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
Showing posts with label atonement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label atonement. Show all posts
Monday, July 28, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
I'm in Trouble!
From Elder Paul Freeman, dated July 16, 2008
Everything is going great. It really has been a fun week. We work with so many people and they're all very different. It's like a kaleidoscope that keeps changing. There are plenty of ] friendly, open-minded people who recognize [as false]much of the misrepresentations of what we believe. Richard is one of these fine individuals whose mother or grandmother converted to the Church in her old age, and he seems frustrated when he hears ministers of other religions slinging mud. He said he wants to hear our side and he's great to talk to.
The second time we met Victor, another investigator, he invited us right in and listened intently to our message. And the end of our most recent visit his mother-in-law asked us to pray for a family member who is ill. It's a reward in itself to see people begin to trust us and recognize our pure intentions. Richard even asked me if I was living as honest and truthful as I possibly could. It was a relief to answer in the affirmative and gain his trust.
We found another lady who has a sister who converted and she was interested in finding out more. She's going through a difficult time in her life and we were able to teach her about how the Atonement blesses us and how we can find strength [through] the restored church that has been founded on Apostles and Prophets, the Savior Himself being the chief cornerstone.
Love,
Elder Freeman
Dear Sweet Son,
Perhaps my letter may be of use. not to chastise but to focus. The gospel is true, I know beyond all doubt you are doing the Lord's work, that for which you are uniquely qualified. You are doing what is right for this time in your life, but if you had no thoughts of next year, I'd expect you to be brain-dead. You are eager to step off into the great beyond. You're supposed to be. It's what young people do.
It's understandable that you feel this tug to get on with your life. Of the truth, I feel the tug for you myself and have been making enough plans for your next year that you would run away screaming if I told you. So, whenever you feel the pull, just think, Argh! My mom's got my future all planned out for me. I can't think about it!! I'll never go home! That should do the trick quite nicely.
All my love and prayers,
mom
Dear Mom,
Everything is going great. It really has been a fun week. We work with so many people and they're all very different. It's like a kaleidoscope that keeps changing. There are plenty of ] friendly, open-minded people who recognize [as false]much of the misrepresentations of what we believe. Richard is one of these fine individuals whose mother or grandmother converted to the Church in her old age, and he seems frustrated when he hears ministers of other religions slinging mud. He said he wants to hear our side and he's great to talk to.
The second time we met Victor, another investigator, he invited us right in and listened intently to our message. And the end of our most recent visit his mother-in-law asked us to pray for a family member who is ill. It's a reward in itself to see people begin to trust us and recognize our pure intentions. Richard even asked me if I was living as honest and truthful as I possibly could. It was a relief to answer in the affirmative and gain his trust.
We found another lady who has a sister who converted and she was interested in finding out more. She's going through a difficult time in her life and we were able to teach her about how the Atonement blesses us and how we can find strength [through] the restored church that has been founded on Apostles and Prophets, the Savior Himself being the chief cornerstone.
On the other hand, I've been getting my share of distractions. That's why I say I'm in trouble. It's frustrating because I have so much time left, the last thing I want is my mind wandering and my diligence slacking. I try to find ways to keep focused. Days like yesterday don't help though. I had a dream that I was at college and it was exciting to start new classes and everything like that. Then I woke up and felt like a race horse who's gate never opened and I'm watching everyone speed down the track.
Then we had dinner with an amazing family. The Tualatamalelagi's. Yup, the husband is Samoan, but born in NZ and raised in the States. Guess what he does for a living? He is a Conceptual Design Artist for Major Motion Pictures. He's worked on some of the new movies coming out like The Mummy 3 and Hancock, and a bunch more. He was way cool to talk to. Then they asked what other areas I served in and I had to tell them, and they got all excited and wanted to know all about it because they're planning on taking a trip next year to Samoa.
So, I'm taking the time to get it all out right now and let you write back [and] chastise me, yada, yada, and I can refocus.
Then we had dinner with an amazing family. The Tualatamalelagi's. Yup, the husband is Samoan, but born in NZ and raised in the States. Guess what he does for a living? He is a Conceptual Design Artist for Major Motion Pictures. He's worked on some of the new movies coming out like The Mummy 3 and Hancock, and a bunch more. He was way cool to talk to. Then they asked what other areas I served in and I had to tell them, and they got all excited and wanted to know all about it because they're planning on taking a trip next year to Samoa.
So, I'm taking the time to get it all out right now and let you write back [and] chastise me, yada, yada, and I can refocus.
The good thing is, I love this work too much and feel so blessed to let anything else get in the way. There is so much more to do and so little time to do it. As long as I'm careful and always watch my thoughts, everything will turn out fine. Thanks for the continued love and support.
Love,
Elder Freeman
~~~~~~~~~~
Mom's reply:
Perhaps my letter may be of use. not to chastise but to focus. The gospel is true, I know beyond all doubt you are doing the Lord's work, that for which you are uniquely qualified. You are doing what is right for this time in your life, but if you had no thoughts of next year, I'd expect you to be brain-dead. You are eager to step off into the great beyond. You're supposed to be. It's what young people do.
It's understandable that you feel this tug to get on with your life. Of the truth, I feel the tug for you myself and have been making enough plans for your next year that you would run away screaming if I told you. So, whenever you feel the pull, just think, Argh! My mom's got my future all planned out for me. I can't think about it!! I'll never go home! That should do the trick quite nicely.
All my love and prayers,
mom
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
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
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