Miracles: Homecoming Talk Given 9-16-2012

Brothers and Sisters, it’s good to be back. Serving a mission in Seattle, Washington was an amazing experience! For two years full-time I had the opportunity to “Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. (Missionary Purpose, PMG)”

On my mission I learned many things. I learned to keep a schedule, learn about and follow the promptings of the spirit, gain Christlike attributes, learn that God “will … make weak things become strong unto them, (Ether 12:27)” and many other lessons that will change me as a person. But one of the biggest lessons that I learned is that Heavenly Father is a God of Miracles. And that is what I would like to speak about today.

Early in my mission I received a letter from a friend. In it she added a scripture that I chose to make my missionary theme. Found in the 9th chapter of Mormon we learn, “And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles. And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.” (Mormon 9:18-21). And with those simple verses we have the doctrine of miracles.

Of miracles, Elder Dallin H. Oaks once said, “many miracles happen every day in the work of our Church and in the lives of our members. Many of you have witnessed miracles, perhaps more than you realize.” The work of the Lord is one of miracles. Through faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Ghost, and enduring to the end, one can experience the greatest of all miracles, a mighty change of heart, as natural and fallen people are transformed into faithful and noble children of God filled with the joy of the gospel.

Miracles are worked through faith. As Nephi taught, God “manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith. (2 Nephi 26:13)”

When I first entered the mission field my mission president read us a simple phrase from Preach my gospel, the Church’s missionary guidebook, to “ Believe that people who are being prepared to receive the message of the Restoration will be placed in your path. God will also place you where your good acts and words will prepare people to receive missionaries and Church members… Have the faith that you can share the restored gospel. In every way you serve, you should do so because you love your brothers and sisters and therefore hope, pray, and earnestly desire to teach them the restored gospel. (PMG)”

Earlier this year my companion and I were walking home from a long, somewhat disappointing day. I saw a man crossing the street ahead and prayed in my mind that we could talk to him. He walked towards us and while we were talking to him he told us that he had been thinking about God lately and what God wants for him to do in his life. For weeks, until I left the mission, we met with him at his office on the Microsoft corporate campus. It showed me that God does watch out for us all and will provide miracles.

This man, like many of the people who work at Microsoft is from India, have a non-Christian background, but through the power of the Holy Ghost we were able to see a change in his life. We taught him how to repent and feel the cleansing power of the Atonement in all aspects of life. We read scripture and taught truth and the spirit was there. When we asked him to go home and look back on his life and ask the Lord to take away burdens, he felt he couldn't wait to try it and did it during his closing prayer, asking for forgiveness on how he has treated his parents and asking for strength to do better. It is amazing to me what the Light of Christ brings people to do even when we didn't specifically talk to him about that.

Although he hasn’t yet been baptized, He told us that since we began to meet with him he has been able to feel and be guided by the spirit. Many of his questions about life have been answered and he understands that understanding comes "line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. (2 Nephi 28:30)" As he exercised and grew his faith, he was able to experience a mighty change in his heart, only made possible through the Atonement.

But true joy can only be felt through repentance. Early in my mission I was in a difficult area, but as we went out and worked diligently, we were blessed by the Lord. One Sunday, a recent convert's 19 year old step-daughter moved in with her, just after getting our of drug rehab and came to church, wanting to change her life. The step-daughter spoke up, "I actually want to be baptized!" Over the next three weeks until she was baptized, I saw a change in her heart. While in rehab, she gained a testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As she fought through her temptations, she felt the peace that she was longing for. She experienced what Alma the younger experienced, quoting from Alma chapter 36, “I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! (Alma 36:19)” Joy! That is the purpose of living the gospel of Jesus Christ, to help one experience ultimate joy and happiness only through His infinite atonement because "men are that they might have joy!" As we repent and follow God’s commandments, joy and peace will come into our lives. God gives us commandments not to punish us, but because in his all-infinite wisdom, we will find the Joy that we are on earth to experience.

Now faith and repentance prepare us to make sacred covenants through baptism and confirmation into the Church. As we walk in obedience to the principles and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we enjoy a continual flow of blessings and supply of strength in times of need, as promised by God in His covenant with us. Moroni tells us, “And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot. (Moroni 10:32)”

Early last year the Elmers, a retired couple, went on a month-long ski vacation to Utah, but what they found was more than just the best snow on earth. Their love for the outdoors and skiing took them to the mountains, but their enthusiasm for fine music, brought them to Temple Square weekly to attend the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Sunday morning broadcasts, often staying longer to see the sights on Temple Square. Sister Elmer described her experience on Temple Square like being “home,” meaning feeling like she was home with God. The spirit truly touched their lives on their visit.

Although I got into the area part way through their teaching process, I saw their transformation as they prepared and partook of the saving ordinances of baptism and confirmation.

The Elmers saw the blessings in their lives. About the blessings, Sister Elmer told me, “Because of these blessings my life has changed in so many ways, the greatest blessing is the teachings have brought me a great peace in my life. Our beliefs have provided [my husband] and I a stronger marriage, knowing that we have a friend in Jesus and the Holy Spirit will guide us as long as we are willing to listen and remain strong in our faith.” Sister Elmer told me that, caught up in the world, she was never truly happy, but that her trip to Utah was a changing point. The gospel truly changes people for the better and they are a testimony to me that no matter what walk of life you come from, EVERYONE needs the gospel. Sister Elmer recognized it too. Shortly after her baptism, she referred her sister who was struggling with life to the missionaries. Through many months of teaching, her sister too got baptized and confirmed and is now living the gospel with greater peace.

