7/19/17 Kendyl's last letter home.

Well Ya'll.....I know you cant see me right now, but there are tears in my eyes and a huge smile on my face:)

First: This Friday I will be flying home in the Salt Lake Airport. There are 15 other missionaries too haha. but I'll be the cute one in the black dress. 

Second. This week has been a great hard working week. We found Jessica through a member, and she is beyond prepared for the gospel. She has a baptismal date the next Saturday  the 29th . She already has strong testimony of each lesson and a desire to keep each commandment. she is incredible.

We had a huge success at the farmers market with our family history booth! It was so great that we were asked to make a short presentation on it for the mission. I'm putting it together tomorrow, and my sweet companion Sister Ferrell get's to present it!  

We finished our English Class and it was really hard saying goodbye to them:(

Lastly: this is what I really want to say:

The Gospel works. Having faith in Jesus Christ, secures our hope for the future. Repenting of our sins, offers us the greatest relief and love. Being baptized by someone holding the proper authority, cleanses us. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, brightens every aspect of our life like noon day. Enduring to the end, makes it all worth it. 

When we are baptized, we choose to follow Jesus Christ. It is symbolic of the death of our old selves and the birth of our new bright life. I was baptized at 8, but I feel as if this past 18 months have been one giant baptism. I am a new person because I have a better understanding of what the gospel is. I have a deeper love for My Heavenly Father, and a great desire and need to follow my Savior, Jesus Christ. I feel cleansed. I believe in God, "with surety hope for a better world."the Gospel works for you and for me. I testify that Jesus Christ lives today. and His eyes never leaves the wandering sheep. I'm excited to see my eternal family:)

Thank ya'll for your support and the sacrifices made in my behalf. I love you:)

Love

PS 18 Months later and the mission has just begun.

7/10/17 Impressions of my heart.

Hey y'all! 

I thought about telling you some crazy things that have happened this week. but I want this email to be about the impressions on my heart. 

There is a gospel, about who we are and who we can become. As we live according to that perfect gospel to the best of our mortal abilities, we will witness miracles. we will discover joy, we will be made whole. 

We live in a fallen world, therefore in more than 1 way each day we become just a little more broken. If there was no Gospel, if there was never a Savior, we would only be broken.  But because of a loving Heavenly Father, and a perfect Son, broken people will be whole! I testify that is true. I have seen it in the lives of those who are lost, depressed, suicidal, abused, and more. I have seen my own broken self be made whole. 

Let us stand after we kneel and press forward. Let us be  a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  (2 Timothy 2:3)

I love my Father. I love His Son. I love the power of redemption I have felt, and I love the plan that he has given me. I love that His thoughts are not my thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9). and His thoughts, His work, His Glory is all for you and me. I rejoice in my trails. I rejoice in my pain. It has brought me to my knees and has made a more perfect clear road to my Heavenly King. 

I testify with all that I am and with all that I am to be, Jesus Christ Lives. His Kingdom is being built. and We can be Whole. In His holy name Jesus Christ, Amen

Sister Pollard

7/3/17 Two weeks left and still teaching

We walk up to the door of an investigator. this will be the 2nd  time meeting with her. Previously we have given her a Book of Mormon. we knock. she lets us in, we sit down, our purpose in being there was first to invite her to a members home for smores. The conversation begins, we are laughing and enjoying each others company. We further explained to her what we do as missionaries. We lightly brought up baptism, but her previous comments made us unsure of inviting her. There was silence,  the spirit spoke and she asked us a great question "What do y'all believe about being baptized again?" This stunned us for a moment. we needed to be careful what we said and how we said it. We explained "Being re-baptized is not bad. But we need to look at the example of our Savior. We learn that He was baptized by John the Baptist. Not by just any other man. He sought out John the Baptist. Why? Because John the Baptist had the authority from God to baptize in His name. Therefore once Christ was baptized by that authority, He did not need to be baptized again." the spirit was so strong,  and she said "that makes sense. I've been baptized twice. Once when I was a little girl by my dad, and again when I was a teenager. My heart was sincere when I was baptized again, but it didn't feel complete. And I think it was because it wasn't by authority." my jaw dropped and we invited her to baptism and she accepted when she knows the truth. As we left, she said "Well before my kids get home, I'll read that Book of Mormon." I was awe struck. It is a testimony to me, that baptism is essential. And that my purpose to invite others to baptism. I love it. Every time I do I feel like an instrument in the Lords hand. I've never been asked that question before, I have learned that the spirit does give us the right thing to say at the right moment when we seek for it. We had no idea what to say. I've never taught baptism like that before. but I too was taught by the spirit. and I am grateful that the Lord strengthens me even when I feel weak. 

Hey y'all!! this week was such an emotional week. We got dropped by 4 investigators. and we dropped 1 since they were not progressing. so it was been a huge finding week. 

