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