Elder Bremen Acord

Good Morning my wonderful family! How are all of you?

So last night we got a pretty interesting transfer call. I was texting President about how the attendance was in Sacrament this week and I told him that he better not call us because I really didn't want to leave. He texted back, "sinto muito" which basically means I'm sorry. Then he made us sit there and be super stressed for another hour! He then called and I refused to answer the phone, so Elder Darling answered it and started freaking out and making weird faces and stuff. Then he got off all mad and he said that we are both getting transfered to Praia to serve as the new zone leaders of the new zone in Praia. A new Island got opened up for the first time ever, Maio. And It is now part of our zone, which means that I'm going to be visiting Maio too! Sooo it super sucks that Im leaving Porto Novo, but at least I am staying with Elder Darling and we are going to be visiting Maio. The really hard part though is that our plane doesnt leave until tomorrow night, which means that our family night tonight is going to be super sad... Some people are going to be pretty upset. I had an absolutely amazing time here in Porto Novo. Easily my favorite area. We had another really good baptism on Saturday that was pretty sick. I have met soo many awesome people here and one day we HAVE to come back here and visit these people. It's weird to think now though that Praia could be one of my last areas. I'm excited, it should be a good experience, apparently we are going to be serving in this brand new branch that is kind of struggling, so we will see how that goes. We also have our mission leadership council on Wednesday this week. I won't be traveling nearly as much anymore. It should be a good transfer.

Okay, I love you family! Have a great week! 

Love,

Elder Acord

Elder Dallin Stout

My first week out here has been awesome! I love the weather and seeing the ocean. My trainer is Elder Driggs, he has been out for 3 months. I dont have a bike yet, I borrow a big mountain bike for now from one of the zone leaders. I found out I can't wear light colored pants so it's a good thing I didn't bring them all!  Oh I got a package the day before I left the MTC. It had salsa in it and when I went through security at the airport they threw it away!  Apparently everyone knows that except me, so I had to go through again. 
As a companionship we have one investigator that has memory loss so she has been taught every lesson 4 or 5 times! but she is making progress.  We'll get her baptized eventually, it will just take a lot of patience.  We have lots of potential investigators that we just have to contact. The first person I talked to while on my bike gave us her address and said to come see her. Also my first door approach, I said we are sharing a message and he let us in!  My companion said that was the first time someone has ever let him come in before.  It's been only a week and I have already declared to a gay couple and the same old lesbian couple twice!  It's kinda awkward!  We have a mission car that we share, so we get to use it every other day. 
The ward here is great! people feed us every night and one night we were hosted by a non member couple.  The man was born and raised in Layton and went to high school there so we had a lot to talk about!  I now weigh 155 pounds so I already know I'm going to get fat unless I can find a good way to work out every day!!  Yesterday was my first day at church and it was the Primary program.  The kids very basically taught all the missionary lessons, and there were around 40 non members visiting!  
The other day we were going to see an old lady at her house but she wasn't there.  We were about to leave when we saw a lady near by moving boxes into her car.  We thought about just leaving but decided to help her.  When we did we told her who we are and what we do. Then she just opened up to us and told us how she is going threw a very nasty divorce and lost everything, including her daughter.  She was getting ready to move to London.  After she told us this she started to cry and told us how grateful she was for us coming by.  We told her how the gospel can bring joy to her life and gave her a book of mormon.  We said a prayer with her. After that she gave me a hug, and I just remembered how we can't do that.  But she needed it and I must have had a weird look on my face because my companion saw. That was a testimony to me that the Lord prepares people for us to bring to the gospel and puts them in our path if we are looking. It really was a miracle that we found her at that exact moment before she was leaving.  We are trying to help a less active quit addictions and come to church.  He knows it's true but he needs a little help.  I ask you to keep Troy and Marry (our investigator) in your prayers to help them come closer to God.

Elder Stout

Elder McCade Tracy

September 30, 2013

I've been doing really well! This past week was a really good one with a lot of different surprises! We've been able to stay fairly busy this past week with teaching a lot of good people and meeting a whole bunch more with great opportunities for unplanned service for others.

We just hit a cold spell for the last couple days but later this week we'll be back up to the mid 80's for a little while, but it's all good hopefully we'll be inside a lot teaching people during the warmest parts of the day.

Trent got BAPTIZED LAST SATURDAY!!!!! We texted him on Tuesday and asked when a good time to meet him this week would be and his response shocked both Elder Gallagher and I, he told us that he would like to meet on Friday and then get baptized on Saturday! The rest of the week just seemed like a blur as we met with people just wanting Friday and Saturday to come a little bit faster, yes he came to church and was confirmed but had to leave after sacrament because he wasn't feeling well but he did come to the fireside last night and almost stayed for the whole time but had to leave early. Our only other progressing is Donald Morris, we've been meeting with him regularly for the past little while and we've set a baptismal month for him in February and we'll be meeting with him tonight to see what his answer was for a specific date in February.

