November 5, 2014

She's Home!

We are so happy that Bethany is home!

November 3, 2014

California, Here I Come

Dear Family,

Yesterday was so cold. Heavenly Father knows that I was not built for New England Winters. Later this week there is suppose to be a big snow storm. Too bad I am going to miss it. 

It was a great last week. We had Zone Conference and we got to watch Meet the Mormons. I had my exit interview. It was fast Sunday and I got to bear my testimony one last time. I ate maple creamies. I dropped it low with my companion.  I have lots of stories to tell. But you are just going to have to wait for the details. 

Photo from Ben & Jerry's website

Today we are going to Ben and Jerry's where I will take my "Death Picture," then this apple cider factory.
Tuesday we travel down to Manchester, NH for transfer meeting. I will give my Golden Truth to my fellow missionaries. We go to the temple and spend the night in the mission home.

WednesdayWednesday... Wednesday you know what happens.

I read Lizzy's e-mail and she said how much she loves wearing a name tag. It is so true. That is one of the things that I will miss. Along with many other things. 

I am now passing off the weekly missionary e-mail assignment off to Seestir Lassen. Make me proud, sista! 

See you soon! Love you and pray for you everyday!

Sista Lassen

October 27, 2014

It's the Final Countdown

Dear Family,

Well here is it. My last week serving as a full time missionary. This past week I was talking to a Sister Missionary about...being a missionary and why missions are the greatest and the hardest. The conclusion that we came to is this. I thought my mission would be hard because of the millions of doors that I would have to knock on, crazy companions, or discouraging days. But what I have come to find is, that's not it at all. To me the real reason why missions are hard is because I myself have to change. Yet, that is also the greatest thing that you gain being a missionary. I will be forever grateful for the challenges that Heavenly Father has given me so that I could become better, more of what He wants me to be. And I am grateful for the miracles that I got to see in that journey.

This past month our Mission President challenged us to read the Book of Mormon in a little over a month- 12 pages a day (lucky I had an extra week because of Zone conference) and then pray and ask if it is true.

This morning I finished The Book of Mormon. Although I have long known that it is true this has been my favorite time reading it cover to cover. I got so much more out of it and so many experiences in a short amount of time. When I finished it this morning I did as Moroni asked and prayed to know it is true, as sincerely as I could. This big ole Sista Lassen started to cry. Man, The Book of Mormon IS TRUE! It just confirmed my testimony again that anyone who reads and prays will know for themselves that it is true.  

Alright enough of the serious spiritualness and time for the funny stories. We were in a lesson with our investigator J, and it was brought up that I am going home soon. She freaked out and said, "BUT WHO IS GOING TO LOVE ME?!" It was the saddest most hilarious cry I have ever heard.

Last week I was on an exchange with Sister Dixon in Lamoile, VT. We were in the library for Mormon.org time. (We have an hour each week to look at the church videos to use during lessons.) Before we got to the library Sister Dixon was just rubbing it in saying "This is your last Mormon.org time!" Then she went onto Mormon.org and search for Male. age 18-24. BYUI and said, "Let's look at your prospects!"

Missionaries....what are you going to do with them?

Last thing I want to say is that God Loves His missionaries. So many times this week there have been little tender mercies of people that we got to meet, cars that would have hit us, hugs, and the Spirit. Oh, the gospel. It changes lives, man.

Love you and pray for you everyday! 

Sista Lassen

October 20, 2014

Elders

Dear Family,

I can't believe that Lizzy is going into the MTC on Wednesday! It is just crazy! I will be freaking out all day! I told my mission president's wife that I should get permission to call Lizzy and talk to her. She just laughed and said she would tell president...we will see what happens. 

[Later Bethany emailed that she got permission from her mission president to call Lizzy and talk to her for 15 minutes!  This is at the Salt Lake Airport--Lizzy talking to Bethany!]

Today I am going to start with a funny story, a story about the Elders.

We had MLC this week which means a 3 hour drive to Manchester, NH. It is way fun to see all the other missionaries. On the way back we stopped at Five Guys. One of the Elders convinced 4 of the other Elders to each get a 6 patty burger. At Five Guys Sister Brown and I sat at a separate table and watched them hound down their burgers. It was so gross and I felt like I had eaten a 6 patty burger by the end of it. It looked like they were just eating a huge ball of meat. One of the Elders started sweating from eating so much meat. Eventually all but one had finished their burger. We were all waiting for him. When he finally got down to the last bite, EVERYTHING came back up meaning he barfed. It was hilarious. All I can say is that I am glad I have four older brothers that prepared me for a mission.  

