Elder Jansen Hall - March 31, 2014

Hey Yall!

This week was another normal week here in New Albany. The weather is still hot and cold. And there is nothing to much different then the news we got about transfers. Transfers are on Wednesday, Me and Elder Black will both be staying. O there is something else that will be different. Ill see if yall can pick up on it;)

But this week like I said has been another normal week. We contact in the stores...... Well really only Walmart. We tried to contact in some of the other stores like piggly wiggly, dollar general, save a lot and their was a total of about 5-10 people combined in all the stores. I couldnt believe it. We have tried going to the park, maybe 1-5 people there. haha i dont know where everyone is hiding. We would tract but this place has been tracted out about 12 different times haha but we are hanging in there and trying to find those that need and want the gospel in there lives. We pretty much walked and biked all week which it was good to get out and be seen by everyone passing us on there cars. One thing thatll be good is that we are getting a set of spanish speaking sister missionaries. Thats good for 2 reasons. One is because there are a ton of hispanics in our area, 2 because there have been a lot of people that dont like Elders but said if we had girl missionaries they would listen to them.

One thing we have been focusing on really hard is trying to strengthen and build up a base for our branch so it can actually grow. We have been working hard with less actives, recent converts to strengthen and help them. We are trying to get the branch excited about missionary work so that they can have the courage to invite their friends. We have been working hard with the branch president and trying to come up with ideas on how to better help the branch. One idea that we have already put into place is starting FHE in the different areas. One thing thats unusual about the New Albany Area is that there are only about 2 families actually in New Albany, there are some in Blue Mtn (about 15 miles north of here), some in ripley (about 22 miles north of here) some in holly springs and potts camp (about 20-30 miles away) and with limitation on how many miles we have and how little the towns are its hard to find people, but anyways back to the FHE. We are going around to all the little towns and with some of the active members we have their we are doing family night. We are hoping as we do this that 1. The members will come, have fun and feel the spirit. 2. Invite others less active, non members, and others to come. and 3. be able to help the branch grow this way and find people to teach.

So thats pretty much been the week. FHE, contacting, trying to start Book of Mormon studies with recent converts. Life is good though. I wish I could tell yall some funny or interesting stores but for now I dont have any. I will hopefully have some soon. I just wanted to let yall know about a 10 step process to help you improve yourself in any aspect in your life. What ever you want to improve on do these 10 things. They come from my favorite chapter in PMG. Chapter 7, Learn the Language:)

1. Be patient with yourself. 

2. Be dedicated in your study. (Read AND ponder the BOM every day and it will help you with anything you will be doing) 

3. Memorize scriptures, poems, quotes. (This may seem silly or a waste of time, but Elder Richard G Scott has promised us that memorizing things gives us power) 

4. Record words or phrases you dont know in a notebook and look up the definition. (this will help you continue to learn new things every day) 

5. Actively listen (to others, to leaders or teachers or parents, and most important to the spirit!) 

6. Ask others to help you. (We all need help! Just ask) 

7. Dont be afraid of making mistakes (they are gonna happen. If your not afraid, once they do happen you can get past quicker and more easily) 

8. Learn with your companions, family, friends. (Be able to teach others, and be able to let others teach you) 

9. You need to actively seek it. (It being whatever your trying to improve on, you will not obtain whatever you seek without effort on your part) and 

10. Trust that the Spirit will help you as you live the way you should and do your very best! (Have faith and everything will work out:))

These can all be found in PMG pgs 128-133. I know that if you apply these 10 steps into improving yourself they can help you! You will improve, and see success more rapidly. You will be happier and also have fun.

This is kinda random but the other change this week is that im adding the "G" back onto my words haha I had a good talk with president Hanks about it:) but anyways hope yall have a great week! Love yall so very much and know that yall are in my prayers every night! Remember to be Happy:)

Love Elder Hall

Elder Isaiah Williams - March 31, 2014

Well this week was another blur. But lots got done. We're finally getting to know more and more people as we settle here in Arlington Heights. We have about 9 investigators, and continue to pick up more as we go throughout the weeks. There's lots of part-members and less actives here in the ward. Most of our investigators come from them. Which is good. I love teaching families. This week I've asked a couple of them if we could come over and do family home evening with them and most of them said heck yeah. Our goal is to show them how the gospel strengthens families.