We've made it a goal to talk about baptism more in our lesson, and to be more obedient in inviting everyone to baptism within the 1 or 2 lesson. We have been doing a good job with it. I actually have a story about it....(clears throat)

One more story: I was walking to take the garbage out this morning. and my companion was getting something from the car. I pass a man at the dump this was our 20 sec conversation.

me "Hi!"

him "Hello, I'd like to go to your church."

me "................uh, have you been to our church"

him, (as he climbs into his car) "No, I'd like to go to your church."

me "oh!"

him "I have to go right now, I live in that building, 2nd floor."

me "ok, what number?

him "25"

me "great we will come see you. Bye!"

sooo....we will be seeing him tonight....I didn't even get his name haha!

Other cool stuff this week:

Missionary Leadership Council happened

Block party at our members and were able to meet lots of great people there!

Our English class is great!

We had a family search booth again at the farmers market and that was a success!

Big storm hit us last night was we were tracting haha

and I'm happy:)

I Know that God lives, and that he loves us. I know that Jesus Christ can and will redeem us. I know his gospel is a gospel of salvation. I love the Book of Mormon and the Bible. I'm grateful for my family and friends and companions. I'm so blessed to be where I am and to be who I am because of My Redeemer. I pray that you all will strengthen your relationship with him throughout this week through prayer and study and service. In His name, Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Love

Sister Pollard

6/19/17 Backspace button not working

Hey everyone! I thought I would share some stories with y'all. but I sadly discovered that the backpase button on this comuter  does not work. so youall get to see ohow aoften miake mistakes. this is very annoying. ....... but the week was great!!   oh....just found out the enther button does not work either....that is okay. i still get to thsend this. ! soooooo guess what...out english calss is a hughe yhit! everyone hear (hear imeant hea....HERE) loves it sooo much! it changes the vibe in teh apap-apartment actually. beofre it was indians stary from us americans. and now we all mingle and they love talking to us. Ecam----o---we actually ahve a cool story about this indian guy. i dont know him. we caught us fjust when we were about to leave. adn he siasked if we were sisters. we told him we were gfriends but that sister meant we were missionaries for our jue-church. We explained that we teach people about Jeseus Christ. This mand then says in his thinck accent "Id like to learn more about this Jeseus" it was really really cool adn now our catch fphrase!! (i dont know how much loneger i can chnhangd-handle this keyboard.)   Wednesday was Zone Conference iand i insturcted on Finding Joy in the Work. it was good. i lokve instrucinga dn teaching i have decided! we then meat with gury name JEREMY! he came to the church and we showed him all about family history. it was really cool. he came across the work on the webiste "sealing" and the family history consultatnt was was with us explained it so well to him. and now we get to meet with him adn his family this wednesday! i am really excited. We talk-taught at girls camp this week as well. we gound 7 new investiagators. adn life is good. i love being a missionary. im doing with kyeyborard! happy fathers day to the best daydadda! hahah love ya ''ll see ya soon!

DAD USES HIS POWERS OF TRANSLATION AND TRIED TO FIX THE ERRORS.

Hey everyone! I thought I would share some stories with y'all. but I sadly discovered that the backspace button on this computer  does not work. so you all get to see how often I make mistakes. this is very annoying. ....... but the week was great!!   Oh....just found out the enter button does not work either....that is okay. I still get to send this. ! Soooooo guess what...our English class is a huge hit! Everyone here loves it sooo much! It changes the vibe in the apartment actually. Before it was Indians stay away from us Americans. And now we all mingle and they love talking to us. We actually have a cool story about this Indian guy. I don't know him. He caught us just when we were about to leave. and he asked if we were sisters. We told him we were friends but that sister meant we were missionaries for our church. We explained that we teach people about Jesus Christ. This man then says in his thick accent "I'd like to learn more about this Jesus" it was really really cool and now our catch phrase!! (I don't know how much longer I can handle this keyboard.   Wednesday was Zone Conference and I was instructed on Finding Joy in the Work. It was good. i love instructing and teaching I have decided! We then meat with a guy name JEREMY! he came to the church and we showed him all about family history. It was really cool. He came across the work on the website "sealing" and the family history consultant was was with us explained it so well to him, and now we get to meet with him and his family this Wednesday! I am really excited. We taught at girls camp this week as well. we found 7 new investigators. and life is good. I love being a missionary. I'm done with this keyboard! happy fathers day to the best daddy! hahah love ya ''ll see ya soon!

6/12/17 5 1/2 weeks left

Hey Everyone! 

My new companion is Sister Ferrell. She is a great dedicated missionary who smiles probably more than a bride on her wedding day. 

