Everything here is going well. The mission is such a learning experience. I feel like I learn so much a day, that a couple of days later, I can hardly remember what happened. A lot of great things and funny things happen each day. Every day is just an adventure. One that I wish I could do justice, but my mind is swirling with all of the stuff that goes on. One thing I have learned this week is the importance of having the spirit. Our Father in Heaven knows each of us so well, and knows exactly what we need to learn and how and when, so I am putting my trust in him that whatsoever happens will be for my good. Everything happens line upon line. That is why it may be so difficult to sense change sometimes. I read a great quote by Thomas Paine. "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly".
One of the difficult things at this time of the year, is that people become very busy. Many of our people are on vacation for two weeks. Our current list of people to teach got cut by 75%. So that means a lot of finding, which is also difficult around Christmas time. One thing I know that will happen is as we stick through the hard times, miracles will happen. We will find someone. I had a neat experience Monday night. Elder Young and I(we were on splits) went into the town centre to do some street contacting. Neither one of us was doing very well. I got fed up with myself and with the people around me. I decided that it was time to pray. I asked God to help me have the courage to talk to people, and also to find someone searching for the message. I just started to have good conversations with people, but none of them were interested. I stopped a kid around my age, named Timi, who looked like he was ready to give me a hard time, but I just went for it. I started to talk to him about the comfort that the gospel can bring, and how it is for everyone at everytime. He just agreed with me the whole time. I told him that we go around sharing this amazing message with people. I don't even remember everything that we talked about, but at the end he just grabbed my shoulders and sincerely thanked me. We have not been able to get in contact with him yet, but I feel like there is a good direction. It is amazing the people that the spirit touches everyday. I was reading through my journal the other day and was noticing a lot of people that we contacted at the beginning of my mission whom we have never heard from since. It is sad to see so many people lose interest, that is why it is important to get their number, but you do what you can.
I have been reading about the importance of having the spirit and carrying the message with power and authority. The gospel is for everyone and has so much to offer people. I have taken it for granted so much in my life, and it has taken seeing millions of people without it to wake me up. Even people who are good, loving, serving people are missing something.
We have been progressing two investigators, D***** and T****, towards baptism. They are building a firm foundation, but I know there will be some road bumps ahead. Their testimonies can be the only thing to get them through. We also have C******. I cannot remember if I have told you about him, but he is amazing. He remembers so much, but also has so much to learn. Despite this, he just knows that he should be baptized. He is back at home in Malaysia, but his baptism is in January. I hope I am still here for it. We have an investigator named S****. His dad, J******, is also a bit interested, but his Mom is a pastor at a church. She knows her Bible, but WOW, Satan can work in sneaky ways.
She saw that in the introduction to the Book of Mormon it said that Joseph Smith had the Melchezidek Priesthood, and said that only Jesus had been called after the order of Melchezidek and that we were claiming that Joseph Smith was on the same plane as Jesus. We have taught her that Joseph Smith is just a prophet. He got his authority from God, as did Melchesidek, as did Jesus Christ. She asked if we would put Joseph Smith of the same plane as Melchesidek, and we said we would. They were
both honorable priesthood holders. She claimed that Melchezidek was Jesus Christ not yet revealed, and we were like . . . "WHAT!!!! Do you realize what you are saying?" Her son and husband stepped in at this point and told her she was crazy. She says that Melchezidek never died and they have no idea where he came from. I was just astounded.
As people read the Book of Mormon, they are changed. We saw it in S****. It is true for everyone. Our only investigators who go anywhere are those who do their reading. A lot of people don't do their reading though. If I had a pound for everytime someone told me that their life was just too busy and they were just too tired to read, I would be rich! No joking!
X***'s baptism this Saturday was cancelled. She just doesn't have enough desire. We cannot force her to do anything. We really need her to feel the spirit strong, but she just isn't ready.
K*** got sick last weekend, but she is excited to meet with us this weekend. She knows what she wants to do eventually, but she is going to take her own time getting there.
I talked to a man named A*** at the library last Saturday. He used to be a member, but didn't have enough faith to understand the atonement and believe in things he cannot see. I wish he lived in our area, but we want to call the missionaries who serve in his area. He just needs some faith building experiences. I love the power of prayer. It does everything!
We are working hard to try to continually contact people who haven't been contacted for weeks. We are having some success once we get into their home. There is a continual cycle that must go on. As you teach people, they either progress towards being baptized, or they are dropped. To avoid having no one to teach, you have to find people while you are teaching. It really helps to have member and investigator referrals to feed this cycle, but most of it comes from personal efforts. We
have been doing this pretty well to the point where we always have people to teach, but Chirstmas time is presenting a problem. I am excited to focus on Chirstmas and it's meaning more when we have time to just sit and think and read. The mission just prepares us for everything that happens later in life, especially with families. The most important
missionary work is done within the home. Harold B. Lee said something about that. Anyway, I love you all! Have a great Christmas!