   

I know being on a mission is all about serving others but as I teach families that don't have the gospel, I think In the back of my head of how I want my family to be. I see all the little things I want my family to do. I want my family to be glued together by the gospel. The gospel really does strengthen families. I've seen all the many blessings that come from it. Families seem to be more happy, loving,

and united. And who doesn't want that for their family!?!? Haha

The weather was bipolar this week. -_- it snowed, it rained, then Sunday happen to be 62. Haha it's annoying because we can't check weather forecast or anything so I never know what to wear! The area is finally starting to turn green after about 6 months. The golf courses look dead, the streets are all cracked because of the snow plows. They look like radiator springs after Lightning McQueen went through it. Lol I feel like I'm off roading most the time.

    

I'm honestly past the "Greeny" stage, but I still get called it all the time. I'm gonna start telling people that I've been out for a year. -_- maybe they'll stop. I think I'm seriously learning things to fast. Haha there are missionaries here that I tell stuff too and they are like "what the heck, how did you learn that so fast I learned that

when I was a year and a half out". I'm a genius, what can I say. ;) haha jk the spirit has been REALLY good to me though! One of my favorite times of the day is my personal study time from 8-9. That hour goes by faster than any hour I've every experience. I may have been disobedient once or twice going over. Psh haha jk way more times then that. But that's what repentance is for. I love the gospel. I have lots of things revealed to me from time to time and it makes me a

better missionary,  better teacher, and a better person. I love the role of the Holy Ghost!

   

This might sound weird but I'm afraid to come home. I've never been in this state of mind before. I've never felt the Holy Ghost so strongly in my life before and I know when I get back it's going to be really hard to feel this way. With the world being the way it is. Being busy with work and school. It's like almost impossible. But it is possible!

     

The members in the ward are finally getting pumped about missionary work. It's cause I bore my testimony on it and everyone feels bad haha but hey if that's why they come I won't be mad. They will get blessings from it anyways. Eventually they'll see why it's important.

     

We had a guy come out with us the other day. And me and my companion knew that he was beyond nervous. He is a convert of 20 years but never went on a mission. He volunteered himself to go out but didn't really know what he signed up for Haha we got to a house and before we get out he car we ALWAYS say a prayer. We prayed that he spirit would be with us all as we approached the house that we would know what to say when they came to door. We build his confidence with that prayer. And you could see it in his smile. He walked up, rang the doorbell and me and elder Jensen stepped back. Haha he was like "what are you doing!?" I said you got this! I was standing behind him. It was night time. As the investigators turned on the lights and came down stairs (in a onesie). He said "get from behind me, she's gonna think a big black guy is holding me hostage or something"lol. She opened the door, said she wasn't interested and slammed the door in his face. Surprisingly, he took that as a badge with of Honor. He just needed to go through that. He still had his confidence and wasn't afraid anymore :) we went to other houses and had little success. But at the end of the night he told us he LOVED the feeling of being out with us sharing the goodness of the gospel. Now I'm not saying go get a door slammed in your face but go out with the missionaries! There are hearts being prepared for YOU to bring others to Christ also. Missionary work isn't completely stopped but it's basically at a stand still, and it's not going really anywhere UNTIL members get involved. Numbers would double, even triple if members were involved more. so do more. :)

     

We do this activity in the ward. It's called gospel and goodies. As you can tell, it wasn't us that picked the name. It was the sisters before us. The missionaries conduct it. It's any activity that we do every other Wednesday. Members come and they HAVE to bring a non-member friend. It's a good way to get investigators involved in church in a more normal scene. We play games, eat goodies, and then the missionaries give a spiritual thought. We've only done it once but it seems to be pretty successful. It reminds me of a regular singles ward Famly Home Evenings.

     

K, so everybody can probably see that I have Facebook now. I promise it's authorized. It's one our biggest proselyting tools. So I'm not being disobedient I promise. Haha umm anyone can message me on it, I probably won't message you back, but I CAN read it. :) anyone can post on my wall as well. For the most part try and put a message that would make someone closer to Christ. Same thing with pictures, if you tag me in a picture or anything make sure it's missionary minded as well. :) if anyone has any spiritual messages, memes, or anything throw that bad boy on my wall! Like my spiritual posts as well, So I can get 100 likes! Chea! Jk haha so my post can make it on your Facebook and have someone whose not a member see it. So the more likes the better. It's missionary work, so don't let these opportunities past you by. At all times we should be building someones faith. So why not do that to multiple people at once. There's tons of losers (Sean Kleiman) lol out there who have nothing better to do but be on Facebook. ;) give them something to scroll down and see!

