The Power of Testimony!

Family dearest,

This week was...kind of rough. I'll be honest. There were so many
things that fell through...it was a major bummer. But there were still
some really good things that happened! Thank heavens for silver
linings.

Two quick things. Judy miraculously came to church yesterday! Our
other investigators didn't make it, sadly. This girl in our ward was
going to pick her up, but when she got to Judy's she didn't answer the
door. But then Judy showed up! Apparently her husband dropped her off.
Thank goodness! It was a miracle.

Okay, a third thing. It's pretty hilarious...I really think I've lost
my brain. 🎶 If I only had a brain...🎶 You'll never guess what I did
the other day. So for my click day (#10 can you believe it?!?) we went
to a Thai restaurant that recently opened up. It was absolutely
delicious. But...we went and ate and came back...and the car was still running.
I had left it. In the parking lot. With they keys still in the
ignition. Running. I DIED. And seriously, the part of town we were
in--it is an absolutely miracle it was still there when we got back.
Someone was looking out for my brainless head that day. Thank heavens!

Yesterday we also had a really awesome program in sacrament meeting
surrounding the pioneers, but specifically Joseph Smith. Sister Morgan
and I (the elders did too) sang in the choir and we did three pieces:
The Spirit of God, Praise to the Man, and Come, Come Ye Saints. Wow.
Chills. The Spirit was so strong!! I loved feeling it so strongly as
we sang. It was amazing. I am indescribably grateful for music and the
power it has to bring the Spirit.

On Thursday, we had district meeting like normal, but then to close
it, our district leader Elder Cook had us each bear our testimonies.
Wow. The Spirit in that room was undeniably strong. Yinz know me--when
I feel the Spirit (especially super strongly), it just comes out my
eyes-haha! Needless to say, tears were a-flowing. I realized that I
have really found my testimony here on a mission. It was there before,
but nowhere near where it is now. And hearing the fellow missionaries
in my district that I look up to and love so much--that was an
incredibly beautiful experience. The sweet influence of the Holy Ghost
reminded me that my testimony is one of the most powerful teaching
tools I have. I regret to say that with some lessons, it is really
easy to just make it through without sharing your testimony. But the
Spirit helped me to commit to always bear testimony--in every teaching
opportunity.

I also went on exchanges and got to be with one of my Sister Training
Leader's, Sister Wall. She is amazing! I got to spend some time in her
area, which is Franklin, Pennsylvania and some surrounding towns. I
had a blast with her! She loves to sing (and has a gorgeous voice), so
we used music several times during the exchange! Also, she gave me the
idea of starting companionship study with a hymn, which I am totally
going to start doing. I'm so excited!

One experience we had sticks out. Later on Thursday, we found and met
this less-active man named Benjamin. Apparently he was baptized when
he was young, but hasn't been back in a really long time (like most
less-actives we meet). We sat in this pavilion area out front of the
place he lived. We taught him the Restoration...er, uh, let me try
that again. We TRIED to teach him the Restoration...but he rambled...a
lot. Ha ha. Bless the hearts of these Pennsylvanians. We got
through a few of the points, and then jumped to the Book of Mormon. He
jumped in and told us that he doesn't believe in the Book of Mormon.
We told him more about it and he was just kind of shaking his head. I
immediately knew I needed to bear my testimony about the Book of
Mormon. So I did. I testified that the Book of Mormon has brought me
so much closer to Jesus Christ and has helped me to come to know Him
better. Also that I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God because
I've read it and I've prayed, asking Him if it's true. And He has
answered me through the power of the Holy Ghost. His demeanor changed
and he said, "I'll tell ya what. I'll pull out my copy of the Book of
Mormon and I'll pray before I even start reading it, and I'll read
from it." Wow. Didn't see that one coming. He had seemed so against it
but the Spirit touched his heart and softened it just enough. It was
so amazing. And that commitment I had made sitting in district meeting
helped me to have the courage to open my mouth and testify. The Spirit
is so amazing. We ended the lesson with singing "I Stand All Amazed"
for him, which he really appreciated. All in all, it was a great
experience!