Cool Story to start off. I don't know if y'all remember Robyn? I taught her in Centerton 1. She was baptized shortly after I left. Moved to Centerton 2 and hasn't gone to church. Well she came last week and yesterday and I am super proud of her! Saturday night we actually went over to go see her, but she was sleeping. This guy Eli answers the door. I've known Eli a wile now but never really had the chance to talk to him about the gospel he is 20 and lives with Robyn. She is kinda a mother to him. Anywho we start striking up conversation with Eli. Now you don't need to KNOW someone to know when they are unhappy and lost in life. We promised Eli that our message will bring him happiness and purpose, he reluctantly agreed. Then we said "Eli do you have anything to  lose?" he thought for a minute, realized he really didn't. We then committed to have him join us at church. Kinda a big step. We didn't tell him what church was even about or how it worked. We never mentioned the Book of Mormon to him (granted he has seen them in Robyn's house).

I wasn't so sure that he would even come. We called him Sunday morning, and sure enough he said he was coming with Robyn and that they will be there. AND THEY WERE! they only stayed for Sacrament but I was soo happy! Eli does want to learn, so we are going to give him to the YSA missionaries. we think he would like that better:)

ANOTHER great story! We have this investigator named Roy. he is 78 and is reading/listening to the Book of Mormon. Well we went over to teach him about Joseph Smith. We asked him if he prayed to know if it is true. he said "Well, I have come to the Conclusion that it is. "

I nearly fell off of the couch! hahaha

Well I love being a missionary! My passion for teaching has increased so much! I may have 5 1/2 weeks left, but I certainly can feel the Lord preparing me for what's to come when I get home while being focused on my mission!

All is Well!

Love

Sister Pollard

Ps. I fly home July 21. Plane lands at 4:19 pm. 

6/5/17 transfer week so short.

Hey yall! it is transfer week! and we got a lot going on. so I'm gonna keep this short:)

Sister Lunt is headed home, I'll be staying in Centerton 2 and my new companion is Sister Ferrell.

The mission took a temple trip this week so that was a blast!

We started an English Class! We are teaching India people because there are a lot here!Our first class was yesterday and it went really well-I'll tell ya a cool story about it:

In our apartment complex there are A LOT of India people. so we coordinated with the manager, and we are using the clubhouse for the class. Well this cool maintenance guy finds us passing out flyers, and he said "I see at least 10 Indian people a day. If you give me some flyers I'll deliver them!" it was sooo cool! he has been a huge help and support! God is so good! So now I just wanna teach him:)

 We have some really good stuff going on. and I'm looking forward to what is coming ahead! sorry to keep this too short! talk to yall MONDAY!

Love sister Pollard

5/29/17 Great Week

Hey Everyone!

I had a great week this week! And there is one specific story I want to share with yall:)

One year ago I was serving in Branson Missouri. There wasn't a lot going on in the area so my companion and I Prayed and Fasted for a baptism. We then took out our Calendar and felt that on May 21 there would be a baptism. We worked diligently and faithful for that baptism. We were blessed with 2! 1 being S...

She later moved out to Utah and spoke at her stake conference. She sent me a recording of it! She told her conversion story. To give you a small taste, she was disowned by 3 families. 2 disowned her because of her desire to seek more truth about God. After Great Members in Branson took her under their wings and a broken bike on my part, we were blessed to meet S........ 13 days later she was baptized on May 21 and Confirmed on May 22. she was very drawn to temples. And since the first day we taught her, all she wanted was to go inside a temple. 

On May 23, 2017 she went through the temple and on the 27 I was blessed to see S......be sealed to her new adopted family in the Kansas City temple. 

My heart is soo Full. This girl has been broken and beaten and lost for 21 years. and Now she has a place. She has a home. a family. She is an inspiration. The family that adopted her are amazing and thanked sister Richards and I for bringing the gospel to their daughter.

I know God has a plan for each of us. I know that the Priesthood Power is Gods power to seal and bind families. I'm grateful for the sealing I have to my family. I am grateful for sharing the truth to all those around me. It reminds me of a scripture in Isaiah "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath send me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." This is our Savior, Jesus Christ. And as His servant I have loved watching Him at work. He loves us. and I love Him. He wants all to return to him in our families. There IS a place for everyone!

In His Name, Jesus Christ, 

Amen

Sister Pollard

5/15/17 Mother day

Hey everyone!

This week was a pretty great week but first a shout out to MY MOM! I know I just saw you yesterday but happy mothers day again! you are an angel to me! I  love you:)

Seeing my family yesterday was such a moving experience for me. I know God has placed in families for good reasons. It is in the family unit where we experience the most joy as well as the most sorrow. it is where we learn patience and forgiveness. Being away from my family hasn't been too "hard." BUT seeing them yesterday, I was blessed with the strength and courage to continue to press forward with the things to come.

As far as this past week!

It has been a roller coaster hahahahaha.

Our mission president really wants us to focus on finding, which is great because our area is in a finding stage. So with all the sisters I'm working with and will be working with, we will focus on finding. Storytime: We went to stop by our investigator to see how she has been doing. after that we were planning on going home (on our bikes). We bike by this house and we got this feeling, yes that feeling that we needed to knock on that door, of course we do:) This woman in a bathrobe answers-she is as cute as a button. We tell her who we are then we ask "Have you heard about the restoration of the Gospel?" she said no, and we shared a brief message of it. We then asked her a question, I don't remember what it was, and she begins to smile and cry. she said "I don't know why I am crying but..." and told a little bit about herself. it was a wonderful experience and she is our new investigator:)

Another story I want to tell yall

Remember those Bible bashers? Well we met with them on Friday in a civil like way. It was a good discussion but we wont be meeting with them again for good reasons. What broke my heart was when they said "We are creatures. God Created us, and we are creatures. our purpose is to glorify Him as creatures."

