From: Elder Andrey Pearce Dated: July 02, 2009
Dear family
I am sorry that i didn't have a chance to write to you. We were very busy so i didn't have the chance to write. As i read the letter today i found out that there are some very big decisions that had to be taken and i am sure that there were taken. I didn't really know the reasons. I stand firm with my decision that i have made to extend my mission. I am sorry for the plans that it is affecting and hope that you know i took the choices with a prayer in my heart. It was not an easy choice that i made.
I want to walk the road less traveled to bless the most that i can my family and all that the Lord sees fit for me to bless. It all stands to us the type of generation we will be. The time is coming ever so soon that it will be up to us. Will we see angels as the Book of Mormon times. Will we be as alma as ammon or moroni.
I know that with small steps and decisions we will be the generation to wake up the world. I am so thankful that the Lord helped me see that on my mission and strengthen my testimony. About studying it wont be an easy transaction i will have to see what i can do to correct my English and get back in tune to studying. I will have to look for other resources to see how i can start my studying.
Dad i am sorry i didn't write on Fathers Day i hope you know that i love you very much and hope to become the father that you have been for me. I look forward to following your example in scripture studying i have had great opportunity to teach about my father in the Little time that i have had. They are looking forward to meeting my father. They all think you were the Greatest Dad.
Well its almost time to get back to work the Lord is Reading (ready?) to push a Little bit more here we are getting ready to change houses we had a baptism last week a sister that is friends with some members. The work moves along pray for me that i will have strength to keep giving all i have. I have been a Little anxious knowing that the end is coming soon. I have had some dreams and know that some of the biggest decisions in my life is coming up. How fast the time goes by just 3 more months.
Elder Pearce
Friday, July 3, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Fwd: 6.29.09
The latest from Elder Courtright. Enjoy.
--
Penny Freeman
Gratitude is the essence of joy.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Matthew Courtright
Date: Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Subject: 6.29.09
Hey all! I will go ahead and wish you all a Happy Independence Day! Woo! just know that i will be watching (not blowing up) fireworks with y'all and you will be in my thoughts...probably.
So whats new for me? well, we had a really cool experience this week that started out pretty crappy. It was kinda like Satan got ahold of all our investigators and the less actives we have been working with and just ate them. It was a pretty sucky weekend. However, i kept reminding myself to be patient in adversity or as the scriptures so often put it "bear with patience your afflictions." It was hard but it paid off. here is how. So sunday morning we got a call about 11 from a family who we have been trying to work with, the Bruces. Sister Bruce is a member but Bro. Bruce is not. They invited us over @ 7 that evening but was pretty secretive about why. Kinda shady. Anyways, so during the Sacrament (or communion as so many call it) I thought and prayed about our situation and the troubles our investigators were going through. The answer i got so suddenly and so clearly was "dont worry, I got ya. Just wait till tonight at the Bruces." I knew that they were the answer to our prayers and hard work. When we went to the Bruces, we talked for about 10 minutes and then sis. Bruce nudged her husband as if he needed to say something. the next words out of his mouth were "How do i go about joining the church?" Thank you God for operation: Shock and Awe. It was amazing. We set up the baptism for the 18th of july and all the appts and interviews between now and then.
I know that God is watching out for us. He knows our situation, our troubles, our needs and he is there with an outstretched arm guiding us. It has been an unforgetable experience to learn the importance of patience. It was hard. (probably my weakest point) But the blessings of patience are amazing.
Well, i hope you are all safe this 4th of july weekend. Shoot some Roman Candles at each other for me please. the more burns the better.
Love yall
Elder Courtright
p.s. Sister Bruce has the sexiest southern accent i have heard on my mission yet. i love it.
From: Matthew Courtright
Date: Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Subject: 6.29.09
Hey all! I will go ahead and wish you all a Happy Independence Day! Woo! just know that i will be watching (not blowing up) fireworks with y'all and you will be in my thoughts...probably.
