Training a New Companion

From Elder Andrey Pearce May 27, 2008


I can’t believe how much is going on at home. I will miss Gramma a lot. I know I will be seeing her one day. I never thought so much would change while I am on my mission. I hope all is well at home. I will be praying for the family.

Well, this last week I got my greenie companion. I will be training him. I am so excited to be training. His name is Elder Ramirez. He is from Panama. He is a really good missionary, ready to go and learn everything.

I have been having fun finding my way around the city of Leon. My Heavenly Father just keeps on blessing me. There are days I can feel the Spirit so strong. I know He is guiding me. I am excited to see miracles in Nicaragua.

We have three main families we are working with. One we found this week and they’re really positive. They are the Juarez family. I know that we were guided to them.

We have been working with a man who’s name is Roberto. He stopped progressing. We went back to find him and found the family. They’re all excited to go to church. The mom and all the kids.

Oh, I heard an update from the Martinez family. The dad holds the priesthood and he has the responsibility of blessing the sacrament and they assist each Sunday. I am so happy to hear that they’re doing so well.

Well, the work goes on. I have come to realize it’s the work of God and we are here. I am excited to learn new things and watching the miracles of God come into this work. I love this work with all my heart.

Elder Pearce

Teaching Families

From Elder Andrey Pearce June 16, 2008

Well, well, well,

The mission work goes on this week. We had some bumps in the road. The best part of the mission is that you find how to make the best of everything and keep loving the people that you work with.

This Sunday the Juarez family didn’t go to church but we stopped by with 4 members and sang them a hymn.

Oh, we also found another family this week. As we entered their house we could feel the spirit and what an amazing family they are. As we passed by we saw this family sitting there watching TV. We turned around and went back. We entered and taught them with the spirit what a family is.

They couldn’t understand why we were there and what made us want to teach them. I know they felt the spirit and that they will progress.

The ones that I told you about who prayed and we came to the door, they went to church this week and loved it. We will be inviting them to have a goal of baptism.

This week we went down to Managua to play soccer. We had the opportunity to play with the president.

Happy Father’s Day!!! I love you Dad. I am glad to have such a father who is an example to me in all things. I couldn’t have prayed to have a better dad. I have learned so much from you. Love and miss you. The memories that I have are always doing activities with you. The time, the love that you spent on me. I am the most grateful for every second that you sacrificed for me. Love you Dad!

Gospel Foundation & Carissa

From Elder Andrey Pearce May 05, 08


Dear Family,

All is well over here. I feel a lot better. I hope that none of you are worried about me. I have come to realize to trust my Father in Heaven. He has always guided me in my life. The thing that helped me the most about Carissa is talking to my Heavenly Father about it. As always He reassures my heart that all is well.

I would like to start out with something I have come to realize in the 8 months I have been on my mission. I have to realize what I needed in life is the foundation of the gospel. In my life I have studied the gospel but not until I came out here did I start to realize what I was most missing is the foundation.
Once you have the foundation you start to put everything together,. Then you start seeing that foundation in the scriptures, in the prophets and apostles lives and you are reassured

that this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It helps me realize what this world really is and what I really need to do. I am so glad to be sharing this gospel with my brothers and sisters. The Lord has blessed my alot in the knowledge of the gospel. I can’t wait for the rest of my two years.

The work is just rolling along great. We have been working with the bishop and his counselor getting a relationship of trust so that we can work with him. They have been really great. The excitement to work here is picking up. We had a dad and his son get baptized. The dad also received the priesthood and a calling to bless the sacrament. His name is Fransisco and he is 42 years old. He has a special spirit. We could feel the spirit strong with him and the desire to change life and realize that this is the Church of Jesus Christ.

My companion has two weeks left on his mission so I am keeping the two of us working. I am so blessed that the Lord saw fit for me to serve here. I am so blessed in all that he guides me and helps me. There are days that I can feel his love around me. Like there is an army of angels walking with me. I know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. I have had a reassurance of that throughout my life. I know that I am a son of God and my potential is great.

I love you all. Hope and pray that all is well at home. May we never forget our Final Destination of Exaltation.

Love,
Elder Pearce

Praying for God's Servants

From Elder Andy Pearce June 9, 08


Dear Family,

Well, I won’t write much, I don’t feel too great. I have a cold or something.

This week was amazing! I know that for our efforts we were blessed. Hermana Aurora Bautizo and Fransisco received the Melchizedic priesthood. He also got to baptize Aurora. She is excited and wants to be Mormon. Hahah! She took a friend to church that has talked to missionaries before but never progressed and is now ready to progress. We are also starting to work with Aurora and Fransisco’s other kids, Alex and his sister.

This week many mercies happened. The Juarez family went to church, got to know the bishop, so they are progressing well. We found a grandma with her daughter that has a daughter. They have been talking to missionaries in Costa Rica for awhile and also didn’t progress. We went back on Sunday to invite them and she told me that the moment we showed up she was praying to know what church is true and to send her servants. That moment we knocked on the door so she has a testimony of this church.

This ward is lighting fire with the missionary work. I hope that I have at least three more months here. We are working with 6 families. We have been guided to lots of people that have talked to missionaries before, went to church, but just didn’t progress after that. We will be working really hard.

I have been feeling a little weak for a couple of weeks so I hope I will get better health. I love you all and hope you can understand my English and my excitement for this work as it picks up.

Elder Pearce

The Blessings of Obedience

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated June 18, 2008

Dear Mom,

Everything is going really well. I'm getting adjusted to the new area and it's pretty fun. I've almost forgotten the excitement of being completely unfamiliar with an area and its people. My companion is really cool and helps a lot. We've got a lot of names of people that have been contacted before by the missionaries and we have to follow up with all of them. I guess it's a pretty big area for the regular English wards. There are a lot of less active and part member families. In fact it used to be two wards but one of them got dissolved into the other. The active members are really great though. We are trying to familiarize them with Preach My Gospel, so they can go out and find people for us to teach.

Yesterday, we had zone conference and half the time they talked about being healthy. They emphasized diet and exercise. It really is something I need to focus on. I've gained about 30 lbs since my mission and the cloths aren't fitting anymore. It'll be easier in the palangi ward I just need to focus and be determined. I've got into a habit of stuffing my face at dinners to make the people happy, but the cost was far too great. I've already been taking small steps to get back into better habits, but I've got to step up my game if I want to see any results.

Anyway, I'm glad to hear Adam's house is going up well. That's really exciting, especially considering how the economy is going. We talk to so many people who are having a hard time. It kinda makes the future look a little dim, but I've always been able to rely on the awesome examples my brothers set. Dallas and Lynda getting married is another one. We work with so many people who cant be baptized because they're not married. Maybe there's a correlation. Everyone should just get married and we should see what happens to the economy. That's just my crazy on-the-spot idea.

This transfer we're focusing on Joseph Smith and all the truths that have been restored through him to benefit all mankind. Marriage and strong family values are definitely at the top. I'm so grateful to have such a wonderful family that has exposed me to all of that. I'll always remember it, and I love being able to use that when I teach.

Thanks for everything mom.

Love,

Elder Freeman

Transfers

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated June 11, 2008

Dear Mom,

Gmail acted up today, so I revert to my back up. Hopefully you get it anyway.

So, believe it or not I've been transferred out of the Samoan Wards. It's been a pretty big change. I haven't been in a new area for over seven months and I've been used to being able to travel pretty much anywhere in the mission. But, fortunately they stuck me someplace I never been before, Ontario. My new companion's name is Elder Goodwin and he's from San Antonio. He's already been here a transfer and knows the area pretty well.

Being in a palangi ward is a lot different from being in a Samoan Ward. For one it's a lot harder to impress the palangis. All I had to do with the Samoans is chat it up a little in Samoan and they're amazed. Samoans are generally a lot more relaxed and I'm used to the culture. I know I should be used to palangi culture, but its funny how almost foreign it seems. Another funny thing, we have dinner tonight with the Freeman family. I have no idea who they are, but it sure was weird hearing my companion calling up our dinner appointment and asking for Sister Freeman. They'll get a kick out of it I'm sure.