But once we have entered the strait and narrow path by our faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, we must exert every effort to stay on the path. We do so by continually exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, making commitments and following the spirit. This process is called enduring to the end and the doctrine is clear, "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." (2 Nephi 31:20-21)

As missionaries we had many opportunities to work with those that had once partaken of the gospel, but due to their natural state, had fallen away from the gospel. Early in my mission I met a woman that had a lot of difficulties. A single mother of four kids she had many stresses and worries. So we gave her a challenge: to read the Book of Mormon daily. We would text her scripture reading assignments every day and saw increased faith in her life and more power to overcome temptations. Through the Lord’s power she was able to quit smoking and be worthy to receive her patriarchal blessing. Her testimony of the Book of Mormon has increased and in turn, my testimony of the Book's power to truly change lives has increased. I have learned a lot about "enduring" through trials throughout my mission. It teaches us charity, patience, and long suffering. In life we all have trials, but it is never an end to our eternal lives because, as it says in the Doctrine and Covenants, thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high. (D&C 121:7-8)”

Of all the miracles I saw on my mission, the miracle of the Atonement is the greatest of all, both in my life and in the lives of those I met. The atonement covers all aspects of life. The Prophet Alma reminds us, “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.” (Alma 7:11-13)

Through the Atonement our sins, worries, doubts, pains, and all things that the world brings us can be overcome. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can once again feel peace in this life. On my mission I gained a deeper appreciation of the Atonement. It is a very real thing. The atonement got me through some of the most difficult times of my life, especially on my mission. There were some times on my mission that only the Atonement could get me through. Of all the miracles I saw on my mission, the most joyful and amazing is truly when people use the Atonement of Jesus Christ in full force and truly experience a mighty change of heart. What an amazing message of hope, peace and comfort. That one can be cleansed of their former "natural man" life. And oh how sad it is when people choose not to accept it! But His Atonement is always there, infinite and eternal. And what a glorious miracle that is!

As I have reflected on my mission, I have remembered how the Lord truly does fulfill His promises. I have seen so many miracles on my mission. If I really did look back on my mission, I would probably see one every day, even on those days of no teaching, and what seemed to me as no progress. I have truly seen the Lord's promise fulfilled, that "if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)

I know that there truly does have to be opposition in all things, that you can't know true joy without feeling sorrow. A mission is like a mini lifetime, filled with the full range of emotions. But Christ's life wasn't easy either, and so must a humble disciple walk in His footsteps also. I'm not saying that I have felt everything that Christ Himself felt, but I feel that I have felt a minuscule portion of it. But, to personalize a scripture, “all these things shall give me experience, and shall be for thy good. (D&C 122:7)”

Throughout my mission, the Lord has provided miracles. And I know that the Lord will continue to provide miracles in our own lives. In the words of Moroni, “have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. (Moroni 7:29)”

My missionary experience in Seattle, Washington has changed me for the better. I know that God lives and is our loving Father.  I know that He has a plan for each one of us. And I know that as we follow His ways, we will be blessed. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Reflections

Hello all,
It has been the best two years, and also the worst two years. But throughout my mission I have been blessed! As I have reflected on my mission lately, I have remembered how the Lord truly does fulfill His promises. I have seen so many miracles on my mission. If I really did look back on my mission, I would probably see one every day, even on those days of no teaching, and what seemed to me as no progress. I don't regret going on a mission. I have truly seen the Lord's promise fulfilled, that "if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)
I have seen that there truly does have to be opposition in all things, that you can't know true joy without feeling sorrow. A mission is like a mini lifetime, filled with the full range of emotions. But Christ's life wasn't easy either, and so must a humble disciple walk in His footsteps also. I'm not saying that I have felt everything that Christ Himself felt, but I feel that I have felt a minuscule portion of it.
Of all the miracles I have seen on my mission, the most joyful and amazing is truly when people use the Atonement of Jesus Christ in full force and truly experience a mighty change of heart, much as Alma the Younger:
"And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy." (Alma 36:17-20)
What an amazing message of hope, peace and comfort. That one can be cleansed of their former "natural man" life. And oh how sad it is when people choose not to accept it! But His Atonement is always there, infinite and eternal. And what a glorious miracle that is!
Last night I was reminded again about how blessed we are to have the gospel in our lives. We taught an Indian man named Kali, who is searching for truth in his life, but hasn't felt that he has found it yet. He wants to help his family and serve others, which it seems like many Indian people want in their life, but he doesn't feel that it can be found in any particular way of life or religion. Even when we ended our lesson he didn't want to pray, a clear indication that he isn't going to progress anyways.
The Korean branch continues to give us referrals. We have found a few potentials. But Bellevue is hard! I'm praying for a really good week to end my mission.
People are out there, I'm ready to work because this is the true gospel of Jesus Christ and the Lord's true Church!
Until 7:20 PM Monday, September 3, 2012,
~Elder Fetzer

Growing Faith

Hello all,
This was quite the week, spiritually speaking, ending with my last temple trip as a missionary.
We continue to teach Subeer. On Tuesday we had a really good lesson. Initially we planned on having the lesson on the apostasy and also teaching him the Law of Chastity, but as sometimes happens, the spirit directs otherwise. We read Alma ch. 32 about building faith. It is amazing to see how people begin to understand the teachings of the scriptures. He understood that because he didn't continue to nurture his faith during his trip and the recent weeks, he lost it and now has to basically start over again and grow it. He really just wants to serve God and do what He wants. We testified to him that God wants him to gain his righteous desires and that He would bless him to do it. That's why we as missionaries are here to do, to "Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end" (PMG). It is an amazing experience being able to be a part of this magnificent work.
Recently the members of my district have been struggling with motivation and finding new investigators (We are having a hard time finding new investigators also). (When I was here in the email the emergency alarm at the Bellevue Downtown library went off so we had to evacuate...I'm back at a different library across the city.) Tomorrow in district meeting i'm gonna try to address that issue about keeping on progressing even during a "rainy season." In answer to a prayer I found a story about a woman who crossed the plains during the pioneer era. In it she described the weather and told how she kept on progressing and moving forward even in bad weather to get to Zion. In missionary work it goes the same way. We all have times of bad weather, but we keep on moving forward and we will eventually get to Zion. I have learned a lot about "enduring" through trials throughout my mission. It teaches us charity, patience, and long suffering. In life we all have trials, but it is never an end. The doctrine is clear: "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastnessin Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:20)
We ended up dropping Ashley. It seemed as though she was looking for every excuse NOT to join the Church. Even after talking with President Larkin and our bishop, she still has concerns, which may or may not ever be fully resolved. Hopefully future missionaries will look her up in the area book and contact her again soon.
On Saturday there was a big Korean party. There was a family in the branch that had a concert featuring a Steinway piano performer in the area and another local artist in the area named Akana. It was really fun! The branch members were encouraged to bring non-member friends to the concert and dance afterwards. Elder Stoker and Elder Nulph, who are in our district were also invited. It was a great way for non-members to see that Mormons also like to have fun also. It was a really good turnout and we got a few referrals from it.HERE is a link with more pics...
Today was our temple day. In an always-powerful experience, I realized that God is happy with us, even in our unholy state. The temple is always a great experience as a missionary. It brings a greater measure of the spirit into our lives in the following days and I have noticed helps me be a more powerful teacher.
So time is really ticking away. Only 13 more days as I "sprint through the finish line" and faithfully "endure to the end." The Church is true!
~Elder Fetzer

