Sister Martin's NZ Journey

Sister Martin's NZ Journey Serving as Full-time Missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🌅🏞️🌊Week 69 - God's stamp🌊🌅🏞Kaatahi te rangi aataahua 🩷! Updates whanau! This week taught me A ...
11/11/2025

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🌅🏞️🌊

Week 69 - God's stamp🌊🌅🏞

Kaatahi te rangi aataahua 🩷! Updates whanau!

This week taught me A LOT! I've been reflecting on my time here and how the Lord has blessed me in SO many ways! This week we had highs and lows in the work and I've been learning a lot about “divine intervention” and trying!

Every single day of this transfer is literally gold to me, tbh I'm making the most out of it. I can't believe in a few weeks the badge is off! This week we've been experiencing A LOT of things - the work is good, it's just not consistent at ALL.

Anyways we're teaching a lot of Filipinos here which is tender mercies, so we have friends who are family that we’re teaching. They speak same dialect as me which is cool they are lovely and have lots of questions about the gospel. So while talking to them I really can’t communicate very well. My Iloko and Tagalog are broken (pasensya na po😅) and I've been grasping what words to utter. But tbh the spirit did all the work especially with all the questions they asked🤧🫣. I was literally cooked (kasi kasama ko di naman alam magtagalog so ang bagsak ako lahat) but definitely guided as I testify and teach them! HAHAHA

Anyways every single day I've been grabbing whatever opportunities to share my conversion story and my testimony of the gospel. Days we're slow but weeks we're so fast. From 3 digits down to 2 coming to 1 😱😵

Not funnnnn……..
Also I strained my neck while playing sports, it's painful and SO sore. It's even hard to move and look on my side, it is literally terrible. Anyways y’all dont play too hard, that is definitely one thing i learned HAHAHA

Miraclessssss!
Anyways while visiting one of our dots we knocked on the door and the son answered while standing outside “are yous the new missionaries?” I was taught by the missionaries before and I almost got baptized but because of the covid I fell off track and never came back. While he was sharing the story one thing came to mind was to grab his information and time to return. It is SO cool to see how God works in His divine intervention. Even if it's a slow day or hard days he guided us to the people He wanted us to see.

Also this week we had the opportunity to do some service with our favorite grandma Sister K, we stacked all her woods and fixed everything in there. It's SO fun and hot! We love being with her, listening to her stories and also just being around her - the vibes are SO good.

Crazyyyy Friday

While doing our service with our friend we had so much fun listening to her stories, while cutting and cleaning the gardens and helping her out in whatever she needs. I love gardening and I LOVE being around with members🫶

A lot of crazy things are happening here.

Someone threw an egg in our car and it was in a random place. My patience actually went on HAHAHA

Okere Falls

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN💚💚💚WEEK 68 - Start with JESUS 💚Updates Last Week🤪🫣Happy Halloween!!! Kamusta ang lahat? How's e...
11/11/2025

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN💚💚💚

WEEK 68 - Start with JESUS 💚

Updates Last Week🤪🫣

Happy Halloween!!! Kamusta ang lahat? How's everyone's week? I am doing SO good here, better than last week! Finally I am feeling better now.

A little bit of a rundown of my week. I was SO sick for a couple of days/weeks but haven't been able to rest but 1 day this week my body just can't do the work anymore so we ended up staying home and going to the hospital. But I am better now. Finally healed and are able to grind AGAINNNNN! Anyways this week is just SO AMAZING and full of JOY! Also at the same time sad because this might be the last time I'm going to see all my fave pips. I've never felt sad until it finally sinked in that my time as a missionary here in Aotearoa will come to an end. This is the worst - I hate being so emotional and sad but I can't stop it! It is depressing and heartbreaking but I do know that my work here is about to finish in a few weeks. I LOVE my mission SO so much with my whole heart. I've come to see the Lord's hands in my life. He is real and he is smiling up on high. I am grateful to be a part of this great work. This is really the work of the Lord.

