I WONDER AS I WANDER

Here's an email we received from a senior missionary who is serving in the office of John Gregory's mission. It was very kind of her to share this moment with us.

Hello Bro. and Sis. Sierra,

Today I had the great privilege of accompanying Elder Sierra on piano while he sang I Wonder As I Wonder for 4 zones of wonderful missionaries in the "Mormon Center", a chapel next to the Temple utilized for special occasions. The missionaries attended the Temple as part of this special day.

Elder Sierra's song was the last musical number on the program, just before the prayer. First there were a variety of musical presentations,  the reading of the Christmas story from the scriptures with missionaries in beautiful costumes, short Christmas videos, and talks by missionaries and Pres. & Sis. Lewis.

Before he sang, Elder Sierra spoke to the missionaries about imagining themselves in the place of the person singing the message, promised them they would be blessed for doing so. Then he sang to a captive group of missionaries, many of whom had tears in their eyes and on their faces before he finished. It was a sacred moment for us all.

All is well in Zion for one more day. That young man shows a lot of promise ahead of him.

Love, 

Sis. Richardson

'TIS THE SEASON TO CELEBRATE CHRIST!

Hey Mom,

I did get the package with the advent chain (makes my day, every night) and the one with the 4th day of Christmas (not opening it until required time, I promise lol). I am not surprised at the fact that you guys are running yourselves ragged again, but I think that's cool how you and Dad are focusing more on scriptures to read than activities. May I suggest a couple of chapters to look at? 1 Nephi 1 (focus on the interpretations) and Alma 7:9-12. Both of those scriptures are the main ones I have been sharing with my investigators and with the people we contact because they talk about the Spirit of Christmas and are from the Book of Mormon. Because the purpose of having the BOM is that it is another Testament that Jesus is the Christ. All of our investigators, especially Marcos and Miguel, have really enjoyed it and felt a sweet spirit enter in. 'Tis the season to celebrate Christ. 

 

Work has been picking up very fast, usually does around December, and we have been VERY busy, whether it's teaching, serving, giving blessings, visiting members that are struggling a little, or helping out other missionaries with their areas, not to mention practicing for the missionary conference (I am singing I Wonder as I Wander and helping put together All For a Baby and Run To the Manger). Also, Sister Lewis asked me to give a talk on the Spirit of Christmas and, the Nativity here asked Elder Sempf and me to give the Nativity tours and be in charge of the dress-up booth. And, to top all that off, we have been asked to be in charge of giving temple tours in español for the next week or so, because so many people, including our investigators, are going on tours. So yeah, we are pretty booked too. 

 

This has been my 2nd-fasted transfer so far. Fastest one is still the one I had with Elder Russel. So, rumors are spreading about transfers again. Everyone thinks I am leaving to go to another area (I will be ENRAGED if that happens to me again!) It would be my 4th time spending only one transfer in an area. My companion thinks I'll train, and my DL wants me to go District Leader. Wouldn't mind it too much, but rather not do it during the holidays. I would be real busy if either of those two things happened. Like I said, 'tis the season... to be working, non-stop. 

 

Well, Mom, that kinda sums it all up. As for sunglasses, I don't care what brand, I just need because I hate having the sun in my eyes all the time. No tree needed; we got a fake one and we will be spending the night at the DL's apartment for Christmas anyway (they have a real tree that the members got them). Thanks for the packages, Mom! Both Elder Sempf and I are doing awesome. Really would like to stay with him one more transfer. Love you Mom.

 

Elder Sierra

IT'S GONNA BE AN AWESOME CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

Dear Mom,

I'm happy to hear Thanksgiving went great for you guys. It had to be if Uncle Bob and Aunt Angela came up to visit. How are their kids doing? They still cute as a button? And also, thanks for showing me pics from family. I really needed to see that. Thanksgiving without seeing family kinda stinks lol. But, I had my companion to spend it with and he is real cool. Elder Sempf hails from a small town in Wisconsin. A red cheese head by far (the guys a ginger) and is full of patience, having a positive outlook on everyone. He is kinda teaching me a thing or two about how to control my temper a bit. It's hard for me to be mad, though, especially since we just had Marcos and Miguel show up for church, and they loved EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! Man, I love these guys! After the first couple of hymns, Marcos turned to me and said, "Las canciones estan perfecto. Me gusta el sentimiento de gozo que siento." (The songs are perfect. I like the feeling of joy I feel.) (awesome comment # 1). During sacrament, he asked me some pretty inspired questions pertaining to the Atonement and, after answering them, he says, "Oh I get it, so we are saved after ALL we do. Jesus makes up the difference (and that He does. awesome comment # 2). They were completely bewildered by the testimonies during the first hour and by the end of the meeting they looked at us and said, "THAT'S IT?!! That went by WAY too fast. Will it be like this next week, same time?" (I couldn't believe it cuz to me it was kinda long. Miraculous awesome comment # 3 and *ding* *ding* *ding* we have a WINNER!!) Both of them asked us when we could stop by again we told them Friday (usually when we see them). Miguel then asked, "Friday is fine, but can you come Wednesday, too? We should be done with homework by 3." My companion and I looked at each other and were like, "Uhhhh....sure thing." (This usually NEVER happens). So, Elder Sempf and I are PUMPED!! And we can't wait to continue teaching them. They are bright, young men and, in fact, our branch president was their middle school teacher. He took us aside and said, "Those boys always stood out in my classes. You make sure you teach them well." Yeah so....no pressure whatsoever. 

 

We have been adding many families. Our teaching pool is now 16 people/families and we are excited for what the mission and the Lord brings. It's gonna be an awesome Christmas. Happy Holidays everyone and I sure do think of all of you in my hearts, especially you Mom. Love you all.

Elder John-Gregory Sierra 

I'M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS!

Here's Elder Sierra's letter from last week.

Hey Mom,

Sorry for forgetting to tell you that I wouldn't be able to write to you last Monday. And unfortunately, I couldn't get enough time to email you today due to all the chaos of Thanksgiving, but I received permission to talk to you tomorrow so don't worry I will have a real conversation with you. Anyhow, I would like to share with you a miracle. We have been working with the Familia Guerra for quite some time. They all love what they are learning and have a desire to go to church. Each of the family members has accepted a baptismal invitation, but just a few days ago, we invited Marcos and Miguel to be baptized on December 21st and they have accepted. The Spirit was very powerful as both brothers (they remind me of Benjamin and me) looked at each other, and then at us, and exclaimed that they wanted to be baptized into la Iglesia de Jesucristo de Los Santos de Los Últimos Días. Everyone told me that I wouldn't be able to get much work done here, that West Sacramento was in a drought. Elder Sempf and I proved them ALL wrong. We are excited to have a REAL White Christmas by helping to bring two truly converted souls unto Christ. Mom, Dad, Benjamin, Ralynne, family, friends, Happy Thanksgiving! You are what I am thankful for. I love you all so much. It hurt a little to wake up and to remember that I would not be eating in a home or at a table surrounded by my loved ones from home. However, there are many loved ones that I have here that need me. Happy Holidays. Felíz Día de Gracia! Les Amo!

Elder Sierra