So whats new for me? well, we had a really cool experience this week that started out pretty crappy. It was kinda like Satan got ahold of all our investigators and the less actives we have been working with and just ate them. It was a pretty sucky weekend. However, i kept reminding myself to be patient in adversity or as the scriptures so often put it "bear with patience your afflictions." It was hard but it paid off. here is how. So sunday morning we got a call about 11 from a family who we have been trying to work with, the Bruces. Sister Bruce is a member but Bro. Bruce is not. They invited us over @ 7 that evening but was pretty secretive about why. Kinda shady. Anyways, so during the Sacrament (or communion as so many call it) I thought and prayed about our situation and the troubles our investigators were going through. The answer i got so suddenly and so clearly was "dont worry, I got ya. Just wait till tonight at the Bruces." I knew that they were the answer to our prayers and hard work. When we went to the Bruces, we talked for about 10 minutes and then sis. Bruce nudged her husband as if he needed to say something. the next words out of his mouth were "How do i go about joining the church?" Thank you God for operation: Shock and Awe. It was amazing. We set up the baptism for the 18th of july and all the appts and interviews between now and then.
I know that God is watching out for us. He knows our situation, our troubles, our needs and he is there with an outstretched arm guiding us. It has been an unforgetable experience to learn the importance of patience. It was hard. (probably my weakest point) But the blessings of patience are amazing.
Well, i hope you are all safe this 4th of july weekend. Shoot some Roman Candles at each other for me please. the more burns the better.
Love yall
Elder Courtright
p.s. Sister Bruce has the sexiest southern accent i have heard on my mission yet. i love it.
--
Penny Freeman
Gratitude is the essence of joy.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Life In The New Branch
From: Elder Andrey Pearce Dated: June 15, 2009
Dear family
Well the work keeps moving forward as my english moves farther and farther away. I feel like the time has gone by so fast.
This week we had a great activity with our district which is Nagarote. we went down there to play soccer and to spend some time with the young men. Rudi one of our investigators came with us also Brother Vladimir Estrada also came with us. We brought our flag that the name of the church. We went down there and played about 3 games. 2 we tied and the other we lost by two then we made a team together and we won against the team that was there of people wandering around.
Then we ate together something that's called Quesillios and went up to the Mirador the lookout of nagarote. We spent good time and helped the boys get to know one another. its true we lost and they felt a little bad but we had a great time and learned that some times we loose together. Next time they will come down to Mateare. It's about 40 minutes ride in a bus.
We also had a [Get together] in the get together that we call Noche de Hermanamiento. We play games, have some instruction or counsel on life and watch movies of the church. It went really well as we have been trying to show the people that the church is in Mateare.
We put our flag up on the house of Rudi in his subdivision and many wanted to know what it was. The pastor of Rudi's mom wasn't very happy and came to talk to him to tell him that the church was false and that it was the lowest church he could join. He let him know that he loved the church and that we as members of The church of Jesus Christ don't believe on criticizing others. I have felt like the church is moving very well here.
The young women Presidency went to work this week visiting and had a great activity. The church actually looked like a real church of Jesus Christ. With the new pulpit and the sacrament table. We are trying to work hard on bettering our organization because there is some challenges to start new things and it's time consuming for the people that don't have much time. All the things that the people do here is by hand. wash their clothes or cook by a fire so it's a hard work to take care of the place and have kids have work and have a responsibility.
So we are trying to teach that as we get better in organization we will improve and the time will be better. We made a calendar this weak and also a cleaning role and a talk list so we are getting better and cutting down on our time. I have learned something about the gospel of Jesus Christ. The more we work the more we sacrifice the further moves along the work of God and the more blessings we enjoy later in life.
I had cold this week but i didn't let it get me down. i kept moving along. I officially extended my mission as i went down to the office i talked with president and he finally approved and told me it was OK. He really wanted to send all my group home to study. I was praying hard to know what i should do and felt really strongly that the road i want to walk in my life is to learn and do a little bit more that i can in my mission. I felt like just a little more matters all to my future family and to the people that i will be serving.