A spiritual experience that I had this past week was when we were meeting with Donald on Thursday night, and we had just gotten done reading 3 Nephi 18-19, as we were discussing things Donald had to get up and take care of a few things around the house and I got the prompting to invite him to be baptized but I didn't know specifically when. So I thought about it more and more, my first thought was December but nothing came, then January and that was a little iffy, finally a feeling came over me that possibly could have knocked me down, if I were standing, for February. I didn't get a specific date but I knew that he is supposed to get baptized in February, we'll be meeting with him tonight to see what his answer is and hopefully he received an answer as we have been praying for one for a long time.

High - Having Trent be baptized this past Saturday and having him confirmed on Sunday, he'll definitely be a strong member of the Branch.

Low - Not meeting with as many people this week as we have in the past

October 7, 2013

It was really awesome for Trent to get baptized last week, and we've been able to stay relatively busy this past week. Yeah, on the 20th it'll be a full year since I opened my call and it really doesn't seem like it's been a full year since that time. It's almost a sure thing that I'll be transferred  because after talking with President Woodbury at interviews I know that he's gonna transfer me and I know that because the last few transfers I've asked him if I could stay for another transfer and I did. So I know my time in Shively is drawing to a close soon. It's been a short 7 months of a mission, and I kinda feel like an old dog at this but I still know that I have a lot of work to do and a lot more things to learn.

Conference was a really great experience and I loved every talk but my favorite one was President Uchtdorf's in Priesthood session and rising up and doing it now! It was a good thing to hear and it motivated me to work a lot harder than I have been the past little bit.

We had one to conference, which is a new investigator and a friend of Joshs' that he brought.

High - Hearing all the wonderful talks and being part of a missionary force that tops 80,000 now.

Low - I fell off my bike on Friday night and got a little bruised and banged up, and my first thought was of both Dallin and Grandpa and their situations.

I learned that I cannot get frustrated with others because they don't learn things as quickly as I do.

October 14, 2013

This week has been really fun and interesting at the same time. The start of the week went really fast, and as it got into the end of the week it started to slow down a little bit so I was able to really take it all in and so I could remember the feelings that I've had in this area. Hopefully, the members of the branch get going after I shared my testimony for the last time in the branch. And it seemed to work because a few of them were talking to Elder Gallagher about a few appointments next week.

High - Getting a few new investigators from the former's that were taught about 5 years ago!

Low - Having to say good bye to all the people that I've grown really close to and gotten to work with over these past 7 months, and just about everyone can't believe that it's already been 7 months and they think that I just barley arrived.

I learned that not only did I notice the change in myself, but also many of the members and people that I've worked with. Many of the members said that they remembered when I first arrived and I was so shy, timid and I didn't want to talk to anyone. Now, I've completely changed from who I was 7 months ago! They also see the confidence in me, and how I've really grown to who I am now. They all told me that no matter where I'm sent to next that who ever I talk to will be very lucky to have me, that really ment a lot to me to know that everyone there cares about me so much! Before priesthood started, President Russell told me that at least one of the bricks that will be laid, as they try to move to a ward, is mine because of the time and effort that I've put into this branch.

The first one  is a woman named Felicia that we were teaching a little while ago, third is a woman named Joyce that we've been teaching for about 5 months.

October 21, 2013

I've been transferred! Well, I'm pretty far out of Louisville in a small place called Owensboro and I'm still in Kentucky! My comp is named Elder Stoddard and he has been here for about 5 months and he's from Ogden, UT. He's also been out on his mission for about 14 months already. Also, some really cool news..... I get to drive now! We are definitely in a car area and both he and I have the privilege to drive the car :) it's gonna be really fun!

High - meeting more amazing members of the Church, I also spoke yesterday in Sacrament which was a really great experience because I was able to follow the Spirit in what I needed to say and I talked about Missionary work, and I related to the story of Alma in Alma 8 and how he went about things a different way to have success in the city of Ammoniha, you should definitely read it and see if we come up with the same answer in what it's letting the members of the Church know how to help move the work forward.

Low - not getting any of our investigators, that told us they'd come to Church, to Church yesterday.

The area is a branch, but it's a much bigger branch than Shawnee, they're much closer to becoming a small ward and the Branch President issued a challenge to all the members to invite someone into their homes to start things rolling so that early next year they may take the discussions and we'll be able to become a ward by next year!

