APRIL 29,2009
We are still teaching the Ewashens, and yes they are the family of five. We've just been running into a few brick walls with them. We have been trying to help them find the faith to make the leap to come to church
Kyle's family is debating on moving right now. The step-father's mother has MS and is getting worse, so they might be leaving the ward. Kyle actually has missed the last few Sundays, which is kind of disappointing.
As for Katie, we think she just up and quit working at the Sev. She might have moved back to Saskatchewan. We haven't been able to contact her for awhile. We never see her at the Sev during her normal work hours. We are disappointed, but we were never really taught her a formal lesson, every time we would set up an appointment, she would cancel.
As for the girls who came to the Reflections of Christ exhibit, only Christina is coming to the ward. She is actually dating one of the members. She helps him come to church half of the time.
Transfer day is coming. We are attending a Zone Preparation day today.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
APRIL 2009
APRIL 8, 2009
I had an awesome Birthday. Sister Quinton made me lunch. It was Alfredo Pasta sauce, on spaghetti noodles. Later we went to the Joseph's and they gave an awesome dinner as always. They also gave me a cake, cookies and cream Flavor. So that was really cool to! Brother Joseph, like I've said before acts a lot like Eddie. It's awesome to see him.
Yes we are still teaching Lorraine, we just only get to see her every other week. Unfortunately her father has become quite non conducive to the spirit being there when we teach. He is trying to bash the church right and left, when all the scriptures he uses, so do we. It's just annoying really. Tomorrow we will meet with them at the Bishops house, because he lives right next door, so HOPEFULLY that will help a lot. The Bishop has a lot of knowledge and can probably help us keep will from bursting out with another annoying rabbit trail of scriptures. It'll be interesting that's for sure
I did get to watch Conference. My companion and I watched at the Church here in town. We watched the final session with Cole, our most progressing investigator. He is really cool and we think he could be baptized. We just need to help him find his faith.
APRIL 1, 2009
So, I feel better at teaching, it's still not as easy as i wish it was, but it is getting better. We are currently teaching the Ewashen family and Lorraine and her family. We haven't been able to meet with them the last week but we have lessons with them tomorrow. Things are getting a little rough right now, because Lorraine's father is being really Anti-Book of Mormon, saying that all that is needed to be known is found in the Bible. He also thinks that he is proving us wrong when he quotes random things from the Bible, yet we still agree with all he says. For example, last time he quoted Isaiah on the verses that Handel's used in the Messiah, i.e. the verse that says he shall be called wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. It's getting really rough there, and Both Elder Holder and I feel that she won't really look into being a member, or truly studying the Book of Mormon unless he is not there when we discuss it.
We also have a new investigator who's name is Cole Baker. He is in a Common Law relationship with a less active member. He more than anything else, just wants to learn more about her religion. He is more interested in the points, and beliefs for knowledge sake. As we taught him lesson one last night, the spirit was strong in their home. so it was really cool. Elder Holder ended up doing most of the talking though. The member who came with us, Mike, and I did answer questions as well.
On a Brighter note we have an awesome investigator that we are meeting with twice a week right now. We have already taught him the first two lessons and half of the Third. On the second appointment, we unknowingly taught him the Plan of Salvation, because we were just answering the questions that he had. He later that same night said that all the problems that he ever had with Christianity has been fixed by the Book of Mormon. He's still in the process of reading it, but he has been able to feel the spirit as we testify to him of what is taught from it, as well as the modern revelations that are given through the Prophets in this Dispensation. He is actually in a common-law with a less active LDS member, and that has really been what has sparked his interest. They are looking into getting married soon, after they fix a few things in their relationship, so if he does want to get baptized, which both Elder Holder and I think he will, he'll be able to.
I had an awesome Birthday. Sister Quinton made me lunch. It was Alfredo Pasta sauce, on spaghetti noodles. Later we went to the Joseph's and they gave an awesome dinner as always. They also gave me a cake, cookies and cream Flavor. So that was really cool to! Brother Joseph, like I've said before acts a lot like Eddie. It's awesome to see him.
Yes we are still teaching Lorraine, we just only get to see her every other week. Unfortunately her father has become quite non conducive to the spirit being there when we teach. He is trying to bash the church right and left, when all the scriptures he uses, so do we. It's just annoying really. Tomorrow we will meet with them at the Bishops house, because he lives right next door, so HOPEFULLY that will help a lot. The Bishop has a lot of knowledge and can probably help us keep will from bursting out with another annoying rabbit trail of scriptures. It'll be interesting that's for sure
I did get to watch Conference. My companion and I watched at the Church here in town. We watched the final session with Cole, our most progressing investigator. He is really cool and we think he could be baptized. We just need to help him find his faith.
APRIL 1, 2009
So, I feel better at teaching, it's still not as easy as i wish it was, but it is getting better. We are currently teaching the Ewashen family and Lorraine and her family. We haven't been able to meet with them the last week but we have lessons with them tomorrow. Things are getting a little rough right now, because Lorraine's father is being really Anti-Book of Mormon, saying that all that is needed to be known is found in the Bible. He also thinks that he is proving us wrong when he quotes random things from the Bible, yet we still agree with all he says. For example, last time he quoted Isaiah on the verses that Handel's used in the Messiah, i.e. the verse that says he shall be called wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. It's getting really rough there, and Both Elder Holder and I feel that she won't really look into being a member, or truly studying the Book of Mormon unless he is not there when we discuss it.