      

Anyways, this is my letter for the week. :) I hope everyone is continually building their faith as well. Continue to be examples to those who are watching, cause there's people creepin all the time. Study Christ like attributes and apply those in your lives. Send me emails! So I know how everyone is doing! everyone have a great week!!!

I'll end with a spiritual note.

In Alma 41:7. I highlighted the last sentence in that verse. Read that verse. And keep in mind that it's ok to judge ourselves. Everyday have a self-evaluation. Ask yourself what am I doing wrong, what can I change, how can I help. Read alma chapter 5! There are evaluation questions that alma asks. write them down on a piece of paper and take the test. When you get done, ask am I ready if Christ comes today??? Hmm we are our own judges, and we decide now, here on earth where we want to be after this life. Everyone gets rewards. If we do great, we get a great reward. If we do good we get a good award, but if we suck beyond all measure, what kind of reward do you think you'll get? Think about it. :)

- Elder Williams

TRANSFERS AGAIN- BRAD RILEY

Hey guys!

So this week went by quickly especially because transfers are today! I get a new companion and am going to a new area.  I'm going to Middleton, Idaho.  I am trying to zone out what people have told me about him... so trying to keep and open mind.  This week was good.  We had some time to do some service for an investigator and we went to his house and pulled out some carpet.  We asked him if he needed any help with anything else and he said that he didn't, but I didn't believe him, so I asked again and so he said he has 4 trees that need to chopped and the stumps pulled out! So we did that and I rebuilt the carburetor on his riding lawn mower and cleaned it so it would run properly! This man's name is Chuck Manly and he is awesome. He is not sure about going to church and big crowds and so we were almost there and then we get transferred! But Brother Manly gave me a nick name (Paul Bunnion) he says I could swing an ax a 1000 times before I get tired haha.  I pulled the stumps out like they were nothing! Well it helps that where the trees were planted was in the sand so it came out nice and easy! 

We were able to get 3 families to come to church yesterday and all of them were non-members.  It was so nice to be able to come and see what we do during is helping church activation and the best part was it was fast and testimony meeting so hopefully they felt the Spirit! 

On Saturday we had a baptism and her name was Jia Jia.   Her dad baptized her.  It was really cool to see because he has been waiting for this to happen to his family for a few years and now she is baptized and they will be getting sealed as a family next week! You know that is one of the best moments as a missionary, ya its nice to see them get baptized... but that's only the first step! The second step is getting them to the temple to be sealed as a family forever and all eternity! That is one of the greatest moments in a missionaries life! You know you helped change their life.

Conference is coming up and I am excited to watch it because I missed the last one! So I am excited to see what will be said and how it will change the view on some things I'm sure! Hopefully they will say something about the women who want the priesthood and will be put in their place. I don't think their head is in the right place! haha

Well I gotta go but I will talk to you guys next week! see ya:)

love,

Elder Riley

Elder Jansen Hall - March 24, 2014

Hey Yall!

Wow what an amazin, sad, fun, hard workin week it has been! The weather is still up and down! Today is cloudy and the wind is blowin like crazy! The sad part of this week is that the Eliasons are headed back to Utah.:( Im gonna miss them so dang much! We were there earlier today and helped them get the last few things in there car and now they are off and away! They did so many good things for the branch, and everyone here loves them! Things here in New Albany are the same and probably have been for years haha just another really small town i love it:)

Just some highlights of the week.

On Tuesday we had the Eliasons last district meetin. I wanted to make it a good one and I try to make each district meetin better then the last. Well I had 2 weeks to prepare for this one and Im pretty sure it was the best district meetin I have ever had! Every single person was included and had some sort of training. Then I was able to train on a few different things. The first thing I gotta train on is our district culture SHOES. I attached a picture of what i laminated and gave to everyone along with 2 silver half dollars. Haha i tried to find silver dollars but come to find out they are super rare, so if you ever find one hold on to it for dear life! But i based it off of the story Prez Hinkley gave about his dad and how they almost stole the poor mans shoes but ended up puttin silver dollars in them. Well I gave them the money and they were supposed to either help themselves if they have a really hard day or help someone else thats havin a hard day. I wanna invite yall to do the same. Look around every day for those you can help! Just one little act can go a long way! I also attached the paper i passed out to everyone. Now these are just some of so many different scriptures on these topics. Feel free to look up the scriptures and to find the strength in the Lord for yourself:) But these things are so key in missionary work. We need not fear, but have faith and courage! And when we are strong and have that faith then the key to bein successful as a missionary is cryin repentance! When we Invite someone we are cryin repentance just as the prophets in the BOM did! When we open our mouths and share a message of the gospel we are then successful! Thats somethin so easy and we can control!:) But overall it was so great and i learned so much from my amazin district!