I love learning from Elder and Sister Jaggi and I love seeing everyone on MLC and the meeting with the Jaggi! All I can say is that it was SO perfect! The timing, the lessons and the experience 👌

I love this week and the things that I've learned! It is SO busy but it is definitely spiritual filled week!

Seascapes 💛

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN💚💚💚Week 67 - A Journey of Becoming 💚Updateeesssss friendsss🐌Where did all the time go? I stayed...
21/10/2025

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN💚💚💚

Week 67 - A Journey of Becoming 💚

Updateeesssss friendsss🐌

Where did all the time go?

I stayed in Tarawera with my fave Sister Napier. It's sad letting Sister Fredrick go but I know she'll do great. She's now a social media leader yayy! Every beginning of the transfer literally I got sick. This isn't fun at all! Anyways we're grinding down here! I love being with Sister Napier 🩷🌸 It is so fun!

Also we had the opportunity to watch the new presidency of the church and I love what President Christofferson said, you are not called to be honored, you are called to serve! Pres Oaks added there is more yet to come, there is more to be done.

This week has been so good in our work, getting to see awesome members and finally getting in touch with some of our interested people. It's such a blessing to get up in the morning knowing that you're an instrument of God in His vineyard. I love serving the Lord and I love serving His children 💜😇. It's been such a wonderful blessing and a humbling experience to be a missionary these last 18 months. I've learned so much from the beginning up to the very end of my last transfer. It was the best 18 months I've ever had in my life - THE BEST!

I'm so grateful for my companion, so much! These past few days of being sick weren't easy, but she looked after me and took care of me - she's definitely my favorite nurse! I'm beyond blessed. I was in an area with amazing people in the ward, and I am with the best comp yayy 💜."

Not much this week we did heaps of visit which is SO good! It's been so fun being with the members especially those sweet grandmas!

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🫶🫶💙Week 66 - CHOOSE THE GOOD PART 💙UPDATES whanau 😇🫶!!I've been slacking to send my emails late...
21/10/2025

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🫶🫶💙

Week 66 - CHOOSE THE GOOD PART 💙

UPDATES whanau 😇🫶!!

I've been slacking to send my emails lately but here you go! I am doing good in here SO busyyyy grinding! Anyways hows everyone?

This week is SOOO GOOD 🫶 I've definitely seen God hands each and everyday as I grind in His vineyard. Also we've experienced a lot of bible bashers ngl its quite interesting because I love to listen and also to yap so definitely interesting experience 😂

Monday ✨️
While doing our visits today we tried knocking some of our grey dots and so we went and as knocked the door the lady run towards the door and oh my freakin heck she has a knife and telling us that there are some dudes that came by and so you guys have to leave (insert she was swearing) hahaaha what an experience. After that we had some visits and had a returned appointment then we stopped with the member dots so we introduce ourselves and we grabbed the opportunity to get to know her while getting to know her she's like are you girls both new here and we said yes and she told us all the things to be careful of and i was like oh shoot i am so scared but I do have faith in the Lord that he will watch over us and take good care of us and so that give me peace a little bit.

Also another visit this week was kinda crazy. He tried to kinda just discuss all what he knows about the church and bash us in a way but I used that opportunity again to testify and share my testimony. (If they will bash you, bash them back HAHAHA)

Also we had a good kai with one of our favorite and this is her counsel, she said: Whenever we have hard times in life, always remember that God is helping us through, to the highs and lows he will always be there, whatever trials we may have, we just have to trust and turn to God.

Temple Day 🩵

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🌸💝💝Week 65 - Come what may, and love it 🧡🌻Kia ora whanau updatesss 🌸💝This week is the slowest a...
21/10/2025

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🌸💝💝

Week 65 - Come what may, and love it 🧡🌻

Kia ora whanau updatesss 🌸💝

This week is the slowest and the craziest week I've ever had. The work, the weather, the vibe it is not it. But this taught me a lot of things especially to appreciate what God has in store for us each and everyday and to be grateful. It might not be a "not so great week” but it was a good opportunity to still keep going! There's always a reason to grind! So y'all keep grinding, wag magpakatamad HAHA!

