Dear Mom
I'm getting used to this district leader thing. I really like how I have to call my district every night and see how they're doing. It just makes me feel like I'm doing something, just making sure they're fulfilling their own goals and that they're on top of things. We got almost our entire district to help an investigator of another ward (that belongs to my district)move into a new apartment complex...that was pretty sweet! I really understand now why President Goodrich made me DL...so I'll stay on top of things and not get lazy as I have a tendency to do. Doesn't really hurt either that the ward is pushing me to use their ward missionaries, even though the ward mission leader is AWOL a lot. So basically we're the ward mission leader and we'll have to do all the dirty work. But, it's a learning experience.
My comp is the best thing for me. He's a bit strange, but he really wants to work. He pushes me when I'm dead tired and want to sleep. He just brings the best out of me and I really think we'll work miracles here. I can feel it. Our investigators are somewhat progressing, the ward members are opening up to us more, and I feel that baptisms will come in a matter of time. Mike Price came yesterday, again! He liked it, and he said he learned a lot from sacrament meeting. He'll have to talk to the bishop about his situation, but it's for the best because we can't help him anymore. We can only teach the Gospel, and he has to make the changes we ask him to. He's willing, but the bishop will help him in that regard. He's doing a great job!
Our part member family, the Hinehons, are doing well. June, the non-member husband, really gets along with us. All we have to do is just bring a member with us to our appointments. I really feel he'll get baptized if he has a friend, and the ward made an extra effort in welcoming him. I think his wife and his mother-in-law are very excited! We even got him a Tagalog Book of Mormon to read so he could understand it better.
Susan Lar didn't come, again, so we'll have to make her come. Bring a member and have that member give her a ride. But, she asked about a few things in our last visit. She asked, basically, who had the authority of God? What is the priesthood? Talk about a 'gimme' lesson. That was completely unplanned, but it went well. At first I was thinking 'oh man this is going to be rough' because we planned to teach something else. Then, we started defining authority and the priesthood to her. She understood it, then we showed why the authority is important. I love the ice cream man vs. policeman analogy. Policeman has the authority to give a ticket, not an ice cream man. We are the policemen, the others are the ice cream men. I love it! We shared scriptures from Acts and the Bible about authority, and boldly testified that no other church has it because of the Great Apostasy! Then we re-taught the Restoration through Joseph Smith. At the end, she was like...that makes sense I never knew what priesthood meant! She now knows, from our own testimonies and biblical evidence, that no other church has the authority of God. As Woods said, the best lessons are the ones planned by God! To start it off, she testified to us of the Book of Mormon. She can't sleep, she reads the book and feels peaceful. She knows it brings her joy. How golden is that? We just have to get her to church! It was funny because we set another appointment and she told us 'you'll see how pretty my daughter is' because her daughter will be in town- she's twenty-two years old. These investigators are so funny, always trying to impress us with their young daughters because we're faithful Christians. It's hilarious!
Our English class is going well with Gye Choi, an eternal Korean investigator. She asks the hardest questions about English grammar, and I'm stumped. Woods knows it all so I have nothing to worry about when he's teaching. I'm the fool out of the group. But, she's warming up to us and I think she'll eventually accept lessons from us. She comes to church though! That's a step!
Life is going well because we're doing our best. Every night we get home, plan, and I just relax. Then I sleep well...and I regret getting up in the morning. But, the Lord provides strength every day. We've had some great contacts on the streets, but too bad they're mostly in Spanish so we have to pass them off. We're referral machines! Pumpin' them out! With the Lord's blessings of course! Life is great...and I just love the work!
About the move, it was awesome! We went to play basketball in the morning and then went to the Sherman Oaks elders' place to relax before we moved their investigator. Sara and Tayler are so fun to be around, they're my favorite elders in the district! I know I can't have favorites, but they're hilarious. One is like 6'4'', the other (Sara) is 5'6'' like me. Sara is hyper, Tayler not. Tayler whines a little, Sara tells him to shut up. Fun duo. So we helped them move for a few hours, and it was alright. It was awkward trying to move a couch with Tayler. He lifts it halfway for him, but it's high for me. Awkward going down the stairs with it. But, Shirin really appreciated it (that's her name) and it was loads of fun. We even rearranged her new living room, playing musical couches and tables for ten to fifteen minutes. It was tiring, but I felt good doing it. Then we went to teach our less active, who fed us lunch. Betsy Miller is progressing! I know she'll come back to church soon! I know! She's changed so much, and she really wants to go to the temple when she's ready and going back to church. We taught the Gospel- faith, repentance, baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. The room was full, almost oozing of the Spirit. We testified with power and with sincerity. Those are the moments I treasure...wow...I love it. Absolutely love teaching her. She wants to change, and is doing her best. She feels better all week, because she's living what she is re-learning. The Lord is blessing her because she's putting that faith forward, 'Lord, I want to change. Help me change, help me feel that I need to change.' It is great, seeing her progress.
