From Elder Paul Freeman, dated April 2, 2008
April 2, 2008
Dear Family,
Sorry, Mom, but I can’t seem to find the cable to hook my camera up to the computer to upload pictures. Elder Hafoka helped me out this morning by taking the pictures, but I couldn’t find the cable this morning. I may have to just send the whole card home in the mail, or get my hands on a card reader and upload pictures next week. Now that I think about it, you should get the card reader and I’ll just send the card home so you could get it before next week. I’ll send it out today even though the card isn’t completely full. It was funny how many pictures we had to take. My companion was trying to get it framed just right and I was worried about the silly looks on my face. You should be happy with at least one of them.*
Anyway, this week was pretty good. We’re trying to strike the right balance of where to focus our efforts. Sometimes, it feels like [we’re] spending too much time with one ward and not enough time with the other. At the same time we’re trying to figure out what to do with all of our investigators up in Victorville and Hisperia. They are all Samoan but don’t speak the language and could benefit a lot from being taught by the missionaries in the English wards. The only thing is, they don’t seem too excited when we talked about it. Even the other missionaries don’t seem to know how to handle it. We’ll end up talking about it with President Sanchez at interviews and he will help sort things out.
In the meantime a lot of neat things are happing down in the Valley. There are plenty of people to teach, especially with both wards combined. The only problem is each ward doesn’t want to have to share missionaries. The hard thing is that missionaries have a rough time finding effective things to do [that] directly affect the ward. Theoretically, you could tract a street in hopes of finding a Samoan to teach, but it’s not going to happen. So, we pretty much operate on member referrals and previous contacts. Any other finding we do usually doesn’t add to our teaching pool.
Everything has a purpose and it will all work out. Elder Hafoka and I are doing everything that we can to progress the work in this area and hopefully it will pay off sometime soon. Thanks for all of your support. Especially the letters. I update you on more next week.
Love,
Elder Freeman
* Editor's note: Elder Freeman refers to pictures requested which we will use to establish a presence at his brother's upcoming wedding.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Laborers Are Few
From Elder Paul Freeman, dated March 27, 2008
Dear Family,
First, Thank you, Mom, for emailing me. It really is the highlight of my week. As always I don’t really appreciate what I have until it’s hundreds of miles away. I love to hear about everything that goes on at home. Good, bad, happy, tragic and everything in-between, I want to hear about. Now it seems like everything is going pretty good.
I [am] happy to report that good things are happening here. Last week was transfers and my good Samoan companion was transferred far away to Apple Valley. Well, it would be far if we didn’t cover the entire mission.
There have been other interesting developments. If you recall at the end of last year I was serving with my half-Samoan/half-New-Zealander friend, Elder Ah Wong, and we covered both Samoan wards, the big one and the small one. Then, they split our area and I got my Samoan companion, Elder Leiato, and I served with him in only the big Samoan ward and Ah Wong got his new companion and they served in the small ward. Elder Ah Wong went home in February and was replaced by Elder Hafoka. Last week they took away his companion and they took away my companion and now we are companions and cover both wards again.
That’s been a pretty big change. Before, when we only covered one ward we had enough time to spend up in the Hisperia/Victorville area. Now, both bishops are concerned about sharing missionaries again and are also concerned with how much time we spend up in the desert.
So, for all intents and purposes, it’s like covering [two] wards and a branch. The branch hasn’t been formed yet, but is desperately needed. It’s only a matter of convincing either the Area Presidency or the First Presidency.
We’ve been compiling a list of neglected Samoans in the Hisperia/Victorville area for the past [four] months and President Sanchez said he sent copies straight to Salt Lake and to the Area Authority and even all the Stake Presidents involved. We have even been teaching several Samoan families in Hisperia, but since they only really speak English they will end up being baptized in the English wards, so unfortunately we’re in the process of giving them up to the other missionaries in the English wards. That will cut our teaching pool in half, and take away a lot of baptisms, but it will give us more time to focus on the wards down here.
It seems like everyone is just waiting for approval of a Samoan unit in the Victorville/ Hisperia area, and everyone is so convinced that it will solve all the problems, and it very well may. My only concern is that while everyone is waiting, the lost sheep will get even more lost, and by the time they choose a sheep herder they can understand, they will be too far gone away from the Shepherd.
At times it feel like we’re walking on thin ice. All we want to focus on as missionaries is bringing people into the gospel. But, with the instability up in the Victorville/Hisperia area it’s very difficult to do that. The support is structured for a different language and a different culture, and the support we do have that can cater to their needs is too far away. So we either trust in the Palangi ward and stake leadership to serve their needs or we do everything we can and try our hardest not to step on anyone’s toes.
President Sanchez says if anything does happen, it won’t be for a long time, maybe next fall. Until then, we’ll continue to do our best and accomplish all that is asked of us. That way when all is said and done we can be held guiltless.
Thank you all for your continued love and support. I pray the best for all of you.
Love,
Elder Freeman
Dear Family,
First, Thank you, Mom, for emailing me. It really is the highlight of my week. As always I don’t really appreciate what I have until it’s hundreds of miles away. I love to hear about everything that goes on at home. Good, bad, happy, tragic and everything in-between, I want to hear about. Now it seems like everything is going pretty good.
I [am] happy to report that good things are happening here. Last week was transfers and my good Samoan companion was transferred far away to Apple Valley. Well, it would be far if we didn’t cover the entire mission.
There have been other interesting developments. If you recall at the end of last year I was serving with my half-Samoan/half-New-Zealander friend, Elder Ah Wong, and we covered both Samoan wards, the big one and the small one. Then, they split our area and I got my Samoan companion, Elder Leiato, and I served with him in only the big Samoan ward and Ah Wong got his new companion and they served in the small ward. Elder Ah Wong went home in February and was replaced by Elder Hafoka. Last week they took away his companion and they took away my companion and now we are companions and cover both wards again.
That’s been a pretty big change. Before, when we only covered one ward we had enough time to spend up in the Hisperia/Victorville area. Now, both bishops are concerned about sharing missionaries again and are also concerned with how much time we spend up in the desert.
So, for all intents and purposes, it’s like covering [two] wards and a branch. The branch hasn’t been formed yet, but is desperately needed. It’s only a matter of convincing either the Area Presidency or the First Presidency.
We’ve been compiling a list of neglected Samoans in the Hisperia/Victorville area for the past [four] months and President Sanchez said he sent copies straight to Salt Lake and to the Area Authority and even all the Stake Presidents involved. We have even been teaching several Samoan families in Hisperia, but since they only really speak English they will end up being baptized in the English wards, so unfortunately we’re in the process of giving them up to the other missionaries in the English wards. That will cut our teaching pool in half, and take away a lot of baptisms, but it will give us more time to focus on the wards down here.
It seems like everyone is just waiting for approval of a Samoan unit in the Victorville/ Hisperia area, and everyone is so convinced that it will solve all the problems, and it very well may. My only concern is that while everyone is waiting, the lost sheep will get even more lost, and by the time they choose a sheep herder they can understand, they will be too far gone away from the Shepherd.