We also have a new investigator who's name is Cole Baker. He is in a Common Law relationship with a less active member. He more than anything else, just wants to learn more about her religion. He is more interested in the points, and beliefs for knowledge sake. As we taught him lesson one last night, the spirit was strong in their home. so it was really cool. Elder Holder ended up doing most of the talking though. The member who came with us, Mike, and I did answer questions as well.
On a Brighter note we have an awesome investigator that we are meeting with twice a week right now. We have already taught him the first two lessons and half of the Third. On the second appointment, we unknowingly taught him the Plan of Salvation, because we were just answering the questions that he had. He later that same night said that all the problems that he ever had with Christianity has been fixed by the Book of Mormon. He's still in the process of reading it, but he has been able to feel the spirit as we testify to him of what is taught from it, as well as the modern revelations that are given through the Prophets in this Dispensation. He is actually in a common-law with a less active LDS member, and that has really been what has sparked his interest. They are looking into getting married soon, after they fix a few things in their relationship, so if he does want to get baptized, which both Elder Holder and I think he will, he'll be able to.
APRIL, 2009
APRIL 15, 2009
Here in the Innisfail District we have District meetings Monday of every other week(2,4,and6). and we have Zone conferences once a transfer. Here they have been Tuesday of the third week.
Anyways, our investigators are doing well. Cole just turned 21 i think, they had a birthday party for him yesterday, so we weren't able to teach him. As for the Ewashens, we weren't able to meet with them last Thursday because most of them had Strep throat. We got good news from Lorraine. She has read 50 pages into the first book of Nephi, on last report, she's probably farther now. So things are going pretty well there now.
We fast every other week for a different area in our district, and the investigators they have in that area. That way each area gets the blessings they need in turn.
We do walk from time to time, now that the weather is warm enough to allow us out for longer periods of time. We do still use the car a lot, because we are in an outlying area and it's quicker. In other parts of the mission, especially in the city, there are areas known as walking areas. and it's really not all that bad out. I've acclimated quite well. I don't need a coat when it's +10C out after all. It's been pretty warm, and our suit coats keep us warm enough when it's between -10C and +10C. and it's really not all that bad out.
Here in the Innisfail District we have District meetings Monday of every other week(2,4,and6). and we have Zone conferences once a transfer. Here they have been Tuesday of the third week.
Anyways, our investigators are doing well. Cole just turned 21 i think, they had a birthday party for him yesterday, so we weren't able to teach him. As for the Ewashens, we weren't able to meet with them last Thursday because most of them had Strep throat. We got good news from Lorraine. She has read 50 pages into the first book of Nephi, on last report, she's probably farther now. So things are going pretty well there now.
We fast every other week for a different area in our district, and the investigators they have in that area. That way each area gets the blessings they need in turn.
We do walk from time to time, now that the weather is warm enough to allow us out for longer periods of time. We do still use the car a lot, because we are in an outlying area and it's quicker. In other parts of the mission, especially in the city, there are areas known as walking areas. and it's really not all that bad out. I've acclimated quite well. I don't need a coat when it's +10C out after all. It's been pretty warm, and our suit coats keep us warm enough when it's between -10C and +10C. and it's really not all that bad out.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
MARCH 2009
MARCH 26,2009
Yesterday we were in a City called Rocky Mountain house. we went with Brother and Sister Quinton because it is about an hours drive to get there. we had lunch and played games with another pair of Elders who are in that City, but are in our district, Elder Gaboriault and Elder Fowler. We played games like Wizard, which is kind of like Mormon Bridge only you start at one and just go up till the deck runs out of cards each turn, and Canasta, and Stiks, which is a game somewhat like phase ten, only instead of everybody working on the same phase or goal, each person has their own goal, or stick that is drawn from a box, and the goal is to get to seven sticks before anyone else.
When we go to members homes for dinner we teach a lesson , usually consisting of something we read that day, or from the lessons in Preach my Gospel. We are actually currently teaching the members of the PEC the missionary lessons so that we can find a better way to teach the members of the ward, and be able to receive referrals from them to teach.
MARCH 18, 2009
Well teaching this last week has gone pretty well. Lorraine and her family had quite a few questions for us, such as the difference between Translation and Transfiguration, and resurrected beings as well. We taught them half of Lesson one in Preach my Gospel, and we made a return appointment to go see them in a week from tomorrow, they were really busy all this week. We did invite them to be baptized, and they said they would consider it, depending on how they felt in what they read, and what they felt when they prayed. It's exciting when we go and teach them. I might be transferred. Transfer calls are on Monday and I really don't want to leave Innisfail quite yet though. I want to stay at least one more transfer, to see how things go with Lorraine and her Family, as well as one of the Young Men in the Ward who just sent off his Papers. I wanna know where he's gonna go. He's really a cool guy, into most of the same stuffI am, and he's gonna be an amazing missionary, I can tell. He's just got that flame that's burning so bright right now, cause he just wants to help people find the truth. He's almost 21 now, and was less-active for a while, but has been doing really well recently, and has been teaching Primary Kids. He came with us to our last meeting with Lorraine and her family, and they were really amazed that a young man like him would take on the calling of teaching eleven-twelve year olds at Church.