Elder Wirthlin once said,
“I think she may have meant that every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result.

But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.

If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be the times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead to times of greatest happiness.”

As I reflect on Elder Wirthlin's words, I'm reminded that the way we respond to our challenges can indeed shape our journey towards happiness and success. When we approach challenges with faith and wisdom, it changes everything - we open ourselves to growth, learning, and spiritual refinement. The Lord's ways are not always easy, but He is always working to help us become more like Him. As we navigate life's challenges, and to continue to seek His guidance, surround ourselves with supportive relationships, and trust in His goodness. By doing so, we'll discover that our hardest times can become the catalysts for our greatest growth, leading us to experience everlasting joy and peace that comes from Him.

Elder Wirthlin emphasized 4 things:

♡ learn to LAUGH
♡ seek for the ETERNAL
♡ The principle of compensation
♡ Trust in the Father and the Son

“ ALWAYS focus on the good, so Come what may and LOVE IT! “

The takeaway I've learned from this week is to be grateful in all things both the hard and good things! It's always the rainbows after the rain, it's always the sunshine after the gloomy day, it's always the excitement and joy after the pain. Every thing I am SO grateful 🫶

Cherry Blossom Escapades 🌸

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🌱🌸🌸Week 64 - Plant A Seed 🌱🌸Updates whanau🌻💛Late emaillllll 🤪 This week is actually kinda CRAZY...
19/10/2025

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🌱🌸🌸

Week 64 - Plant A Seed 🌱🌸

Updates whanau🌻💛

Late emaillllll 🤪

This week is actually kinda CRAZY heaps of things happened but I've seen the joy in the work despite the craziness!

Tuesday

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN❤️‍🔥💜🥶Week 63 - SERVICE WAS JOY ❤️‍🔥💜Updates from last week 🥶🤡Kia ora whanau me hoa, Kei te peh...
29/09/2025

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN❤️‍🔥💜🥶

Week 63 - SERVICE WAS JOY ❤️‍🔥💜

Updates from last week 🥶🤡

Kia ora whanau me hoa, Kei te pehea te katoa? Ko te tumanako kei te pai te haere!

It's Te reo Maori week this week yayyy I got to learn Maori and em loving it SO much. I really LOVE the culture, the language and the opportunity I've had to serve here in Aotearoa 🫶🌻

A LOT of things happened, I'm now in trio with Sister Fredrick and Bowhuis this will be temporary and as I'll get my new companion this coming Zone Conference.

This week is hard, very hard. Yes, A lot of things happened this week! I came to the point where I was empty, drained and at the peak of my hardest. But I AM GRATEFUL for my challenges and the HARD things/experiences I've learned heaps.

The hardest part of this week is letting my companion go. It's been such a high and low week but here's to another adjustment and transitions again! I've been dealing with a lot of hard things lately and I've been learning a lot about patience, charity and faith in Jesus Christ. Yes, all these hard things have given me room for improvement and opportunities to learn and to grow.

I am grateful for my companion SO much she taught me A LOT. One of the things I've learned from her is how she deals with her challenges with a positive mindset and attitude. She smiled despite not feeling well, she said sorry all the time even if she didn't do anything wrong. But most importantly I was touched for her willingness to desire and to serve despite her situations. To my Sister Duke, thank you for being such a light to me, your testimony has helped me empty my tank and to give more.

I am SO grateful for my loving Savior and Heavenly Father for all these amazing experiences I've had on my mission. It was never easy but I am still here thriving and surviving my last 2 transfers.

Sister Runia's devotional is ALL I needed. Those pleadings and tears I've had were answered. I literally needed this.

I love what she said, this is exactly where we wanna be and look what we get to do - how lucky are we! As I reflect on what she said, all I have in my heart is gratitude and the courage to give more, do more and serve more!

▪︎ SERVICE WAS JOY

▪︎ While we are called to serve Him, we have to have joy!

▪︎ A missionary who served is a HAPPY missionary!