I testify, that we are more than creatures. We are children of God. We are Sons and Daughters of The Heavenly King. His glory is in our progression. We are his children "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" (romans 8:17)

I love the knowledge of the gospel. I love how it changes me day by day, moment by moment. I love power I feel in forgiveness, healing, grace, and love. I love helping others recognize that power and gain a desire to Follow Christ. He is the Light and the way. I love Him. I love that He has blessed me with Goodly Parents. I love my family. I love my friends that have helped me get to where I am today. I love knowing and believe that I am a child of God and He has Sent me here.

In His Beloved Name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love

Sister Pollard

5/8/17 Bible Bash and Baptism covenant

Hey everyone!

This week had some interesting things happen:) I have pictures to tell the stories but sadly....didn't bring the cord with me to upload them.....so maybe next time:)

But I will tell you a couple of things as always!

some randomness:

1. Got bit by a dog for the first time! he bit my hand. I'm okay. 

2. A puppy pooped on me! so nasty

3. Beautiful bike rides. (we do 2 exchanges a week and each exchange we get on our bikes because I love it so much!)

4. Did service, and I tried climbing a tree using a vine.....it broke. and I had a good fall. 

Story time:

Here in Bentonville they have what's called First Friday. Every First Friday of the Month tons of Venues get together and sell their stuff on the square (downtown). It is a huge event and everyone comes. PLUS it was a film festival too, that week so it was packed! Well we decide to go and talk to everyone! (Keep in mind I am on exchange so this sister and I are semi new with each other) we walk down this sidewalk and meet these young adults passing out "Why did Jesus Die" pamphlets. Of course we take one and strike up a Gospel conversation with them. It started off alright, but then it turned into a Bible Bash. They could not accept the Book of Mormon and started to pull out so many bible verses to prove that Joseph Smith was not a prophet. Usually, I avoid bible bashers because  it doesn't resolve anything. It's Just a competition of "who knows the bible better" but it's not good to fight Gods word with.....Gods word. That is not what God's word is meant to do. But the strange thing is, is that these kids were genuine about their questions, we talk, and I turned to and listen to every point they had, and I can honestly say I SEE WHY THEY ARE SO CONFUSED! I can understand why they wont accept the Book of Mormon. Yet, I can also say, they have not tried reading it and asking God for truth. They said a whole lot of things that made me sad like "you can't trust your feelings" When we know that the Holy Ghost speaks to us by feeling. "Baptism is symbolic not necessary to be saved" when we know that "No man enter into the kingdom of the Father expect he be baptized of the water and of the spirit." they had a great conflict with grace as well and what salvation is. Well anywho, we did our best to answer their questions, but they were really trying to prove us wrong and save us. (which I got very intense about.......). but then one of them asked me my favorite question "Why do you believe in what you believe?" I shared with her my testimony, but then she asked pointing at my name tag "No. What makes you believe in what you believe? Separate yourself from the church, and tell me what you believe." No one has asked me to separate myself myself from the church and really ponder on what I believe. Remember, when I was baptized I promised God I would take the Name of Christ upon me. By this I show I am willing to be identified with Him and His Church. When she asked me that, I smiled and said "You can 100% associate me with this Church, because I KNOW that this is Christ's Church." 

I honestly don't know if their hearts are softened. but they want to meet with us again. For more bible bashing? I don't know. but I know in what I know. We walked away from that spiritually exhausted. I couldn't get it off my mind for DAYS! But through prayer and reading the Book of Mormon the spirit of peace embraced me again. 

I urge you to remember your Baptismal Covenants. If you have not Been baptized I invite you to read the Book of Mormon and look for the importance of Jesus Christ and baptism. 

I love this church. I love this gospel. Because I know it is true. I know that Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored His church so that all can have salvation and find peace in this world. I believe it. I live by it. Nothing will change it. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen

Sister Pollard!

5-1-17 New (sort of) area.

Hey Yall!

I'll give a quick update and this new transfer!

-So I'm in Centerton 2 and we got a fancy fancy apartment. I feel very very spoiled. but I'm also really happy because I got my own bathroom! First one in 20 years:) (probably the only one)

-My new companion is Sister Lunt she goes home in 6 weeks and she is a sweet heart. 

-Don't know the exact title of my new 'role'. AP Sister works...but we do not do near as much as the Assistants themselves. We go on exchanges 2 a week and train the trainers on how to train.....ya...that is the best way I could put it. We do work close with President and Sister Loveland and the assistance but our focus is on sisters....I think. still trying to get it figured out. I'm elated!

