Hello all,
It was great to hear from you all on Saturday. Christmas was good! It was great to spend it with members. Saturday afternoon we spent with the Liu's and their family. It was great to spend time sitting around and talking and playing board games. And as always, we had a wonderful dinner. We spent Christmas night with recent converts, Rebecca and Jane, Sue, and Anne and her kids. It is great to see Sue take the lead and fellowship some of those people struggling. After all, that is truly what the gospel is about, to bear one another's burdens. She is a great example of fellowshipping those who need a good friend.
I recently heard of the Provo tabernacle that recently burned down. I heard that it is all ruined, except for one thing, a charred picture of the Savior. It is ironic really. In a world that is so dark and confusing, He is always there to help. He performed the atonement. Through Him, we can be saved. It was a great story to hear about at this time of year when we remember the Savior and His sacrifice for us.
The gospel is one of love. I see that every day! As I teach others about Jesus Christ and His plan for each one of us, my love for the people grows stronger and stronger. It is truly tragic when those that I teach reject the teachings. I am happy for E. That was truly the highlight of her mission, seeing the family go into the baptismal covenant.
Sarah Cate and Libby will be great missionaries! They always have such a great spirit and enthusiasm while sharing the gospel!
The new year looks promising for the work here in Issaquah 5th ward. In 2011, our ward will focus on part-member families. There are nearly 47 people who could be baptized. There is one young girl who comes to church every week and reads the Book of Mormon every night. She has been on date before, but her baptized mother, who claims she is now Buddhist, wants her to REALLY gain a testimony before she is baptized. What more of a testimony is that??!!! Me and my companion must work hard in order to start the year off right.
The Church is True!
Love/Miss You,
Elder Richard Fetzer
December 28, 2010
December 21, 2010
My Great Week!
Hello All,
This week was one of the best weeks of my mission! It all started on Wednesday when Elder Ouassil and I were tracting apartments, where we found the Indian family and Debbie.
First the Indian family. One of the reasons I love my new companion is because it is easy for him to talk to people on the street and ask them if they would like to learn more. So when the Indian family (Yes, from India! Here there are many b/c they work at Microsoft
) answered the door Elder Ouassil started up a conversation. The husband wasn't home, but the wife said that they were Christian and that we could come back later in the day. Well, we went back and the husband still wasn't home, but we were invited to a bible study class that they have at their house 3 times a week where she said we could teach. She said that the group didn't follow any religion, but followed the bible's teachings and that they always sought for "truth."
So that night we invited our zone leaders to come with us to help and we went to the bible study. We were fed spicy Indian curry and heard a rather amazing sermon about Psalms 23, The Lord is My Shepard, by a boy that couldn't have been more than 12 and then heard a rather lengthy song about that Psalm in their Indian language. We then got to teaching about the Restoration and priesthood authority, although Max, the bible study group's spiritual leader, didn't agree with the fact that authority is needed in order to perform a baptism. All in all it was an excellent cultural experience and I was glad we were invited back on Friday night.
Friday night was more difficult. We went back and had Indian tortillas and meat, heard another song and got back to teaching. This time the group was more prepared and asked difficult questions. Let's just say that we didn't go anywhere in our conversation, but gave them all Books of Mormon to read and study. I think we're gonna give them some time to read before going back to any of their study groups.
Second, Debbie. We found Debbie right after the Indian family. She is a single mom with an 18 year old daughter. She was busy but said we could come back Thursday. We did! We taught her the Restoration, getting a little bit into the Plan of Salvation. The spirit was definitely there and she invited us back after Christmas.
We taught a couple of other new people, but not anyone who is looking to progress further. We found a woman walking her dog who said we could teach about Church "history" AKA The Restoration. We did, but she didn't seem that interested.
We had our mission Christmas party on Thursday. We had a great dinner and then got to watch The Grinch cartoon and Mr. Kruger's Christmas, the cheesy church movie. It was great to see my friends from the MTC and meet many other missionaries.
Have I mentioned how great the ward here is? Last night we watched last year's choir concert with Jane and Rebecca. I hadn't seen it and it was really great to watch. I pointed out dad. I hope that this year's concert went well and I can't wait to get the CD next year. I am grateful for all that I have and for this chance I have to serve the Lord. As always, I know the Church is true! I love you!
Love,
Elder Fetzer
This week was one of the best weeks of my mission! It all started on Wednesday when Elder Ouassil and I were tracting apartments, where we found the Indian family and Debbie.
First the Indian family. One of the reasons I love my new companion is because it is easy for him to talk to people on the street and ask them if they would like to learn more. So when the Indian family (Yes, from India! Here there are many b/c they work at Microsoft
So that night we invited our zone leaders to come with us to help and we went to the bible study. We were fed spicy Indian curry and heard a rather amazing sermon about Psalms 23, The Lord is My Shepard, by a boy that couldn't have been more than 12 and then heard a rather lengthy song about that Psalm in their Indian language. We then got to teaching about the Restoration and priesthood authority, although Max, the bible study group's spiritual leader, didn't agree with the fact that authority is needed in order to perform a baptism. All in all it was an excellent cultural experience and I was glad we were invited back on Friday night.
Friday night was more difficult. We went back and had Indian tortillas and meat, heard another song and got back to teaching. This time the group was more prepared and asked difficult questions. Let's just say that we didn't go anywhere in our conversation, but gave them all Books of Mormon to read and study. I think we're gonna give them some time to read before going back to any of their study groups.
Second, Debbie. We found Debbie right after the Indian family. She is a single mom with an 18 year old daughter. She was busy but said we could come back Thursday. We did! We taught her the Restoration, getting a little bit into the Plan of Salvation. The spirit was definitely there and she invited us back after Christmas.
We taught a couple of other new people, but not anyone who is looking to progress further. We found a woman walking her dog who said we could teach about Church "history" AKA The Restoration. We did, but she didn't seem that interested.
We had our mission Christmas party on Thursday. We had a great dinner and then got to watch The Grinch cartoon and Mr. Kruger's Christmas, the cheesy church movie. It was great to see my friends from the MTC and meet many other missionaries.
Have I mentioned how great the ward here is? Last night we watched last year's choir concert with Jane and Rebecca. I hadn't seen it and it was really great to watch. I pointed out dad. I hope that this year's concert went well and I can't wait to get the CD next year. I am grateful for all that I have and for this chance I have to serve the Lord. As always, I know the Church is true! I love you!
Love,
Elder Fetzer
Transfer Week!
Hello all,
Transfers were today. I am now in........Issaquah 5th ward! Wait, that is where I have been since September! Elder Kitchen left. My new companion is named Elder Ouassil (pronounced Wassil). He is cool! This morning we drove down to Kent and I met him there. He is from Lancaster, California. We are both ready to work hard and go out and find new people to teach!
This was an interesting week. I was out of my area for 5 days out of the week, 2 days exchanges and the others I was with other elders in Issaquah. Elder Kitchen was at leadership training so I went with some other companionship's during the day. We did a lot of tracting, but we are beginning to see the results of our hard work. We found some new investigators for the other wards. I know that the Lord prepares people, but it is my job to find them.
I love teaching the gospel! It is amazing to watch people learn about the plan that God has for us. As we teach new members, they understand why it is truly important to live the gospel because they understand it!
Last night we had dinner at the Bishops house again. They showed me the email that you wrote! The Bishops wife was telling me that, as a missionaries mom, she would like to have someone write her about her son.
Last week we went to the mall in Bellevue with an older sister in our ward. She got us lunch! The people hare are so nice and supportive of the missionaries. The woman who took us is Stacey. She is the woman who is going to go through the temple soon. She also gave us Frango mints, which reminded me of our family reunions.