Agency is Essential

Hello all,
Well, this was another week of teaching and "enduring." Not really "enduring," but you know what I mean. 
We continue to teach Sushil. He is slowly progressing. He's kind of hard to read. We taught him the Word of Wisdom on Tuesday night and he told us that it was one of the only commandments that made since to him and he wholeheartedly committed to keep it. He still doesn't seem to understand the need of authority, but that is what we're planning to teach him this next week.
Ashley on the other hand is a wild card. She's really hard to read. She has so many hidden concerns that I'm starting to think we need to drop her and let good 'ol time and the Savior work on her until she is ready for more of the gospel. Members will continue to know her, but I think we as missionaries need to step out of the picture with her. Like this week when she was determined to go to the stake picnic on Saturday, but when the time came, she cancelled at the last minute. Or various fallen through appointments where something occurs at the last minute. Don't get me wrong, Ashley is a really nice person, but as for now she isn't necessarily ready to progress any further until she gets some deep things sorted out, including having trust in God and His Church, but she'll come around eventually. But she must decide to go through with it.
Sometimes it really breaks your heart to stop teaching someone. You want them to progress so badly, but of course, agency is essential to God's plan. It truly is one of the best God-given gifts available.
On Saturday we had a stake picnic in Issaquah with sports and of course, lots of food. It was fun to see people from the former two wards that I have served in in this stake, especially as my mission is coming to a close. I have really been blessed to serve in such a great stake here in the mission. Although missionary work is harder here in Bellevue, I am serving in the best stake around with some of the nicest, strongest and most dedicated members of the Church.
Things continue to fly by. These next 3 weeks are going by quickly. But I'll continue to work with my might because this is God's true Church!
~Elder Fetzer

The Spirit of God

Hello all,

It's been another week in the Washington Seattle Mission. And as time ticks away, things get a bit more nerve racking. But I believe the Lord is pleased with my work thus far. I still keep close to the spirit and feel its gentle promptings. I feel that knowing and following the Holy Ghost has become one of the major things I have learned on my mission. And I have learned to follow its promptings. Its interesting how the spirit works like that. That when you do follow, it always seems to work out. Like when you feel prompted to give an older MOTAB CD to our apartment next door neighbor who is also a member, only to find out that it is her favorite album and that only a few months before she gave it away to a friend at work. Or following a prompting to talk with someone and it turning out to be a new investigator. Or even on those hard days when you can feel God's love and know that things will be okay. The Spirit of God is very real!

So as I am beginning to end my mission and wind down (figuratively), I have truly been pondering the things that I have learned thus far on my mission. This has been the hardest thing that I have ever done, but it has also been the best thing in my life thus far! And I know that when I do come home, it will be the greatest springboard and foundation for the rest of my life.

In Bellevue, I have learned more about patience. I've been here for 16 months. In these slower times I feel that I have grown closer to my Savior. It's really amazing.

Nothing too major happened this week, but we continue to be busy teaching in two wards. It has been a little hard to balance and has been a good challenge. This week we continue to teach Ashley. She has many concerns still about the priesthood and men in the Church. Nearly all her issues come from past abusive relationships. She needs to continue to trust in God and that this is His Church.

We taught Subeer again this week. Honestly, it was a little disappointing. My grand ideas of him having an epiphany in India were all wrong. He didn't. In fact, I think he lost some of what Elder Walker and I saw as progress. And to end the lesson, he had to be reminded how to pray. But we'll continue to teach him and help him understand God's ways.

There was a wedding in the Korean branch this weekend! Saturday night there was a big party with lots of food. It was fun!

So things continue to move along as I race through the finish line. Only 4 more weeks! The Church is True!

~Elder Fetzer

A Korean Week!

Hello all,

 

Well this was quite the week. And yes, we were surprisingly busy, which is always good. We continue to meet with our regular people, such as Ashley, Lin, and will be meeting with Subeer again. They are doing good. Ashley continues to slowly progress, but many of her concerns stem from her past and only the healing power of the Atonement will be able to heal her wounds. We are continually in contact with her. Lin is working towards baptism, but because he is going to China for a month, it isn't likely that he will while I am still on my mission.

I have started learning some Korean. The obscure hieroglyphs of yesteryear are slowly beginning to be comprehended and understood, although I still don't know what the sounds actually mean. But I do know a few simple phrases, which are beginning to get me along. Because of the decrease in missionaries, President Larkin has had to combine some areas. But I don't think that this "Zebra companionship/area" will be around for many more transfers. It would be really hard being called as a Korean-speaking missionary, especially here in the northern half of the mission. It takes 45 minutes to have investigators drive to Church and on top of that, Korean people are only scattered about the area and often not interested.

On Wednesday night we helped run the missionary English class. In a recently revamped class, we have invited all people that want to learn English to the same class. So it kind of forces the students to learn and converse in English instead of all speaking the same language together. It seems to be effective to find new people to teach because it brings people to us.

But it really has been an interesting experience thus far working with Korean people. We had a Korean dinner on Wednesday night and I met the branch on Saturday at a barbecue in Federal Way. And yesterday was Church, which I couldn't understand half of, but there are translation services for sacrament meeting, which is nice. Many of the individual members know English so its pretty easy to talk to them. It seems like the Korean branch is more of a cultural and social thing more than a language barrier issue, as is the Church in any other ward or branch. But it has shown me that I didn't need to leave America on a mission for a cultural experience. It is really neat.

