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
Showing posts with label Jesus Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus Christ. Show all posts
Friday, July 3, 2009
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
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Easter and Progression
From: Elder Andrushka Pearce Dated: 04.22.09
Dear family,
It is joyful to hear from so many married brothers and sisters of mine. I loved the letter from Eric it has been a long time since i have read a letter from him. Congratulations on your new call. A little that i have learned about that call is that it’s the biggest call of doing and being in action. How wonderfully Eric and Tomi put their families and described about there kids. Thanks Dad for your report as always.
Well about the work here. All is well this was the last week of this change so we worked hard of finishing of well. We had the opportunity to help the sisters to baptize and confirm. This week i was really looking forward to resting and not being so involved. So we organized the sacrament very well. Vladimir was assigned to start the meeting. We chose all the people to give talks in advance gave them time to prepare. We did this week Easter in our ward. The first talk was about the birth of Jesus Christ. The second on the life of Jesus Christ 5 min. Third on the Atonement and Death of Jesus Christ and the last and the one i was most looking forward The Resurrection of The Lord Jesus Christ.
Well that was all planned out until we got up in the morning and started to do our early morning visits to see how everyone. Our third discursante as we got to her house started crying and was busy working. We asked her what was wrong and she told us that she has had a very busy week. That her work pushed really hard and that she was very tired and that her husband left and she had a lot to do so she will not be going to church and she was very stressed about the talk. So we took the talk away as it was a great honor for me to give the talk. Then we calmed and helped her about the house things and she got ready to go to church. After church she was joyful that she went because it helped her with more spirit to keep fighting.
I was thinking how wonderful opportunity we have to take care of this area and the fathers sons and daughters our brothers and sisters. Well as well this week we had a great opportunity as we went to adventista (Adventist?) church and we both got a strong testimony how thankful we are that our church has a prophet and twelve apostles. To guide this work the order we have. We went really well represented and the preacher was the owner of the house that we are leaving in. Gave us a great welcome and we sang songs shook hands with all it was a great occasion. I am looking forward to getting home and getting to know other churches. I have learned that they have some parts that they do well. As some have great devotion for what they do. The fulness and the Truth is what they don’t have. Well with many other things.
Also this week we had a great opportunity to represent Mateares in a stake actividad as we had our responsibility and we had great support from the priesthood. We did a very good job. The activity was great success we had 76 investigatores come and over all 205 people. Um this week we also ordained on of our converts that has 51 years a Aaronic priesthood. The work is growing great. After church we did a baptism for the sisters as they had a hard time entering water in there baptismal font. The member were there to help us and we finished at about 5. As we left in the streets was the best view. I will Call it Sacerdocia en Mateare. We were walking in the main street of mateares and as i looked we were spanned across the whole street all in white shirts about 6 or more of us. As we walked the people were looking at us like who are they and what are they doing. What a look as the greatest power of God we have as humans was shown in the streets of Mateare. I know that this is the church of Jesus Christ this is the work of Our kind and Dear Heavenly Father. I love him and thank him for the work that he has put in my hands for the comfort that i have had. I know he loves me. The hard times we go through is to help us to become better i know that he is molding me to be better to help more people.
I love you all keep up the letters.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Oh That I Were An Angel
From: Elder Andrushka Pearce Dated: March 30, 2009
Dear family
This week was one of the hardest weeks. There are some good news and some hard ones. Lets start out with the good news. This week we got another Melchizedek priesthood holder and president told us that was enough he invited us to his office. To deliver the DVD that we made. Then to our surprise he invited us to go out to eat with his wife. It was a great blessing as we went out to a restaurant very nice and i hardly even new how to eat. He thanked us for our work and let us know that he will be sending the papers in. What a blessing it is to me to know that we are growing here.
Vladimir this week gave a talk and it was a very good talk about the mission work it really animated many to go out and work. He has been spending a lot of time with us working. We also had the opportunity to go down to a stake meeting in another stake as we did divisions and brother Vladimir went with me in representation of our ward he did really well. How i love the lord and the opportunity that he is giving to me.
I love this work. This week i was very stressed out and i think i have come to my limit and my nerves were sick i have never felt so tens. So i had a great talk with the president as he gave me a lot of tips on how to work and give the rest work and depend on the lord not just on my strength. I have so much more to over come but i am so happy and joyful to jump in and do all can do. I have bin making comments for a while that my goal is come home crazy and i think i am very close to being there.
SO this week i got a massager for my back and i am taking time resting my mind and taking vitamins i have never felt so at the end of my strength. i am thankful for this opportunity i hope that i can relax a bit because if i don't i think i will be changed and i don't really want to live this area yet.
Some of the stress that i have had is getting done we are moving house we have finished our contract we came to the terms that we both like on the house. We are trying to keep our room at the other house and just rent the house as a church will see how that goes. As we finished church many members walked out saying good by to the house i know going to the next house is going to be a great experience.
how i love the lord and know that he guides his people. How i wish i had more strength. AS Alma once said only if i were an angle and had the desires of my heart. Not to proudful but to be stronger to push this work along. I love you all.
Mom don't worry about it. I had a great interview with the president he gave me a lovely blessing that helped me know much that i need to do and i need to give my worry to the lord he is bound wean we do what he says. I love you all take care.
Let mike now that i will be home shortly. Mom let bj know that i can not write to him being on my mission. It became a new rull not to long a go. So i will be respecting the rull. So he is not afended that i am not writing to him.