Elder Justin Thiel

Dear mom:

That's great to hear that Matt is a priest now.  Tell him that missionary prep is important and to take it seriously because I didn't.  Tell Horsley that I said hi and tell him that I am really thankful for always sticking with me and picking me up for activities even if I didn't want to go.  I think that he is one of the biggest influences for me on serving a mission.  Also tell Brother Savage that I still work out every morning and that he can't slack off just because I'm gone now.

One of the biggest things that I'm starting right now is that I'm learning how to teach a "stop smoking class" that helps people stop smoking in just a week and we already have some people that want to take the class from us. We just had a mission conference yesterday and we had Elder Aidukaitis of the 70 speak to us.  He taught us the importance of goals and inviting people to be baptized in the first lesson.  I got to do a role play with him in front of everyone one because me and my companion were the only ones brave enough to do it.  Not everyone can say that they got to do a role play (which is when you act like your teaching someone and the Elder Aidukaitis played the investigator we were teaching) with a general authority.  They taught us the importance of making goals with faith and also of the power of prayer.

I would say that the most important thing that I can get any of my investigators to do is to read the Book of Mormon.  The introduction in the front of the book doesn't lie.  Anyone who reads the book and then diligently prays about it with real intent or intending on acting on the answer they receive will get a divine witness that the book is true. It's something that you have to do that no one else can do for you and it's the most important step in learning if the gospel is true because if the book is true, then everything else that I teach someone is true because it all can be found in that book.  I would say also to not take anyones word for anything untill you try this out yourself because in all reality, truth only comes from God, so ask Him and that's where you will get the truth of all things.

I didn't get transfered so I'm still in the same area but I did grill chicken this week for a family that we had dinner with and it was amazing.  I prepared it myself so now I know how to make some awesome chicken.

Elder Zach Beckman

Elder Beckman and Elder Seegmiller

HEY YALL!!

so..... as you all know, now I am a trainer!! So I got my new comp last week and his name is Elder Seegmiller! He is from Kaysville he is way sick and is an awesome missionary, ha ha, all I can say is he is sick!!  The only part that stinks about him is that he went to Davis ha ha but he sleeps with a huge Davis High blanket on his bed!!  But he is an awesome missionary.  Last week we went on exchanges and he went to richmond north and got 4 new investigators and they are not even in our area ha ha ha, I was like why don't you do that in our own area before you go doing it to other areas?? ha haha But he is cool and we are getting along great!!

 

Well next story is, I met Sis Hatch!! (Kaylas friend) she came up to me at transfers and we talked for a bit and how she is liking it so far,  and man, I'll tell ya.... its about time we started getting good looking sisters in the mission, ha ha, like the whole group of new missionaries was a solid 8 feet or higher ha ha but man good thing my heart is locked!!  But president did say "lock your heart but..... you would have to be stupid not to look" haha, so ya, that's a good thing thats also happening!

 

Next story would have to be a sweet miracle we had!!  So we were tracting down a street and we walked by a house and a girl came out crying and asked us if we would go inside and talk to them!!  First off, that was already cool in and of its self, but when we walked inside everyone was just bawling!!!  We talked to the mom and she told us that her son was just murdered last night in front of their own house and she had seen the whole thing!  It was totally gang related and she didnt know what to do and was just shaking like non stop!  So we offered to give her a blessing and holy cow the spirit was so strong it was nuts.  I gave the blessing and while doing it, like half way through she just changed.... she was calm and began to control herself and it was just amazing to see the spirit change someone like that fast, and this was Elder Seegmiller's First day ha ha so of course he was just dumbfounded and couldn't talk and holy cow it was just awesome! and I totally love being a missionary for times like these!!

 

Next and last story is that we started a 15 step program to help Cinderella stop smoking today and its going to work. I'll tell ya she is so sick of her life and just wants to start over and I'm like well you know for the last 3 months we have been telling you that this gospel "CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE" ha ha. I am super bold with her because we are close but she will just laugh and it kills me because she has so much potential and she won't leave that  boy friend of hers and move out!!!  Ahh I just wanna kick him out for her but only time will tell on this one but I love her and she will be baptized one day!!

 

Well I love you all and miss you!  I hope you all have a fun week without me... man it must suck not having me there but don't worry, I'll be back in 20 months so relax till then but until then just know I love ya!!!

 

Peace out ya'll

Elder Beckman

Elder Beckman and Elder Price, WWW missionaries serving together....POWERHOUSEES!!!

Elder Seth Garner

October 8th:

This week has been satisfying. I am completely drained, but I am satisfied! Elder Carey and I had a lot to do this past week, which left very little time to be doing things in our own area. First of all, General Conference was amazing! (Did anyone else notice the fly that landed on the Australian guy's nose?) This week we were completed adding a family to our teaching pool, the Taylor family. We found Kristi Taylor a while back, added her as an investigator, but haven't been able to visit with her for a long time because she has major health problems. This week we were able to visit with her again, add her two sons, who are fifteen and twelve, and commit them to watching General Conference. They weren't able to come to the stake center to watch it with us, but they watched it at home... DANG that made me so happy! The Taylor family is so solid! They have accepted everything that we have taught them so far, and have agreed to be baptized when they know it is true.