Time continues to tick away, but things for now are going well. We're keeping busy and working hard to build up the Lord's kingdom in His true Church!

~Elder Fetzer

안녕하세요!

Hello all (안녕하세요),

 

Well, it's transfers once again and I'm staying here in Bellevue 7th, but something crazy happened. Now don't think I'm kidding when I say this, but this area is combining with the Bellevue Korean area. So my new companion's name is Elder Song. He is actually from Orem, UT, but he speaks Korean and don't worry, because he grew up here in America, his English is just fine too. So together we're going to not only teach our investigators, but also Korean people in the area, helping teach the ESL class on Wednesday nights with the Chinese and Spanish missionaries, and possibly still go to the Korean branch in Federal Way on top of our ward. So right now we don't have a ton of direction, but we're talking to President Larkin for further insight. Maybe when I get home I'll know a little bit of Korean. That will be strange won't it? But in all honesty, I am excited for this new adventure for the next 6 weeks. It will keep us busy and give me a new challenge.

 

This was an interesting week. We continue to meet with Ashley. She has come a ways, but still has a lot of challenges to work through. She has a really stressful life and she worries about things that she doesn't need to. And she has a lot of concerns. Many of them stem from her somewhat abusive past. But time and most of all, the Savior will heal those wounds. And she will continue to learn.

 

On Saturday night we had dinner with our WML and his wife, brother and sister Yool, and also Nathaniel and his wife Siti. We watched the film "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" with them. It was a good reminder about the life of the Prophet and his work. And it helped him understand their new church also.

Sushil is back this week so we'll meet with him soon.

 

So I'm in for an exciting last transfer! Things are going well, and the Lord is blessing us because this is His work and this is His true Church!

 

~Elder Fetzer

The Spirit Converts Them

Hello all,

 

In a week of patience and perseverance, it surely ended well. Honestly, we've been struggling a little bit finding new investigators. We have people that continue to progress, albeit very slowly, but we've been having trouble finding new people, which has always been a struggle here in the Bellevue zone. But I think it is a lesson I'm supposed to learn. One thing I've learned about myself on my mission is that I can do hard things. And it has been the Savior's atonement that has gotten me through it. Now don't think that things are awful or I'm really struggling, or that I'm complaining, but I'm just stating that a mission is really hard. But there's a simple part of the gospel called enduring to the end, which we all must learn... The doctrine is clear: "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." (2 Nephi 31:20-21)

 

It's amazing how even the trials that the Lord puts us through is exactly what we need to learn the lessons that we need to. My mission has really been a learning experience, both about myself and about others, one that has truly changed my life for the better. I feel that I have learned lessons I would have never learned otherwise, which will be essential both here and in the eternities to come.

 

On Friday we had Zone Conference. President Larkin taught about personal revelation in our own spheres of missionary work and how that would propel the mission to new heights. It was really inspirational. We also had a really powerful testimony meeting as the last part of it. As usual all the departing missionaries (including me) bore their testimonies because it was the last Zone Conference they would attend. It was a really powerful way to end zone conferences for me. 

 

Yesterday our sacrament meeting was focused on missionary work, as was the lesson in Priesthood and Relief Society. Elder Walker and I spoke, as did our Ward Mission Leader, Brother Yool. As I studied for it, I learned more about my purpose as a missionary and studied more of the doctrine on why we do this sacred work. I fully realized that "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him...And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" (D&C 18:10-11,15). The work we are all called to do is truly a magnificent and divine work!

Last night we attended a fireside hosted by President and Sister Larkin in the mission home with Nathaniel and his wife Siti and our investigator Ashley. Each person had the opportunity to bear their testimonies. Nathaniel has come a long way and bore his testimony about the Book of Mormon and how he can find answers in it. Siti shared her 7-year conversion story. Ashley, who is still investigating shared that she has found answers to places in her life where holes were found. It was really rewarding to see them say that we as missionaries have helped those that are new or investigating the Church have impacted them so much! But it is really the spirit that converts them!

 

People are progressing and the Church is true!

~Elder Fetzer

Miracles Happen!

Hello all,

 

This was a week full of many small miracles. Nothing major, but still little things that will help the work continue onward in the Bellevue 7th ward. 

 

Because she is hard of hearing, it is hard for Ashley to hear in Church. She has special hearing aids that connect to a bluetooth receiver. So with the aid of the ward's technology specialist, we found a way for the microphone's signal to go directly to her hearing aids. So she finally came back to Church after many weeks of having different reasons not to attend, but never fully helping us realize the true reason for not coming. She continues to seek for an answer.

 

There were a few instances where God truly placed us in the path of His struggling children. On the Fourth, we tracted a few houses and met Edward. His house was one that neighbors told us may receive our message, but we didn't go back to the neighborhood until then. So when he answered the door he began to cry. He told us that he had just been studying about God and praying for guidance. He told us that he had been diagnosed with MS, but due to his pride, never did anything about it. So now he is paying the consequences. We taught him about the Atonement and that he can have all his feelings of guilt and shame swept away by the Savior. He thought he had truly repented, but it didn't seem like he had taken full advantage of the Atonement. A major seed was planted and he continued to cry while we talked with him. Although he didn't want to learn more just than, we will be going back soon...

 

On Saturday night we were going through the list our bishop gave us of recent move ins. So we rang on one apartment and asked for the man we were looking for. The lady started to cry and said that he didn't live there and that she had been less-active for years and wanted to return to the Church. She told us that we had come at the right time in her life. So we are helping her come back. It's amazing how the Lord works. Sometimes He leads us to one person through another person's name.

 

So things are okay. People continue to progress and grow closer to the Lord.

 

The Church is true!.

 

~Elder Fetzer

A More Powerful Missionary

Hello all,

 

Well this was another alright week. Our investigator Ashley is back from her trip to Alaska. She is very prepared to accept the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, although she has a lot going against her such as old family issues and possibly her 19 year old son. She knows that baptism is essential, although is still waiting for an answer to weather or not the Church is true. I think that she has already gained her spiritual confirmation that the Church is true, but just hasn't recognized it yet. She is genuinely committed to doing all that is necessary to gaining/recognizing an answer. We have taught her a lot about gaining and recognizing her own personal revaluation through prayer, scripture study, and Church attendance.

