Sunday, October 30, 2016

Lumberton, North Carolina- October 24

Hello!!
How has everyone been doing this week? I hope everyone had a good fall break!! We have been doing lots of service this week, but we have also been able to go out after dinner and do regular missionary work!

This week, we volunteered at a clothing donation place during the day. We would go in the morning and sort clothes that had been donated and then in the afternoon we would help the people that came to get clothes find what they need and make sure they didn't take more than what they were supposed to. Thursday, we helped unload two new trucks that the church sent with supplies. It was a lot of fun to work with the youth and a couple of the members during that time. This weekend, the church's representative for Helping Hands in the area was here and several of the surrounding wards came on Saturday and Sunday to help take down trees and clean out flooded houses. I've decided that I would rather help with trees than clean out the flooded houses because there is a lot of mold in the houses and it does not smell too good.

I've been thinking a lot this week about the many blessings that Heavenly Father has given us! It's been really sad to witness all of the suffering that these people here in Lumberton have had to endure the last couple of weeks. It has helped me to appreciate all that my Heavenly Father has given me!! He truly loves each of His children so much!! Even though life is bumpy and we all go through trials, we have to remember that these trials are expressions of our Heavenly Father's love for us because He knows that as we turn to Him during these trials then they will turn us into the men and women that He wants us to be. He is preparing us to inherit what He has!! I love the scripture Romans 8:16-17, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." I know that as we turn to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ during these hard times we will be able to become who our Heavenly Father wants us to be and that we will inherit His kingdom!!

I am so grateful for this time that I have to be serving my Heavenly Father!! I know this church is true!!!

I love you all so much!! Thank you for all of your prayers, love, and support! Have a great week!!

Love,
Sister Paynter

1 comment:

  1. Hi Sister Paynter, You are learning so much on your mission. I know the Lord is thankful for you being aware of your blessings. Our Gabriel was baptized yesterday. We all went to their ward for the 3 hour block. The R.S. room was filled with people, lots of kids. Saw a couple of friends from years ago, always fun to catch up with old friends. Halloween is over, Friday night Lillian came over with her family. Ezra was a pirate and Beleen was a flower, with the petals around her face, so cute! Love you Princess! Grandma Paynter

    ReplyDelete