We had our zone meeting yesterday, which is where Elder Carey and I get to teach the zone for two and a half hours. It went great, and the Penasquitos stake president was even there! Elder Carey taught about member missionary work, and I talked about becoming a successful missionary. You know you are a successful missionary when you can feel the Spirit as you teach. Success on a mission is measured by your commitment to find, teach, baptize and confirm, and help converts enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and eventually lead them to making more covenants. I came up with the "3 don'ts" in missionary work. Don't become depressed. Always know that your Father in Heaven is with you, and if you are doing the Lord's work, you cannot fail. Hold fast to the Atonement, and never turn back. When the sons of Mosiah were ready to give up while teaching the Lamanites, the Lord comforted them, and helped bear their afflictions. Don't become discouraged. If you are discouraged your faith will weaken. When your faith weakens, doubt and fear enter, diminishing your ability to feel the Spirit. Don't become disappointed in yourself. Missions may be full of disappointments, but as long as you are doing your very best, you cannot be disappointed in yourself. I think that it really helped out the zone, because there are a few missionaries who have been having a rough time with these things (I loved Elder Holland's talk on depression.).

Well, it is Elder Carey's last week, so we are going to make it a good one! I am so excited to see the progression of those I am teaching. I love to see people use the Atonement, and gain a knowledge that they can be forgiven of sin. I love the Lord!

Love,

       Elder Garner

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Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 11:28:12 -0700

Man oh man, this week has been nuts! It was Elder Carey's last week, so it was filled with many goodbye's. He was in PQ for ten months! That is a stinking long time! I had to drop him off at the airport this morning, that was quite the tender moment. I sure am going to miss that guy. He was a great influence to me, and an incredible missionary. But, life goes on, as always. I am staying with some elders in my zone, and I will be getting my new companion tomorrow. I sure hope I get someone who knows what they are doing, because I am still trying to figure out how to be a zone leader! I am stoked though!!!

We had our first rain of the year this Wednesday. I have missed the rain so much! I have gotta say though, I have become quite the wuss when it comes to the cold, because it dropped down into the high 60's, and I was freezing my tail off! I am so used to 80-90 degree weather it is not even funny.

My dear friend Dennis Reynolds from Julian is in line for baptism on the twenty-sixth of this month, and I cannot wait to go up and see him! Andrea Listeningdeer is also getting baptized on November second. I am so happy for them both! Also, Diana Sherwood will be getting baptized in the same month. Dang, things are going swell!!!

Things are going pretty well on my end here in Penasquitos as well, granted I am still trying to get my feet under me and figure out how I am going to do without Elder Carey. Aaron Gadberry is in a bit of a rut right now. His girlfriend being completely anti is helping out a whole bunch with that. So, we will see what happens. We meet with the Taylor family tomorrow, and I am so excited! They are going to progress so quickly, and the church is going to bless their family more than they could ever imagine!

Oh, I JUST found out that my good pal Elder Casey is getting transferred from Julian. It is so weird to see the area that I was able to start be taken over by two completely different missionaries. Well, I know that things are going to continue to boom for Julian, and I will be there for all of my investigators baptisms!

I can't wait for this next transfer, I know it is going to be good! I know God lives, and I certainly know that His Son died for us. I love the Atonement of Christ, and I absolutely love being able to share it!

Love,

       Elder Garner

Elder Garner on P-day at the coast

Elder Brandon Wallis

Jackson's Baptism went really well (picture attached)! We could tell that his Dad hadn't done it in a really long time. We had to help him get the placement of his arms right, haha. It was really cool though. I got to be in the Confirmation circle! That was really special. Max came! He seemed to enjoy it. We're going to teach him about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. We also had a couple other investigators come. Mallissa is a new investigator. We invited her to come see the Baptism the day before! She came and liked it. She's already read some of the Book Of Mormon. We have another investigator, Marcella. She's a friend of the Bakers family. All we have to do is teach her the lessons and she's going to get Baptized. Then we have Sylvie Johnson, and her two daughters, Nina and Lilly. They are all going to get Baptized in November, most likely. Beau is doing ok. He got offended because someone took down his posters that were advertising his tool chests for sale in the Church. Ferman and Denice are also doing okay, but not as well as we would like. Denice would rather go to the Catholic Church. Ferman would rather go the LDS Church. He really likes the environment and people there. They'll come around!