Elder Davies
Current Mission Address
Mission Office Address
England Manchester Mission
Springwood, Ste G5
Booths Park, Knutsford, WA168QZ
ENGLAND
Connah's Quay
WALES
England Manchester Mission
Springwood, Ste G5
Booths Park, Knutsford, WA168QZ
ENGLAND
Current Physical Address
2 Golftyn DriveConnah's Quay
WALES
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
12/12/07 Investigator News and a Miracle
About recent news with our investigators: We overtook an investigator named C****** from some Elders that were replaced by sisters. He is from Malaysia and has a baptismal date for January 19th. Both of my baptisms I will have basically walked into. I will get one of my own one day!! He is amazing. He has been taught basically everything, and is just waiting that long because he is going on holiday for three weeks.
During weekly planning this week we prayed specifically for X***. I had a distinct impression to commit her to baptism on the 22nd. I love the spirit. Well, the next day we approached her with it, and . . . . . . YES!!!!!! It was awesome. She took a while to sit there and think and she said that she would like it. Recently she has hesitated a bit about it, mostly because her family doesn't know a lot about it, and because she is scared to have that responsibility. But then we watched the Finding Faith in Christ DVD and the spirit was so strong. She said she was very touched, and then started talking about how a baptism would be a great Christmas present and birthday present. We are praying for everything to continue smoothly. Things with Kath are going good. We figured out some stuff about her past, so we understand that everything has to move at her pace. Each time she gets more solid about baptism. We are loving teaching her, and being blessed all over.
We had a lesson yesterday with a couple named T**** and D*****. D***** had been taught before, and told us what he thought about Joseph Smith. It was awesome. T**** is doing everything we ask her and she is alive!! While reading about the atonement the night before their lesson, I suddenly knew that we had to teach about the atonement. It just went into repentence, and then baptism. We brought it back to the restoration more, but I think if things go well tomorrow that we could date them for baptism!
We had some investigators named A****** and R***** who were from India. I am teaching people from all over the place. I think K*** is our only white, English investigator. A****** and R***** are so great and humble, but they moved to London last night. We are calling the Elders in London, and I hope to hear more about it. We had a lesson with an investigator named C****. We watched the restoration DVD, which is awesome. But her girl was out of control. She ended up slapping her hand! It was pretty shocking, and the spirit just went whoosh [meaning it left]! This week will be awesome, so I look forward to have tons to say next week.
I have to tell you about a miracle I had on Saturday. Weeks ago I met an agnostic on a bus, and we had a great chat about missionary work. I felt really bad after leaving him, because I did not leave him with anything. It was probably a new missionary just feeling like he had to give everyone a Book of Mormon or something, but I still felt bad. So I have been praying to meet D*** (that is his name) again. This is where it gets good. Forgive my lack of suspense, because this could be
great in the right hands. Well, we had an appointment set up with a man named D****l on 10 Nash Street. He had been a previous investigator of missionaries many months ago, but we got in contact with him again. So when we knocked on the door, who did I see . . . . . D***!!! I was dumbfounded. He invited us right in like he was expecting us. I asked him if he knew D****l, and he said that D****l had moved. We called D****l, and it was true. So that is another call we have to make to missionaries in another area. I couldn't imagine it. Maybe the only reason that D****l was ever taught was because I was supposed to run into D*** again, in the house that D****l used to live in!!! I Can't believe it!! D*** didn't want us to have his number, because he is searching on his own, but we gave him our number. I so hope he calls us. God may have just directed me to D*** because I prayed for it, and he was showing me the miracles that can happen with prayer. Whatever the reason, I know that prayer works. I hope we are the answer to a lot of D***'s questions, but we can only continue to pray.
B***, our recent convert, has not been praying much lately, so we committed him to pray everyday. He told us he would read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover by the end of the transfer. 17 pages a day! That was yesterday. We talked to him today, and he had read all of 1 Nephi. 53 pages!! We promised him that if he could read the Book Of Mormon in 5 weeks that his life would change, and he would look back on the last five weeks and see so much change. I love it! Last Friday I learned the secret to the gospel, but I will have to share that with you another week!
My dear family, this is an amazing time of the year. I would ask you to reach out to God's children this Christmas to those who would not have the chance to participate in the same amount of spirit we are able to. Whether it is some stranger, a family in the ward, a non-member friend, or even better a member of the family. We are so blessed to have the Chirstmas spirit that we have. Find a way to share it! Whether that is by giving of monetary blessings, or inviting others into the home to feel of the spirit, or anything.
Money may waver, where we celebrate can change, people you are around may change, but each year our testimonies can grow stronger. The greatest gift is one that doesn't run out, can be continually built upon, and is best when being shared. This gift is the great knowledge we have of the restored gospel, and the testimony we hold that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of us all!! Let someone feel of that gift! I love you all, and hope I was able to share everything. May our Father in Heaven watch over you!
Lots of Love,
Elder Jordan Davies
During weekly planning this week we prayed specifically for X***. I had a distinct impression to commit her to baptism on the 22nd. I love the spirit. Well, the next day we approached her with it, and . . . . . . YES!!!!!! It was awesome. She took a while to sit there and think and she said that she would like it. Recently she has hesitated a bit about it, mostly because her family doesn't know a lot about it, and because she is scared to have that responsibility. But then we watched the Finding Faith in Christ DVD and the spirit was so strong. She said she was very touched, and then started talking about how a baptism would be a great Christmas present and birthday present. We are praying for everything to continue smoothly. Things with Kath are going good. We figured out some stuff about her past, so we understand that everything has to move at her pace. Each time she gets more solid about baptism. We are loving teaching her, and being blessed all over.