Mom If you could also let Brooke know that i am doing well and that she only has 6 more months to wait. i have not bin able to send that many letters to her. If you could do such a favor for me.
Elder Pearce
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Bus Contacting
From Elder Andrey Pearce Dated September 1st 2008
Thank you so much Dad for the talk that you send me. I have realy come to
learn what it means to teach by the spirit because wean i dont have the
spirit i couldent teach not knowing spanish. It helps now knowing
spanish. This last week we had a 70 come and talk to us Elder
Clarke What powerfull serventsh he is. Leaving that meating i felt like i
was ready to talk to the whole world. This week i have had quiete the
experiance. The first one Elder Clark chalenged us to stand up and contact a
bus. So i told my còmpanion i am giong to do it. So heres the story. So we
get to the bus station and i am already nervous. So we enter a house write
were the bus passes and teach the man that was there. Then we left the
house and came the bus. So i let my companion pass by then i got on the bus
write in front of the buss driver and i asked him if i could talk to
the whole bus. He said sure. So i braiced my self and started talking i
started out hi then i asked a question as all faced me and my hart
started to beat boom boom. Then i made the mastake to ask a question and
a lady in the back replied wich made things easier i talked about the
booke of mormon and envited all to church. The hardest part was walking
back to my seat as i didnt have anything to brace my slef. Hahah i thaught
to my slef next time i will prepare a talk to give on the bus we will see
if i will have the couredge to preach on onther bus there wasent more
then 20 people but all that know me i dont like talking in huge
grupes ahahah. Well then we had a mutual in ruben dario. We set a
goal to have 30 poeple there and as we didnt have time we chalenged the
members to invite all and they did we had a lovly mutual or meating. I
taught about unity i have come to love this ward alot. I have come to
realize a trick to life i am the happiest wean i serve. Wean i forget about
my slef and go to work. I hope that i can learn how to better forget about
my slef and work. We also had a baptisms this week wich was a mericle.
Cesar he has 26 years we called him over the phone because he works far a
way and we can only teach him saturday and Sunday he goes to church by him
self o evry other sunday because of work. Each time he came he came with a
friend. So we called him and asked if he was ready to be baptised thirsday
and he said maybe. We told him if he pased the in terview he said yes.
Sunday morning we had scedualed the intrerview for 6:30 in the morning and
he showed up. at 7:00 we envited all members and they came he passed the
interview then we baptized in sacrament meating was confirmed and i could
feal the spirit strong as i sat with him testify to me that it was write.
I love the work i have to much to wirte So i will end with my testimony.
I know that the savior is center of this life we cant do anything or go
anywere without him. May we see his will each day and do what he would
have us do. I love him with all my hart. I know that with his help i will
reaturne in the presence of my heavenly father. Love you All
Thanks for your prayers. Congrats Tomi 3 kids is it a boy or a girl?
Thanks mom and dad for all you do!
Thank you so much Dad for the talk that you send me. I have realy come to
learn what it means to teach by the spirit because wean i dont have the
spirit i couldent teach not knowing spanish. It helps now knowing
spanish. This last week we had a 70 come and talk to us Elder
Clarke What powerfull serventsh he is. Leaving that meating i felt like i
was ready to talk to the whole world. This week i have had quiete the
experiance. The first one Elder Clark chalenged us to stand up and contact a
bus. So i told my còmpanion i am giong to do it. So heres the story. So we
get to the bus station and i am already nervous. So we enter a house write
were the bus passes and teach the man that was there. Then we left the
house and came the bus. So i let my companion pass by then i got on the bus
write in front of the buss driver and i asked him if i could talk to
the whole bus. He said sure. So i braiced my self and started talking i
started out hi then i asked a question as all faced me and my hart
started to beat boom boom. Then i made the mastake to ask a question and
a lady in the back replied wich made things easier i talked about the
booke of mormon and envited all to church. The hardest part was walking
back to my seat as i didnt have anything to brace my slef. Hahah i thaught
to my slef next time i will prepare a talk to give on the bus we will see
if i will have the couredge to preach on onther bus there wasent more
then 20 people but all that know me i dont like talking in huge
grupes ahahah. Well then we had a mutual in ruben dario. We set a
goal to have 30 poeple there and as we didnt have time we chalenged the
members to invite all and they did we had a lovly mutual or meating. I
taught about unity i have come to love this ward alot. I have come to
realize a trick to life i am the happiest wean i serve. Wean i forget about
my slef and go to work. I hope that i can learn how to better forget about
my slef and work. We also had a baptisms this week wich was a mericle.
Cesar he has 26 years we called him over the phone because he works far a
way and we can only teach him saturday and Sunday he goes to church by him
self o evry other sunday because of work. Each time he came he came with a
friend. So we called him and asked if he was ready to be baptised thirsday
and he said maybe. We told him if he pased the in terview he said yes.
Sunday morning we had scedualed the intrerview for 6:30 in the morning and
he showed up. at 7:00 we envited all members and they came he passed the
interview then we baptized in sacrament meating was confirmed and i could
feal the spirit strong as i sat with him testify to me that it was write.
I love the work i have to much to wirte So i will end with my testimony.
I know that the savior is center of this life we cant do anything or go
anywere without him. May we see his will each day and do what he would
have us do. I love him with all my hart. I know that with his help i will
reaturne in the presence of my heavenly father. Love you All
Thanks for your prayers. Congrats Tomi 3 kids is it a boy or a girl?