▪︎ THIS IS WHAT YOU'VE BEEN CALLED TO DO, YOU ARE HERE TO GATHER SCATTERED ISRAEL!

Don’t stop! Don't stop! Don't Stop Now!
Look how far you've come, keep going!
You've come so far, the Lord needs you!
♡ Sister Nikoia

As I was reflecting about my experience this week, I was looking at all my Zone Conference notes. I read Sister Nikoai's remarks at our last Zone Conference. Her words pierced my soul: 'Don't stop, don't stop! Don't stop now! Look how far you've come, keep going! You've come so far, the Lord needs you!' In that moment, I felt the weight of God's love for me and my life. Her encouragement ignited a fire within me, reminding me that every step of faith, every struggle, and every triumph was worth it. I knew I wasn't just running for myself, but for His work as well. The Lord's plans for me are greater than I can ever imagine, and Sister Nikoia's words reminded me to trust in His goodness, to lean on His strength, and to keep pressing forward, even when the journey gets tough.

Brother & Sister Runia

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🩵🩵🌱🌱WEEK 62 - ONE FAITHFUL STEP AT A TIME 🌱🩵UPDATES Whanau 💖🌸Kamusta ang lahat? It is raining s...
25/09/2025

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🩵🩵🌱🌱

WEEK 62 - ONE FAITHFUL STEP AT A TIME 🌱🩵

UPDATES Whanau 💖🌸

Kamusta ang lahat? It is raining so bad down here in Rotorua and it's SO COLD. To be honest we're so soaking wet the whole week🤦🏻‍♀️🥶🌧

This week has been SO SO good! From getting to know the area to now grinding in the area. To be honest we've been working hard so much this week, I've been dragging my golden in making the most out of our missionary work each day. .

I am grateful I have the best I've learned so much from her, especially how brave and inspiring she is. I've definitely seen how much she loves the Savior by still choosing to come out here and to share her beautiful and amazing testimony on the Lord's Atonement.

This week we did a lot of member visits and lessons with our friends. It's a good week actually! Despite the highs and lows, God didn't fail me at ALL. It's such a stressful and hard week but I've learned so much in the process.

It is really a HARD week of adjustments and transitions. Rotorua is beautiful but no one can change how much I love South Auckland SO much. It's been so hard these past few days I've been reflecting and asking God “WHY” why here? Why me? Why is this happening? Everything has been so hard and literally challenged and tested my faith and patience lately.

YOUR PURPOSE is more than just a word to recite it, it is something you have to think about!

This quote touched my heart so much as I've been reflecting on my time here in Aotearoa I've come to the realization that the calling I've had as a missionary has made a big impact on my life and the people I've served with.

As a missionary, I've come to understand that my purpose is deeply rooted in my spiritual journey and my relationship with God. It's about fulfilling the Lord's call to share the gospel, serve others, and bring hope to those around me. My purpose is not just about completing tasks or achieving goals, but about being a vessel for the Lord's love and mercy. Through prayer, scripture study, and service, I've sought to discover and live my purpose, and it's brought me closer to God and given me a sense of direction and meaning. As I strive to align my actions and decisions with the Lord's will, I'm reminded that my purpose is not just about me, but about serving and blessing others. I remember one of the things I carry everyday in my scriptures is the message “ YOU represent Jesus Christ NOT YOURSELF”.

I remember one of the things that my parents told me, take your callings seriously and intentionally! This message sunk into my heart as I continued to embark on the Lord's errand here in Aotearoa. This is the Lord's work - a great work indeed!

《 RED WOODS PARK 》

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN💖💖💙WEEK 62 - ONE FAITHFUL STEP AT A TIME 🌱🩵UPDATES Whanau 💖🌸Kamusta ang lahat? It is raining so...
15/09/2025

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN💖💖💙

WEEK 62 - ONE FAITHFUL STEP AT A TIME 🌱🩵

UPDATES Whanau 💖🌸

Kamusta ang lahat? It is raining so bad down here in Rotorua and it's SO COLD. To be honest we're so soaking wet the whole week🤦🏻‍♀️🥶🌧

This week has been SO SO good! From getting to know the area to now grinding in the area. To be honest we've been working hard so much this week, I've been dragging my golden in making the most out of our missionary work each day. .