I'm looking forward to at least two transfers here and rumor has it that they'll send me back for my last transfer. I really am excited for this last stretch. I guess President Sanchez talked to Salt Lake and they're working on getting my release date fixed, so I'll keep you updated on everything.

Thanks again Mom for all the wonderful things you do.

Love,

Elder Freeman

The Gate

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated June 4, 2008

Dear Mom,

It truly was a week to remember. We spent most of the week preparing the family for baptism. It was straight up crazy. We had to pretty much pull everything together last minute. But it all worked out and many prayers have been answered.

The service was packed. We didn't expect so many people. Some people had to sit out in the hall. I had forgotten how nerve-wracking baptisms can be, and by the end of it I was pretty spent. All the stress had got to me and I was somewhat disappointed when we went home that night. But the next day at Sacrament Meeting we got to confirm them. After that I was flying pretty high. I knew what the family did was right and everything had worked out.

We had been through quite a bit with this family. It'll be the last thing I forget about my mission. There were times where we were struggling pretty bad trying to figure what they need and what would help them the most. There were other times when the Spirit was strong as ever. Now, they are the newest members of the ward and have the greatest potential. I want to come back in a year and see how they turned out.

The Gospel is designed to bring us closer to our Heavenly Father and our Savior. It is also designed to bring us closer to one another. The more people realize that, the more zealous they will be about being obedient to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. I'm more grateful than ever to know this. I can look back and see what wonderful things it has done for our family and I truly can testify to other with greater power.

Thank you mom for everything that you do. I really wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for you and Dad.

Love,

Elder Freeman

"Going for a Swim"

From Elder Paul Freeman, Dated May 28, 2008

Dear Mom,

It's been a good week. That family of 6 we've been working with had sucessful interviews yesterday and everything is set for their baptism on Saturday. It's the most exciting thing that's happend in a long time. It's the end of the transfer as well, so things will all wrap up pretty nicely. Rumor has it I will be getting transfered. I guess the office is still working on my release date. As much as I love this work and I know I'll miss it dearly, I don't think it'll work staying out an extra two months. I'll continue to follow up with President Sanchez and find out what's going on.

Thanks for the email. It wouldn't show me the pictures from Facebook. It just showed me the message and said there was other stuff it couldn't show me because it was private or something. But, it's good to hear that everything [a wedding open house] worked out all right. Everything is going just fine over here. I look forward to pounding out the last five months.

Thanks for your continued love and support.

Love,

Elder Freeman

Saolatoga

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated May 21, 2008

Dear Mom,

So many wonderful things have been happening. We are preparing a family for baptism. The tricky part is that the two oldest children aren't excited about being baptized.

In the Samoan culture, the head of the household determines the fate of the entire family. Brother Young, the father, really wants all of his family to be baptized at the same time, and we are thinking that the kids don't feel like they have a choice. We've been trying to figure it out for a while, how we can help Brother Young understand that no one will be forced into the kingdom of Heaven. It's difficult for us because we are young, but we asked our Bishop to visit him and talk to him about it.

The children are really very bright and have understood everything we've taught. Elder Hafoka and I figure that the only way they will really find out if it's true and commit to act on it is if the decision is entirely up to them. If the father and mother are baptized without them and begin to progress in the gospel, the children can then decide for themselves if they want to follow the example. The most difficult part will be the parents letting them go and choose for themselves, because there is always that possibility they won't choose the right.

Well, that's the whole point of this Plan then, isn't it. I'm grateful that I was never forced. I remember long ago when I was given the choice and just now realize the affect that had on the rest of my life. Thanks for having the faith that I would choose the right. Thanks again for everything else that you do.

Love,

Elder Freeman

The Field Is White

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated May 14, 2008

Dear Mom,

Thanks again for the emails and the pictures. I always enjoy seeing what goes on with the family. I was surprised to talk to Alora and Aaron on Sunday. They're growing up so fast.

Thanks also for the advice, I value it a great deal. I'm excited for what the future has to bring, I'm sure you well remember I always have been. But, of course, my future back home won't come for another five months and in the meantime there are dozens of people who need to be baptized. We are actually working with an entire family of 6 who are being prepared to be baptized on the 31st of May. They're all Samoan and their last name is Young. We've been teaching them for a while and hope they will be well prepared.

Being in the Samoan wards here has been such a blessing. There's a little over three weeks left in the transfer and I fear it may be my last in this area. But, whatever happens it will be for the best. I remember what President Tolman said before I was sent back out, and I realize there was a much greater purpose for me to be reassigned here.

I think I share the sentiment of most missionaries when I say this experience has done far more good for me than I could have ever done for someone else. I marvel at the tender mercies given to us by such a loving Heavenly Father, and recognize my purpose is simply to call others to attention of the same in their own lives.

Lately, our appointments with the investigators of our own area have been falling through. So, we resort to street contacting in hopes of finding people for other missionaries to teach. It reminds me also of something else President Tolman said, that I was not set apart as just missionary for a particular mission, but for anywhere. Yesterday, we were blessed to teach 10 lessons and provide 2 solid referrals for our mission. It's my testimony that with a little preparation and following the guidance of the spirit, wonderful things are possible.

Thanks again mom, for everything.

Love,

Elder Freeman

In Samoan we say "Faalavelave"

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated April 30, 2008 [four days prior to his brother's wedding]

Dear Mom,

Thanks for the letters and pictures. Everything is going well. I really don't know how crazy everything will be for you over the weekend. I can only imagine you running around trying to make everyone as comfortable and happy as possible. You really are a champ. I do regret not being able to be there. I'm certain Adam has his hands full as it is, and Dallas isn't going to be of any help, so I am sorry I cannot be there. Just hold out for the next week and everything should be downhill from there. I also hope you and Dad find all the happiness to make it worth while.

Mothers' Day is coming up in a couple of weeks and you can get me the real scoop on how it all went down. Send the family my love.

Love,

Elder Freeman

p.s. "Faalavelave" means a big interruption of daily life that lasts for days, like weddings and funerals.

Joy & Blessings Through Living the Gospel

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated April 23, 2008

Dear Family,

This will be the 4th transfer and 6th month serving here in the Samoan wards. I hope to hold out until the end of my mission, another 7 months and 5 transfers, give or take. It all depends on which transfer I choose to go home. At least I think it's my choice. My call says I am anticipated to serve 25 October 06 to 25 October 08. I should be able to choose from the transfer that ends in early October or the transfer that ends in mid November. I'm leaning to November, but am not convinced yet, which is fine because they haven't asked me yet. The only reason I ask is because I want to be ready for when they do ask me. So, if there is any advice or events being planned, please let me know.

But as far as everything else goes, the work still goes on. We are in an exciting time in the history of the world. I can't think of any other time in the world when the gospel has been so wide-spread and so many people are enjoying the blessings it brings. Lately I've been studying the scattering and gathering of Israel and the promises the Lord made to them. Those promises are echoed in everything we do as missionaries, as members of the Church, and as children of our Heavenly Father. The Lord keeps those promises as a standard to live up to, and if we don't he can't follow through and we are no better than when we started.

So many people feel trapped in the lives they lead and can't seem to find their way out. Only the Gospel and its standards can give people the fresh start they need to improve lives. When we are obedient to its laws and ordinances, we have such a tremendous advantage. We can become new people every day, until the day we are called up to answer for they way we spent our time here on earth.

It may feel complicated and impossible, but if the Savior taught anything it was how simple it is. All we have to do is follow Him, and take his yoke upon us because his burden is light. The more people understand that and remember it the more happiness there is to be found in our daily life [and] more understanding for the things we have to suffer through, and a deeper appreciation for what he had to suffer through.

The gospel is great and Heavenly Fathers love is infinite. Thank all of you for your continued love and support.

love,

Elder Freeman

New Area

From Elder Andrushka sent April 21st 2008

Dear Family,

This week was great! We had 11 people come to church and 2 got married and baptized. What a priviledge it was to hlep this family to get married and baptized. I loved when each came out of the water. They had the biggest smile on their face.

I know that this week the Lord helped us a lot. I could just feel his love as this struggling week went by. We really got to work getting to know the bishop and the counselors. I am excited to start working. The attendence is really down. It's 66 without the investigators. So I am looking forward to working towards our goal of 150.