At times it feel like we’re walking on thin ice. All we want to focus on as missionaries is bringing people into the gospel. But, with the instability up in the Victorville/Hisperia area it’s very difficult to do that. The support is structured for a different language and a different culture, and the support we do have that can cater to their needs is too far away. So we either trust in the Palangi ward and stake leadership to serve their needs or we do everything we can and try our hardest not to step on anyone’s toes.
President Sanchez says if anything does happen, it won’t be for a long time, maybe next fall. Until then, we’ll continue to do our best and accomplish all that is asked of us. That way when all is said and done we can be held guiltless.
Thank you all for your continued love and support. I pray the best for all of you.
Love,
Elder Freeman
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Families taking steps towards baptism
From Elder Andrushka Dated 03/18/03
Dear Mom, Dad and the Family,
What a week it has been with ups and downs. All the experiences have been stressful. Well, this week to sum up some things because I don’t have much time and it’s late, I have had changes and a new companion who’s name is Elder Grayson. He is from Louisiana. I will write about him some more in my next letter as I find out more.
We married the Lopez family who are Pedro and Gema. People here don’t really have parties for weddings but they did. As missionaries we could not be there. We found out that the plans changed and the families that were getting married decided to do it at the same time. So, the whole morning we were running back and forth making sure all was well..
The Lopez family was all well. I am more than happy that they made the decision to not drink or provide alcohol at their wedding so they are progressing well. We are hoping that they will get baptized this week.
The other family is one family that I have come to love a lot. The Martinez family started out with their plumbing breaking in the morning. We went over and dug a hole and started to work on it, then ran back to the other family. We got back and the lawyer who was going to marry them needed more papers so we sent him in a taxi to go work on the papers. We pushed the wedding back to 7 p.m. when it was supposed to be at 4 p.m. So we went out to contact and work.
We got back at 7 and the lawyer (?) judge (?) Justice of the Peace (?) was not there. So we went to his house and he was waiting for the light to come back to iron his shirt. Then we made it to the house where the wedding was being held. We started with a prayer and he had a little advice and they signed the papers. It came to be my time to give a little speech. I had been praying all day to have the Spirit fill my mind with what to say. As I stood up I had them face each other while I had a Book Of Mormon in my hands.
I told them to look in each others eyes and remember the first time they said hi. The first time they went on a date, the many memories that had together. I told them that they needed to remember this moment all their lives. Then I had the husband read a scripture about charity from the Book of Mormon. They promised to have charity in their lives.
I could never imagine in my life of having the chance to share a moment like that As I stood in front of them I realized I could add to people’s lives and their experience or I could let the time just pass me by. I know with out a doubt that the Spirit filled my heart and my thoughts with what to say and what to do.
I am doing great! Thanks for all your prayers. I hope that you all can understand my English.
Love,
Elder Pearce.
Dear Mom, Dad and the Family,
What a week it has been with ups and downs. All the experiences have been stressful. Well, this week to sum up some things because I don’t have much time and it’s late, I have had changes and a new companion who’s name is Elder Grayson. He is from Louisiana. I will write about him some more in my next letter as I find out more.
We married the Lopez family who are Pedro and Gema. People here don’t really have parties for weddings but they did. As missionaries we could not be there. We found out that the plans changed and the families that were getting married decided to do it at the same time. So, the whole morning we were running back and forth making sure all was well..
The Lopez family was all well. I am more than happy that they made the decision to not drink or provide alcohol at their wedding so they are progressing well. We are hoping that they will get baptized this week.
The other family is one family that I have come to love a lot. The Martinez family started out with their plumbing breaking in the morning. We went over and dug a hole and started to work on it, then ran back to the other family. We got back and the lawyer who was going to marry them needed more papers so we sent him in a taxi to go work on the papers. We pushed the wedding back to 7 p.m. when it was supposed to be at 4 p.m. So we went out to contact and work.
We got back at 7 and the lawyer (?) judge (?) Justice of the Peace (?) was not there. So we went to his house and he was waiting for the light to come back to iron his shirt. Then we made it to the house where the wedding was being held. We started with a prayer and he had a little advice and they signed the papers. It came to be my time to give a little speech. I had been praying all day to have the Spirit fill my mind with what to say. As I stood up I had them face each other while I had a Book Of Mormon in my hands.
I told them to look in each others eyes and remember the first time they said hi. The first time they went on a date, the many memories that had together. I told them that they needed to remember this moment all their lives. Then I had the husband read a scripture about charity from the Book of Mormon. They promised to have charity in their lives.
I could never imagine in my life of having the chance to share a moment like that As I stood in front of them I realized I could add to people’s lives and their experience or I could let the time just pass me by. I know with out a doubt that the Spirit filled my heart and my thoughts with what to say and what to do.
I am doing great! Thanks for all your prayers. I hope that you all can understand my English.
Love,
Elder Pearce.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
End of Another Transfer
From Elder Paul Freeman, dated March 12, 2008
Dear Family,
Dear Family,
We're coming to a close of another transfer. While planning for this 6th week my mind was called to reflect the past 11 weeks Elder Leiato and I have been working together in the Inland Empire ward. It occurred to me that we didn't have very much to show for it as far as typical missionary work is concerned. Our ward has yet to have a baptism in 2008. So, I thought to myself if I wanted anything to show for the hard work we've been doing it would be at least one person with a baptismal date by the end of this week. The new transfer begins on Monday and we still have yet to commit someone to a baptismal date.
Tonight we are going up to Victorville and staying until Saturday. Our only hope is one family we've been teaching for several weeks now. His name is Vi (Vee), and his wife is Nina and they have 6 children. They have taken to the church more than anyone expected. Last week Vi told us he knew that the Book of Mormon is true and that he knew Joseph Smith was a prophet. I just about stood up and danced. After teaching about faith, repentance, and baptism we invited him to make the decision. He said he knew it was the right thing, but he wanted to learn more and improve some things. We told him to set a goal and pick a date where he would want to be ready by. This week we go back to follow up with that and set the date. The funny thing is, they probably will end up being baptised in a different ward. They don't speak Samoan and they've been attending the English ward for a few weeks now.
We also went into the mission office on Monday to update our report on all the Samoans we're finding in the Victorville/Hisperia areas. We've recorded about 230 people complete with names and addresses. It includes members, non-members, and less actives. About half are active, so we're not sure if Salt Lake will approve a new unit, but that's what we're hoping for. President Sanchez seemed very pleased with the work we've been doing regardless of the fact that we haven't had any baptisms.
So, we'll continue plugging away at things like we've been doing already and hope more good comes out of it than we're seeing. President also told us it would probably take a lot more time and if anything did happen it sounds like I'd be long gone. Nevertheless, I'm confident that we are doing the Lords work and, while we're far from perfect, I hope He is pleased with the effort we put forth and the things that are happening. Everything happens in His own time and we may not even see the fruits of our labor fully realized in this life.
But, thank you all for your love and support.
So, we'll continue plugging away at things like we've been doing already and hope more good comes out of it than we're seeing. President also told us it would probably take a lot more time and if anything did happen it sounds like I'd be long gone. Nevertheless, I'm confident that we are doing the Lords work and, while we're far from perfect, I hope He is pleased with the effort we put forth and the things that are happening. Everything happens in His own time and we may not even see the fruits of our labor fully realized in this life.