My ZL's are awesome...they gave me a boost when they talked to the stake president lately. I think they were in a meeting and they asked how the lesson went. We taught a non-member, Kathy Pena, in his house with both him, his wife, and the investigator's family there. Her husband is an RM that's a local deputy. The ZL's told me that Pres. Jex really like how I taught, and he was happy I was there teaching Kathy instead of the previous district leader who created several interesting situations. Haha, it's funny thinking about it knowing the past DL. They know when to give me a boost, and I'm motivated to help them by helping out my district. I can see why they're excited...this stake is going to explode with baptisms! I can feel it!
Woods and me were talking about it before...we know God has prepared this ward for us, well, the missionaries. We have gold here, all we have to do is thrust in our sickles and reap the harvest. We talked about making a plan, which we did, of how to get the members involved in the work, get the ward missionaries excited and teaching them the lessons so they can teach them with us, and fellowshipping our investigators. The Lord's hand is here, just waiting to pour more blessings on us!
"The standard of truth has been erected, no hallowed hand can stop the work from progressing..." -our Beloved Prophet Joseph Smith
I know this place is for me. I love it, I love the work, I love the Lord. Please continue to pray for me so I can be made equal to my tasks and burdens.
I love you all, I love you Mom. I love you Dad, you are an example to me. Steven, I love you and I miss you a lot bro...how I miss home! I love you Grandma, I can't wait to see you again!
May God keep you safe.
Love,
Spencer
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
July 21, 2008
Dear Mom,
I was so happy to get the phone...but I was equally I'll talk to President Goodrich about all the details and what is really going on at the mission office. I'll ask him to see what his opinion is about sending my old phone home or whether I should keep it. We'll see what happens.
Sorry about that...I'm just so worn out I just type and I mess up on what keys I'm typing...oops sent!
So I was happy to see the phone, but dismayed when I talked to the mission office about my phone...they said to hold off on it so I'll call mission president about it. He knows all.
That's too bad about Mike, I hope he'll get it worked out! The mission is great! It'll do him some good, some great good!
This past week started slow, gained speed, then tailed off on the weekend as usual. But, it was a really great week and I am really enjoying my new companion, Elder Woods of Summerville, South Carolina (outside Charleston). It was very busy!
We had some really sweet days! My favorite had to have been Saturday. Just because we taught a less active, whose been inactive for who knows how long, and she really wants to change and come back to church. The past month she's really changed. Her name is Betsy Miller, and her sister apparently has been pushing her softly to think about going to the temple for years and years. It's finally made a breakthrough! We're re-teaching her the lessons and she is applying what we teach and ask to read to her own life. We go in there, she's like 'come on in guys!' and we talk a little so she'll get to know Woods. We asked who was going to pray to start and she volunteered (or decided). She gave the most honest and sincere prayer I've heard in a long time. Basically she said, 'enlighten me so I can learn and come back.' That really set the tone for our lesson on the Plan of Salvation. She asked us, 'how can people not accept the Gospel in the Spirit World?' My comp pulled through with Amulek's talk in Alma 34, that the same spirit in the earth will be the same spirit in the next life. Slowly and surely, she'll come back to church. We're just here to help her along. She wants to be sealed in the temple, at least to her sister. She said she can't imagine life without her sister, and we'll gladly oblige in teaching her to reach that goal.
I never realized how amazing this plan is from the Lord. We decided to go with this plan, knowing that many will fall by the wayside. But yet, we went through with it because we knew Jesus Christ will allow us the chance to return to His presence. Adam fell that men might be, that they might have joy. I love to think of the Fall this way. Adam was created, then Eve. Adam starts naming animals, 'Aardvark'. Eve says, 'Adam, we have to obey both commandments, but how are we to have children?' Adam says, 'I don't know, Beaver!' Later on, Eve again says to Adam, 'How are we to live both commandments if we don't have children?' Adam says, 'Kangaroo!' Then Eve comes again and says, 'Adam, I ate the fruit so I'm going to be kicked out...to live alone. Without me, we cannot have children.' Adam realizes and says, 'I see. ZEBRA!' and eats. See? Women are smarter! The Atonement separates us from others, on top of modern revelation. If everyone understood it, we'd be in Zion. All will receive resurrected bodies, that is a free gift for all that have lived here. And, we'll have the precious gift of eternal life if we live His laws. A truly celestial plan.
That was probably the highlight of my week, among other things. We picked up two new investigators, a member's non-member husband, June, and a former investigator Shenice Bryant. They're awesome! June used to have a baptismal goal set, but he backed out. Well, round two! He'll commit this time! We got him a Tagalog Book of Mormon because his English is still basic. As for Shenice, she used to investigate the church a little bit back but stopped. She has six children, including a month old baby. She's unmarried, and lives with her boyfriend...so we'll have to work on that. The bishop chuckled when I said, 'we'll worry about that a little later' in PEC yesterday. She readily accepted our message and she was all about reading the Book of Mormon and praying about it and about Joseph Smith. Sometimes people need time to let it sink in, so I hope it's her time.