 

We continue to meet with Lin. He is progressing very slowly, but continues to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He continues to attend Church and it is also good to have ward members that are Chinese and can relate to where he is coming from.

 

This week we had two fasts, one on Tuesday for the mission to be more powerful missionaries, and the other regular Sunday one. Now I am feeling a bit more rejuvenated and ready for the remaining two months of my mission!

 

~Elder Fetzer

Discovering Life's Purpose

Hello All,

 

We continue to teach those we already have, but we continue to struggle to find new people to teach. We had a great lesson with Subeer before he left on his month-long trip to India. We caught up on how his testimony has progressed. He told us that since we began to meet with him he has been able to feel and be guided by the spirit. He even gave us some stories about times that he prayed for guidance, even when he was planning his trip to India he was inspired to choose an earlier flight. Many of his questions about life have been answered and he understands that understanding comes "line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little." He loved Church last week, especially the open discussion in elders quorum. It truly is amazing to see the progress of someone that had no real knowledge or understanding of God just about a month ago. The best thing about it is that he would like to continue learning when he gets back!

 

We also continue to teach Lin and Amy. Lin, like Subeer, has a non-religious background, but his understanding is increasing and it seems like our lesson on Saturday about the purpose of life, repentance, and the atonement of Jesus Christ is really starting to click. He was at Church yesterday. We still aren't sure how much he understands, but he does feel the spirit when he attends.

 

Amy continues to progress, although she is starting to attend a singles ward in Redmond until she moves. The missionaries in California are going to have a really solid baptism when she moves there in a month.

I can't believe that I am 21 years old! Time is coming to an end here. There was a member that couldn't feed us on Saturday so she gave us money to go out to eat. A great treat to celebrate my birthday and Elder Walker's year mark!

 

The "bring your friend to Church" day went well. Although there were many new people that attended, very few attended the meetings after sacrament. But we'll see what happens from it. The talks were on service and fulfilling callings. They were really powerful.

 

So all in all it was an okay week. The work moves forward because this is the Lord's one true Church!

 

~Elder Fetzer

CHURCH!

Hello all,

Some weeks it seems like you work so hard, but see not too much progress. This was one of those weeks. But as we go out again this week the Lord will bless us.  I learned this week that getting some people to Church is truly a week-long process. We have been trying to invite Subeer to Church for many weeks now with no luck and we knew that something had to change. I am glad that the mission has been training on getting people to Church lately because that really is the only way that people are going to get baptized is if they take this important step. Preach My Gospel encourages us to plan each day of the week an activity to get poeple to Church. So we tried it out and it worked. On Tuesday we had a Church tour to show him what the building was like and tell him about the Sunday services and he committed to attend! After following up with him throughout the week he finally did attend and had a great time! We'll continue to meet with him, but he is going on vacation to visit family in India for a month so we'll see where it goes from there.

We continue to meet with Nathaniel and his wife Siti. We taught them about repentance and had a good discussion about how it is a continual process.

We have several things set up this week, plus an exciting Sunday meeting in the Bellevue 7th ward. We're having a "bring your friend to Church day." We're hoping the members go out and invite their friends.

The Church is true!

~Elder Fetzer

Many Highs and Lows

Hello all,

 

This week we experienced a lot of highs and many lows. Nathaniel was baptized Wednesday, Jun 6, now making up an all-member family of two. He was nervous, but now is all good. He has come a long way since the elders began teaching him months ago, and now he realizes that he has a bit more to go as well, to the House of the Lord. But he can do it. He has had to overcome a lot. His example has showed me that through the power of God, addictions can be taken away and He can give you the strength to overcome them.

 

This week we met a member-referral named Amy. She is 19 years old and is moving to California with LDS friends and wants to be baptized there, but wants us to prepare her for baptism. While looking for a church to attend down there, her friends invited her to attend with them and she loved it! We went into the lesson not knowing much about her and as usual, started with our lesson on the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we began to discuss Joseph Smith she stopped us and told us that earlier that day she was reading the triple combination scriptures that she was given and read the Joseph Smith History. Then she told us that she had read parts of the Book of Mormon and got to Moroni's challenge to pray about it. So she knelt down that very morning and asked God if Joseph Smith was a prophet and if the Book of Mormon was true and got her spiritual confirmation right then. She will be baptized soon!

 

But with such great things like baptism and a solid new investigator, the adversary is fighting back. Our lessons with investigators this last weekend after the baptism were basically all cancelled. They were "too busy." But they will continue to meet with us.

 

So things are okay. The Church is true and God's work will roll forth because the Church is true!

 

~Elder Fetzer

Living God's Commandments

Hello all,

Well, There isn't too much to report here, yet until next week. Nathaniel's baptism has been rescheduled for Wednesday night to better accommodate for his wife's schedule. After talking to our zone leader, who did his baptismal interview, it seems as though he has a lot stronger testimony/motivation/desire than we initially thought. I am happy that he has good fellowship and connections to the ward. I guess he should now that he has investigated for about 7 months now. It is amazing seeing where he is now and hearing where he came from - having no background in anything, to having a testimony of the restored gospel.

 

We continue to teach Lin, who is the Chinese man that came to Church with us last week. He continues to grow closer to God through prayer and scripture study and of course, Church attendance. It has been interesting how to teach people with non-Christian backgrounds during the last few months and learning really where to start because you can't just start with a lesson on the Restoration of the gospel. We start with the nature of God and move on to Jesus Christ and prayer. It truly is a privilege being able to teach someone for the first time about the Atonement and being a part of beginning their relationship with God. 

 

We continue to teach Subeer. He is growing closer to God by keeping commandments and realizes that he can gain revelation through scriptures and prayer, but we still need to get him to fully commit to come to Church. He is realizing why God has commandments and how they can help him grow closer to God and truly live "after the manner of happiness" (2 Nephi 5:27).

 

God is blessing us here in the Bellevue 7th ward. People are progressing and growing closer to their Heavenly Father and the work continues because this is the Lord's true Chruch!