I know without a doubt this is Jesus Christ's church. He stands at the
head and He leads and guides us through a living prophet on the earth
today. I know He lives. That is the essence of my testimony, that He
lives. He lives to bless me with his love, to plead for me above, to
comfort me when faint, to hear my soul’s complaint, to silence all my
fears, to wipe away my tears, to calm my troubled heart. He lives to
take me as I am, weak, simple, prideful at times, even when I stray
and wander...and changes me into something better than I could ever
become on my own. His love is real, it is tangible, and it is there
for each and every one of us whether or not we feel we deserve it. It
is always there.

My invitation to you this week: share your testimony!! It can be
something as simple as sharing something over social media, or bearing
it as a part of family home evening. It doesn't have to be big. Above
all, make sure you are living like you believe. If it isn't already,
make your life a living testimony of what you know to be true. And I
promise that not only will your testimony grow stronger by sharing it
(after all, "A testimony is to be found in the bearing of it." - Boyd
K. Packer), but others will notice and be impacted by your light.

"Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep
growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever."
(Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

Make it an amazing week!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!

love, love, love,
Sister Bartlett


                                      Part of the Mitchell family. I adore them!

Amber-she's the bomb.com :)

Part of the Goettman Clan - They're Amazing!

Me and Sister Wall & our matching shoes :)

The Allen family whom I Love!!

Like a Dream....

Dearest family,

GUESS WHAT. ERIN AND HER KIDS CAME TO CHURCH. It was the happiest of
days!!!! YAY!! I seriously teared up and the tears almost
spilled over. It was amazing. Thank you for praying for that miracle
to happen--prayers are answered!!!!

On Saturday we helped Erin with some things around her house as she
gets ready to move in a few weeks. So, craziest thing. Backtrack a
little bit. We prayed about a date, and got July 23rd. Extended it to
her, and she told us she was planning on moving that day. Then we had
to move back her date. Prayed about it, and got August 13th. Then when
we saw her last week, and she said August 13th is the day she will be
moving. We committed her to be baptized that day. She said, "Wow.
Obviously Heavenly Father really wants me to be baptized before I
move." Ha ha. True that. Anywho, we taught her and her kids again on
Saturday. We had taught a story-version of the Plan of Salvation before,
but we decided to go over it again, this time with a cute little
diagram. We taught it to the kids and then mixed up the parts and had
them put it back together and walk us through it. They did so well!!
And they made friends at church!! It was so awesome. Happy happy
happy!!! Seriously this feels too good to be true. Like I'm in a
dream...and I never want it to end...

We saw Rose again this week. She is doing so well! We had a great
lesson with her on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is reading and
praying and she feels like she is receiving her answer. She accepted a
baptismal date for August 27th. So happy!!!

We also saw our investigator Judy. She's so sweet!! She is super close
to the Spirit too--she was really emotional during the lesson and she
also committed to a baptismal date of August 27th. So happy!!!

One of the less-active's we have been working with is Barb. She is
doing so well!! It is amazing to see someone commit to come back to
activity in the church--she is so awesome. We saw her on Friday, and
not knowing how her day or week had gone, we walk in and she says,
"Oh, my two angels of mercy." Haha :-) She proceeded to tell us all
that she had been through during her rough week and all she was
feeling. I had the thought to read "Forget Me Not" by Elder Uchtdorf.
As she was talking to us, I realized once again that inspiration from the
Spirit is so real. I realized this talk was exactly what she needed. We read
it to her, and it was so amazing to be able to testify of God's love for her. I love
being a missionary!!