We set a baptismal goal of three baptisms. In this area, it's possible. It's just a matter of getting people to commit to hear us and make time for us. It's almost impossible out here! But, we'll make it work somehow. I'm hoping for Susan, the always amazing Mike Price (he canceled this week because he was sick) and maybe June or Donna. We'll see what happens these next five weeks. I'm so excited!
Lately I've been sleep-deprived, more than usual. Just because I have more responsibilities as DL and I have to push the tempo. Not like I did before, but that added responsibility is making me a bit stressed...but it's meant to make me stretch. The Lord knows when we need to step it up, and I need to this transfer. We have great potential here, so we have to put it all to the test!
I always love going over to visit Bruce Saylor. He's a convert of two years and he's preparing for the temple. He couldn't last year because he got really sick and they took out his gall bladder. He thought it was an ache but it got infected and he nearly died. But as he said, 'I'm back!' Gosh I love him! He says when we come, we give him a boost. When we go there, we get a boost too! He's so funny, and he loves talking about the Book of Mormon with us. I love going to places and feeling the Spirit when you enter in that place or home. It's the best feeling ever!
Woods and I are going to love it here! I'm so excited! The Lord has something prepared here and I hope I'll see its fruition!
I miss you all...I miss y'all. I hope everything is going alright, and stay safe!
I'll drive carefully, believe me!
Love,
Spencer
P.S. I miss you Grandma! (-_-) ---me bowing to my loving grandma!
I was so happy to get the phone...but I was equally I'll talk to President Goodrich about all the details and what is really going on at the mission office. I'll ask him to see what his opinion is about sending my old phone home or whether I should keep it. We'll see what happens.
Sorry about that...I'm just so worn out I just type and I mess up on what keys I'm typing...oops sent!
So I was happy to see the phone, but dismayed when I talked to the mission office about my phone...they said to hold off on it so I'll call mission president about it. He knows all.
That's too bad about Mike, I hope he'll get it worked out! The mission is great! It'll do him some good, some great good!
This past week started slow, gained speed, then tailed off on the weekend as usual. But, it was a really great week and I am really enjoying my new companion, Elder Woods of Summerville, South Carolina (outside Charleston). It was very busy!
We had some really sweet days! My favorite had to have been Saturday. Just because we taught a less active, whose been inactive for who knows how long, and she really wants to change and come back to church. The past month she's really changed. Her name is Betsy Miller, and her sister apparently has been pushing her softly to think about going to the temple for years and years. It's finally made a breakthrough! We're re-teaching her the lessons and she is applying what we teach and ask to read to her own life. We go in there, she's like 'come on in guys!' and we talk a little so she'll get to know Woods. We asked who was going to pray to start and she volunteered (or decided). She gave the most honest and sincere prayer I've heard in a long time. Basically she said, 'enlighten me so I can learn and come back.' That really set the tone for our lesson on the Plan of Salvation. She asked us, 'how can people not accept the Gospel in the Spirit World?' My comp pulled through with Amulek's talk in Alma 34, that the same spirit in the earth will be the same spirit in the next life. Slowly and surely, she'll come back to church. We're just here to help her along. She wants to be sealed in the temple, at least to her sister. She said she can't imagine life without her sister, and we'll gladly oblige in teaching her to reach that goal.
I never realized how amazing this plan is from the Lord. We decided to go with this plan, knowing that many will fall by the wayside. But yet, we went through with it because we knew Jesus Christ will allow us the chance to return to His presence. Adam fell that men might be, that they might have joy. I love to think of the Fall this way. Adam was created, then Eve. Adam starts naming animals, 'Aardvark'. Eve says, 'Adam, we have to obey both commandments, but how are we to have children?' Adam says, 'I don't know, Beaver!' Later on, Eve again says to Adam, 'How are we to live both commandments if we don't have children?' Adam says, 'Kangaroo!' Then Eve comes again and says, 'Adam, I ate the fruit so I'm going to be kicked out...to live alone. Without me, we cannot have children.' Adam realizes and says, 'I see. ZEBRA!' and eats. See? Women are smarter! The Atonement separates us from others, on top of modern revelation. If everyone understood it, we'd be in Zion. All will receive resurrected bodies, that is a free gift for all that have lived here. And, we'll have the precious gift of eternal life if we live His laws. A truly celestial plan.
That was probably the highlight of my week, among other things. We picked up two new investigators, a member's non-member husband, June, and a former investigator Shenice Bryant. They're awesome! June used to have a baptismal goal set, but he backed out. Well, round two! He'll commit this time! We got him a Tagalog Book of Mormon because his English is still basic. As for Shenice, she used to investigate the church a little bit back but stopped. She has six children, including a month old baby. She's unmarried, and lives with her boyfriend...so we'll have to work on that. The bishop chuckled when I said, 'we'll worry about that a little later' in PEC yesterday. She readily accepted our message and she was all about reading the Book of Mormon and praying about it and about Joseph Smith. Sometimes people need time to let it sink in, so I hope it's her time.