Thanks mom and dad for all you do!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Touched by the Spirit
From Elder Andrushka Dated: 08.18.08
Dear Family,
Yay! I can’t wait to get to know my new family members (He just found out about Amelia being born and Eliza being imminent).
The work goes on and it got more intensified as we dedicated to work harder here and in Leon.
This week we had an amazing baptism. His name is Guillermo. I remember the first time we talked to him. It was four months ago. He didn’t want to hear about baptism, letting us know that he was baptized and he didn’t see a reason to change. He is the husband of a lovely lady that is a really strong member and has wanted to go to the temple and to be sealed as a family for awhile now. We have come to learn that when the Spirit touches someone’s heart, they get ready to be baptized. As much as we spoke as much as we could do, without the Spirit, we could not have helped him.
The baptism was lovely as lots of members were present. This ward each Sunday looks stronger and stronger.
So this week at the end of the sacrament, the first counselor asked me if I could give the Gospel Doctrine class or the Book of Mormon class. I looked at the manual and I don’t know why I said yes, but I did. I was given 5 minutes to prepare for class. As I started thinking to myself “What am I going to teach?” The Spirit came to me and let me know what the lesson was about and what I should talk about and teach. As I stood in front of all, I started to tremble, thinking how am I going to teach in Spanish? So we sang a song and started off into the lesson. I know that the Spirit was present. The class was lovely and interesting. I know that Spirit helped me a lot.
I also learned that’s why we plan on our mission. I love the work and each progression. I hope this second part of my mission will be just as great or greater. I hope that I will learn all I need to help the kingdom of God here on Earth. Love the Savior and His work. Love being a representative of Him. Hope to be a better one. Thanks for your prayers!
Dear Family,
Yay! I can’t wait to get to know my new family members (He just found out about Amelia being born and Eliza being imminent).
The work goes on and it got more intensified as we dedicated to work harder here and in Leon.
This week we had an amazing baptism. His name is Guillermo. I remember the first time we talked to him. It was four months ago. He didn’t want to hear about baptism, letting us know that he was baptized and he didn’t see a reason to change. He is the husband of a lovely lady that is a really strong member and has wanted to go to the temple and to be sealed as a family for awhile now. We have come to learn that when the Spirit touches someone’s heart, they get ready to be baptized. As much as we spoke as much as we could do, without the Spirit, we could not have helped him.
The baptism was lovely as lots of members were present. This ward each Sunday looks stronger and stronger.
So this week at the end of the sacrament, the first counselor asked me if I could give the Gospel Doctrine class or the Book of Mormon class. I looked at the manual and I don’t know why I said yes, but I did. I was given 5 minutes to prepare for class. As I started thinking to myself “What am I going to teach?” The Spirit came to me and let me know what the lesson was about and what I should talk about and teach. As I stood in front of all, I started to tremble, thinking how am I going to teach in Spanish? So we sang a song and started off into the lesson. I know that the Spirit was present. The class was lovely and interesting. I know that Spirit helped me a lot.
I also learned that’s why we plan on our mission. I love the work and each progression. I hope this second part of my mission will be just as great or greater. I hope that I will learn all I need to help the kingdom of God here on Earth. Love the Savior and His work. Love being a representative of Him. Hope to be a better one. Thanks for your prayers!
Monday, July 28, 2008
The Church is True
From Elder BJ Bernards, dated July 28, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
I love being a missionary! Yesterday after church when we were taking a lunch break, we listened to the new Mo-Tab [Mormon Tabernacle Choir] CD called "Called to Serve" and the songs on there rang true with my soul. It stirred me up and as we went out I felt more bold than ever and the excitement of serving the Lord and proclaiming His gospel of Love filled my soul.
to work towards his baptism at the end of We were able to see some cool miracles happen too. Mike Corte didn't come to church again so we took a new elder who leaves for Switzerland in August with us to see him and he wasn't home. So right as we were pulling away he rolls in and invites us in and before we even said a prayer, a sermon comes out of my mouth as if I had practised and practised and memorised those scriptures and worked hard to organize it, and the Spirit aided us all as we taught Mike about repentance and baptism and getting a clean new life to start over with. He seems recommitted to work towards his baptism at the end of September and were seeing him tomorrow.
We were able also to see Peggy finally after a couple of days of no contact with her and she is loving us more and listening and responding more than ever. Usually she just changes the subject or refuses to answer, but her heart is softening up and she is growing and getting answers to her prayers.
Rohit Khada gave us a scare because we weren't sure if he could get baptised because he wont leave his traditions of Hinduism behind but claims that it supports his worship of God and Jesus Christ whom he believes in and prays to. So we called Pres. Newman and he told us that he is pretty sure it comes down to who you worship and keeping the commandments so he's pretty sure that he can be baptised. But, he alled the Church Headquarters to ask them for clarification and they counseled him to call India and ask them how they deal with Hindu's there so we can give Rohit good advice for his future.
We found a family last night as we followed out in our back-up plans. As we planned the night before we felt that we needed to see Dee who we had dropped from lack of interest, who lives in our apartment complex right at 8:30. Our plans earlier in the day were all shuffled around but it it all worked together for our good and ended up being there at 8:30 and her lights were on so we knew she was home! But she didn't come to the door.
Then the thought came to me to try a door of a lady we had briefly talked to in our parking lot and she gave us a date to come back but she was sick and didn't seemed too interested other times we saw her. But we knocked on her door and she said, "come in come in! This is my husband Bob, and he'll turn off the TV and here are our daughters, and sit down sit down lets talk." So we did, and had a wonderful time as we discussed revelation and answers to prayers and the gospel blessing families and extended a commitment to read Lehi's Dream and were coming back tonight with a couple in our ward.
