Hey there! How is everyone??:) aren't you guys just exited for
conference this week like I am? I sure hope so. For some reason I am
exited for it. Usually I'd just fall asleep watching it... But I don't
plan on doing that anymore. It's such a blessing for us to have a
prophet who is so loving and caring, who is so wise and helpful to all
of us. This conference is going to be a good one because we are
getting 3 new apostles! So earlier this week we were teaching a lady
who just got baptized in May about General Conference and how we need
to prepare to receive the message that is going to help us best in our
lives. And one thing we told her to do was to pray about something
that she needed an answer to. So she did and she has questions ready
for conference. I think it's so Important for us to have questions
ready, because that's the best way to learn is through having
questions, so when the time comes we can find those answers through
the speakers in conference. And that's what I am doing and that's what
I would like to challenge all of you to do as well as you prepare to
listen to our prophet and his apostles. We are so blessed to have such
great leaders in this church who dedicate their lives to serving the
lord and us as a church organization. I know we can find answers to
the questions we have through the words of the prophet because they
are inspired and they have such a powerful spirit with them. I love
this gospel and how it blesses and directs my life. I am grateful for
all of you and especially my family. I know when we do the best we can
to be examples to others around us we will have happiness and joy in
all we do. I wish had more to tell you about, but we had kind of a
slow week so i will make sure to get some good stories and experiences
for next week! I hope and pray you have a good week and that you will
watch and listen to the wise leaders of this church this weekend.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Words from Sister Brittany Platt in Colorado
Olo everybody!
What a wonderful week we had! We picked up another investigator named Sofia. She's from a part-member family and is 12 years old. She's adorable! We've also got some great appointments this week with potentials and less-actives and part-member families. We have one family we're meeting with whom I just love already, the Robersons. The husband isn't a member, and we haven't met with him yet, but hopefully this week. The wife told us she feels like it's time for her to go through the temple, so we're working with her on that! So excited for her! We didn't get to meet with Felicia last week, but we did get to meet with Lee! The lesson went really well and we brought one of our office missionary couples with us to the lesson, the Hollingsworths. They're amazing and really added to the lesson. Hopefully we can get Lee baptized by the end of the transfer! She's got some things to work through, but I truly believe God sent me here for her!
What a wonderful week we had! We picked up another investigator named Sofia. She's from a part-member family and is 12 years old. She's adorable! We've also got some great appointments this week with potentials and less-actives and part-member families. We have one family we're meeting with whom I just love already, the Robersons. The husband isn't a member, and we haven't met with him yet, but hopefully this week. The wife told us she feels like it's time for her to go through the temple, so we're working with her on that! So excited for her! We didn't get to meet with Felicia last week, but we did get to meet with Lee! The lesson went really well and we brought one of our office missionary couples with us to the lesson, the Hollingsworths. They're amazing and really added to the lesson. Hopefully we can get Lee baptized by the end of the transfer! She's got some things to work through, but I truly believe God sent me here for her!
Also, my health is getting SO much better! We found out my thyroid died, so I've been taking medication and it's made a huge difference. I feel like I'm 19 again! Hahaha. Oh the joys of getting older! We had a wonderful time at the general women's conference. I loved all of the talks and how bold they were! President Uchtdorf told a wonderful parable about a girl and her great Aunt Rose. If you missed it, you need to watch or read it! It was wonderful. Something that really stood out to me in one of the talks is that sometimes we get caught up in asking "where are all of the blessings?" and expecting blessings. While blessings are a part of this mortal life, they're not the main purpose. Our main purpose is to prepare to meet God - to change and progress every day. If we're not changing and progressing, then we need to reflect on our life and what things are getting in the way of that. One of our speakers in church on Sunday, talking about trials and the Atonement, said this and I love it: When we go through trials we need to ask: "What weakness can be turned into a strength during this trial?" instead of "Why me?". How poignant that is!
I want you all to know how much I love this gospel and how much I love missionary work! It has truly changed my life forever and I will never be the same. I wouldn't trade my mission for anything! How grateful I am for the Savior and for the Atonement in my life. How grateful I am for repentance and grace and forgiveness. Becoming like the Savior is a life-long pursuit, and something that I will never quit pursuing! Remember remember, "Where you gaze, your heart will follow." Don't ever stop gazing God-ward! For that is the only way we should gaze.
I love you all and am grateful for the examples you've been, the love you've shown, and the patience you've had with me. All of you have been angels in my life! Thank you.
Have a wonderful week and God bless you!
Love, Sister Platt
Love, Sister Platt
Words from Elder Eli Frazier in Peru
What a great week we had! We were able to Find sister Fatima and brother Junior last night. A young young family of 18 and 22 years of age. With a baby that is 3 years old. They surely are in a very difficult position but They are way receptiv to the gospel and im way excited to be able to teach them! We also were able to have a training with our branch council and it went great, i feel like they learned a lot and the past Sunday the ward council was a whole lot better. Also yesterday the branch counselor put me on the spot yesterday and i gave a talk about repentance with only about 1 minute to prepare! But all went well and i feeel they learned from the Spirit what i was trying to get across.
Heres the baptism of last week of sister Lesly Jarumi Aran Espinoza! What a great day it was!
Also made me some freash creamed eggs on toast! Someone please show gpa and gma crosby that picture!
Love you all!
Elder Frazier
Words from Sister Hannah Platt in Honduras
Buenas! Como estan todos?
Well, this week was super good :) I dont have too much time to wrtie so im sorry this will be short again. Well, i am loving my new area. We live right by the temple and the chapel is on the temple grounds so i get to walk by the temple everyday. It has been such a blessing for me. Even being on the street walking by it, i cna feel the spirit so strong. Our area is huge!! But i hvae good news!! Our house has running, warm water!! For the first time in my mission, i am not bathing out of a bucket with cold water! We have a real shower haha Its been pretty nice.. but i have to say, i miss my buckets. Also, we have a washing machine and a dryer!!! I forget what that was like! Not having to take hours washing by hand. haha Its amazing! :) I am very grateful for those things. Words from Elder Eli Frazier in Peru
Familia y amigos fieles:)
Another awesome week of miracles! We have four people with a baptism date. And they all came to church at 915 yesterday! (It starts at 930, but the puntuality here is something really hard here in Peru!) (So its a miracle) Sister Jarumi, who will be baptized this Saturday. The family of Percy and Luscilina who have a date for the 17 of October and now have two Sundays coming to church early. And also brother Angel, who is now assisting church and also institutes! THey are all way involved with the members and it was awesome to have our four with a baptism in church. I love the people here and this area is just awesome! Spring is just starting and theres something deals going on so i think im gonna do some shopping! hahah Well i love and miss you all!
Heres some pics from the museum we went to! hahahha
Love Elder Frazier
Words from Sister Abbie Waite in Texas
Dear all,
I want you to know that I love being a missionary. There are things I've learned, seen, felt, and heard that have changed me forever. I've met so many wonderful people and I've been able to feel Heavenly Father's love for them. I can imagine nothing greater than being a missionary of the Lord.
Our Heavenly Father loves us. He sent His Son to suffer and die and live again all for us so that we may return to Him. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. We have a living prophet today who receives living revelation for our time. The Book of Mormon is the word of God and was written for US. As we live according to the gospel, we will be comforted in our afflictions here and one day receive a fulness of joy in the kingdom of heaven. I know this with every fiber of my being, to use a common phrase.
President Howard W. Hunter said:
"Conference time is a season of spiritual revival when knowledge and testimony are increased and solidified that God lives and blesses those who are faithful. It is a time when an understanding that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, is burned into the hearts of those who have the determination to serve him and keep his commandments. Conference is the time when our leaders give us inspired direction in the conduct of our lives—a time when souls are stirred and resolutions are made to be better husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, more obedient sons and daughters, better friends and neighbors...
"We know that our Father in Heaven loves us and is concerned about our spiritual and temporal welfare. We know that His Son, Jesus Christ, our Elder Brother, has provided a way for us to return to the presence of God; that there is a divine purpose for our being here on earth; that we have a work to do which is an important part of his plan. In addition, we know many details of that plan and have received specific direction about our responsibilities...
"We who are met here today claim a special, unique knowledge of the Savior’s gospel. Most striking of all, to those who first become acquainted with us, is our declaration to the world that we are guided by a living prophet of God—one who communicates with, is inspired by, and receives revelation from the Lord...
"We have found, and know, that the only way to gain spiritual knowledge is to approach our Father in Heaven through the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ. When we do this, and if we are spiritually prepared, we see things our eyes have not previously seen, and we hear things we may not have previously heard—“the things which God hath prepared,” using Paul’s words. (1 Cor. 2:9.) These things we receive through the Spirit.