We set a baptismal goal of three baptisms. In this area, it's possible. It's just a matter of getting people to commit to hear us and make time for us. It's almost impossible out here! But, we'll make it work somehow. I'm hoping for Susan, the always amazing Mike Price (he canceled this week because he was sick) and maybe June or Donna. We'll see what happens these next five weeks. I'm so excited!
Lately I've been sleep-deprived, more than usual. Just because I have more responsibilities as DL and I have to push the tempo. Not like I did before, but that added responsibility is making me a bit stressed...but it's meant to make me stretch. The Lord knows when we need to step it up, and I need to this transfer. We have great potential here, so we have to put it all to the test!
I always love going over to visit Bruce Saylor. He's a convert of two years and he's preparing for the temple. He couldn't last year because he got really sick and they took out his gall bladder. He thought it was an ache but it got infected and he nearly died. But as he said, 'I'm back!' Gosh I love him! He says when we come, we give him a boost. When we go there, we get a boost too! He's so funny, and he loves talking about the Book of Mormon with us. I love going to places and feeling the Spirit when you enter in that place or home. It's the best feeling ever!
Woods and I are going to love it here! I'm so excited! The Lord has something prepared here and I hope I'll see its fruition!
I miss you all...I miss y'all. I hope everything is going alright, and stay safe!
I'll drive carefully, believe me!
Love,
Spencer
P.S. I miss you Grandma! (-_-) ---me bowing to my loving grandma!
Monday, August 11, 2008
July 14, 2008
Dear Mom,
Guess what? I got made district leader! Not exactly what I wanted...but I guess the Lord wants me to get working down here. It's funny because I used to say it'd be cool to be DL or ZL...but I've seen too much to make me wary of leadership. I have to do numbers now...not fun at all! AHHH!!! So I'm 'guaranteed' a few transfers more here...and then I hope I get moved to Spanish like President suggested! That'd be so awesome! I miss Spanish work already!
So my zone leader Elder Swann got AP'd so the other zonie Boyce (who was at BYU with me and at the MTC with me for a little bit) was stuck with us for most of last week. It was a blast! I can see why he went from junior comp to junior ZL without being DL. He's so charismatic, friendly, but really knows why he's here. We got to work not only our area in Van Nuys, but a lot over in Northridge. A lot of driving, no doubt. It was very crazy being here and there all day, but it was loads of fun with him with us. It was one crazy but super blessed week!
I got to talk to my recent converts, with presidential approval, and it made me miss them a lot more. The Cardenas are doing well and they miss me because I can speak Spanish. My replacements can't communicate very well, Yadira told me. She said, maybe you'll move back up here soon! (That'd be awesome! was what I was thinking). But, they're doing well. Their twins got sick last week, so they're recovering. They were preemies and they're now five years old apiece, but still have some health problems due to the constantly changing weather. The Jaimes are doing well, they're actually going to church and staying at church for all three hours. That's a huge improvement. Diana, the daughter I baptized, said she's learning so much and she loves it. She told me all is well, it's just all new to them. I asked how the other elders were treating them, and she didn't say much except that it's tough for them to communicate to her family. At least Lynn has to speak more because his comp's Spanish is as bad as his and I'm not his crutch. Yeah! Hooray for learning on the run!
We got a great media referral! Her name is Susan Lar, and she's Filipino. We have a lot of them here now that I think of it. She's Christian, and has never had her questions answered like we have answered them. She said that at work, over at UCLA hospital, she saw the Restoration movie online and she said she knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet. So that was our first visit, and I was completely taken aback. The next one was even better! She somehow got onto talking about repentance and how she felt like she was a sinner, that when she tried to commit suicide she got put into the hospital. She said she looked at her feet and saw hell, like fire and brimstone stuff. Intense! She said she prayed so hard and fervently that she felt an overwhelming joy. It was inspiration, we turned to Alma chapter 36, when Alma the Younger was recounting his conversion to his son Helaman. Susan said, the Book of Mormon has to be true if I can relate to it! She said she believed as soon as we finished reading it. But, we committed her to pray about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, to receive a spiritual witness. How amazing is that? A golden investigator via Bible referral, we don't get much of those!
Mike Price wants to delay his baptism, and that's fine. He knows it is the path he wants to take. His grandmother even sent a Baptist missionary to try to convince him otherwise, but he said no thanks. He was raised Baptist. He's having a hard time convincing himself that all will be fine. He's currently living in sin with a very less active member (a really annoying member of the bishopric chastised us for using 'inactive' in a really condescending manner so we have to avoid saying that now) and he wants to know if he moves out and is baptized...God will provide for them. We assured him that all will work out, but he has to take that step of faith to move out. He'll probably move out of our ward, but it'll be the best for him. We read some scriptures, and helped encourage him to use his faith and take that 'leap of faith' that we taught a few weeks ago. He'll do it, but he'll need a lot of help. He's just a great man!
