Sister Missionaries Save Dozens from Carbon Monoxide

byDanielle B. Wagner | Jul. 26, 2016

Mormon Life

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Two sister missionaries in Southfield, Michigan, Sister Adams and Sister Rambert, were woken early Sunday morning when their carbon monoxide alarm went off. Deadly gas began filling their apartment, coming from a faulty water heater, according to Fox 2 News.

As they called 911 and started to leave the building, the sisters quickly realized they were the only ones with a carbon monoxide detector in the Cambridge Square apartments.

So these missionaries did what they do best: they went door to door. But instead of sharing the gospel, they were saving lives.

"I'm grateful that we were protected and everyone was safe," Sister Rambert told Fox 2 News.

Firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after, rescuing 20 people who were starting to suffer from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. The carbon monoxide levels were dangerously high, at about 100 parts per million, but no one was killed by the deadly gas.

"A lot of people kept asking the firefighters, 'If they hadn't called, we would all be dead, right?'" Sister Adams told Fox 2 News. "So it's really a tender mercy from the Lord."

This is a way cool story  -- a few months ago the church bought carbon monoxide alarms for every apartment that missionaries are living in in every mission.  They spend ALOT of money on these and they were to be installed as soon as possible.  Just imagine how many detectors that is -- for every apartment or living quarters in the world - every mission (well not all parts of the world need detectors).  The senior couple in our mission who are in charge of housing and cars have been working fast and hard to get them all installed. This is an amazing story of the wisdom and insight of the importance of this. These sister missionaries had one of those detectors and was the only apartment in that complex that had a detector. It saved their lives and all those who lived there.  It i a mission miracle for sure.  It amazes me how the Lord works to keep the missionaries safe -- and this one of the ways.  

DANIEL ALLEN  (1804 - 1892)

Daniel had earlier stood guard of the prophet, and he became a marked man to the mobs.  One evening as he did chores near his home, he had a strong premonition that the mobs would come for him that night.  His wife, Mary Ann noticed that he was particularly concerned during their evening prayers together.  After their prayers, he confided with her about his feelings.  As they talked, his eyes fell on her lace-lined nightcap on the dresser top.  He told her of his plan to wear the nightcap and go to bed with the baby, Eliza.  Soon after he was settled in bed, a loud pounding came from the front door of their cabin.  Mary Ann opened the door to a group of angry men, who said they had come for Daniel Allen.  She told them to search the cabin if they wanted to.  They failed to find him, and as they left the cabin one of them said, "There is no one here except an old woman in bed with her child."  Daniel and Mary Ann said special prayers of thanksgiving for his protection.  She said to Daniel, "wear the nightcap always; it shall be your shield of protection."            
(my great-great-great grandfather)  (copied from family Allen book)

July 28

Last night Elders Connolly and Donohue and I met with Heather and her girls to continue to help them gain testimonies and more knowledge of the gospel -- which are their follow-up lessons after baptism.  It's truly amazing to me to see how prepared this family was for the gospel.  They radiate and are so happy.  Heather said there is more calm in their home, less fighting and when she wants to yell - instead she just speaks in a calm manner.  Last night Destini's dad was there and we were able to teach him about the restoration. We challenged him to read the Book of Mormon and to take the lessons. When the Elders got to the part of Joseph Smith - Destini asked if she could tell the story of Joseph Smith and I was amazed -- she was "spot on" -- told it correctly and with feeling.  In fact, they all wanted to join in.  Destini needs to prepare herself for a mission, she would be a fantastic sister missionary. I took time to compliment her and express that feeling. The Lord truly does know his children and he knew that they were ready for the gospel.  Heather says that she hasn't seen missionaries on her street for over four years and just when she knew that she absolutely needed a change in her life -- the missionaries came down the street - spoke to her father -- he said he wasn't interested -- they asked him if he knew anyone who might listen to them -- he told his granddaughter to go get her mother  (Heather) and from that moment on Heather's life was changed and lives of her daughters.  Their conversation has strengthened my conversion -- their testimonies is strengthening mine and I see the Lord's hands in this beautiful story.  I am so grateful that I get to be a part of it.

To receive the blessings promised from true conversion, make the changes that you know are needed in your life.  The Savior said:  "Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? ... If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life.    (-Richard G. Scott --- scripture is 3 Nephi 9:13)

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A massive heat wave passed through Omaha this week.  It was - well, we'll just say, it was sticky!!!!  For three days it was about 110 degrees, but with the heat index it felt like 120 degrees. The humidity was at least 80%.  When you went outside you felt like you had stepped into a sauna.  I was soooo grateful to be working in our air-conditioned mission office.  