This week was a little stressful as I got to know my new area and all the changes (This was the week that we called and told Elder Andrushka that Carissa had passed away).

I hope all is well at home. I love you all and will write more next week.

Elder Pearce

Working With Families

From Elder Andrushka sent April 28,2008

Dear Family,

I am so glad to hear that Carissa’s funeral was very good. I wish I could have been there. I am sure I will get to hear all about it.

Well, about this week: I got sick but pushed through to work. I have gotten to know the members in the ward. I am very excited to work on helping many members to return to this ward.

We are doing an activity as a mission to have the members write their testimonies and give a Book of Morman to a friend, then ask them if the missionaries could come by. Our ward is doing great with missionary work.

Conan and Rosa, the ones we just got baptized are excited to work. We went with them to Conan’s mom’s house and shared a message with them. He wants to start helping his family to find the true church.

The people are amazing here. So humble and ready for the gospel. I hope to get better so I can come back and put my whole effort in. We have 2 families that we are working with. The Saenz family went to church this week and scheduled one appointment with us to return. I love when the people get touched by the spirit and they start to work for a testimony.

The other family is called Aguerr. They are progressing. We are working a lot with the dad. We hope to start teaching the whole family.

Our plan is to put a lot of work in helping the members of this ward. We are thinking of activities to put them in action. I will let you know how that all goes.

My companion is doing really well for leaving in 3 weeks to go hoe. Love having talks with him.
We are also working with Francisco and he has a really strong testimony of the Gospel. He will be getting baptized in the next two weeks. He has been looking for awhile now. He feels like he has found the church of Christ.

I love this work with all my heart. It’s not the easiest but I love it. The harder it gets, the more I look forward to it. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I am so grateful to be helping people to find the peace and joy. I think back to the time I was looking for peace and joy that gives me the boost that I need to work.

Love,
Elder Pearce

From Elder BJ Bernards, dated April 7, 2008

Dear Family,

I had a great week this week.

We were able to teach Shannon like two or three times with members. We set her a date for baptism and she is going for it! She has been reading and praying and completely open for anything we give to her. Last time we taught her we committed her to obey the Word of Wisdom. She has been smoking since she was 14 years old and she is 34 now and has only quit for nine months when she had her babies.

She came to a session of General Conference and liked it and was able to connect well with a couple of sermons.

I loved Conference and was able to connect with a couple of sermons too. I loved the one about testimony and how we gain it in the bearing of it. I also loved the one by Jeffery R. Holland about Revelation. Basically, we got to use those things in talking to people that same night! Tons of people [throw] that out against us, but what the funny thing [it]is that people are soooo lazy these days they don't even need to read or understand the Bible, but just let the [pastors] or priests tell them what to believe and they'll stick to that regardless of what the Bible says. It's kind of like the situation in the dark ages with dominating churches that ruled with a tyrannical fist, but this time people are willingly letting themselves drift with out fighting back or choosing to be enlightened. They are content with beer, beef, and cheep cable TV. MMMM BEEF

We got to do a service project for a nice lady who was sooo amazed and grateful that we would help her so much for nothing, so she loaded us up with Omaha Steaks. MMMMMM Beef! We turned her over to the Sisters in her area and hope and pray for the best to happen. I am confident that it will since she told us that she was so moved and touched by what happened and when she told us, we felt the Spirit confirm to us and her that God loves her soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much and [she] wants to feel loved and supported and to do the right thing. She told allll of her friends that worked at Omaha Steak about us and we were able to rub shoulders with them (literally) as we moved her large and heavy furniture up three flights of stairs.

Speaking of moving, we were also able to help some members of the ward move houses this week too. They had my comp and I clear out their huge freezers that were packed with beef MMMMM Beeeeefff! and we soooo tenderly maneuvered it up the tiny narrow stairways without scraping the walls. It was a miracle.

This upcoming week I get the awesome opportunity to meet [Elder] Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy and hear him teach at Zone Conference. I am soooo stoked! He is one of my favorites! Boo ya ka sha! The Church is true!

I love my comp. He is Elder Sperry and like a brother to me. We get along great and work hard together.

We made a goal last night that we were going to find a new investigator and we focused on that all day long and worked really hard amidst the slammed doors and angry people. Towards the end of the night, the sun was set, the cold northern wind howling, I asked my companion a redundant question but one also directed to myself, " Are we going to find a new investigator?" We felt the Spirit. We had just told the members who fed us that we were going to and felt confident then as we said a prayer with them that we were.

I strengthened my resolve and knocked on the next door. We found a man who was nice and receptive, since it was the night time we didn't ask to come in but taught him on his door step of Joseph Smith and Our Lord Jesus Christ. We testified of the Book of Mormon being scripture and the wonder and miracle of its emergence. He felt the Spirit and committed to read and pray and have us come back with his member neighbor who turned out to live two doors down!

As we walked away I was screaming and yelling in triumph and my comp shooshed me in fear that our new friend might have heard me.

I didn't care. I love the Gospel. I love missionary work. I am stoked that I get to go out tonight and teach more of the people I love so much. I love them because I feel how much Jesus loves me, and I love them because I feel the tremendous blessings only the restored Gospel can bring. I love them because I have a duty to them, to teach with all my heart, might, mind and strength.

I hope to be worthy and stand before God and account before Him what I have done with His time and His resources and His talents He has given to me.

I invite all of you to exercise all of your faith and have the Lord lead you to His Children that He has prepared for you, and the ones He has prepared you for. I testify that all of us are needed in these last days. The Brethren and leaders of the church have given direction. We are to double convert baptisms. Be bold and study Preach My Gospel. No other manual that I know has soo many true points of missionary doctrine that if applied will generate success. It is inspired and divine in its scope and direction. It will guide you in your missionary efforts as it has mine.

This Tuesday, I am going on an exchange with Elder Parks who is from American Fork. I actually was in the same marching band with him back when I was in 9th grade. He has older bro's and sis' so maybe you know them. Anyway. It turns out that Dad's cousin lives in his area and we are going Tuesday to talk to them. I am going to call them tonight and see if we could set up a time with them. I am soo stoked. The ward they are in is one of the best wards in Omaha and on fire with missionary work. I am happy to see them any way to meet more of my family.

Cool story Hansel.

I love you all.

Stay safe and read your scriptures!

Love Elder Bernards

Missionaries' Advocate

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated April 9, 2008

Dear Family,

This past weekend was probably the best conference I've been to, just like President Monson said. Our Stake center was filled with missionaries for all the sessions. The most popular talks among us were, of course, Elder Bednar and Elder Holland. The missionaries all but stood up and cheered to hear those things come over the conference pulpit. When Elder Bednar spoke of how every member should be focused on finding people for the missionaries to teach, there were a lot of excited missionaries.

After a few fist pumps of my own, it struck me how much more pressure that really puts on us as missionaries. Especially, when the members go through so much effort to find, they are going to want results from the missionaries. Of course we are equipped with everything we need to teach the basics of the restored gospel, and we are better trained in following the Spirit than past generations, but that doesn't mean every single person the members find are waiting to get wet. But for now, we don't have much to worry about. For the past month we've had but one member referral.

We finally gave up all of the people we are teaching in Hipseria and Victorville to the English elders. They've got all the teaching appointments from here on out, and will end up leading all of them into the waters of baptism. Of course, I'm most grateful for the opportunity we had to find them and get them progressing, but now it feels like we're back to square one: a thimble-size teaching pool and a finding pool of people who have already made up their mind to not listen to the missionaries.

To top all that off, we updated our report on all the Samoan people up in Hisperia and Victorville. This time we included more background and the needs these people are facing. The idea is to get the leadership in all the English units to jump on all these problems and help these people out. I hope I fed enough information into the report to catch the eye of Stake presidents and bishops. With the change in our area, our workload has doubled and doesn't give us time to face these other problems that are such a far distance off. These Samoan people have been neglected for far too long and somebody needs to do something about it are they'll all go astray. It needs to be taken care of one way or the other. If the English units can't do it, they will need a unit of their own.

Other than that, not much is changing. We got to go to the temple this morning, and had a wonderful experience. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Know that the Lord's hand is in all things.