-We have a great ward and the members are all very missionary minded.

-We've had some terrible storms these last few days...good thing I kept SOME of my winter stuff haha:)

-As of right now we have 1 investigator. But get this...remember Robin? I taught her while in Centerton 1 last fall. she was baptized shortly after I left to Joplin. WELL! she is living in Centerton 2 hasn't come to church yet, BUT she came yesterday and I surprised her:) she was so happy to see me and I was thrilled to see her. Hopefully as we continue to work with her she will feel comfortable in the ward! It really is a fantastic ward.

-So we are in a finding stage in the area! I really think that is because most of the sisters in the mission are in a finding stage. So as they come do exchanges with us, we can teach them how to find so that they can take that and apply to there area. It wouldn't be helpful if we taught them how to teach those preparing for baptisms when they have no one preparing for baptisms. But this will be good! finding is one of the best and easiest ways to see the Lords Hand:) bueno. 

Well that really is it as of now....Happy May and I'll talk to yall next week!

Love

Sister Pollard

4/17/17 Easter Message

While many great things happened this week- the weather has been beautiful, the progress record never looked so good, got more members to come out with us, bomb exchanges with other sisters-id say what blew me away the most was the lesson we had last night. 

We are teaching this part member family. The son is a member and his mom and step dad are not. well the mom is investigating. The step dad would be too, but he works on the nights that she is home, so we have a hard time catching them both. Anywho, prior to this lesson we are at a members house and my allergies start going off, really weird because there were no cats around. By the time we left I felt so weak and exhausted, my eye was red, my nose was runny, it is 8 and I'm just ready to call it a night and reschedule this lesson. I also "knew" that this investigator doesnt do whole lot of participating and I question if she was even learning anything, yet she has come to church and is reading the bible, so I see some potential. Anywho, I thought to myself, we will call it a night, and then I remembered the importance of the lesson we were going to teach. I remembered, the promised blessing given to us as we preach the gospel-one being given strength that is not known among men- and those blessings are from the arm of God and not by the flesh of man. I also thought "what example would I be to my companion if I turned in just cuz I feel weak." Now of course, it was the spirit bringing all of these things to my mind. and I received the strength to do 1 more lesson. We taught the importance of prophets leading into Joseph Smith. Never before have I seen our investigator so involved! she was asking questions, thinking, making comments, seeing the need for a prophet, and feeling the spirit. During the lesson my allergies didnt bother me. Even while her cats were playing on my lap! I felt the strength that is not known among men. and I walked out very humbled. I talked about it afterward with my companion. (BTW she is doing better thank you for the prayers). and im excited for the next lesson to come about Joseph Smiith

WHICH! in case you didnt know, there is a new 1st vision video on LDS.ORG under CHURCH HISTORY titled ASK OF GOD! it is very detailed and moving. I invite all to see it!

For Easter we spent the time at church and in the home of 2 great members and our investigator. 

Easter is a wonderful time of the year. It is more than just about new beginnings and candy. The purpose of Easter is to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. and to ponder on the reason of His resurrection. I know there are many false teachings about Christ Resurrection being only symbolic. I testify that it is not symbolic, it is true. Jesus Christ did die on the cross, and three days later  rose from the tomb in a glorified body. "Death hath no sting and the grave hath no victory" because of the risen Lord. If there was no living Christ, there would be no Hope. But HE DOES LIVE! and so will we all live again too. And now is the time to repent and prepare for the day when we stand before our King and our Lord. I know that He loves us. I know that He wants to help us and redeem us. and I know that the Book of Mormon testifies of the LIVING CHRIST, as does the Bible. 

and this I testify of in the name of the Only Begotten, Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Sister Pollard

4/10/17 Service where needed.

HELLO EVERYONE!!

In all honesty, this week was different from the rest. 

My dear companion has major back pain. She kept putting it off and we got the beating of it this week. After 3 doctors appointments and countless hours in bed, we finally got her to see a physical therapist today. We will be doing that right after we are done emailing. 

So in all honesty, most of the missionary work this week has been serving her. Things were great Monday Tuesday and Wednesday, but then came tragic Thursday, frustrating Friday, sad Saturday, sanctifying Sunday. 

Let me see if I can explain. Tuesday I was on exchanges. Wednesday (still on exchanges) my companion calls me and tells me that the pain in her back has reached her legs, she struggles walking. no biggie, I thought, we will drive this week and make it work. Well Thursday hits, and she is immovable. we get her to see a chiropractor. That was the wrong choice. She came out of there feeling more pain than relief. Now she is losing hope. Friday I get her to see a doctor at Mercy. They just gave her some medication. Saturday we endure, Sunday we endure, and now today, hopefully the physical therapist can do something. 