On top of that, we did a lot of service ripping up floorboards for a potential investigator. She's moving her gym from one place to another that's a bit smaller but is better financially. So we went there and ripped up floorboards with a big crowbar as well as patched up the walls. It was so exhausting! I was sore for a few days, considering that we did it Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning! It was a good learning experience- STAY IN SCHOOL!
We had a zone testimony meeting at the famous Rock, the mission's ocean lookout by Malibu. It was good, but some of my fellow elders advised people to be themself. Funny thing is...is that these elders don't work hard and love to rationalize with 'I'm called to be here to be myself so I'll be lazy'. It went well, but I got a little sunburned. We had a great and filling lunch at a local Colombian restaurant. It was hilarious because Erickson asked the waitress if they had horchata, a Mexican drink. Her mouth dropped and said 'we're colombians' with an attitude. I
So moving on...
I almost died of laughter! IDIOT! My other buddies Sara and Tayler were busting up laughing too...but they kept most of it in. HILARIOUS! Darn gringos!
We had a great lesson with Betsy Miller, our less active. She really wants to come back to church, but she knows she has to change and repent. So we went over the Plan of Salvation and focused a lot on the Atonement. It was from the heart. I loved it. The Spirit was THERE! We had two sisters from Relief Society, Sister Ballard and Twaits (the latter's husband can SING! He's a stage actor). I had no doubt that Betsy was touched by our testimonies and the Gospel. She's coming back, and I'm very pleased to know that I'll help her get back to church! It reminds me now of D&C 18:10, how great are the worth of souls in the sight of God, how if we bring but one soul back to him, how great will be our joy! I can't wait to see her go to church, when she feels ready to. Miracles are going to happen in this area...I know it and feel it.
My new companion is Elder Woods, a shade taller than me. And a little strange, but he likes to work so it's really good for me. I'm excited! This is my second time being senior over someone that came out with me. Strange ain't it? And I love Erickson...but I'm kinda happy he's leaving because he's so dramatic and feminine....it drives me nuts! But I love him a lot! We did a lot of wonderful things here!
Elder Boyce is my favorite! I can't wait to serve under him...he's going to show me the ropes. He's hilarious because him and I share a strong dislike for my former DL, Elder Tighe. Tighe likes to put down and scold people and he really gets to me. He's nice, but really annoying. So Boyce went on exchanges on Friday with him and came back frustrated and happy to be with us. I buzzed on the apartment com and he came out in a second! Haha, wonder why? He told us a lot of stuff, and he thought it was annoying but hilarious that a DL was calling a ZL to repentance on planning...because the ZL is there because he is a good missionary, most times better than a DL for sure. He looks serious, but he is just a great missionary and friend! And, he got Elder Wilcox as his comp, my fave roomie so far! I'm so happy that they're training me to be a good DL!
Life is getting better! I know miracles are in store here!
I hope all is well, I love you all!
Love,
Spencer
Guess what? I got made district leader! Not exactly what I wanted...but I guess the Lord wants me to get working down here. It's funny because I used to say it'd be cool to be DL or ZL...but I've seen too much to make me wary of leadership. I have to do numbers now...not fun at all! AHHH!!! So I'm 'guaranteed' a few transfers more here...and then I hope I get moved to Spanish like President suggested! That'd be so awesome! I miss Spanish work already!
So my zone leader Elder Swann got AP'd so the other zonie Boyce (who was at BYU with me and at the MTC with me for a little bit) was stuck with us for most of last week. It was a blast! I can see why he went from junior comp to junior ZL without being DL. He's so charismatic, friendly, but really knows why he's here. We got to work not only our area in Van Nuys, but a lot over in Northridge. A lot of driving, no doubt. It was very crazy being here and there all day, but it was loads of fun with him with us. It was one crazy but super blessed week!
I got to talk to my recent converts, with presidential approval, and it made me miss them a lot more. The Cardenas are doing well and they miss me because I can speak Spanish. My replacements can't communicate very well, Yadira told me. She said, maybe you'll move back up here soon! (That'd be awesome! was what I was thinking). But, they're doing well. Their twins got sick last week, so they're recovering. They were preemies and they're now five years old apiece, but still have some health problems due to the constantly changing weather. The Jaimes are doing well, they're actually going to church and staying at church for all three hours. That's a huge improvement. Diana, the daughter I baptized, said she's learning so much and she loves it. She told me all is well, it's just all new to them. I asked how the other elders were treating them, and she didn't say much except that it's tough for them to communicate to her family. At least Lynn has to speak more because his comp's Spanish is as bad as his and I'm not his crutch. Yeah! Hooray for learning on the run!