I love you!
From,
Elder Fetzer!
Transfers were today. I am now in........Issaquah 5th ward! Wait, that is where I have been since September! Elder Kitchen left. My new companion is named Elder Ouassil (pronounced Wassil). He is cool! This morning we drove down to Kent and I met him there. He is from Lancaster, California. We are both ready to work hard and go out and find new people to teach!
This was an interesting week. I was out of my area for 5 days out of the week, 2 days exchanges and the others I was with other elders in Issaquah. Elder Kitchen was at leadership training so I went with some other companionship's during the day. We did a lot of tracting, but we are beginning to see the results of our hard work. We found some new investigators for the other wards. I know that the Lord prepares people, but it is my job to find them.
I love teaching the gospel! It is amazing to watch people learn about the plan that God has for us. As we teach new members, they understand why it is truly important to live the gospel because they understand it!
Last night we had dinner at the Bishops house again. They showed me the email that you wrote! The Bishops wife was telling me that, as a missionaries mom, she would like to have someone write her about her son.
Last week we went to the mall in Bellevue with an older sister in our ward. She got us lunch! The people hare are so nice and supportive of the missionaries. The woman who took us is Stacey. She is the woman who is going to go through the temple soon. She also gave us Frango mints, which reminded me of our family reunions.
I love you!
From,
Elder Fetzer!
December 15, 2010
December 5, 2010
December 4, 2010
Thanksgiving
Hello all,
Well, this week was an absolutely crazy but incredible week! Let's start at the good news!
First off, we have a new investigator! Addison is living with a member family; the grandparents of her son. We taught her about the restoration on Tuesday. The lesson was amazing! Thanks for all your prayers! Never have we had a lesson where the spirit was so strong and testified of the truthfulness of our message. There is no doubt that she felt it too! She had no problems with the commitments and she understood the power of the restoration and why it was important. I felt the spirit tell me things to say and testify to her that Joseph Smith truly was a prophet and restored Jesus Christ's true church on the earth once again.
We continue to support and encourage the members of the ward in their missionary efforts. The ward has always been good, and because of the ward's help, 9 new converts have been baptized into the ward, making this ward the highest number in the stake!
One woman we teach, who has 4 small children told us that she began to doubt, but that prayer helped her regain faith. She is one of my favorite people to teach. She takes our advice and applies it to her life. It is a testimony builder to me that the Lord helps and loves all his children and wants the best for every person. This woman tries hard as a mother and her hard work is an example to me.
This week it snowed. Let me say, it was pretty crazy! Schools were shut down, cars were abandoned at the side of the street and the city shut down. People were truly stuck in their houses. It was great for missionary work! People seemed more cheerful and happy and willing to let us teach them. Here they refuse to salt the roads so plowing the roads simply reveals the ice below. Roads are quite scary!
This week was thanksgiving! Let me say, it was an amazing meal! We had multiple appointments during the day, but our main course was at a member's house who was recently re-converted. The woman who cooked is French and is an amazing cook! We had the usual, but she included some french ingredients. One family we visited gave us pumpkin juice, in commemoration of Harry Potter. I am glad there are fellow fans in my ward.
During the next couple of weeks I may be going to the Harry Potter Exhibition in downtown Seattle so if I don't send you a message that week, be expecting a letter instead. Last week we went to the Bellevue mall. It was quite fun! As we walked in I saw it - The Microsoft Store. As we got closer, it seemed eerily familiar, like I had seen it before. Maybe because it looked almost EXACTLY like the Apple store! Same kinds of people working there with short-sleeved t-shirts, hand's on opportunities, and the same modern design that would be found at Apple, just a few stores down. Kind of typical. They never come up with an original idea. NICE WORK MICROSOFT!
Last night we had our weekly appointment to talk to the bishop. As we were about to leave, we saw he had a player piano. He showed it to us and we both got to use it. It was fun! Anyway, This was a good week and I can't wait for this next one. We have Zone Conference, which is always good. I feel your prayers every day and am constantly reminded why a mission is important. I love you!
Love,
Elder Fetzer
Well, this week was an absolutely crazy but incredible week! Let's start at the good news!
First off, we have a new investigator! Addison is living with a member family; the grandparents of her son. We taught her about the restoration on Tuesday. The lesson was amazing! Thanks for all your prayers! Never have we had a lesson where the spirit was so strong and testified of the truthfulness of our message. There is no doubt that she felt it too! She had no problems with the commitments and she understood the power of the restoration and why it was important. I felt the spirit tell me things to say and testify to her that Joseph Smith truly was a prophet and restored Jesus Christ's true church on the earth once again.
We continue to support and encourage the members of the ward in their missionary efforts. The ward has always been good, and because of the ward's help, 9 new converts have been baptized into the ward, making this ward the highest number in the stake!
One woman we teach, who has 4 small children told us that she began to doubt, but that prayer helped her regain faith. She is one of my favorite people to teach. She takes our advice and applies it to her life. It is a testimony builder to me that the Lord helps and loves all his children and wants the best for every person. This woman tries hard as a mother and her hard work is an example to me.
This week it snowed. Let me say, it was pretty crazy! Schools were shut down, cars were abandoned at the side of the street and the city shut down. People were truly stuck in their houses. It was great for missionary work! People seemed more cheerful and happy and willing to let us teach them. Here they refuse to salt the roads so plowing the roads simply reveals the ice below. Roads are quite scary!
This week was thanksgiving! Let me say, it was an amazing meal! We had multiple appointments during the day, but our main course was at a member's house who was recently re-converted. The woman who cooked is French and is an amazing cook! We had the usual, but she included some french ingredients. One family we visited gave us pumpkin juice, in commemoration of Harry Potter. I am glad there are fellow fans in my ward.
During the next couple of weeks I may be going to the Harry Potter Exhibition in downtown Seattle so if I don't send you a message that week, be expecting a letter instead. Last week we went to the Bellevue mall. It was quite fun! As we walked in I saw it - The Microsoft Store. As we got closer, it seemed eerily familiar, like I had seen it before. Maybe because it looked almost EXACTLY like the Apple store! Same kinds of people working there with short-sleeved t-shirts, hand's on opportunities, and the same modern design that would be found at Apple, just a few stores down. Kind of typical. They never come up with an original idea. NICE WORK MICROSOFT!
Last night we had our weekly appointment to talk to the bishop. As we were about to leave, we saw he had a player piano. He showed it to us and we both got to use it. It was fun! Anyway, This was a good week and I can't wait for this next one. We have Zone Conference, which is always good. I feel your prayers every day and am constantly reminded why a mission is important. I love you!
Love,
Elder Fetzer
Hello All
Well right now I am looking out the window at about 1 inch of snow and traffic is coming to a standstill. I love this weather! This was another slow week, but things are starting to pick up. We have a new list of part-member families we are going to start working with and we have a new investigator! We know that the most effective missionary work is through members and we are trying to get the ward more excited about it.
This week we did a lot of tracting, which I don't like, but every day we saw some miracles. We got appointments from people we never get to see and got some good potential investigators. We are finally beginning to get out of the after baptisms slump. Things in general look hopeful.
As for our investigators, We have to go back all the way to who God is and who Jesus Christ is for Kendra and her boyfriend. We thought she had a solid Christian background, being baptized Catholic, but she has never really gotten to know God. Now we have a clear road map on where she wants to go and it will be easier teaching her.
Thanksgiving is this week and we are having a missionary party! I am excited to see my friends from the MTC and others from my zone I don't get to see much. We have a lot of people that want us over to teach and have dinner with them so we will be well taken care of.