Love,

Elder Freeman

Balancing Act

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated April 2, 2008

April 2, 2008

Dear Family,

Sorry, Mom, but I can’t seem to find the cable to hook my camera up to the computer to upload pictures. Elder Hafoka helped me out this morning by taking the pictures, but I couldn’t find the cable this morning. I may have to just send the whole card home in the mail, or get my hands on a card reader and upload pictures next week. Now that I think about it, you should get the card reader and I’ll just send the card home so you could get it before next week. I’ll send it out today even though the card isn’t completely full. It was funny how many pictures we had to take. My companion was trying to get it framed just right and I was worried about the silly looks on my face. You should be happy with at least one of them.*

Anyway, this week was pretty good. We’re trying to strike the right balance of where to focus our efforts. Sometimes, it feels like [we’re] spending too much time with one ward and not enough time with the other. At the same time we’re trying to figure out what to do with all of our investigators up in Victorville and Hisperia. They are all Samoan but don’t speak the language and could benefit a lot from being taught by the missionaries in the English wards. The only thing is, they don’t seem too excited when we talked about it. Even the other missionaries don’t seem to know how to handle it. We’ll end up talking about it with President Sanchez at interviews and he will help sort things out.

In the meantime a lot of neat things are happing down in the Valley. There are plenty of people to teach, especially with both wards combined. The only problem is each ward doesn’t want to have to share missionaries. The hard thing is that missionaries have a rough time finding effective things to do [that] directly affect the ward. Theoretically, you could tract a street in hopes of finding a Samoan to teach, but it’s not going to happen. So, we pretty much operate on member referrals and previous contacts. Any other finding we do usually doesn’t add to our teaching pool.

Everything has a purpose and it will all work out. Elder Hafoka and I are doing everything that we can to progress the work in this area and hopefully it will pay off sometime soon. Thanks for all of your support. Especially the letters. I update you on more next week.

Love,

Elder Freeman

* Editor's note: Elder Freeman refers to pictures requested which we will use to establish a presence at his brother's upcoming wedding.

Laborers Are Few

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated March 27, 2008

Dear Family,

First, Thank you, Mom, for emailing me. It really is the highlight of my week. As always I don’t really appreciate what I have until it’s hundreds of miles away. I love to hear about everything that goes on at home. Good, bad, happy, tragic and everything in-between, I want to hear about. Now it seems like everything is going pretty good.

I [am] happy to report that good things are happening here. Last week was transfers and my good Samoan companion was transferred far away to Apple Valley. Well, it would be far if we didn’t cover the entire mission.

There have been other interesting developments. If you recall at the end of last year I was serving with my half-Samoan/half-New-Zealander friend, Elder Ah Wong, and we covered both Samoan wards, the big one and the small one. Then, they split our area and I got my Samoan companion, Elder Leiato, and I served with him in only the big Samoan ward and Ah Wong got his new companion and they served in the small ward. Elder Ah Wong went home in February and was replaced by Elder Hafoka. Last week they took away his companion and they took away my companion and now we are companions and cover both wards again.

That’s been a pretty big change. Before, when we only covered one ward we had enough time to spend up in the Hisperia/Victorville area. Now, both bishops are concerned about sharing missionaries again and are also concerned with how much time we spend up in the desert.
So, for all intents and purposes, it’s like covering [two] wards and a branch. The branch hasn’t been formed yet, but is desperately needed. It’s only a matter of convincing either the Area Presidency or the First Presidency.

We’ve been compiling a list of neglected Samoans in the Hisperia/Victorville area for the past [four] months and President Sanchez said he sent copies straight to Salt Lake and to the Area Authority and even all the Stake Presidents involved. We have even been teaching several Samoan families in Hisperia, but since they only really speak English they will end up being baptized in the English wards, so unfortunately we’re in the process of giving them up to the other missionaries in the English wards. That will cut our teaching pool in half, and take away a lot of baptisms, but it will give us more time to focus on the wards down here.

It seems like everyone is just waiting for approval of a Samoan unit in the Victorville/ Hisperia area, and everyone is so convinced that it will solve all the problems, and it very well may. My only concern is that while everyone is waiting, the lost sheep will get even more lost, and by the time they choose a sheep herder they can understand, they will be too far gone away from the Shepherd.

At times it feel like we’re walking on thin ice. All we want to focus on as missionaries is bringing people into the gospel. But, with the instability up in the Victorville/Hisperia area it’s very difficult to do that. The support is structured for a different language and a different culture, and the support we do have that can cater to their needs is too far away. So we either trust in the Palangi ward and stake leadership to serve their needs or we do everything we can and try our hardest not to step on anyone’s toes.

President Sanchez says if anything does happen, it won’t be for a long time, maybe next fall. Until then, we’ll continue to do our best and accomplish all that is asked of us. That way when all is said and done we can be held guiltless.

Thank you all for your continued love and support. I pray the best for all of you.

Love,

Elder Freeman

Families taking steps towards baptism

From Elder Andrushka Dated 03/18/03

Dear Mom, Dad and the Family,

What a week it has been with ups and downs. All the experiences have been stressful. Well, this week to sum up some things because I don’t have much time and it’s late, I have had changes and a new companion who’s name is Elder Grayson. He is from Louisiana. I will write about him some more in my next letter as I find out more.

We married the Lopez family who are Pedro and Gema. People here don’t really have parties for weddings but they did. As missionaries we could not be there. We found out that the plans changed and the families that were getting married decided to do it at the same time. So, the whole morning we were running back and forth making sure all was well..

The Lopez family was all well. I am more than happy that they made the decision to not drink or provide alcohol at their wedding so they are progressing well. We are hoping that they will get baptized this week.

The other family is one family that I have come to love a lot. The Martinez family started out with their plumbing breaking in the morning. We went over and dug a hole and started to work on it, then ran back to the other family. We got back and the lawyer who was going to marry them needed more papers so we sent him in a taxi to go work on the papers. We pushed the wedding back to 7 p.m. when it was supposed to be at 4 p.m. So we went out to contact and work.

We got back at 7 and the lawyer (?) judge (?) Justice of the Peace (?) was not there. So we went to his house and he was waiting for the light to come back to iron his shirt. Then we made it to the house where the wedding was being held. We started with a prayer and he had a little advice and they signed the papers. It came to be my time to give a little speech. I had been praying all day to have the Spirit fill my mind with what to say. As I stood up I had them face each other while I had a Book Of Mormon in my hands.

I told them to look in each others eyes and remember the first time they said hi. The first time they went on a date, the many memories that had together. I told them that they needed to remember this moment all their lives. Then I had the husband read a scripture about charity from the Book of Mormon. They promised to have charity in their lives.

I could never imagine in my life of having the chance to share a moment like that As I stood in front of them I realized I could add to people’s lives and their experience or I could let the time just pass me by. I know with out a doubt that the Spirit filled my heart and my thoughts with what to say and what to do.

I am doing great! Thanks for all your prayers. I hope that you all can understand my English.

Love,
Elder Pearce.

End of Another Transfer

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated March 12, 2008

Dear Family,

We're coming to a close of another transfer. While planning for this 6th week my mind was called to reflect the past 11 weeks Elder Leiato and I have been working together in the Inland Empire ward. It occurred to me that we didn't have very much to show for it as far as typical missionary work is concerned. Our ward has yet to have a baptism in 2008. So, I thought to myself if I wanted anything to show for the hard work we've been doing it would be at least one person with a baptismal date by the end of this week. The new transfer begins on Monday and we still have yet to commit someone to a baptismal date.

Tonight we are going up to Victorville and staying until Saturday. Our only hope is one family we've been teaching for several weeks now. His name is Vi (Vee), and his wife is Nina and they have 6 children. They have taken to the church more than anyone expected. Last week Vi told us he knew that the Book of Mormon is true and that he knew Joseph Smith was a prophet. I just about stood up and danced. After teaching about faith, repentance, and baptism we invited him to make the decision. He said he knew it was the right thing, but he wanted to learn more and improve some things. We told him to set a goal and pick a date where he would want to be ready by. This week we go back to follow up with that and set the date. The funny thing is, they probably will end up being baptised in a different ward. They don't speak Samoan and they've been attending the English ward for a few weeks now.