We have been tryin to find new investigators and tryin to talk with everyone. The only problem is that everyone in this little town of New Albany has already seen and talked with the missionaries hahah but we are gonna keep tryin and keep workin hard! We got to go to the temple on Fri and got to see the new video! O MAAAAN! It was so dang good! I love the temple and the things i get to learn there and how amazing you feel. I would also wanna invite and encourage yall to go to the temple often, if you havent been, the GO! If something is stoppin you, repent and be worthy to go! That is where we all need to be!

On Saturday we got to go to lunch with the Eliasons and then help them pack everything into there car. We also have been workin hard on strengthenin the new converts. We have started BOM studies and actually this week we are gonna start somethin new that im excited for. Family Home Evenin with the branch memebers! Since everyone lives so far away in little towns outside of New Albany we are gonna go to little towns and start FHE with the people there! Our first one will be Tuesday and im stoked! The members are excited as well, so hope it goes well:) And yesterday we had great church meetins! We had pot luck after church for the Eliasons and then went to give the sacrament to those that cant make it on Sunday. It was all so good!

I love that Easter is rollin around, and also General Conference! Hope yall are preparin to have a spiritual thanksgivin in April:) haha cant wait! Hope yall are doin well. I pray for yall every day and night! If you need someone to talk to or are havin a hard time please write me or email me and know that im here, ill listen, i cant promise inspired advise but just know im here for any of yall! Love yall so much!

Love Elder Hall

Elder Isaiah Williams - March 24, 2014

All good things come to an end they say. I totally agree win that!  Haha I have good news and bad news. I'll start with the bad news so things get better as you read this. :)

So first I'll start with my hospital experience. Yeah, hospital you heard it right! I just want to say that this was my first time going to the doctor or hospital without a motherly figure there. It was SO hard to even walk in there. Haha that's just the mommas boy in me though! But I don't care what anybody thinks. Cause god loves me and won't judge me (yet) haha anyways. A week and a half ago. I ate two burritos, REALLY big ones. Right after the last bite of the second one, right away I new something was wrong. really wrong. I couldn't breathe. So I went to the hospital  right before I got called, my

exchange companion called sister Fenn. She told me to go home and take a two hour nap. -_- So I was obedient and went home, didn't take my nap though. So she owes me. I'm due for a two hour nap anyways haha back to the story, sorry. So for a whole week and a half, everything time I swallowed, I felt it. And not just felt it but FELT it. Anything cold would freeze my passage way, anything hard felt like I was eating rocks! It didn't hurt, at all actually. I just felt very uncomfortable every time I ate and drink. And everyone knows that I eat ALOT! Haha so they took me and x rayed me. It was my first time wearing a gown so I felt legit! Anyways, my x ray turned out fine. But I was diagnosed with two things! I have hard core anxiety and really bad gastric reflex. My doc said I had a panic attack in the hospital when they were checking my vitals haha I'm a freak, I always new it! And acid from my stomach likes to hang out in my passage way always giving me heart burn. But I'm A OKAY. I got meds for both. Hehe :)

Now for the good news! This week has been the best week on my mish so far. The weather is awesome, I picked up 3 new investigators, I went to the mall, and drove through sleepy hallow and lots of good stuff. The weather has treated me like royalty this week. It's been 40 to 50 everyday. I know those numbers still suck but that's a cake walk compared to being in the teens everyday. We gave the car to the north elders that we were in a car share with for good. They looked at us like we were crazy. Haha we had the weather report and they didn't haha it shouldn't snow anymore but I'm knocking on wood cause Mother Nature has a funny sense of humor as well. -_- Sense the weather is "so nice" we've decided to bring the bikes out. We haven't had to pay for bikes because the ward is so awesome. They loaned us some! The only down side to bikes is that you have to wear helmets. It's in the white hand book so there's no way you to go around it. Haha answer this, when have you ever seen a black guy on a bike with a helmet on??? Yeah, NEVER! I feel like a chump haha bikes are better in lots of ways though. I feel like you have many more opportunities to spread the gospel when your on bikes. You can contact people 10x better. I'll tell some stories about my bike experiences so far.