This has been an experience,  we've had to get 'creative' in missionary work. But most importantly I needed to serve, love, and comfort her. She was so distraught-but I would be too if I couldn't move my back. I've been blessed at the same time. God has given my patience and charity to endure this pain with her. Never did I get frustrated with her needs, or tell her to suck it up, when normally I would. One time, she layed her head in my lap with tear on my skirt, and I just had to promise her that the Lord loves her still. I told her to hang on to my Hope and faith that she will be healed. I know she will be:)  

She has been handling this so well too, through prayer, continues to stay obedient as best as she can. she works until she no longer can work, and she serves me when she can:)

I know Christ is the Master Healer. He has Healed me. and I know that He continues to heal and mend me. I know that this life is a life more than just what we see. there is a God! And that is glorious news. He loves all of us. and this I say, in the Name of Jesus Christ Amen. 

Love 

Sister Pollard

4/3/17 short and sweet just like Kendyl

HEY EVERYONE!

Just gonna give a quick recap on my week:) 

We MLC

then Zone Training

and interviews

got sick for the first time on the mission

good night with Game night

and General Conference weekend!

WE watched the Saturday morning session with some great members-the Fields. The afternoon session at the church. Then we watched the Sunday morning session with some less actives and they made us wonderful omelettes. then we watched the afternoon session with the PM family we are teaching:) It was wonderful! and uplifting. So many wonderful talks and words that needed to be heard.

It was great week! This one coming ahead is busy as well. 

Gotta keep this short today!

Love yall!

Sister Pollard

#princeofpeace

3/27/17 Everyone is a child of God

Hey Everyone!!

I've been getting questions about the weather here so I'll start with that. nothing too bad. No tornadoes, some hail but no damage. Lightning storm last night which was spectacular. Weather is really unpredictable but something everyone loves to predict. Don't worry, when a tornado comes you will know:)

Okay! I have 4 stories I'll just share:) I'll try and keep it brief too!

Wednesday we had zone conference. We took about 20 minutes with our stake president for him to tell us his vision for his stake. All the missionaries in his stake were there.  Well our stake president is in our ward. We had a lesson at the hour prior, we have taught him and his wife, had dinner with them. We got to know them pretty well. I don't remember all the context of what he said to our zone but he said "We have great sister missionaries, they are intense!".....and then he said "Sister Pollard is really intense, but I had this other missionary years ago that was even more intense than her....." it just made me laugh so hard. I never thought of myself as intense.

On Thursday our investigators wanted to feed us!! They were so sweet and we have only had 1 lesson with them before that. But it was great! We got to know them a little better. Crazy sad thing is that dinner was too long. Sister Berry and I were planning splits that night to teach more lessons. so I had to bail out early with a member to teach a lesson, and Sister Berry stayed with our investigators with a member to finish dinner and a lesson. 

In the meantime, I left with this great member, Sister McIntosh! She is incredible! We went to the Addiction Recovery Program Group and met up with a less active we have been working with. I'll call her Sarah even though that is not her real name. This was Sarah's first time to ARP and wants to overcome smoking and get back into the church. It was just us three and the ARP facilitators there, but Sarah felt loved and welcome and is now making the necessary steps to recovery. ARP was really cool too!! I really enjoyed it:) we are going back Thursday with her. I'd like to point out that ARP is not just for Addictions. Someone once told me that it is not the "Addiction Recovery Class" but rather the "Atonement Discovery Class." 

Now yesterday, the beautiful Sabbath day. We are teaching this part member family. The son is an active member, his mom is not. So we are focused on her. We invited her to church but she said that she works. She is a caretaker for 2 mentally disabled adults, but she said, if her patients are behaving, she will bring them to church. We told her it would be just fine. The 2 women she cares for are between the ages of 50-60 but has the mentally capacity of a 3-5 year olds. One is verbal and very chatty the other is nonverbal and can be violent. We didn't know this, But we were eager for all three to come. Sister Berry was speaking on Sunday so she sat at the front row and I sat in the back saving a seat for our investigator and her patients. During the sacrament they came in and I was sooooo happy! I sat next to the verbal woman. She was well behaved and only spoke up a couple of times. it was funny, when a speaker got up she said "Good morning everyone!" and then the woman next to me yelled "Good morning!" haha it made me chuckle. Well the nonverbal one and our investigator sat on some chairs in the back. every now and then she would make a loud disturbing noise, but our investigator would just calm her down. 

This was new to the members. but because of the knowledge that we have-EVERYONE is a beloved son/daughter of God-no one was rude or asked them to leave but just smiled and let them enjoy their time:) they left during the closing song, since the mentally disabled women would not do well with crowds. We talked to our investigator later that night. Told her that they are always welcomed back and the bishop would like to know if there is anything they can do as a ward to make them feel comfortable. She told us some things that are easy to do:) we invited her back and she said yes. I'm glad she wasn't embarrassed. But she did tell us, when she takes them to the park or the mall or Mcdonald's, people do tell her that "They (referring to the mentally challenged) don't belong here." and other rude comments like that. I believe that since the members at church were so understanding, she felt like that was a safe environment to bring them back to:)

 I could go on about what all happened related to this, but I'll just say EVERYONE is a child of God. and we are ALL equal in His eyes. Let us continue to love one another with charity and have respect for the caretakers of the world. their job is not an easy one. 