We will be teaching one of our recent converts that is 11 about the priesthood soon. He turns twelve in May, so we're gonna try and prepare him for it, and we are also gonna see if his step-dad has any interest in taking the lessons. He wasn't the last time he was asked when Kyle first started to take the lessons, but he's always been supportive of Kyle in all that he's done, and he's always standing in the kitchen, which is right next to the front room of their house, when we teach Kyle and he joins in, and we've asked him a few questions, like about the Ten Commandments and stuff, so he might be more receptive now, who knows. We'll just talk to him and see how he feels. Kyle's Mother is less active and we've been trying to get to her as well when we've been teaching Kyle, and it has helped her, cause she would read with and pray with Kyle when he was investigating, and deciding whether or not he wanted to join. Then about a month ago he was struggling with coming to church cause he doesn't have many friends there unfortunatly, and were trying to help him get the number up, but it's a little difficult, but his mom suggested to him to pray about whether or not he should still come or not.
In this area we get invited to eat at members homes most every night. We have a list that gets passed around during Relief Society and it gets filled up really quick. Tonight we are going to a member who is an Elder for the Genealogy work and says he might have a way to help us over the pond to continue our work. I'm taking my stuff with me to see him so we can get a pretty accurate finding. We'll be having Sushi and Miso Soup there. He's really cool.
MARCH 10. 2009
Hello everyone!
I'm still in Innisfail for at least two more weeks, and I'm really hoping to stay, because I've really grown to love the investigators that we have and the members of the ward! They are all Awesome. It's been a bit cold this past week. The coldest day being today, at -28C, but it's been at max 10 degrees warmer than that. IT"S BEEN A COLD WEEK! YAY FOR GOOD WINTER GEAR!
Well, I've got a couple of updates on our Teaching. One girl we've been trying to teach, Katie, is going to meet us at the church tonight, to meet with the Bishop of the Inninsfail Ward. Katie works at the local Sev, and is a single mom, and going through a really tough time right now. We were talking to her on Friday, the day we had a nice little Blizzard, and the only thing I could think of the whole time was having her talk to the Bishop, so I suggested it to her, and she agreed. So we will meet her later tonight to introduce her to the Bishop and then show her around the building and explain a few things to her, as well as answer any questions that she has, which will hopefully be many.
On Saturday/Sunday we found a new family to teach. It's a Family of Four, and the reason I say Saturday/Sunday is cause we met the first half on Saturday and the Second half on Sunday. We are hoping to share with them how the Gospel can strengthen the family, cause when we were there, a few unkind words were said to each other.
Lorraine and her Family actually had to cancel our their appointment for last Thursday, because they had to go a few towns over for some reason at the same time that we were gonna teach them. So we are scheduled to meet with them THIS Thursday instead and share with them the full message of the restoration, since we didn't get to last time that we were there. This is the family that lives right next to the Bishop, in case you don't know, or remember.
That's really about it for our main focus investigators right now. we are still trying to teach a few, but they can't seem to get enough time to sit down with us and talk to us. So we will be doing our best to stay warm, and not freeze to death.
Next week on our preparation day we are Helping Brother Nagle, an older man, and one of the first members in this area, move some stuff out of his basement using Brother Quintons truck. It's all old Family History stuff too! I'll be on the email on Thursday.
The work is still kinda slow here, but it's not as bad as it was because we actually have investigators now! We still run into the annoying anti-Mormon people. Like the other day, some lady bit our heads off cause we are Mormon, and then stated the things that she'd learned in some sort of class given by one of the churches in town about Mormons. Let me tell ya, not fun. Both Elder Holder and I had things we could have said, but neither of us felt that we should speak to her further so after her rant we left. One of the boys in the ward is almost ready to go on his mission! I'm excited for him!
MARCH 4,2009
The meeting with the family of five, actually turned into us just teaching the Grandfather and Mother of the Family, cause her Husband was in another city for work and didn't have the chance to come back due to the weather, and I have no clue why the boys weren't there. The lesson went really well, and we shared with her the story of the stripling Warriors and we both bore testimony of the Book of Mormon. Mostly Elder Holder was the one who talked. We had more of a getting to know you type deal then an actual set lesson, cause they haven't quite agreed to take the lessons yet, but I think that she, and possibly the rest of her family, will be baptized. They are really kind folks and are really well read in the bible.
As for other investigators, we have a couple of girls that we are teaching, and they haven't quite truly started the lessons with them yet, but they have been coming to Church the last couple of weeks. They are friends with a few of the boys in our Ward.
We are also hoping to start teaching a man named Ron. He is engaged to one of our members, and said that he had a dream where they were in the temple, getting sealed, and Her non-member daughter was there as well. He came to church this last week, and loved it! He said everyone was really nice to him, which of course is one of the best things that we can hope for as missionaries.
As for studying, we study for a couple of hours a day. One hour is for personal study, the second is for Comp Study. Right now I'm studying the Book of Mormon, and Preach My Gospel. This is what my mission president has told me to study, cause it is the quickest way to learn the scriptures that we need to know
Yesterday we were in a City called Rocky Mountain house. we went with Brother and Sister Quinton because it is about an hours drive to get there. we had lunch and played games with another pair of Elders who are in that City, but are in our district, Elder Gaboriault and Elder Fowler. We played games like Wizard, which is kind of like Mormon Bridge only you start at one and just go up till the deck runs out of cards each turn, and Canasta, and Stiks, which is a game somewhat like phase ten, only instead of everybody working on the same phase or goal, each person has their own goal, or stick that is drawn from a box, and the goal is to get to seven sticks before anyone else.