On the missionary side of my week. It was a very rewarding week. The gospel, man, it just makes people happy. I just love the people that we get to teach. There are so many great people here in Vermont. Just to see the joy that comes into their lives, it's just amazing. When I get to hear them share their testimony about how much happier they are since they have been living the gospel, I think, "THIS IS WHY I AM HERE!" 

And do you what to know something else? God loves me. He really does. 

The other week we were teaching a recent convert couple the New Member lessons. They are a young couple and are preparing to be sealed in the temple in a few months. After that lesson it came to me how cool it is that we get to help our brothers and sisters prepare to make covenants. It is such an amazing trust that God gives His missionaries. 

On another side note do you know what I hate?! Excuses. They make me want to punch a wall. 

Love you all and pray for you everyday :)

Sista Lassen 

October 13, 2014

Joseph Smith Memorial

[This is a photograph that I took of the Joseph Smith Memorial when Andrew and I went biking through Vermont in September 2009.  Gorgeous!]

Dear Family,

Lizzy wrote me this week and told me that since I go by Sista Lassen she wants a cool name too. So what she came up with was Sister L. To that, I think she can think of something more creative. Such as Sister Lasso. Let me tell you the story of Sister Lasso.

Just as Auntie Doris warned me, no one here can say Lassen. They say Lassner, Larsen, Lastner, Lastiter. When in reality  if I just said my name was Larsen they would say it in a New England Accent making it sound like Lassen.  So to help people remember my name and say it right I say "Hi, I'm Sister Lassen." 

"Lassen?"

"Yeah like Lasso, like New England Lassoed my heart."

And the Sister Lasso was born.

We had a pretty sweet week, some super good powerful lessons. The coolest part of this week was I got to go on exchange to the JSM. And I got to help out with the tours! Well I don't know how much of a real help I was until some non-members came in and I could help answer their doctrinal questions. That was pretty sweet. The JSM is just awesome and I love it. 

Vermont is not like Maine. Here are the meanest of the mean, the nicest of the nice, the weirdest of the weird, and the coolest of the cool people here. You go from the Mormon/Wiccan  to the redneck/rich. I love it. Every day is an adventure. This week I had the most heavenly treat. A Maple Creamy. Which is simply maple flavored ice cream, with real maple syrup of course. They love their Maple Syrup. We were teaching Gospel Principles yesterday on the Word of Wisdom. We asked, "What are things that God wants us to put into our bodies?" They answered "Veggies, fruits, grains, and of course Maple Syrup!"

VERMONT -- IT'S WHAT YOU WANT!

I love and pray for you all!

Sista Lassen

October 6, 2014

Can Photos Make Up For a Lack of Words?

Dear Family,

How sweet was General Conference? I loved it and received so many answers to my questions. I hope you did as well. 

Besides General Conference this week was a typical one. I went on exchange to Newport,VT which is almost to that Canadian boarder. 

I also got to have dinner with the Smiths on Sunday. They are the family that their daughter is serving in the Ventura Mission and you had over for dinner over a year ago. [Bethany was about to go into the MTC when Sister Smith served in the Camarillo 3rd Ward, so I am sure she is about to go home, too!]

Because of the lack of words this week I hope the pictures make up for it. 

Me and Sister Brown

I love you all! 

Sista Lassen

September 29, 2014

Colorful, Clouded, Heaven 

Dear family,

As you know I have been transferred. What you didn't know is that I would be transferred to the most beautiful place at the most beautiful time of the year! 

Montpelier, Vermont 

I finally made it to the other side of the mission. Fall is in full bloom, and you would not believe your eyes if you were here. The rolling hills of colorful blotches and rocky hillsides is breath taking. Everywhere we drive I tell my companion "It's so magical!" 

And... Thank you for you prayers for warmer weather. This week we had PERFECT weather. 

Before getting to transfer meeting I had to make the 4 hour trip to Manchester. It was a crazy transfer meeting -- 19 missionaries going home and 26 new missionaries. It was a long meeting, but a powerful one. When we were singing "Called to Serve," and "I'll go where you want me to go," it felt like we were in the presence of angels. One part that was not so spiritual was when a departing missionary was saying his parting words, bawling over his dog that died on while he was on his mission. I just couldn't take him seriously. 

Two super sweet connections in the Montpelier ward. Our Bishop served in NYC during 9/11. Might have been in the same mission as Jacob? He is looking into that for me. It is Bishop Norris. The other connection is the Smith Family. Their daughter is serving in the Ventura Mission. It is the Sister Missionary that was over at my home for dinner a long time ago! Now I get to go to her home for dinner next week! Her mom said she is serving in Santa Barbara right now. 

