Hello, everyone!!

I'm sorry that I didn't really get to write last week. We had fun at the game, even though the Reds totally got creamed. It's funny, but once we got there, I didn't even care about getting a hot dog or watching the game. Sister Parker and I didn't sit down until maybe the 6th inning. We just gave everyone who would accept one a mormon.org card and extended baptism to new investigators instead. I later realized that is because my desires have changed. I'm grateful for the Atonement that made that possible. Best finding day ever! :)

We have had the hardest few weeks that I can remember. There has been so much opposition. A man we've been teaching since I got here is getting baptized this Saturday. Please keep him in your prayers. He has overcome a lot, and even though things have been harder for him as well, he's holding strong. His faith in Christ increases mine.

Yesterday we taught the 13 year old Sunday school class. The subject was obedience and how we're blessed by being obedient to God's commandments. As we prepared, I was humbled to see how many blessings come when we keep ourselves spiritually, mentally, and physically clean. I know that Heavenly Father loves us. I know that he gives us commandments so that he can bless us. That is His joy!

I hope you all have a fantastic week! God bless you as you are obedient.

Sister Murdoch

Hello, everyone!

So STLs (Sister Training Leaders) don't get a lot of life... We're on our way to the Cincinnati Reds game, so I have to go. Next week I'll hopefully have more time :) Look for us on TV! ;)

Love you! The church is true and Heavenly Father loves you!

Sister Murdoch

Hello, everyone!

My heart is full today. I wish I could explain everything that I've learned and experienced this last week. We switched preparation day to today. Monday, as you probably know (we as missionaries need reminders for holidays), was Labor Day. We took chalk to a large bridge in downtown Fort Wayne and drew the plan of salvation in chalk. As people walked by, we taught them about it.

There was one young woman who had tons of questions. She was really confused because there were a lot of things that she had never heard of before. We taught her about Jesus Christ and how He set up His church. When we told her about Joseph Smith's experience and how Christ restored His church, she started to cry. The Spirit was so powerful. She asked how she could learn more and be baptized so that she would be clean. Sadly, she is not in our area. I love her with all of my heart and know that what we taught her is true.

I want you all to know that Heavenly Father loves you. That's the first thing we teach as missionaries. It's beautiful, it's simple, it's true. In modern day revelation He invites us to look to Him in every thought (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36). I have learned for myself that He really does want us to do that. I have witnessed how it's changed my life. That's how we pray always - we think to God. He will always hear us and answer us.

I share that witness with you and invite you to experiment on it. Try thinking to God in all that you think about (whether it's being thankful, grumpy, or cheerful). See if He won't speak with you more and love you more. He will because He loves you.

I love you, too! Have a marvelous week!

Sister Murdoch

The pictures are us when I first got here. We were completely soaked by the time we got home :)

Hello, everyone!

Sister P and I are now known as the spud Sisters :) Proud to be from Idaho! Indiana is sure beautiful and it feels a lot like home. The only differences: it's flat and has corn instead of mountains and potatoes.

I have to go, but I want you to know that Heavenly Father loves you! He told me some very personal things that I needed to know. It's amazing how much He knows you and me. He loves to help and give us reasons to be happy.

With all of my heart I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Jesus Christ's restored church that He promised to bring back (Acts 3:21). I know that everything happens for our growth. I know that families will be together forever when they are sealed by the priesthood power of God and are obedient.

Love you all!

Sister Murdoch

P.S. I'll send stories and pictures another day.

Hi, y'all!

This needs to be short, but I want you all to know that Fort Wayne is spectacular! We saw so many miracles happen. Our entire zone hit leadership standards last week. We're pretty sure that we're the first zone to do that since the mission was reformed last July. Yay! We love grace :)

Sister P and I have had the most incredible experiences here. I wish I could show you how much I love being a missionary. There's nothing like it. I realized that Wednesday was my half way mark. It made me a little sad, but also anxious to have a better last 9 months.

I love the gospel. I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I love the Book of Mormon. I am grateful for my family at home and here in my mission home. Your prayers make all of the difference in the work. Please share your testimony with others. You have no idea what kind of impact it has on those who hear it.

Love you all! Have a wonderful week!

Sister Murdoch

Hello, everyone! I only have a few minutes, so I'll tell you briefly how amazing mission life is.

I am now in New Haven/Fort Wayne, IN (first time out of Ohio!). I absolutely love it! The people are so nice. This is a bike area/we still have a car. I haven't been on a bike in over five years, so riding 8 miles to the church this morning was fun :D

Sister P and I are working together now. She was in my second zone, so I was thrilled to find out we would be companions. She's an outstanding missionary! I'm grateful to be here with her.

I just want to let you know that the priesthood is one of my favorite things ever! I know that the priesthood is on the earth again and that it is the power of God. It can heal, comfort, and strengthen.

Gotta go! I love you all and hope that you have a spectacular week!

Sister Murdoch

Hello, everyone!

Oh, I wish I could just tell you everything!!! This week was absolutely incredible! Two families that we've been teaching (one a part member family and the other a new one we started teaching last week) both came to church yesterday. I was so happy. These families can be together forever, and coming to church is one step to reaching that blessing. I just sat there looking around, feeling the joy of helping them come this far, and then I felt a tinge of sadness. I knew that Heavenly Father wanted me to go somewhere else.

Earlier today, President Porter called. I have been asked to serve as a Sister Training Leader. I am a little overwhelmed at the thought, but also extremely excited :) I just hope that I will be helpful wherever it is that I am next week. I'll be sure to let you know of course. I'm really going to miss everyone here, especially Sister A. I sure love her and have learned a lot with and from her.

Because of my scrambled mind right now, I don't know what else to say except this: I love the gospel! It is the most wonderful thing in the world because it is centered on Jesus Christ and designed to give us eternal happiness with our families. With every feeling of my soul I know that this is true. I know that Heavenly Father loves us and always directs us. I  know that Jesus Christ is the son of God. I know this because of the feelings and thoughts the Holy Ghost gives me. These things are true. I know it. And that makes me happy :)

Never forget that miracles happen to you daily. Keep your eyes open for them! They will be there. It is always possible. Love you!

Sister Murdoch