We also went into the mission office on Monday to update our report on all the Samoans we're finding in the Victorville/Hisperia areas. We've recorded about 230 people complete with names and addresses. It includes members, non-members, and less actives. About half are active, so we're not sure if Salt Lake will approve a new unit, but that's what we're hoping for. President Sanchez seemed very pleased with the work we've been doing regardless of the fact that we haven't had any baptisms.

So, we'll continue plugging away at things like we've been doing already and hope more good comes out of it than we're seeing. President also told us it would probably take a lot more time and if anything did happen it sounds like I'd be long gone. Nevertheless, I'm confident that we are doing the Lords work and, while we're far from perfect, I hope He is pleased with the effort we put forth and the things that are happening. Everything happens in His own time and we may not even see the fruits of our labor fully realized in this life.

But, thank you all for your love and support.

Love,

Elder Freeman

Preparing for the Future

Elder Andrushka Pearce Dated 03/03/08

Dear Mom, Dad and everyone that I love,

Where to start this week. Well, I didn’t have changes. I have come to really love this area. It’s called R* P*. My ward has 800 members but 116 go every Sunday. The highest we got it up here is 137. That was after a week we worked really hard.

I have come to visit many people that are not active. I have come to realize what it means to really endure to the end. Also what is the importance to go to church each Sunday. We are starting to work with the ward missionaries to help them visit the families that are not active. We are teaching them Preach My Gospel, then having them go practice and teach the less active families.

The Martinez family made huge progress the week. We drew them a sign and a picture on it that said, “Respect the Day of the Lord”. This Sunday we passed by their house and they had it up, which means they closed their little shop down to keep the Sabbath day holy. My heart was filled with joy for them. I know they will be blessed. It’s a family of four. We are enjoying working with them.

Pedro and Gema are progressing slowly. We taught them Family Home Evening and they really like it.

This week I also realized the importance of preparing for the future, that we are the future of this church. I have come to realize a lot here what the members need and lack.

I love the church and have a strong and lasting testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ.

Dad, it sounds like work is picking up and doing great. Well, I would love to hear from the rest of the family! I love you all dearly!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Elder Andrushka Pearce Dated Feb. 18, 2008

Dear Mom, Dad and the Pearce Family,

Happy Valentine’s!!! How fast the time is flying I have been almost 4 months in this area. I have come to love it and know all about it. I have come to know the members really well. I have come to know the bishop.

I don’t really have much time so I will be brief and next week will write more.

This week we finally saw some fruits of our work. We saw the G* family return to church. After the many testimonies, the many times we passed their house to go to church, they went this Sunday. Also Pedro and Gema went for the 3rd time to church. We have to help them to get married. Pedro has been making some comments about asking her to marry. I hope all works out.

I never knew a mission is such hard work.

I hope and pray that all is well at home. I love you all with all my heart!

Love,
Elder Pearce

Bringing in the Sheaves

Elder Andrushka Pearce Dated 03/10/08

I hope all is well with Carissa. I would like news on all that is going on with her. Thanks. I will be praying for her.

What a week this has been. I will try to explain it to all of you. First to start out it was a week of miracles and exhaustion. Good to start out, all is well with our families. They are progressing really well. There are four in the M* family. This week they went to church and as a family prayed together. They closed their shop down and went in a room and as a family prayed together. The second thing they are both racing to read the Book of Mormon. We had to give them another Book of Mormon. They also started to live the Sabbath day with the poster they put on their door to close their shop. They have watched blessings enter into their lives. We will be marrying them this week and the 29th of March we have faith to baptize them.

The L* family, or Gema and Pedro are getting married also.

The one crazy thing that happened this week is I went on divisions with the zone leaders. We went to another area and I got to help out with a wedding and a baptism. It really helped me to get an idea of what I need to do.

We are also working with a family that we call Johan. She and her cousin will be getting baptized.

I have been here in this area for some time. This Sunday something amazing happened. We had divisions with my comp because we had to go for so many investigators. I went for 6 more or less. I went to the first house where they always say, “No I can’t. I’m not ready” That’s just what happened. The spirit helped me out to convince her to go. I couldn’t stay long, she said okay.

So I went to the next. I learned that this family was already on their way. Then we went to the next house and the person was not there but then we asked if she would like to go to church She said yes.. So we had to be running by this time to the next house. Church starts at 10 and it was 10:30 by now and so we wrote her directions and directed her to the bus.

Then we went to another family, asking them to wait in the street while we went for another. I got to church and all the investigators were there. It was a miracle that so many went. That all that said would go went. I was so thankful we had 12 investigators in church and 5 inactives.

What a week it was. I really learned that if you work hard and never give up you have success.

I taught in class from Proclamation to the World about the Savior. To be honest, I am tired this week and pray for more strength to help all the investigators to progress. I have come to learn so much in this area.

I love the Gospel with all my heart. I am worried about Carissa but I know that Heavenly Father will protect her.

I love you all and take care.

Elder Pearce

Ua Le Lava a'u

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated March 5, 2008

Dear Family,

We went on a pretty neat hike this morning for our pday, and I've got a bunch of neat pictures*.

It's been a pretty rough transfer. We haven't had a baptism so far this year and there aren't any great prospects. It makes me wonder what the hang up is. We're doing our best as missionaries to teach and commit investigators and some of them are making real progress. The ward also puts forth a great effort. But, I can't help but wonder what it will take for the tremendous potential of this area to bear fruit. I've got an idea that will enable members to become more involved with missionary work on all aspects. We'll bring it up in ward counsel on Sunday, but it's kinda like the same thing** Bishop Duke asked me to do when i was home for five weeks. Hopefully it will help things come around.

So, they moved us into a new appartment. This one is a little bit nicer and roomier but only 1 bathroom shared by 4 missionaries. It use to be occupied by the sisters like the last one.

Sorry my time run short, more to come next week.

Love,

Elder Freeman

* Editor's note: A sister in Elder Freeman's area taught him how to crochet, and he told me he found it a great stress-release. I believe the hat he is wearing is his own handiwork.

**Elder Freeman taught a member-missionary class while he was home on medical leave.

Overcoming Obstacles with the Scientific Method and Divine Inspiration

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated February 20, 2008

Dear Family,

Once again I spend half my email time thinking about what to write. There aren't a whole lot of new developments. Nothing amazing or life changing. It's all just the same old missionary type stuff. I've been in one area for about four months now and that's the longest I've ever been anywhere. It's cool because we're finding a lot of people to teach and some of them are just barely starting to take the right steps to gaining a testimony of the restored gospel.

There are plenty of distractions and things that get in the way, but that's why we are here. We are being tested to see how we overcome those distractions and obstacles. First, we have to recognize the obstacles and then resolve to do whatever it takes to get over it. Usually it doesn't take a whole lot to overcome obstacles; the only hard part is finding the right way. There are infinitely many ways we can't overcome obstacles. Thomas Edison knew that: he found several hundred ways not to make a light bulb. So, when we rely on ourselves, we have to sort through several hundred variations of the wrong way to go about it.

The most wonderful thing about the gospel is that we can go straight to the Lord for the only right answer we need. He will answer in His own way only after we do everything we can to figure out our own best solution. That's how we grow. It's the scientific method coupled with Divine inspiration. It's the same reason our math teachers always tell us to show our work, or the step we took to come up with the answer we have. So when our answer is wrong they can look back through and show us where we tripped up and we learn for next time.

Heavenly Father also wants us to show our work, then when our answer is wrong he can go back and show us where we tripped up. Check out that section in the Doctrine and Covenants [Section 9:8-10] where Oliver Cowdery found out about it. But, not only is it the way investigators come into the gospel, its the way we stay in the gospel.

Thanks for all the emails and pictures and everything, especially the support of your prayers.

Love,

Elder Freeman

The Bread of Life

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated February 13, 2008

Dear Family,

First, I just want everyone to know how much I love our family. I had never expected it would be my first thought to come to mind when writing an email home. Usually, I read through all the emails I've gotten for the week and hit the compose mail button and stare at the screen for at least 10 minutes. But, for some reason or another this week is special. I feel it more than ever that everything comes together for a specific reason. Even the things that seem hard to swallow or even trials that seem insurmountable. It seems we are finding new dimensions of challenges in our lives as individuals and as a family.