Oh man. I forgot to tell you about this guy who we met last week. So,
once upon a time, we got a referral from an investigator, but not an
exact address. "Yeah they're the big red house on 4th Avenue."
Okayyy...picked a red house and have been trying a handful of times
with no success. Finally last week when we tried again, this guy
answered the door. Told him who we were and he got talking...and
talking...and talking...(the PA ramble is still just as real). Found
out his name was Derek. He was a VERY passionate Christian. He
recently saw a movie called "Risen" and he loved it. Told us we needed
to watch it and even sort-of reenacted some of the parts....all the
while we have this cute 16 year old girl from the ward with us as a
team-up. Oh dear, We just stood on his porch while he talked at us for
a while. During a break in his speech, I jumped in and said, "Hey,
have you ever heard of the Book of Mormon?" And he was like, "Oh,
that's a bunch of Mitt Romney ---" (followed by some colorful
language). Then he kept talking about "Risen" and how much he loved
that movie...followed by inserts of more colorful language. I felt
like I needed to bring up the Book of Mormon again, and when I did, he
said, "I just don't get it!" So I explained what it was and offered
him a copy. He accepted it with a copy of a Restoration pamphlet. Then
we left. Not 15 minutes after, he called us (we had given him our
card). He thought he was calling the church and he wanted to give us a
recommendation...also to relay a message to our pastor from his that
we need to join with them in fighting for Israel. Oh boy. Then later,
a text from him with a YouTube link...can't watch it, but he said,
"You're very good-I love talking to Christians! Girls protect
yourselves amongst the wolves! He will protect you!" I was dying....

During district meeting, we talked about the magnitude of our calling
as missionaries. As a set apart representative of Jesus Christ, I have
such a heavy mantel placed on my shoulders. I regret to say that
sometimes I don't stop to think about it on a regular basis. But being
called to represent the Savior Himself here in Pennsylvania...it blows
me away. I really am understanding what it means instead of being
called to a place, being called to serve in place of the Savior. I
feel so humbled at that thought. Serving a mission is the hardest
thing I've ever done (yes, even harder than having brain surgery
...but it also is the most rewarding. I still am amazed at how I
can experience the lowest of lows and the highest of highs...all
within a short time of each other. But really, my calling is great,
and I am ever so grateful for it.

Family, I can't even tell you how much I love my mission. Like, I love
it more than almost anything else. This is where my heart is.
Pennsylvania/being a missionary has stolen my heart and I don't know
when or if I'll ever get it back. ;) With transfers coming up at the
beginning of August, and thinking that I will most likely be leaving,
it just makes me sad. Beaver has become my second home (next to
Sunbury) and I don't know how I could ever leave. This place, the
members, the people we are teaching...I just can't bear the thought of
it. Especially all these people that are so close to baptism...I feel
like I'll fall apart if I miss their baptisms...But. As much as the
natural man inside of me is fighting it, I trust God. I trust God that
this next transfer will be perfectly crafted for my growth. Wherever
He calls me to go, or if He asks me to stay. He has planned it
perfectly for my learning and helping me becoming the disciple that
He needs me to be. Whatever that entails. One thing my mission is
teaching me is how to really and fully and completely trust Him. And
it's so good. I know I've said I trusted Him before, but now I really
do. And it's amazing what a difference it is making in my life!

"Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep
growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever."
(Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

Remember who you are and that a Sister in PA loves you!!!

Love, love, love,
Sister Bartlett xoxo


                                                   Yes! Awesome License Plate :)

Beautiful Beaver Sunset right outside our apartment.

                                                       Pictures don't do them justice!

Erin and her kids, Maddie and Eli, at Church-YAY!!!

In Awe of His Hand!

Family dearest,

(FYI This morning we were helping this kid out with his eagle project,
so it's taken me a while to get to email yinz.)

Holy cannoli guacamole ravioli!!! This week was AMAZING!!! I seriously
am in complete awe at the hand of the Lord. There are so many details
I could tell you about, but I'll just stick to a few.

So to start off, this week we taught 8 member present lessons, and had
6 team-ups. That might not mean much to yinz since you aren't super
familiar with mission lingo. Let me explain. A member present lesson
is when you teach an investigator with a member of the church present
(someone besides a missionary).  Our average we have done 3 over the past 6
weeks, so the fact that we reached 8 is incredible. We also
had 6 members of the ward come out and teach with us. It was awesome.
Numbers aren't our main focus, but it was incredible to hit that this
week.