Oh! My new companion- Sister Brown - she is TIGHT and we know all the small jokes and references. It is good times. She's from Utah. We are having lots of fun, and "dropin' it low" all over Vermont. We also lead the zone with ITL's this week (inviting new people to learn) We felt totally boss. Anywho, we are super busy and having lots of fun. There is just so much to do! I am so excited for general conference! Wasn't the Women's Broadcast the best! I can't wait until I can apply it and go to the temple more. The temple really is the greatest thing in the whole world. 

Love you all! Pray for you everyday.... 

One more miracle this week. I was totally supposed to get a cold this week, but I had a some Wellness Formula that I got 17 months ago and haven't used once, until this week. That, and the grace of God, kept me from getting sick this week. 

Pray that I will complete everything that God needs me to do here. 

Sista Lassen

September 22, 2014

The Book of Mormon

Dear Family,

I am just going to tell you the sad news first and get it over with. I am getting transferred...for my last transfer. I knew it was going to happen because Sister Shipley and I go home together, but it is just as hard. My other areas that was at least one thing that I was relieved to not worry about...but not here. I have absolutely loved being with Sister Shipley, the ward, and the other missionaries I get to work with here. As Sister Shipley said, "I feel like this is what my whole mission is suppose to be like!"

I am praying, trying not to mess with "the plan," and singing my go-to song for times like this. The song is sung by Shirley Temple.  It goes:

 "Be optimistic, don't be grumpy.
When the road gets bumpy just smile!
Don't wear a long face, it's never in style,
 be optimistic and SMILE!"

I sing it to the other missionaries all the time.

Alright on to the good, which far outweighs the bad. This week we had Zone conference with Elder Wilson of the 2nd quorum of the 70. It was awesome. He literally spent the whole time talking to us about how to use the Book of Mormon more effectively in our teaching. Besides, it is our "most powerful resource." It was so inspired. He instructed us to read 1Nephi 1 with our investigators and re-teach the restoration as we read. It is amazing -- every point of the first lesson is in 1 Nephi 1. HOW NEAT IS THAT?! He also instructed us to get members to read the Book of Mormon with our Investigators instead of having them read it on their own. This makes so much more sense. I have always felt dumb about asking people to read the Book of Mormon, but not telling them how. This solves that problem. 

 

My love for the Book of Mormon has grown so much the past 17 months. Every morning as I read I feel a literal power (priesthood power) come over me, to protect and guide me for the rest of my day. 1 Nephi 15: 24 (Also a new favorite scripture)

"And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction."

Sister Shipley and I haven been reading a chapter in the Book of Mormon together in companion study. It has been awesome and something I want to keep doing with my next companion. Today we read Alma 26 together. Seeing that we came out together, I changed the places and people to apply with us. My new favorite scripture is Alma 26:17 "Who could have supposed that our God would have been so merciful as to have snatched us from our awful, sinful, and polluted state?" Not saying that I was a terrible sinner before my mission, but God has blessed me so much to tell me to go on a mission many months ago. He "snatched" me out of where I was, so that He could build me to reach close to what He sees in me.  I am forever grateful for the knowledge, testimony, and strength that He has given me. It has changed my life forever.

One last cool thing. Zone conference was in Augusta, ME. (One of my past areas) I was able to see some of the members I served with, some brought me to tears to see. I also got to talk to the Sisters that are serving there now about the people that I found when I was there. One of them is Elliot. I found out that he has a baptismal date and is getting baptized November 1 and has come to church 5 times. I also found out that a less active member that I found and started teaching has come back to church 4 times. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT PEACE THIS BROUGHT ME! It was a joyful day. I don't know if you could tell from my letters, but Augusta was my "refiners fire" and when I left Augusta I was not sure if I had made any difference. Now I know that every seed planted does matter.

I love you all and miss you dearly. I pray for you everyday. If you are going to pray for me, pray that I will accomplish everything that God wants me to do for my last transfer. Have a great week!

Sista Lassen 10.0

September 15, 23014

Pray

Dear Family,

First of all, did you know how much God loves us? He really really does. Second of all I need a specific prayer for me. I need you to "pray with all the energy of heart" that it does not snow until November 6th. The cold has already started.  Once you have pledged to do that you may read on.

I am going to be straight up honest. This week everything fell through. You want to know the best part about it? I don't feel the least bit discouraged! In fact I am just as happy, if not happier, than the weeks when everything went "perfectly." How great is that? We don't have to let other people's choices effect our happiness. And that is a beautiful thing. 