We had a lesson yesterday with a couple named T**** and D*****. D***** had been taught before, and told us what he thought about Joseph Smith. It was awesome. T**** is doing everything we ask her and she is alive!! While reading about the atonement the night before their lesson, I suddenly knew that we had to teach about the atonement. It just went into repentence, and then baptism. We brought it back to the restoration more, but I think if things go well tomorrow that we could date them for baptism!
We had some investigators named A****** and R***** who were from India. I am teaching people from all over the place. I think K*** is our only white, English investigator. A****** and R***** are so great and humble, but they moved to London last night. We are calling the Elders in London, and I hope to hear more about it. We had a lesson with an investigator named C****. We watched the restoration DVD, which is awesome. But her girl was out of control. She ended up slapping her hand! It was pretty shocking, and the spirit just went whoosh [meaning it left]! This week will be awesome, so I look forward to have tons to say next week.
I have to tell you about a miracle I had on Saturday. Weeks ago I met an agnostic on a bus, and we had a great chat about missionary work. I felt really bad after leaving him, because I did not leave him with anything. It was probably a new missionary just feeling like he had to give everyone a Book of Mormon or something, but I still felt bad. So I have been praying to meet D*** (that is his name) again. This is where it gets good. Forgive my lack of suspense, because this could be
great in the right hands. Well, we had an appointment set up with a man named D****l on 10 Nash Street. He had been a previous investigator of missionaries many months ago, but we got in contact with him again. So when we knocked on the door, who did I see . . . . . D***!!! I was dumbfounded. He invited us right in like he was expecting us. I asked him if he knew D****l, and he said that D****l had moved. We called D****l, and it was true. So that is another call we have to make to missionaries in another area. I couldn't imagine it. Maybe the only reason that D****l was ever taught was because I was supposed to run into D*** again, in the house that D****l used to live in!!! I Can't believe it!! D*** didn't want us to have his number, because he is searching on his own, but we gave him our number. I so hope he calls us. God may have just directed me to D*** because I prayed for it, and he was showing me the miracles that can happen with prayer. Whatever the reason, I know that prayer works. I hope we are the answer to a lot of D***'s questions, but we can only continue to pray.
B***, our recent convert, has not been praying much lately, so we committed him to pray everyday. He told us he would read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover by the end of the transfer. 17 pages a day! That was yesterday. We talked to him today, and he had read all of 1 Nephi. 53 pages!! We promised him that if he could read the Book Of Mormon in 5 weeks that his life would change, and he would look back on the last five weeks and see so much change. I love it! Last Friday I learned the secret to the gospel, but I will have to share that with you another week!
My dear family, this is an amazing time of the year. I would ask you to reach out to God's children this Christmas to those who would not have the chance to participate in the same amount of spirit we are able to. Whether it is some stranger, a family in the ward, a non-member friend, or even better a member of the family. We are so blessed to have the Chirstmas spirit that we have. Find a way to share it! Whether that is by giving of monetary blessings, or inviting others into the home to feel of the spirit, or anything.
Money may waver, where we celebrate can change, people you are around may change, but each year our testimonies can grow stronger. The greatest gift is one that doesn't run out, can be continually built upon, and is best when being shared. This gift is the great knowledge we have of the restored gospel, and the testimony we hold that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of us all!! Let someone feel of that gift! I love you all, and hope I was able to share everything. May our Father in Heaven watch over you!
Lots of Love,
Elder Jordan Davies
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Excerpt from 12/5/07
The December goal for baptisms for the mission is 30. That is not an unattainable goal, but with four weeks in December we would have to average 8 per week in the mission. We had 8 this week, but I do not think there are 22 more investigators with a baptismal date. We do not have any with a date. We have two that are very close, and I do not know how to get past the last problems. When we got the goal we thought that we would definitely be able to contribute to the 30, and now it is looking scary. We are trying very hard, but sometimes things just don't work out. The two investigators (that are close) are named X*** and K***. X***'s family hardly even knows she is investigating, and that is because she doesn't take it serious. I think she just like Elder Reidhead, ha ha. Her desire to gain her own testimony and find her own way to church is small. She is very focused on school, which I understand. K*** is about 68 years old. She is very involved in the Church of England, but she sees that we have the proper authority. One thing is that she has a hard time turning away from all of those people that need her. I tell her that she can reach out to a lot of people, but that she also needs to do what is right also. Another concern is she is all about diversity, that every person is different and we should all accept that. She believes that when she singles herself with one group, that it shuts her out. I tried to explain that the gospel is for everyone, and she can help bring a lot of people to the same understanding she has come to. She said that she wants to be baptized eventually, so that is good. She is
praying a lot this week to understand what God wants.
Member missionary work is absolutely vital. It is our duty. We have received it. It is for EVERYONE! We are at WAR!!! We are physically and spiritually in an actual war! Onward Christian Soldiers! That is great to here member missionary work being pushed.