We believe, and testify to the world, that communication with our Father in Heaven and direction from the Lord are available today. We testify that God speaks to man as he did in the days of the Savior and in Old Testament times. We would say to the world: “Listen to and weigh the words of this conference; consider the direction and counsel that come from those who speak. Then, after prayerful pondering, that sweet warm conviction that comes from the Holy Spirit will testify to you of its truthfulness."
We have a promise from a prophet of God that if we will go to conference spiritually prepared to receive revelation, we will receive it... and more! You will receive answers to questions, comfort, and a witness of prophetic callings.
President Boyd K. Packer cautioned:
"In a few days there opens another general conference of the Church. The servants of the Lord will counsel us. You may listen with anxious ears and hearts, or you may turn that counsel aside. … What you shall gain will depend not so much upon their preparation of the messages as upon your preparation for them.”
We can prepare for General Conference by praying in faith for guidance, coming with the questions of our soul, setting aside time to really listen to the sessions, and committing to follow the counsel we receive from the pulpit and from the Spirit.
I echo the words of Elder Paul V. Johnson:
"Decide now to make general conference a priority in your life. Decide to listen carefully and follow the teachings that are given. Listen to or read the talks more than once to better understand and follow the counsel. By doing these things, the gates of hell will not prevail against you, the powers of darkness will be dispersed from before you, and the heavens will shake for your good."
I have tried and tested this challenge in my own life. This weekend we will listen to a Prophet's voice and receive guidance and counsel from on high. How wonderful is the gospel?!
May we all prepare ourselves to receive the revelation Heavenly Father is just waiting to pour upon us!
Love,
Sister Waite
Words from Elder McKell Bradshaw in Scotland
This week has been good! Taught a Lady named Lisa who is awesome! Someone who is genuinely interested in learning the gospel!! Still hesitant about baptism though... but that's ok we will continue to help her learn! Also met with some less Actives! So things are definitely picking up here!! Our mission as a whole is REALLY picking up!! as a mission we've had over 400 new investigators this last month!! Which not a lot of you realize how insane that is!! last year this mission was only averaging about 180 to like 220 a month! So far in the 3 months I've been here the mission has slowly been increasing, I think were at like some 1000 new investigators in those months with like 170 something baptisms!! So it just shows you the growth of the church!! its amazing to see!! Well this week is moves week! My companion is leaving me sadly... but I am staying here in Glenrothes! And I'm done being trained!!!! It goes by too fast! So this upcoming week should be hectic with everyone moving on Tuesday and Wednesday! But it should be good! We got appointments set up! So they should go good!!
Words from Elder Garrett Davis in Thailand
Chiang Mai
well its been a pretty great week up in chiang mai! this week we meet a couple new investigators so monday we had pday we just biked around town and looked at some things to buy and the basically relaxed and then that night we had a young adults family home evening it was pretty good! tuesday we had the usual district meeting then we went inviting and had some success with it and the before english class we had the chance to teach on of our investigators and then we taught english which is always a pretty good time and then we had a chance to teach a new investigator and he accepted a date for baptism! and wednesday we were pretty bust we taught lessons basically all day which was a change but it was great thursday we planned and invited and it also poured rain which was great i love the rain over here it just comes down! friday we invited and had a couple more meetings and then we had a baptsm and sports night i never knew khon thais could get to into four square!:) and saturday we got lost trying to find a members restuarant then we taught a few lessons but ended the night with teaching a recent convert sudnay we had church another baptism of the sisters but its been a great and busy week i hope all is well back home! i love you guys! all is going well in thailand! Love Elder Davis!
Words from Elder Garrett Hollembeak in West Virginia
Hello!
It was an interesting week here in Parkersburg. We have transfers this
week and Elder Burcl-Gonzalez ended up going home, he hurt his ankle
earlier in the week and left yesterday morning. I'll thankfully be
staying here in Parkersburg and my new companion will be Elder Law.
Our investigators are doing really well and are progressing along. We
didn't teach nearly as much this past six weeks so I'm excited to get
things back on track in our area. We have a new member temple trip
coming up on October 24th and President is letting us go to the
Columbus Temple. I am very very excited. We're leaving in the morning
for an endowment session and then doing a baptismal session at 11:30.
Would you be able to send me my temple bag? I would really appreciate
it. It is amazing to see the amount of work going on in this ward. The
members for the last few weeks have found the majority of our
investigators and have been fellowshipping them really well. Working
with members is a little different than just knocking on doors all
day, we do that too, but it is very rewarding and the results have
been really solid. Thank you guys for all of your support and prayers,
they mean a lot and there are many times where I can feel the
influence of your faith in my life. I love you guys and hope you have
a great week.
It was an interesting week here in Parkersburg. We have transfers this
week and Elder Burcl-Gonzalez ended up going home, he hurt his ankle
earlier in the week and left yesterday morning. I'll thankfully be
staying here in Parkersburg and my new companion will be Elder Law.
Our investigators are doing really well and are progressing along. We
didn't teach nearly as much this past six weeks so I'm excited to get
things back on track in our area. We have a new member temple trip
coming up on October 24th and President is letting us go to the
Columbus Temple. I am very very excited. We're leaving in the morning
for an endowment session and then doing a baptismal session at 11:30.
Would you be able to send me my temple bag? I would really appreciate
it. It is amazing to see the amount of work going on in this ward. The
members for the last few weeks have found the majority of our
investigators and have been fellowshipping them really well. Working
with members is a little different than just knocking on doors all
day, we do that too, but it is very rewarding and the results have
been really solid. Thank you guys for all of your support and prayers,
they mean a lot and there are many times where I can feel the
influence of your faith in my life. I love you guys and hope you have
a great week.
Words from Elder Chandon Herring in Washington DC
Hello family so it's that time again for me to write you this week. So let's just start...
Tuesday... Tuesday was a good day we started in the morning with the DC zone district meeting where they had just great workshops and such. I was able to go to one of the district meetings in the Seneca zone a little bit later as well and the missionaries in that zone do an incredible job. they are a lot of fun and they are obedient and hard-working. After that we ran lots of errands and ran just in time
to make it to exchanges. I was able to go Spanish! I went with Elder Kohler and all his plans canceled so we were in our area because we were close enough. we had a wonderful lesson with our investigator
Marie. she was very happy as always and had lots of good questions. she was super engaged and she's not foreign with the idea of baptism. She is contemplating it. We then watched the talk the first great commandment by Elder Holland and then taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. it was a
really good lesson. we dropped by presidents House at the end of the night for another errand and while we were there we did not see him at all but we could hear him in the back yelling as he was doing some emails and it was hilarious. Not angry yelling just yelling. There! There!
Wed... Wednesday is our admin day every week and so this morning was rushed. we had our studies and I am loving reading in the New Testament. I switched to the Old Testament for a chapter and nearly fell sleep so I had to go back. We then went and bought pizza for the zone leaders as we made the new move-in list that we give to the missionaries so They can welcome
people to their area. it's a really good idea and we get a lot of results from it. You get them to start talking to people. We were then Late to staff meeting with President and all the office staff. It was a good office meeting and it went pretty quick. we talked about a couple missionaries that are struggling and we are sending home later this week. there are two more that could be sent home soon. this is the first
time in a long time our mission has sent anyone home. Then later in the evening as we are driving home Elder Ord told me I was a politician. What should i think about that, I think I might like it ha ha.
Thurs... Today, our very competitive day, would began with what is called specialized training. we train the new arrivals on how to handle stress and then how to use their iPads. there's a program put out by the church for both. it was really good and it was a lot of fun doing
the different competitions at the very end of the day. the competitions are finding a scripture to address the need, the
assistance act out something from the white handbook and they have to find
the page it's on and then shooting at the scattered first vision on the white board. it's a lot of fun and there's a lot of competition. Later we sent out a lot of emails of stuff that we need from the
missionaries for a couple different things. we had a dinner appointment in our area with brother and sister Griffin they're an incredible family and very kind. the desert they gave me probably is going to give me
a heart attack. it was literally bread rolled around apples, soaked in butter, sugar and Mountain Dew. that is what she said she put on top of it 2 cups of sugar several cubes of butter and like two cans of
Mountain Dew it was quite a bit. It tasted delicious but it almost killed us both.
Fri... Today was a long day we got up around 4 o'clock in the morning to take two missionaries to the airport because they called it quits and had requested to go home. one of them was one month old the other was 14. It was really sad to see. We made all the arrangements and had the missionaries that were their companions into new areas and when we came home we were done and we took a nap. it was wonderful. We were only interrupted about a dozen times with phone calls but we eventually silenced the phone and it went quite nicely. We then did some more
admin stuff. We then got some information that one of the zone leaders is struggling with a couple different things. it was a lot of fun for me to call him later that night and then to arrange to see him later this week. he is one of my favorite missionaries and he and I are good friends. I'm so glad we are able to be in a position where we can help with the missionaries. They are our investigators. Then in the office later that day Elder Schroer who's one of the senior couples gave us a very nice compliment saying how he knows there's a lot that we have to do and they really appreciate it. I love the senior couples They do so
much and they're the ones that deserve more praise. they are just absolutely incredible sacrificing all their time and finances to serve God. Then we came home and went to sleep.