I feel like this week was a test, and I feel like I passed! The past transfer we have been having loads of success and finding super prepared people, and it has been great! It is easier to be happy when people are progressing. This week we have had 7 appointments with 7 different potential investigators fall through.  I know that I am doing what God wants me to do and he is happy with my efforts. We still saw miracles this week and met more people who are interested in learning.  

Another really cool thing has been working with the members. At a dinner appointment we asked a young family, "What can we do to help you with your missionary work?" They loved that question and really pondered it, and we were able to help them think of ways that they can do missionary work. I am so converted to asking members that question. Before we asked them, we pumped them up with missionary promises in the scriptures like D&C 33. It is way awesome. 

I am loving every minute I have to be a missionary. I think that I have grown the most in this transfer than I have any other transfer of my mission. I think is because I am no longer just doing missionary things, but I feel like I have become what Heavenly Father wants me to become. Looking back on my mission I can now see the "change of heart" within myself. I feel the love that Heavenly Father has for me so strong everyday. Because I feel his love for me I am able to reach out in love and charity to my brothers and sisters: Not out of recognition in numbers or from others, but solely in service to my Heavenly Father. 

I am also excited for this week because we have Zone Conference and Elder Wilson from the 2nd Quorum of the seventy is coming to address us. How neat is that?

Love you all! Also pray for L.

Sista Lassen

September 8, 2014

"The Way Life Should Be"

Dear Family,

I don't know what we did to deserve all of these blessings and success, but it is amazing. We got a new investigator who is super prepared, and 2 appointments set up for next week for potential investigators that we have already taught the restoration to. Heavenly Father is just placing people in our paths. I almost expect it now. Something that has really helped me is when I came to the realization that these people are being prepared, and God is doing it, not me. So all I have to do is offer it to people and if they are ready then they will accept it. I don't need to plan out this perfect door approach; if they are prepared they will listen. This really took the burden off of me. 

Life is good. Not much more to say about it. It is just great, spiritual, close to God, holiness, and joy. 

We have a meeting this week in Machester so I don't have much time to write. Love you all!

Sister Lassen

September 1, 2014

Life's Funny and then you Die

Dear Family,

I feel like everything that I have learned in the past 16 months of my mission was just preparing me for this week. If I would have known how awesome the last part of my mission would be, it would have made the hard parts not as bad. I truly believe that I had to go through all those crappy experiences and trials so that I could be shaped into what Heavenly Father needed me to become. Weeks like this one only happen in "The District."

 How amazing it is to see the changes that I have made in myself. I could not begin to start to tell you of all the miracles of this week. I feel like Heavenly Father is so close to the work that we do and that what we are doing is what He would have us do. I have felt this way especially as I have made a conscious effort to act on every single prompting that I receive. 

I feel like I have been able to take myself out of the work and to just think about others and what they need.

What I believe as a result of dropping the unprepared for the prepared we got a new investigator this week. Her name is K. YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE K. She has no religious background, knows nothing of Mormons, but felt that she needed to read the Book of Mormon and that it would help her. She requested a Book of Mormon on Mormon.org. While we were teaching the restoration she had the most amazing insights to the pictures that I have never heard. During the whole lesson I was just thinking "Don't mess this up; she is golden!" I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed me with this opportunity to teach K. After that lesson Sister Shipley and I freaked out. Later that day we went even more crazy because we were street contacting and talked to a family who is looking for a church and asked us to stop by their home to teach them. I feel like everywhere we go God is placing us where he wants us to be. I feel so blessed for the trust that Heavenly Father has put in me. We have had countless experiences this week. 

So in a nut shell this week has been "off the wall"

I was on exchange in  Dover ME this week. I was able to show the sister how to just go up to people and talk to them.  Even if you feel weird about it, just do it. She is way pumped now. It was really cool/weird to see the table turned because I remember when I was out for 3 months and went on exchange with a Sister and she showed me how to street contact and it changed everything for me. It's cool to be able to share the knowledge. I was worried about the exchange in the beginning because I didn't feel as spiritually prepared as I wanted to be. That night I prayed for the strength and that He would make up for my weakness. Heavenly Father did answer my prayers and made it a great exchange.

We received one of the weirdest promptings this week. My whole mission I have been preaching that going to other churches is a waste of time. But for some reason Sister Shipley and I really felt that we needed to go to a Catholic Mass this week. So we did. We both gained a better understanding of where other people are coming from and how to help our investigators come to church. The coolest past was we sat in the back and there is a part in the service where you shake the hands of the people around you. We ended up knowing the man who was sitting right in front of us. Right when I recognized him the thought "this is why you are here" came to my mind. The rest of his story will be continued....

So the lesson I learned from this is follow your promptings, even if they are really weird. 