I am grateful for all I have and this mission has really helped me realize all that I have. I am grateful for the gospel and the happiness it brings people as we live it. The gospel is really amazing and it can truly change people for the better. I know that as we live it, we can build stronger relationships and bring us joy. I know the gospel is true and what I am doing is the right thing. I love you all!
Love,
Elder Fetzer
This week we did a lot of tracting, which I don't like, but every day we saw some miracles. We got appointments from people we never get to see and got some good potential investigators. We are finally beginning to get out of the after baptisms slump. Things in general look hopeful.
Elder Kitchen was ill for a lot of the week so there were times we stayed home. I got to catch up on some much needed sleep.
As for our investigators, We have to go back all the way to who God is and who Jesus Christ is for Kendra and her boyfriend. We thought she had a solid Christian background, being baptized Catholic, but she has never really gotten to know God. Now we have a clear road map on where she wants to go and it will be easier teaching her.
Thanksgiving is this week and we are having a missionary party! I am excited to see my friends from the MTC and others from my zone I don't get to see much. We have a lot of people that want us over to teach and have dinner with them so we will be well taken care of.
I am grateful for all I have and this mission has really helped me realize all that I have. I am grateful for the gospel and the happiness it brings people as we live it. The gospel is really amazing and it can truly change people for the better. I know that as we live it, we can build stronger relationships and bring us joy. I know the gospel is true and what I am doing is the right thing. I love you all!
Love,
Elder Fetzer
November 19, 2010
Sorry I'm Late!
Dear Family,
First off, I am still alive! I can't write much today. Today is p-day because we went to the temple today. The reason I am writing so late in the day is because there was an Elder who was with us who had a mini stroke in the temple and me and my companion and the other companionship had to go to the hospital.
The other elder will be okay. He had a blessing in the temple. First off, I am still alive! I can't write much today. Today is p-day because we went to the temple today. The reason I am writing so late in the day is because there was an Elder who was with us who had a mini stroke in the temple and me and my companion and the other companionship had to go to the hospital.
Anyways, nothing much to report this week. We had a very slow week, but surprisingly had 16 lessons, which is better than average. We asked Kendra to be baptized, but she didn't understand the importance of doing it the correct way. I am hopeful this week will pick back up. As most of the converts this year have been part member families, we are making a list of potentials we could help and will see if we could teach those families.
President asked us to give something up as missionaries to show the Lord we are willing to do all it takes to reach our goals this year. We are giving up our 2 hour breaks 3 times a week. Hopefully we can get more contacts by being out during the daytime hours more when we usually have our break.
Even during hard times, the church is still true!
Love, Richard
November 12, 2010
A Miraculous Week!
Hello all,
This was a really amazing week! There are many miracles happening all over the mission, even in our little part of it. There are new doors opening and new investigators coming out of the woodwork. The Lord really does place people in your path that are ready to hear the restored gospel. This week we were looking through our area book and found a former investigator from 4 years ago that we were impressed to visit. He welcomed us inside and told us that earlier that day he was talking to his Mormon friend about the Church and that he wanted to learn more. We'll be sure to visit him again really soon! We also found a woman with a husband that was inactive and wasn't in our records. He had recently died and she wants to learn more about God's great plan of Happiness. Lastly, we visited a man who used to be active years ago, but because of a bad divorce he left the Church. He wants his daughter to have the same experiences he had in the Church and wants us to continue to keep in contact with him. As I said, miracles do happen! The Lord truly places people in our paths that are ready to hear the restored gospel! The gospel changes lives for the better and I am lucky to see that happen!
Like I said this week was good! We continue to teach our new investigator, Kendra, who continues to take it slowly, but we'll do better at picking up the pace of her lessons. Lessons with her are sometimes difficult because her brother who is a recent convert is very intellectual and brings up deeper doctrine that confuses her and we have to jump ahead in the lessons. We'll have to find another place to teach her so it doesn't happen again.
Last month was the best month the Washington Seattle Mission has ever had with nearly 80 baptisms! I know that as we continue to set goals we can continue to have many more amazing months ahead.
Can I tell you how great the ward I serve in is? There is a single lady in her late 50's that we go visit/teach a lot because she is getting ready to go through the Temple (she wants us to go through with her too). She saw us tracting the other day and offered to take us for ice cream at the Ben & Jerry's shop. The members here are always so nice and offer us good food, which is good when you are on a budget.
We continue to work hard and I know that we will be blessed because of it. I feel your love, support, and prayers every day! Your letters truly make my day as well! Anyways, I will hear from you later. The Church is true!
Love,
Elder Richard Fetzer
This was a really amazing week! There are many miracles happening all over the mission, even in our little part of it. There are new doors opening and new investigators coming out of the woodwork. The Lord really does place people in your path that are ready to hear the restored gospel. This week we were looking through our area book and found a former investigator from 4 years ago that we were impressed to visit. He welcomed us inside and told us that earlier that day he was talking to his Mormon friend about the Church and that he wanted to learn more. We'll be sure to visit him again really soon! We also found a woman with a husband that was inactive and wasn't in our records. He had recently died and she wants to learn more about God's great plan of Happiness. Lastly, we visited a man who used to be active years ago, but because of a bad divorce he left the Church. He wants his daughter to have the same experiences he had in the Church and wants us to continue to keep in contact with him. As I said, miracles do happen! The Lord truly places people in our paths that are ready to hear the restored gospel! The gospel changes lives for the better and I am lucky to see that happen!
Like I said this week was good! We continue to teach our new investigator, Kendra, who continues to take it slowly, but we'll do better at picking up the pace of her lessons. Lessons with her are sometimes difficult because her brother who is a recent convert is very intellectual and brings up deeper doctrine that confuses her and we have to jump ahead in the lessons. We'll have to find another place to teach her so it doesn't happen again.
Last month was the best month the Washington Seattle Mission has ever had with nearly 80 baptisms! I know that as we continue to set goals we can continue to have many more amazing months ahead.
Can I tell you how great the ward I serve in is? There is a single lady in her late 50's that we go visit/teach a lot because she is getting ready to go through the Temple (she wants us to go through with her too). She saw us tracting the other day and offered to take us for ice cream at the Ben & Jerry's shop. The members here are always so nice and offer us good food, which is good when you are on a budget.
We continue to work hard and I know that we will be blessed because of it. I feel your love, support, and prayers every day! Your letters truly make my day as well! Anyways, I will hear from you later. The Church is true!
Love,
Elder Richard Fetzer
November 4, 2010
Howl-o-ween
my pumpkin is on the leftWell, I need to keep this short. This week was really great! We started teaching a new investigator, who is a sister of a recent convert. She told us flat out that she would go at her pace and that she wouldn't do anything she didn't think she should. So as you can see, we have a lot to work with. Anyways, This week was also Halloween! On Friday we had a ward Halloween party where a lot of non-members attended. Many people have told me that it's the best party of the year. At the party there was Chili and Corn Bread. I never knew that there were so many different kinds of Chili. We were sent home with a large pot of Chili, which will take us forever to go through. The members here are awesome! Every time we go to their houses they offer us food and treats, which is really nice!
This week was transfers. I am staying here with Elder Kitchen. It is a miracle really. On Saturday we got the call for him to pack his bags for him to be transferred. After many teary goodbyes we received a call from President Larkin telling him that he felt as though he should stay. So here we are for the next six weeks. We both feel that it is meant to be. Something BIG is gonna happen in Issaquah 5th and we are going to be the people to do it.
On Thursday we volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, where they are building houses for people in need. Elder Kitchen and I insulated a basement. It was a lot of work, but very rewarding! It is amazing how many good people there are in the world, willing to donate time and materials for causes like that! It is a really good way to give service to those in need.