Week of 25-28 -- Transfer Week

RANDOM PICTURES OF TRANSFER WEEK

One of my favorite stories in the New Testament comes from John 4.  Here we find the Savior and his Apostles leaving Jerusalem and traveling to Galilee, (more than a week long journey walking in the heat.)

Upon reaching Sychar, a little town about half way to Galilee, he comes to a Samaritan woman at Jacobs well.  Jesus saith unto the woman, "Give me to drink."  Her response, "How is it that thou, being a Jew, asketh drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?  For the Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

The Savior then testified, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me drink; thou would have asked him and he would have given thee LIVING WATER.  She says, "From whence then hast thou living water?  The Savior invites, "Whoso drinketh of this water shall thirst again, but whosoever drinketh of

the water that I shall give him shall be a well of water springing up unto everlasting life.

Sir...Give me this water that I thirst not.

The Savior was not teaching of physical water but that of spiritual water.  He was testifying of the reality of His atonement and the spiritual life saving truths that will rescue each of us from sin and sorrow.  His Living Water provides hope, peace and enduring love.  He was testifying of the Covenant Path that we must all walk to return back to the presence of both Him and the Father.  It is the same path that we invite and help our investigators, less actives and members walk as they begin their journey home.

                                                             ---Pres Gardner

I KNOW MY SAVIOR LIVES

Last night (Sunday) I took dinner to Sisters Willis and Firth in Council Bluffs -- we had scones and a fruit-candy salad. We had a great time just being together.  It was the 24th of July and there were no celebrations here in Omaha.  It was not even really mentioned in church even.  Weird for us Utahn's that's for sure.

They gave me a lesson on service  - we read some scriptures and shared our thoughts and testimony of service.  Then they asked me if I would wrote down my testimony of Christ before I went to bed.  Sooooo I did.  Here it is.

I just want to put it on my blog so I can share my testimony of our Savior.  It's always changing, but here are my thoughts as of last night.  It is pioneer day - the 24th of July -- a day to remember the pioneers -- their love and sacrifice -- their faith and courage and their will to endure.  They trusted with all their hearts in the Savior.  These pioneers had firm and steadfast testimonies of the Savior.  Had they not, they never would have gone through what they did -- or would not have endured to the end.

Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the World.  He is the Son of God.  When we believe in Christ, when we follow him, he will lead us back to our Heavenly Father.  Christ is and was an example to all of us.  He has shown us the way.  He taught us through example, through parables and through his love.  He has shown us the way -- for he is the way, the truth and the life.

He fed the poor, clothe the naked, visited and healed the sick, and visited those is prison and he has asked us to do the same (Matt 25).  AND he has told us that when we do these things and serve others -- it's as if we have done it unto him.  I am learning and gaining a testimony of this.  I taught my children this - and I am trying hard to imply it into my life on a daily basis.

Christ died for us and was resurrected.  He gave us the gifts of repentance and forgiveness.  Through the atonement we can be made free.  We can repent and be forgiven of all our sins and if we allow him to change our hearts and to be pure and clean we will have no more desire to sin.  Through all this we can be changed  - we can be refined.  We can reap the plan of happiness.

He has given us JOY and PEACE.  He will calm our troubled souls, mend our broken hearts and heal us from all afflictions.  He will answer our prayers and walk with us along every path.  He is healing my wounded heart.

He has said "Come unto Me"  and that is where I draw my strength.  I want to come unto him -- I want to feel his love -- I want to live with him again. My testimony of the Savior is pretty dear and sweet to me.  I have been embraced in my Savior's love my entire life.  I am not a woman of financial gain, or earthly possessions, but I am a woman of faith and a woman who treasures the blessings and miracles that I have been given by my Savior.   He has been by my side through all walks of my life.  The picture below gives me a lot of comfort -- it's exactly how I feel about my Savior.  He was and is by my side as a single mother.  He cared for my children and I through his loving touch and blessed our lives with surrounding angels -- those precious angels were sent on missions to help me raise my children.  I felt them near me often  I received love and comfort from them and a sustaining power.  The Savior promised that he would bless the "fatherless" homes.  He blessed my home and the lives of me and my children.  My Savior carried me when  I was too tired to do another thing, he gave me strength to carry on, he helped me stay humble and true to his commandments and kept me in the temple on a weekly basis -- even if it was only playing the organ that week.  I was there to feel his love through just being there and through the glorious hymns.  "I feel My Saviors Love" was one of those comforting hymns.  Oh how grateful I am that I am surrounded by his enduring love.  I know my Savior lives and loves me. I have a testimony of him and his redeeming love and I am so grateful.