I love the lord and i am thankful for revelation that we can receive in our life. I love you all very much and thankful for the letters and the counsel that you give. Thank you Dad for writing each week.
I can't believe how fast the time is going by! almost another month has gone by.
Elder Pearce
Dear family
Well the work keeps moving forward as my english moves farther and farther away. I feel like the time has gone by so fast.
This week we had a great activity with our district which is Nagarote. we went down there to play soccer and to spend some time with the young men. Rudi one of our investigators came with us also Brother Vladimir Estrada also came with us. We brought our flag that the name of the church. We went down there and played about 3 games. 2 we tied and the other we lost by two then we made a team together and we won against the team that was there of people wandering around.
Then we ate together something that's called Quesillios and went up to the Mirador the lookout of nagarote. We spent good time and helped the boys get to know one another. its true we lost and they felt a little bad but we had a great time and learned that some times we loose together. Next time they will come down to Mateare. It's about 40 minutes ride in a bus.
We also had a [Get together] in the get together that we call Noche de Hermanamiento. We play games, have some instruction or counsel on life and watch movies of the church. It went really well as we have been trying to show the people that the church is in Mateare.
We put our flag up on the house of Rudi in his subdivision and many wanted to know what it was. The pastor of Rudi's mom wasn't very happy and came to talk to him to tell him that the church was false and that it was the lowest church he could join. He let him know that he loved the church and that we as members of The church of Jesus Christ don't believe on criticizing others. I have felt like the church is moving very well here.
The young women Presidency went to work this week visiting and had a great activity. The church actually looked like a real church of Jesus Christ. With the new pulpit and the sacrament table. We are trying to work hard on bettering our organization because there is some challenges to start new things and it's time consuming for the people that don't have much time. All the things that the people do here is by hand. wash their clothes or cook by a fire so it's a hard work to take care of the place and have kids have work and have a responsibility.
So we are trying to teach that as we get better in organization we will improve and the time will be better. We made a calendar this weak and also a cleaning role and a talk list so we are getting better and cutting down on our time. I have learned something about the gospel of Jesus Christ. The more we work the more we sacrifice the further moves along the work of God and the more blessings we enjoy later in life.
I had cold this week but i didn't let it get me down. i kept moving along. I officially extended my mission as i went down to the office i talked with president and he finally approved and told me it was OK. He really wanted to send all my group home to study. I was praying hard to know what i should do and felt really strongly that the road i want to walk in my life is to learn and do a little bit more that i can in my mission. I felt like just a little more matters all to my future family and to the people that i will be serving.
I love the lord and i am thankful for revelation that we can receive in our life. I love you all very much and thankful for the letters and the counsel that you give. Thank you Dad for writing each week.
I can't believe how fast the time is going by! almost another month has gone by.
Elder Pearce
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
New Companion
From: Elder Andrey Pearce Dated: June 9, 2009
Dear Family,
Thank you Mom and Dad for your letters. Well i did get my companion his name is Elder TIRADO he is from Chile. Is the first companion i have had from chile. I think he will be my companion to finish the mission. He is a very good companion he has 14 months on his mission.
Well i have been feeling more and more like my mission is ending they have officially asked for my plans. I really want to extend my mission but President Fraatz wants that i can get home and study. I have been thinking really hard and am waiting for the revelation to know if i should extend or if its time to go home and get on with forming my life.
I am so blessed to be a servent of my Heavenly Father i can't belive the wonderful time that he has given me to work here. Mom they are trying to by my plan ticket it would be good to call them as soon as posible. The other day they called me from office and i told them you will be calling. Please mom as soon as possible so there aren't any problems.
