Hello from Florida/Georgia!

Hi! I am Sister Prettyman and I am from a small town in Utah. I am currently serving an 18 month mission for the Lord in the Florida Jacksonville mission and I LOVE IT! I was asked (quite a while ago) to write something pertaining to online missionary work and my purpose as an online missionary. I'm sorry it has taken me so long! :)

Here in the Florida Jacksonville Mission we quote a scripture and our 'vision' every single day. They define who we are, what our purpose is, and who we want to become.

It goes like this, "Behold, I [insert your name] am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been ^acalled of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life" (3 Nephi 5:13). "I am a diligent, obedient, worthy, powerful, and holy disciple of Jesus Christ now and forever" (FJM).

As a missionary online and in the 'real world' my purpose is the same,
to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism by immersion, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end" (Preach My Gospel).

I absolutely LOVE being a missionary and one of my favorite things about sharing the gospel with my brothers and sisters is being able to witness the miraculous changes that take place in their lives as they accept our Savior and His atonement and do all they can to follow him no matter what their vice may have been. I LOVE it!!! There is nothing better!

My favorite quote from one of the Twelve Apostles is "My chief responsibility, my primary responsibility, and in a sense my total responsibility, is to bear witness of the Lord Jesus Christ" (Jeffery R. Holland). It is SO true and this quote should define everyone's responsibility and duty. We have each been commanded by God to share the gospel with those around us and to help our brothers and sisters along the path that leads to Eternal Life.

I love this gospel and I do my very best each day to fulfill my responsibility as a missionary, as a disciple, and as a daughter of God. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and my Father in Heaven with all my heart. I love sharing the love that I receive from them with others. I am so grateful (words cannot describe) for this opportunity to give 18 months of my life to serving the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. It is so worth it.

I am grateful to have been called to the Florida Jacksonville mission and to labor with others who have been called to this great work as well. Thank you for this opportunity to share why I am here doing what I do and I pray that each of you has a wonderful day! And always remember, no matter who you are,GOD LOVES YOU and is aware of you no matter what situation you may be in. I say these things in the sacred name of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

If you'd like to hear more from me please visit/follow my blogs http://missionarystudies.blogspot.com/
http://sisterprettyman.blogspot.com/
Thank you!

~Love Sister Prettyman~

Cultural Difference: Missionary Email

FAMers!!

So this week has been a little stressful. I don't know if i am the leader type, but I am learning. My companion and I have some culture difference and language barrier at time. We are working out our differences. I love her guts but we just need to learn to work together.

We have a baptism this Saturday 6 August 2011. Pray that they will go through with their baptism. Brother Archie and Sister Annie are coming into the gospel together, and I am so excited for their family.

I have been super stressed out this last transfer and have lost weight. I see that as a positive of a negative :)

We are saving souls here in Bohol and enjoying every moment. STAY STRONG STAY ACTIVE KICK SATAN'S BUTT!!

Love

Sister Bruno

Learning Patience as a Senior Companion

Dear President Schmutz,

This week has been a little stressful. It has been stressful because I am battling with my self. The mission is not hard if you know self control. Its hard to be off island away from Cebu at times, but its not Bohol its the missionary. I am doing everything I can to become better. I have never been a senior and its hard at times, I am still learning. I know though that the Lord will prepare a way if I just do what is right and am obedient. I need motivation, but as for right now I am forced to motivate myself and Sister Akiatan. Being new on the mission I know is not easy and I am trying to give her more responsibility, but she is hesitant to accept any responsibility right now. I for now have been teaching the majority of the lessons I encourage her to start the lessons, but she just says not me you just teach. The culture and language barrier at times has caused a ripple in the companionship, but I am controlling my pride and putting my trust in the Lord. I have learned patience and that I can not change her I can only change myself. For now I am battling with what to do and how to change and everything actually. This email sounds like I am whining, and I am maybe a little sorry about that. :) Working hard and hard working President don't worry I will only try harder everyday to become better and to be a better companion.

Our investigators are SLOWLY progressing. Actually Sister Melita almost committed to come to church, but then she second guessed and said hopefully she will go she will think about it. She is one of those investigators who takes forever to convert, but when she is converted she becomes one of the greatest missionaries bring many along with them.

Brother Noel is actually progressing toward his baptism. He is working hard to resist temptation to be baptized this August 20.

Brother Archie and Sister Annie are going to be baptized this Saturday. I am so excited for them since they are a family. I know if they raise their son in the gospel he will become a great missionary one day.

Trying my best not to have any regrets. Thanks President.

Sister Bruno