We got a great media referral! Her name is Susan Lar, and she's Filipino. We have a lot of them here now that I think of it. She's Christian, and has never had her questions answered like we have answered them. She said that at work, over at UCLA hospital, she saw the Restoration movie online and she said she knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet. So that was our first visit, and I was completely taken aback. The next one was even better! She somehow got onto talking about repentance and how she felt like she was a sinner, that when she tried to commit suicide she got put into the hospital. She said she looked at her feet and saw hell, like fire and brimstone stuff. Intense! She said she prayed so hard and fervently that she felt an overwhelming joy. It was inspiration, we turned to Alma chapter 36, when Alma the Younger was recounting his conversion to his son Helaman. Susan said, the Book of Mormon has to be true if I can relate to it! She said she believed as soon as we finished reading it. But, we committed her to pray about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, to receive a spiritual witness. How amazing is that? A golden investigator via Bible referral, we don't get much of those!
Mike Price wants to delay his baptism, and that's fine. He knows it is the path he wants to take. His grandmother even sent a Baptist missionary to try to convince him otherwise, but he said no thanks. He was raised Baptist. He's having a hard time convincing himself that all will be fine. He's currently living in sin with a very less active member (a really annoying member of the bishopric chastised us for using 'inactive' in a really condescending manner so we have to avoid saying that now) and he wants to know if he moves out and is baptized...God will provide for them. We assured him that all will work out, but he has to take that step of faith to move out. He'll probably move out of our ward, but it'll be the best for him. We read some scriptures, and helped encourage him to use his faith and take that 'leap of faith' that we taught a few weeks ago. He'll do it, but he'll need a lot of help. He's just a great man!
On top of that, we did a lot of service ripping up floorboards for a potential investigator. She's moving her gym from one place to another that's a bit smaller but is better financially. So we went there and ripped up floorboards with a big crowbar as well as patched up the walls. It was so exhausting! I was sore for a few days, considering that we did it Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning! It was a good learning experience- STAY IN SCHOOL!
We had a zone testimony meeting at the famous Rock, the mission's ocean lookout by Malibu. It was good, but some of my fellow elders advised people to be themself. Funny thing is...is that these elders don't work hard and love to rationalize with 'I'm called to be here to be myself so I'll be lazy'. It went well, but I got a little sunburned. We had a great and filling lunch at a local Colombian restaurant. It was hilarious because Erickson asked the waitress if they had horchata, a Mexican drink. Her mouth dropped and said 'we're colombians' with an attitude. I
So moving on...
I almost died of laughter! IDIOT! My other buddies Sara and Tayler were busting up laughing too...but they kept most of it in. HILARIOUS! Darn gringos!
We had a great lesson with Betsy Miller, our less active. She really wants to come back to church, but she knows she has to change and repent. So we went over the Plan of Salvation and focused a lot on the Atonement. It was from the heart. I loved it. The Spirit was THERE! We had two sisters from Relief Society, Sister Ballard and Twaits (the latter's husband can SING! He's a stage actor). I had no doubt that Betsy was touched by our testimonies and the Gospel. She's coming back, and I'm very pleased to know that I'll help her get back to church! It reminds me now of D&C 18:10, how great are the worth of souls in the sight of God, how if we bring but one soul back to him, how great will be our joy! I can't wait to see her go to church, when she feels ready to. Miracles are going to happen in this area...I know it and feel it.
My new companion is Elder Woods, a shade taller than me. And a little strange, but he likes to work so it's really good for me. I'm excited! This is my second time being senior over someone that came out with me. Strange ain't it? And I love Erickson...but I'm kinda happy he's leaving because he's so dramatic and feminine....it drives me nuts! But I love him a lot! We did a lot of wonderful things here!
Elder Boyce is my favorite! I can't wait to serve under him...he's going to show me the ropes. He's hilarious because him and I share a strong dislike for my former DL, Elder Tighe. Tighe likes to put down and scold people and he really gets to me. He's nice, but really annoying. So Boyce went on exchanges on Friday with him and came back frustrated and happy to be with us. I buzzed on the apartment com and he came out in a second! Haha, wonder why? He told us a lot of stuff, and he thought it was annoying but hilarious that a DL was calling a ZL to repentance on planning...because the ZL is there because he is a good missionary, most times better than a DL for sure. He looks serious, but he is just a great missionary and friend! And, he got Elder Wilcox as his comp, my fave roomie so far! I'm so happy that they're training me to be a good DL!
Life is getting better! I know miracles are in store here!
I hope all is well, I love you all!
Love,
Spencer
July 7, 2008
Dear Mom,
This transfer has gone by so very fast! It's incredible! What a blessing it is to work and not worry about anything else. It's something I treasure to be able to NOT be homesick that much on the mission, because I know that the Lord will provide for His children in some way. My companion is a bit interesting, but we get along well for the most part, and we get a lot done. It was funny because this morning I was whistling the Super Mario video game theme walking to the car, and continued it in the car. He just screamed! It caught me off guard, and for a split second I wanted to hit him in the face because he does that a lot and it irritates me a little. But, I waited and asked him why he screamed and he told me it was because he doesn't like whistling. Phew! I'm happy I'm a bit more patient now...or there would've been some problems! He's awesome! It's just he sings a lot and it gets annoying...but it could be worse! He could be a lazy companion!