Well this week we had changes i was traveling all week up and down none stop i was very tired from taking bus there back then to my disctrict then to managua then back to my area. Getting back we went to work the members were a little sad because no one was in the area. Also that my companion went home so they were down about that a little bit. We went to work getting to know all the people. My companion got used to the people and the work very fast he has helped me a lot take some weight off my shoulders. He just gets in and helps as he can. We went to work on visiting people this week and had a very good turn out. 64 came to church we are exited and set the goal to keep our attendence at 80 so we will be working really hard.
We found another family that came to church this week and liked it so we are exited to work with them. They have sent the podiam or the pulpit and other things so the house looks a lot like a church. We also have a piano we have been asking all around who plays the piano and we have visited them to invite to church and to convert with the help of the Lord. It reminded me of The Prophet Joseph Smith when he sent some one to go find an arcitectore and bring him to zion.
This sunday i had the great privladge to guide the meeting it went all well. We had some lovely testimonies. Then interviews with the members. All is starting to go very smooth. Then we had a meeting at 4 with all the presidencys it went really well all have desire to work really hard.
Also this week came the Relief Society general president to Nicaragua so our relief
society and young women presidents went to that meeting. They came back with lots of joy and experience to work and to give all that they have. I love the work of the lord. All is well with me i am starting to have more strength to serve. I know that to bring forward more the work there's more to sacrifice and more to work and push. Over all the guidence of the Holy Ghost is realy importent he has bin my Guide as we have had some great desicions to make.
We also have found another spot its the Center of Mateare in front of the central park. On one side there is the alcaldia the center goverment place of mateare. On the other side the catholic church on the other side The central bar of mateare and the other side will be The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints if its the will of the lord we are all exited because all will know that there is a church in mateare and if for some reason or chance some one wonders in from the catholic church the better it is. I love this work and hope and pray that i will keep giving all i have to this work that i will live to the best maner that i can to honor my call and to represent The Savior Jesus Christ and be His Example to all.
Love you all take care and Mom i hope you enjoy the camp out. Dad i hope that the end comes soon to the struggles.
Elder Pearce
Dear Family,
Thank you Mom and Dad for your letters. Well i did get my companion his name is Elder TIRADO he is from Chile. Is the first companion i have had from chile. I think he will be my companion to finish the mission. He is a very good companion he has 14 months on his mission.
Well i have been feeling more and more like my mission is ending they have officially asked for my plans. I really want to extend my mission but President Fraatz wants that i can get home and study. I have been thinking really hard and am waiting for the revelation to know if i should extend or if its time to go home and get on with forming my life.
I am so blessed to be a servent of my Heavenly Father i can't belive the wonderful time that he has given me to work here. Mom they are trying to by my plan ticket it would be good to call them as soon as posible. The other day they called me from office and i told them you will be calling. Please mom as soon as possible so there aren't any problems.
Well this week we had changes i was traveling all week up and down none stop i was very tired from taking bus there back then to my disctrict then to managua then back to my area. Getting back we went to work the members were a little sad because no one was in the area. Also that my companion went home so they were down about that a little bit. We went to work getting to know all the people. My companion got used to the people and the work very fast he has helped me a lot take some weight off my shoulders. He just gets in and helps as he can. We went to work on visiting people this week and had a very good turn out. 64 came to church we are exited and set the goal to keep our attendence at 80 so we will be working really hard.
We found another family that came to church this week and liked it so we are exited to work with them. They have sent the podiam or the pulpit and other things so the house looks a lot like a church. We also have a piano we have been asking all around who plays the piano and we have visited them to invite to church and to convert with the help of the Lord. It reminded me of The Prophet Joseph Smith when he sent some one to go find an arcitectore and bring him to zion.
This sunday i had the great privladge to guide the meeting it went all well. We had some lovely testimonies. Then interviews with the members. All is starting to go very smooth. Then we had a meeting at 4 with all the presidencys it went really well all have desire to work really hard.