When we go to members homes for dinner we teach a lesson , usually consisting of something we read that day, or from the lessons in Preach my Gospel. We are actually currently teaching the members of the PEC the missionary lessons so that we can find a better way to teach the members of the ward, and be able to receive referrals from them to teach.
MARCH 18, 2009
Well teaching this last week has gone pretty well. Lorraine and her family had quite a few questions for us, such as the difference between Translation and Transfiguration, and resurrected beings as well. We taught them half of Lesson one in Preach my Gospel, and we made a return appointment to go see them in a week from tomorrow, they were really busy all this week. We did invite them to be baptized, and they said they would consider it, depending on how they felt in what they read, and what they felt when they prayed. It's exciting when we go and teach them. I might be transferred. Transfer calls are on Monday and I really don't want to leave Innisfail quite yet though. I want to stay at least one more transfer, to see how things go with Lorraine and her Family, as well as one of the Young Men in the Ward who just sent off his Papers. I wanna know where he's gonna go. He's really a cool guy, into most of the same stuffI am, and he's gonna be an amazing missionary, I can tell. He's just got that flame that's burning so bright right now, cause he just wants to help people find the truth. He's almost 21 now, and was less-active for a while, but has been doing really well recently, and has been teaching Primary Kids. He came with us to our last meeting with Lorraine and her family, and they were really amazed that a young man like him would take on the calling of teaching eleven-twelve year olds at Church.
We will be teaching one of our recent converts that is 11 about the priesthood soon. He turns twelve in May, so we're gonna try and prepare him for it, and we are also gonna see if his step-dad has any interest in taking the lessons. He wasn't the last time he was asked when Kyle first started to take the lessons, but he's always been supportive of Kyle in all that he's done, and he's always standing in the kitchen, which is right next to the front room of their house, when we teach Kyle and he joins in, and we've asked him a few questions, like about the Ten Commandments and stuff, so he might be more receptive now, who knows. We'll just talk to him and see how he feels. Kyle's Mother is less active and we've been trying to get to her as well when we've been teaching Kyle, and it has helped her, cause she would read with and pray with Kyle when he was investigating, and deciding whether or not he wanted to join. Then about a month ago he was struggling with coming to church cause he doesn't have many friends there unfortunatly, and were trying to help him get the number up, but it's a little difficult, but his mom suggested to him to pray about whether or not he should still come or not.
In this area we get invited to eat at members homes most every night. We have a list that gets passed around during Relief Society and it gets filled up really quick. Tonight we are going to a member who is an Elder for the Genealogy work and says he might have a way to help us over the pond to continue our work. I'm taking my stuff with me to see him so we can get a pretty accurate finding. We'll be having Sushi and Miso Soup there. He's really cool.
MARCH 10. 2009
Hello everyone!
I'm still in Innisfail for at least two more weeks, and I'm really hoping to stay, because I've really grown to love the investigators that we have and the members of the ward! They are all Awesome. It's been a bit cold this past week. The coldest day being today, at -28C, but it's been at max 10 degrees warmer than that. IT"S BEEN A COLD WEEK! YAY FOR GOOD WINTER GEAR!
Well, I've got a couple of updates on our Teaching. One girl we've been trying to teach, Katie, is going to meet us at the church tonight, to meet with the Bishop of the Inninsfail Ward. Katie works at the local Sev, and is a single mom, and going through a really tough time right now. We were talking to her on Friday, the day we had a nice little Blizzard, and the only thing I could think of the whole time was having her talk to the Bishop, so I suggested it to her, and she agreed. So we will meet her later tonight to introduce her to the Bishop and then show her around the building and explain a few things to her, as well as answer any questions that she has, which will hopefully be many.
On Saturday/Sunday we found a new family to teach. It's a Family of Four, and the reason I say Saturday/Sunday is cause we met the first half on Saturday and the Second half on Sunday. We are hoping to share with them how the Gospel can strengthen the family, cause when we were there, a few unkind words were said to each other.
Lorraine and her Family actually had to cancel our their appointment for last Thursday, because they had to go a few towns over for some reason at the same time that we were gonna teach them. So we are scheduled to meet with them THIS Thursday instead and share with them the full message of the restoration, since we didn't get to last time that we were there. This is the family that lives right next to the Bishop, in case you don't know, or remember.
That's really about it for our main focus investigators right now. we are still trying to teach a few, but they can't seem to get enough time to sit down with us and talk to us. So we will be doing our best to stay warm, and not freeze to death.
Next week on our preparation day we are Helping Brother Nagle, an older man, and one of the first members in this area, move some stuff out of his basement using Brother Quintons truck. It's all old Family History stuff too! I'll be on the email on Thursday.
The work is still kinda slow here, but it's not as bad as it was because we actually have investigators now! We still run into the annoying anti-Mormon people. Like the other day, some lady bit our heads off cause we are Mormon, and then stated the things that she'd learned in some sort of class given by one of the churches in town about Mormons. Let me tell ya, not fun. Both Elder Holder and I had things we could have said, but neither of us felt that we should speak to her further so after her rant we left. One of the boys in the ward is almost ready to go on his mission! I'm excited for him!