Sat... Today was a lot of fun we got to get two cars oil change and tire rotation. So while we waited for that we did a little bit of
phone calls and work on the computer. The people that took care of us were super fast. we walked in and before we filled out the paperwork, they had seen missionaries before, they just put the cars in knowing
exactly what to do with them, it was nice. No wait! I was able to meet with a zone leader who is having a little bit of problems
He's an absolutely wonderful missionary and what helped us was we sat at
cold Stone and ate some delicious ice cream. I thought of you dad as I ate the founders favorite. We drove with the home teachers down for an exchange in Suitland. we went to Calvert and Bayside. I love the area down there. it's super nice. it's not as crowded and the air just feels wonderful and smells delicious. I was able to go with the missionaries in Bayside and we went and visited a member who was in Naval intelligence he still is. He told us about the world stage and how things were going. it was very interesting to see what's going on and what are some potential things. he says the only real worries are the Middle East countries because their government is ran by emotion and not by logic.
Sun... Today was a really good day. we went and had a lot of meetings in the morning for the stake level and on the ward level as well. president cooke spoke to the Spanish ward and he asked Elder Ord to
translate. He did a wonderful job. he is really good at speaking Spanish. it was funny when president was reading a quote by President Eyring because the words are really big and we didn't quite know how to
translate in Spanish so the whole Ward and the bishopric were involved in the translation process. it was hilarious. We then went to a baptism of two people it was absolutely incredible and it was hilarious. there was lots of clapping and picture taking during the whole thing. we had to remind a couple people not to do it during the baptism. they're in the city and that was just a typical church experience. I love their praising! After that we hurried to the Cook's house. we had a delicious
dinner and then we're off to the visitor center for why I believe. it was a wonderful night. the speakers were incredible. The spirit was felt and they taught us on how we can be better. Their conversion stories were incredible and I love the perspective that the wife had. they met at Princeton when her husband was taking the missionary lessons and she was before she even liked him and was concerned about their spiritual well-being. then once they decided they're going to get married they both decided to serve a mission first. he served in the Ukraine and she in France and then returned home and got married. he worked as President Bush's lawyer doing lots of his trials as president and then she is working with the Supreme Court as a counselor of some kind.
So that is life here in the Washington DC mission. it's wonderful! I love serving. I'm grateful for all of your prayers and support and I'm excited to see you all in several months. time is sure flying. Today
we're going down to the mall I am going to see the Library of Congress and the Kennedy Center. it's a beautiful place and I'm excited and anxious to learn more. Love you all have a good week!
-Elder Herring
Tuesday... Tuesday was a good day we started in the morning with the DC zone district meeting where they had just great workshops and such. I was able to go to one of the district meetings in the Seneca zone a little bit later as well and the missionaries in that zone do an incredible job. they are a lot of fun and they are obedient and hard-working. After that we ran lots of errands and ran just in time
to make it to exchanges. I was able to go Spanish! I went with Elder Kohler and all his plans canceled so we were in our area because we were close enough. we had a wonderful lesson with our investigator
Marie. she was very happy as always and had lots of good questions. she was super engaged and she's not foreign with the idea of baptism. She is contemplating it. We then watched the talk the first great commandment by Elder Holland and then taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. it was a
really good lesson. we dropped by presidents House at the end of the night for another errand and while we were there we did not see him at all but we could hear him in the back yelling as he was doing some emails and it was hilarious. Not angry yelling just yelling. There! There!
Wed... Wednesday is our admin day every week and so this morning was rushed. we had our studies and I am loving reading in the New Testament. I switched to the Old Testament for a chapter and nearly fell sleep so I had to go back. We then went and bought pizza for the zone leaders as we made the new move-in list that we give to the missionaries so They can welcome
people to their area. it's a really good idea and we get a lot of results from it. You get them to start talking to people. We were then Late to staff meeting with President and all the office staff. It was a good office meeting and it went pretty quick. we talked about a couple missionaries that are struggling and we are sending home later this week. there are two more that could be sent home soon. this is the first
time in a long time our mission has sent anyone home. Then later in the evening as we are driving home Elder Ord told me I was a politician. What should i think about that, I think I might like it ha ha.
Thurs... Today, our very competitive day, would began with what is called specialized training. we train the new arrivals on how to handle stress and then how to use their iPads. there's a program put out by the church for both. it was really good and it was a lot of fun doing
the different competitions at the very end of the day. the competitions are finding a scripture to address the need, the
assistance act out something from the white handbook and they have to find
the page it's on and then shooting at the scattered first vision on the white board. it's a lot of fun and there's a lot of competition. Later we sent out a lot of emails of stuff that we need from the
missionaries for a couple different things. we had a dinner appointment in our area with brother and sister Griffin they're an incredible family and very kind. the desert they gave me probably is going to give me
a heart attack. it was literally bread rolled around apples, soaked in butter, sugar and Mountain Dew. that is what she said she put on top of it 2 cups of sugar several cubes of butter and like two cans of
Mountain Dew it was quite a bit. It tasted delicious but it almost killed us both.
Fri... Today was a long day we got up around 4 o'clock in the morning to take two missionaries to the airport because they called it quits and had requested to go home. one of them was one month old the other was 14. It was really sad to see. We made all the arrangements and had the missionaries that were their companions into new areas and when we came home we were done and we took a nap. it was wonderful. We were only interrupted about a dozen times with phone calls but we eventually silenced the phone and it went quite nicely. We then did some more
admin stuff. We then got some information that one of the zone leaders is struggling with a couple different things. it was a lot of fun for me to call him later that night and then to arrange to see him later this week. he is one of my favorite missionaries and he and I are good friends. I'm so glad we are able to be in a position where we can help with the missionaries. They are our investigators. Then in the office later that day Elder Schroer who's one of the senior couples gave us a very nice compliment saying how he knows there's a lot that we have to do and they really appreciate it. I love the senior couples They do so
much and they're the ones that deserve more praise. they are just absolutely incredible sacrificing all their time and finances to serve God. Then we came home and went to sleep.
Sat... Today was a lot of fun we got to get two cars oil change and tire rotation. So while we waited for that we did a little bit of
phone calls and work on the computer. The people that took care of us were super fast. we walked in and before we filled out the paperwork, they had seen missionaries before, they just put the cars in knowing
exactly what to do with them, it was nice. No wait! I was able to meet with a zone leader who is having a little bit of problems
He's an absolutely wonderful missionary and what helped us was we sat at
cold Stone and ate some delicious ice cream. I thought of you dad as I ate the founders favorite. We drove with the home teachers down for an exchange in Suitland. we went to Calvert and Bayside. I love the area down there. it's super nice. it's not as crowded and the air just feels wonderful and smells delicious. I was able to go with the missionaries in Bayside and we went and visited a member who was in Naval intelligence he still is. He told us about the world stage and how things were going. it was very interesting to see what's going on and what are some potential things. he says the only real worries are the Middle East countries because their government is ran by emotion and not by logic.
Sun... Today was a really good day. we went and had a lot of meetings in the morning for the stake level and on the ward level as well. president cooke spoke to the Spanish ward and he asked Elder Ord to
translate. He did a wonderful job. he is really good at speaking Spanish. it was funny when president was reading a quote by President Eyring because the words are really big and we didn't quite know how to
translate in Spanish so the whole Ward and the bishopric were involved in the translation process. it was hilarious. We then went to a baptism of two people it was absolutely incredible and it was hilarious. there was lots of clapping and picture taking during the whole thing. we had to remind a couple people not to do it during the baptism. they're in the city and that was just a typical church experience. I love their praising! After that we hurried to the Cook's house. we had a delicious
dinner and then we're off to the visitor center for why I believe. it was a wonderful night. the speakers were incredible. The spirit was felt and they taught us on how we can be better. Their conversion stories were incredible and I love the perspective that the wife had. they met at Princeton when her husband was taking the missionary lessons and she was before she even liked him and was concerned about their spiritual well-being. then once they decided they're going to get married they both decided to serve a mission first. he served in the Ukraine and she in France and then returned home and got married. he worked as President Bush's lawyer doing lots of his trials as president and then she is working with the Supreme Court as a counselor of some kind.
So that is life here in the Washington DC mission. it's wonderful! I love serving. I'm grateful for all of your prayers and support and I'm excited to see you all in several months. time is sure flying. Today
we're going down to the mall I am going to see the Library of Congress and the Kennedy Center. it's a beautiful place and I'm excited and anxious to learn more. Love you all have a good week!