I know that our Heavenly Father lives and also His son.  I know that Joseph Smith was called as a young boy to restore and organize God's church upon this earth.  I am blessed to be a missionary and a witness of Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for this blessing in my life.  I have a testimony of the Atonement and that we can all repent and be cleansed for our sins.  I know that we can return to our Heavenly Father if we do our part -  keep our covenants and his commandments and endure to the end.  I testify these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

A TENDER MERCY

Chris Byrne (my niece Sandy's husband is in the military.  Last week he was called to report to Turkey in November for a 365, which means he will be gone for one year. This is a post she put on facebook yesterday.  A great lesson learned from scriptures and the love of our Savior. I have such a testimony of this -- the Lord has given me guidance and comfort so many times through the scriptures.  Sometimes it seems miraculous and tender and you feel the Savior's love.  I know that we could have more of these experiences if we were just aware and prepared.  This is a great thing for Chris and Sandy - to help them accept this new assignment.

Sandy's post:
I would like to share an experience Chris has this week.  Like many of you, we are confused as to why we have to experience another 365.  I feel that Chris was given the answer.  While he was reading his scriptures, he thought he heard rain - so he got up to check.  I t wasn't raining so he went back to read his scriptures.  He started reading and realized that it wasn't at the spot where he left off, but instead it was at Doctrine and Covenants 58:3-5, which reads:

"Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come here after, and the glory which shall follow after tribulation.  For after much tribulation come the blessings.  Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but nigh at hand.  Remember this, which I tell you before, that ye may lay it to heart; and receive that which is to follow."

We don't know what will follow, but I do know that as long as Chris and I remember this and do our best, we will be blessed.  Being apart is never easy, but I'm thankful for the gospel and the strength it gives me.       SANDY

CROWNED WITH GLORY

FOURTH WATCH OF THE NIGHT

In Matthew 14, we read, "In the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.  But straightway Jesus spake unto them saying, Be of good cheer; it is I, be not afraid.  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.  And he said, Come.  And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, Lord save me.

When you watch the Bible video of this experience, we see that when Peter was focused on the Savior, he literally walked on the water.  It took extreme faith for Peter to step out of the boat and take the first steps. However, as he exercised his faith, a miracle took place.  Something that was not previously possible was made possible. It was only when he took his eye off the Savior, that he saw the waves and wind and began to be afraid.

We too can exercise our faith so that miracles will take place.  If we will focus our eyes on the Savior, we too will see  miracles and will be able to accomplish things that may not have previously been possible.

                                                                             ---Pres. Gardner

JULY 24

This was written in 1997  - from the book titled "Ancestry of John Lorenzo Buchanan and Julia Ann Zufelt.  

One hundred and twenty two years have passed since this noble couple was married and sealed to each other for eternity in the Salt Lake Endowment House.  Today their descendants number well over one thousand.  The sesquicentennial in this year of 1997 of the journey of the first pioneers to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake, provides us an opportunity to pause and honor our family's pioneer ancestors.  One of them had served in the Mormon Battalion, (John Buchanan) and was with the Brigham Young party in 1847.  He accompanied the Prophet and other leaders on their return trip to Winter Quarters, Nebraska, during the late summer of fall of 1847.  That grandfather and seven other direct ancestors in four families made the long and arduous journey from Iowa across the plains and Rocky Mountains to the place of gathering in the Great Basin in the years following these events. Their numerous posterity helped colonize various settlements throughout Utah and were true to the faith of their fathers.  It is our challenge today to be true to those who brought the gospel to our ancestors.  One ancestor had died in Illinois in 1839 from effects of persecution of the Saints in Missouri the year before.  All of us should seriously consider the great heritage that is ours and the value of the good names we bear.

July 23

Another evening with darling sisters, Sister Slater and Hutchinson and Buchanans waffles.  They are so fun and great missionaries.  They left with a wonderful message -- showed the Mormon message--- The Will of God.

A GREAT BAPTISM DAY - July 23

"We see baptism as the starting point in our journey of discipleship. Our daily walk with Jesus Christ leads to peace and purpose in this life and profound joy and eternal salvation in the world to come."    -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The continued story of our mission treasure -- such a happy story -- Heather and her daughters:  Destini, Angyl and Alyna.

From Elder Connolly's mom:  
Colleen Connolly I always wondered how effective it was for the missionaries to ask people who said they weren't interested if they had any friends who might be. One day while out, Elder Connolly saw a man in a truck who said he wasn't interested. Then he asked if he knew anyone who might be. This man asked his granddaughters to go get their mother. And the Lord knew that this mother had been praying to make changes in her life and to find happiness and thats how this story began. It is so wonderful to see the Lord guiding His work. He loves each of us and wants each of His children to return home.