 

~Elder Fetzer

Miracles Still Happen!

Hello Family,

 

Well miracles happened this week and it is no doubt partly because of the mission's quarterly temple trip this week. We continue to teach our investigator, Subeer. This week we taught him about God's plan for us. He is realizing that he can gain revelation from the Book of Mormon and that his questions are slowly being answered. I am glad he realizes that. Many people have questions, but don't realize they can't be answered all in one setting and that their answers will be eventually answered "line upon line."

 

I was on exchange with one of the zone leaders here on Friday, Elder Anderton. Friday morning there was an emergency conference call for zone leaders from President Larkin. He received inspiration that in that day we could go out and invite 50 people to be baptized (put on-date). So through the chain of command the missionaries were notified and out we went to work. It's interesting what happens when the missions heart is in the same place. By the end of the day, 70 of our Heavenly Father's children had a date for baptism.

On Thursday during our weekly planning session we got a call out of the blue from our investigator Tatum asking us if we could meet Friday morning. I still get surprised when people actually do follow up on their word and do call us. So when we got the divine commission to put someone on-date we knew exactly who the Lord wanted us to invite to be baptized. We had a powerful lesson about repentance and how ultimately baptism would cleanse him and he agreed to a baptismal date of June 23. So for now we'll see what happens, but I know that miracles happen.

 

We continue to teach Nathaniel. His baptism is scheduled for this weekend. He has had to overcome a lot. I think his faith in baptism will eventually lead to greater knowledge.

 

A few weeks ago we found a Chinese man named Lin. He told us he was looking for God and wanted more spirituality and to come back later. We gave him a mormon.org card and told him we would come back. So on Saturday we went back. He visited the website and told us he wanted to know how he could connect with God. So we taught him how to pray and taught him about how it may take time to find his path, but that eventually it would happen. He felt the spirit and told us he wanted more of it. We invited him to Church and told him that God wanted him there. He told us he wanted to go, but slept in on Sundays. But we told him that God sometimes asked us to do hard things and he agreed to come. When he came on Sunday he had a good experience. He is beginning his path home.

 

On our way home yesterday we talked again with a man we had met before. He told us that he was lost and wanted to find God again. He was drunk and knew he had to change, but isn't quite ready to do that yet. So we got his phone number and told him we would call him in a few weeks. Just another testament to me that God places people in our path.

 

So we did have a week of many small miracles. It was good to be a part of it. Just another testament that this is God's work and the Church is true!

 

~Elder Fetzer

Changes

Hello all,

 

Another week gone by with not too much to report, but we did have a good week. Today we went to the temple, which is always an exciting opportunity. Our mission really is quite lucky that we do get to go to the temple every other quarter. It is a great spiritual refreshment.

 

We continue to teach Nathaniel, who is still preparing for his baptism. His smoking addiction is coming to a close, one that will hopefully be a lifetime change. He has the support from his wife, who was baptized last year and the desire to change, but he still needs to really just get the true motivation to change. But he can do it.

 

We also continue to teach Subeer in his office on the Microsoft campus, Studio F. He has a lot of concerns about his family and life in general, concerns that we don't yet fully understand, but when we meet with him next we hopefully will.

 

On Saturday our ward had a really great talent show. It is always great to see the many talents that you don't always see in the other people that attend church, especially their musical talents.

Next month we will be having a bring your friend to Church day, which is to help the members of the ward get a bit more involved in missionary work, featuring various well-known Church members from the area. We're pretty excited for it and so far there seems to be a good response for members trying to invite their friends. Last night as we were knocking on doors we met a lady who is a pastor at a church in Seattle and she and her husband seemed interested when we brought up that day in Church. They said they would like to come so I guess we'll see if they actually do attend.

 

I spoke in Church on Sunday on Charity using various talks I have given on my mission and further insights I have learned out here. I added parts of President Monson's talk on the subject from the October 2010 General Relief Society Meeting.

 

The Church is true!

 

~Elder Fetzer

Drawing Nearer Towards 100%

Hello all,

 

It was great to hear from you yesterday. This is gonna be a short letter. In a week of many appointment fall-throughs, some endless days, and some disappointments we actually had a surprisingly good week teaching-wise.

 

We continue to teach our investigator, Subeer continues to look for truth about God and his plan. We have met with him a few times at his office on the Microsoft campus. He is beginning to understand the Nature of God and the necessity of the Atonement. Our lesson about Jesus Christ on Friday was a powerful, spirit-led lesson. We taught him how to repent and feel the cleansing power of the Atonement in all aspects of life. We read scripture and taught truth and the spirit was there. When we asked him to go home and look back on his life and ask the Lord to take away burdens that he felt he couldn't wait to try it and did it during his closing prayer, asking for forgiveness on how he has treated his parents and asking for strength to do better. It is amazing to me what the Light of Christ brings people to do even when we didn't specifically talk to him about that.

 

Nathaniel continues to prepare to be baptized next month. He has committed to begin living the Word of Wisdom by this week. He still has a ways to go in his journey towards baptism, but he'll make it as he sees the power of God in his life. 

 

We found a few new people this week. One man's name is Tatum. We taught him about Repentance and coming closer to God after a recent DUI. He says he's at 40% of where he wants to be, but we promised he can make 100% with God's help.

 

So things are going okay. People are progressing and wanting to learn the truth because this is the Lord's true Church once again restored on the earth.

 

~Elder Fetzer

Miracles Happen

Hello all,

 

Microsoft is everywhere. On any given day we have ridden through the worldwide headquarters on our way to an appointment or visit. We live right across the street from the campus and I would say that most of the people that we talk with each day have something to do with the company. I really had no idea that it was so big!

 

We did have a pretty good week, even though the pace was a bit slower than things were going in Renton. The highlight of the week was probably the visit of Elder Golden from the first quorum of the Seventy, who is currently conducting a mission tour. His message to the missionaries on Friday was powerful. He spoke of purifying our lives and listening to the spirit. His message helped me realize my potential as a missionary as I end my mission in 4 months. Last night he spoke at a missionary fireside. He spoke of the true nature of God. Some of his message went over my head, but the important part was that the spirit was there. After the meeting he spoke to a small group of missionaries, conveying the Lords love and support for us. It was great to hear a servant of the Lord help us realize our purpose.