But, thank you all for your love and support.
Love,
Elder Freeman
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Preparing for the Future
Elder Andrushka Pearce Dated 03/03/08
Dear Mom, Dad and everyone that I love,
Where to start this week. Well, I didn’t have changes. I have come to really love this area. It’s called R* P*. My ward has 800 members but 116 go every Sunday. The highest we got it up here is 137. That was after a week we worked really hard.
I have come to visit many people that are not active. I have come to realize what it means to really endure to the end. Also what is the importance to go to church each Sunday. We are starting to work with the ward missionaries to help them visit the families that are not active. We are teaching them Preach My Gospel, then having them go practice and teach the less active families.
The Martinez family made huge progress the week. We drew them a sign and a picture on it that said, “Respect the Day of the Lord”. This Sunday we passed by their house and they had it up, which means they closed their little shop down to keep the Sabbath day holy. My heart was filled with joy for them. I know they will be blessed. It’s a family of four. We are enjoying working with them.
Pedro and Gema are progressing slowly. We taught them Family Home Evening and they really like it.
This week I also realized the importance of preparing for the future, that we are the future of this church. I have come to realize a lot here what the members need and lack.
I love the church and have a strong and lasting testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ.
Dad, it sounds like work is picking up and doing great. Well, I would love to hear from the rest of the family! I love you all dearly!
Dear Mom, Dad and everyone that I love,
Where to start this week. Well, I didn’t have changes. I have come to really love this area. It’s called R* P*. My ward has 800 members but 116 go every Sunday. The highest we got it up here is 137. That was after a week we worked really hard.
I have come to visit many people that are not active. I have come to realize what it means to really endure to the end. Also what is the importance to go to church each Sunday. We are starting to work with the ward missionaries to help them visit the families that are not active. We are teaching them Preach My Gospel, then having them go practice and teach the less active families.
The Martinez family made huge progress the week. We drew them a sign and a picture on it that said, “Respect the Day of the Lord”. This Sunday we passed by their house and they had it up, which means they closed their little shop down to keep the Sabbath day holy. My heart was filled with joy for them. I know they will be blessed. It’s a family of four. We are enjoying working with them.
Pedro and Gema are progressing slowly. We taught them Family Home Evening and they really like it.
This week I also realized the importance of preparing for the future, that we are the future of this church. I have come to realize a lot here what the members need and lack.
I love the church and have a strong and lasting testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ.
Dad, it sounds like work is picking up and doing great. Well, I would love to hear from the rest of the family! I love you all dearly!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Elder Andrushka Pearce Dated Feb. 18, 2008
Dear Mom, Dad and the Pearce Family,
Happy Valentine’s!!! How fast the time is flying I have been almost 4 months in this area. I have come to love it and know all about it. I have come to know the members really well. I have come to know the bishop.
I don’t really have much time so I will be brief and next week will write more.
This week we finally saw some fruits of our work. We saw the G* family return to church. After the many testimonies, the many times we passed their house to go to church, they went this Sunday. Also Pedro and Gema went for the 3rd time to church. We have to help them to get married. Pedro has been making some comments about asking her to marry. I hope all works out.
I never knew a mission is such hard work.
I hope and pray that all is well at home. I love you all with all my heart!
Love,
Elder Pearce
Dear Mom, Dad and the Pearce Family,
Happy Valentine’s!!! How fast the time is flying I have been almost 4 months in this area. I have come to love it and know all about it. I have come to know the members really well. I have come to know the bishop.
I don’t really have much time so I will be brief and next week will write more.
This week we finally saw some fruits of our work. We saw the G* family return to church. After the many testimonies, the many times we passed their house to go to church, they went this Sunday. Also Pedro and Gema went for the 3rd time to church. We have to help them to get married. Pedro has been making some comments about asking her to marry. I hope all works out.
I never knew a mission is such hard work.
I hope and pray that all is well at home. I love you all with all my heart!
Love,
Elder Pearce
Bringing in the Sheaves
Elder Andrushka Pearce Dated 03/10/08
I hope all is well with Carissa. I would like news on all that is going on with her. Thanks. I will be praying for her.
What a week this has been. I will try to explain it to all of you. First to start out it was a week of miracles and exhaustion. Good to start out, all is well with our families. They are progressing really well. There are four in the M* family. This week they went to church and as a family prayed together. They closed their shop down and went in a room and as a family prayed together. The second thing they are both racing to read the Book of Mormon. We had to give them another Book of Mormon. They also started to live the Sabbath day with the poster they put on their door to close their shop. They have watched blessings enter into their lives. We will be marrying them this week and the 29th of March we have faith to baptize them.
The L* family, or Gema and Pedro are getting married also.
The one crazy thing that happened this week is I went on divisions with the zone leaders. We went to another area and I got to help out with a wedding and a baptism. It really helped me to get an idea of what I need to do.
We are also working with a family that we call Johan. She and her cousin will be getting baptized.
I have been here in this area for some time. This Sunday something amazing happened. We had divisions with my comp because we had to go for so many investigators. I went for 6 more or less. I went to the first house where they always say, “No I can’t. I’m not ready” That’s just what happened. The spirit helped me out to convince her to go. I couldn’t stay long, she said okay.
So I went to the next. I learned that this family was already on their way. Then we went to the next house and the person was not there but then we asked if she would like to go to church She said yes.. So we had to be running by this time to the next house. Church starts at 10 and it was 10:30 by now and so we wrote her directions and directed her to the bus.
Then we went to another family, asking them to wait in the street while we went for another. I got to church and all the investigators were there. It was a miracle that so many went. That all that said would go went. I was so thankful we had 12 investigators in church and 5 inactives.
What a week it was. I really learned that if you work hard and never give up you have success.
I taught in class from Proclamation to the World about the Savior. To be honest, I am tired this week and pray for more strength to help all the investigators to progress. I have come to learn so much in this area.
I love the Gospel with all my heart. I am worried about Carissa but I know that Heavenly Father will protect her.
I love you all and take care.
Elder Pearce
I hope all is well with Carissa. I would like news on all that is going on with her. Thanks. I will be praying for her.
What a week this has been. I will try to explain it to all of you. First to start out it was a week of miracles and exhaustion. Good to start out, all is well with our families. They are progressing really well. There are four in the M* family. This week they went to church and as a family prayed together. They closed their shop down and went in a room and as a family prayed together. The second thing they are both racing to read the Book of Mormon. We had to give them another Book of Mormon. They also started to live the Sabbath day with the poster they put on their door to close their shop. They have watched blessings enter into their lives. We will be marrying them this week and the 29th of March we have faith to baptize them.
The L* family, or Gema and Pedro are getting married also.
The one crazy thing that happened this week is I went on divisions with the zone leaders. We went to another area and I got to help out with a wedding and a baptism. It really helped me to get an idea of what I need to do.
We are also working with a family that we call Johan. She and her cousin will be getting baptized.
I have been here in this area for some time. This Sunday something amazing happened. We had divisions with my comp because we had to go for so many investigators. I went for 6 more or less. I went to the first house where they always say, “No I can’t. I’m not ready” That’s just what happened. The spirit helped me out to convince her to go. I couldn’t stay long, she said okay.
