The Hastening of the Work

If any of you don't know what the Hastening of the Work means, you
should take a little trip over to Cape May, New Jersey and you will
see exactly what it means! We have been completely amazed as we are
watching the hastening right before our very eyes. The members of our
small branch are starting to see the vision of full-time missionaries
and the members working together to accomplish the work of salvation.
We as missionaries are loving and supporting the members and working
hard to become better teachers, and the members in turn are praying
for and acting on opportunities to share the gospel with their
friends. It is a privilege to be a part of such a marvelous work. We
are teaching some incredible people who have been completely prepared
to accept the gospel, and the built in support of their member friends
is priceless.

We were sitting in Sunday School yesterday and as I looked around the
classroom, I was so pleased to see 3 of our investigators at church,
all 3 of whom were sitting next to the members that brought them. THAT
is a beautiful sight for a missionary, let me tell you what!

I want to share with you a suggestion for you all to pray about for
your own homes and families. A member started a Book of Mormon study
group that she holds weekly in her home. She not only handed out
copies of the Book of Mormon to her friends, but she was able to say,
"I'm holding a scripture study group in my home where we discuss this
book along with the Bible and how we can grow closer to Christ. I
would love for you to come and share your insights so we can all learn
from each other." Three of her friends agreed to come, and so far 2 of
them are getting baptized! We are starting to encourage other members
to hold their own Book of Mormon study class and invite their friends.
We, as missionaries, are even willing to teach it, just as long as
they will host it and invite people. I'm convinced that this is a
powerful tool for us as members to utilize to hasten the Lord's work!
Pray about it, and if Heavenly Father tells you that this is something
you should do, talk to the missionaries! They will LOVE to help you
out!

I looooooooooooove you all so much! I promise you that God loves you
and is aware of all that you are going through. In especially these
last two weeks, I have become even more aware of how much Heavenly
Father is playing a role in my life. And I know that He is doing the
same for you!

I'd love to hear from any of you who take this challenge to hold a
Book of Mormon class. Let me know how it goes and what miracles you
see happen!

Love always and forever, your Jersey-girl missionary, Sister Amber Ricks