MARCH 4,2009
The meeting with the family of five, actually turned into us just teaching the Grandfather and Mother of the Family, cause her Husband was in another city for work and didn't have the chance to come back due to the weather, and I have no clue why the boys weren't there. The lesson went really well, and we shared with her the story of the stripling Warriors and we both bore testimony of the Book of Mormon. Mostly Elder Holder was the one who talked. We had more of a getting to know you type deal then an actual set lesson, cause they haven't quite agreed to take the lessons yet, but I think that she, and possibly the rest of her family, will be baptized. They are really kind folks and are really well read in the bible.
As for other investigators, we have a couple of girls that we are teaching, and they haven't quite truly started the lessons with them yet, but they have been coming to Church the last couple of weeks. They are friends with a few of the boys in our Ward.
We are also hoping to start teaching a man named Ron. He is engaged to one of our members, and said that he had a dream where they were in the temple, getting sealed, and Her non-member daughter was there as well. He came to church this last week, and loved it! He said everyone was really nice to him, which of course is one of the best things that we can hope for as missionaries.
As for studying, we study for a couple of hours a day. One hour is for personal study, the second is for Comp Study. Right now I'm studying the Book of Mormon, and Preach My Gospel. This is what my mission president has told me to study, cause it is the quickest way to learn the scriptures that we need to know
FEBRUARY 25, 2009
Things are going pretty well here in Innisfail. We actually have a lesson tonight with the family of five at the Bishop's house. Hopefully they will continue after tonight as well because it would be way cool to see them get baptized! They are already very family and God oriented and have many feliefs that are right in line with the gospel, so it shouldn't be hard to help them see the light and help them grasp the iron rod, so that they never let go. We actually met them by tracting, about a week ago, and they welcomed us in and we talked about Christ and beliefs for forty minutes. It was really cool!
It has been a bit chilly here recently, just because it's been snowing and -17C for the average this last week. IT'S COLD! But it isn't too bad, after all, we have our coats and tukes and everything to keep us warm.
FEBRUARY 18,2009
Yesterday we got 5 new investigators! It's a family and they live right next door to the Bishop. They've had the missionaries before, for 5 years in fact, but that was a while ago apparently while they were living in Calgary. They moved here about a year and half ago. It is cool to see a family that has a strong belief about Jesus Christ and ost of what they talked about was very much LDS minided.
The snowfall here is about the same as it is in Utah. Most of the people say that it's pretty average snow fall. It is a little warmer than usual though. It's been between -4and -10 degrees centigrade most of the week. We had a cold day of -18 and I was wearing my tuque and scarf that day.
FEBRUARY 11, 2009
Well, as for things here, we had the Reflections of Christ display in our chapel on Sunday and Monday. The pictures are AMAZING! I want a copy of the book to carry with me. If every you get a chance to see the display, do it becuase it is just amazing! We had over 300 people come and about 1/3 were non-members. So hopefully that will help the work progress. Already we are seeing some fo the effects, because people that usually won't talk to us have been coming over to see how we're doing and it's been awesome! So things are improving. I'm staying in Innisfail for another six weeks, which is nice because I just got used to everything and it would be hard to leave all of a sudden.
FEBRUARY 4, 2009
Hello, All is well here in Innisfail. It is near the end of transfer one and I think I might be getting transferred to a different area. My reasoning being that most Greenies don't stay with their trainer more than one transfer and since my trainer is a district leader, it'll be very likely that I will be leaving.
We haven't been able to meet with Katie because every time we hae something set up she gets called into work. She calls us and apologizes though. I hope this is a good sing that she is genuinely interested. Jason is back. Hopefully we are going to meet with him soon to give hime another lesson and get the mountain dew we asked him to bring back. We've been teaching a boy named Berg that is about to turn 8. His parents are memebers, but there last son Jorgen when he was intereviewed for baptism didn't really know what to say to the Bishop when he was asked questions such as, "Do you believe that God is our Father in heaven?" So we are teaching him so that they are a little more informed. he doesn't count as a new investigator, but it is cool because it gives me practice in teaching.
Things are going pretty well here in Innisfail. We actually have a lesson tonight with the family of five at the Bishop's house. Hopefully they will continue after tonight as well because it would be way cool to see them get baptized! They are already very family and God oriented and have many feliefs that are right in line with the gospel, so it shouldn't be hard to help them see the light and help them grasp the iron rod, so that they never let go. We actually met them by tracting, about a week ago, and they welcomed us in and we talked about Christ and beliefs for forty minutes. It was really cool!
It has been a bit chilly here recently, just because it's been snowing and -17C for the average this last week. IT'S COLD! But it isn't too bad, after all, we have our coats and tukes and everything to keep us warm.
FEBRUARY 18,2009
Yesterday we got 5 new investigators! It's a family and they live right next door to the Bishop. They've had the missionaries before, for 5 years in fact, but that was a while ago apparently while they were living in Calgary. They moved here about a year and half ago. It is cool to see a family that has a strong belief about Jesus Christ and ost of what they talked about was very much LDS minided.
