister Mellor and I found this sweet little cave thing right by our house and so we decided to go down there and take pictures! It was pretty fun! That is all I have for this week sorry it is short! I love you all! I can't wait to hear from you next week! (: 

McKennah and Elder Stones

Ruston, LA- Week #35

HAPPY 2016 MOM+DAD!! 

I have absolutely enjoyed every minute of that skype! Thank you for making me miss life at home so much! For raising me in a home with awesome brothers and always providing us with everything we need. I am so grateful for you both! I have been reflecting this week on how amazing the atonement is. I am grateful for Jesus Christ and the role he plays in each of our lives. I was thinking about the "mantle of Protection" that I have been blessed with when I was set apart. I was thinking to myself when I go home (in almost 11 months) Will I recognize a difference when I am released? I hope that I am giving it my all out here. I am doing my absolute best to help those that I am serving. I have seen a change in my personality. It will be weird to interact with family and friends back at home and then be different. I was shocked when ya'll thought I wasn't different, I feel like I have learned so much out here and I want to keep learning! There are a couple quotes I read this past week that have helped me this week. One of them is a "vision of the south". Sister Kendall gave this to me and I agree 100%. This is my hope for the south!  and the other is a Jeffery Holland quote. 

VISION OF THE SOUTH

at mlc president olson gave us this paper that has the vision of the south! its from Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone and its really cool ill write some out, its so motivating and we already see some of it happening!

"This is the vision I have for the south. I believe that one day the south will baptize more people into the church than all other english speaking missions in the world together. there are great hosts of marvelous baptists, and members of the Church of Christ, Methodists, and catholics who are honorable people, and have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and love Him. as they see their church veering off to the right and to the left of those basic teachings, they will begin to search for the truth. and as pivotal teachers come into the Church and have influence, we will see the time when we will baptize hundreds and thousands, tens of thousands. In your day you will see a million members of the church in the south. There will be temples plural in the southern states. what a great call you have to serve with these marvelous people."

isn't this awesome?! I love this one. it is so true. These people are hard-headed now, but they will realize and will want to know the truth one day. here is Jeffery Holland quote! 

MISSIONARY WORK

This is hard work. It is the hardest work you will ever do. That’s why I say this is the most important work you will ever do. I think those two go together. It’s hard work, but every day, in every way, it will get better, and you will feel the Spirit of the Lord. You’ll know He loves you, and the language will come, and baptisms will come, and you will make new friendships, both with your companions and with investigators and with ward members and branch members and people with whom you serve. And someday, sometime, you will come back, husbands and wives, you will come back and preside over these missions, or you will send your sons or your daughters to serve in the same missions. You will tell them stories of those legends of your life in the mission field. - Elder Holland

This is what has been on my mind! Sister Mellor and I are getting better, still hard but better. I will look back on this experience and be grateful for it. I am going to just continue to move forward! I love ya'll thanks for everything you do for me! I am glad ya'll had a fun new years, I am so jealous! I made some new goals for the year and I cannot wait  to see how they will go! Love ya'll! (: 

No pics this week! Sent to me by a member.  This is McKennah making clover for Seussical the Musical!  Love that smile!!!!

Happy 2016!!

I hope ya'll have been doing great! I cannot believe that 2015 is over, it ended so quick. I am so grateful for this time of the year for new beginnings, new goals, and ambitions. This has been such a fun year for me, but I am excited to see what the new year brings! As you know, I was able to skype my family and it was the cooliest thing ever! It was so surreal to me, to see their faces and talk with them. I love my family so much! 

These last couple weeks have been crazy! We have been all over the place! Unfortunately, Sister Mellor and I went tracting this week for 8 hours but NOT A SINGLE NEW INVESTIGATOR! It was pretty sad to be honest..please pray that we will find new people to teach! We do have some newer investigators that have been doing pretty good, but it is always nice to have more people to teach. This transfer is about over and I am so grateful for all of the things that I have learned. It has been the hardest transfer so far, but I definitely need the growth that I gained from this transfer.

 Sister Mellor and I have been meeting with this excommunicated lady, her name is Sharon. When we first met her, she was super stand off-ish. She did not want to talk with us at all, but we went up anyways! I told Sister Mellor we should go talk with her and she said "No she asked us to leave" and I said "all we have to do is listen". And that is exactly what we did. We just sat there and listened to her concerns that she had about the church. We didn't preach at her or told her that she was wrong, we just listened. Sister Mellor and I decided we would rake her leaves one morning with out her knowing and she was super happy and grateful for our service. She eventually went out of town for Christmas and planned to come back just a couple days ago. So again, Sister Mellor and I decided to serve her and we heartattacked her house as a "welcome home". Then her son came up to us today and said thank you for the hearts and told us they had a gift for us! It is so amazing to see her heart slowly change,  to see her mighty change of heart towards us. Our little actions resulted her wanting to investigate the church again. How cool is that?! I am so grateful for the love my father in heaven blessed me with. It is a gift I think I was given when I was younger. It has been a blessing in my life and mission. 

I have a testimony of Christlike love. It has been manifested to me I don't know how many times in my life. God loves us individually, and personally. God puts people in our lives for a reason, lets love them, serve them in all we do. I love ya'll! Thanks for the constant support! I can't wait to hear from you all next week! With all my love, 

Sister Scott