On Halloween we had to be in early. So what better thing to do than watch "Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration." It is on the new Church History DVD's which are a really great teaching tool that we have begun to use a lot! The movie was actually really great for Halloween. It is both dramatic and somewhat scary for a Church movie. It shows the part where Joseph is overtaken by evil before the First Vision, which is kinda scary.
On Halloween we had to be in early. So what better thing to do than watch "Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration." It is on the new Church History DVD's which are a really great teaching tool that we have begun to use a lot! The movie was actually really great for Halloween. It is both dramatic and somewhat scary for a Church movie. It shows the part where Joseph is overtaken by evil before the First Vision, which is kinda scary.
It is really amazing to have a testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. Because of him, we have the restored gospel on the earth again. We have the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a knowledge of the great plan of happiness. It is really amazing to see people come to know that Joseph Smith restored God's Church once again on the Earth and to see how their lives change for the better.
As always, the Church is true!
Love,
Elder Richard Fetzer
P.S. (I got this from a kid in our ward)
Q. What is a wolf's (Chewy's) favorite holiday?
A. Howl-o-ween!
October 26, 2010
A Week Of Exchanges
Dear Family
This was a good week. I went on 3 exchanges with members of my district because Elder Kitchen is District Leader and he goes on exchanges with every Elder in the district and the Zone leaders, which means I do too!
Monday was P-Day. For the second week in a row, we went golfing. Let's just say that I wasn't on par for any of the 12 holes at the golf course we went to. Golfing has never been my favorite thing to do and my frustration with the sport has never been a good thing. Other than that, golfing was quite fun.
Tuesday and Thursday were exchanges. I stayed in my area for those days and was able to finally drive again! It was weird not having driven for a couple of months and took some getting used to again. Exchanges are always a good experience because you have the opportunity to learn from other missionaries and see how they approach the work. It is also really amazing to see more seasoned missionaries approach people and eventually be able to teach and make a return appointment.
Yesterday we had a new investigator who come to our ward by surprise to "spy" out the Mormon Church. He came to our gospel principles class, where he disagreed about the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost being 3 separate beings and the rest of his stay at Church became more of an argument. He wasn't willing to open his mind a little more and see that God reveals more scripture. I am glad that we have strong Church members in our class who know the doctrine (and the bible) really well.
Love Elder Richard Fetzer
This was a good week. I went on 3 exchanges with members of my district because Elder Kitchen is District Leader and he goes on exchanges with every Elder in the district and the Zone leaders, which means I do too!
Monday was P-Day. For the second week in a row, we went golfing. Let's just say that I wasn't on par for any of the 12 holes at the golf course we went to. Golfing has never been my favorite thing to do and my frustration with the sport has never been a good thing. Other than that, golfing was quite fun.
Tuesday and Thursday were exchanges. I stayed in my area for those days and was able to finally drive again! It was weird not having driven for a couple of months and took some getting used to again. Exchanges are always a good experience because you have the opportunity to learn from other missionaries and see how they approach the work. It is also really amazing to see more seasoned missionaries approach people and eventually be able to teach and make a return appointment.
On Saturday I went with one of the zone leaders to downtown Bellevue, which is a newer big city. The city is about the size of SLC and probably wouldn't be around without Microsoft. I had no idea how big that company really was until I came here. Microsoft has buildings in almost every city here and there are many ward members that work for Microsoft.
Transfers are coming up next Tuesday. For us it is really up in the air. Elder Kitchen has been here a long time and every transfer he thinks it is his time to leave, but it ends up being his companion. I feel as though I could take over the area if he left. I have gotten to know the people we teach well and also the rest of the ward okay.
Lessons this week went well. We are still in the process of finding some new investigators, but we keep our lesson count up with Members and Recent Converts and Less Actives. I have really gotten to love the people we teach regularly. It is truly our mission to find and research lessons that pertain to the people we teach and will help better their lives through the gospel.
Lessons this week went well. We are still in the process of finding some new investigators, but we keep our lesson count up with Members and Recent Converts and Less Actives. I have really gotten to love the people we teach regularly. It is truly our mission to find and research lessons that pertain to the people we teach and will help better their lives through the gospel.
Now more than ever I realize the importance of member missionary work. Without the members, true missionary work could never be accomplished. It is up to the members to help missionaries find and fellowship those we teach so that they may be good members of the Church. That is one thing I have seen with Rebbecca and Jane. The members have really embraced them and helped them become part of the ward family.
Yesterday we had a new investigator who come to our ward by surprise to "spy" out the Mormon Church. He came to our gospel principles class, where he disagreed about the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost being 3 separate beings and the rest of his stay at Church became more of an argument. He wasn't willing to open his mind a little more and see that God reveals more scripture. I am glad that we have strong Church members in our class who know the doctrine (and the bible) really well.
Here are some pictures I took of downtown Seattle in the distance during the sunset and one of a spider web. The spiders are everywhere here and they are big! I have never seen so many of them in my life. Martha, you would hate to go outside here. Once, there was a spider that crawled out of a lady's fireplace. Its body was the size of a quarter and with the legs it was about the size of a tennis ball.
I love you! And the Church is true!
I love you! And the Church is true!
Love
October 20, 2010
Baptisim!
Dear Family-
The highlight of this week the Baptism of Rebbecca and Jane. Saturday's baptism was well attended. The ward has really embraced them and they are going to be awesome members. Rebbecca has had a hard life, but she has really seen a change for the better with the gospel a part of it. It has really strengthened my testimony of what the gospel can do for people. I got to participate in the circle when they got the gift of the Holy Ghost, which was really neat! Here they do that during Sacrament Meeting, which I had never seen before. I know that they felt the spirit this weekend and I can't wait to continue to teach them the gospel and eventually see Rebbecca go through the Temple. I know that she knows the Temple is a special place. She felt the spirit just being on the grounds.
The weeks here keep getting better and better and I know that through faith and obedience we can keep our goals. As always, The Church is true and I can't wait to hear from you later this week!
~Elder Richard Fetzer
The highlight of this week the Baptism of Rebbecca and Jane. Saturday's baptism was well attended. The ward has really embraced them and they are going to be awesome members. Rebbecca has had a hard life, but she has really seen a change for the better with the gospel a part of it. It has really strengthened my testimony of what the gospel can do for people. I got to participate in the circle when they got the gift of the Holy Ghost, which was really neat! Here they do that during Sacrament Meeting, which I had never seen before. I know that they felt the spirit this weekend and I can't wait to continue to teach them the gospel and eventually see Rebbecca go through the Temple. I know that she knows the Temple is a special place. She felt the spirit just being on the grounds.
The weeks here keep getting better and better and I know that through faith and obedience we can keep our goals. As always, The Church is true and I can't wait to hear from you later this week!
~Elder Richard Fetzer
October 11, 2010
Next Week Baptism!
This was a good week mainly because we got someone on date for baptism Saturday the 16th. Meet Jane and Rebbecca. Rebbecca is a single mom, who has been investigating for about 9 months now and Jane is her 9 year old daughter. They are ready to accept the Gospel. Rebbecca constantly tells us that she feels the spirit in her life and that ever since she has started living the Gospel, her life has changed. Originally Jane wasn't going to be baptized because she is with her dad on Sundays and can't attend church, but she attends her other Church activities throughout the week and President Larkin thought it would be appropriate for her to be baptized the same day as her mother. They will be strong members of the church! Rebbecca feels right in the Church and the ward has really reached out and befriended her. On Sunday we took Rebbecca on a tour of the Temple grounds. She truly felt the spirit of the grounds and we constantly reminded her that she would always feel this same spirit after she was baptized on Saturday. She knew that the temple was a special place and didn't want to leave the grounds and return home. Now that we have Jane on date to be baptized, we are going to be teaching Rebbecca and Jane almost every night this week so that Jane can understand the importance of being baptized into Christ's Church.