-Elder Herring
Words from Sister Brittany Platt in Colorado
Olo everybody!
So, I'm SO excited to tell you about the biggest miracle we had last week (this is all I have time for). One of my former investigators, Lee, moved from Strasburg to Westminster 6 weeks before I left Strasburg. We gave her teaching record to the elders there, but they had a difficult time meeting with her. Well, after I got here, we found her teaching record in our area book!!!! She's in my ward boundaries! Satan tried to stop us from going there (it's actually a funny story, but I don't have time for it), but it didn't work! We got to her house, knocked on the door, and I heard her yell "Come in." We walked in (I practically ran in) and I ran up to her and said "Lee I'm here! It's Sister Platt! Do you remember me?" She looked so shocked and confused at first! But then she said, "Yes, of course I remember you!" I gave her a huge hug and we talked for a bit and then set up a time to come back. We went back on Saturday with a member and re-taught the Plan of Salvation. She listened more this time and I can tell she's changed. She's so ready to get baptized! Please pray this week that she'll accept a baptismal date! I feel like this is why I was transferred to this ward. I truly do! At least it's part of the reason. I love this woman with all my heart and I know she will get baptized!
So, I'm SO excited to tell you about the biggest miracle we had last week (this is all I have time for). One of my former investigators, Lee, moved from Strasburg to Westminster 6 weeks before I left Strasburg. We gave her teaching record to the elders there, but they had a difficult time meeting with her. Well, after I got here, we found her teaching record in our area book!!!! She's in my ward boundaries! Satan tried to stop us from going there (it's actually a funny story, but I don't have time for it), but it didn't work! We got to her house, knocked on the door, and I heard her yell "Come in." We walked in (I practically ran in) and I ran up to her and said "Lee I'm here! It's Sister Platt! Do you remember me?" She looked so shocked and confused at first! But then she said, "Yes, of course I remember you!" I gave her a huge hug and we talked for a bit and then set up a time to come back. We went back on Saturday with a member and re-taught the Plan of Salvation. She listened more this time and I can tell she's changed. She's so ready to get baptized! Please pray this week that she'll accept a baptismal date! I feel like this is why I was transferred to this ward. I truly do! At least it's part of the reason. I love this woman with all my heart and I know she will get baptized!
I just want you all to know that God is so good. He's so merciful and loving. He provides daily miracles, just look for them! I love Him with all my heart. He's given me so many blessings! Turn to Him in times of trial and know that there's always something to be learned. Use your agency to act as Christ would act in times of trial. I've learned that that's really what agency is all about. It's more than just choosing between good and evil. It's choosing to act like Christ would act or not. So act as He would act in ALL things and in ALL places and at ALL times.
And one more thing, I've been hearing from discouraged missionaries lately of members comparing them to other missionaries because other missionaries have baptized and they have not. Please understand that the # of baptisms does NOT, in any way, constitute a good missionary. I've seen many, many disobedient missionaries baptize. And then they go home and go less-active. But, I've seen many, many obedient missionaries not baptize or not baptize very much, and they go home and they stay active and they become leaders in the church. It is NOT about numbers and I'm tired of the church culture of lots of baptisms = a good missionary. Are we still striving for baptisms? Of course! Is that our number one goal as missionaries? You better believe it! But Elder Bednar, when he came to our mission, told us the only measure of success for us as missionaries is if we are fully obedient on our missions. Think about that with life as well. The measure of success for us in life is if we're fully obedient to the Lord. And full obedience makes us consecrated. I truly know that and believe it! The Savior is the center of all we do! If we strive to become like Him by obedience to His teachings and a love of God and of all men, then we become consecrated as He is. I love Him with my whole heart!
Well, I love all of you so much and hope you have a wonderful week! God bless you and thanks again for everything! You all are SO amazing!
Love, Sister Platt
Well, I love all of you so much and hope you have a wonderful week! God bless you and thanks again for everything! You all are SO amazing!
Love, Sister Platt
Words from Sister Hannah Platt in Honduras
Pues como están mis queridos amigos y familiares?!
Todo esta bien aqui conmigo! :)
Well, guess what?! I got transfered! again. I was sooo sad to leave Comayagua and my dear companion. When we got the calls, i was totally shocked cuz i thought i would for sure be staying. But the Lord has other plans. I am now back in the city in an area called Las Americas. It the area of the temple which has been such a blessing for me :) we walk by it everyday and our church building is rigth next to it. THey made me a Sister Training Leader which also was a complete suprise. It has been a hard week as we have lots of things to do. But i am soo grateful for this chance to learn and to grow. My new companion is Hermana Fabian. SHe is from Guatemala and is so amazing :) OUr area is huge (i know i say that a lot. but its the truth!) And we are walking tons again! :) We have had a lot of wonderful experiences this week and we are currently working with a family. THey should be getting baptized in these next few weeks. THey are the family Fornus.
Anyways, i love you all soo much. I love this mission and i am so grateful for the chance to serve. I have come to love and understand my Savior in ways that i didn´t think possible. I know that change is real. I know that the Atonment works. He visto bastantes milagros en mi mision y cada dÃa El Señor me da mas fé y mas deseo de trabajar. Amo este pais. Amo esta obra. Mi desafio por cada uno de ustedes es compartir cuando tengan la oportunidad, con sus amigos, con su familia, con todos! Todos necesitan el evangelio en sus vidas y cada quien puede ser un instrumento en los manos de Dios. Les quiero un monton y estoy muy agradecida por todo lo que hacen.
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Platt
Words from Sister Abbie Waite in Texas
Dear all (or Hey y'all, what ever suits you best),
This week was absolutely incredible. There are just so many things to be grateful for in this great work. There are miracles everywhere. You need only to open your eyes and see.
We found a family this week... with 7 kids. Yeah. We were pretty excited. The mom let us right in! They are so great! I can't even describe it! I'll keep you posted on how they progress. Ah! :)
I am ever grateful that the Lord saw fit to call me to invite others to come unto Him. The opportunity to serve others in this way has been the most remarkable thing that I could have ever hoped to do in this phase of my life. I have seen the gospel bless other people in ways that I never thought imaginable. This is truly the greatest work in all the earth!
We have an investigator who works in a donut shop, and she loves to tell stories about people who come into the shop and are just so happy because they're getting donuts. She loves making people's days! But she also sometimes tells us stories about people who aren't so happy. "How can they be grumpy in a donut shop?" she is always lamenting. I ask that same question: How could someone be grumpy in a donut shop? (Because, really... It's a donut shop.) But I also ask another question: how can someone be grumpy in the gospel of Jesus Christ?
"Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy (D&C 128:19)."
"Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy (2 Nephi 2:25)."
What do we hear in the gospel? A voice of gladness! We know that men are that they might have joy!
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33) ."
Christ himself has told us to be of good cheer! He has overcome the world and is the Way to help us overcome it, too!
When He visited the Nephites, Christ knelt and uttered a prayer so sacred that it could not be recorded:
"And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying unto the Father, he arose; but so great was the joy of the multitude that they were overcome.
And it came to pass that Jesus spake unto them, and bade them arise.
And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full (3 Nephi 17:18-20)."
These Nephites caused Christ great joy because of their faith, and we can as well. And because of our faith, we can receive a fulness of joy in the kingdom of our Father!
"And for this cause ye shall have fulness of joy; and ye shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father; yea, your joy shall be full, even as the Father hath given me fulness of joy... (3 Nephi 28:10)"
"Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart for gladness? (D&C 19:39)"
This gospel is a gospel of joy! Because the fulness of the gospel has been restored to the earth, we know the true purpose of life. Because a young boy retired to a grove of trees and knelt in prayer in the spring of 1820, we know the true nature of God. Because God loves and speaks to all of His children through prophets-living and ancient-we have been given the Book of Mormon to help us understand who Jesus Christ truly is. Because of Jesus Christ, we know the way to return to our Heavenly Father. Because we can return to our Heavenly Father, we will receive a fulness of JOY.
"Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing (D&C 128:22)"
May we always remember the joy that is found in the gospel and continually find joy in the journey.
Love,
Sister Waite
Words from Elder Kyle James in Germany
Liebe Familie
Hey guys! This week was incredible! So much stuff was going on! I
really can't even explain it all.
Well. Guess I better start!
On Monday we just chilled at the church. It was lame but relaxing. We
just emailed and then ate at a crappy Chinese food restaurant. But...
Memories right?
Tuesday we met with the Adwinculas. Great family, I love them a lot.
They are super members. I love hearing the testimonies of members
around the world. A really great way to strengthen mine. Also on
Tuesday, we had Elder Blau pack his bags. I cleaned a lot, which was
good. We then met with Ed, preparing him for Saturday. He was so
nervous. I told him we would be here every step of the way. And he
felt better. He is a great man.