Alright, last story. We were talking to this girl and she was going through something that I have been through and I was able to totally relate to her and help her. That's the end of that story, but the cool part was seeing why Heavenly Father has put me on a mission, why he has me in Bangor ME, and why he needed me with my flaws and experiences to help another of his loved daughters.

I love you all so much! The work is going great and I got no regrets!

Sista Lassen

August 25, 2014

Family

Dear Family,

I could not express my gratitude, frustrations, and love that I have felt this week.

First of all. I love the picture I got of Lucy with her poking herself in the eye balls. I love it so much that I stuck it on my planner with the caption "if it's awkward make it more awkward, then it's funny." And I am showing everyone. It comes in handy when I needed to make L. laugh.

So let me tell you about L. She is just a good soul and I love her to death. We have been teaching her for a month and a half and it is amazing to see the change that she is making. I remember the first time we taught her she told us that she wanted to get baptized, but she didn't think that she would be very active in the church. And now she has the mind set that Christ has done so much for her that she can do this for Him. When we taught her this week she told us how much happier she is and just can't believe it! Her testimony of the gospel brought tears to my eyes as she reminded me why I am serving a mission: To bring happiness into people's lives. Yesterday was the first time that she came to church since we have been teaching her. I was so happy i was going to explode! When I saw her outside I RAN to her, Sister Shipley (my companion) having to chase me. The best part about her at church was in Relief Society she introduced herself saying "I'm L. and I am getting baptized September 20th." I cannot tell you the joy that she is. She is a kindred spirit. To be able to teach her has made my life and mission complete. I love her so much.

Another miracle was that P. came to church today. Missionaries have been coming to her home weekly for dinner for the past 3 years. As far as I know she has come to church once, maybe twice. I think what it was to help her go to church was our consistent annoyance of telling her to come to church, and her granddaughter. Her Granddaughter is at BYU-I and she posted on Facebook how grateful she is for church and the Sabbath day. This really hit P. Social Media is for our benefit!

The most powerful testimony that I have ever heard was from a 12 year old boy. We went over to a less active family this week. The two 12 and 13 year old boys are the strongest members in the family. As we were teaching them we asked them why they were baptized. Austin told us that at first he want to be a part of this gospel, but then he was wondering if he even wanted to do this any more. So he told us that he "got down on my knees and prayed." After he prayed he realized the blessings that the gospel has brought to his family in the past and wanted it again. As we were leaving their home he came up to us privately and ask for some copies of The Book of Mormon so that he could write his testimony in each one of them to give to each member in his family.

Those are but a few of the experiences that I got to be a part of this week. I am loving my area, ward, mission, companion, and life. LOVE YOU ALL!

Sista Lassen

August 18, 2014

Reign of Lasso and Ship

Dear Family,

Well this week didn't go as planned. We had another super road trip to Manchester, NH. (a 4 hour drive that makes me want to blow my brains out) to get my new companion Sister Shipley! She is from LaVern CA and I love her to death. 

Before I go on about my week I want to rant about being surrounded by Elders all the time; it is doing things to my head. I thought I would be fine because I grew up with 4 boys and have 4 nephews, but nothing could prepare me to be surrounded by so many Elders all the time. Some of them I want to punch in the face because they act like the little brother I never wanted to have. Some, after I talk to them, all I want to do is drink protein powder and lift weights. And the few left are normal. Lizzy, you have been warned. 

So. Many. Elders. [image from the Huffington Post website]

Anyways, so this week was so spiritual that I don't even want to tell you over e-mail: Too sacred to write. But I will say this. I have never felt the Lord's hand in this work like I have felt this week.  He is in every part of our lives and it is crazy to see. 

We had a lesson with L. my favorite person ever.  To prepare in the morning Sister Shipley and I practiced and one of us pretended to be Lindy. It was so crazy because the same questions, comments, and concerns that we practiced were exactly the same questions, comments, and concerns that she had! L. is preparing for baptism; She has been the easiest person to teach. Her heart is so open and she feels and recognized the spirit. I JUST LOVE HER!

This ward is doing amazing, and great things are happening. I am just trying to keep up! I love them so much! I also got to meet the first member in this ward. Hazel Thomas--she was baptized in 1951, When Howard and Hattie Maughan were here! I have been searching for a someone old enough to know them my whole mission. Finally found someone. She didn't remember knowing them, but still cool. 

I just feel like I should share my testimony today. I am so grateful for the testimony that I have and the many chances that I get to share it everyday.