I am grateful I have the best I've learned so much from her, especially how brave and inspiring she is. I've definitely seen how much she loves the Savior by still choosing to come out here and to share her beautiful and amazing testimony on the Lord's Atonement.

This week we did a lot of member visits and lessons with our friends. It's a good week actually! Despite the highs and lows, God didn't fail me at ALL. It's such a stressful and hard week but I've learned so much in the process.

It is really a HARD week of adjustments and transitions. Rotorua is beautiful but no one can change how much I love South Auckland SO much. It's been so hard these past few days I've been reflecting and asking God “WHY” why here? Why me? Why is this happening? Everything has been so hard and literally challenged and tested my faith and patience lately.

YOUR PURPOSE is more than just a word to recite it, it is something you have to think about!

This quote touched my heart so much as I've been reflecting on my time here in Aotearoa I've come to the realization that the calling I've had as a missionary has made a big impact on my life and the people I've served with.

As a missionary, I've come to understand that my purpose is deeply rooted in my spiritual journey and my relationship with God. It's about fulfilling the Lord's call to share the gospel, serve others, and bring hope to those around me. My purpose is not just about completing tasks or achieving goals, but about being a vessel for the Lord's love and mercy. Through prayer, scripture study, and service, I've sought to discover and live my purpose, and it's brought me closer to God and given me a sense of direction and meaning. As I strive to align my actions and decisions with the Lord's will, I'm reminded that my purpose is not just about me, but about serving and blessing others. I remember one of the things I carry everyday in my scriptures is the message “ YOU represent Jesus Christ NOT YOURSELF”.

I remember one of the things that my parents told me, take your callings seriously and intentionally! This message sunk into my heart as I continued to embark on the Lord's errand here in Aotearoa. This is the Lord's work - a great work indeed!

《 RED WOODS PARK 》

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🤍💚🤍💚🤍💚WEEK 61 - ALL these things shall GIVE THEE EXPERIENCE 🌸💖UPDATES LAST WEEK🤍💚🤍💚Kia Ora, Kam...
15/09/2025

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🤍💚🤍💚🤍💚

WEEK 61 - ALL these things shall GIVE THEE EXPERIENCE 🌸💖

UPDATES LAST WEEK
🤍💚🤍💚

Kia Ora, Kamusta ang lahat?

Where do I even begin? I don't even know where to start! I do have lots of things to say but where to start? Well highlights from this week is that I got transferred HAHAHA

Thank you South Auckland for the 10 months of growth! I've definitely seen how I've grown spiritually, mentally and emotionally up there. All I can say now is that I am grateful I got to serve in the best ward (HILLPARK) and thank you for the beautiful memories I've had, South Auckland.

Updatesss! I am still STL down here in Rotorua. I am covering the Tarawera Ward and also training a new golden literally tortured HAHAHA Well my golden is Sister Duke she's from Billings Montana not from Utah anymore but still palangi 😊 Anyways she's awesome I love her so much. She is so sweet and loving, I am grateful I got the best!

This past few days down here has been a Dora the Explorer Era getting to know the ward and also familiarizing the area and friends were teaching. I wasn't actually ready for this but here you go I'm gonna be adventurous in our missionary work here in Rotorua. Anyways, the work here is really a massive change from where I worked in South Auckland, especially Hillpark! So this might take a long process but hang in there me and my golden will grind and make the most out of this transfer!

Also one thing crazy is that literally at the beginning of the transfer, if I'm not sick I get bedbug bites, fleas or any rashes! Scars is EVERYWHERE🤦🏻‍♀️🥹 Definitely humbled!