Mittwoch- we had ddm, even though I didn't really want to. Ddms on
transfer week are in my option a waste of time. Oh well. We went and
met with the Will and Robin Familie. I love them. I can't wait to
start working with them hard core. I love everyone here:) then we
hosted Saarbrücken elders. They came and stayed with us before
transfers. Sleep over! It was a lot of fun. We talked and had a great
time.
Thursday was also wonderful. We stuck
Hey guys! This week was incredible! So much stuff was going on! I
really can't even explain it all.
Well. Guess I better start!
On Monday we just chilled at the church. It was lame but relaxing. We
just emailed and then ate at a crappy Chinese food restaurant. But...
Memories right?
Tuesday we met with the Adwinculas. Great family, I love them a lot.
They are super members. I love hearing the testimonies of members
around the world. A really great way to strengthen mine. Also on
Tuesday, we had Elder Blau pack his bags. I cleaned a lot, which was
good. We then met with Ed, preparing him for Saturday. He was so
nervous. I told him we would be here every step of the way. And he
felt better. He is a great man.
Mittwoch- we had ddm, even though I didn't really want to. Ddms on
transfer week are in my option a waste of time. Oh well. We went and
met with the Will and Robin Familie. I love them. I can't wait to
start working with them hard core. I love everyone here:) then we
hosted Saarbrücken elders. They came and stayed with us before
transfers. Sleep over! It was a lot of fun. We talked and had a great
time.
Thursday was also wonderful. We stuck
Elder Blau on a bus and sent him
on his way to Paderborn. Elder Lee and I were on a split this whole
day. We ate a döner. And had a Great time. We help Ed out with family
history and then talked with Moore and Bader for a while. Then my new
homie came to town. I love Elder Hall! He is such a good guy! I love
serving with him. Tell his mom I like him. He be cool. Haha we taught
the Houskeepers German that night. It was super good. I love them.
Friday- we had weekly planning and then we taught Ed, and addressed a
lot of concerns. He asked me to baptism him. I always want members to
do it, but I feel extremely honored to do that for somebody. I have
baptized a LOT more people then I ever thought I would. I feel very
very blessed. I must be doing something right. Thank you for your
prayers. Really. I feel so blessed. And I am much happier with Elder
Hall. We then had dinner with the Houskeepers. Write
them and tell them that I love them. Really. They're great people.
Crazy... But good. Are you really planning on staying with them? That
would be so awesome! They are serious about you guys coming. They're
gonna make space in the basement.
Saturday was the day. We had a baptism! Ed was baptized. But that
morning was hard! I couldn't find my baptism pants, so... I was
freaking out... But it worked out. The church had a pair. Elder Hall
and I got to the church early and filled the font. With freezing
water. We had the brilliant idea of pouring warm water from the
kitchen into it, but it didn't do much. Brother Nelson brought a bunch
of food for afterwards. All the missionaries came. It was super good,
super spiritual. I went into the water with him and baptized him.
Great experience. I love it when I can baptize someone, but I'd like
it better if members would do it. It creates a lasting bond. But, I
really am so, so thankful. I loved it:)
We ate and then chatted with the members, and then we cleaned
everything up and went home. We were invited to eat with the Seamonus.
A Samoan family. They make you eat. Literally. Literally. It was so
good... But it was so much. I was way full afterwards. We took the
left overs. Afterwards we finished our studies.
Sunday was good, Ed was confirmed. He wanted me to "put the ghost on
him" but I told him that brother Nelson could do it too. So Nelson did
it. It was a great prayer. Sprint was very strong. We then... Guess
what...,ate with the Houskeepers! We taught them more German and it
was great. I still love them. Brother Houskeepers acts like he hates
me, but I know he doesn't:) they said I sounded German when I spoke.
Then we had call ins. Elder Hall and I have been laughing and having a
good time. Finally!
Today, we just got done playing some intense ball. We played vs
Saarbrücken and won. I am tired now, exhausted. I played my hardest.
Hehe. I got a hair cut today... And it is super funky. Hehe. I look
Türkisch. Naja, it's ok. Hair grows:)
Well guys. That's all I have. We have a busy week planned and I can't
wait to get going. I love you guys so much and I can't wait to talk to
you again. Skype is coming up fast. And then, I'll be home with you.
But I'm having a crazy good time here. I love it! Things are looking
up!
I have such a strong testimony of this gospel. I love praying and I
can't wait to show you my testimony by example.
Love you. Really! Thank you for everything.
Love elder James
Von meinem iPad gesendet
on his way to Paderborn. Elder Lee and I were on a split this whole
day. We ate a döner. And had a Great time. We help Ed out with family
history and then talked with Moore and Bader for a while. Then my new
homie came to town. I love Elder Hall! He is such a good guy! I love
serving with him. Tell his mom I like him. He be cool. Haha we taught
the Houskeepers German that night. It was super good. I love them.
Friday- we had weekly planning and then we taught Ed, and addressed a
lot of concerns. He asked me to baptism him. I always want members to
do it, but I feel extremely honored to do that for somebody. I have
baptized a LOT more people then I ever thought I would. I feel very
very blessed. I must be doing something right. Thank you for your
prayers. Really. I feel so blessed. And I am much happier with Elder
Hall. We then had dinner with the Houskeepers. Write
them and tell them that I love them. Really. They're great people.
Crazy... But good. Are you really planning on staying with them? That
would be so awesome! They are serious about you guys coming. They're
gonna make space in the basement.
Saturday was the day. We had a baptism! Ed was baptized. But that
morning was hard! I couldn't find my baptism pants, so... I was
freaking out... But it worked out. The church had a pair. Elder Hall
and I got to the church early and filled the font. With freezing
water. We had the brilliant idea of pouring warm water from the
kitchen into it, but it didn't do much. Brother Nelson brought a bunch
of food for afterwards. All the missionaries came. It was super good,
super spiritual. I went into the water with him and baptized him.
Great experience. I love it when I can baptize someone, but I'd like
it better if members would do it. It creates a lasting bond. But, I
really am so, so thankful. I loved it:)
We ate and then chatted with the members, and then we cleaned
everything up and went home. We were invited to eat with the Seamonus.
A Samoan family. They make you eat. Literally. Literally. It was so
good... But it was so much. I was way full afterwards. We took the
left overs. Afterwards we finished our studies.
Sunday was good, Ed was confirmed. He wanted me to "put the ghost on
him" but I told him that brother Nelson could do it too. So Nelson did
it. It was a great prayer. Sprint was very strong. We then... Guess
what...,ate with the Houskeepers! We taught them more German and it
was great. I still love them. Brother Houskeepers acts like he hates
me, but I know he doesn't:) they said I sounded German when I spoke.
Then we had call ins. Elder Hall and I have been laughing and having a
good time. Finally!
Today, we just got done playing some intense ball. We played vs
Saarbrücken and won. I am tired now, exhausted. I played my hardest.
Hehe. I got a hair cut today... And it is super funky. Hehe. I look
Türkisch. Naja, it's ok. Hair grows:)
Well guys. That's all I have. We have a busy week planned and I can't
wait to get going. I love you guys so much and I can't wait to talk to
you again. Skype is coming up fast. And then, I'll be home with you.
But I'm having a crazy good time here. I love it! Things are looking
up!
I have such a strong testimony of this gospel. I love praying and I
can't wait to show you my testimony by example.
Love you. Really! Thank you for everything.
Love elder James
Von meinem iPad gesendet
Words from Elder McKell Bradshaw in Scotland
Its been great to hear from everyone! This week has been pretty great!! Started out slow, but really picked up towards the end! Did a lot of finding as normal! But we had the biggest answer to our prayers this week!! We met a guy named Corrie! Corrie is a stud! He pretty much came to us and said he wanted to know more about the church! We taught him the restoration and invited him to be baptized!! He said YES!!! I wanted to cry I was so excited!!!! So moral of the story is that prayers are answered!!! Sometimes they take awhile! because that was an answer to a prayer that started 2 months ago! But the answer does come!! Patience sure helps too! So that has been pretty much the week! All is well here in Scotland! Except for the fact that its getting cold....