I know that Heavenly Father hears our prayers. I know that the priesthood has been restored to the earth and we can have access to that power every day. I know that Heavenly Father isn't expecting me to do this on my own. He shows me that I am weak so that I will go to him to be strong. I know when I feel close to God it is easier to be kinder, to love, and to know what to say to testify to people in a way that touches their hearts. I am so grateful for the right perspective and purpose that the gospel and covenant gives me. I know I can become closer to God when I am truly reading the scriptures, sincerely praying, taking the sacrament, and receiving priesthood blessings. He hears and loves all of us. Something that was said at church yesterday was this: we can love people until we have felt the love of the Savior for us. How true that is.

I love you all!

Sista Lassen

August 11, 2014

Power

Dear Family,

First of all, I am upset that Sister Houston is getting transferred and I will be training a new Sister Training Leader. I only got to be with Sister Houston for 1 transfer! And she goes home in 6 weeks, and we just shot gunned this area. We thought we were bullet proof. I guessed wrong. We should have known though; we get along way too well, and we could read each other's mind too early in the transfer. Usually when you can read your companion's mind is when you are getting transferred.

Our ward is amazing. We got 2 great referrals that we can't wait to contact. We had an amazing ward council last Sunday. We had been feeling that our ward councils needed to have better coordination and be more effective, so we were praying to know what we could say or do to help them. The ward council started with the ward clerk talking about how they need to be open and safe with the discussion and be unified in the work of the ward. Then the Young Women's leader taught about making ward council more effective so we actually talk about the needs of families in the ward. The Relief Society President later in the meeting brought out a ward activity flyer and idea that she had all ready to go. She felt that they need to do more activities as a ward. Now it is set for September and almost already to go. We and the Elders highly suggested using the new and returning progress record and the oval chart. After ward council I had to brace myself and put my hand on the table so I wouldn't hyperventilate. It was amazing. Later that day we met with the ward clerk, brother Stinson. He is taking over the Ward Mission Leader job until a new permanent one can be called. At our coordination meeting we showed him the new and returning progress record and gave him the L. Tom Perry video about the oval chart to watch. GREAT things are happening in Bangor ward. I have never seen so much potential in a ward for my whole mission.

As for our investigators-- We have been having trouble making set appointments with some of them, but we will continue to follow up with them. The most amazing lesson was with L. A. We were teaching her about baptism and confirmation and talking about the covenants we make at baptism and what Heavenly Father promises us in return. We read Mosiah 18:8-10 with her. When she read Mosiah18:10 she read the question "what have you against being baptized?" over and over. It was quiet for a long time and she then looked up with tears in her eyes and said, "these verse have more power than any priesthood blessing." She told us how she wished she would have read that years ago and is planning to share that with her daughter. She is getting baptized September 20th.  

I am so grateful for the power of the Book of Mormon. If I have learned anything on my mission it is that. Another note on the experience. These woman that are mad that we don't have the "priesthood" obviously have never served a mission. I have never felt so much power from God and being a instrument for that power. And that power can be nothing else but priesthood power. I have been the instrument to bless people's homes, read the word of God in the scriptures, and to request blessing for people in prayers. It has been amazing to be that instrument and have access to that power from God.

I got to go on an exchange with Sister Cowley, which was great. I was first companions with her a year ago; she goes home on Wednesday. It was amazing to be with her one more time before she goes home. It was definitely a confirmation to both of us that we have become better followers and disciples of Christ over our missions.

I love you all! I am loving my mission!

Sista Lassen

August 4, 2014

Ideer

[I'm not sure what her title means...]

Dear Family,

This week was good, but not as eventful. Which is kind of a nice break so we can focus on other parts of missionary work. Some of our investigators were out of town, which gave us more time to talk to people on the streets. I love street contacting; it is so fun, and when people have kids I keep princess stickers in my bag so their parents have to talk to us while we are giving their child a sticker. The only bad thing to this is most of the kids want the Frozen stickers, but I have none and have no idea who these characters are. That's okay! It is quite hilarious.

The most exciting lesson we had this week was with Derick. To be honest the first time we met him and invited him to learn more I thought he just wanted to talk to girls. So when we came back we brought a member with us. We were pleasantly surprised when we found out that he had read the pamphlet we left him and the next time we came he had read the first few chapters in the Book of Mormon, prayed about it and received an answer that it is true. He is definitely one of my better investigators who actually keep their commitments! Look at that!

This week is going to be exhausting. Today we are leaving for a meeting in Manchester (3 hours away) and won't return until late Tuesday Night. Then Wednesday night to Thursday night I will be in Belfast Maine on an exchange with Sister Cowley (one of my past amazing companions.) It will be way fun because she goes home next week!

I love you all!