So I went to the next. I learned that this family was already on their way. Then we went to the next house and the person was not there but then we asked if she would like to go to church She said yes.. So we had to be running by this time to the next house. Church starts at 10 and it was 10:30 by now and so we wrote her directions and directed her to the bus.
Then we went to another family, asking them to wait in the street while we went for another. I got to church and all the investigators were there. It was a miracle that so many went. That all that said would go went. I was so thankful we had 12 investigators in church and 5 inactives.
What a week it was. I really learned that if you work hard and never give up you have success.
I taught in class from Proclamation to the World about the Savior. To be honest, I am tired this week and pray for more strength to help all the investigators to progress. I have come to learn so much in this area.
I love the Gospel with all my heart. I am worried about Carissa but I know that Heavenly Father will protect her.
I love you all and take care.
Elder Pearce
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Ua Le Lava a'u
From Elder Paul Freeman, dated March 5, 2008
Dear Family,
Dear Family,
We went on a pretty neat hike this morning for our pday, and I've got a bunch of neat pictures*.
It's been a pretty rough transfer. We haven't had a baptism so far this year and there aren't any great prospects. It makes me wonder what the hang up is. We're doing our best as missionaries to teach and commit investigators and some of them are making real progress. The ward also puts forth a great effort. But, I can't help but wonder what it will take for the tremendous potential of this area to bear fruit. I've got an idea that will enable members to become more involved with missionary work on all aspects. We'll bring it up in ward counsel on Sunday, but it's kinda like the same thing** Bishop Duke asked me to do when i was home for five weeks. Hopefully it will help things come around.
So, they moved us into a new appartment. This one is a little bit nicer and roomier but only 1 bathroom shared by 4 missionaries. It use to be occupied by the sisters like the last one.
Sorry my time run short, more to come next week.
Love,
Elder Freeman
* Editor's note: A sister in Elder Freeman's area taught him how to crochet, and he told me he found it a great stress-release. I believe the hat he is wearing is his own handiwork.
**Elder Freeman taught a member-missionary class while he was home on medical leave.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Overcoming Obstacles with the Scientific Method and Divine Inspiration
From Elder Paul Freeman, dated February 20, 2008
Elder Freeman
Dear Family,
Once again I spend half my email time thinking about what to write. There aren't a whole lot of new developments. Nothing amazing or life changing. It's all just the same old missionary type stuff. I've been in one area for about four months now and that's the longest I've ever been anywhere. It's cool because we're finding a lot of people to teach and some of them are just barely starting to take the right steps to gaining a testimony of the restored gospel.
There are plenty of distractions and things that get in the way, but that's why we are here. We are being tested to see how we overcome those distractions and obstacles. First, we have to recognize the obstacles and then resolve to do whatever it takes to get over it. Usually it doesn't take a whole lot to overcome obstacles; the only hard part is finding the right way. There are infinitely many ways we can't overcome obstacles. Thomas Edison knew that: he found several hundred ways not to make a light bulb. So, when we rely on ourselves, we have to sort through several hundred variations of the wrong way to go about it.
The most wonderful thing about the gospel is that we can go straight to the Lord for the only right answer we need. He will answer in His own way only after we do everything we can to figure out our own best solution. That's how we grow. It's the scientific method coupled with Divine inspiration. It's the same reason our math teachers always tell us to show our work, or the step we took to come up with the answer we have. So when our answer is wrong they can look back through and show us where we tripped up and we learn for next time.
Heavenly Father also wants us to show our work, then when our answer is wrong he can go back and show us where we tripped up. Check out that section in the Doctrine and Covenants [Section 9:8-10] where Oliver Cowdery found out about it. But, not only is it the way investigators come into the gospel, its the way we stay in the gospel.
Thanks for all the emails and pictures and everything, especially the support of your prayers.
There are plenty of distractions and things that get in the way, but that's why we are here. We are being tested to see how we overcome those distractions and obstacles. First, we have to recognize the obstacles and then resolve to do whatever it takes to get over it. Usually it doesn't take a whole lot to overcome obstacles; the only hard part is finding the right way. There are infinitely many ways we can't overcome obstacles. Thomas Edison knew that: he found several hundred ways not to make a light bulb. So, when we rely on ourselves, we have to sort through several hundred variations of the wrong way to go about it.
The most wonderful thing about the gospel is that we can go straight to the Lord for the only right answer we need. He will answer in His own way only after we do everything we can to figure out our own best solution. That's how we grow. It's the scientific method coupled with Divine inspiration. It's the same reason our math teachers always tell us to show our work, or the step we took to come up with the answer we have. So when our answer is wrong they can look back through and show us where we tripped up and we learn for next time.
Heavenly Father also wants us to show our work, then when our answer is wrong he can go back and show us where we tripped up. Check out that section in the Doctrine and Covenants [Section 9:8-10] where Oliver Cowdery found out about it. But, not only is it the way investigators come into the gospel, its the way we stay in the gospel.
Thanks for all the emails and pictures and everything, especially the support of your prayers.
Love,
Elder Freeman
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, February 6, 2008
Missionary Funtimes
From Elder Paul Freeman, dated February 6, 2008
It's crazy to think about how long I've been out here in California. The work is going well and me and my companion figure I'll stay here in the Samoan ward for the 9 months I have left. I think that would be pretty cool. It might take that long for everyone we are teaching to get baptised, but that's another story.
Thanks for all the letters and prayers and everything. Ill get more out next time.
Love,
Dear Mom,
It's been a pretty fun week. We just had a big group of missionaries finish and leave. My last companion Elder Ah Wong, the half Samoan from New Zealand, is still kickin around though. His mom came out and they're making visits and saying final goodbye's. Then, on Sunday they're flying halfway across the world to visit Jerusalem. It was kinda funny when he told me, because he didnt' sound too excited. It sounded like he really just wanted to go home. You see him in the last video clip. I asked him for his famous last words and he didn't have anything to say. It was pretty dang funny.
It's crazy to think about how long I've been out here in California. The work is going well and me and my companion figure I'll stay here in the Samoan ward for the 9 months I have left. I think that would be pretty cool. It might take that long for everyone we are teaching to get baptised, but that's another story.
Thanks for all the letters and prayers and everything. Ill get more out next time.
Love,
Elder Freeman
Faith Like Ammon & Alma
From Elder Paul Freeman, dated January 30, 2008
We spent several hours in the office on Monday compiling a master list of Samoans in the High Desert to submit to President [Sanchez]. I'm afraid the list only represents about half of the people up there, so the total right now is around 147. That list includes members, less-actives, part-member families, and non-members. There's probably another 100 people or so we haven't met, and that includes congregations of other churches that we know are Samaon.
I share his ambition.
But, that is easier said than done. First, some of them were previously members but have since left to start up their own church. Second, those churches are how they make their living. President admits that those details complicate the matter, but encourages us still. Something deep down inside me says it will take faith like that of Ammon, Alma, and all those other to get past these seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
What a wonderful opportunity we have! It's exciting and intimidating at the same time. I don't know how successful we will be, or what it will take to bring these people to the Gospel.
However, prayers are being answered and the work is going forth just like the stone cut out of mountain without hands.