Also this week came the Relief Society general president to Nicaragua so our relief
society and young women presidents went to that meeting. They came back with lots of joy and experience to work and to give all that they have. I love the work of the lord. All is well with me i am starting to have more strength to serve. I know that to bring forward more the work there's more to sacrifice and more to work and push. Over all the guidence of the Holy Ghost is realy importent he has bin my Guide as we have had some great desicions to make.
We also have found another spot its the Center of Mateare in front of the central park. On one side there is the alcaldia the center goverment place of mateare. On the other side the catholic church on the other side The central bar of mateare and the other side will be The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints if its the will of the lord we are all exited because all will know that there is a church in mateare and if for some reason or chance some one wonders in from the catholic church the better it is. I love this work and hope and pray that i will keep giving all i have to this work that i will live to the best maner that i can to honor my call and to represent The Savior Jesus Christ and be His Example to all.
Love you all take care and Mom i hope you enjoy the camp out. Dad i hope that the end comes soon to the struggles.
Elder Pearce
Monday, June 8, 2009
Re: mmhmm..
Here's Elder Courtright's latest
--
Penny Freeman
Gratitude is the essence of joy.
On Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 11:54 AM, Matthew Courtright wrote:
coincidently, that subject title is also the title of an approved music cd by Relient K :)
well not that i have been keeping track but my amazing abilities at math told me that today marks my 8 month mark and 1/3 of my mission. all i can say is what the world? where is the time going? man... not fair.
this week was really different. Arvada (where i used to serve) had its missionary for the day event for the young men in the Arvada stake. It was awesome to go back to Arvada and help out with that. I got to go because i was the only one who knew how to get to the specific building in arvada. its tucked nicely into a neighborhood with no really connecting main streets. annoying. but we went down and had alot of fun and good experience. its so important for those boys to get a taste of bearing sincere testimony and tracting. fun. we each had a boy and i went with one of the spanish elders, elder lawther, (he speaks english better than spanish. he is from oregon) to an appt. the 4 of us taught the first lesson about the restoration of the gospel. it was awesome. Elder Lawther and i guided the lesson and had to the 2 boys bear testimony and explain basic principles like "what is a prophet?" "how has your family blessed you?" etc. THen we took them tracting. We had a 90+ year old guy answer the door in his whitey tighties and tell us we were selling souls and to "Scat." i miss arvada.
this week we also had zone conference and the theme was "forget yourself and go to work." it was amazing. and has really changed my perspective on what i am doing. i am excited to apply the principles i learned
well, be good kids and write me back. let me know how things are going. i love you.
-elder courtright
--
Penny Freeman
Gratitude is the essence of joy.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Re: 5.26.09
On Tue, May 26, 2009 at 3:01 PM, Matthew Courtright wrote:
hey all.
well things are going well in westminster. crazy, but things are well. we had dinner with the racist lady (who's daughter is on a mission in houston) on thursday of last wek and i said something about houston and she tried to argue with me. how is someone who has never been to houston trying to argue with someone who lived there for almost 20 years? re-freakin-tarded. However, thats why we have companions. he jumped in real quick and changed the subject. needless to say they are the least awesome family.
we did alot of cool stuff this week. we went to the temple on wednesday which was alot of fun. there were about 20 other missionaries there as well so it was a big reunion. we went to eat at applebee's across the street and 2 of the denver south mission missionaries were there. that was fun for us.
we had transfers yesterday, memorial day, and i didnt get transfered. its about freaking time. i have packed my bags every transfer so far so i am hoping that it does happen between now and then.
we have had alot of success with some of the less active families in the ward. the culmination of which was 15 less actives at church on sunday. some of them we have been trying to get there for a long time so we were definately thankful for the divine help we received.
oh, by the way, 15 is an amazing amount.
well, thats all for me. tell me whats up with yall and your plans for the summer. i need to live vicariously through your beach activities and what not. take pictures for me :)
--
Penny Freeman
Gratitude is the essence of joy.
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