Sista Lassen

July 28, 2014

Hot Sauce

Image from Wikipedia

Dear Family,

It has been a wonderful week in Old Town Maine. Everyday I am happier and happier that the humidity isn't melting my face off. This summer has been quite lovely.

Alright, so something you should know about Maine is that people think that pepper is spicy. So if they tell you something is hot, add a cup of hot sauce and maybe you will taste some heat. This rant is coming from when we went to dinner with a member at a Chinese food place. He asked for some hot mustard (which has wasabi) in it. When we got the hot mustard the member (who is a 6.5ft. giant) told us "Now, please be very careful with this it is very hot and please mix it in with your food." So naturally I stuck my clean fork in the hot sauce and ate it straight. at the same time he is going, "NO!"....... Yeah it wasn't hot at all.

This week has been amazing. Lots of miracles. Especially with less active members that we have been contacting. I have a strong testimony that all we should do with less active members is to treat them like they are investigators and if they aren't progressing then we shouldn't be teaching them. I feel that some less active members feel that we are here to counsel them, which we are not. We met with a less active sister who was asking us all these questions about her Patriarchal blessing. Before it got too far I told her that we were going to teach her the restoration and let the Spirit teach her. We did and she felt the Spirit really strong. It was awesome to see that the most powerful thing that we can do is teach the lesson with the Spirit. We also met another less active sister that past missionaries had seen. We taught her the restoration and when we recited the first vision her eyes lit up and she felt the Spirit. She didn't even remember learning the first vision.

I also really like this area because U Maine college is here, so we get to meet and talk to people our age. Not that I don't like people that are older than me, but every time we meet someone my age I think, "they do exist!"

I love my companion and love this work! Love you all!

Sista Lassen

July 21, 2014--Letter to the Ward

Letter to the Camarillo Third Ward

[Bishop Fisher asked all of the missionaries serving from Camarillo Third Ward to write a letter to the ward.  The letters were read in Sacrament meeting on July 27, 2014.  Bethany's letter was read by Lizzy.]

Dear Ward Family,

First of all I want to say that writing this has been nothing short of pure torture. How can you expect this MAINE-I-ACT to pick one faith promoting experience from over a year of trillions of experiences? Good thing my mom always taught me that, "I can do hard things."

The experience that I have decided to share is not the most spectacular, but it has taught me how much our Heavenly Father knows, watches, and cares for every one of us.

It was our first lesson with our new investigator, Eric. We asked about his religious back ground, what he's expecting to learn, etc. We soon found out of his unsureness if God was there and thought that he had NEVER felt God in his life.  But he was sincere and had a great desire to learn. So we taught him the restoration, and testified of our knowledge that God is there for us and does love us. Nothing super-spectacular during his lesson, but at the end, Eric prayed. He prayed for the strength he needed to finish the farm chores, and he prayed that another worker would come and help him soon.

We had already planned to help him on the farm, which we proceeded to do. Soon more help came to finish the chores and we finished them in record time. Before we left we went to Eric and with excitement said, "Your prayer was answered!"  Without delay this quiet man said, "I feel like someone has my back"

In less than 3 hours Heavenly Father touched this man, going from thinking that God has never been there for him to knowing that God has his back.

I think that sometimes we are all scared of sharing the gospel with people, we are scared that what we hold dear to us will be mocked, or we are scared that it won't turn out the way that we want it to. Brothers and Sisters, the only reason why we don't share the gospel is because we are forgetting the we are. not. alone. It is NOT up to us to convert people. The Spirit does that. All we must do is to increase our trust and our faith in Him. And do as President Uchtdorf suggests and look in the mirror and say, "I fear no man." (Not kidding I actually do this when I am scared to talk to someone.)

I love the scripture in Mosiah 8:18 that says,

 "Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings."

God has provided a way for us to be a great benefit to our Brothers and Sisters. We can help them prepare for the blessings of the Celestial Kingdom. One more thing I have learned on my mission is that serving people physically is great, but it comes NOTHING close to the joy and happiness that I feel as I help them spiritually.  I love this gospel.  I know it is true.  I know that this is Heavenly Father’s work and we can partake of more blessings as we increase our faith, our trust, and share it with others. I promise that you will see miracles.

In the name of my beloved Savior Jesus Christ

Amen

July 21, 2014

Awkward

Dear Family,

I have made up a saying that I am living my life according to and that is...

"When things are awkward make them more awkward and then it's a joke."
I can't really pinpoint to when this knowledge came to my mind because I am placed in awkward situations every minute of every day. This is why missionaries come back weird.

So this week was made up of a whole lot of miracles. I have never been so busy my whole mission. It's amazing.