This week not gonna lie has been a truly transformative experience - all these humbling and refining experiences really just helped me to become the person the Lord wants me to become. Yes I'm in the process of adjusting and hardships but I know all these shall be but a small moment and that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for my good. (Doctrine and Covenants 121:7 - Doctrine and Covenants 122:9)

A missionary is not called to a place; rather, he or she is called to serve.
- Elder David A. Bednar

“You are not sent to a place—you are sent to people. People who are praying for peace, searching for truth, and waiting for light. You are the answer to someone’s prayer—not because of where you go, but because of how you serve.

When you understand that your calling is to serve Christ, not just to go somewhere—you stop measuring success by maps and start measuring it by hearts changed.

Your name tag bears the name of Jesus Christ—not a country, not a city. That’s the reminder: you are called to serve Him, not just to go somewhere new.

So whether you serve in a big city or a small village, whether you teach hundreds or just one—your mission is sacred. Not because of where it happens, but because of who sent you and why you were sent.”

“The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best medicine for despair is service. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired.”

《 Personal Study 》
Doctrine and Covenants 100 says it ALL! I love this chapter - the reminder, the promises, the counsels and EVERYTHING 🫶 As I reflect on Doctrine and Covenants 100 : 12, I'm struck by the Lord's reassuring words "Therefore, continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice; for behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end." This verse speaks directly to my heart, reminding me that I'm not alone in my journey and that He is there guiding and helping me along the way. The Lord's promise to be with me even unto the end fills me with hope and confidence. This week, I've faced challenges and uncertainties, but this verse reminds me to press forward with faith, knowing that the Lord is by my side. As I continue on my path, I'll strive to let my heart rejoice,trusting in the Lord's guidance and companionship. This promise isn't limited to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon; it applies to you and me and all who seek to serve the Lord. By embracing this promise, I'll find strength and comfort in times of need, and I'll be more effective in my missionary work, knowing that the Lord is always with me.

Farewell to E. Lafaitele & E. Haehl

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN💛💛🤎🤎✨✨Week 60 - I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go, Dear Lord ✨️💛Updates from last week 💛🤎This wee...
08/09/2025

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN💛💛🤎🤎✨✨

Week 60 - I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go, Dear Lord ✨️💛

Updates from last week 💛🤎

This week highlights starts from the pday game with the Redoubt Districts Murder Mystery Gang to District meeting ft. Auckland Temple, to Charmaine and Mercy's Baptism and to Exchanges with Sister Lemamea and another baptism from the one i found - Mercy and Maxien (my other pilipino faves), temple baptisms with Charmaine and the Stake Conference and pictures with my Hillpark Family.

To be honest, everything feels like it's breaking me into pieces knowing I have to leave the area that I love with all my heart. I'm not ready to leave – it's SO HARD! Transfers are incredibly tough, and I HATED it. Now, finding out I'm moving again brings back all those feelings. This is heartbreaking and is definitely leaving its mark on my life as a missionary.

I LOVE HILLPARK WARD SOOO MUCH! I love this family with ALL MY HEART. But I know the Lord will send me where I'm needed. I understand that uncomfortable places and situations will help me learn and grow, yet there's nothing that could replace the beautiful memories I've made in this ward. I'm not happy about getting transferred and moving out – this is the worst feeling I've ever had. 🥹😭"

To my HILLPARK Family, I love yous all🫶🌸 Grateful for each one of you and grateful for the love and support you've shown unto us. Hillpark you holds a special place in my heart. I'm gonna miss you🥹

Murder Mystery Gang ft. Redoubt Zone

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🇳🇿🤎🤎💖Week 59 - What men ought ye to be? 🌱💭UPDATESSS! 💛🤎💛🤎💛Kamusta ang lahat? Ayos lang naman ak...
01/09/2025

UPDATE FROM SISTER MARTIN🇳🇿🤎🤎💖

Week 59 - What men ought ye to be? 🌱💭

UPDATESSS!