Words from Elder Levi Crosby in Kentucky
Well everybody this week has been great. The temperature here is cooling down and the leaves are changing colors and it's couldn't get any nicer. The fall over here is the best. And it's just starting. So this week wasn't very eventful but it was good. We had a few meetings so that's what's made it kind of drag because I can't sit inside all day! I have to be outside. Haha we had an investigator with a baptism date come to church yesterday and man it was so good to see her there! She is the sweetest lady. She has a big heart and it's so awesome to see the steps she is taking. She has 4 grandkids she watches. 2 of them are autistic. I bet it's pretty tough to get them all ready to go to church. We shared 1 Nephi 3:7 with her and that's what really changed her attitude about coming to church. It says that the lord will provide a way for us when we are obedient to his commandments. So I want ya'll to be like this sweet lady and have faith that the lord will provide a way for you to be obedient. I know that he will. So do everything you can to keep the commandments that we have been given. We will be blessed beyond measure. I have seen that on my mission. I can't believe how fast it's gone by. Time flies when your having a blast:) the funniest thing that happened to us his week was that I was mowing this lady's yard and I was on her riding mower on this slope and I started sliding down sideways and I ran into her wooden fence at the bottom and my companion had to push me out of the fence. Lol I was so scared that she was going to get mad at me but we fixed it real quick so it was all good. Haha I hope ya'll have a good week good luck in your sports and everything! :)
Love,
Elder Crosby
Words from Sister Brittany Platt in Colorado
Olo everybody!
I have like no time so this is gunna be oober short!
I got transferred to Westminster, Hidden Lake Ward. My companion is Sister Smith and we got "swept in" to the area or "whitewashed" in. That means that we're both brand new to the ward. Also, we're sharing the ward with our Zone Leaders, who also got "swept in" and who are also both brand new zone leaders! It will be fun and crazy! I cover the sisters in this zone and also in the Arvada zone (which is right by the mountains - I FINALLY get to go hiking and see all the leaves change!). I'm stoked! It will be a fun, lovely, crazy transfer.
I have like no time so this is gunna be oober short!
I got transferred to Westminster, Hidden Lake Ward. My companion is Sister Smith and we got "swept in" to the area or "whitewashed" in. That means that we're both brand new to the ward. Also, we're sharing the ward with our Zone Leaders, who also got "swept in" and who are also both brand new zone leaders! It will be fun and crazy! I cover the sisters in this zone and also in the Arvada zone (which is right by the mountains - I FINALLY get to go hiking and see all the leaves change!). I'm stoked! It will be a fun, lovely, crazy transfer.
My last week in Fox Hollow was great! We got a new investigator named Katie and she's golden (of course - right when I leave). We taught her twice and she told us that the Book of Mormon teaches the same things as the Bible and is just like the Bible, only different characters.....we were stunned! She said, "yeah, it has to be true! It just makes sense". The only thing right now (as far as I know) from her making a decision to be baptized is she's worried about her grandma, who was a staunch Catholic, would not approve - but she's passed on - so, I'm positive she will approve and that she'll want Katie to do her temple work! So, I'm praying she will get baptized!
Sarah's funeral was really good. It was sweet and wonderful. I'm grateful I got to attend and I'm praying like made we can do her temple work! There were a bunch of other miracles/funny moments that happened, but my brain is so fried right now, I can't really think of what they all were! #oldladyproblems
Well, I'd better run. I hope you all have a wonderful week full of missionary experiences! Please always support and love your local missionaries - especially the ones that are disobedient. They're still kids (a lot of them) so help them and guide them and love them. Heck, we're all disobedient in different ways right? I still struggle with being exactly obedient. But, I'm realizing more and more how much better it is to be exactly obedient - that means that you WANT to be obedient and you strive every day to be so. It doesn't mean to be perfect. But it does mean you want to follow God and you do your best. So, keep doing your best every day! Love you all and God bless you!
Words from Elder Chandon Herring in Washington DC
Well I apologize yet again because this is going to be a short letter again. This was a good week. We got a lot done and we were able to do a few exchanges. I will talk about the best night this week. I did an
exchange with the Silver Spring zone leaders. It was a lot of fun. We started in the evening and had a dinner appointment with a member that just moved out of the singles ward I was in. It was great to see her again. Good cook! I was with Elder Parker. He is such an amazing and humble missionary. We had a great lesson and were off for a lesson with a potential investigator who was not home. But the lady who opened the door was his mother and she was very kind and let us in.
She was anxious to talk about Jesus and we were able to help her understand the restoration. It was amazing to see how Elder Parker teaches. I learned from him. This was our first lesson together and we
taught so well together! I was very worried about my teaching for a very long time and I feel that these last few transfers the lord has blessed me to be a better one. I can see little improvements here and there that make such a difference and bring the spirit. We invited them to be baptized and they said they would pray about it. The lady
found out I was on exchanges and would not be back and she told me she really liked me and my teaching. She gave me her number to call her and teach her more. It was super cool to have an old lady tell me she likes my teaching! Haha I am weird but deal with it haha. We then had a lesson with a less active who is great. I had met her once before and she was the one who sold me the taser. Very fun lady and she is
struggling right now. We had a really good talk and she came from the situation deciding to pray a lot more and try to look at things from Christs point of view. She has so much potential. Then of course on
the way out her dog bit elder Parker. It was fun. That is really the only night you would care to hear about. But we did have two service projects. One was being guides for a blind 5k race at the Nats stadium and the other was out at the fair building fence and all that jazz. It was great to do so much service! Well life is good and I love you all!
Have a great week!
Elder Herring
exchange with the Silver Spring zone leaders. It was a lot of fun. We started in the evening and had a dinner appointment with a member that just moved out of the singles ward I was in. It was great to see her again. Good cook! I was with Elder Parker. He is such an amazing and humble missionary. We had a great lesson and were off for a lesson with a potential investigator who was not home. But the lady who opened the door was his mother and she was very kind and let us in.
She was anxious to talk about Jesus and we were able to help her understand the restoration. It was amazing to see how Elder Parker teaches. I learned from him. This was our first lesson together and we
taught so well together! I was very worried about my teaching for a very long time and I feel that these last few transfers the lord has blessed me to be a better one. I can see little improvements here and there that make such a difference and bring the spirit. We invited them to be baptized and they said they would pray about it. The lady
found out I was on exchanges and would not be back and she told me she really liked me and my teaching. She gave me her number to call her and teach her more. It was super cool to have an old lady tell me she likes my teaching! Haha I am weird but deal with it haha. We then had a lesson with a less active who is great. I had met her once before and she was the one who sold me the taser. Very fun lady and she is
struggling right now. We had a really good talk and she came from the situation deciding to pray a lot more and try to look at things from Christs point of view. She has so much potential. Then of course on
the way out her dog bit elder Parker. It was fun. That is really the only night you would care to hear about. But we did have two service projects. One was being guides for a blind 5k race at the Nats stadium and the other was out at the fair building fence and all that jazz. It was great to do so much service! Well life is good and I love you all!
Have a great week!
Elder Herring
Words from Sister Hannah Platt in Honduras
Family and Friends,
Thank you all sooo mcuh for the birthday wishes!! I can´t even describe what a wonderful birthdya i had!! And also, i just wanted to wish a happy birthday to my best firend, Hailey Overson on the 20th!!
I had the best birthday of my life :) So for my birthday, a few of our investigators and recent converts threw me a party and it was soo fun. They made me a cake and pizza and we were able to share the gospel :) The most amazing gift i recieved though was that Evelyn and Nelson (our investigators that we have worked with since we got here) decided they want to get married and baptized!!!! We had a fast with them last week so they could get an answer and they both did!! For 24 hours and now, they said they know that the chruch is true and want to get baptized!! Nelson went to church for the first time yesterdya and i really can´t even describe how happy i am to see the gospel change them. They have both come such a long way and it has been the greatest privlege of my life to know them and teach them.
Wlee, thats all i hae time for folks. But i just hope you all know that i love you and i love this gospel with my whole heart. It is true!! Christ lives and is our Savior. I love you all and i htnak you for your love and support!!
Love,
Hermana Platt
Words from Sister Abbie Waite in Texas
Hello all!
I want you to know that the work is incredible. I love these people and I love the mission, but most importantly: I love the Lord!
We're running short on time this week (I know, right? I'm sure y'all were expecting yet another long winded email, haha!) A family in the stake invited our entire zone to P-day at their home, and we're about to head that way.
I just have one question for you:
Do you have your running shoes on?
The work of salvation (in all capacities, including temple and family history work) is hastening faster than anything ever has. And the Lord expects us to run with it. I don't know about you, but I'd rather run in tennis shoes than flip flops.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on that!
Love,
Sister Waite
Words from Elder McKell Bradshaw in Scotland
So this week was pretty average. More dropped appointments.... Rained a lot.... oh the joys of Scotland! Hahaha you probably all think I'm having a terrible time huh? Haha not really! For some reason, I really can't explain, but I love it more everyday! We have a guy named Derick that were going to teach if you doesn't fall asleep and forget about us coming 30 minutes before we get there next time... He's solid though! So that should be good! Oh and the craziest thing happened yesterday! We knocked on this lady's door, and were have a good ole conversation about the gospel and stuff! Gave her a Book of Mormon, and she told us how she though Jehovah's Witnesses were crazy, and how our beliefs seemed normal! Then she just randomly said, "Yeah, Id like to be a Mormon"..... LIKE WHAT!?!?!?! That never happens!!! Elder Hansen and I were about to pass out we were so shocked!!! So yeah, were going to definitely be teaching her soon! So big things happening soon!!!
