Like every missionary in the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission, Sister Wells wrote me a letter each week. I always looked forward to reading her letters, as they were always full of wisdom, insight, candor and her trademark humor. In addition, they were never more than a few paragraphs (While reading 200 emails each Monday, I learned to prize concise and well written updates -- hers were always exemplary.)
Below I have included eight representative excerpts from her weekly emails
on a range of subjects:
Stay Positive
“All in all, I’m just glad God answers prayers. For a long time I've been asking the Lord what I can do to be a better missionary, and person. I finally recognized my answer, and I got a lot of manifestations of my answer... God says I need to be more positive. We had a district meeting on it, my study sessions all seemed to be geared towards it, and the revelation I've gotten just says so haha. The thing that's hit me the most was I read somewhere about how if you're living a Christ-centered life, there is no room for negativity. And that the spirit of the Lord is joyful, so if you aren't joyful you don't have the spirit... Dang that rebuked me... I am grateful for repentance... Repent and do better!”
Prayer, Hard Work & Divine Understanding
"One thing that I learned this transfer was that God really does answer my prayers. I didn't really see it in the moment, but as I look back, I am amazed at the miracles that have occurred. I spent so much time on my knees, and then put in effort to do my best and work hard. I realized that as I did that, He will help me!!! And I've seen it more than ever these past couple weeks. I hated life there for a while because it felt like nothing was going right, but I am so glad that I was able to experience that rough time because I now have a greater understanding of divine help.”
Agency & Patience
“We have been learning a lot here in New Bloomfield! Learning a lot about patience and agency! We need to be patient with the Lords timing, and realize that people have their agency to decide whether they want to accept the truth, or not! I won't lie to you, it's hard to do that haha but I'm learning that it's just what we've got to do! I've learned I really don't have control over anything, except for whom I put my trust in; myself or the Lord. Life is a lot more pleasant when we trust the Lord over ourselves that's for sure.”
The Holy Ghost Testifies of Truth
“I just love how the Holy Ghost testifies of truth, I didn't recognize that that's what his purpose is until my mission. It's so nice to know that when I'm feeling the spirit, it's because it's good and true and right, and from God!!!”
Testimonies and the Blessings of a Mission
“I also loved the zone testimony meeting we had, holy cow I serve around amazing people! It is always so good to hear people's testimonies! It was really cool also because in everyone's stories there was a point where the atonement was used to be able to do something-we can't be missionaries on our own, we need the enabling power of the atonement to make up the difference and to work miracles. All I can say is AMEN!!!!!!! to that cause there is no way I could be doing what I'm doing if it weren't for the help of the Lord. I also loved how so many elders and sisters mentioned that they are beyond grateful that they came on a mission, because I agree 100%. I have learned so much about the gospel and life in general that I don't know how I've made it this far in life without.”
Hardships, Fasting & Spirituality
“This week was really hard, I'll be honest. But, we go through hard times when Heavenly Father wants us to learn something. So yay I learned some things! I decided to fast for help and guidance, and it has been so sweet to see and feel the effects from doing so. I felt such a closeness to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, it was really cool.”
Christ’s Names
“I learned something really cool this week. Jesus Christ has so many names for a reason. The Savior, the Redeemer, Prince of Peace, etc. He has these names so He can be whatever we need Him to be. I LOVE that.”
Children of God and Love
“My testimony has been so strengthened of the fact that no matter what you look like, no matter what your living conditions are, you are a child of God. And he loves you, more than you can comprehend. When we contact people, after only a couple of minutes I just love them so much. It is amazing, and I know it is because Heavenly Father wants me to be able to help them come unto Christ. And to be able to do so, I need to feel love for them.”
It was an honor and privilege to work with and learn from Sister Wells. She will never be forgotten by those who served with her in this mission.
President Johnson
Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission
The Organic Starboy enormous L'Exposition pullover hoodie will elevate your look. It's ideal for a comfortable, eye-catching look thanks to its distinctive design, soft organic fabric, and loose fit. Unisex L’exposition Pullover Hoodie.