We set a baptismal date this past Friday with Mike Price! I was so excited for this, and when we did it I just felt like I was on Cloud Nine. Almost like the person that said this following statement:
'And we're going to the White House.......
BYEAAAAHHH!!!'
That's how excited I felt. No joke. It was a great experience! We sat down and started to teach and testify that there is only one authority by which God's children can be baptized. I have learned one thing in the mission- the Bible is amazing! I shared a few scriptures from the Book of the Acts and BAM! Straight up doctrine from the Bible on the power of God, the importance of such power, that it is exclusive to members of the church, and also that no one else has the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was frank, but he was open to us. We're such good friends that we can be really frank about a lot of things, and he won't take offense. He was in shock, which was expected, and so we encouraged him to continue to pray to receive an answer. He even told us, earlier that week, that he called his family and told them of his decision to join our faith. He knows this path is the path for him, and he wants to take it. He admits he's changed a lot, and he has. I've only seen a part of the change in him. He doesn't like being in the underworld among low-life people (he works as a bouncer), he knows that happiness is only temporary according to the world's standards, and he definitely knows he must comply with what he's doing and feeling, which is to join the Church of Jesus Christ. He said he felt overwhelmed and alone at times. He doesn't know what to do, and felt insecure. Then, my awesome companion said, let's read a revelation from our prophet Joseph Smith. The section, 122 or 124 or something like that, which is when Christ consoled Joseph in his afflictions- "The Son of Man has descended below all this. Art thou greater than he?" The part that always gets me, without fail, is when Christ describes Joseph being thrust from his family and children, that his young six-year old boy asks, 'father, where are they taking you?' I can only feel a part of the pain the Jospeh Smith felt, but only a tiny fraction of what Christ felt in Gethsemane, abandoned by all his friends. That section of revelation really boosted Mike's spirits, and we left with a prayer. Talk about true conversion. The Spirit is motivating him to do the right things, and he wants to do it, and change. Wow. Why am I so blessed to be here?
By the way, he played football for the Redskins and for the Bengals before dropping out for some reason. Can you find out why and let me know? His name is Mike Price, a black man (HUGE MAN!)
That was probably the best appointment all week. One more committed to baptism!
One cool experience was when we were driving around, and we ended up stoping in parking lot. Erickson said, 'I feel we need to talk to someone here' so we got out and went contacting. All in Spanish, but we managed. I ended up having a brief discussion on the question, Why are there so many churches? The man wanted to know, he knew there has to be one true church, but yet...he denied us the chance to visit and teach him. I don't have time, he said. I hope God will give him another chance, or he will give us a chance someday. It was awesome! We talked of how people work for money, but I said we don't in our church. We have a prophet. But yet, he wasn't ready to hear us. God will remember all His children, sometimes they need a lot of preparation before they hear us. It took the Cardenas 5 years to meet us, and by the time they met us they were baptized in three months! A miracle indeed!
The members are really opening up to us. No referrals yet, but I know that they really like us both. Erickson is really outgoing and could charm anyone. I'm sorta the serious one, but I have my moments too. We have felt the Spirit very strongly with our members, and there's no doubt they know this is the only path to salvation then exaltation. A convert is preparing for the temple, and we helped him out yesterday in our visit. He's having a rough time, his old self is trying to come back. So we stopped by to give him that charge he needs. We read 2nd Nephi 31:19-21 and chapter 32:8-9. He really needed that. Just a wonderful older man, 69 year old Bruce Saylor. He's anticipating going to the temple, and he just needs a little push once in a while of encouragement and love. What a funny guy! Always a light moment with him, but the Spirit is strong with him. He nearly threw a rock into the ZL's car when they were serving here (both have gone home and one was my AP when I got here), and now here we are sharing scriptures and many light moments. How precious are these moments! We told him, keep that fire going! Read the scriptures! Go to the temple! The Lord blesses us in many ways, and opens our mouths to speak the truth to all according to their needs.
I'm still the Filipino here...ahhh!!!! I really want to learn Korean when I get back. Everyone is giving me a guilt trip about not knowing Korean or Japanese...I hope I don't snap and mouth off on them! All the Latinos point that out...it gets annoying!
And another heat wave is headed our way...oh great!
The work is going well, and I'm happy here! I can only hope to stay a while here, and have obedient and fun companions. I wish you all well, and God keep every one of you safe and sane.