We're also seeing Debra Baron who is a referral from Salt Lake who we saw earlier this week and who told us that she had read the chapter we had left, loved it and wanted another one and for us to come back tonight! That same couple is coming with us.
While we were over at the bishop's house last night for dinner, their neighbor girl who is 18 burst in and said, " Oh, I'm so glad you Elders are here cause I really need to talk to you guys. You remember when you ate at our house two days ago and you asked me about my friend who might be interested? She came to me with a billion questions and I was scared and unprepared and she wants to meet with you guys next Monday night at our house!" Holy cow, that is awesome.
We also had a great lesson at the bishop's home whee we taught the Restoration which never fails to invite the sweet spirit of Christ into the room and it uplifted everyone there.
I am grateful to be a servant of the Lord and know and witness that He lives and that He guides us in our daily endeavors. I got a letter from Sydney Bently who is the girl I baptised in North Platte who said " Every were I go I can feel the Holy Ghost with me! It is so awesome and I love every day. I have never felt this happy before in my whole life! Thank you and Elder Fallon for teaching me Sooooo much!"
I shared with the bishop's family last night the conversion story of Sydney and how she received a witness of the Book of Mormon's divinity as we read together 3 Nephi 11. We were inspired of the Lord to read it with her, and the Holy Finger of the Lord reached into her sweet heart and touched it and purified it and sanctified her soul and she knew then that this is the true and living church of God upon the earth, restored by the prophet Joseph Smith.
I love you family and I love your examples of enduring to the end. Please pray for me as I strive to work hard and be diligent for the next few months of my life. I need them.
Love,
Elder Bernards
Dear Family and Friends,
I love being a missionary! Yesterday after church when we were taking a lunch break, we listened to the new Mo-Tab [Mormon Tabernacle Choir] CD called "Called to Serve" and the songs on there rang true with my soul. It stirred me up and as we went out I felt more bold than ever and the excitement of serving the Lord and proclaiming His gospel of Love filled my soul.
to work towards his baptism at the end of We were able to see some cool miracles happen too. Mike Corte didn't come to church again so we took a new elder who leaves for Switzerland in August with us to see him and he wasn't home. So right as we were pulling away he rolls in and invites us in and before we even said a prayer, a sermon comes out of my mouth as if I had practised and practised and memorised those scriptures and worked hard to organize it, and the Spirit aided us all as we taught Mike about repentance and baptism and getting a clean new life to start over with. He seems recommitted to work towards his baptism at the end of September and were seeing him tomorrow.
We were able also to see Peggy finally after a couple of days of no contact with her and she is loving us more and listening and responding more than ever. Usually she just changes the subject or refuses to answer, but her heart is softening up and she is growing and getting answers to her prayers.
Rohit Khada gave us a scare because we weren't sure if he could get baptised because he wont leave his traditions of Hinduism behind but claims that it supports his worship of God and Jesus Christ whom he believes in and prays to. So we called Pres. Newman and he told us that he is pretty sure it comes down to who you worship and keeping the commandments so he's pretty sure that he can be baptised. But, he alled the Church Headquarters to ask them for clarification and they counseled him to call India and ask them how they deal with Hindu's there so we can give Rohit good advice for his future.
We found a family last night as we followed out in our back-up plans. As we planned the night before we felt that we needed to see Dee who we had dropped from lack of interest, who lives in our apartment complex right at 8:30. Our plans earlier in the day were all shuffled around but it it all worked together for our good and ended up being there at 8:30 and her lights were on so we knew she was home! But she didn't come to the door.
Then the thought came to me to try a door of a lady we had briefly talked to in our parking lot and she gave us a date to come back but she was sick and didn't seemed too interested other times we saw her. But we knocked on her door and she said, "come in come in! This is my husband Bob, and he'll turn off the TV and here are our daughters, and sit down sit down lets talk." So we did, and had a wonderful time as we discussed revelation and answers to prayers and the gospel blessing families and extended a commitment to read Lehi's Dream and were coming back tonight with a couple in our ward.
We're also seeing Debra Baron who is a referral from Salt Lake who we saw earlier this week and who told us that she had read the chapter we had left, loved it and wanted another one and for us to come back tonight! That same couple is coming with us.
While we were over at the bishop's house last night for dinner, their neighbor girl who is 18 burst in and said, " Oh, I'm so glad you Elders are here cause I really need to talk to you guys. You remember when you ate at our house two days ago and you asked me about my friend who might be interested? She came to me with a billion questions and I was scared and unprepared and she wants to meet with you guys next Monday night at our house!" Holy cow, that is awesome.
We also had a great lesson at the bishop's home whee we taught the Restoration which never fails to invite the sweet spirit of Christ into the room and it uplifted everyone there.
I am grateful to be a servant of the Lord and know and witness that He lives and that He guides us in our daily endeavors. I got a letter from Sydney Bently who is the girl I baptised in North Platte who said " Every were I go I can feel the Holy Ghost with me! It is so awesome and I love every day. I have never felt this happy before in my whole life! Thank you and Elder Fallon for teaching me Sooooo much!"
