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
August 27, 2012
August 21, 2012
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
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
August 13, 2012
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
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
August 6, 2012
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
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
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