The snowfall here is about the same as it is in Utah. Most of the people say that it's pretty average snow fall. It is a little warmer than usual though. It's been between -4and -10 degrees centigrade most of the week. We had a cold day of -18 and I was wearing my tuque and scarf that day.
FEBRUARY 11, 2009
Well, as for things here, we had the Reflections of Christ display in our chapel on Sunday and Monday. The pictures are AMAZING! I want a copy of the book to carry with me. If every you get a chance to see the display, do it becuase it is just amazing! We had over 300 people come and about 1/3 were non-members. So hopefully that will help the work progress. Already we are seeing some fo the effects, because people that usually won't talk to us have been coming over to see how we're doing and it's been awesome! So things are improving. I'm staying in Innisfail for another six weeks, which is nice because I just got used to everything and it would be hard to leave all of a sudden.
FEBRUARY 4, 2009
Hello, All is well here in Innisfail. It is near the end of transfer one and I think I might be getting transferred to a different area. My reasoning being that most Greenies don't stay with their trainer more than one transfer and since my trainer is a district leader, it'll be very likely that I will be leaving.
We haven't been able to meet with Katie because every time we hae something set up she gets called into work. She calls us and apologizes though. I hope this is a good sing that she is genuinely interested. Jason is back. Hopefully we are going to meet with him soon to give hime another lesson and get the mountain dew we asked him to bring back. We've been teaching a boy named Berg that is about to turn 8. His parents are memebers, but there last son Jorgen when he was intereviewed for baptism didn't really know what to say to the Bishop when he was asked questions such as, "Do you believe that God is our Father in heaven?" So we are teaching him so that they are a little more informed. he doesn't count as a new investigator, but it is cool because it gives me practice in teaching.
The Rest of January
More January 21,2009
It was cool this last Sunday, one of the recent converts, Brother James Thompson was given the Aaronic Priesthood. he's been a member for a few months, but the bishop likes to have them wail a little while to get an appreciation for the priesthood and make sure they have a solid testimony.
Elder Holders family is kind like ours. he's the youngest and his closest sibling is 8 years older than he is. He has 3 sisters and 1 brother. They grew up on a farm in the American Falls, Idaho area. They moved to Cedar City, utah about 5 years ago.
Elder Holder and I sing a hymn before our study period. He has sung bass in a choir. We haven't sung a duet in church and probably won't unless someone blabs that we sing.
Sister Quinton is very nice. She gives us food sometimes when we are running low on our own food stuff. Usually we are pretty good on our own stuff though. She sometimes hits us with a wooden spoon when we poke fun or talk back. It's not very hard, but it gets the message across.
JANUARY 28, 2009
Hello! It's nice to hear from ya! All is going well here. In fact we have a new investigator. Her name is Katie. We met her just last night as we stopped at a Sev to get a drink. We were just getting checked our and she started asking us a few questions, like if we believe in the trinity like other Chrisitan faiths and if were ministers for our church, which technically we are as we do have ministerial certificates. We are going to be meeting with her today and showing her around the church. Last night she said that se was trying to srat her life over, and get her life the way it needs to be and she also says she wants real friends, not the idots she'sbeen getting stuck with.
It was cool this last Sunday, one of the recent converts, Brother James Thompson was given the Aaronic Priesthood. he's been a member for a few months, but the bishop likes to have them wail a little while to get an appreciation for the priesthood and make sure they have a solid testimony.
Elder Holders family is kind like ours. he's the youngest and his closest sibling is 8 years older than he is. He has 3 sisters and 1 brother. They grew up on a farm in the American Falls, Idaho area. They moved to Cedar City, utah about 5 years ago.
Elder Holder and I sing a hymn before our study period. He has sung bass in a choir. We haven't sung a duet in church and probably won't unless someone blabs that we sing.
Sister Quinton is very nice. She gives us food sometimes when we are running low on our own food stuff. Usually we are pretty good on our own stuff though. She sometimes hits us with a wooden spoon when we poke fun or talk back. It's not very hard, but it gets the message across.
JANUARY 28, 2009
Hello! It's nice to hear from ya! All is going well here. In fact we have a new investigator. Her name is Katie. We met her just last night as we stopped at a Sev to get a drink. We were just getting checked our and she started asking us a few questions, like if we believe in the trinity like other Chrisitan faiths and if were ministers for our church, which technically we are as we do have ministerial certificates. We are going to be meeting with her today and showing her around the church. Last night she said that se was trying to srat her life over, and get her life the way it needs to be and she also says she wants real friends, not the idots she'sbeen getting stuck with.
April 20, 2009
Hi everyone,
Well, not much has changed over the last week. We did have a good lesson with
We weren't able to meet with Cole over the last week, and the soonest we get to meet with him is on Friday. That's about it for news on our part of the work.
Most of the members up here are apprehensive to missionary work. They have the common fear of losing a friend over the Gospel. We have a couple of referrals, but they are both under the age of eighteen, so we have to get parental permission, and we have to have their friend introduce us to them. It's been rather slow in the referrals area. It's rather annoying, and Elder Holder and I have been working with the PEC trying to find a way that works best with the members of the ward to get referrals.
We have six missionaries in the district.
Elder Evans and Fowler are from Pleasant Grove. Elder Asay is from
and Elder Gaboriault is from
Friday, April 24, 2009
From Farewell to Arrival in Canada...