Thanks for all of your help and support, especially your prayers. Know that I keep you in mine.
Dear Mom,
First, thanks a whole bunch for wrangling that bank account thing. I feel really stupid for having overdrawn like that, and to top it off, I lost my mission bank card and had to order a new one. I thought I was getting better at handling finances, but it looks like there are yet plenty of lessons to learn. But, the good news is that the mission account should be well full when I get my new card. So, don't worry any more about money for me.
We spent several hours in the office on Monday compiling a master list of Samoans in the High Desert to submit to President [Sanchez]. I'm afraid the list only represents about half of the people up there, so the total right now is around 147. That list includes members, less-actives, part-member families, and non-members. There's probably another 100 people or so we haven't met, and that includes congregations of other churches that we know are Samaon.
President told us that we should convert all of them.
I share his ambition.
But, that is easier said than done. First, some of them were previously members but have since left to start up their own church. Second, those churches are how they make their living. President admits that those details complicate the matter, but encourages us still. Something deep down inside me says it will take faith like that of Ammon, Alma, and all those other to get past these seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
What a wonderful opportunity we have! It's exciting and intimidating at the same time. I don't know how successful we will be, or what it will take to bring these people to the Gospel.
On top of that we found two new colonies of Samoan families, the majority of which are Seventh-day Adventist. One in Loma Linda and the other in Highland. They will all be difficult.
However, prayers are being answered and the work is going forth just like the stone cut out of mountain without hands.
Thanks for all of your help and support, especially your prayers. Know that I keep you in mine.
Love,
Elder Freeman
Every Member a Missionary
From Elder BJ Bernards, dated January 28, 2008
Dear Family,
Hello again. I hardly blinked and it's Monday again! I’m tired. We played a lot of basketball this morning. We had transfers this week and both of us stayed but not our car. Elder Hill is bummed because that was the first time he has ever had a car on his mission and it only lasted 6 weeks. But, it will be great for the area as we ask the members to help us out and sacrifice for this great work. We have been in their homes a lot lately. We are to teach 10 lessons in their homes a week. It has been great and this ward is starting to feel more and more like home as we work into people's hearts with love, service, testimony, faith, hard work, and a positive attitude.
I had one of the greatest experiences of my mission last night as we had our youth fireside at Sister Teague’s home. Sis Teague is the Young Women’s president.
We had Brother Rowe, who teaches seminary, share a story of a man he is helping out right now to receive the gospel. We had an older couple share their conversion story and how they went from super bad to super good.
Then we shared the first lesson out of Preach My Gospel which is the Restoration. My companion, Elder Hill, bore testimony and taught with power and faith [which] I have never seen in him before. I as well had my mouth and heart full as I bore solemn testimony to the beloved youth of this ward and to our non-member friend, D*** K***, about the truthfulness of Joseph Smith and the Restoration. I asked them to consider the organization that they all enjoyed so much, and think about the scriptures that they read, and imagine that this youth could conceive such a thing. It’s clear that it was impossible for him to. But, then I told them that my testimony does not come by logic, but by prayer . . . By scripture study . . . Through revelations from the Almighty who lives and loves through all eternity.
A profound silence took the room as the Sprit laid upon everyone’s minds. No one dared to breathe. It was so still. It felt warm and love. I told them that what they felt now was the Spirit, and that is how we know.
I smiled to all of them and shared a moment of recognition with those great people as I looked into their eyes and they knew they felt the Spirit. Women and men, young and old. Member and not, God loves all.
I hardly wanted to stop the silence, my heart was brimming with joy!
We concluded with a musical number by Sterling Taylor's family which fit in perfectly and then a message from the bishop who challenged us to pray for that witness of the Spirit. He had that chance to use his mantle as a Bishop. It warms my heart. Then we all sang together "A Child’s Prayer" which was sweet and perfect for the mood. I remember the great joy on their faces as we felt the love of our Heavenly Father, and for each other as we sang as a family. We truly all are [brothers and sisters]. Never hate each other or argue, love unconditionally as Jesus loves you, try to show kindness in all that you do, be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, for these are the things Jesus taught.
After the prayer we a ate cookies and socialized, and then by popular request I ascended the stairs again and played a song on the guitar for Sterling. It was a remake of the song by Tenacious D "Tribute". I changed the words to tell the stories of missionary work. It was super funny and every one laughed, but I think we lost all hope for referrals! Ha Ha Ha
Sister Teague was excited to hear me, before I played she was like" oh he is going to play a song!" Little did she know that I would be shredding the air and melting faces with my astounding vocals and lyrics. It was awesome! People cheered and clapped, and laughed. I loved it. We all need a laugh.
Sterling Taylor leaves tomorrow for Tampico Mexico. We have been working with him for a couple of weeks. He has been scared and nervous for a long time and worked at a skate shop and hung out with pot heads and rockers and stuff like that. We have been going over there every Sunday and teach him from Preach My Gospel, but what taught him the most was my attitude and faith and testimony. I tell you this because we need to recognize the powerful effect that our image has on everybody. What do people see in us? Do they see light? Happiness? Do they see the Spirit?
I saw a profound change in him yesterday as he gave his farewell talk. I could see a vision of him returning strong and full of faith and love for everybody. He is a leader and the Lord will bring it out of him. He has the sprit now and is looking to the future with faith, and hope!
I love the gospel!
So this week a group of people let us in and have a bible study with them. They went over Proverbs. We didn’t push or anything. They actually asked the questions. We were able to teach them so much about the Church from those minutes we spent with them. They liked us so much they invited us back next week. In Proverbs was a scripture that mentions the "preparations of the Lord." I smiled to myself as I read that and knew that those people have been in a preparation for us! Ha Ha HA!
We have been working a lot with Megan who has been progressing. We had just a great visit on Saturday with some members. It was a miracle to get them there. The Lord provided for all of us. We watched The Restoration with her and her kids, and met her concerns boldly with scripture and testimony. She thinks that God doesn’t have a true church on the earth. So we referred her to read out of the [Book of Mormon].
We should see her again tonight. We are taking things less formally and are letting the Rowes teach a [Family Home Evening] lesson to her and her kids. It should be fun.
I never realized how fun and natural missionary work should be. We love them into the gospel. We are bold and invite. That is where our success lies. Attitude and faith give us the perspective to see opportunities and achieve success.
I love you all and pray and fast for you constantly.
Please write me soon. I miss hearing from you.
Love,
Elder Bernards
Dear Family,
Hello again. I hardly blinked and it's Monday again! I’m tired. We played a lot of basketball this morning. We had transfers this week and both of us stayed but not our car. Elder Hill is bummed because that was the first time he has ever had a car on his mission and it only lasted 6 weeks. But, it will be great for the area as we ask the members to help us out and sacrifice for this great work. We have been in their homes a lot lately. We are to teach 10 lessons in their homes a week. It has been great and this ward is starting to feel more and more like home as we work into people's hearts with love, service, testimony, faith, hard work, and a positive attitude.
I had one of the greatest experiences of my mission last night as we had our youth fireside at Sister Teague’s home. Sis Teague is the Young Women’s president.
We had Brother Rowe, who teaches seminary, share a story of a man he is helping out right now to receive the gospel. We had an older couple share their conversion story and how they went from super bad to super good.