I shared with the bishop's family last night the conversion story of Sydney and how she received a witness of the Book of Mormon's divinity as we read together 3 Nephi 11. We were inspired of the Lord to read it with her, and the Holy Finger of the Lord reached into her sweet heart and touched it and purified it and sanctified her soul and she knew then that this is the true and living church of God upon the earth, restored by the prophet Joseph Smith.
I love you family and I love your examples of enduring to the end. Please pray for me as I strive to work hard and be diligent for the next few months of my life. I need them.
Love,
Elder Bernards
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
A Sure Foundation
From Elder Paul Freeman, dated July 9, 2008
Dear Mom,
Things are going great. Although, it seems as if the opposition is heating up. Two days ago we had a challenging encounter. My companion and I resolved to tract a certain street. As soon as we stepped out of the car we met a gentleman who was getting ready to change his oil filter. He immediately asked if he was on our "list". We reassured him our meeting was simple coincidental and ask if he had visited with missionaries before. He said they visited him but discontinued on account of disagreements.
That should have been my first clue, but he continued to talk about what he knew about the church and said how some people viewed it as a cult. I asked him if he sympathised with that view and he said he did. That should have been my second clue.
Well, I guess I'll spare you the gory details, but when it came down to it, he was the last person we needed to talk to that day. You should know that I'm the last person who would get in a heated argument about the gospel. It means too much to me. I never argued and there were things that man said that he should have been rebuked for, but I didn't. He was so far off base he couldn't begin to fathom the significance of personal revelation. He even argued that Jesus Christ said that there would be no additional scripture after the Bible. We reminded him of course that the Bible as it exists today did not exist in the Savior's time.
He was sure to compliment our sincerity, but was very specific and deliberate when he told us that "you are wrong". He denied my personal testimony and claimed it as a preprogrammed response. Of all the things I could have said and done, I wished him well and offered free labor before leaving.
The next day I read last year's conference talk from Elder Ballard on the importance of personal revelation. Such sweet peace and comfort has entered into my heart knowing that I have built my life on the foundation that Jesus Christ Himself said would never fail. Of course it's not fun to have to test it, but it hasn't failed me yet and if hell itself should combine against me, it will all be as chaff in the wind.
I am preaching this gospel because the God of Heaven has chosen me for this work and there isn't a man alive that can tear me from it. I will continue to fear God more than man because I know this is His work. It has never been easy, but that's not going to stop me.
Thank you for all your support mom.
Dear Mom,
Things are going great. Although, it seems as if the opposition is heating up. Two days ago we had a challenging encounter. My companion and I resolved to tract a certain street. As soon as we stepped out of the car we met a gentleman who was getting ready to change his oil filter. He immediately asked if he was on our "list". We reassured him our meeting was simple coincidental and ask if he had visited with missionaries before. He said they visited him but discontinued on account of disagreements.
That should have been my first clue, but he continued to talk about what he knew about the church and said how some people viewed it as a cult. I asked him if he sympathised with that view and he said he did. That should have been my second clue.
Well, I guess I'll spare you the gory details, but when it came down to it, he was the last person we needed to talk to that day. You should know that I'm the last person who would get in a heated argument about the gospel. It means too much to me. I never argued and there were things that man said that he should have been rebuked for, but I didn't. He was so far off base he couldn't begin to fathom the significance of personal revelation. He even argued that Jesus Christ said that there would be no additional scripture after the Bible. We reminded him of course that the Bible as it exists today did not exist in the Savior's time.
He was sure to compliment our sincerity, but was very specific and deliberate when he told us that "you are wrong". He denied my personal testimony and claimed it as a preprogrammed response. Of all the things I could have said and done, I wished him well and offered free labor before leaving.
The next day I read last year's conference talk from Elder Ballard on the importance of personal revelation. Such sweet peace and comfort has entered into my heart knowing that I have built my life on the foundation that Jesus Christ Himself said would never fail. Of course it's not fun to have to test it, but it hasn't failed me yet and if hell itself should combine against me, it will all be as chaff in the wind.
I am preaching this gospel because the God of Heaven has chosen me for this work and there isn't a man alive that can tear me from it. I will continue to fear God more than man because I know this is His work. It has never been easy, but that's not going to stop me.
Thank you for all your support mom.
Love,
Elder Freeman
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Witness of the Holy Ghost
Sent by Elder Paul Freeman, dated June 25, 2008
Dear Mom,Things are going really great. We're working like crazy. We've got the names of just about everyone who lives in this city and we're trying to contact them all. Well, that's what it feels like.
Our area book has pages and pages of people who talked to the missionaries before [ [and] showed at least some degree of interest, and my companion and I are now trying to follow up with them all. When we contact them, we try teaching them a little more and setting up a return appointment. Those who show interest are kept on the list and hopefully we have an appointment to go back. Those who aren't interested are dropped. Most of the time they're never home and when that happens we knock on their neighbors' doors and find more people to teach. It's a huge change of pace from the Samoan ward where there is virtually no teaching pool and no finding pool. The tricky part now is getting all these people to progress and keep their commitments.
One lady we started teaching is a great prospect. She told us how she had been moving around from church to church and has never really been satisfied. We set up an appointment and it turns out even her son was excited enough to remind her and help tidy up the house before we came. We had an awesome discussion and she opened up a lot and we committed her to read the Book of Mormon and come to church. Well, she never made it out to church, but we have a return appointment for tomorrow.