Words from Elder Garrett Hollembeak in West Virginia
I'm doing really good, it was the holiday on Monday so we're
a little late emailing but we're doing great. We've been doing a lot
of service lately, one of things we're working on is scraping paint
off of one of our investigator's houses so if you have any tips pass
them along. The work here is going forward. I hope
you guys are all doing well and are safe and healthy.
On a different note we have been discussion having
a meeting with all of the people who have been baptized within the
last five years to make sure they have a home teacher, a calling, the
new member lessons, and if they are inactive, and a good chunk of them
are, what has happened and where we can improve on retention. One of
the things we've noticed is that very few recent converts receive a
patriarchal blessing and there is a lot of under shepherding that
doesn't always happen after someone gets baptized. We're hoping that
getting more recent converts a patriarchal blessing will help them
stay active when they can have a vision of all of the great things to
come. What does the St. Johns stake do for retention of recent
converts? Thank you for everything! Have a great week!
Love, Elder Hollembeak
a little late emailing but we're doing great. We've been doing a lot
of service lately, one of things we're working on is scraping paint
off of one of our investigator's houses so if you have any tips pass
them along. The work here is going forward. I hope
you guys are all doing well and are safe and healthy.
On a different note we have been discussion having
a meeting with all of the people who have been baptized within the
last five years to make sure they have a home teacher, a calling, the
new member lessons, and if they are inactive, and a good chunk of them
are, what has happened and where we can improve on retention. One of
the things we've noticed is that very few recent converts receive a
patriarchal blessing and there is a lot of under shepherding that
doesn't always happen after someone gets baptized. We're hoping that
getting more recent converts a patriarchal blessing will help them
stay active when they can have a vision of all of the great things to
come. What does the St. Johns stake do for retention of recent
converts? Thank you for everything! Have a great week!
Words from Sister Brittany Platt in Colorado
Olo everybody!
I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! We had a great, hard week last week but I wanted to tell you some of the miracles that we saw!
First off, we passed off our golden investigator, Alexah, to the YSA elders since she's 19. We all got together and had a great lesson with her outside her house on the front lawn. It was amazing how she soaked everything in. I'm praying that she will continue to be committed and the learning. She told us she had been praying for help to go back to church and get her life together when we showed up at the store and started talking with her. She felt like we were an answer to her prayer!
The second miracle/tender mercy was at church on fast Sunday, a young man who has mental and physical disabilities, got up and bore a beautiful, powerful testimony. The meeting was pretty noisy, but as soon as he got up and spoke, it was silent. There wasn't a dry eye in the meeting as he spoke and his friend and brother helped him. It touched me in ways I can't even describe. I watched his parents as they sat listening to him and silently crying and my heart was full to the brim. It made me so grateful for this gospel and what it teaches to all of us, especially when we're youth. This young man was a shining example to everyone about what a Latter-day Saint is. It truly was a wonderful experience for everyone there!
The second miracle/tender mercy was at church on fast Sunday, a young man who has mental and physical disabilities, got up and bore a beautiful, powerful testimony. The meeting was pretty noisy, but as soon as he got up and spoke, it was silent. There wasn't a dry eye in the meeting as he spoke and his friend and brother helped him. It touched me in ways I can't even describe. I watched his parents as they sat listening to him and silently crying and my heart was full to the brim. It made me so grateful for this gospel and what it teaches to all of us, especially when we're youth. This young man was a shining example to everyone about what a Latter-day Saint is. It truly was a wonderful experience for everyone there!
The third miracle is we got to attend another church with one of our potential investigators, Suzy, and right before we went to meet her at her church, the lady we live with who's a recent convert asked if she could come with us. She wanted to meet Suzy and she used to go to the church Suzy's attending! She was just wonderful with Suzy and she's thrilled to get to know her more and share her testimony and conversion story with Suzy. As we were sitting in the big chapel of this mega church, I was overcome with love for all the people in that room. I could tell that many of them were aching for answers to their tough questions, and for light and guidance in their lives. I wanted so badly to stand up and shout with joy that I have the truth they're searching for! Sadly, I couldn't do that, but it made me realize how lucky we all are to have this glorious, restored truth. And we need to share it with everyone! Literally with everyone. So many people are searching for truth, they just don't know where to find it. We are the ones that have it and we need to share it! Even if they say no, at least we gave them the opportunity to choose, to exercise their agency! That's what matters most. So, we're going to start with Suzy and go from there! One person, one soul at a time.
The last thing that happened was my first convert on the mission, Sarah, passed away last week. She was my age and such a sweet person. I was overcome with emotion when I found out. But how grateful I am that she accepted the gospel beforehand!! I know that she is in the Spirit World with my grandma, and that my grandma is watching over her. As I was praying after I heard the news, I had an overwhelming feeling that Sister Hoemann and I would have the privilege of doing her temple work. That is my prayer and my hope! I received permission to attend her funeral on Thursday and I'm so grateful for that. It will be a sacred experience.
I just want everyone to know how much I love this gospel! It truly has blessed my life and countless others' lives. I love my Savior so much, and without Him I wouldn't have the life I have today. I know He loves each of you and He's with you every day. Don't turn away from Him, don't replace Him with worldly things, don't gaze at things that will take you away from Him. This world is filled with so many distractions, we need to be careful that we don't get distracted from the Savior. Every day counts! Every single day matters! The Prophet and the 12 Apostles are worried that we as members are being more influenced by the world then we are the gospel. Is this true in each of our lives? If there are things that are distracting us, get rid of them! Be done with them! Sacrifice them and you will be amazed at how your life changes for the better. I love this quote by Elder Maxwell: “Real, personal sacrifice never was placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal in us upon the altar and letting it be consumed!” Let go of the world! It's not worth it. Hold on to the gospel and the Atonement with both hands. I promise you that as you apply the Atonement in your life and turn your focus on the Savior daily, you will see miracles! You will change and become like Him! I'm seeing this in my life every day and how grateful I am for it!
I hope you all have a wonderful week! God bless you! Love you!
Love, Sister Platt
Love, Sister Platt
#1,001
#Godisgood
Words from Elder Kyle James in Germany
Liebe Familie,
Hallo! How are you guys? I'm doing really well. This week was great! We got a lot done and I feel successful! Today is crazy. I am so excited! I have gotten super good at planning things. I love planning trips. I especially love planning because of the time aspect. It's amazing what we can get done, when we really plan our every second. Well, after much planning, I got my district a free trip to one of the most famous castles in all of Europe. Burg Eltz. According to the members, it is cooler than Neuschwanstein. I am so excited. But of course... There is always negativity to be found. I've decided to not plan any more cool pdays here until next transfer. There are.... Problems about separating a certain person from seeing a certain person. That is pretty annoying. But next transfer it will be ok. But yeah. Burg Eltz. We are leaving at 8:00. I am waking up at 4 in the morning, so that I can clean, study, and get ready in time for 8.
Now today is pday. I cleaned all morning and am exhausted. It is cold today. The clouds make it dark, and it alludes to rain, but I'm excited anyway.
Last Monday we went with Brian, a less active, to a couple of castles. It was Elder Bader and I. We had a super fun time. There is a video of me stuck in thorn bushes. I will try to send a clip. We saw a huge ruin, and then went to an even bigger monastery, that is super, super old. I'm so thankful to be here! I love Germany and every last ounce of culture, that I get to enjoy! I am so blessed. That night, we went to the Reynolds house for fhe. Bridget was there. We taught the first lesson. It went great. Spirit was very strong.
Tuesday, we helped my homeboy Nick. He is dead set on taking me and my parents around Germany when I get back. We helped him all day and he was so thankful. We taught him the first and second lesson. He really liked it and expressed interest in learning more. So cool! I love that guy!
Wednesday was ddm. Elder Bader and I had a split together after wards. We taught Ed and then went to a members appointment. The Kinsmens. Great family. We taught about service. When we got home, I put a piece of ice in my mouth, and it got stuck, and cracked... So.. There is another video of me spitting blood into my sink. Cool yeah? I have the exact same sense of humor:) you'll see.
Thursday, we walked over to Brother Matamoros, the crazy Spanish dude. He had us fix his computer, that wasn't broken at all. But we helped him. He had a really funny mug. Like the mugs from land of the lost haha. Then Elder Bader and I met with Ed again, and taught tithing, my favorite commandment. Then we split back, and went with the Houskeepers to the castle restaurant. I love them so much! Such a great family. They have a great story. They have an insane story of pretty much everything you can think of. I love their dogs. We ate really great food. The picture was a plate of what the king would have eaten back in the day. Mmmmmmhmmm I love Germans. I was the only one who could talk with the waitress hehe.
