Missionaries from the Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints are called to preach the gospel of Christ, giving up many luxuries voluntarily to serve. All over the world, missionaries spend two years of their lives to devote themselves to studying the gospel and enlightening others about Jesus Christ. According to the Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints, there are more than 84,000 missionaries around the world.
Sister Brandt and Sister Peterson have ended up in Madison on the journey to fulfill their calling. They arrived in Madison on Wednesday, April 6.
Brandt is from Fort Collins, Co. and is in the last month of her mission. Peterson is from Arlington, Wash.; this is her first mission assignment.
Brandt and Peterson serve the area between Madison to Dothan, Al.
Peterson is a convert to the Church of Latter-Day Saints and enjoys sharing what she's received with others. “[We have] a sacred calling and [know] what God wants us to do,” said Peterson.
“Helping people feel the love that Jesus has for them and seeing a change in their lives as they do is what [drives me],” said Brandt.
Brandt's favorite scripture is Nephi 17:13: And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.
“Jesus is the light in our wilderness of life and He leads us to where He wants us to go,” said Brandt when asked why she enjoys this scripture. “By following Him, we can know that He is there and leading us.”
Peterson's favorite scripture is Ether 12:27: And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
Peterson finds that this scripture has helped her on her mission, as oftentimes during the work that she does, God makes a point to show her weaknesses; in that humility, Brandt notes, she grows and her weaknesses are turned into strengths.
Brandt is looking forward to wherever God calls her next and will be returning home in May before moving on to her next location. “The church is true and it has brought me so much joy, happiness and comfort in my life, knowing that God has a plan for me,” said Brandt.
Peterson hopes to inspire others to follow Christ as her mission continues.
“Our message is centered on Christ and through Him, we are able to change and overcome anything,” said Peterson. “This is the place where you get all the pieces of the truth- every bit.”