My 1st official email! (Annie Ferrin)

Hey sister ❤️ It’s currently 1 am and I’ve got too much on my mind to sleep, so here we are lol. One time on my mission, we had a guest speaker come talk to our mission. I honestly don’t even remember who she was, but I’ve never forgotten what she taught. She shared that her and her companion were so motivated to fulfill their missionary purpose, they wanted to find, teach, and baptize! (Like many of us) They thought the way to do that was by waking up extra early, shortening breaks, and squeezing every possible minute out of the day so they could spend more time working. Her message was that, even though their intentions were good, they were trying to do the work their way instead of His way. The truth is, Heavenly Father has outlined exactly how the day should go and He doesn’t expect you to give more than you have. On the contrary, He commands His missionaries to rest, eat, study, exercise, and take care of themselves. Those standards aren’t distractions from the work, they’re part of the work. I know you’re doing an incredible job, Hannah. The Lord is proud of you and so am I. I promise, as you are obedient to the missionary standards, taking the time you’re supposed to for meals, making it home by 9, and relying on the Lord’s way instead of feeling like you need to push beyond what He asks, you will find the people He is preparing for you. Sometimes as missionaries we think, “If I just work harder, skip my break, stay out a little longer, etc., I’ll teach and baptize more.” I’m not saying that’s what you’re thinking, I just know it’s an easy trap to fall into. But that’s not how the Lord measures success. The Lord is in control of His work. He can accomplish more through an obedient missionary than through an exhausted one. And I’m not saying you’re being disobedient. I know you’re doing the best you can with the culture of your mission and the expectations around you. I just don’t want you to ever feel like you have to give more than the Lord asks. As you trust Him enough to put His standards above the opinions of others, He will magnify your efforts in ways you can’t do on your own. Mosiah 24:14–15: “I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders… that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.” Christ has been through it all. Give Him your burdens. He may not take them away, but He will strengthen you to carry them. You’re doing better than you think. Keep going. Keep trusting Him. I’m sure there are other missionaries who are carrying these same burdens. As you trust the Lord’s way, you will be a leader and an example to them. I love you, sister. Have a great week! HURRAH FOR ISRAEL! ✊❤️ Love, Annie (aka chicken)