This week has been a week of patience with myself, with companion, and with all of the people forgettiing about lessons with have planned with them. We had a lot of unexpected and unfamiliar things happen this week. I will just try to continue to try and do the right things. Sunday was especially interesting. We had a long talk with X*** about her showing that she was serious about this. After church we had a couple of people ditch our appointments. We also met this lady who has an amazing testimony of Christ and she feels that there is something in our church. At the end of the week we had 11 new investigators!! That was a mission high! It happened because we went through our area book and contacted some people who had been taught in the past. We ended the night teaching this couple that has thought about splitting up many times.
They just say awful stuff about each other right in front of each other. I was being a marraige counselor. Trying to calm down the situation and explain how the gospel helps family life, and having that will help the children. At the end of the week I felt like a missionary, Mother, Psychiatrist, Secretary, and English Teacher. Anyway, I have to go now. I love you all. Hopefully I can talk more about stuff next week. Not sure what I have forgotten to say. We will see next week. I love you.
praying a lot this week to understand what God wants.
Member missionary work is absolutely vital. It is our duty. We have received it. It is for EVERYONE! We are at WAR!!! We are physically and spiritually in an actual war! Onward Christian Soldiers! That is great to here member missionary work being pushed.
This week has been a week of patience with myself, with companion, and with all of the people forgettiing about lessons with have planned with them. We had a lot of unexpected and unfamiliar things happen this week. I will just try to continue to try and do the right things. Sunday was especially interesting. We had a long talk with X*** about her showing that she was serious about this. After church we had a couple of people ditch our appointments. We also met this lady who has an amazing testimony of Christ and she feels that there is something in our church. At the end of the week we had 11 new investigators!! That was a mission high! It happened because we went through our area book and contacted some people who had been taught in the past. We ended the night teaching this couple that has thought about splitting up many times.
They just say awful stuff about each other right in front of each other. I was being a marraige counselor. Trying to calm down the situation and explain how the gospel helps family life, and having that will help the children. At the end of the week I felt like a missionary, Mother, Psychiatrist, Secretary, and English Teacher. Anyway, I have to go now. I love you all. Hopefully I can talk more about stuff next week. Not sure what I have forgotten to say. We will see next week. I love you.
Thoughts from 11/28/07
England is nothing like Americans think it is. I don't really get the tourist look at things, but it is very similar to some parts of
America. Just wait until I get into Wales!
I do not enjoy being right next to the Man U stadium and not being able to go to a game, but jerseys are cheaper here. Let me know if anyone wants anything!
What a week of opposition it has been! Satan is trying to fight against our every effort. It is good though, because we have been working hard. We are just trying to do whatever we can. That is all he asks of us. But without his help, we would not be able to do anything. Mosiah 29:20. Also, Helaman 3:19. So many great scriptures. He will lead us through!
We cannot convince anyone of this great message. It is too foreign for people, especially the people of England. We really have started to see how void of humanity this world is becoming. No one cares about anything. It is comforting to think of all of the great things that are happening though. I think of the righteous causes that my family and friends are engaged in. I am forever grateful for the life that the Lord has blessed me with. I could have been anyone of these people in the terrible circumstances that they have. It must be so hard for converts.
My first thoughts when I woke up this morning were gratitude. I woke up and just starting talking about all of the great things we have. Elder Reidhead was a little surprised to say the least. Speaking of Elder Reidhead . . . I love the guy. We are eveloping a strong relationship and are able to become great friends. It really helps the work when we feel comfortable about being totally strait-forward and honest about things.
Back to our previous converstation . . . I was just so grateful to have a body. More importantly to have a body that works with
little problem. So many people in this world don't even get to experience that, let alone the blessings that the gospel brings. That is why it is so important to tell them about the message of the restored gospel. The message that lets them know that the Father in Heaven loves them and wants them to live with him again and has sent forth a plan for them to do that. He wants to bless all of his children, and is looking for whatever way he can. Another things I am thankful for is the scriptures. There is so much contained in them. Judging by your e-mails, you all love the scriptures too. Which makes me even more thankful.
Funny enough, the quote in the quote book today was about Gratitude. It said something to the effect that Thankfulness is measured in words, but Gratitude is measured in actions. So if I really am grateful for these things, I will show the Lord my God that I am grateful. That is where faith and love come in, because they are needed to share the message. The message has eternal implications. I am beginning to understand why Elder Holland feels so strong about the work. This is somebody's
chance to understand some of the mysteries of eternity. This is their chance. It can affect Eternity. It also affects their mortal lives. Every day can be lived with more conviction and direction. More understanding and more love.
Everyday is a whirlwind of emotions. So much happens in only a few hours, that it is so hard to describe just one day. Ask my Journal. That is why it is so hard to describe more in detail how my week went. However, through the week of trials, we are starting to see a lot of blessings. We went through our area book, which describes past investigators in the area that people taught. We prayerfully searched for people to call and were able to set up a lot of appointments. I love teaching! It beats finding anyday! We had one of those lessons yesterday, and I am amazed at how well the Lord prepares people to accept the gospel. These people had a lot of concerns in the past week and were hoping that somebody would help them. They believe that when we called, we answered their prayers. They are so prepared to accept the gospel, now we have to let the spirit take over. Be the instruments!