November 30, 2008
Jordan delivered his farewell address before he was to enter the MTC. He spoke on spiritual strength through prayer. He and some of his friends sang, "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief."
It is a favorite hymn.
December 10, 2008
Jordan entered the MTC in Provo, Utah. We were almost late because he wanted to visit with
his grandpa one more time.
It was kind of hard to see him walk out of the room as we, his parents, went out the other door. We left the big room before he did and were able to see him walk away down the hall with the other missionaries. It was good. I was concerned because he had a bad cold.
He was in Branch 24 with President C. Lynn Patterson. His companion was Elder Bennion from Kaysville, Utah. In his first letter Jordan commented, "Elder Bennion is very talkative and had me feeling at home as soon as I walked in the door of our living quarters."
Jordan wrote that he liked the food and was trying to stay away from the sweets. He wrote letter on Christmas day. He enjoyed the devotionals with Elder Bednar and Elder Holland. He also got to shake hands with Elder Bednar.
As it turned out, Jordan got an ear infection and then pneumonia. He was given antibiotics and wrote, "I am almost over it now, so no freaking out and sending cans of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup." This letter was mailed on December 26, 2208.
One of Elder Ferguson's teachers at the MTC, Brother Yao, wrote a wonderful letter. He wrote,"I have to say that Elder Ferguson is a trooper. In the past week and a half, I'm sure you know that he wasn't feeling the greatest; however, he didn't let that keep him from progressing at the MTC. It has been agreat pleasure to hae Elder Ferguson in the classroom. The other missionaries in the class have a great admiration of Elder Ferguson's knowledge of the gospel, so thank you for helping him gain that."
Jordan left the MTC on December 29, 2008. He called from the Salt Lake City airport enroute to Edmonton, Canada. In a letter that we received from his mission president, President Rhodes, he wrote "the day was one of the colder days we've had this winter." The flight information indicated a delay, but the elders arrived at 2 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. Elder and Sister Rhodes and to hurry to the airport "when we dicovered the error and found them handling the situation beautifully."
Elder Ferguson was assigned to Innisfail. It is about 120 miles south of Edmonton. His companion is Elder Holder who is the district leader. They stopped in Red Deer to get Elder
Ferguson a warm coat, gloves, etc.
December 31, 2008
Hello Family, I got to Canada safe and sound. I am currently in a town called Innisfail and my trainer's name is Elder Holder. He is a really cool guy. I didn't get a chance to meet him til 3 and a half hours after the transfer meeting, mainly because we are in an outlyng city, and it is a long trip to Innisfail from Edmonton. So I actually already have a baptism this Friday. I won't be doing the ordiance. The boy's uncle will baptize him, but i will be in the circle for the confirmation. From what I could tell last night, he was an amazing kid, and is willing to try and life his life the best he can. His mother is a member, I'm not sure bout his step father or the rest of the family, but he is definitely ready. So our average number of baptisms here in the Canada Edmontion mission is more 110, but this past year they hve DOUBLED that number, and have gotten 224 and everyone is trying to get one more to make ti a round 225. It'll be cool to be a part of history!
January 7, 2009
More bout the baptism last Friday. The convert's name is Kyle and he is 11. He is really excited. he was bptized by his uncle, and then I was in the circle, as was Elder Holder, when he was confirmed and given the Holy Ghost. It was really cool on Sunday as he bore his testimony for the first times in his ward. It's really cool to see someone come into the church. his mom is less active. We re trying to get her to come out as well, but she's having a bit of a harder time, but she is getting better. She's been reading and praying more since the missionaries started to visit Kyle.
I'm getting a gym pass so i can stay in better shape. We have a half our in the morning to work out. The equipment at our place isn't the greatest.
My companion, Elder Holder was born and raised inIidaho, but moved to Cedar City with family before high school. Elder Holder knows Elder Bytendorp, but hasn't served him him.
My coat I bought will keep me warm down to -40 degrees. I also have some great gloves. As for cold temperatures, it has been down to -37 degrees C, but the last couple of days have been really nice, about -8C. So we have even left our coats in the car when we are just going to appointments. When tracting I still keep my coat with me.
The members we are living with, the Quintons, have provided that blankets and sheets for my bed. They are really cool. They like to play games like Cribbage, etc. I actually had to learn that game so I could play when we go do service. We play at the old folks home when we visit.
January 14
He wrote, "I'm not cold. It's only -10C, which is roughly 12 degrees F, so it's not terrible. It's only gotten below -30C a couple of time, so things are fine. It's also warm in the car and in my coat. By theway, this week it's actually been pretty warm, with highs being anywhere from -10C to 6C.
We have a new investigator, Jason. He has had the lessons before, but because he was a minor at the time, his dad held the final decision on his baptism and obviously said no. now he can be baptized and hopefully that will be soon.
So, I found out that the Quintons have Ferguson blood. I saw a group of tartans on the wall. one looked kind of familiar. I pulled out by Ferguson tie and compared the two, not realizing that the name was given underneath the tartan. Please send me the family group sheets or info.
January 21, 2009
I haven't told you yet, but Canada, at least the part I'm in right now is pretty flat. You could watch your dog run away for three days and still be able to call it back home.
By the way, I sprained my ankle, but not bad, just a minor sprain.
Jordan delivered his farewell address before he was to enter the MTC. He spoke on spiritual strength through prayer. He and some of his friends sang, "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief."