Dallas, you made a wonderful reference to the Prophet Joseph Smith in your last email. That's one of my favorite things to talk about. Sometimes we fail to make the connection between the way God has worked in the past and the way He is working now. Yes, I must have taken Hyrum and Samuel Smith a great deal of humility and courage to accept what they heard. But, think what a great deal more they developed after all the trials they went through. Joseph himself heard the comforting counsel of the Lord who told him that even if he had to face hell itself, that it would be for his good.

Elder Holland always says salvation is not a cheap experience, and that the road to salvation leads through Gethsemane. But, because of Him who has already descended below all things, we are required not so much as a taste of the cup that He drank. The gospel is a wonderful thing. Not only do I have the privilege of teaching it every day, I can step back and hear how it blesses the life of those who I love more than anything else in this world. It is a privilege not to have to be stuck in the middle of it, because that just makes things confusing.

I have great hope in knowing one thing. Ever since I can remember, my entire family has remained faithful to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. We haven't been perfect by any means, but we have grown as individuals and as a family and remained faithful to the covenants we have made with our Heavenly Father.

Right now, we are teaching about 5 different families who are unmarried. It's been a challenge, and I'm having a hard time figuring out what these people need in order to take the steps toward committing to their spouse and ultimately committing to the Savior. My studies have led to a better understanding of laws and ordinances and justice and mercy, and other wonderful principles of the gospel. I've come to the conclusion that they are afraid that making the commitment will make them vulnerable to future heartache and frustration. But, that isn't the purpose behind this commandment. The purpose to any and all commandments are for our protection and blessing.

They aren't fences to restrict our agency. They are guide-rails to prevent disaster. As a family who has been faithful to our covenants, these guide-rails have yet to fail us, and I can't help but to think that they never will. That's the purpose of Heavenly Fathers plan. We don't just come to save ourselves. Our fates are inseparably connected, and for that I am grateful.

I'll use a metaphor to sum everything up. When I was young, my mother and father taught me everything I need to know to be self sufficient. Just like the old saying goes, "if you give a man a fish you feed him for a day, but if you teach a man to fish you feed him for life." Well, I don't remember anything about fishing. but, I do remember making homemade bread. I'll never forget how either. And every time I make that bread I can't help but think about my loving parents and brothers who helped me become what I am today. I can now share this wonderful gift to those I serve. I hope they like it, because it represent everything the gospel has done for our family. It also represents the sacrifice of our Savior. "Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

Thank you all for everything, and remember how much I love you.

Love,
Elder Freeman

Missionary Funtimes (illustrated)

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated February 6, 2008

Missionary Funtimes

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated February 6, 2008

Dear Mom,

It's been a pretty fun week. We just had a big group of missionaries finish and leave. My last companion Elder Ah Wong, the half Samoan from New Zealand, is still kickin around though. His mom came out and they're making visits and saying final goodbye's. Then, on Sunday they're flying halfway across the world to visit Jerusalem. It was kinda funny when he told me, because he didnt' sound too excited. It sounded like he really just wanted to go home. You see him in the last video clip. I asked him for his famous last words and he didn't have anything to say. It was pretty dang funny.

It's crazy to think about how long I've been out here in California. The work is going well and me and my companion figure I'll stay here in the Samoan ward for the 9 months I have left. I think that would be pretty cool. It might take that long for everyone we are teaching to get baptised, but that's another story.

Thanks for all the letters and prayers and everything. Ill get more out next time.

Love,

Elder Freeman

Faith Like Ammon & Alma

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated January 30, 2008

Dear Mom,

First, thanks a whole bunch for wrangling that bank account thing. I feel really stupid for having overdrawn like that, and to top it off, I lost my mission bank card and had to order a new one. I thought I was getting better at handling finances, but it looks like there are yet plenty of lessons to learn. But, the good news is that the mission account should be well full when I get my new card. So, don't worry any more about money for me.

We spent several hours in the office on Monday compiling a master list of Samoans in the High Desert to submit to President [Sanchez]. I'm afraid the list only represents about half of the people up there, so the total right now is around 147. That list includes members, less-actives, part-member families, and non-members. There's probably another 100 people or so we haven't met, and that includes congregations of other churches that we know are Samaon.

President told us that we should convert all of them.

I share his ambition.

But, that is easier said than done. First, some of them were previously members but have since left to start up their own church. Second, those churches are how they make their living. President admits that those details complicate the matter, but encourages us still. Something deep down inside me says it will take faith like that of Ammon, Alma, and all those other to get past these seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

What a wonderful opportunity we have! It's exciting and intimidating at the same time. I don't know how successful we will be, or what it will take to bring these people to the Gospel.

On top of that we found two new colonies of Samoan families, the majority of which are Seventh-day Adventist. One in Loma Linda and the other in Highland. They will all be difficult.

However, prayers are being answered and the work is going forth just like the stone cut out of mountain without hands.

Thanks for all of your help and support, especially your prayers. Know that I keep you in mine.

Love,

Elder Freeman

Every Member a Missionary

From Elder BJ Bernards, dated January 28, 2008

Dear Family,

Hello again. I hardly blinked and it's Monday again! I’m tired. We played a lot of basketball this morning. We had transfers this week and both of us stayed but not our car. Elder Hill is bummed because that was the first time he has ever had a car on his mission and it only lasted 6 weeks. But, it will be great for the area as we ask the members to help us out and sacrifice for this great work. We have been in their homes a lot lately. We are to teach 10 lessons in their homes a week. It has been great and this ward is starting to feel more and more like home as we work into people's hearts with love, service, testimony, faith, hard work, and a positive attitude.

I had one of the greatest experiences of my mission last night as we had our youth fireside at Sister Teague’s home. Sis Teague is the Young Women’s president.

We had Brother Rowe, who teaches seminary, share a story of a man he is helping out right now to receive the gospel. We had an older couple share their conversion story and how they went from super bad to super good.

Then we shared the first lesson out of Preach My Gospel which is the Restoration. My companion, Elder Hill, bore testimony and taught with power and faith [which] I have never seen in him before. I as well had my mouth and heart full as I bore solemn testimony to the beloved youth of this ward and to our non-member friend, D*** K***, about the truthfulness of Joseph Smith and the Restoration. I asked them to consider the organization that they all enjoyed so much, and think about the scriptures that they read, and imagine that this youth could conceive such a thing. It’s clear that it was impossible for him to. But, then I told them that my testimony does not come by logic, but by prayer . . . By scripture study . . . Through revelations from the Almighty who lives and loves through all eternity.

A profound silence took the room as the Sprit laid upon everyone’s minds. No one dared to breathe. It was so still. It felt warm and love. I told them that what they felt now was the Spirit, and that is how we know.

I smiled to all of them and shared a moment of recognition with those great people as I looked into their eyes and they knew they felt the Spirit. Women and men, young and old. Member and not, God loves all.

I hardly wanted to stop the silence, my heart was brimming with joy!

We concluded with a musical number by Sterling Taylor's family which fit in perfectly and then a message from the bishop who challenged us to pray for that witness of the Spirit. He had that chance to use his mantle as a Bishop. It warms my heart. Then we all sang together "A Child’s Prayer" which was sweet and perfect for the mood. I remember the great joy on their faces as we felt the love of our Heavenly Father, and for each other as we sang as a family. We truly all are [brothers and sisters]. Never hate each other or argue, love unconditionally as Jesus loves you, try to show kindness in all that you do, be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, for these are the things Jesus taught.

After the prayer we a ate cookies and socialized, and then by popular request I ascended the stairs again and played a song on the guitar for Sterling. It was a remake of the song by Tenacious D "Tribute". I changed the words to tell the stories of missionary work. It was super funny and every one laughed, but I think we lost all hope for referrals! Ha Ha Ha

Sister Teague was excited to hear me, before I played she was like" oh he is going to play a song!" Little did she know that I would be shredding the air and melting faces with my astounding vocals and lyrics. It was awesome! People cheered and clapped, and laughed. I loved it. We all need a laugh.