Our work with X*** is coming along well. We are starting to leave it in her hands. She has to be able to make the decisions on her own whether to progress or not. That is the greatest gift that God has given us. It is what the whole plan is built upon. That is why Adam fell and consequently why we need the atonement. It is all centered upon God's love for us.
My scripture that helped me for the week was Alma 26:22. We have to exercise faith. That involves following the rules, commandments, and consistently trying to find people to teach. Believe that it will come! Praying is involved, or course! Missionary work is draining, but totally awesome! I try to constantly keep that outlook, but am not able to, to be honest. But it is during the tough times, not during the peak times, that God starts to mold us into his sons and daughters.
C.S Lewis is awesome. I am convinced that he has accepted the gospel. Do you think his work has been done for him? That could be a cool experience! We see miracles everyday, but sometimes I can't remember all of them. But I do know that happen. I am still working to become better at street contacting. It works best when I go in with faith, the spirit, and my own personality. The gospel is a happy message, so show it!
One of the hardest things is to try and keep track of everyone. We are doing everything we can to strengthen everyone's testimony, but it is so important to let them choose, or else they will not be converted. I guess Heavenly Father must feel a lot like that. Trying to bring everything to a perfect balance that gives us a chance to accept the gospel. He truly does bless us immensely. Through the scriptures, through our family, and especially through his prophets. Wow! I hope all of you know how lucky you are. Start and end everyday by counting your blessings, even if it means taking 10 minutes to think about it. Once you do, they will just start to flow through your mind.
Seek the spirit, and continue in righteous works! I love you, and remember the gratitude commitment I extended!
America. Just wait until I get into Wales!
I do not enjoy being right next to the Man U stadium and not being able to go to a game, but jerseys are cheaper here. Let me know if anyone wants anything!
What a week of opposition it has been! Satan is trying to fight against our every effort. It is good though, because we have been working hard. We are just trying to do whatever we can. That is all he asks of us. But without his help, we would not be able to do anything. Mosiah 29:20. Also, Helaman 3:19. So many great scriptures. He will lead us through!
We cannot convince anyone of this great message. It is too foreign for people, especially the people of England. We really have started to see how void of humanity this world is becoming. No one cares about anything. It is comforting to think of all of the great things that are happening though. I think of the righteous causes that my family and friends are engaged in. I am forever grateful for the life that the Lord has blessed me with. I could have been anyone of these people in the terrible circumstances that they have. It must be so hard for converts.
My first thoughts when I woke up this morning were gratitude. I woke up and just starting talking about all of the great things we have. Elder Reidhead was a little surprised to say the least. Speaking of Elder Reidhead . . . I love the guy. We are eveloping a strong relationship and are able to become great friends. It really helps the work when we feel comfortable about being totally strait-forward and honest about things.
Back to our previous converstation . . . I was just so grateful to have a body. More importantly to have a body that works with
little problem. So many people in this world don't even get to experience that, let alone the blessings that the gospel brings. That is why it is so important to tell them about the message of the restored gospel. The message that lets them know that the Father in Heaven loves them and wants them to live with him again and has sent forth a plan for them to do that. He wants to bless all of his children, and is looking for whatever way he can. Another things I am thankful for is the scriptures. There is so much contained in them. Judging by your e-mails, you all love the scriptures too. Which makes me even more thankful.
Funny enough, the quote in the quote book today was about Gratitude. It said something to the effect that Thankfulness is measured in words, but Gratitude is measured in actions. So if I really am grateful for these things, I will show the Lord my God that I am grateful. That is where faith and love come in, because they are needed to share the message. The message has eternal implications. I am beginning to understand why Elder Holland feels so strong about the work. This is somebody's
chance to understand some of the mysteries of eternity. This is their chance. It can affect Eternity. It also affects their mortal lives. Every day can be lived with more conviction and direction. More understanding and more love.
Everyday is a whirlwind of emotions. So much happens in only a few hours, that it is so hard to describe just one day. Ask my Journal. That is why it is so hard to describe more in detail how my week went. However, through the week of trials, we are starting to see a lot of blessings. We went through our area book, which describes past investigators in the area that people taught. We prayerfully searched for people to call and were able to set up a lot of appointments. I love teaching! It beats finding anyday! We had one of those lessons yesterday, and I am amazed at how well the Lord prepares people to accept the gospel. These people had a lot of concerns in the past week and were hoping that somebody would help them. They believe that when we called, we answered their prayers. They are so prepared to accept the gospel, now we have to let the spirit take over. Be the instruments!
Our work with X*** is coming along well. We are starting to leave it in her hands. She has to be able to make the decisions on her own whether to progress or not. That is the greatest gift that God has given us. It is what the whole plan is built upon. That is why Adam fell and consequently why we need the atonement. It is all centered upon God's love for us.