At the same time, we are trying to follow up with former investigators. We went to one house where the lady had studied with the missionaries before and she seemed really excited to see us. We sat down with her and her husband it started off pretty good. She asked us why we were members of our church. It was a great opportunity to bear sincere testimony. Her husband is a really nice guy and a very smooth talker. We in turn asked why she had discontinued the lessons with the missionaries. Evidently, she had concerns about Joseph Smith and how man cannot see God and live. We referenced Exodus where Moses spoke face to face with God.
Her husband politely voiced his disagreement, with further scriptural reference reconfirming man's inability to behold the face of our Creator. He also made mention of material he had found on the Internet that was incongruous with the teaching of the Church, and cited references from Brigham Young and John Taylor. Both Prophets' remarks were said to have denied the First Vision. We told him we knew of no such references but if he were to provide them we would be more than willing to investigate the matter further. He said his research was over a year ago and said he didn't have the references on hand but could provide them on a return appointment. So, we scheduled to return tomorrow.
He was more polite than most people who present anti-Mormon ideas, and kept reassuring us that he was not challenging our faith but was simply turned off by these seeming incongruities. I referred to the Book of Mathew Chapter 16 and recited the story of Peter testifying to the Savior that he knew He was the Son of God, in attempt to show this former investigator that testimony of truth does not come from the effort of reason. I tried to tell him that truth only comes from the witness of the Holy Ghost. I'll have to let you know how the rest turns out. If he is sincere and accepts the answers we give, then we can go back. If he continues to choose to believe the Internet over the power of the Holy Ghost, well, then there's no reason to go back.
In the meantime, there are plenty of people who are willing to learn more. It's a wonderful work with wonderful things happening and I'm loving every minute of it. Thank you so much, Mom, for you and Dad making this all possible. You probably will never fully realize the effects all this will have, but know that it is all possible because you are a part.
Our area book has pages and pages of people who talked to the missionaries before [ [and] showed at least some degree of interest, and my companion and I are now trying to follow up with them all. When we contact them, we try teaching them a little more and setting up a return appointment. Those who show interest are kept on the list and hopefully we have an appointment to go back. Those who aren't interested are dropped. Most of the time they're never home and when that happens we knock on their neighbors' doors and find more people to teach. It's a huge change of pace from the Samoan ward where there is virtually no teaching pool and no finding pool. The tricky part now is getting all these people to progress and keep their commitments.
One lady we started teaching is a great prospect. She told us how she had been moving around from church to church and has never really been satisfied. We set up an appointment and it turns out even her son was excited enough to remind her and help tidy up the house before we came. We had an awesome discussion and she opened up a lot and we committed her to read the Book of Mormon and come to church. Well, she never made it out to church, but we have a return appointment for tomorrow.
At the same time, we are trying to follow up with former investigators. We went to one house where the lady had studied with the missionaries before and she seemed really excited to see us. We sat down with her and her husband it started off pretty good. She asked us why we were members of our church. It was a great opportunity to bear sincere testimony. Her husband is a really nice guy and a very smooth talker. We in turn asked why she had discontinued the lessons with the missionaries. Evidently, she had concerns about Joseph Smith and how man cannot see God and live. We referenced Exodus where Moses spoke face to face with God.
Her husband politely voiced his disagreement, with further scriptural reference reconfirming man's inability to behold the face of our Creator. He also made mention of material he had found on the Internet that was incongruous with the teaching of the Church, and cited references from Brigham Young and John Taylor. Both Prophets' remarks were said to have denied the First Vision. We told him we knew of no such references but if he were to provide them we would be more than willing to investigate the matter further. He said his research was over a year ago and said he didn't have the references on hand but could provide them on a return appointment. So, we scheduled to return tomorrow.
He was more polite than most people who present anti-Mormon ideas, and kept reassuring us that he was not challenging our faith but was simply turned off by these seeming incongruities. I referred to the Book of Mathew Chapter 16 and recited the story of Peter testifying to the Savior that he knew He was the Son of God, in attempt to show this former investigator that testimony of truth does not come from the effort of reason. I tried to tell him that truth only comes from the witness of the Holy Ghost. I'll have to let you know how the rest turns out. If he is sincere and accepts the answers we give, then we can go back. If he continues to choose to believe the Internet over the power of the Holy Ghost, well, then there's no reason to go back.
In the meantime, there are plenty of people who are willing to learn more. It's a wonderful work with wonderful things happening and I'm loving every minute of it. Thank you so much, Mom, for you and Dad making this all possible. You probably will never fully realize the effects all this will have, but know that it is all possible because you are a part.
Love,
Elder Freeman
Coming Unto the Lord
From Elder BJ Bernards, dated June 23, 2008
Dear Family,
Holy Cow we just finished a great week! I am way tired so I am sorry if I sound tired this week and make it short. We had some great things happen and know that the hand of the Lord is over us. The greatest thing that happened is that an investigator called us up and said that he wants us to baptise him!! We set him a date last night and we are going to visit him every day this week and get him going to church and help him to climb the ladder.
We soft set Peggy this week. For the first time she came over to a members house to take a lesson and she received everything really well. I could see in her eyes as she listened to the Spirit that she had a great desire to be baptised and to overcome the challenges in her life right now, but she is still not ready and needs more work and we are committed to it and love her. Hopefully, we will keep on rounding up these investigators and get them solid and progressing and stretching towards baptism. I have been learning so much about doing this work that I never knew I never knew and it is great to serve around diligent and hard-working Elders.