Then we shared the first lesson out of Preach My Gospel which is the Restoration. My companion, Elder Hill, bore testimony and taught with power and faith [which] I have never seen in him before. I as well had my mouth and heart full as I bore solemn testimony to the beloved youth of this ward and to our non-member friend, D*** K***, about the truthfulness of Joseph Smith and the Restoration. I asked them to consider the organization that they all enjoyed so much, and think about the scriptures that they read, and imagine that this youth could conceive such a thing. It’s clear that it was impossible for him to. But, then I told them that my testimony does not come by logic, but by prayer . . . By scripture study . . . Through revelations from the Almighty who lives and loves through all eternity.
A profound silence took the room as the Sprit laid upon everyone’s minds. No one dared to breathe. It was so still. It felt warm and love. I told them that what they felt now was the Spirit, and that is how we know.
I smiled to all of them and shared a moment of recognition with those great people as I looked into their eyes and they knew they felt the Spirit. Women and men, young and old. Member and not, God loves all.
I hardly wanted to stop the silence, my heart was brimming with joy!
We concluded with a musical number by Sterling Taylor's family which fit in perfectly and then a message from the bishop who challenged us to pray for that witness of the Spirit. He had that chance to use his mantle as a Bishop. It warms my heart. Then we all sang together "A Child’s Prayer" which was sweet and perfect for the mood. I remember the great joy on their faces as we felt the love of our Heavenly Father, and for each other as we sang as a family. We truly all are [brothers and sisters]. Never hate each other or argue, love unconditionally as Jesus loves you, try to show kindness in all that you do, be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, for these are the things Jesus taught.
After the prayer we a ate cookies and socialized, and then by popular request I ascended the stairs again and played a song on the guitar for Sterling. It was a remake of the song by Tenacious D "Tribute". I changed the words to tell the stories of missionary work. It was super funny and every one laughed, but I think we lost all hope for referrals! Ha Ha Ha
Sister Teague was excited to hear me, before I played she was like" oh he is going to play a song!" Little did she know that I would be shredding the air and melting faces with my astounding vocals and lyrics. It was awesome! People cheered and clapped, and laughed. I loved it. We all need a laugh.
Sterling Taylor leaves tomorrow for Tampico Mexico. We have been working with him for a couple of weeks. He has been scared and nervous for a long time and worked at a skate shop and hung out with pot heads and rockers and stuff like that. We have been going over there every Sunday and teach him from Preach My Gospel, but what taught him the most was my attitude and faith and testimony. I tell you this because we need to recognize the powerful effect that our image has on everybody. What do people see in us? Do they see light? Happiness? Do they see the Spirit?
I saw a profound change in him yesterday as he gave his farewell talk. I could see a vision of him returning strong and full of faith and love for everybody. He is a leader and the Lord will bring it out of him. He has the sprit now and is looking to the future with faith, and hope!
I love the gospel!
So this week a group of people let us in and have a bible study with them. They went over Proverbs. We didn’t push or anything. They actually asked the questions. We were able to teach them so much about the Church from those minutes we spent with them. They liked us so much they invited us back next week. In Proverbs was a scripture that mentions the "preparations of the Lord." I smiled to myself as I read that and knew that those people have been in a preparation for us! Ha Ha HA!
We have been working a lot with Megan who has been progressing. We had just a great visit on Saturday with some members. It was a miracle to get them there. The Lord provided for all of us. We watched The Restoration with her and her kids, and met her concerns boldly with scripture and testimony. She thinks that God doesn’t have a true church on the earth. So we referred her to read out of the [Book of Mormon].
We should see her again tonight. We are taking things less formally and are letting the Rowes teach a [Family Home Evening] lesson to her and her kids. It should be fun.
I never realized how fun and natural missionary work should be. We love them into the gospel. We are bold and invite. That is where our success lies. Attitude and faith give us the perspective to see opportunities and achieve success.
I love you all and pray and fast for you constantly.
Please write me soon. I miss hearing from you.
Love,
Elder Bernards
Monday, February 4, 2008
New Family
Email from Elder Andrey Pearce
Dear Family,
Mom and Dad all is well. I had some difficulties with the changing of the email addresses. I think I have figured it out. I sent a letter from last week and some pictures. Let me know If you get it.
Well this week was interesting. As time goes by I gain more experience and knowledge that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. I was very saddened for the loss of a great prophet. He is very dear in my heart. He has been a great example for me. I thought to myself, "As one great and honorable man leaves this world we need many more like him". I testify that he was a prophet of God. I can remember the many times that he gave a talk that I could feel a blaze of spirit just warm my soul.
We found a cutle little family here in Nicaragua. They are about 25-30 years old. Both study and married. You don't find many families like this. Our second visit with them they asked "What can we do to join your church?" We are very exited to work with them. We could just feel the Spirit strong. I know that we were guided to find their house.
My new companion is great he has taught me so much about missionary work. I finally feel like I am waking up from all that has been taking place in coming to a new country, learning a new language and all that comes with that. I hope to bless many peoples lives here in Nicaragua.
I am excited for the new Prophet Thomas S. Monson. I know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. I know that these times are hard and they're about to get harder. We have to stand as a light in this world to shine all the truth that we have.
I have been working with lots of less active members. Trying to help them understand the covenent that they have made with their Father in Heaven and endurung to the end. As I teach my vision becomes more open to my goal in life. I want to return with honor to the presence of my Heavenly Father.
I hope that all is well at home. I love you all. I don't have much time to write. I love the statement by Gordon B Hinckly ¨´It will work out´´ Do your best´´. I hope and pray to do my best every second.
Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Love Elder Pearce
Dear Family,
Mom and Dad all is well. I had some difficulties with the changing of the email addresses. I think I have figured it out. I sent a letter from last week and some pictures. Let me know If you get it.
Well this week was interesting. As time goes by I gain more experience and knowledge that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. I was very saddened for the loss of a great prophet. He is very dear in my heart. He has been a great example for me. I thought to myself, "As one great and honorable man leaves this world we need many more like him". I testify that he was a prophet of God. I can remember the many times that he gave a talk that I could feel a blaze of spirit just warm my soul.
We found a cutle little family here in Nicaragua. They are about 25-30 years old. Both study and married. You don't find many families like this. Our second visit with them they asked "What can we do to join your church?" We are very exited to work with them. We could just feel the Spirit strong. I know that we were guided to find their house.
My new companion is great he has taught me so much about missionary work. I finally feel like I am waking up from all that has been taking place in coming to a new country, learning a new language and all that comes with that. I hope to bless many peoples lives here in Nicaragua.
I am excited for the new Prophet Thomas S. Monson. I know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. I know that these times are hard and they're about to get harder. We have to stand as a light in this world to shine all the truth that we have.
I have been working with lots of less active members. Trying to help them understand the covenent that they have made with their Father in Heaven and endurung to the end. As I teach my vision becomes more open to my goal in life. I want to return with honor to the presence of my Heavenly Father.
I hope that all is well at home. I love you all. I don't have much time to write. I love the statement by Gordon B Hinckly ¨´It will work out´´ Do your best´´. I hope and pray to do my best every second.
Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Love Elder Pearce
Importance of Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching
Email from Elder Andrey Scott Pearce, January 28th 2007
Dear Family,
My mission is flying by so fast! I feel like I just barely got here. I have so much more to learn. Most of all so many more people to help.
My new companion is great! He has adapted to the new area just great. I can feel the spirit as we study in our companionships. We have been working hard. He has been teaching me some awesome skills. Most of all how to be more happy doing this work, to not always being serious.
We are not at this moment seeing many baptisms. We are seeing great progress and changes in this area. I have been seeing many changes in the ward. We have been working hard on letting the members understand the importance of home teachers and visiting teachers.
This recalls a sad story that took place. Flores and I contacted one house and she started by telling us that she was a member. We asked her why we have not been seeing her at church and how can we help. She told us of her story. She said, “I was baptized. I love the teachings, love the church. I started going but once I was sick”. I don’t recall why she didn’t go but she said, “No one visited me. I didn’t go the next week and no one visited”. This sister stopped going for 3 or 4 months and no one visited. She didn’t feel like part of the church. She said, “One day I didn’t visit my congregation in my other church. I had my friends and my pastor come by my house. I thought to myself, what a tragedy that other religions can stop by the member’s houses, visit the congregations but the Church of Jesus Christ are too busy in their lives”.
So we have been working hard on that. We have been seeing changes. Last week we saw the Relief Society president out visiting. We have seen the Priesthood quorum president put more emphasis. The members are really catching on fire. We have some activities planned to teach Family Home Evening and the importance of the prophet, Book of Mormon and Visiting Teaching.
I am glad to see the fruit of our labor. I know that it is a gift of our Heavenly Father. We have had great response of the members. I am excited for my next two changes in this area.
I am sad for the death or our dearly beloved prophet. I know the work must move on and I am excited for the new prophet of the world.
Hoping to find and teach people this week and working on activating members of the ward.
Love you and sounds like home is the place to be right now. I wish I could see.
Dear Family,
My mission is flying by so fast! I feel like I just barely got here. I have so much more to learn. Most of all so many more people to help.
My new companion is great! He has adapted to the new area just great. I can feel the spirit as we study in our companionships. We have been working hard. He has been teaching me some awesome skills. Most of all how to be more happy doing this work, to not always being serious.
We are not at this moment seeing many baptisms. We are seeing great progress and changes in this area. I have been seeing many changes in the ward. We have been working hard on letting the members understand the importance of home teachers and visiting teachers.
This recalls a sad story that took place. Flores and I contacted one house and she started by telling us that she was a member. We asked her why we have not been seeing her at church and how can we help. She told us of her story. She said, “I was baptized. I love the teachings, love the church. I started going but once I was sick”. I don’t recall why she didn’t go but she said, “No one visited me. I didn’t go the next week and no one visited”. This sister stopped going for 3 or 4 months and no one visited. She didn’t feel like part of the church. She said, “One day I didn’t visit my congregation in my other church. I had my friends and my pastor come by my house. I thought to myself, what a tragedy that other religions can stop by the member’s houses, visit the congregations but the Church of Jesus Christ are too busy in their lives”.
So we have been working hard on that. We have been seeing changes. Last week we saw the Relief Society president out visiting. We have seen the Priesthood quorum president put more emphasis. The members are really catching on fire. We have some activities planned to teach Family Home Evening and the importance of the prophet, Book of Mormon and Visiting Teaching.
I am glad to see the fruit of our labor. I know that it is a gift of our Heavenly Father. We have had great response of the members. I am excited for my next two changes in this area.
I am sad for the death or our dearly beloved prophet. I know the work must move on and I am excited for the new prophet of the world.
Hoping to find and teach people this week and working on activating members of the ward.
Love you and sounds like home is the place to be right now. I wish I could see.
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.]
Friday, January 18, 2008
Free Agency
From Elder Paul Freeman, dated January 16, 2008
Thanks for the letter. There isn't a whole lot that I can say about it, just that I hope and pray everything works out for the best.
One of the things I've been learning is not to worry myself about things I have no control over. That mostly comes from recognizing what it is I can't control. It's a fun process.
Now, the gray area lies in things like my companion waking up on time every morning. I could try forcing him to wake up every morning to accomplish that as a goal. But I know that wouldn't be in keeping with how the gospel requires everyone to make the decisions for themselves. But, at the same time, that doesn't mean I have to give that up as a goal. That's where D&C 121 comes in. The parable of the sower is a good one too.
This isn't meant for advice in reply to your email, so much as a reminder for myself in case I ever forget, which I usually do.
There are some exciting things going on out here. I tell you as more develops.
Thanks again for everything.
Love,
Dear Mom,
Thanks for the letter. There isn't a whole lot that I can say about it, just that I hope and pray everything works out for the best.
One of the things I've been learning is not to worry myself about things I have no control over. That mostly comes from recognizing what it is I can't control. It's a fun process.
The best way I get by is to focus on goals for things I know I can accomplish. For instance, I know I can keep the apartment clean, take car of all my laundry and shopping and stuff like that. I also know I can teach so many missionary lessons in a day, how many scriptures I can memorize and other things like that.
Now, the gray area lies in things like my companion waking up on time every morning. I could try forcing him to wake up every morning to accomplish that as a goal. But I know that wouldn't be in keeping with how the gospel requires everyone to make the decisions for themselves. But, at the same time, that doesn't mean I have to give that up as a goal. That's where D&C 121 comes in. The parable of the sower is a good one too.
This isn't meant for advice in reply to your email, so much as a reminder for myself in case I ever forget, which I usually do.
There are some exciting things going on out here. I tell you as more develops.
Thanks again for everything.
Love,
Elder Freeman
Monday, January 14, 2008
Daily Miracles
From Elder BJ Bernards, dated January 7, 2008
Hello Family,
This week was super good. In this area we have basically "white washed" it. Meaning that we have started from scratch and are building things in our own way. Elder Hill had only been here for six weeks before I got here and they had the task of finding and moving into an apartment. The missionaries before I had got here had been living in a member's home and the members were leaving for the holidays and the rules say that missionaries shouldn't be in members' homes that aren't going to be around for long amounts of time so we moved into an apartment.
Our apartment is really nice, we have a little gas fireplace and a nice kitchen and good looking furniture. It hasn't had the long-lived-in-cluttered-to-the-brim-with-furniture-rotting-and falling-apart-feel of a normal missionary apartment.
W have a car! Yah! This is good because we have a lot of members to visit and a lot of people to meet and a big area to cover. I am happy to be warm during this cold season.
and focused.
This week we met with the bishop of the ward who has caught the missionary bug that's been spreading throughout the Omaha Stake. I have never seen a bishop more excited about missionary work on my mission. We have a great Elders Quorum and a great Relief Society. Every day it seems we make more friends and greater connections with these wonderful people. We are just getting ingrained into the ward and working really hard and trying every day to be more diligent and obedient. With this close connection with the members we get to share good experiences and faith promoting stories and teach about principals and doctrines and share our limited knowledge of Preach My Gospel.
We still have our challenges and I am glad and happy to have challenges because where would the miracles come from if we didn't have opposition?
