So much has happened!!! I can't believe how much can happen in just one week! It has been one of the most incredible, mind-boggling weeks in my entire mission!
I'll have to just tell you the two biggest pieces of information. First of all, President Packard called for an impromptu Zone Conference, so we all drove to the Weston Chapel on Friday. This Zone Conference was called because we had all set another goal after the miracle of November. The goal was to make what had previously been the impossible the norm by getting a baseline of at least 70 baptisms every month until President Packard goes home in July. He sensed that we didn't have the same fire for this goal than we did for the goal of November. He knows more than anyone that we all have to be united in faith and effort and will, 100%, if we're going to accomplish this amazing feat. It seemed to be that the biggest concern in the mission was the worry about the emphasis on numbers. To me it's so clear. It's not about numbers!!!! These are real people we are bringing to Christ. It doesn't matter about the number, really, but the number inspires us to do the best we can to further the Lord's sacred work. President came up with a brilliant solution to the division in opinion, though. It's an obvious one, too. We're already setting monthly goals for new investigators, investigators with baptismal dates, and baptisms. We're going to take these goals and make them even more prayerful and inspired. Every monthly goal that we set already is required to have a name attached to it--it's not a number until President gets the grand total of names at the end of the day. And that grand total, every month, is now officially going to be our respective goal. We're still going to have a baseline of 70, but now these are our names. Our people.
The mission is filled with the fervor we had in November! December and the beginning of January were slower, but somehow being back where we had been after the Lord had given us a taste of His vision is motivating us again now, if that makes sense. We don't want to ever go back to how we were. He's shown us what's possible--we're giving Him everything! I can't wait to be a part of it!
After the Conference, Sister Standerfer and I snagged Sister Packard to talk to her. Sister Standerfer had a question, and was already very emotional. Then Sister Packard put her arm around me, looked at Sister Standerfer, and said, "You are probably going to be losing your companion this transfer. Are you going to be alright?"
We locked eyes. Sister Standerfer put her hands to her heart and her eyes filled with tears. That did it. We both started crying and hugging. Poor Sister Packard was so concerned! But we were so grateful for the warning. I love my companion, but I know the Lord knows best. So yes, my streak of a new companion every transfer lives on.
Are you ready for the big news? We got the transfer texts.
I'm on a special assignment, doing what I've been drawn toward since the beginning of my mission. The Portable Visitor's Center!
Oh my goodness! I'm so excited!!!! This is crazy news! That means I'll be working exclusively with this project, 24/7. This incredible idea that President Packard dreamed up. Do you remember what the Portable Visitor's Center is? I've talked about it in a lot of my previous emails, especially in Central Falls. It's what the church tours were all about. This is something specific to our mission that President Packard dreamed up and is hitting amazing heights. Assuming you understand what it is, here's the skinny. . .
My home base is WESTON 1st WARD, where I started my mission!!!!!!!!!!!! Really, though, I won't be seeing much of it. I'll be traveling around the entire mission, bringing the PVC to baptisms, open houses, firesides, you name it! I'll also be creating videos and displays and interactive activities.
I got a phone call from President Packard last night. He talked to me for about 20 minutes, telling me about his vision and his expectations. I've never felt so daunted in my life. I'm so excited, but I've never had to humble myself like this before. I have NO experience. We have about $100,000 at our disposal, with a vision and free rein. No other mission has this, and Elder Oaks and others are watching it closely. I have full, unflinching confidence that the Lord is more than capable of using me. But I feel completely blind, and I have no idea even where to begin! I'm just praying that I can somehow manage to turn enough of myself over to the Lord where He CAN use me the way He needs to, so my extremely limited knowledge and capabilities don't hinder His great work. I have never had this much tangible responsibility in my life.
My new companion is from Brazil again and speaks limited English. Also, she's beautiful. :) I'm so excited to work with her!
I should get going. Thank you for everything! I wish I could explain the PVC more fully to you, but I will take on that challenge next week, complete with pictures!
I love you!
Love,
Sister Merkley
MBM Missionary
P.S. I'm the designated driver for the Portable Visitor's Center. I'll be driving the biggest van President says he's ever seen in his life. 15 passengers. Across the whole mission. Pray for me!!!!
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