My scripture that helped me for the week was Alma 26:22. We have to exercise faith. That involves following the rules, commandments, and consistently trying to find people to teach. Believe that it will come! Praying is involved, or course! Missionary work is draining, but totally awesome! I try to constantly keep that outlook, but am not able to, to be honest. But it is during the tough times, not during the peak times, that God starts to mold us into his sons and daughters.
C.S Lewis is awesome. I am convinced that he has accepted the gospel. Do you think his work has been done for him? That could be a cool experience! We see miracles everyday, but sometimes I can't remember all of them. But I do know that happen. I am still working to become better at street contacting. It works best when I go in with faith, the spirit, and my own personality. The gospel is a happy message, so show it!
One of the hardest things is to try and keep track of everyone. We are doing everything we can to strengthen everyone's testimony, but it is so important to let them choose, or else they will not be converted. I guess Heavenly Father must feel a lot like that. Trying to bring everything to a perfect balance that gives us a chance to accept the gospel. He truly does bless us immensely. Through the scriptures, through our family, and especially through his prophets. Wow! I hope all of you know how lucky you are. Start and end everyday by counting your blessings, even if it means taking 10 minutes to think about it. Once you do, they will just start to flow through your mind.
Seek the spirit, and continue in righteous works! I love you, and remember the gratitude commitment I extended!
From 11/21/07
With Elder Robinson we taught a Chinese investigator named X***. We helped her better understand prayer and scripture study. I see a new light in her that I did not see before. We have been stressing learning how to pray and do proper scripture study, because it helps them become independent for life. They will not have to depend upon others to answer their questions. They can search them out themselves.
What spawned this change within me was John 4. Jesus speaks to the woman at the well about living water and a well of everlasting water. This is the best gift we can give someone. I started to search for this when I had talked to a homeless man earlier in the week. I decided that the best thing I could do for him is help him become independent and help himself change his life. After all, my purpose is to "Invite other to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel . . ."PMG 1. We cannot convince them or just teach them. We have to help them receive it. If they receive it, it becomes a part of who they are.
We got three new investigators this week. It is awesome. I love meeting people who I know just as well as Elder Reidhead does. We are continually filling in spots, and it is only getting better. We are working hard to find people, but need to work harder. The days can get difficult, but the Lord blesses us when we just go out and do what he would want us to do. Speaking of, you might be surprised, but I am so good at waking up in the morning. I am always helping other missionaries to wake up. Also, I came in a cleaned, cleaned, cleaned. Mom, you can pull your jaw back up, but don't count on that habit continuing on when I get home. Just kidding, I am starting to realize that I have to do it if I want it done. And a clean place feels much better than a dirty one.
It has hardly rained since I got here. One of the only times was last night, and I am sending some pictures of Elder Reidhead and I just chilling in the rain. It felt really nice. I just have a bunch of random stuff to talk about. I have yet to play proper football since I have been outside the MTC. Still looking forward to that. But we do get to play basketball and volleyball with our Zone today. I seem to step in dog poop all of the time. It is just all over the place. It really is nasty. England is so tightly packed. People live in such small areas, and they leave stuff all over the place. Sometimes their dogs do too.
I am learning a lot everyday and focusing on retaining as much as I can. There are some great missionaries out here, and I can learn from all of them. I am excited for the role that the mission is starting to play in my life. It continues to become a part of me. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. I have started to put small and simple things in my day to accomplish great things. I used to just sit there and think of amazing things that could work, but it is a gradual process. I am getting excited about these kinds of habits that I am getting into. Time is flying by really fast. It is almost the end of 2007!!!!! Some of my friends have been out for almost a year! Scary, scary, scary.
We had a Thanksgiving Dinner on Monday with all of the FHE. A missionary couple from America put it together for us. Things are going great. I am fighting through anything that I have, but don't get me wrong. I know it is very hard. Everyday is, but that is how God teaches us. Through experience. I am so grateful for the scriptures, an amazing family, and wonderful church leaders. MEMBER MISSIONARY WORK!! Work on companionship unity with your Savior!
What spawned this change within me was John 4. Jesus speaks to the woman at the well about living water and a well of everlasting water. This is the best gift we can give someone. I started to search for this when I had talked to a homeless man earlier in the week. I decided that the best thing I could do for him is help him become independent and help himself change his life. After all, my purpose is to "Invite other to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel . . ."PMG 1. We cannot convince them or just teach them. We have to help them receive it. If they receive it, it becomes a part of who they are.
We got three new investigators this week. It is awesome. I love meeting people who I know just as well as Elder Reidhead does. We are continually filling in spots, and it is only getting better. We are working hard to find people, but need to work harder. The days can get difficult, but the Lord blesses us when we just go out and do what he would want us to do. Speaking of, you might be surprised, but I am so good at waking up in the morning. I am always helping other missionaries to wake up. Also, I came in a cleaned, cleaned, cleaned. Mom, you can pull your jaw back up, but don't count on that habit continuing on when I get home. Just kidding, I am starting to realize that I have to do it if I want it done. And a clean place feels much better than a dirty one.