As for our other investigators, they aren't really progressing, although we have faith that they will. One woman from Kroatia was supposed to be baptized on Saturday, but she still had some problems to work out. President Larkin has challenged me and Elder Kitchen to have 4 baptisms this month, almost doubling the amount of baptisms this ward has had this year. I think we can actually do it too! Tonight and tomorrow I have my first exchanges with another Elder in my district. I am going to stay in our area with the other Elder, while Elder Kitchen goes to a neighboring ward tomorrow. It will be interesting because I still don't know this area very well. The weeks here keep getting better and better. This week should be good too! We are getting better at keeping our schedules full so we don't have to go tracting, which isn't very effective in this area at all! The bishop gave us some good ideas on where to go in our area , which has been okay so far. Like I said last week, really the only baptisms that have come about in this ward have been from member referrals. I can't wait to tell you about how my first baptisms have gone when I write back next week!
Until then,
~Elder Richard Fetzer
October 4, 2010
A Week of Walking!
Dear Family,
This was a long week! Last Monday, Elder Kitchen and I went fishing. It was pretty fun except we didn't catch anything! It was still fun though! We tried in Lake Samamish, but all we got were a couple of bites from little fish. We aren't allowed to go fishing in rivers right now because this is the time of year the salmon come upstream to hatch.
This week consisted of a lot of walking. The mission is only allotted a certain number of miles a month and they limit miles for missionaries. We have about 1000 miles a month, which you would think would last, but we go about 30-40 miles a day so they run out pretty quickly. After we run out we have to walk, which in this area isn't fun because there are so many hills and it is a very large area. Luckily, members are usually willing to take us to our next appointment once we get to their house so we managed.
This week we had a dinner appointment with a part-member/less active family. The dad is a member but really has no intention of coming back to church. We taught a lesson that included a bit about baptism because they have a daughter that could be baptized, but they really shut us down after the lesson. It made both my companion and me really sad!
Lets just say that General Conference was AMAZING! There was so much I got out of it this time and I can't wait to apply what I learned. I especially liked Uchdorf's talk on managing turbulent times of life and slowing down. I also liked President Monson's talk on choices in the priesthood session. On Saturday between Conference sessions we went to a boat race in Lake Samamish! It was really cool and fast!
In a slow week we still did have some miracles: First, we finally got a hold of our investigator, Astrid, a European woman with a baptismal date that we haven't been able to get a hold of for over a week! We were a bit worried, but we were glad to see she was still doing well. Second, last night (Sunday) we got to give a blessing to a girl who was sick from a recent convert family. This family, the Matthews, is really nice and we go over to their home all the time! They are also the family who referred our new investigator! Even in times when their family was inactive they still told people about the gospel. It was really amazing that doing those kinds of ordinances is part of my calling!
Overall, the investigators we have are doing quite well and I know they feel the spirit. We have our first baptism on the 16th, which I am really excited for! I love you and feel your prayers every day! As always, the Church is true!
Love,
Richard
group of Elders I was at the SL airport with
Issaquah with Bellevue and Seattle in the background
me and Elder Kitchen
one of the boats at Lake Samamish
September 27, 2010
Issaquah
Family,
I am finally here! It is hard though. Gone are the days where the "investigators" took every word of advice and people (aka other missionaries walking around the MTC) on the "street" were always ready and willing to have another lesson or even listen to you.
I am assigned to serve in the Issaquah 5th ward. We are east of Seattle in the city of Issaquah, among the mountains and evergreens. It is a really nice area and the ward is really great! The ward is supportive of missionaries and they try their best to find us people to teach. Many people here are comfortable and not really interested in the gospel, but they are really nice and supportive to the LDS missionaries. But because of the members, we do have people to teach and there are 2 people on date to be baptized! This week we got one new investigator. His name is Marcello and he is from Brazil. He was referred to us by a family in our ward and we teach him at their home. So far we have taught him 2 lessons about the restoration, but it is hard because he doesn't understand a lot of English. Luckily Bro. Maximo (the man who referred him to us) knows Portuguese and translates for us. Marcello has a lot of questions, but is ready to accept the gospel. He went to church in Brazil, but when he moved here he didn't find one that fit for him so he quit going to church. I know that in our lessons he has felt the spirit.
My new companion's name is Elder Kitchen. He has been out for a little more than a year and is a really good missionary. He is from Mesa, Arizona. He has been serving in this area for 8 months and he knows the members well. They really trust him and I know that because of their trust in him, the Lord has allowed him to serve in this area for so long.
This has been one of the quickest, but longest weeks of my life. President and Sister Larkin picked us up at the airport and we were taken to the mission home where I met my new companion. President Larkin is really great and I can't wait to get to know him even better. Every day has been a lot of walking and meeting people on the street. We teach every day members, non-members, and our new investigators.
The mission has a goal to baptize 720 people by the end of the year. So far they have about 380 so we have a long way to go. President Larkin has continually told us that he prays every day that we can get that number and he has faith that if every missionary works hard that we can. So I pray every day that we can find people to teach. We are to try to talk to 80 people a day, but it is really hard, especially here in the suburbs. We haven't made that goal yet, but each day we do talk to more and more people.
Elder Kitchen and I have our own apartment, which is pretty nice. We do have a kitchen, but whenever we go to members houses, they offer us food. We have dinner with members about twice a week, but the generosity of the members helps us get by.
Washington is beautiful and I am grateful I have such a good companion. I am excited to see dad in conference this week. As always the Church is true and I can feel your prayers every day! I love you!
Love, Elder Richard Fetzer
September 26, 2010
First Letter from Seattle: September 21, 2010
President and Sister Larkin
Whoa, I am actually here! Today we got on the plane and I got to sit by a man who was coming to Seattle with his daughter to get surgery. They are Mormon, but we still had a nice gospel discussion. An elder in front of us had a good gospel discussion and we gave away a pass along card.
We got off the plane and found our mission president. He is really great and I can't wait to get to know him more.
Now we are at the mission home and are going to eat a really good meal. We saw the city today and it is beautiful!
Love,
Elder Richard Fetzer
p.s. I will write soon!
September 21, 2010
Quick Update
Richard left the MTC for Seattle early this morning. He was able to call us from the airport and is excited and nervous to begin preaching the gospel. Just a reminder, instead of using Dear Elder, you can now write Richard at the address on the sidebar.
September 18, 2010
MTC Pictures
3 of 5 going to Seattle from our district. L to R: Elder Boice, Elder Fetzer, Elder Westover
My district at the temple. L to R: Elder Cooudy (Ventura), Elder Griffin (Ventura), Elder Westover (Seattle), Elder Moak (Ventura), Elder Christiansen (Ventura), Elder Smith (Seattle), Elder Stowell (Ventura).Bottom row: Elder Boice (Seattle), Elder Hopkinson (Seattle), Elder Fetzer (Seattle)
(Self-explanatory)
Me and my companion, Elder Westover
Elder Westover holding me in the palm of his hands.
September 16, 2010
MTC week 2
I can't believe its almost time to leave the MTC. I have learned so much in so little time.I got my travel itinerary! I leave Septembe 21 and get to Seattle about 9:30 AM. There are 13 elders going to Seattle (2 of them speak other languages). We are to report to the MTC travel office at 5:00 AM that morning! There goes another good night of sleep, which I have never gotten here.
