Arrived in San Jose!

Knowing Who God Is

I leave the MTC tomorrow and am so excited to meet the missionaries in San Jose, CA!

My favorite experience this past week was with an investigator who didn't know who or what God was. She knows a lot about different religions and was always confused about the concept of the trinity because why would Jesus Christ pray "the Lord's prayer" to himself? 

When we showed her the verse in the Bible that says God spoke to Moses Face to Face she realized that to have a face he needs to have a body. She said that she would be more comfortable praying to a God who has a body because if He is human, he knows what we go through as humans and can actually help us. When she realized that our bible is the King James Version she wondered why other religions didn't know that God has a body since it is in Tyndale's Bible! She started to talk about a monument in England for Tyndale that she went to. She said it felt like there was a bubble around the monument that brought peace. We explained that the Holy Ghost was what she was feeling and that as she prays to her Heavenly Father, she can feel that again and again. Sadly she was sick the next two appointments so we couldn't talk about her experiences praying with God. 

The prophets have promised that people are being prepared to be open to the Restored Gospel. She is a brilliant example of someone who is ready to hear the Gospel and I wish I could stay at the MTC just to teach her and watch her grow. 

Love,

Sister Duersch

Testifying of the Savior

Elder Anderson, from the Twelve Apostles, came and spoke at the Tuesday night Devotional. He said that we won't know the full benefits of our mission until years later.  We need to be looking for mid-teens to mid-twenties who are spiritually seeking.  When we testify of Jesus Christ, He will confess us to the Father. With every opportunity you receive to talk to someone - testify of the Savior. So I thought I would do that now.

I know that Jesus Christ lives!  He is my Savior, older brother and best friend.  No matter where I am, He is always there for me.  I know that He did atone for our sins and that we can turn to Him for salvation.  Because He knows our pains and weaknesses, we can turn to Him for comfort. I am excited to teach everyone I meet about Him and teach them that through the Book of Mormon, they can have a personal relationship with Him. I don't know where I would be without Him and I know that with Him, we can do all things. I know that I could not go through the MTC and especially not a mission without His help. 

Love, 

Sister Duersch

A Good Name

One of the things that has stood out to me since becoming a missionary is  the power that comes from having Jesus Christ's name on my shirt and coat at all times. When we are baptized we promise to take Christ's name upon us. I have always  loved that commitment  because I reminded me that I was part of Jesus Christ's  church and I was committed to following Him. But now everyone knows that I follow Jesus Christ every single time they see me.  When  I have doubts on whether or not I can be a missionary I just look down and see that name tag and am reminded that I can look up to my Heavenly Father and my brother Jesus Christ because they have called me and I have been given the authority and responsibility to teach the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Proverbs 22:1 "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold."  

My name is Sister Duersch now and I am thankful  for the blessing of having Jesus Christ's  name on me at all times and his guidance as I start my Mission and do things I am sometimes scared to do.

Love you all!
Sister Duersch 

-The picture is of me and my companion Sister Ti'a