Words from the Lord's Servant

Bonjour!

This week was filled with inspired words from many different leaders and the Lord's servants. These included the Prophet, Apostles, and General Authorities of the church, President Pattison, Assistants to the President (APs), Zone Leaders (ZLs), Sister Training Leaders (STL's), and fellow missionaries.

Sister Jones and I spent part of the week in Edmonton–so fun! This was because we had the new missionaries training and had Zone Conference at the same time! I got to see Sister Young and Sister Machado again! 

President Pattison along with the APs, ZLs and STLs gave great training at Zone Conference and the followup trainer trainee meeting the next day. 

Friday we were privileged to watch and listen to President Monson's funeral. What a beautiful service it was.

This morning we were able to watch the Message from the First Presidency as well as the First Presidency News Conference. 

What blessing it is to have faithful men and women that serve the Lord. The Lord has said: "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you" (John 15:16). God honour His servants' faith and action. 

I am grateful that I can serve the Lord and for the guides He has called and chosen. I am grateful for their service. As the new President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints exclaimed this morning: "I know Them, I love Them, I serve Them".

May we all come to know our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ as we follow their teachings found in scriptures of old and the world's of modern day prophets. May we love Them and show are devotion by keeping the commandments. May we serve Them as we serve our fellow brothers and sisters here on Earth. 

Lots of love!

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Remembering President Monson

Bonjour!

It's cold outside...

It was warmer last week and it is due to get cold again this week. So again lots of layers! And lots of snow!

New fashion

We have had several teaching visits with new people, and are now teaching 5-6 people. A couple of them are praying about baptism dates, which is awesome! 

One of the reasons why they are progressing, is due to member friends and the support members offer them. Which is great because that is the way it should be. One of my favourite quotes about this comes from President Monson. He has said: 

"Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord's vineyards to bring souls unto Him."

In person District Meeting this week (the Bennetts, Elder Higham and Elder Ripley, Sister Oakeson and Sister Hall)

One other factor is that they are reading the Book of Mormon. In his last address to the World in Conference last spring, President Monson said:

"This morning I speak about the power of the Book of Mormon and the critical need we have ... to study, ponder, and apply its teachings in our lives." 

He concluded his talk by saying:

"... I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives. I so testify with all my heart in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I add my testimony to his. I know that the Book of Mormon has power beyond our ability to fully comprehend. It has brought peace in troubled times, comfort when fears arise and guidance when I have been lost. 

I am so grateful for President Thomas S. Monson. I know he is a man of God. I know that he was chosen to by Heavenly Father to be His mouthpiece and serve His children (each one of us!). I am so thankful for all he did as a servant of God. 

I look forward to sustaining our new Prophet and two new Apostles. They are all chosen and called of God to do His work. I invite you all to go review President Monson's last talk: The Power of the Book of Mormon It will change your life for the better if you follow its counsel.

Hope you have great week!

Love you all lots!

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

A Goal This Year

HAPPY 2018!!!

We got to -43°C with the windchill! But we are surviving... haha.. barely. No, for real, we are asked to not stay out too long when it does get to about -30°C. The other day we went out to knock on some doors and Sister Jones' goal last week was not to freeze to death. I ended up joining her in this goal as I had 4 layers on my legs, plus my slip and my skirt. Had two scarves, three pairs of socks on my feet and cardboard in the bottom of my shoes, and had to resort to putting socks on my hands because I left my nice pair of mitts in Edmonton and won't get them until next week... So yeah. As a member told us this week "Many are chosen but few are frozen"! So we survived, and we are enjoying the now -8°C of this week.

Apart from it being cold, Peace River is really nice with the snow, frost and ice–except when we both slip, slide, fall!!

As missionaries, we email every week, generally speaking; however we don't see or speak to our family or friends for the year and a half to two years that we are out. The only exceptions being for two video/phone calls home per year (so Christmas and Mother's day). So New Year's Eve I was able to Skype my family! It was great to see how all my sisters are getting older but are still pretty much the same–I love each one so much!

As I start this year as a missionary, as a servant of God, and a witness of Jesus Christ, I look forward to all the things I will accomplish, the things I can work on, and the closer I can become to my Saviour as I serve for this entire year. I would invite everyone, as the time has again come for us to set goals, that we consider a goal that will help us show our love and appreciation for the One that has done so much to "succor His people" (Alma 7:12). Could you give more time to a loved one? Could you make a meal every month to give to someone in need? Could you include the one that is always left out? Could you talk more face to face with others? We all have talents and strengths. Let us use them to not only make the world a better place, but to make our relationship with the Savour more significant.

That you feel His love and guidance in your life is my wish and prayer.

Lots of love!

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

It's More than Presents...

Joyeux Noël!

Can't decide if I had a white or green Christmas... while we had snow out, I also unexpectedly got a new companion... fresh from the MTC!  

We had one busy week. Tuesday was spent driving to Edmonton; the following day I met my new companion!

Companion switch off

I'm taller then Sister Jones!  

Her name is Sister Jones and she is from Taylorsville Utah! She has 4 brothers; one older who served in Dallas Texas, and three younger. She likes playing any sport. She is also 9 inches taller then me... haha 

Some of the 14 Sisters at the apartment in Edmonton

Thursday we had Christmas Conference! We had different activities such as an escape room, matching scriptures to questions, a gift exchange, a talent show as well. Sister Jones and I then drove to our little apartment in Peace River over 5 hours away. 

Friday and Saturday we did some finding, had a scripture reading lesson with Audrey over the phone, and shared #LightTheWorld with more people.