I really can't wait to finally head off and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. In devotional on tuesday I learned why missionary work is really so hard. They played a clip of Elder Ballard telling us that salvation is never cheap! It is true! Throughout time, the faithful have never had it easy. Jesus Christ suffered for us, but he said that we are to pay a small token of that price in order to gain salvation. The pioneers were persecuted, they died in order to show the world what they believed. Even today, in a time of turmoil, the Church has its challenges. As you see, all have had to pay some sort of price for the gospel. A mission is hard because it really has always been that way. Our faith will be tried and tested, but in the end we can live with Christ again and what greater reward could we have?
Sunday was a long day. At night the missionaries get to watch movies :D. This week we watched Legacy, a cheesy film with bad acting and lines, which we all came back quoting, but with a powerful message of the pioneers. It is really amazing how the Church has grown into what it is today! The pioneers could never have immagined it. It showed me that throughout all the trials that the Church has gone through, God always provided a way to bring forth His gospel to all the world. The faithfulness of our pioneer ancestors brought us the gospel, and for that I am eternally grateful.
On Sunday, Elder Westover and I gave our district a lesson on obedience. We must always follow God's commandments. God asks us to do hard things, but I know we will be blessed when we follow Jesus Christ.
Yesterday, my district helped in hosting the new missionaries. It was funny seeing how nervous the new missionaries were and I remembered that morning as well. It was scarry coming into the MTC the first day! It was good to remember how far I have come since then and think of how far I need to go in order to be the missionary I want to be.
Love,
Elder Richard Clark Fetzer
Love,
Elder Richard Clark Fetzer
September 11, 2010
Writing Elder Fetzer
Rich asked me to tell everyone to use dearelder.com while he's in the MTC. He gets those letters the very same day. He is only allowed to use email with family. We will continue to post portions of his emails to family on this blog.
Thanks, The Administration.
MTC: Week 1
Hey Family!
As I watch the timer slowly time out I will try my best to write a good letter. First off, the MTC is great! The spirit is so strong here and this is definitely the most spiritual time I have EVER had. My companion, Elder Westover, is really great and we get along really well! The days here are long. Each day feels like a week, and the week here feels like a day! Really strange. Anyways, this week we have learned how to teach lesson 1. Learning the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is important because people need to know that we are Christ's church. It is really amazing using the principles used in Preach My Gospel and learning how to teach by the Holy Ghost. As it says in the scriptures, the spirit really does fill your mouth with words to say when you are in need.
Here in the MTC we use the Teaching Resource Center, where local "investigators" or actors who are called to be investigators from the members around Provo. This week we taught the Christiansens, an older couple who moved to Utah for retirement. They have attended many other christian churches and want to learn more. Me and my companion had to learn how to make a lesson plan, based around the restoration, to fit their needs. We decided to include a bit about eternal families because we knew that they might want to know that the first lesson.
Today my district went to the temple. Elder Westover and I decided to do sealings. It was really amazing that we got to be part of that ordinance. As missionaries, we are only allowed to act as the children, but even that is special.
I have seen so many people I know here! It is really fun to see people I haven't seen since college or even High School. My district is pretty great! There are 10 in our district and half are going to Seattle, and half to Ventura, CA. There are six other Elders in the room next to us also going to Seattle. It is really strange because I feel like we have all known each other before we got to the MTC. I know the 9 other Elders in my district are all going to be really great missionaries!
Here at the MTC we are definitely in a bubble. Whenever we see non-missionaries outside it is really strange. It is kinda like in Toy Story where the green aliens say "Strangers, from the outside." I really have no idea which day it is anymore, but it is okay. Weekends are kinda crazy because we hear the BYU stadium next to us erupt with excitement with every goal, but we never know who wins. I guess it is just part of MTC policy.
Overall, this has been a very good week! We had an amazing devotional about how the choices we make help us become who we are. I am glad I have made the choice to serve a mission. It is the BEST thing I can be doing right now.
Well, the timer is almost up so I better end. As always, I know the Church is true and I love you!
Love,
Elder Richard Fetzer
September 3, 2010
First letter from the MTC
September 1, 2010
Dear family,
Well, I made it through my first day here at the MTC. It is really strange being here. I am actually a missionary! The spirit is strong here and I am excited to learn more about the gospel. Today I checked in and moved into my small room. I met my companion, Elder Westover, from Arizona. He is really cool! I'll send a picture later. Today we had an orientation then a live teaching session where actors came in and acted like investigators. A large group of missionaries tried to teach them. It is really amazing how prepared to hear the gospel some people are. Today was a rush of info I will probably forget but will learn as time passes.
I love you and hope to hear from you soon!
Elder Fetzer
Dear family,
Well, I made it through my first day here at the MTC. It is really strange being here. I am actually a missionary! The spirit is strong here and I am excited to learn more about the gospel. Today I checked in and moved into my small room. I met my companion, Elder Westover, from Arizona. He is really cool! I'll send a picture later. Today we had an orientation then a live teaching session where actors came in and acted like investigators. A large group of missionaries tried to teach them. It is really amazing how prepared to hear the gospel some people are. Today was a rush of info I will probably forget but will learn as time passes.
I love you and hope to hear from you soon!
Elder Fetzer
August 29, 2010
Charity - Farewell Talk
I can’t believe it is actually time to serve a mission. As I look out into the audience, I see loving family and friends. You are all here because you have helped me become who I am today – a departing full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I want to thank you for all you have done in my life and hope to see you when I get home in 2012.
Serving a mission is something I have always wanted to do. Primary taught me to follow Jesus Christ and try to be like him always, while in Young Men’s I learned how to study and teach from amazing leaders, which helped me prepare spiritually to serve. And so when it came down to the time to decide to serve a mission, the decision was easy.
When I got the mission call to Seattle, I knew it was right for me. The Lord knew what I needed and listened to my prayers giving me a call which I gratefully accepted.
As I serve in Seattle I will meet people with all sorts of backgrounds. As I meet with them, I will be a messenger for Christ because “faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.” (D&C 4:5).
The Apostle Paul said that we must have, “faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (1 Cor. 13:13). Charity is "the pure love of Christ," or "everlasting love" (Moroni 7:47). The prophet Mormon taught: "Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things" (Moroni 7:45).
Charity is the pure love of Christ, but what does that really mean? We find part of the answer in Joshua: “Take diligent heed … to love the Lord your God … and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Charity is our love for the Lord, shown through our acts of service, patience, compassion, and understanding for one another.
In Ether we find that, “[Jesus has] loved the world, even unto the laying down of [His] life for the world, that [He might] take it again to prepare a place for the children of men. And now I know that this love which [He has] for the children of men is charity” (Ether 12:33-34) Charity is also the Lord’s love for us, shown through His acts of service, patience, compassion, and understanding. The “pure love of Christ” refers to two things, our love for the Savior and His love for each of us.
Joseph Smith exemplified the pure love of Christ. Many asked why he gained so many followers and retained them. His answer: “It is because I possess the principle of love.”
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin once told the story of a 14-year-old boy who had come to Nauvoo in search of his brother who lived near there. The young boy had arrived in winter with no money and no friends. When he inquired about his brother, the boy was taken to a large house that looked like a hotel. There he met a man who said, “Come in, son, we’ll take care of you.” The boy accepted and was brought into the house, where he was fed, warmed, and was given a bed to sleep in. The next day it was bitter cold, but the boy still prepared himself to walk eight miles to find his brother. When the man of the house saw this, he told the young boy to stay for a while and said there would be a team that he could ride with. Although the boy had no money, the man said it would all be taken care of. Later the boy learned that the man of the house was none other than prophet Joseph Smith and the boy remembered this act of charity for the rest of his life.
The Apostle Paul said in a moving statement to Timothy, “. . . [obedience to the commandments] is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned" (1 Tim. 1:5). This promise is relevant to all of us. Paul’s testimony to Timothy was that in good conscience, happy relationships with our families and friends, and in the true faith that grants us confidence in the presence of God lie the blessings of life.