Oh yeh. I almost forgot! I got to baptize Shannon this last week! She had such a glow in her face and a light in her eye as a few close friends gathered together to witness her big step in coming to the Lord. It was a sweet spirit to be involved in her conversion process, and I hope to stay in touch with her. Sydney Bently who is a recent convert out in North Platte wrote and told me that a bunch of her friends are taking the missionary lessons and her best friend is getting baptised in July! She says the spirit is rocking North Platte.
I got to do some baptismal interviews this week and it was such a pleasure and an honor to visit and learn about these great new members of the Lord's kingdom.
I love the gospel and love the church and love the doctrines and love the scriptures. I know that My Redeemer lives, His name is Jesus Christ, and He is my master.
Love,
Elder Bernards
Dear Family,
Holy Cow we just finished a great week! I am way tired so I am sorry if I sound tired this week and make it short. We had some great things happen and know that the hand of the Lord is over us. The greatest thing that happened is that an investigator called us up and said that he wants us to baptise him!! We set him a date last night and we are going to visit him every day this week and get him going to church and help him to climb the ladder.
We soft set Peggy this week. For the first time she came over to a members house to take a lesson and she received everything really well. I could see in her eyes as she listened to the Spirit that she had a great desire to be baptised and to overcome the challenges in her life right now, but she is still not ready and needs more work and we are committed to it and love her. Hopefully, we will keep on rounding up these investigators and get them solid and progressing and stretching towards baptism. I have been learning so much about doing this work that I never knew I never knew and it is great to serve around diligent and hard-working Elders.
Oh yeh. I almost forgot! I got to baptize Shannon this last week! She had such a glow in her face and a light in her eye as a few close friends gathered together to witness her big step in coming to the Lord. It was a sweet spirit to be involved in her conversion process, and I hope to stay in touch with her. Sydney Bently who is a recent convert out in North Platte wrote and told me that a bunch of her friends are taking the missionary lessons and her best friend is getting baptised in July! She says the spirit is rocking North Platte.
I got to do some baptismal interviews this week and it was such a pleasure and an honor to visit and learn about these great new members of the Lord's kingdom.
I love the gospel and love the church and love the doctrines and love the scriptures. I know that My Redeemer lives, His name is Jesus Christ, and He is my master.
Love,
Elder Bernards
Thursday, April 10, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Bread of Life
From Elder Paul Freeman, dated February 13, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
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.]
Sunday, January 13, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Amelia's Baptism
Elder Andrushka ~ sent December 31, 2007
Dear Family
It was wonderful to talk to you all. It sounds like life is just passing by great.
Dad I have chosen not to listen to the elders. I have learned in my life that with sacrifices comes blessings. With more sacrifices we make in our life that are correct and for the building up of the kingdom of our Lord and Savior. We receive blessings and happiness. I know it’s true the more I try and be obedient in my life the more I am blessed.
This week has been great we baptized Amelia. We have been talking to her mom for a while to gain permission. After we gained permission she lost her desire. So we rebuilt the desire and had to again help the mom understand how a baptism would bless her daughter’s life for time and all eternity.
With every week I seem to grow and stretch not as much as I would like to learn. Patience is one thing that I have learned out here. I have been working on recognizing the spirit and working to improve to act on the prompting as i receive.
I love you all! Elder Pearce
Dear Family
It was wonderful to talk to you all. It sounds like life is just passing by great.
Dad I have chosen not to listen to the elders. I have learned in my life that with sacrifices comes blessings. With more sacrifices we make in our life that are correct and for the building up of the kingdom of our Lord and Savior. We receive blessings and happiness. I know it’s true the more I try and be obedient in my life the more I am blessed.
This week has been great we baptized Amelia. We have been talking to her mom for a while to gain permission. After we gained permission she lost her desire. So we rebuilt the desire and had to again help the mom understand how a baptism would bless her daughter’s life for time and all eternity.
With every week I seem to grow and stretch not as much as I would like to learn. Patience is one thing that I have learned out here. I have been working on recognizing the spirit and working to improve to act on the prompting as i receive.
I love you all! Elder Pearce
Eye Opening Experience
Elder Andrushka sent December 24, 2007
I will be calling so I just wrote an eye opening experience. Happy Christmas I will be calling I am so grateful for all of you.
I had and eye opening moment. I realized this life is a fight but many people don’t know that. They move through life like there is no purpose. Yes many have faith in Jesus Christ but not understanding (that) with this faith they need to grab the sword and stand ready to fight (against) the world of evil. Every day I walk outside. I see the devil fighting with his might but the people not knowing that he is fighting. Not understanding there is the biggest war of their lives going on.
Then there are the valiant ones. The missionaries (and others) on the front battle field. The weak and the simple with our giant swords of faith, standing on the front battle field. Each day we wake up, gain more experience and go out to fight the evil. As we share the gospel, some join the ranks to fight the evil. Some just don’t understand. They are so blinded to all that is going on.
In these last days the evil is at its worst. If you’re not moving you are just swept away. The best part of it is the Savior, our brother leading this fight with his example. Completing the greatest part of this fight, the death and sin.
I love this gospel I am truly thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I truly don’t understand all that he fulfilled, all that he has sacrificed, all that he prepared in pre- mortal life. I can’t comprehend this. But I have faith in him. I know that because of him I will return to my Father in Heaven. With all the experience in life, I thank him for being with me every step of the way. I am honored to be a soldier in his army.
Elder Pearce
I will be calling so I just wrote an eye opening experience. Happy Christmas I will be calling I am so grateful for all of you.
