Hey family!
Sad to hear about Aunt Clariece passing away. Good to see pictures of the family however. I love the GIllespies, so proud to be one! It's a big name out here, did I tell you Sister Lockhart (family history guru in Hope Mills) was researching and thinks that our Gillespie clan is from the Wilmington area?!?! Maybe I already shared that, but I thought it was so cool. Also, I sent Gina a thank you card, she sent me some reallyyyy cute clothes and jewelry I am excited to wear it! Anyways, love you lots! Will you please add Sister Weaver to the email list? Her email is
maggieweaver13@gmail.com. Thanks!
Sooooo Week 2 in Pittsboro!
I am learning more about the area! It is different than my last two areas in SO many ways. It's been a good experience for me to adjust teaching and other skills to best fit the area. Because we are in the education triangle (Duke, UNC, and various universities in NC) there are a lot of wealthy and educated people that live in these parts. Funny because it is small town out here, but many of the professors and teachers at UNC and Duke retire in these parts! You never know who you are going to run into, keeps us on our toes!
This area in the Bible belt you find so many churches and religions, however it's kind of crazy to me that it's one of the more segregated areas I've seen, and people are not terribly open to talking about Jesus, yet they all claim to go to church and are "saved".
This week we tracted for hours and hours. I like talking to people so it is fun for me, most of the time! However, I can feel by the end of the week I get a little exhausted, a little sad, and a little shaken up when people turn us down over and over and over. Our purpose is to strengthen the faith of those we find and help them come to know the Savior Jesus Christ even more. Infact that is part of what we say when we knock on doors! We tell them why we are there and ask if we can share a message about Christ with their family. What troubles me the most is that 90% of the people who shut their doors on us say "Oh, no thanks, we are good, we have already been saved." ......... What the?! What does that even mean? Okay my sassy side is coming out, better stop there. But maybe you see the frusteration. I just wonder why nobody wants to talk about Jesus, and why they don't take up the opportunity to listen to a message about Him!! Crazy people, don't know what they are missing out on.
This week I have been thinking about a scripture in 2 Nephi 32:2-3
2Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?
3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.
What does it mean to speak with the tongue of angels?
Angels were the ones who announced the birth of Jesus Christ to the shepherds in the fields. Angels were there at the tomb declaring that Christ was there no more, for He had risen. The angel Moroni brought forth the restoration of the gospel in the latter-days.
To speak with the tongue of angels, to me, seems to indicate that we testify of the Savior and His gospel. And how do we accomplish so great a task? We feast upon the words of Christ. We study our scriptures. We learn the words of the prophets of old, and our modern day prophets. We do our best to have the Spirit in our lives. We are missionaries.
Alma 13:24 says
24 For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.
We have the ability to speak with the tongue of angels. We can share this gospel with the same power and authority. The hearts of the children of men are being prepared to learn, let us take every opportunity the Spirit provides to be an instrument in helping our fellow men return to our Father in Heaven.
Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Angels are among us, they care for us each day. Find the good in those around you. Talk to the missionaries ;)
I love this gospel. I know it is true. I know that this work is the work of the Lord. I know that the Savior lives, He is risen. It is through Him and only through Him that we can find lasting happiness now and in the world to come. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and my Father in Heaven. I am excited for the day when I can be in their presence again.
Love you all, Happy Easter!
-Sister Wilcock