We went on splits and one of the members that came with us brought her non-member friend to go with us. When she told us she was bringing a friend it took us 10 min. to realize what was happening because it is UNHEARD OF. After we taught the restoration to our investigator we asked the friend what she thought. She said that she wanted the investigators we were teaching to stop talking because she just wanted to hear what I had to say. After the split, we invited the member to invite her friend to take the lessons. What a miracle!

 We also had a lesson with a former/part member family and the mom told us that she has just been waiting for the opportunity to be baptized and she knows that this is the true gospel. Our mind was completely BLOWN AWAY because we weren't expecting it at all.

Do you remember me telling you about the woman who came up to us last week wanting to join a church? She came to church this Sunday. Her name is D, she is my age. She came to church because we had a member at her lesson invite her to church and to give her a ride. I am so grateful to this member. I really can't do this work with out their help. There is just so much to do!

Another lesson we had was with B. He has been taught for over 2 years. Is a scientist and is still having trouble believing that there is even a God. The morning of the day that we taught him I read his 5 page teaching record and realized that every idea that we had to teach and help him has been done before. So I read Alma 22 instead to try to get some kind of revelation. Later I talked to my companion and we thought of lots of questions to ask him, hoping that one of them would help him and help us do less "preaching." What a miracle his lesson was. We asked him the questions that we planned and then took it to the scriptures. Alma 22. We started with verse 7, and out of nowhere (obviously from the Spirit) I get  to the question, "Why do you think King Lamoni was just able to believe what Aaron said?" I think it was the first time that he really though about any question we gave him. We kept reading. At the end of the section we discussed it more, and out of nowhere my companion whips out the most powerful words she has ever spoken and the whole time I am freaking out and want to wave my arms and do something crazy.  B. realized things from that chapter that we didn't know apply to him. I cannot tell you how amazing it was. When we left I was simply FREAKING OUT!  WoW just wow. That is what the spirit does.

I just want to say that this spiritual power is not limited to full time missionaries. All of us have this "joyful burden of discipleship."  And we can all be lead by the Spirit in inviting, teaching, and helping other come into the fold.

Love you ALL!

Sista Lassen

July 14, 2014

Truly Blessed

This picture was taken on June 30 in the Laconia area.  Bethany is with her companion at the Swain's home.  Erica Presby (from the Laconia Ward) sent them to me.  The little boy is David Swain, the the two girls belong to the Presby family. 

Sister Presby also sent this picture of the two sister missionaries at their pie and cake auction and BBQ.  

This is at the same event.
Sister Presby said, "Hello, this is Erica Presby from the Laconia ward.  Here are a few pics from tonight with your daughters:) at the Swain's....  We LOVE these sisters!!!!!"  And Bethany was so sad leaving Laconia!  

Dear Family,

I am really loving  Bangor, ME. Well I actually live in Old Town Maine, but close enough. We are the first sisters that have been in the ward in a long time which is always fun and the members are super excited to come out with us. This week we are talking 5 of them out with us! And more to come!

The Bangor Ward is having miracles. On Sunday Sister Houston, Elder Stallings, and I all spoke in Sacrament. It was really great and I think that it really lighted the fire for some of these members. I am really excited to see where this ward can really go. I love them already! On Sunday we had many miracles. We were street contacting and a woman on a bike rode past us and asked who we are. We could hardly Say, "Mormons!" before she was half way down the street. She ended up turning around and asking for some information. She has been looking for a church and is way interested. We have an appointment with her on Thursday! We also went to a less active Young Woman and took the Young Women's Leader with us. It was a miracle and she is coming to church on Sunday along with her sister. On top of that her grandmother knows that they are missing faith in their life and accepted the invitation to be taught. WOW! MIND BLOWN!

I also got to go on exchanges this week to Waterville. It was way fun and I got to put my poop shoveling skills to work at a horse farm! It is way fun to be with different sisters and get to know them better. 

This really is the greatest time of the year and my mission. I feel that I know what I am doing...some of the time. And that we are actually moving the work forward. Hurrah for Israel! 

Love you!

Sista Lassen

P.S. Some letters would be nice.

[Bethany also answered some of my questions:

I will try to answer all of your questions

1. How big of an area is it?  A Stake?-  EVERY SINGLE AREA IN THE NEW ENGLAND MISSION IS HUGE AND THE WARDS ARE SMALL. We cover I think 6 surrounding towns of Old Town

2. address- 190 Brunswick St. #8

Old town, ME 04468

3 Who is your companion? Sister Houston

4 Where is she from?  Vernal Utah

5 Do you travel more? Yes

6 Do you do splits more? Every week.

Feel free to write to Bethany!  Her new address is:

190 Brunswick St #8

Old Town, MC 04468]