On Wednesday we had zone training from our zone leaders. It was really
powerful...we kind of got rebuked for not having investigators with
baptismal dates, so during weekly planning Sister Morgan and I prayed
about several baptismal dates. We are excited to extend them this
week!

Friday we taught our investigator Rose. We brought a member from the
ward--Sister Neeley and she was such a perfect team-up. We read Alma 5
with her (for some reason Alma is where she started reading the Book
of Mormon...) and it was such a powerful chapter to read and discuss
with her. Then we taught her the Restoration. How it ended up
happening, I was the one who taught about Joseph Smith. When I opened
my mouth to testify of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Spirit was
suddenly so strong. I was overcome with emotion and struggled to
speak. This is the first time I've felt so emotional bearing testimony
of him. I know without a doubt that in answer to his humble prayer, he
saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. What happened in that
grove of trees in New York changed the world...and it has changed and
is changing my life.

Saturday night we saw Erin. We took a recently returned missionary
(her name is Cindy) with us and she was such a perfect team-up! We
read the Book of Mormon with Erin and testified of God's love for her
and each of us, even when the world is in complete chaos. It was a
really great lesson, taught to her needs and at her pace. She was
going to come to church and the fireside...but she didn't make it.
Seriously the past four weeks have been literal roadblocks placed
by Satan preventing her from coming. Please please please pray that
she and her kids can and will come to church!!

Last night we sung in another "Why I Believe" fireside, and it was
such a beautiful experience. I got to sing a solo again ("Blessed Be
His Name") in addition to singing with all of the missionaries. The
Spirit was undeniably strong. I felt such an outpouring of love from
my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ--something I needed
desperately. A feeling that He loves me unconditionally--no matter
what, and that everything is going to be okay. I need reminded of this
often on my mission.

" . . . surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill
of being merciful, especially to those who don’t expect it and often
feel they don’t deserve it. ... however late you think you are,
however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes
you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however
far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify
that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not
possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s
Atonement shines." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

"So keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep
growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever."
(Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

Sending love from Pennsylvania,
Sister Bartlett xoxo


                                    The HUGE ice cream sundae for the July 4th party!

                                                                      Our Zone

Our Zone again!

Me with Sister Rambo :)

10 Attachments

Love Will Find You There!

Dad and Mom and Cameron and Brenden:

I'll be honest, this week was a weird one. We spent a lot of time in
doctor's appointments with Sister Morgan for her Chron's disease. All
is well though, she just had to get her medication so she can feel
better. But between those few appointments and a car inspection that
took a lot longer than we expected, I just felt off this week. There
still were good things that happened though!

So while our car was being inspected, we were stuck in Beaver Falls,
so I thought we should go walk around and see if we could find some
potential investigators. We tried a referral named Mary...we had
talked to her before, but got to talk to her again. She's not super
interested, but we may be helping her move in the near future. We were
walking down the street to find an address, and the Spirit said, "Hey!
Sister Bartlett! Go talk to that girl on her porch over there!" Okay,
not exactly. 😂 It was a quiet and simple thought and nudge, but thank
goodness I heeded it. We met two sisters--Shaquille and Tiffani. They
were awesome! We taught them the Restoration, gave them a copy of the
Book of Mormon and invited them to read and pray. Also set up a return
appointment. Cool beans, right?! It was just so great to see the
Spirit in action and the blessings that come from following its
promptings.

So on Tuesday we got a referral from a less-active member. We didn't
even have to ask, she just gave it to us! We set up an appointment for
the next day to see her. We happened to be on exchanges, so I went
with one of my Sister Training Leaders, Sister Taunima (love her to
death!!). Denise (the member) sat in on Helen's (the referral) lesson,
and we taught her the Restoration. She is so sweet and she sincerely
is seeking for truth. It was a great lesson and Denise made an awesome
member present!