 

We brought our investigator Ashley, who the elders here have been teaching for a few months. She thought it was powerful. After the meeting we took a walk around the temple grounds and helped her feel the spirit a bit more.

 

Right now we are teaching a few investigators. We have someone named Nathaniel that is preparing for baptism next month and is working on quitting smoking. In our last lesson we helped him understand what he needs to do in order to fully quit, including prayer and daily scripture study. 

 

We also have a few other investigators, including Charlie. We did service for him and taught him the Plan of Salvation. He wants us to come back and continue teaching him.

 

We did have a really neat miracle. On Wednesday we were walking home from a long, somewhat disappointing day. I saw a man crossing the street ahead and prayed that we could talk to him. He walked towards us and while we were talking to him he told us that he has been thinking about God lately and what He wants for this man to do in his life. So we're meeting with him on Tuesday at his office on the Microsoft campus. It showed me that God does watch out for us all and will provide miracles.

 

So I am here for a reason. Things are good. And I am excited for this transfer because the Church is true!

~Elder Fetzer

There & Back Again: A Missionary's Tale

Hello all,

 

So yes, this week was transfers again. And after 5 whole transfers in the Renton Highlands ward I was transferred to...the Bellevue 7th ward. Can you believe it? Back to Bellevue for the 3rd time and my 9th transfer here. So yes, I was here and now I'm back again! I guess I'm meant to do something more here.

My new companion's name is Elder Walker. He is from Pleasant Grove, Utah. I'm excited about this. When I told one of my missionary friends where I was going, he was super excited because he served there before. So I think that it will be okay. And who knows, maybe I'll end my mission here.

 

This last week was pretty good. We continued to teach Amina, having a good lesson at the church with her and having a powerful hymn-singing moment with her. We also taught Rachel and helped her understand the Book of Mormon. But we also did have some other powerful experiences, mostly with less-active members. All in all it was just an average week.

 

I don't know what all I accomplished in the Renton Highlands ward. Maybe it was to get the work moving again after many, many months of not much progress. Or to find and bring Amina back into the fold. But I do know that the spirit did touch many people's lives while I was there, which will leave an impact with them for the rest of their lives. And I was grateful to be a part of those people growing closer to Christ. But I felt that it was about time to move on. It will be sad. I made a lot of good friends there, but I know that I will see them again.

 

So I'm excited for this ward and area. Microsoft headquarters are literally across the street from our apartment. The ward is good and the work is moving forward because this is the Lord's work in His true Church!

 

Until next week,

 

~Elder Fetzer

Converted to the Lord

Hello all,

 

Well this was actually not too bad of a week. We continue to work with Amina and Rachel, but we did receive a bit of official news about Amina this week - she is already a member of the Church, baptized in Utah in 2007. She told us in our lesson this week. We had a few suspicions because she told us that she had been to Church several times in Utah, but didn't completely understand what baptism is and didn't remember receiving the Holy Ghost. When we gave the ward her full name and birth date, sure enough they were able to find her records. But whoever the missionaries were there did a really bad job. She doesn't know nearly any of the doctrine so we're still treating her as an investigator right now until she understands and fully believes the doctrine of the Church. So now Rachel is our only progressing investigator, but at least she has member fellowship right?

 

I did a really neat baptismal interview for a man named Grayson. He was baptized Saturday into the May Creek ward, one that hasn't baptized in nearly 2 years. He was tracted into and was a chain smoker for over 40 years and had many other addictions, which greatly affected his health. But the atonement of Jesus Christ affected him in such a way that he has been able to quit smoking. It was really amazing talking to him about his testimony of the Savior and repentance. His story really increased my testimony of what the Savior can do and really how likes can be changed by coming unto Him.

 

Yesterday we had our stake conference. They focused on youth and the dedication it takes in the Church to stay active in the gospel. The stake president talked about becoming truly converted to the Lord, not just to the Church. And when we are converted to the Lord we will not fail. Things that the Lord asks us to do will not be a burden because we have full faith that the Lord will fulfill His promises. It was a really great talk.

So the Renton Highlands are still good. We continue to work hard and we are seeing the blessings of the Lord because this is His true church.

~Elder Fetzer

Sunny Days Ahead

Hello all,

Well the sun came out and we went to work this week. We actually have been doing a bit of service this week for the Griffin's. They are a less-active couple that we visit on occasion and have done a lot of service for including yard work, raking, Christmas decorations, putting up shelves for a bathroom remodel, and other tasks around the house. They have a lot of health problems, which make it difficult for them to do the work. I guess it is also good preparation for when I get home as well. But I don't really mind serving for them.

 

Well spring is in the air and we have been having a lot more sunny and nice days. People seem more friendly. But we did have a crazy experience. We were talking to this guy at a bus stop when all of a sudden a tall man with long blond hair came up to us and started talking. He pointed around and turned around. "This is the either," he said. He pointed down and said, "This is the past." And swinging his arm up into the air he said, "the present and the future" ending pointing at a cloud in the sky. He told us that the clouds in the sky was a sign of how we know "they are coming." Then he pointed to the Book of Mormon that was in Elder Walk's hand. "I wrote the book," he said. "I am Joseph Smith!" Then this man raised his hands into the air and started talking/praying to the cloud's "face." Yeah, there are some crazy people in this world!

 

We did get a few new investigators this week, including Janet. She is probably in her late 50's. She is the friend of a less-active woman and was referred to us by her home teacher. We had a powerful restoration lesson with her yesterday and is looking forward to being baptized, although she only wants to really commit to it when she has a few more of her questions answered.

 

We also continue to teach Amina and Rachel. Amina came to Church yesterday for the third time and really liked it! We are going to try some new fellowship. There is a man in another ward that is also from Kenya. The ward council recommended that we also get him involved.

 

This was a good week and I am looking forward to more like this because the Church is true!