Sterling Taylor leaves tomorrow for Tampico Mexico. We have been working with him for a couple of weeks. He has been scared and nervous for a long time and worked at a skate shop and hung out with pot heads and rockers and stuff like that. We have been going over there every Sunday and teach him from Preach My Gospel, but what taught him the most was my attitude and faith and testimony. I tell you this because we need to recognize the powerful effect that our image has on everybody. What do people see in us? Do they see light? Happiness? Do they see the Spirit?
I saw a profound change in him yesterday as he gave his farewell talk. I could see a vision of him returning strong and full of faith and love for everybody. He is a leader and the Lord will bring it out of him. He has the sprit now and is looking to the future with faith, and hope!

I love the gospel!

So this week a group of people let us in and have a bible study with them. They went over Proverbs. We didn’t push or anything. They actually asked the questions. We were able to teach them so much about the Church from those minutes we spent with them. They liked us so much they invited us back next week. In Proverbs was a scripture that mentions the "preparations of the Lord." I smiled to myself as I read that and knew that those people have been in a preparation for us! Ha Ha HA!

We have been working a lot with Megan who has been progressing. We had just a great visit on Saturday with some members. It was a miracle to get them there. The Lord provided for all of us. We watched The Restoration with her and her kids, and met her concerns boldly with scripture and testimony. She thinks that God doesn’t have a true church on the earth. So we referred her to read out of the [Book of Mormon].

We should see her again tonight. We are taking things less formally and are letting the Rowes teach a [Family Home Evening] lesson to her and her kids. It should be fun.

I never realized how fun and natural missionary work should be. We love them into the gospel. We are bold and invite. That is where our success lies. Attitude and faith give us the perspective to see opportunities and achieve success.

I love you all and pray and fast for you constantly.

Please write me soon. I miss hearing from you.

Love,
Elder Bernards

New Family

Email from Elder Andrey Pearce

Dear Family,

Mom and Dad all is well. I had some difficulties with the changing of the email addresses. I think I have figured it out. I sent a letter from last week and some pictures. Let me know If you get it.

Well this week was interesting. As time goes by I gain more experience and knowledge that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. I was very saddened for the loss of a great prophet. He is very dear in my heart. He has been a great example for me. I thought to myself, "As one great and honorable man leaves this world we need many more like him". I testify that he was a prophet of God. I can remember the many times that he gave a talk that I could feel a blaze of spirit just warm my soul.

We found a cutle little family here in Nicaragua. They are about 25-30 years old. Both study and married. You don't find many families like this. Our second visit with them they asked "What can we do to join your church?" We are very exited to work with them. We could just feel the Spirit strong. I know that we were guided to find their house.

My new companion is great he has taught me so much about missionary work. I finally feel like I am waking up from all that has been taking place in coming to a new country, learning a new language and all that comes with that. I hope to bless many peoples lives here in Nicaragua.

I am excited for the new Prophet Thomas S. Monson. I know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. I know that these times are hard and they're about to get harder. We have to stand as a light in this world to shine all the truth that we have.

I have been working with lots of less active members. Trying to help them understand the covenent that they have made with their Father in Heaven and endurung to the end. As I teach my vision becomes more open to my goal in life. I want to return with honor to the presence of my Heavenly Father.

I hope that all is well at home. I love you all. I don't have much time to write. I love the statement by Gordon B Hinckly ¨´It will work out´´ Do your best´´. I hope and pray to do my best every second.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Love Elder Pearce

Importance of Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching

Email from Elder Andrey Scott Pearce, January 28th 2007

Dear Family,

My mission is flying by so fast! I feel like I just barely got here. I have so much more to learn. Most of all so many more people to help.

My new companion is great! He has adapted to the new area just great. I can feel the spirit as we study in our companionships. We have been working hard. He has been teaching me some awesome skills. Most of all how to be more happy doing this work, to not always being serious.

We are not at this moment seeing many baptisms. We are seeing great progress and changes in this area. I have been seeing many changes in the ward. We have been working hard on letting the members understand the importance of home teachers and visiting teachers.

This recalls a sad story that took place. Flores and I contacted one house and she started by telling us that she was a member. We asked her why we have not been seeing her at church and how can we help. She told us of her story. She said, “I was baptized. I love the teachings, love the church. I started going but once I was sick”. I don’t recall why she didn’t go but she said, “No one visited me. I didn’t go the next week and no one visited”. This sister stopped going for 3 or 4 months and no one visited. She didn’t feel like part of the church. She said, “One day I didn’t visit my congregation in my other church. I had my friends and my pastor come by my house. I thought to myself, what a tragedy that other religions can stop by the member’s houses, visit the congregations but the Church of Jesus Christ are too busy in their lives”.

So we have been working hard on that. We have been seeing changes. Last week we saw the Relief Society president out visiting. We have seen the Priesthood quorum president put more emphasis. The members are really catching on fire. We have some activities planned to teach Family Home Evening and the importance of the prophet, Book of Mormon and Visiting Teaching.

I am glad to see the fruit of our labor. I know that it is a gift of our Heavenly Father. We have had great response of the members. I am excited for my next two changes in this area.

I am sad for the death or our dearly beloved prophet. I know the work must move on and I am excited for the new prophet of the world.

Hoping to find and teach people this week and working on activating members of the ward.

Love you and sounds like home is the place to be right now. I wish I could see.

One Fold, One Shepherd

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated January 23, 2008

Dear Mom,

Oh how much fun we have as missionaries. Here are a few pictures and a movie. I'm not sure if I told you before, when they split my companion and me all those weeks ago, his new companion is Elder Marsh, first cousin to Billy Marsh. Then, last week I talked to a missionary up in the desert who said he new a girl from Texas and he said her name was Stacia Johnson. I thought it was pretty neat. So, Billy's cousin is in one of those pictures (he's the one wrestling in blue). The movie is pretty interesting and the other picture is the new missionary in our apartment in his James Bond pose.

So, we're finding out a lot more about the situation with all the Samoans up in the high dessert. At first I was really excited because it seemed like there was a strong possibility they could get their own unit. Now, we understand more of what's going on and it's harder to say what they really need. The majority of Samoans are second generation and English is their first language and speak or understand very little Samoan. Well, I should say, the majority of strong, active members. The number of non-members and less-actives is astounding, and if a unit was created it would be a great platform for missionary work. The biggest problem is not a having a strong enough pool from which to draw priesthood leaders for an independent unit. On top of that, there isn't, and will most likely never be, enough support from multiple stake leaderships that are involved.

However, if the area authorities and the strong faithful members that we do have were to catch an idea of how well a unit like this could thrive it would be done without hesitation. Perhaps the roots are not yet strong enough to support the amount of new growth that could result. But at the same time, if these roots are strong enough now I fear they never will be. I'm also afraid that those who would be the greatest strength simply don't want to come to a Samoan unit, because their families don't understand Samoan.

Then again, I'm reminded that it isn't our responsibility as missionaries to form a branch, and thank goodness it isn't. But, in all fairness, President Sanchez did ask for my opinion on the matter. We are also in charge of accounting for all the Samoans in that neck of the woods including non-members. So, we are compiling lists of people, the majority of which are less active and non-member.

Once again to the other hand, it occurs to me that the purpose of forming a new unit would be less about catering to the needs of those already converted to the gospel, but more about bringing others who haven't. How much strength could a unit draw from people who don't understand the language or the culture? A whole heck of a lot more than members who don't understand the way the church works. The most valuable thing President Price taught me was the difference between Ministering and Administrating. One is subjective the other is objective. How good are people who speak English at administrating, and how good are Samoans [at] ministering? This kind of hybrid unit has potential to become the most successful unit in the mission. But, all parties involved need to forget themselves and do what's best for everyone.

I'm sorry, but this email has turned out to be more a letter for me than the rest of you, but I really could use all of your input. It seems like the weight of this entire situation falls on our shoulders as missionaries because we gain the perspective from every different angle possible. And President Sanchez is the one who is going to be reporting our findings to the coordinating council in two weeks, and it sounds like that is what ultimately decides what is going to be done for the time being. It feels like such a delicate situation with every move we make that I don't feel like we can afford to take it any less seriously.