It has hardly rained since I got here. One of the only times was last night, and I am sending some pictures of Elder Reidhead and I just chilling in the rain. It felt really nice. I just have a bunch of random stuff to talk about. I have yet to play proper football since I have been outside the MTC. Still looking forward to that. But we do get to play basketball and volleyball with our Zone today. I seem to step in dog poop all of the time. It is just all over the place. It really is nasty. England is so tightly packed. People live in such small areas, and they leave stuff all over the place. Sometimes their dogs do too.
I am learning a lot everyday and focusing on retaining as much as I can. There are some great missionaries out here, and I can learn from all of them. I am excited for the role that the mission is starting to play in my life. It continues to become a part of me. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. I have started to put small and simple things in my day to accomplish great things. I used to just sit there and think of amazing things that could work, but it is a gradual process. I am getting excited about these kinds of habits that I am getting into. Time is flying by really fast. It is almost the end of 2007!!!!! Some of my friends have been out for almost a year! Scary, scary, scary.
We had a Thanksgiving Dinner on Monday with all of the FHE. A missionary couple from America put it together for us. Things are going great. I am fighting through anything that I have, but don't get me wrong. I know it is very hard. Everyday is, but that is how God teaches us. Through experience. I am so grateful for the scriptures, an amazing family, and wonderful church leaders. MEMBER MISSIONARY WORK!! Work on companionship unity with your Savior!
11/14/07 Update
We had a great week. I am getting use to street contacting. I had an interview with my mission president, and he helped me a lot. He is a great guy. This e-mail is going to be shorter, because I really have to hurry, but I want you to know that I am
working hard, I am learning a lot, I am doing great, and I want to continually hear from you all.
My companion and I taught about Love and Charity for the Zone Conference. It was something that I wanted to study up on, so it was a blessing. Love is so important for the work, because that will make you really effective and make you work really hard. We started to talk about companionship unity, and moved it into love by showing that as we develop companionship unity with our third companion that our Will will become his Will. We will be united in the same cause, and he will be able to work through us. Something I have tried to incorporate into each day is think, "If Christ were in my position, what would he be doing? I am his hands, and if he wanted to come down to do this work, he could, but he wants me to do it. So what would Christ do with the opportunites I am presented with?" It has helped me overcome some fears I have with talking to random people on the street.
We have some great investigators, but we need to start getting some new ones, because the ones we have now will either be baptised, or will be dropped soon. We are working really hard to work with members, because it is the most effective way of missionary work. I love teaching, so we are trying to set up appointments.
Prayer is amazing. We were tracting the other day, and it was not going well, but we stopped to say a prayer and everything went better. I wish my words could do justice to the amazing things that happen each day. I just need to learn from them. What is the point of being told something, if we don't do anything with it. Those who don't learn from what they hear, have no
advantage over those that can't hear.
working hard, I am learning a lot, I am doing great, and I want to continually hear from you all.
My companion and I taught about Love and Charity for the Zone Conference. It was something that I wanted to study up on, so it was a blessing. Love is so important for the work, because that will make you really effective and make you work really hard. We started to talk about companionship unity, and moved it into love by showing that as we develop companionship unity with our third companion that our Will will become his Will. We will be united in the same cause, and he will be able to work through us. Something I have tried to incorporate into each day is think, "If Christ were in my position, what would he be doing? I am his hands, and if he wanted to come down to do this work, he could, but he wants me to do it. So what would Christ do with the opportunites I am presented with?" It has helped me overcome some fears I have with talking to random people on the street.
We have some great investigators, but we need to start getting some new ones, because the ones we have now will either be baptised, or will be dropped soon. We are working really hard to work with members, because it is the most effective way of missionary work. I love teaching, so we are trying to set up appointments.
Prayer is amazing. We were tracting the other day, and it was not going well, but we stopped to say a prayer and everything went better. I wish my words could do justice to the amazing things that happen each day. I just need to learn from them. What is the point of being told something, if we don't do anything with it. Those who don't learn from what they hear, have no
advantage over those that can't hear.
From 11/7/07
Old Trafford, which is the stadium to Manchester United, is basically in my backyard. I see it everyday!! It is pretty awesome, and we are going to take a tour with a member who works there on an upcoming p-day. They have a lot of awesome futbol stuff here, but everything is so expensive. On match days, everything closes down. Don't even bother trying to talk to people. It is wild, and you can hear the stadium for miles. I love it!
In PMG(Preach my Gospel) it lists Christlike attributes, and we work on a specific one each month. It is a great goal to single one out and work on it. I would recommend it to everyone . . hint hint. Just continue to read PMG. Study it and disect it. And of course the Book of Mormon. They do well together. Also listen to the prophets, they know what they are talking about.
Jesus Christ lives, God loves us, the church is absolutely true, and the Holy Ghost works miracles. I see it every single day. As a result, everyday seems like a week. I try to go through the day at the end and write down all of the things that happened, and all of the things that I learned. I have trouble remembering somethings at the end of one day, so forgive me while I try to remember this whole week. I learn so many things everyday, starting with Personal study in the morning (which is the cure to any trouble, question, or hard day you are having), to conversing with people throughout the day, to conversing with missionaries, to trying to internalize everything, and onto discussions.