Sadly, we did not get to see Erin and her kids this week. 😔 Will you
please pray for them that they will be able to come to church? Also
that Erin will be given the strength to endure her health challenges?
Thank you so much. They need so many prayers right now.

This week I've reflected a lot about the Atonement of our Savior,
Jesus Christ. My mission is opening my eyes to the reality of His
Atonement and coming to understand on an even deeper level that it's
for me. Nothing would be possible without His Atonement. As such,
everything is possible because of His Atonement. Everything is
possible because of Him.

Because of Him...
I can repent, I can change, I can be redirected in my course, I can be forgiven.
I can be made free from the guilt I feel when I sin, make a mistake,
stray, and wander. That burden can be lifted and I can be liberated.
I can let go. I can let go of the heartache I hold on to for too long.
I can let go of bad habits and embrace better ones. My regret can
become relief.
I can feel peace. When I am depressed, discouraged, anxious, afraid,
alone, burdened down, doubtful, hopeless, helpless...He can run to me
and console me in my afflictions. He can bring peace to my heart that
I could never bring to myself.
I can feel joy. My heart can be mended, my soul can be healed, my
burdens can be lifted, I can feel hope. I can be happy. I can be happy
because of my hope. Joy can be restored to my heart when, through my
own actions or just the unfairness of life, it has been ripped away.
Through Him I can find lasting joy and happiness.

None of this would be possible without Him.

Also, I have felt such an outpouring of love from my Father in Heaven
especially this week. And a song (of course 😉) has come to mind as I
have felt His love:

"The One who knows your heart. And sees what you can't see. He's been
there from the start, and believes in what you'll be. He will shine a
light through every darkest fear you'll ever know. His arms are
reaching out to you through the ones you love you so. He will hear
your heart's unspoken prayer, and love will find you there."

I have been encircled about in the arms of His love and reminded of
how merciful He is. Love finds us even at our lowest, weakest, darkest
times...and heals, helps, lifts, and lights the way.

Invitation for yinz this week: read the following verses and reflect
on the love that He has for YOU.
Romans 8:31-39

I love my Savior. I love Him for His sacrifice in my behalf. I love
Him for the inseparable love He offers me. I know He lives! And this
is the message we carry to the world.

"Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep
growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever."
(Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

With so much love,
Sister Bartlett


                                                               Peace Out!!

With our STL's

The Clan

Fireworks from our Balcony!

Officially Old!!

Dearest family,

So as of this week I'm officially an old missionary. Um, when did that
happen?! I'm still in denial...

Oh my goodness, thank you so much for the sweet sweet package!!! It
was an absolute ray of sunshine during a really hard week. Transfers came
and then my nine month mark came, and I was just sad. But then your
adorable hump day package came and it was just this ray of sunshine.
Thank you for everything, I can't thank you enough. I absolutely
loved all of it. And I think I have enough treats/snacks to last me
the next nine months...😉😂 It was perfect.

Hitting my half-way mark has caused me to reflect a lot. I know you
told me in your cards it wasn't something to be sad about, but I'll be
honest, those days leading up to it were rough. I didn't want it to
come because...I just didn't. I didn't want this amazing experience to
be half-way over. More than anything though, I now feel this prodding
to keep going, to work harder, and be better. I don't have much time
to do and complete all the Lord needs me to here in Pennsylvania. So
far, time has flown, and I'm sure it will continue to pass by quickly.
These have truly been the best nine months for my life...here's to the
next nine months!!!

HOLY CANNOLI BIG NEWS. On Thursday we got an email from President that said:

"A significant change is coming to our mission next week. On July 1,
there will be a change in the mission boundaries.  The Chambersburg
and Lancaster Stakes/zones will become part of the Maryland Baltimore
Mission on that date. All missionaries currently serving in those
zones will therefore become part of that mission."