The Savior gave us the ultimate example of His life to follow. He is the literal Son of God. He had perfect love and shows us how to love. He shows us that the needs, spiritually and physically, of our fellowmen are as important as our own. What more charitable act could He have done than give His life for us and suffer our sins for us? Before He died, He said, “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13).
Speaking to Christ, Moroni said, “And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father.” (Ether 12:34).
It isn’t necessary to give our lives like the Savior, but we will have charity when we make Him the center of our lives and follow his teachings. We can bless others as we serve our fellow brothers and sisters in our Church and throughout the Earth.
In early 1946, president Cornelius Zappey was called to reorganize the Netherlands Mission after World War II. Holland was left in dismal condition. During the war, Nazi troops occupied Holland. Many Dutch resisters were taken to concentration camps and the Germans killed many others. At the end of the war, Nazis robbed Holland’s food and other basic supplies. This left Holland’s people impoverished and starving.
When President and Sister Zappy arrived, hunger still haunted. President Zappy saw the justified hatred between the Dutch and Germans, but he wondered what he could do to break down the bitter feelings towards the Germans.
“Mamma, all we can do here is pray for the people to overcome their hate,” the President told his wife. Then he went to work to try to find an answer to his own prayers.
President Zappy instructed the local priesthood leaders to start growing potatoes, Holland’s best crop, wherever they had spare land to do so. Planting days became special days for the Church branches with singing and other festivities. By the autumn of 1947, prospects were good and members expected to reap the bounty of their hard work.
At the same time, the conditions of the German saints were harsh and tragic. What few reserves the people had a year before were completely exhausted. Clothing was hard to obtain; food was rationed on a sub-subsistence basis.
By harvest time, President Zappy knew the Lord had different intentions, than what the Dutch expected, for the welfare potatoes. He knew that they must go to the starving German saints. He wondered how the Dutch might react to giving the Germans the potatoes they worked so hard to grow, as the Germans had caused them so much grief during the war.
The problems of the Dutch saints weren’t fully solved, either. President Zappy called a mission conference to propose that the potatoes be given the Germans.
He said, “Some of the most bitter enemies you people have encountered as a result of this war are the German people. But those people are now much worse off than you, and we are asking you to send your entire potato harvest to the German saints. Will you do it? Do you want our own saints to die of hunger there?”
Impacted by the spirit, the leaders humbly agreed to give the potatoes to the starving Germans.
Missionaries and members moved the large potato bags into the trucks, which delivered the potatoes into Germany. The German saints were astonished by the generosity of their fellow brothers and sisters in Holland. The potato project created a new spirit of unity among the saints. President David O. McKay called this loving act, “one of the greatest acts of true Christian conduct ever brought to my attention.” (Story from War and Peace and Dutch Potatoes by William G. Hartley)
As the Dutch saints did, we should not try to decide if someone really deserves our help. We must try to help all those who may need help. This way we will be like the Father, who causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
President Thomas S. Monson reminds us that there are also those that need to be fed spiritually, “let us ask ourselves the questions: ‘Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?’ What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace – to have inspired gratitude in another human being. Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.” (Conference Oct. 2001)
When we give to those in need, we must have compassion for them in order to have charity. The apostle Paul taught, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1 Cor. 13:4-7) When we have charity, we are patient and kind. We are loyal and believe the best in others, for “charity never faileth.” (1 Cor. 13:8)
Christ exemplified charity. He loved the sinners in spite of what they had done. He taught us that if we don’t forgive others, we too will not be forgiven. Christ has taught, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good unto them which despitefully use you…For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye?” (Matt. 5:44, 46) We too must learn to “love one another”, as Jesus did.
How might we become more charitable? The first way we can become charitable is by studying the life of Jesus Christ and following His commanments. There isn’t a more perfect example to follow. We gain a deeper love for Christ as we study Him. As our love for the Lord deepens, we will become purified. We experience a “mighty change in … hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.” (Mosiah 5:2)
Second, we are told to “pray always.” When we have uncharitable feelings, we can pray to have charity. Mormon teaches us to “Pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ.” (Mor. 7:48)
Lastly, we must avoid thinking that we are better than others. We must be patient and understand their faults, for we all have them. Joseph Smith said, “The nearer we get to our Heavenly Father, the more we are disposed to look with compassion of perishing souls; we feel that we want to take them upon our shoulders and cast their sins behind our backs.” (Teachings of Presidents: Joseph Smith)
In the Book of Mormon we read of Enos, who wanted to know if his sins had been forgiven, “And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens. And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.” (Enos 1:4-5)
The Lord explained that because of Enos’ faith, his sins had been forgiven. When Enos knew this, he was no longer concerned about himself. He felt concern for his friends and family, the Nephites and the Lord said that they would be blessed according to their faithfulness to the commandments. Enos’ love increased even further and pled with the Lord for his enemies, the Lamanites.
Enos was so grateful for the Lord’s love and forgiveness of himself that he spent the rest of his life helping others receive this gift. He had become truly charitable. We too must become like Enos and be charitable. We must do so in order to obtain the Kingdom of God.
As we live the gospel of Jesus Christ and follow His example, we will feel happiness. He will forgive our sins. He will heal us and replace guilt and shame with joy in our life.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, “The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and women for the eternities. The means of this refinement is our Christ like love. There is no pain it cannot soften, no bitterness it cannot remove, no hatred it cannot alter…The most cherished and sacred moments of our lives are those filled with the spirit of love. The greater the measure of our love, the greater is our joy. In the end, the development of such love is the true measure of success in life.” (The Great Commandment, 2007)
I bear my testimony that Christ lives. He is the perfect example and when we follow Him, we will feel everlasting happiness. I am thankful for the prophet Thomas S. Monson who guides us in our time. I am thankful for the Book of Mormon, which teaches and testifies of Christ and shows us how to live our lives, for as President Ezra Taft Benson said, “it answers the greatest questions of the soul.” I am thankful for loving family and friends and for all that have come today to show your love and support. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Serving a mission is something I have always wanted to do. Primary taught me to follow Jesus Christ and try to be like him always, while in Young Men’s I learned how to study and teach from amazing leaders, which helped me prepare spiritually to serve. And so when it came down to the time to decide to serve a mission, the decision was easy.
When I got the mission call to Seattle, I knew it was right for me. The Lord knew what I needed and listened to my prayers giving me a call which I gratefully accepted.
As I serve in Seattle I will meet people with all sorts of backgrounds. As I meet with them, I will be a messenger for Christ because “faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.” (D&C 4:5).
The Apostle Paul said that we must have, “faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (1 Cor. 13:13). Charity is "the pure love of Christ," or "everlasting love" (Moroni 7:47). The prophet Mormon taught: "Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things" (Moroni 7:45).
Charity is the pure love of Christ, but what does that really mean? We find part of the answer in Joshua: “Take diligent heed … to love the Lord your God … and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Charity is our love for the Lord, shown through our acts of service, patience, compassion, and understanding for one another.
In Ether we find that, “[Jesus has] loved the world, even unto the laying down of [His] life for the world, that [He might] take it again to prepare a place for the children of men. And now I know that this love which [He has] for the children of men is charity” (Ether 12:33-34) Charity is also the Lord’s love for us, shown through His acts of service, patience, compassion, and understanding. The “pure love of Christ” refers to two things, our love for the Savior and His love for each of us.
Joseph Smith exemplified the pure love of Christ. Many asked why he gained so many followers and retained them. His answer: “It is because I possess the principle of love.”