It is a favorite hymn.
December 10, 2008
Jordan entered the MTC in Provo, Utah. We were almost late because he wanted to visit with
his grandpa one more time.
It was kind of hard to see him walk out of the room as we, his parents, went out the other door. We left the big room before he did and were able to see him walk away down the hall with the other missionaries. It was good. I was concerned because he had a bad cold.
He was in Branch 24 with President C. Lynn Patterson. His companion was Elder Bennion from Kaysville, Utah. In his first letter Jordan commented, "Elder Bennion is very talkative and had me feeling at home as soon as I walked in the door of our living quarters."
Jordan wrote that he liked the food and was trying to stay away from the sweets. He wrote letter on Christmas day. He enjoyed the devotionals with Elder Bednar and Elder Holland. He also got to shake hands with Elder Bednar.
As it turned out, Jordan got an ear infection and then pneumonia. He was given antibiotics and wrote, "I am almost over it now, so no freaking out and sending cans of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup." This letter was mailed on December 26, 2208.
One of Elder Ferguson's teachers at the MTC, Brother Yao, wrote a wonderful letter. He wrote,"I have to say that Elder Ferguson is a trooper. In the past week and a half, I'm sure you know that he wasn't feeling the greatest; however, he didn't let that keep him from progressing at the MTC. It has been agreat pleasure to hae Elder Ferguson in the classroom. The other missionaries in the class have a great admiration of Elder Ferguson's knowledge of the gospel, so thank you for helping him gain that."
Jordan left the MTC on December 29, 2008. He called from the Salt Lake City airport enroute to Edmonton, Canada. In a letter that we received from his mission president, President Rhodes, he wrote "the day was one of the colder days we've had this winter." The flight information indicated a delay, but the elders arrived at 2 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. Elder and Sister Rhodes and to hurry to the airport "when we dicovered the error and found them handling the situation beautifully."
Elder Ferguson was assigned to Innisfail. It is about 120 miles south of Edmonton. His companion is Elder Holder who is the district leader. They stopped in Red Deer to get Elder
Ferguson a warm coat, gloves, etc.
December 31, 2008
Hello Family, I got to Canada safe and sound. I am currently in a town called Innisfail and my trainer's name is Elder Holder. He is a really cool guy. I didn't get a chance to meet him til 3 and a half hours after the transfer meeting, mainly because we are in an outlyng city, and it is a long trip to Innisfail from Edmonton. So I actually already have a baptism this Friday. I won't be doing the ordiance. The boy's uncle will baptize him, but i will be in the circle for the confirmation. From what I could tell last night, he was an amazing kid, and is willing to try and life his life the best he can. His mother is a member, I'm not sure bout his step father or the rest of the family, but he is definitely ready. So our average number of baptisms here in the Canada Edmontion mission is more 110, but this past year they hve DOUBLED that number, and have gotten 224 and everyone is trying to get one more to make ti a round 225. It'll be cool to be a part of history!
January 7, 2009
More bout the baptism last Friday. The convert's name is Kyle and he is 11. He is really excited. he was bptized by his uncle, and then I was in the circle, as was Elder Holder, when he was confirmed and given the Holy Ghost. It was really cool on Sunday as he bore his testimony for the first times in his ward. It's really cool to see someone come into the church. his mom is less active. We re trying to get her to come out as well, but she's having a bit of a harder time, but she is getting better. She's been reading and praying more since the missionaries started to visit Kyle.
I'm getting a gym pass so i can stay in better shape. We have a half our in the morning to work out. The equipment at our place isn't the greatest.
My companion, Elder Holder was born and raised inIidaho, but moved to Cedar City with family before high school. Elder Holder knows Elder Bytendorp, but hasn't served him him.
My coat I bought will keep me warm down to -40 degrees. I also have some great gloves. As for cold temperatures, it has been down to -37 degrees C, but the last couple of days have been really nice, about -8C. So we have even left our coats in the car when we are just going to appointments. When tracting I still keep my coat with me.
The members we are living with, the Quintons, have provided that blankets and sheets for my bed. They are really cool. They like to play games like Cribbage, etc. I actually had to learn that game so I could play when we go do service. We play at the old folks home when we visit.
January 14
He wrote, "I'm not cold. It's only -10C, which is roughly 12 degrees F, so it's not terrible. It's only gotten below -30C a couple of time, so things are fine. It's also warm in the car and in my coat. By theway, this week it's actually been pretty warm, with highs being anywhere from -10C to 6C.
We have a new investigator, Jason. He has had the lessons before, but because he was a minor at the time, his dad held the final decision on his baptism and obviously said no. now he can be baptized and hopefully that will be soon.
So, I found out that the Quintons have Ferguson blood. I saw a group of tartans on the wall. one looked kind of familiar. I pulled out by Ferguson tie and compared the two, not realizing that the name was given underneath the tartan. Please send me the family group sheets or info.
January 21, 2009
I haven't told you yet, but Canada, at least the part I'm in right now is pretty flat. You could watch your dog run away for three days and still be able to call it back home.
By the way, I sprained my ankle, but not bad, just a minor sprain.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Jordan gets his call!
Oct. 2nd 2008...
Where will he go?
We all want to know...
P.S. sorry the graphics aren't so great,
but it captures the moment, eh?
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