Basically I think a lot, and try to draw the most out of everyday. When you stuff a lot in, somethings are bound to find their way out. Before I start, know that countless things have happened that let me know I am loved. Each day is a roller coaster in itself, but the true test is what you do when it comes to the low points, physically and emotionally. I have developed a skill I have always wanted. The ability to cry! At first it was because it was hard, and I was only thinking of myself. Then, I started to cry later in the week because I was so grateful for the things my mission is going to do in my life. One night, I started to
tear up, because no one wanted to talk to us. I just wanted to grab them and say 'You have no idea how important this is!'. I hope I continue to build these feelings. So many blessings come as you endure to the end, and follow the spirit. The personal conversations I have with God each day are enlightening.
In PMG(Preach my Gospel) it lists Christlike attributes, and we work on a specific one each month. It is a great goal to single one out and work on it. I would recommend it to everyone . . hint hint. Just continue to read PMG. Study it and disect it. And of course the Book of Mormon. They do well together. Also listen to the prophets, they know what they are talking about.
Jesus Christ lives, God loves us, the church is absolutely true, and the Holy Ghost works miracles. I see it every single day. As a result, everyday seems like a week. I try to go through the day at the end and write down all of the things that happened, and all of the things that I learned. I have trouble remembering somethings at the end of one day, so forgive me while I try to remember this whole week. I learn so many things everyday, starting with Personal study in the morning (which is the cure to any trouble, question, or hard day you are having), to conversing with people throughout the day, to conversing with missionaries, to trying to internalize everything, and onto discussions.
Basically I think a lot, and try to draw the most out of everyday. When you stuff a lot in, somethings are bound to find their way out. Before I start, know that countless things have happened that let me know I am loved. Each day is a roller coaster in itself, but the true test is what you do when it comes to the low points, physically and emotionally. I have developed a skill I have always wanted. The ability to cry! At first it was because it was hard, and I was only thinking of myself. Then, I started to cry later in the week because I was so grateful for the things my mission is going to do in my life. One night, I started to
tear up, because no one wanted to talk to us. I just wanted to grab them and say 'You have no idea how important this is!'. I hope I continue to build these feelings. So many blessings come as you endure to the end, and follow the spirit. The personal conversations I have with God each day are enlightening.
Excerpt From 10/31/07
If I had only learned one thing this week, it would be . . . Humility Preceeds Faith. I have been humbled by the Lord, by other people, by myself. It is hard, but I am just pushing through. At the end of the day, it is so worth it. Yesterday, I talked to this guy that had studied the church a lot, and didn't like it very much. He was polite, but kept on bringing up doctrine that would just make me mad. I learned that you have to walk away during those moments.
Another thing I have learned to do is to develop a love of prayer. I pray contantly everyday, and it brings that spirit, which is critical to the work. You use it to find, to teach, to know where to find, to know what to teach. It is the converter. People have to know for themselves that what we are saying is true, and that only comes through the Holy Ghost.
The work is coming along slowly, but it is only my first week. We have a baptism this Saturday, but i cannot really claim it, because the date was set before I got here. His name is D****. When they started teaching him, he was an atheist, so a pretty good job. We also have another investigator who is not really taking the lessons serious, so just jokes around the whole time. However, I do realize how hard it is to convert. A lot of people have to give up a lot of things, but that is why it is
important to promise blessings. One problem is that people only care about what happens to them in this life.
Like I was saying earlier though, read the Book or Mormon. If anyone reads that Book for two weeks, there is no way they cannot know it is true. If they sincerely read it, and sincerely pray about it. X***, an investigator, didn't really believe it. We told her to say a prayer and then just open the Book of Mormon to any random page. We were praying really hard that this would work. She did and it was perfect. She read about the importance of coming unto Christ and being baptized. We are trying to move her towards a baptismal date. It is a slow work.
The church is true!!! It makes so much sense, and the best part about it, is that I only know that through God. I am also working on looking at each person as God would. Looking at them as a child of God who he wants back into the fold.
Another thing I have learned to do is to develop a love of prayer. I pray contantly everyday, and it brings that spirit, which is critical to the work. You use it to find, to teach, to know where to find, to know what to teach. It is the converter. People have to know for themselves that what we are saying is true, and that only comes through the Holy Ghost.
The work is coming along slowly, but it is only my first week. We have a baptism this Saturday, but i cannot really claim it, because the date was set before I got here. His name is D****. When they started teaching him, he was an atheist, so a pretty good job. We also have another investigator who is not really taking the lessons serious, so just jokes around the whole time. However, I do realize how hard it is to convert. A lot of people have to give up a lot of things, but that is why it is
important to promise blessings. One problem is that people only care about what happens to them in this life.
Like I was saying earlier though, read the Book or Mormon. If anyone reads that Book for two weeks, there is no way they cannot know it is true. If they sincerely read it, and sincerely pray about it. X***, an investigator, didn't really believe it. We told her to say a prayer and then just open the Book of Mormon to any random page. We were praying really hard that this would work. She did and it was perfect. She read about the importance of coming unto Christ and being baptized. We are trying to move her towards a baptismal date. It is a slow work.
The church is true!!! It makes so much sense, and the best part about it, is that I only know that through God. I am also working on looking at each person as God would. Looking at them as a child of God who he wants back into the fold.
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