💛🤎💛🤎💛

Kamusta ang lahat? Ayos lang naman ako dito buhay pa naman este kinakaya pa naman ang lamig at tsaka ulan 😂 akala ko winter is about to end na pero yung lamig hindi pa😂

This week has been the hardest and the toughest week I've ever had. I've never spent so much time on my knees nor have I shed as many tears as I have this week. I've been trying to shift away my focus with the things that matters most and not with the opinions that

Sometimes all we have to do is TO LOVE everyone - it's hard especially when it's not your thing (or you don't like them at all). To be honest it's been such a humbling experience. My mom once told me, you don't have to like them ALL but you have to LOVE them! This phrase reminds me of my mom telling me how important it is to love our neighbors and to always emulate Jesus Christ's example. I am grateful I was able to see how God refined and shaped me in this situation.

This week is SO SOOOO Good - a refining week indeed 🙌. I definitely learned SO much! This week left me with so many reflection moments, especially one of my studies in the Book of Mormon of how Jesus Christ asked what men ye ought to be?

The Lord's question, "What manner of men ought ye to be?" speaks directly to my heart as a missionary. It's a call to introspection, a reminder that my purpose is not just to serve, but to become more like the Savior. As I ponder this question, I'm drawn to the Spirit's whisper, guiding me to reflect on my own heart, my own motives, and my own actions. What kind of missionary do I want to be? One who is filled with love, compassion, and kindness? One who is patient, understanding, and empathetic? As I seek to follow the Savior's example, I'm reminded that it's not just about what I do, but who I am becoming. I'm striving to be a vessel for the Lord's love, to be a beacon of hope, and to bring light to those I'm serving. This question challenges me to surrender my own will, to let go of my own weaknesses, and to become a pure instrument in the Lord's hands. As I ponder this question, I'm reminded of the importance of humility, empathy, and faithfulness in my role as a missionary, and I'm motivated to become a better reflection of the Savior's love and light.

"14 months as a missionary have been an incredible journey of growth, learning opportunities, successes, and blessings! Every day has been a testament to the Lord's power and love. I've witnessed countless miracles - hearts softening, minds opening, and lives changing. The successes have been numerous - baptisms, and individuals coming closer to Christ. But it's the blessings that have truly been the greatest reward - the opportunity to serve, the chance to learn and grow, and the experience of feeling the Spirit's guidance and comfort every step of the way. I'm grateful for the people I've met, the lessons I've learned, and the Savior's love that's been my constant companion throughout this journey. 14 months have flown by, but the impact will last a lifetime!”

Mercy and Charmaine is getting baptized this Tuesday, I am so excited to see them take that step into the waters of baptism! Looking forward for their temple baptism as well yayyyy! Also remember one of the successes I've had when I was in my last area? Mercy and Maxien is getting baptized as well on the 29th of August. I remember it was a slow day where not much of success but I told my companion let's go check up all of the dots close by and visit them. End up the people who used to live there moved and guess what the blessing is? As we knocked on the doors, to our surprised she said I want my daughter and I to be baptized do yous know how can we be baptized? That is the beginning of those miracles, the seed that has been planted is now bringing such blessings. That experience brought so much JOY and excitement for me each day - I've definitely seen how they strive to follow Jesus as they continue to go to church. I am eternally grateful God made the biggest impact and changes in my life as I continue to serve him with ALL my ALL wholeheartedly!

《 Alma 26:5 》

Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted.

| P E R S O N A L S T U D Y |
Let us follow the Son of God in all ways and in all walks of life. Let us make him our exemplar and our guide. We should at every opportunity ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” and then be more courageous to act upon the answer. We must follow Christ, in the best sense of that word. We must be about his work as he was about his Father’s. We should try to be like him, even as the Primary children sing.

We must know Christ better than we know him; we must remember him more often than we remember him; we must serve him more valiantly than we serve him. Then we will drink water springing up unto eternal life and will eat the bread of life. What manner of men and women ought we to be? Even as he is!

PS. More emails to go🌸✨️ Miss ko na kayong lahat, ingat po kayo palagi.

Mahal ko kayo, Ingats 💖
Keep me updated 📩

Sister Martin🌻💛
New Zealand Hamilton Mission 🇳🇿
June 2024 - December 2025

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PO Box 9542 Waikato Mail Center
Hamilton
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