Beautiful WINTER QUARTERS - TEMPLE, TRAIL CENTER AND KANESVILLE TABERNACLE

A MISSION TREASURE

SUCH A HAPPY STORY .....
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These are the four Elders assigned to ward that I attend:  Elders Garrett, Karl, Sherman and Connolly.

Elder Sherman and Connolly were tracting one evening and come upon Heather and her girls.  Heather is a single mom and has three girls.  Destini - 13, Angyl - 11 and Alyna - 9

They listened to the restoration message and without any question wanted to know more.  The Elders began teaching them and I got involved and went on team-ups with them.  We watched this sweet family grasp everything.  Heather almost immediately stopped smoking and knows that she has had spiritual help in doing it.  The girls read their scriptures, listened to the lessons.  They can answer gospel questions, they are reaching out to know more.  They have been to the Trail Center a couple to times and tear up everytime they watch the story of Joseph Smith and the Restoration.  They will be baptized this Saturday July 23 -- five days before Elder Sherman returns to Utah.  What a blessing in his life -- what diligence and an answer to prayer.  I am so proud of these two Elders and their faithfulness.  I am so grateful that I am a part of the teaching and conversion and that I have Destini in Young Women's with me.  She brings her cousin with her and it's such a wonderful experience -- it has lifted my spirit and confirmed to me once again that the Lord truly does know his people and puts the gospel in their path when they are ready.  Heather is firm and steadfast already.  I am so proud of her. She wants what is best for her and her daughters.  Below is a picture I took of them before church a few weeks ago.  I will put more picture of the day of their baptism.  

Our Baptism and confirmation is the gateway into His kingdom.  When we enter, we covenant to be of  His kingdom ---- forever!

                                                                      --Robert D. Hales

"PALM OF MY HANDS"

"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me"  (Isaiah 49: 15-16; see also 1 Nephi 21: 15-16).


The Savior has not forgotten us.  He knows our pains and sufferings and has provided a healing balm through His grace to bring us peace.  We, like ancient castles, can find new purpose as we are rebuilt through faith in the gospel.  And if we make and keep our temple covenants, our loved ones may be with us again in the Resurrection and in heaven.
 (Loss and Childlessness: Finding Hope amide the Pain - Ensign Oct. 2012)

MY FAMILY COMES TO VISIT ME IN OMAHA!!!!!

July 9-14, 2016

Saturday we went miniature golfing and laser tag -- we celebrated Braden's birthday -- lots of fun -- it's been along time since we have been able to dedicate the day to him -- it's always a reunion day or reunion weekend which always kept me busy.  That evening we enjoyed a delicious BBQ out on the patio at my complex -- meat was amazing and the visit with my kids was joyous.  I love them so much and love their support to me.  I know that this time together will rejuvenate us all and help us get through the next eight months of my mission.

such a cute family

Sunday afternoon we visited the Winter Quarters Trail Center and walked the grounds of the temple and cemetery

Monday, we visited the Kanesville Tabernacle, the Bob Kerry Bridge and had dinner at Pres and Sister Gardners home

Tuesday the my family spent the day at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium -- Omaha's Zoo is one of the best in the nation.  They had such a great time -- just wish we had more pictures -especially of Navy and Jensen.  I want to mention a huge tender mercy we received this day.  Sis. Anderson and DeVard found out that we were going to the zoo.  They both have season passes ----sooooo They told us that they would meet us at the zoo entrance and get us in free --- all of us --- WHAT!!!!  and not only did they get us in free - but Sis. Anderson has a "super duper" pass and got them all a waist band which gave them access to all unlimited rides  (the train, carousel, etc., and the 3-D theatre show.  Unbelievable.  I was so grateful.  It made for such a fun day for my family.  I am just so grateful.  They never would have had that much fun without all that BONUS.  They came home so happy and thrilled for such a nice day at the zoo.

Wednesday we spent the afternoon at the Children's Discovery Museum in Omaha - then had a late lunch - early dinner at Olive Garden -- the took Braden and Andrea to the airport for their flight home to Arizona

T

Thursday was the last day with my family -- we visited the Omaha Highway Patrol Office, the mission office -- then drove to Council Bluffs for lunch at Christy Creme.  We planned on touring the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, The Squirrel Cage Jail and a few other sights, but it all closed at 4:00pm. We were too late ---- how lame is that during the summer and tourist season.  So we drove to downtown Omaha -- spent some time at the Gene Leary Mall where they have these awesome outdoor slides -- we grabbed smoothie and then off to the airport to send Christy, Kc, Megan, Navy and Jensen on their way home

It was a WONDERFUL WEEK --a week of relaxing - no schedules to  meet - casual week -- just what they wanted!!!!