Love,
Spencer
This transfer has gone by so very fast! It's incredible! What a blessing it is to work and not worry about anything else. It's something I treasure to be able to NOT be homesick that much on the mission, because I know that the Lord will provide for His children in some way. My companion is a bit interesting, but we get along well for the most part, and we get a lot done. It was funny because this morning I was whistling the Super Mario video game theme walking to the car, and continued it in the car. He just screamed! It caught me off guard, and for a split second I wanted to hit him in the face because he does that a lot and it irritates me a little. But, I waited and asked him why he screamed and he told me it was because he doesn't like whistling. Phew! I'm happy I'm a bit more patient now...or there would've been some problems! He's awesome! It's just he sings a lot and it gets annoying...but it could be worse! He could be a lazy companion!
We set a baptismal date this past Friday with Mike Price! I was so excited for this, and when we did it I just felt like I was on Cloud Nine. Almost like the person that said this following statement:
'And we're going to the White House.......
BYEAAAAHHH!!!'
That's how excited I felt. No joke. It was a great experience! We sat down and started to teach and testify that there is only one authority by which God's children can be baptized. I have learned one thing in the mission- the Bible is amazing! I shared a few scriptures from the Book of the Acts and BAM! Straight up doctrine from the Bible on the power of God, the importance of such power, that it is exclusive to members of the church, and also that no one else has the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was frank, but he was open to us. We're such good friends that we can be really frank about a lot of things, and he won't take offense. He was in shock, which was expected, and so we encouraged him to continue to pray to receive an answer. He even told us, earlier that week, that he called his family and told them of his decision to join our faith. He knows this path is the path for him, and he wants to take it. He admits he's changed a lot, and he has. I've only seen a part of the change in him. He doesn't like being in the underworld among low-life people (he works as a bouncer), he knows that happiness is only temporary according to the world's standards, and he definitely knows he must comply with what he's doing and feeling, which is to join the Church of Jesus Christ. He said he felt overwhelmed and alone at times. He doesn't know what to do, and felt insecure. Then, my awesome companion said, let's read a revelation from our prophet Joseph Smith. The section, 122 or 124 or something like that, which is when Christ consoled Joseph in his afflictions- "The Son of Man has descended below all this. Art thou greater than he?" The part that always gets me, without fail, is when Christ describes Joseph being thrust from his family and children, that his young six-year old boy asks, 'father, where are they taking you?' I can only feel a part of the pain the Jospeh Smith felt, but only a tiny fraction of what Christ felt in Gethsemane, abandoned by all his friends. That section of revelation really boosted Mike's spirits, and we left with a prayer. Talk about true conversion. The Spirit is motivating him to do the right things, and he wants to do it, and change. Wow. Why am I so blessed to be here?
By the way, he played football for the Redskins and for the Bengals before dropping out for some reason. Can you find out why and let me know? His name is Mike Price, a black man (HUGE MAN!)
That was probably the best appointment all week. One more committed to baptism!
One cool experience was when we were driving around, and we ended up stoping in parking lot. Erickson said, 'I feel we need to talk to someone here' so we got out and went contacting. All in Spanish, but we managed. I ended up having a brief discussion on the question, Why are there so many churches? The man wanted to know, he knew there has to be one true church, but yet...he denied us the chance to visit and teach him. I don't have time, he said. I hope God will give him another chance, or he will give us a chance someday. It was awesome! We talked of how people work for money, but I said we don't in our church. We have a prophet. But yet, he wasn't ready to hear us. God will remember all His children, sometimes they need a lot of preparation before they hear us. It took the Cardenas 5 years to meet us, and by the time they met us they were baptized in three months! A miracle indeed!
The members are really opening up to us. No referrals yet, but I know that they really like us both. Erickson is really outgoing and could charm anyone. I'm sorta the serious one, but I have my moments too. We have felt the Spirit very strongly with our members, and there's no doubt they know this is the only path to salvation then exaltation. A convert is preparing for the temple, and we helped him out yesterday in our visit. He's having a rough time, his old self is trying to come back. So we stopped by to give him that charge he needs. We read 2nd Nephi 31:19-21 and chapter 32:8-9. He really needed that. Just a wonderful older man, 69 year old Bruce Saylor. He's anticipating going to the temple, and he just needs a little push once in a while of encouragement and love. What a funny guy! Always a light moment with him, but the Spirit is strong with him. He nearly threw a rock into the ZL's car when they were serving here (both have gone home and one was my AP when I got here), and now here we are sharing scriptures and many light moments. How precious are these moments! We told him, keep that fire going! Read the scriptures! Go to the temple! The Lord blesses us in many ways, and opens our mouths to speak the truth to all according to their needs.
I'm still the Filipino here...ahhh!!!! I really want to learn Korean when I get back. Everyone is giving me a guilt trip about not knowing Korean or Japanese...I hope I don't snap and mouth off on them! All the Latinos point that out...it gets annoying!
And another heat wave is headed our way...oh great!
The work is going well, and I'm happy here! I can only hope to stay a while here, and have obedient and fun companions. I wish you all well, and God keep every one of you safe and sane.
Love,
Spencer
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