I love this gospel. I love My Savior. I love feasting upon His words. They are all true.

Love

Sister Pollard

3/20/17 Faith as a mustard seed.

So this next picture is at 3rd Thursday. Every 3rd Thursday from like March-Nov. Main Street in Joplin becomes the hot spot. All different vendors come and sell their stuff. Like a farmers market or a mini fair....I guess. Anywho, we brought our own booth! And we found some success in it! The elders ran the booth and sister berry and I went out and directed people to our booth hehe, or at least we tried. Then we ran the booth while we waited for other missionaries to come and take it over. It was fun and a good time to do it!

We are teaching these kids. They are ages 8,7, and 6. 2 boys and 1 girl. Their grandmother is inactive but wants us to teach her grand kids about Jesus. The kids parents are not interested but they sure do like us. Anywho, we teach about 2 at a time every weekend. But this last week was a little different. the 6 year old girl was there but wanted to go home. The dad was there helping his mom (the grandmother who just had surgery). Well he calls up his other son the 7 year old and asks if he wants to be with the missionaries. 5 minutes later this little 7 year old runs into the house panting from running so hard. We really didn't think he listened or cared.  But we had a great lesson with just him, talked about faith and the seed in Alma 32. And he remembered everything! His sister came back with her dad to pick him up and he is telling his little sister everything he knows about faith and this seed and was really excited. It was adorable. We are hoping the parents will be interested soon so that we can focus on the whole family:) They are a wonderful family.

We really did have a great week! And the work is moving forward:) all is well! I'm excited to be in Joplin for 1 more transfer:) God is good!

Love,

Sister Pollard

3/15/17 Keeping your covenants

Hey Yall! 

For this email I want to focus on a message not on my week, but I will give you an update on transfers. I am STAYING in Joplin. My address is the same. and yes I did get those pre-trunky papers (papers about going home) and yes I did try to convince my greenie that they were for her. 

I had a heartbreaking experience this week. one that I can not go into details about. But this is something that I have witness multiple times on my mission, everywhere I go, both with members and nonmembers. It attacks all of us. And it is something that should be talked about. 

Elder Holland says it best

May the joy of our fidelity to the highest and best within us be ours as we keep our love and our marriages, our society and our souls, as

pure as they were meant to be.

In todays world, evil and wickedness attacks us everywhere and all the time. With the use of Instant Media, social media, movies, music, books, billboards, and acquaintances it is easier now to be unfaithful to a loved one, a spouse. 

BUT PLEASE!! Do NOT fall in the traps of the one that wishes to destroy you! He is good at what he does, and if you want to have all that your Creator has for you stay away from lustful, pornographic, degrading content. You are worth more than that, and so is your family. I have witnessed many marriages fall apart, trust walls being built, and children being abandon due to unfaithfulness. 

It would not be fair of me to only speak of these horrifying things if there wasn't a way out, and there is. Jesus Christ and His atonement, and only Him, can be the one to mend, heal, strengthen, and purify those in such tragic situations. Turn to Him. RUN to Him, and repent and forgive. 

I have a story from the Book of Mormon that I think explains it best. 

In Alma we read of the Strippling Warriors. 2000 young men going to war and all surviving when statistically none should have. We are taught and shown that it is because of the teachings of the their mothers about faith and God. I wish to add, it is also because of the covenants which their fathers have kept. 

The young men's fathers were skilled in war. They fought long and hard throughout their lives and many had lost their lives. Through a series of events, they covenanted (promised ) with God that they will no longer pick up their weapons and battle. Years later they find themselves in a situation where war was needed. Yet due to the Fathers keeping their covenant not to battle, and due to the mothers teaching the sons, the Fathers sent their sons to battle praying that their boys would be brought home safe.

Let us make and keep our covenants/promise with God. Stay away from anything that will tempt you to break such a sacred promise. and God will protect you and your family as you do so. Let us teach our children the importance of fidelity and the difference between love and lust.  

Elder Holland gave a beautiful talk on this that I encourage all to read "Place no more for the enemy in my soul." 

I believe in Miracles. I believe in more than 2nd chances. I believe in repentance. I believe in forgiveness. I believe in marriage and children. and I believe in covenants. 

I am grateful for my parents and grandparents for teaching me the importance and power of keeping covenants. let us be one with Christ. 

In the name of the Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ Amen

Sister P.

3/6/17 Gratitude

Oh my what did I do this week? hmmm....I'm pressed for time as well so this will be short and sweet. 

1. the pics I set are from an old abandoned water park (this water park was real intense) and is now owned by a member and he let us play flour ball throughout the whole park! It was fun and yes we did win:) Shauna this park would be PERFECT for photos:) you would love it! I could have spent hours there!