 

~Elder Fetzer

Easter

Hello all,

 

Well, this is gonna be short. Things are going well in the Renton Highlands. We had a good week - 24 lessons and most of them "other," which is the most I think I have ever taught in a single week. That doesn't necessarily mean that we were let into all those peoples houses, although we were for some, just that we were able to share a short message with a prayer. It was cool!

 

We continue to work with Amina and Rachel. They are progressing nicely, although they had to work last-minute and weren't able to come to Church, they still want to learn and are progressing. We had a great spirit-filled lesson on 2 Nephi ch. 31 on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and they really liked it. I think they're close.

Along with that we taught Steve. We've been trying to get in with him for a while and he finally had time! We taught him the Restoration.

 

We found a family that was baptized into another ward and lives in our area. I don't get why it happened. But we invited them to our ward party on Saturday and they came! The ward was very welcoming.

It was a great week to remember the resurrection and atonement of Christ! The Church is true!

 

~Elder Fetzer.

Feeling Joy Through Repentance

Hello all,

 

This week I met Elder Walk, who will be my new companion. He is from Nephi, Utah. He is a great hard-working companion and I have learned a lot from him.

 

Well, this was actually kind of an interesting week. I had leadership training for 2 whole days so there wasn't as much as we would have gotten done in this area, but we still did have an okay week. This transfer we are working on letting people know how they can feel greater joy through declaring repentance. Lately I have really gotten to know what the true meaning of our purpose is. Our purpose isn't just that we have a special message about Jesus Christ, or that God has called a prophet, or even that we know the purpose of life, but that through the power of God, we can help people change their ways and truly become the people that they have always dreamed of becoming, but haven't known how they can do so. We are here to help people become happy through the cleansing power of the atonement of Jesus Christ because "men are that they might have joy!" We are truly here to declare repentance and help people realize that God gives us commandments not to punish us, but because in his all-infinite wisdom, they will bring peace and direction into our lives. We have found a bit more success coming all our and talking to people about the Doctrine of Christ. It's really amazing!

 

We continue to meet with Levi. We used our training on helping make the commandments of God more personal to investigators and taught him the Word of Wisdom. Levi is interesting. He wants to change, but it has been difficult to help him realize that he can repent and change his ways. Maybe it will click with him soon.

We do have 2 progressing investigators. Amina and Rachel came to general conference Sunday morning and loved it! They wanted to stay longer, but didn't have time. So I guess we'll read some talks to them later. They are great!

 

My first district meeting was this week. We talked about how people truly do have the desire to change, but often don't know how or think that they can. So we talked about how through Doctrine of Christ that mighty change can come about and people can truly feel joy as we declare repentance.

Well, things in the Highlands are good. And yes, the Church is true!

 

~Elder Fetzer

God's Timing

Hello all,

Well, things up here in the highlands are actually doing okay. First off, we had an amazing lesson with Levi. We went by on Wednesday night. He was reluctant to let us in because he and his room mate, Betsy were mourning the loss of their neighbor that unexpectedly died. But we told them that our message could help them so they let us in. We taught them about God's plan and that their friend was not lost. That their friend was learning and growing closer to God in the spirit world. And most importantly, that they would see their friend again. We testified about the gospel, that it can help us through tough times, bring families closer together, and most importantly, make us happy, for that is God's plan! We testified about the joy of repentance and drawing closer to God through prayer. He was crying and told us that he had never felt the way he did during the lesson in his life. It was a powerful lesson that I think he will always remember. The spirit truly was there and was guiding the lesson. But we did have a mini-miracle associated with him. After Wednesday, he was hard to get in contact with again. So Saturday night I prayed that he would have a change of heart, remembering and knowing the importance of our message. And so, Sunday night we got a phone call from him. He apologized about the way he was acting. We told him we weren't angry with him and he wants to continue to meet with us. We have a lesson tonight!

Our investigators Amina and Rachel, from Kenya are still doing good. They continue to learn and to listen. And they are coming to Church! Hopefully when we go back this week, they'll have read the Book of Mormon, like we asked.

When we were tracting a few weeks ago we met Clayton. He is from Mexico, but speaks English very well! We invited him to read the Book of Mormon and gave him an English copy, but told him that when we came back, we would bring him a Spanish copy. He told us he would be out of town for work, but to try back later. He didn't give us a date for his return. So when we invited a ward missionary to a lesson that fell thorough I felt that we should go try him again. We got in and taught him about the Book of Mormon.  And when we were about to give him a Spanish copy he told us that Spanish missionaries had come earlier in the day and had given him a Spanish copy. So he had 2 companionships invite him to read in a day! We found out he had just gotten back from his work trip so really there had been no time that had gone by with him at home that he hadn't seen missionaries! Isn't God's timing amazing? He must want Clayton to read the Book of Mormon!

So things are gong okay. We have people to teach and God is preparing others because he wants them in His true Church!

~Elder Fetzer

The First Vision Changes Everything

Hello all,

 

Well transfer time is here again and guess what? I'm staying here in the Renton Highlands for a 5th transfer! I guess there is still a work for me to be a part of here! And the really crazy thing is that I was called to be a District Leader. I'm kinda scared for what I am going to say/do, but I think that it will be okay.

 

This week we met Steve. He is in his 30's and wants to learn more about God. And the great thing is that he already knows members! So member fellowship is going to be key. We have our first lesson with him tomorrow night. He seems pretty solid.

 

I don't know if I told you about Amina. She is from Kenya and may be a member because she thinks she was baptized in Utah, but for now we're treating her as a investigator. She doesn't really have a knowledge about who Joseph Smith is and what the Book of Mormon is. When we met with her last Wednesday she kept on telling us how she would continue to read the bible, but as soon as we told Joseph Smith's account of the first vision, the mood changed. Even her friend Rachel who was there was different. They listened and felt. When she heard that the Book of Mormon tells of when Christ visited the Americas, they was intrigued. Amina and Rachel came to Church on Sunday, and they said they liked it, even though it was kind of a "rough" meeting. It was on canning and food storage -  a strange topic. And the speakers were so monotone, but the talks ended up well and the spirit was there and I think that they'll come again. So things are gong along. Yes, I'm staying and yes, it's okay. And the Church is still true, and the book blue (cheesy I know)!

 

From the Highlands,

~Elder Fetzer