I know in my heart that it truly is the work of the Lord and He won't let His sheep go astray, but I don't want to begin doubting that this could be they way He has of going about this particular situation. I care [too] much for these people to let them go unnoticed by those who have the authority to do something about it.

Here's your long letter :) Enjoy.

Love,

Elder Freeman

[Editor's note: the remainder of the pictures Elder Freeman sent are included in the slide-show to the right.]

Free Agency

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated January 16, 2008

Dear Mom,

Thanks for the letter. There isn't a whole lot that I can say about it, just that I hope and pray everything works out for the best.

One of the things I've been learning is not to worry myself about things I have no control over. That mostly comes from recognizing what it is I can't control. It's a fun process.

The best way I get by is to focus on goals for things I know I can accomplish. For instance, I know I can keep the apartment clean, take car of all my laundry and shopping and stuff like that. I also know I can teach so many missionary lessons in a day, how many scriptures I can memorize and other things like that.

Now, the gray area lies in things like my companion waking up on time every morning. I could try forcing him to wake up every morning to accomplish that as a goal. But I know that wouldn't be in keeping with how the gospel requires everyone to make the decisions for themselves. But, at the same time, that doesn't mean I have to give that up as a goal. That's where D&C 121 comes in. The parable of the sower is a good one too.

This isn't meant for advice in reply to your email, so much as a reminder for myself in case I ever forget, which I usually do.

There are some exciting things going on out here. I tell you as more develops.

Thanks again for everything.

Love,

Elder Freeman

Daily Miracles

From Elder BJ Bernards, dated January 7, 2008

Hello Family,

This week was super good. In this area we have basically "white washed" it. Meaning that we have started from scratch and are building things in our own way. Elder Hill had only been here for six weeks before I got here and they had the task of finding and moving into an apartment. The missionaries before I had got here had been living in a member's home and the members were leaving for the holidays and the rules say that missionaries shouldn't be in members' homes that aren't going to be around for long amounts of time so we moved into an apartment.

Our apartment is really nice, we have a little gas fireplace and a nice kitchen and good looking furniture. It hasn't had the long-lived-in-cluttered-to-the

-brim-with-furniture-rotting-and falling-apart-feel of a normal missionary apartment.

W have a car! Yah! This is good because we have a lot of members to visit and a lot of people to meet and a big area to cover. I am happy to be warm during this cold season.
and focused.

This week we met with the bishop of the ward who has caught the missionary bug that's been spreading throughout the Omaha Stake. I have never seen a bishop more excited about missionary work on my mission. We have a great Elders Quorum and a great Relief Society. Every day it seems we make more friends and greater connections with these wonderful people. We are just getting ingrained into the ward and working really hard and trying every day to be more diligent and obedient. With this close connection with the members we get to share good experiences and faith promoting stories and teach about principals and doctrines and share our limited knowledge of Preach My Gospel.

We still have our challenges and I am glad and happy to have challenges because where would the miracles come from if we didn't have opposition?

Phew I am glad its preparation day though. I like our new preparation day schedule. We work real hard during the week and put all of our focus on Sunday, then crash on Monday! It's good. I have been seeing the effects in our area. It's really hard work, but each day we are seeing miracles and having prayers answered.

For instance, last Friday we showed up to an appointment we had made with a young man we taught while he was sitting in his car the day before. He wasn't at the appointment so we used our back-up plans and found another guy who wanted to hear more, but on a different day. So we tract his street and found this guy who was outside working on taking down Christmas lights and said to us, "It's really strange that you guys would show up today. Because my brother just passed away yesterday." He was just barely holding back the torrent of emotions going through him. He said," I'm really sad about it too because I don't know if he has accepted Jesus."

We told him a little bit about the spirit world, and told him that that was why we were here. We were there to tell him about the Plan of Salvation. Immediately as I brought up the spirit world I felt a powerful movement in the spirit. It burned brightly in us and in him. I knew at that moment that his brother was there to help us and him out. His brother was being taught by missionaries and wanted his brother to know more about it.

This man has talked to a lot of missionaries and probably bashed with us a lot before. But his heart was soft and broken and we didn't bash but discussed and testified of the truth and how all of the doctrines of the church fit with ancient scripture.

All of us grew in a greater sense of understanding and left feeling uplifted. I know that we were led to him. I know that we have angels watching over us who are truly ministering to these people here in the Millard ward. I know they are preparing all of God's children. All of His children who will be saved will be saved. The only reason for no miracles on the earth or in a ward or in a family or in an individuals life is because of a lack of Faith. (Moroni 7)

God is calling His children home. He is doing it through the faithful. Let us all rise to a new sense of commitment this week in proclaiming this gospel to the ends of the earth. We are surrounded by people. All are children of God. All have the Light of Christ. All are eligible for our invitations.

There was a paper put out by the stake that we are circulation throughout the ward. It has a bunch of good tasty doctrine that builds our faith to find people to teach. They use a story that I wish to share:

"Imagine that you invite a friend over for breakfast. You have a great meal spread out and you place a great glass jug of cool orange juice. Your friend notices it but doesn't ask for any. Their glass remains empty. You go about talking and eating and finally towards the end of the meal they ask you for some orange juice. you stammer a quick apology excusing yourself because you were not sure if they wanted any juice or not so you didn't offer any."

Many times we are like that host with our peers. How do we know unless we ask them?

As I have been meeting people here in the ward, I notice how ready people are to get connected. They are looking for someone to connect with them. We can be that link. We can be their source for love, truth, and light, because if we have an eye single to the glory of God we will be full of light and will not be able to contain it and it will spill out into the world.

So the work goes on. We grow and go.

I love this work with all my heart. We are taking steps closer toward the top every week. We are rallying the members, we are pushing back the darkness, we are seeking out the Faithful.

Thanks for you Love, and Prayers. I feel them carry me through. I love all of you. It is a pure and eternal love. We will be together for for ever!

Love,
Elder Bernards

Back in the Saddle

From Elder BJ Bernards, dated January 7, 2008

Dear Father,

I love you. Thanks for being my dad. I read through some old letters from you and gleaned great support from them. I love your testimony and your example as a father.

It was great to talk to you. Thank you also for the spending money. It has been a great support to me. I promise to take better care of it.

We have been seeing miracles here.

Let me tell you of my special calling I've been given. I feel that I have been called here to raise the moral and the spirituality and obedience and the faith of the missionaries here in West Omaha. My companion is Elder Hill who is from Burley, Idaho, and a great man. He lacks faith in himself, and gets discouraged. We have been working hard and have been seeing these miracles and been raising our bar. Before I was here this district was in shambles. We have a good new district leader who is from Sacramento, California, and some great elders here. We have the best wards in all of Nebraska in this district. We are going to see wonders here. We have an abundance of returned missionaries and strong priesthood leaders here to go forth proclaiming the gospel.

I have been able to see the growth that I am contributing and am fulfilled in my service. I know that even though I am not baptizing yet, we are doing a work that eventually affects that. Every week we have been getting stronger and stronger. I feel a fire that is unquenchable in my bosom that won’t let me rest or falter. It is the Love of my Savior. It is the seeds of the fruit of the Tree of Life that swells within me! It is a well of living water that quenches my thirsty soul and it floweth forever. I am grateful for your dedicated service for my behalf that has brought me to this gift. I am grateful for your righteous lifestyle of keeping covenants and upholding your priesthood oaths which have granted me access to the atoning blood of Christ.

I just wanted to say I love you and pray for you and apologize for my horrible teenage years. I am sorry for showing the kids such a bad example. I have made it my life goal to rectify those choices and show and be the best example to everyone I see. I never want to lead into unrighteousness again! I love truth. My heart rejoices in it! I cleave unto it and my understanding of it grows and grows. One day we shall sing in praise of our God and His righteousness and our praise will last forever and ever. We shall obtain the fullness of the stature of Christ by and by. We have great reason to rejoice because nothing shall separate us from the Love of Christ Jesus (Romans 9) That is one of my favorite chapters.

I also am grateful for Joseph Smith who I know is a true prophet called for us in these latter days.

Love,
Elder Bernards