2. Looking at last week, we did exchanges on Tuesday. I took this sweet sister who is on her second transfer now and she told me that she never done her own tract approach. I was shocked, I guess her companion always talks to the people. So we did tracting and she finally did her first tract approach and it went great! I was super proud of her:)

3. On Thursday we visited this returning less active, she asked for a priesthood blessing so we brought 2 members with us. I took notes during her blessing,  she is going through a lot and we wanted to have her keep that blessing close and read it often. Well I wrote the entire blessing out before we left her home and gave it to her. As I was writing the blessing I got this feeling of gratitude. there was my gratitude and someone elses gratitude. I was grateful for this opportunity to read and write such a beautiful divine given blessing. It was perfect, and my imperfect eyes were beholding it. I got this second wave of gratitude from an angel you could say, or the spirit of God, really, someone out there was happy the work we were doing with this beautiful woman and this blessing would carry her through. The next day she went to court, and before her trial she read and reread her blessing, found great comfort and won the case. She came to church and she is relying on her Lord. 

That's all I'm gonna share for now though many more beautiful things did happen!

Love yall!

Sister Pollard  

2/27/17 1 hour means 1 hour keep your promises/covenants

Hey Everyone! 

This last week was as great as the previous one:) but in all honesty The mission is just full of "Good Times" 

Some Bomb Highlights

We will start with tracting. I was convinced that tracting was not effective in this area. so I didn't do it. Well after much prayer, and turning of my heart, and desperation, and due to training I decided that tracting is important. But it needed to be inspired obviously. So we made this goal one day, to tract this street for 1 hour. we knock doors, we talk to people. Some good, some better, some don't answer. Nothing crazy. We simmer down to having 6 minutes left. I was ready to say, "We did good, lets get on our bikes and carry on" and then I had a thought "1 hour means 1 hour, not 54 minutes." I'm glad I listened to that prompting. My companion and I knock on the next door, and a lady wanting to learn more about our church answers the door. We talk to her for 30 minutes, She took a Book of Mormon, and we are seeing her again this Thursday. 1 hour means 1 hour. I later thought to myself about that. 6 minutes is not that much time or worth to us, but to the King, that has infinite time, He treasures those 6 minutes. So I remind myself. This isn't my time, this is His time. 1 hour means 1 hour. 

On Friday we had our Ward Missionary Game Night:) We started this last month, and at least once month we have a game night for ward members to bring their friends too.  We play volleyball on the court, and all sorts of board games and card games on the stage. Well in January we had a good turnout. So we had our hopes high:) Throughout February we told everyone about game night and encouraged everyone to come. As it got closer and closer, we got more and more nervous; we were just praying that it would be a success. And yes, yes it was! More members came then before, and the youth brought friends! SUCCESS! Volley ball was a big hit. the food was simple and good. everyone had a game to play or a friend to talk to and the children were rolling in the hallways:) That was Friday. This weekend, we had Stake Conference, so after the games were played and the volleyball net was taken down, everyone helped setting up chairs for the conference. Like a....little mini service project. Anywho it was a big hit. and now sis berry and I are talking about mixing things up with game night, like have it be a Pajama party, or basketball, or like a dance type of deal. dunno...we got a good month to think about it:)

Stake Conference was great! In the Book of Mormon, Nephi talks about how the spirit of the Lord took him on a high mountain? (1Nephi 11:1) That's how I felt. The adult session was spectacular. there was a talk on temples, a recent convert spoke, then the member of the seventy talked about missionary work and charity. Side note: President Loveland has encouraged the mission to "set dates" with the members, this date is the date in which they will have someone prepared to learn about the gospel in their home. So we have been doing that since around Christmas, well this general authority (i forgot his name. we will call him Elder) said that he hated that challenge. When Elder said that, President Lovelands face was in shock. I swear he was gonna have a heart attack. But then Elder went on to say how the challenge is hard and difficult, (which it can be) but then he talked about the goodness that comes from it. and how good it will do for the members and missionaries, so in the long run he supported it:) and it was good for the member to hear that.

Some big take aaways from the conference I'd like to share are:

-We can choose to serve others, share the gospel, and keep the commandments because we love the Savior. But better, we serve others, share the gospel, and keep the commandments because we love as the Savior loves. That's Charity.

-GO TO THE TEMPLE REGULARLY! and dont let anything keep you from it:)

-The Book of Mormon gives us the opportunity to have an experience with Diety

The Coolest thing though was during the talks of the converts. I could not help but think of those that I helped enter into the waters of baptism. and I got an email today from an investigator from a previous area inviting me to her baptism. I thought of them and their strong testimonies and how they truly have brought me that joy that can only be felt as you "bring many souls" to Christ.

That's all I will leave with ya'll today:) Thanks for the prayer. I do feel them. I hope you feel mine for you as well. Thanks for the support and testimonies:)

I love my Savior. I will serve Him and build His kingdom to the best of my ability, with where I am and with what I got. I pray that you will too!

Love

Sister Pollard