Phew I am glad its preparation day though. I like our new preparation day schedule. We work real hard during the week and put all of our focus on Sunday, then crash on Monday! It's good. I have been seeing the effects in our area. It's really hard work, but each day we are seeing miracles and having prayers answered.
For instance, last Friday we showed up to an appointment we had made with a young man we taught while he was sitting in his car the day before. He wasn't at the appointment so we used our back-up plans and found another guy who wanted to hear more, but on a different day. So we tract his street and found this guy who was outside working on taking down Christmas lights and said to us, "It's really strange that you guys would show up today. Because my brother just passed away yesterday." He was just barely holding back the torrent of emotions going through him. He said," I'm really sad about it too because I don't know if he has accepted Jesus."
We told him a little bit about the spirit world, and told him that that was why we were here. We were there to tell him about the Plan of Salvation. Immediately as I brought up the spirit world I felt a powerful movement in the spirit. It burned brightly in us and in him. I knew at that moment that his brother was there to help us and him out. His brother was being taught by missionaries and wanted his brother to know more about it.
This man has talked to a lot of missionaries and probably bashed with us a lot before. But his heart was soft and broken and we didn't bash but discussed and testified of the truth and how all of the doctrines of the church fit with ancient scripture.
All of us grew in a greater sense of understanding and left feeling uplifted. I know that we were led to him. I know that we have angels watching over us who are truly ministering to these people here in the Millard ward. I know they are preparing all of God's children. All of His children who will be saved will be saved. The only reason for no miracles on the earth or in a ward or in a family or in an individuals life is because of a lack of Faith. (Moroni 7)
God is calling His children home. He is doing it through the faithful. Let us all rise to a new sense of commitment this week in proclaiming this gospel to the ends of the earth. We are surrounded by people. All are children of God. All have the Light of Christ. All are eligible for our invitations.
There was a paper put out by the stake that we are circulation throughout the ward. It has a bunch of good tasty doctrine that builds our faith to find people to teach. They use a story that I wish to share:
"Imagine that you invite a friend over for breakfast. You have a great meal spread out and you place a great glass jug of cool orange juice. Your friend notices it but doesn't ask for any. Their glass remains empty. You go about talking and eating and finally towards the end of the meal they ask you for some orange juice. you stammer a quick apology excusing yourself because you were not sure if they wanted any juice or not so you didn't offer any."
Many times we are like that host with our peers. How do we know unless we ask them?
As I have been meeting people here in the ward, I notice how ready people are to get connected. They are looking for someone to connect with them. We can be that link. We can be their source for love, truth, and light, because if we have an eye single to the glory of God we will be full of light and will not be able to contain it and it will spill out into the world.
So the work goes on. We grow and go.
I love this work with all my heart. We are taking steps closer toward the top every week. We are rallying the members, we are pushing back the darkness, we are seeking out the Faithful.
Thanks for you Love, and Prayers. I feel them carry me through. I love all of you. It is a pure and eternal love. We will be together for for ever!
Love,
Elder Bernards
Hello Family,
This week was super good. In this area we have basically "white washed" it. Meaning that we have started from scratch and are building things in our own way. Elder Hill had only been here for six weeks before I got here and they had the task of finding and moving into an apartment. The missionaries before I had got here had been living in a member's home and the members were leaving for the holidays and the rules say that missionaries shouldn't be in members' homes that aren't going to be around for long amounts of time so we moved into an apartment.
Our apartment is really nice, we have a little gas fireplace and a nice kitchen and good looking furniture. It hasn't had the long-lived-in-cluttered-to-the
W have a car! Yah! This is good because we have a lot of members to visit and a lot of people to meet and a big area to cover. I am happy to be warm during this cold season.
and focused.
This week we met with the bishop of the ward who has caught the missionary bug that's been spreading throughout the Omaha Stake. I have never seen a bishop more excited about missionary work on my mission. We have a great Elders Quorum and a great Relief Society. Every day it seems we make more friends and greater connections with these wonderful people. We are just getting ingrained into the ward and working really hard and trying every day to be more diligent and obedient. With this close connection with the members we get to share good experiences and faith promoting stories and teach about principals and doctrines and share our limited knowledge of Preach My Gospel.
We still have our challenges and I am glad and happy to have challenges because where would the miracles come from if we didn't have opposition?
Phew I am glad its preparation day though. I like our new preparation day schedule. We work real hard during the week and put all of our focus on Sunday, then crash on Monday! It's good. I have been seeing the effects in our area. It's really hard work, but each day we are seeing miracles and having prayers answered.
For instance, last Friday we showed up to an appointment we had made with a young man we taught while he was sitting in his car the day before. He wasn't at the appointment so we used our back-up plans and found another guy who wanted to hear more, but on a different day. So we tract his street and found this guy who was outside working on taking down Christmas lights and said to us, "It's really strange that you guys would show up today. Because my brother just passed away yesterday." He was just barely holding back the torrent of emotions going through him. He said," I'm really sad about it too because I don't know if he has accepted Jesus."
We told him a little bit about the spirit world, and told him that that was why we were here. We were there to tell him about the Plan of Salvation. Immediately as I brought up the spirit world I felt a powerful movement in the spirit. It burned brightly in us and in him. I knew at that moment that his brother was there to help us and him out. His brother was being taught by missionaries and wanted his brother to know more about it.
This man has talked to a lot of missionaries and probably bashed with us a lot before. But his heart was soft and broken and we didn't bash but discussed and testified of the truth and how all of the doctrines of the church fit with ancient scripture.
All of us grew in a greater sense of understanding and left feeling uplifted. I know that we were led to him. I know that we have angels watching over us who are truly ministering to these people here in the Millard ward. I know they are preparing all of God's children. All of His children who will be saved will be saved. The only reason for no miracles on the earth or in a ward or in a family or in an individuals life is because of a lack of Faith. (Moroni 7)
God is calling His children home. He is doing it through the faithful. Let us all rise to a new sense of commitment this week in proclaiming this gospel to the ends of the earth. We are surrounded by people. All are children of God. All have the Light of Christ. All are eligible for our invitations.
There was a paper put out by the stake that we are circulation throughout the ward. It has a bunch of good tasty doctrine that builds our faith to find people to teach. They use a story that I wish to share:
"Imagine that you invite a friend over for breakfast. You have a great meal spread out and you place a great glass jug of cool orange juice. Your friend notices it but doesn't ask for any. Their glass remains empty. You go about talking and eating and finally towards the end of the meal they ask you for some orange juice. you stammer a quick apology excusing yourself because you were not sure if they wanted any juice or not so you didn't offer any."
Many times we are like that host with our peers. How do we know unless we ask them?
As I have been meeting people here in the ward, I notice how ready people are to get connected. They are looking for someone to connect with them. We can be that link. We can be their source for love, truth, and light, because if we have an eye single to the glory of God we will be full of light and will not be able to contain it and it will spill out into the world.
So the work goes on. We grow and go.
I love this work with all my heart. We are taking steps closer toward the top every week. We are rallying the members, we are pushing back the darkness, we are seeking out the Faithful.
Thanks for you Love, and Prayers. I feel them carry me through. I love all of you. It is a pure and eternal love. We will be together for for ever!
Love,
Elder Bernards
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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