WHAT. I was in shock. Still in shock. We are losing some great
missionaries and it's sad to watch them go. I gotta say though, I'm so
glad I am safe. 😅 If that were me, I would be having such a hard
time. Grateful I'm safe (for now) in Beaver! 😜

So I can't remember if I mentioned this in my last email, but we
currently aren't teaching Cathy anymore. It was so sad to see her make
that decision. I hope that she'll come around and we'll be able to
teach her again, but for now I'm leaving it in God's hands.

Jared has also kind of been MIA. We would try and pop in on him and it
was never a good time. We finally got a hold of him on the phone, and
he said he was really busy and couldn't set up a time to meet. I asked
him if he was reading the Book of Mormon, and he said, "Nah, I'm just
talking to Jesus. And He tells me the truth." Okayyy....haha it was
interesting. Bless his heart.

Highlight miracles from this week:

- Erin (investigator): we taught her twice this week! And it was so so
good. We taught her about the gospel of Jesus Christ and had a
wonderful lesson. Later in the week, we finally got to meet and teach
her kids, Eli and Maddie. We read from the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi
4--great and eventful chapter to read with them for the first time,
haha 😉😂), and we taught them the Plan of Salvation-story form, and
it went well. We are really super excited to start teaching them along
with Erin. We committed them to start reading the Book of Mormon and
praying together as a family every day, and told them how much we know
it will bless them in their lives. It made me so happy!!! However, the
dumb adversary is placing roadblock after roadblock preventing them
from coming to church. Believe me, they want to be there. Please pray
that she and the kids can make it to church!!!
- Brianna (recent convert): Remember our recent convert, Brianna?
Well, we FINALLY got to meet with her and we had an AMAZING lesson.
After asking a lot of inspired questions and talking to her and
listening with love, she opened up and told us some of the trials
she's been facing. I haven't been where she is, but I could honestly
feel the heartache she has been experiencing. I was crying with her,
and she got up and came over to give me a hug. I just sat there
hugging her and she continued to cry. I haven't felt a connection like
that with someone since I met Erin. I just hugged her and told her it
would all be okay. We talked about the importance of coming to church
and reading from the Book of Mormon, promising her that if she would
do that, things would get easier. Her circumstances won't necessarily
change, but she will be made stronger to be able to endure. I think it
finally started to click with her. It was the biggest miracle. So
grateful for God's hand in all things.
- Milly (less active): Milly is a miracle. Yesterday was the fourth
Sunday in a row she's come to Sacrament meeting. She's doing so well!!
And it's amazing!! We had another wonderful lesson with her last night
about trusting God. We sang "I Feel My Savior's Love" for her and she
loved it. I could feel God's love for her (one of the best things
about being a missionary), and it was beautiful.

I couldn't possibly tell you all of the amazing miracles that happen
each and every week, but let me tell you: THEY ARE SO REAL. And it is
the most amazing thi to witness them each and every day. I feel God's
hand so regularly, even when everything seems to fall through. I feel
Him more tangibly now than I ever have before. My prayers are
different now (in a good way), because they have truly become my
lifeline. He is the only One I can turn to, rely on, and trust 100%,
because He hears the silent and vocal pleadings of my heart and He
understands perfectly. Even when I have moments when I am surrounded
by people and feel terribly alone, I know I'm never alone, because He
is always right there.

Well, family, I love you more than words can say. I can't even express
my gratitude for you and how blessed I feel to be a part of this
family. It is one of the biggest blessings. Thank heavens I'll have
yinz forever. 😉 Distance really does makes the heart grow fonder, but
I'm realizing how blessed I really am. Thank you for being all I've
ever needed and loving me unconditionally.

Make it a wonderful week!! I LOVE YOU!!!

"Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep
growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever."
(Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

                       

                                                         HUMP DAY-9 MONTHS!!!!
                                   

Bruester's Ice Cream Outing-BIG Smiles :)

Here's Jenna with our Trio!

Milly and Me - Love her!

Collette - friend of Annette :)