I had and eye opening moment. I realized this life is a fight but many people don’t know that. They move through life like there is no purpose. Yes many have faith in Jesus Christ but not understanding (that) with this faith they need to grab the sword and stand ready to fight (against) the world of evil. Every day I walk outside. I see the devil fighting with his might but the people not knowing that he is fighting. Not understanding there is the biggest war of their lives going on.
Then there are the valiant ones. The missionaries (and others) on the front battle field. The weak and the simple with our giant swords of faith, standing on the front battle field. Each day we wake up, gain more experience and go out to fight the evil. As we share the gospel, some join the ranks to fight the evil. Some just don’t understand. They are so blinded to all that is going on.
In these last days the evil is at its worst. If you’re not moving you are just swept away. The best part of it is the Savior, our brother leading this fight with his example. Completing the greatest part of this fight, the death and sin.
I love this gospel I am truly thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I truly don’t understand all that he fulfilled, all that he has sacrificed, all that he prepared in pre- mortal life. I can’t comprehend this. But I have faith in him. I know that because of him I will return to my Father in Heaven. With all the experience in life, I thank him for being with me every step of the way. I am honored to be a soldier in his army.
Elder Pearce
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas
From Elder Paul Freeman, dated December 19, 2007.
It's such a great time of year and I'm appreciating it more and more. Maybe it's everyone else thinking and feeling and acting the way we're supposed to in remembrance of the birth of our Savior. Or maybe it's me that's changing. Either way, we all have great cause to celebrate this Christmas.
Yesterday, I went on exchanges with our district leader. The night previous I was concerned about not being super familiar with the area and not having much experience here. Thanks to your inspired counsel, I looked to President Eyring's talk and remembered how I've been helped and guided in days gone by and began to feel the genuine concern for those we are serving. I feel it was one of the most successful days we've had in a very long time.
First, we visited a great family of members to try and clear up some inconsistencies in our records. We then visited a great lady from the Cook Islands. She and her husband haven't been making it out to church, most likely because of his work schedule, but she has a friend going through hard times. Sister T*** has been giving great council and advise while being a wonderful example. She wants to invite her friend over when we come so we can start teaching her.
We then visited a family who just had their children baptised. They are a lively bunch and play on a Jr High foot ball team that won their Super Bowl last week. We are teaching their follow up lessons while hoping their father will take stronger interest in the Gospel.
The library is a great place to do service. It's quite and menial and suites me very nice. One lady that works their loves it when we come and thanks us a million time before we leave.
From their we visit a lady whose husband is Samoan but she's Hispanic. Her husband is never home and her son died several months ago. Missionaries used to visit before her son died and she said her son always felt better when they did. We started teaching the plan of salvation in hopes of building her faith and hope in the gospel.
After dinner and filling out some records, we went over to visit this one family that lives by the church. The wife is Jehovah's Witness but the husband isn't. They seem like they've been dealing with it their whole marriage of more than twenty years. At first we ask about what she believes, but [she] tends to answer more with what she thinks she supposed to say about her church. So, this time I just shared the parable of the Good Samaritan and connected it with the Savior and she seemed touched by it. When we left she said she really like having us over and we could come back again. Their such a good family and hopefully they can understand more about the gospel in the future.
Love,
Elder Freeman
Dear Mom,
It's such a great time of year and I'm appreciating it more and more. Maybe it's everyone else thinking and feeling and acting the way we're supposed to in remembrance of the birth of our Savior. Or maybe it's me that's changing. Either way, we all have great cause to celebrate this Christmas.
Yesterday, I went on exchanges with our district leader. The night previous I was concerned about not being super familiar with the area and not having much experience here. Thanks to your inspired counsel, I looked to President Eyring's talk and remembered how I've been helped and guided in days gone by and began to feel the genuine concern for those we are serving. I feel it was one of the most successful days we've had in a very long time.
We then visited a family who just had their children baptised. They are a lively bunch and play on a Jr High foot ball team that won their Super Bowl last week. We are teaching their follow up lessons while hoping their father will take stronger interest in the Gospel.
The library is a great place to do service. It's quite and menial and suites me very nice. One lady that works their loves it when we come and thanks us a million time before we leave.
From their we visit a lady whose husband is Samoan but she's Hispanic. Her husband is never home and her son died several months ago. Missionaries used to visit before her son died and she said her son always felt better when they did. We started teaching the plan of salvation in hopes of building her faith and hope in the gospel.
There's a Polynesian store where we're trying to teach a gentleman straight off the island who is being sponsored by the family that owns the store. He doesn't know a word of English but loves to hear about the gospel. Lately he's never there, so we teach the store owner instead. He's a great guy too, born and raised in American Samoa and has the best compliments for missionaries and Latter-day saints.
After dinner and filling out some records, we went over to visit this one family that lives by the church. The wife is Jehovah's Witness but the husband isn't. They seem like they've been dealing with it their whole marriage of more than twenty years. At first we ask about what she believes, but [she] tends to answer more with what she thinks she supposed to say about her church. So, this time I just shared the parable of the Good Samaritan and connected it with the Savior and she seemed touched by it. When we left she said she really like having us over and we could come back again. Their such a good family and hopefully they can understand more about the gospel in the future.
Thanks for all your letter and the package your sending. I've haven't gotten any yet but I should soon. Just a note, the office can forward packages from the post office to our apartment, but UPS boxes usually sit in the office. I have no problem waiting, it's just if you want me to get it sooner post office is the best bet. Thanks again and make sure everyone has a very merry Christmas.
Love,
Elder Freeman
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