Friday was good, we didn't get on base, so we just weekly planned and then we had Ed's interview. He passed, but was told to switch coffees. He did. He drinks the ok stuff now. The zone leaders dropped us off in Landstuhl to be picked up by the Houskeepers to help them move into a huge house. While waiting in Landstuhl, I had the feeling to walk to bahnhof. We did. On the way, we walked through the city center, and a guy that I saw opening his window, yelled at us to come to his house. So we did. He told us to come back the next day. We helped the Houskeepers and then met with the Sanchezs and their evil kitten. They are great too.
Saturday was crazy. We went to a baptism of an 8 year old, and studied at the church. After that, we made a split with the other elders. I was bringing Elder Moore to the guy we met the day before, because he spoke German. Remember, the guy that yelled to us? Yeah well, I went and met with him and set a baptismal date for the 3 of October. Hehehe on Trevor's birthday! Hehe he is from Congo. He is the others investigator though. Then President Stoddard came to interview Katja for baptism. I talked with him for a while. Good guy.
I've been playing a lot of piano lately. Getting pretty good!
Sunday, was also good. Ed came of course. We had a good day. I loved it.
Then we met with the bishops familie. Great!
I am so excited!!! I can't wait to go to burg Eltz, it's gonna be sick!
I love you guys! Go serve and love one another! I'll write you later today!!
Love,
Elder James
Von meinem iPad gesendet
Words from Sister Abbie Waite in Texas
Hello all!
This week in Texas was incredible! I can't even describe all of what happened this week, and I can't even describe it. The closest I can even think to describe it is as evidence of the reality of opposition in all things. This week was full of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows and so many little miracles that I can't even begin... Missionary work is the hardest and the most rewarding work I have ever done. I love it so much.
Something that I hadn't really thought about this week is how much I'm missing from my family's lives. Dad starting a new job, Mom opening her store, Jacob's senior year of basketball, Lydia's 16th birthday, Rachel reading all of my favorite books, Betsy vibrantly loving life, and Esther's first year of school... Just so much! But all of this seemingly important things pale in comparison to the importance of spreading the gospel!
"6 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.
7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.
8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise (2 Nephi 2)."
Because of Jesus Christ, we will be able to return to our Heavenly Father! How great the importance to make these things known!
Because of my knowledge of the restored gospel, I know that I will return to my Father in Heaven. I truly know who my Savior is. I know that Heavenly Father loves all of His children... The list could go on and on.
One of my favorite things that I know is that families are forever. Because of covenants that my parents made in the temple, la familia Waite is eternal. And my future family will also be eternal. The little things that I am missing do not matter. We have an eternity together. And that message is one of happiness and is one that I will spread forever. HOW GREAT THE IMPORTANCE TO MAKE THESE THINGS KNOWN!
Have a wonderful week! Love you all!
Words from Sister Hannah Platt in Honduras
Dearest family and friends,
Happy Birthday to my dearest niece Emmalyn last week! :) and to my dear friend, Ashley Slaughter today! I lvoe you both and sure hope your birthdays were and are great!
Well i have no times.. and i am so sorry but just know that i love you all and i love this work! This week was a tough one. Lot of rejection and lots of hard times.. but, thats ok!! :) Because i learned lots and we ended the week well! I am just so grateful for my dear companion. She teaches me something everyday and this wekk she helped me realize that people have their agency and can choose to accept or reject what we share. But, there is no need to get down because we have the glorious gospel and our only duty is to share what we have. This mission is amazing and changes my life more and more each and everyday. Honduras is a wonderful place. and its full of amaizng people. I know that people are prepared to recieve our message. I love being a missionary :)
love,
Hermana Platt
Words from Elder Chandon Herring in Washington DC
Well it sounds like my family has moved. No Bueno haha. But all seems to be going well. Thank you to all who have helped them. It was such a blessing.
Life here is good as always. Busy busy. We were able to spend more time in our area and we now have an investigator on date to be baptized! It is great! His name is Victor. He was taught by missionaries in the past and he is still interested. In fact he is
super interested! We are excited. His date is Nov 17 because he is going out of town for a very long time. He comes back on Nov 2. But still he will attend church in Peru. We might contact the missionaries
there. (Kailan or Eli? Wouldn't that be awesome!) We also have an investigator named Marie. She is very nice and very catholic. We had a great lesson on the plan of salvation. She loved it and she is excited to meet again. She vowed to come to church and..... Drum roll..... She did not. We are not sure why we have not seen her or heard from her so we hope she is ok. But she is great. We had a few other lessons where we were tracking and elder Ord teaches a Hispanic family while I just smile. I understand lots, thanks to
grandpa, and I can say some things but not much. It is fun. We had just a good week. We dropped in on some elders and brought them donuts which was great because they were not there! Woo Hoo! So we ate a few
and left the rest for them haha. Other missionaries are doing very well. There has been a lot of growth this transfer. We love seeing the Lord work with us. So that is about my week other than administrative jone (stuff).
I love you all and appreciate your love and support. I know this is the Lords work and that he loves us. He is aware of our wants and our desires but more importantly our needs. He does what will get the best
results for us in the long run. I am so excited to help others understand this. It is great good news. Share it when you can. Don't be shy. No one is going to look down on you if you share something you
believe. They will respect you and appreciate that you are sharing something special with them. Have a great week and don't forget to pray for missionaries experiences!
Elder Herring
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Words from Elder Adam Otto in Idaho
Hello Family and Friends!
This week was so incredibly amazingly spectacular! I have learned so much about myself this week. I have really been trying to learn more about my Savior and what I can do to become more like Him. Patience in training a new missionary is key, and I am so grateful for the patience my Savior has for me!! I am so blessed.
We had two zone conferences this past week, and oh my gosh, they have once again changed my life!!!! I am so excited to better consecrate myself and become an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I testify there are absolute miracles when that happens! Terry is doing great; she has quit smoking and is totally prepared for her baptism on Tuesday. My heart just melts when we teach these people. I have a strong testimony of charity and the love Christ has for everyone. I am so blessed to be able to feel that.
We have been so busy lately, and work is just exploding. Every night I just ache haha! My mind, spirit, soul, body, everything! But it feels so wonderful to exhaust yourself for the Lord :) Our will is pretty much the only thing we can give to Him, that he doesn't already have. Thank you all so much for your prayers! I am feeling them, and I love you all! Have a great week :)
Love,
Elder Otto
Words from Elder Chandon Herring in Washinton DC
Well now that it has been three days I think I will write you again.
This letter will be a little different. It will talk about how my days work. So we have adjusted our meeting times to allow us to study. First time in Assistant history! Woo Hoo! We love that time and it helps us set the tone for the day. So regardless of your situation you need to read your scriptures. We then will spend a few hours staring
into out computer screen to get things done. I don't even know where some of these issues come from but they come so we try to figure it out. We have started working on President and sister Cookes Christmas gift. If you have any ideas for a super awesome memorable gift that
would be great. We are thinking of continuing the signed sports Jersey. They have one for the Nats, and the Capitols so we might do the Redskins. We shall see. Also we will take them to Handells Messiah
at the Kennedy center and have a super good dinner, and we are going to try to make President cuff links like the mission challenge coin. It will be cool. Ideally we will get a center piece for a table that
is a stone or iron model of the cities monuments but we can't find anything. These are just some things we are thinking about. Any way... That was like car conversation. We spend a lot of time looking at the missionaries and how to help them, we are going to start spending a
lot of time on splits. We planned well to have all day Saturday in our area. But of course we were in the office until around 2 then we went out. It was great talking to people, teaching a few people. We got two
new investigators for the Spanish missionaries. That was a good time.
I just stood there while Elder Ord taught in Spanish. It was super interesting. Very sincere. We got yelled at by an old lady who hates 7th day Adventist who she thought we were. We tried to clarify but she
only got more angry. It was quite fun. She said, "get off my property! You don't take no for an answer do you?!? I said never come back on this street again we don't want you!" Etc etc. the funny thing was we
offered to help with their yard work and we were on the sidewalk so public property and her son mentioned that to her. It was comical but sad she was so angry.
We dropped in on a companionship that night. We were driving to go see a member but both felt like we needed to see this
one companionship. So we drove by to see if they were home it being before 8:30 when they should be in and one of the two companionships was home and the other was walking in from their car carrying a ton of groceries. They spent golden hours shopping at target. It was a good teaching opportunity to help them realize how time is short and should not be wasted. We all had a good talk and helped the trainee
understand to work until it was time. Not just come in.
So that is a jumbled letter but my life is now jumbled. I hope it made a little
sense. I love you all and hope you have a great week!
Elder Herring
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