Sunday was Christmas Eve! We had one hour of church with a beautiful Christmas program including songs, scriptures and stories. We went to visit Audrey and her husband Keith and sang some Christmas songs to them and talked about Christmas traditions. We also stopped by Stella who also lives in Berwyn, and wished her a Merry Christmas. We then had a family Christmas dinner at the McP's and headed home after that. 

CHRISTMAS!!!!!!! Was awesome! Sister Jones and I started by reading then watching the Nativity story from the Bible. We then opened our presents and we combined got a total of 8 pairs of socks. Apparently our feet need to be kept warm from the negative 30 degrees Celsius it was yesterday... haha ?

We then went and spent the day with some members and had Christmas Dinner with them, played games and were able to Skype Sister Jones' family! That was fun! 

In the midst of all these festivities I hope we were all able to remember the ultimate gift that has been given to each one of us, IF we accept it. Christ is the gift. He has given so much more then anyone can give us. It is because of Him that we are able to repent and be forgiven of our mistakes. It is because of Him that we can get strength, support, and comfort in times of need or trial. He is the reason we can live together as families after this Earth life, IF we accept Him and His gift into our life. He has shown us the way and it is through Him that we will always succeed. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Love,

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Setting Our Sight on Christ

Bonjour!

What a busy week! It has flown by!

This week I had the opportunity to study more about my Saviour through scriptures, Hymns and Preach My Gospel. I am so grateful that as I have been learning more about Him, I am learning how to be more like Him. I was also happy to review the messages from the Christmas Devotional–If you haven't listened to the three talks yet, go do it!

Did Companionship inventory at DQ!

Opened up our gifts from each other... Because we can

Opened up our gifts from each other... Because we can!

Companion street!

Helping Sister M pack up gifts for home

President Uchtdorf said: “During this beloved Christmas season, it is fitting that we take delight in the lights, music, gifts and glitter. This is all a part of why we love this time of year so much.

“But let us never forget that we are disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, the living Son of the living God. To truly honour His coming into the world, we must do as He did and reach out in compassion and mercy to our fellowmen.”

How have you been able to “reach out in compassion and mercy” towards others?

Amidst all our appointments this week and other activities, we had some service planned for this particular day. As Sister Machado and I were walking out of our apartment to go do this service, we saw a man that might have been struggling at this time of year. We had walked passed him before turning back and sharing the #LightTheWorld video with him. He really liked it and thanked us for showing it to him. We again started on our way to our service activity, when we had the impression to walk back and get some items from our pantry to give to him. Unfortunately we were not quick enough, for when we walked out, he was gone…

Trusting that everything happens for a reason and that there are no coincidences, we saw him again a couple days later and were able to give him the bag that we had prepared for him. His gratitude was shown by his smile lighting up his face.

I know that as I have been able to turn to my Saviour this Christmas, have been able to remember the true meaning of the season, and to set my sight on Him. I pray we will all set our sights on Him, and follow in His footsteps.

Lots of love! 

And MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Stars Were Gleaming

Bonjour!

How is everyone doing with #LightTheWorld?

This week I've thought about light. It is something radiant and bright. Like the Wise Men of old, we all at times seek that light in our moments of darkness.

This week had its ups and downs. The highlights however were that as we texted and called some people early this week to invite them to the Christmas Dinner, we received responses from several of them saying they would love to come!

Various pictures from Friday's Christmas Dinner

The theme was Come to Bethlehem. We had dinner, followed by a small program of carolling, presentation of symbols of Christmas, and a message by the Branch President. Not all those we had invited were able to make it due to being sick but we did have a family of five, a couple, and several of the members had invited friends also!

We were also able to meet with some of those we had texted and called before, and after the party, for those who weren't able to make it out. We were able to share #LightTheWolrd many times! ☺

My purple winter accessories! 

In person District Meeting this week

After one of those visits we were observing the beautifully starlit night sky. I saw two shooting stars; however we were mesmerized by this one constellation. It was dim if we looked at it straight on yet if we looked at it from the corner of our eye it became much brighter. It made me think of sometimes we lose focus or something's value is dimmed as we go through the motions. I would invite everyone to keep Christ at the centre of your holidays. Let His light shine through you and into your Christmas season. He is the reason for the season.

Lots of love!

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Pressing Forward

Bonjour from Grand Prairie!

It has been a very busy week.

Surprise Party!!

 Elders decorating for the "Party" 

Thursday we celebrated Sister Machado's Birthday early with the O's they are so sweet and got a cake and gifts for the occasion. 

We started off our December of Christlike service by pushing a car that was stuck in the snow (yes it keeps piling up!). We also dropped off a care package to Audrey, to bring some light into her life this Christmas season. 

 Exchange with Sister A & Sister St O

We spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning in Fairview. We are responsible for this area as well as the Peace River area. We attended a fun Christmas Party with a Chinese Gift exchange and charades guessing Christmas Hymns! 

Sunday afternoon, Monday and today are being spent in Grand Prairie with the Sister Training Leaders! We had exchanges and I enjoyed the company of Sister A. She and I had a great exchange, planning out a surprise "party" for Sister Machado yesterday, sharing #LIGHTtheWORLD with others, and learning from each other through the theme of Pressing Forward. 

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life" 2 Nephi 31:20

I would have to say that although missionary work is hard at times, as I turn to rely on Jesus Christ all things are possible. He is my strength and in Him do I hope, through Him do I love. I am so  grateful for my Saviour and all he has done for me. That I will be able to overcome my trials, weakness and pains through Him. I love Him dearly and am grateful to be a representative of Him this Christmas. 

Merry Christmas! 

Lots of love,

Sister Tatjana Zumbach