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin once told the story of a 14-year-old boy who had come to Nauvoo in search of his brother who lived near there. The young boy had arrived in winter with no money and no friends. When he inquired about his brother, the boy was taken to a large house that looked like a hotel. There he met a man who said, “Come in, son, we’ll take care of you.” The boy accepted and was brought into the house, where he was fed, warmed, and was given a bed to sleep in. The next day it was bitter cold, but the boy still prepared himself to walk eight miles to find his brother. When the man of the house saw this, he told the young boy to stay for a while and said there would be a team that he could ride with. Although the boy had no money, the man said it would all be taken care of. Later the boy learned that the man of the house was none other than prophet Joseph Smith and the boy remembered this act of charity for the rest of his life.
The Apostle Paul said in a moving statement to Timothy, “. . . [obedience to the commandments] is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned" (1 Tim. 1:5). This promise is relevant to all of us. Paul’s testimony to Timothy was that in good conscience, happy relationships with our families and friends, and in the true faith that grants us confidence in the presence of God lie the blessings of life.
The Savior gave us the ultimate example of His life to follow. He is the literal Son of God. He had perfect love and shows us how to love. He shows us that the needs, spiritually and physically, of our fellowmen are as important as our own. What more charitable act could He have done than give His life for us and suffer our sins for us? Before He died, He said, “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13).
Speaking to Christ, Moroni said, “And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father.” (Ether 12:34).
It isn’t necessary to give our lives like the Savior, but we will have charity when we make Him the center of our lives and follow his teachings. We can bless others as we serve our fellow brothers and sisters in our Church and throughout the Earth.
In early 1946, president Cornelius Zappey was called to reorganize the Netherlands Mission after World War II. Holland was left in dismal condition. During the war, Nazi troops occupied Holland. Many Dutch resisters were taken to concentration camps and the Germans killed many others. At the end of the war, Nazis robbed Holland’s food and other basic supplies. This left Holland’s people impoverished and starving.
When President and Sister Zappy arrived, hunger still haunted. President Zappy saw the justified hatred between the Dutch and Germans, but he wondered what he could do to break down the bitter feelings towards the Germans.
“Mamma, all we can do here is pray for the people to overcome their hate,” the President told his wife. Then he went to work to try to find an answer to his own prayers.
President Zappy instructed the local priesthood leaders to start growing potatoes, Holland’s best crop, wherever they had spare land to do so. Planting days became special days for the Church branches with singing and other festivities. By the autumn of 1947, prospects were good and members expected to reap the bounty of their hard work.
At the same time, the conditions of the German saints were harsh and tragic. What few reserves the people had a year before were completely exhausted. Clothing was hard to obtain; food was rationed on a sub-subsistence basis.
By harvest time, President Zappy knew the Lord had different intentions, than what the Dutch expected, for the welfare potatoes. He knew that they must go to the starving German saints. He wondered how the Dutch might react to giving the Germans the potatoes they worked so hard to grow, as the Germans had caused them so much grief during the war.
The problems of the Dutch saints weren’t fully solved, either. President Zappy called a mission conference to propose that the potatoes be given the Germans.
He said, “Some of the most bitter enemies you people have encountered as a result of this war are the German people. But those people are now much worse off than you, and we are asking you to send your entire potato harvest to the German saints. Will you do it? Do you want our own saints to die of hunger there?”
Impacted by the spirit, the leaders humbly agreed to give the potatoes to the starving Germans.
Missionaries and members moved the large potato bags into the trucks, which delivered the potatoes into Germany. The German saints were astonished by the generosity of their fellow brothers and sisters in Holland. The potato project created a new spirit of unity among the saints. President David O. McKay called this loving act, “one of the greatest acts of true Christian conduct ever brought to my attention.” (Story from War and Peace and Dutch Potatoes by William G. Hartley)
As the Dutch saints did, we should not try to decide if someone really deserves our help. We must try to help all those who may need help. This way we will be like the Father, who causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
President Thomas S. Monson reminds us that there are also those that need to be fed spiritually, “let us ask ourselves the questions: ‘Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?’ What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace – to have inspired gratitude in another human being. Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.” (Conference Oct. 2001)
When we give to those in need, we must have compassion for them in order to have charity. The apostle Paul taught, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1 Cor. 13:4-7) When we have charity, we are patient and kind. We are loyal and believe the best in others, for “charity never faileth.” (1 Cor. 13:8)
Christ exemplified charity. He loved the sinners in spite of what they had done. He taught us that if we don’t forgive others, we too will not be forgiven. Christ has taught, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good unto them which despitefully use you…For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye?” (Matt. 5:44, 46) We too must learn to “love one another”, as Jesus did.
How might we become more charitable? The first way we can become charitable is by studying the life of Jesus Christ and following His commanments. There isn’t a more perfect example to follow. We gain a deeper love for Christ as we study Him. As our love for the Lord deepens, we will become purified. We experience a “mighty change in … hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.” (Mosiah 5:2)
Second, we are told to “pray always.” When we have uncharitable feelings, we can pray to have charity. Mormon teaches us to “Pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ.” (Mor. 7:48)
Lastly, we must avoid thinking that we are better than others. We must be patient and understand their faults, for we all have them. Joseph Smith said, “The nearer we get to our Heavenly Father, the more we are disposed to look with compassion of perishing souls; we feel that we want to take them upon our shoulders and cast their sins behind our backs.” (Teachings of Presidents: Joseph Smith)
In the Book of Mormon we read of Enos, who wanted to know if his sins had been forgiven, “And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens. And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.” (Enos 1:4-5)
The Lord explained that because of Enos’ faith, his sins had been forgiven. When Enos knew this, he was no longer concerned about himself. He felt concern for his friends and family, the Nephites and the Lord said that they would be blessed according to their faithfulness to the commandments. Enos’ love increased even further and pled with the Lord for his enemies, the Lamanites.
Enos was so grateful for the Lord’s love and forgiveness of himself that he spent the rest of his life helping others receive this gift. He had become truly charitable. We too must become like Enos and be charitable. We must do so in order to obtain the Kingdom of God.
As we live the gospel of Jesus Christ and follow His example, we will feel happiness. He will forgive our sins. He will heal us and replace guilt and shame with joy in our life.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, “The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and women for the eternities. The means of this refinement is our Christ like love. There is no pain it cannot soften, no bitterness it cannot remove, no hatred it cannot alter…The most cherished and sacred moments of our lives are those filled with the spirit of love. The greater the measure of our love, the greater is our joy. In the end, the development of such love is the true measure of success in life.” (The Great Commandment, 2007)
I bear my testimony that Christ lives. He is the perfect example and when we follow Him, we will feel everlasting happiness. I am thankful for the prophet Thomas S. Monson who guides us in our time. I am thankful for the Book of Mormon, which teaches and testifies of Christ and shows us how to live our lives, for as President Ezra Taft Benson said, “it answers the greatest questions of the soul.” I am thankful for loving family and friends and for all that have come today to show your love and support. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
August 28, 2010
Welcome to the Mission!
August 27, 2010
The World at 10,000 Feet
As we walked up the short trail, across streams and up the sharp rocks, we came to it - Cecret Lake in the Albion Basin up at Alta. The lake is in a beautiful location with great mountain scenery, which I will miss for the next two years, while I live at sea level.
August 26, 2010
Mockingjay
Mockingjay is the third and final book of this series and it lives up to the hype. In this book, Katnis becomes the Mockingjay, or face of the rebellion, which ends in full-on war. The book is exciting and exhilarating; cliffhangers are at every turn. Mockingjay is every bit as exciting as its predecessors, The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. Suzanne Collins creates an edge-of-your-seat plot, which follows Katnis as she plays the games one final time with a shocking ending, determining the fate of humanity.
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