The first time we got on our bikes, we rode to the church to make sure they wouldn't fall apart. Haha and to Facebook proselyte. On the way we ran into about 4 people. The first guy we saw was in front of a liquor store. Umm I didn't want to judge him off the bat cause that's just how I am! He was a black guy, short, baggy clothes, and I pretty much knew what I was getting into when I walked up to him. I just put the biggest smile in my face and said "what's up!? We re missionaries from our church. The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and we have a short message that's gonna save your life. You look like you got some time. Something tells me you want to hear it!" He looked at me and I was like oh shoot. -_- a couple seconds later he put the biggest smile on his face said "imma be honest, I sell dope, and I'm onna tract (selling dope as we speak) right now. But imma take one of yo pamphlets, cause I need some Jesus in my life". Hahahaha all of us just laughed. We went our way, and ran into a sign flipper! Those are my favorite "targets". They can't run from ya. ;) we talked to him and got his number! And address! He really wants to start meeting with us. The last guy we ran into was uhh a little crazy. We saw him from about 50 feet away. He ran into his garage. Me and my companion were really confused. Then he darted back out! With a 2x4! And started banging it on the concrete. We said, have you ever seen missionaries like us!? He said "nope, and I don't want to see missionaries like you ever again". Gees someone had their panties in a wad. Obviously he wasn't ready to hear the gospel, hopefully his heart with be soften and will run out of sticks before another set of missionaries walk in path. 

Anyway, Elgin has been amazing! I rode through sleepy hollow (where the headless horsemen resided). I don't really know the story of the headless horsemen or sleepy hollow so if anyone does you should tell me. It's no that scary during the day. So it was the best time to go.;)  Sadly, my work there is done though. I have been transferred to Arlington Hieghts. That's why a letter didn't get sent out last

Monday. I was packing and moving and I suck at doing both so I apologize. Arlington heights is an amazing as well. It's gigantic! So big that I'm not in a car share. We get a nice 2013 Chevy Cruze. ;) we

switched into the sisters apartment. Which is wayyyyy nicer than any of the apartments I've seen. Not being creepy or anything but, it smells like the sisters too! I love it! I sleep better cause the apartment doesn't smell like sweaty feet. There's a nice pond outside of our back door which is gorgeous, the girls get hooked up. haha The reason we switched was because we killed it in Elgin! Sisters training needed to be in a better area with more people to teach and more members to use. So we basically set them up for success. I'm ok with that. ;) there was a baptism that we had this Saturday. Her name was nova. She was a 9 year old girl with not so active parents and sisters so she is really blessed that her mom let her do it. Her grandfather baptized her.

  

I've been in this area for a week now, and the works pretty slow. We re getting to know everyone and it's weird. I'm basically starting all over again. I just had revelation. Transfers teach you how to break up! Haha just kidding it is really hard leaving people who you've grown to love behind though. But if you move forward and continue to work and love the people it's easier to focus on the future. It's hard to focus on the future when all you think about is the past.

  

My new district is super small. For the mission that is. There's 8 of us. My last district had 12 people in it. My new district has all sisters in it so I get a little taste of relief society. ;) jk I'm the oldest missionary so I feel kinda old. But that's ok.  My zone is pretty amazing though. I have different zone leaders. I

can already tell that I'm going to get along great with these ones.  Ones from Mexico, and the other is from west valley Utah. The one from Utah is Polynesian and we have the same exact personally so we crack each other up. Me and my companion are the only English missionaries. So when we go on exchanges we re lost most of the time. My Spanish is not that bad though believe it or not. Being around it all the time definitely helps.

The ward is pretty great. The church is about 20 mins away. Not much youth at all so the we're gonna get picked on a lot for things. I expected that coming out here though. There's lots of converts in the

ward. And you can definitely tell. There's people in the ward who are from Utah. You can definitely point them out as well. Haha they seem to be more bubbly.

   

This p-day we re going to explore the area. There tons here! Everyone seems to have nice cars and sad faces. My guess is that theyre in debt because of their cars haha lots of stores and Mcdonalds on ever corner. I've only been twice my whole mission so no worries. ;) there's lots of suburbs so there's lots if tracking to be done.

My new address is

1705 forest cove dr. Apt 102

Mount Prospect, IL 60056

Feel free to write me anytime, I love letters. :))))

I'm going to end with something I learned today in my personal study! Give you guys a lil taste of my spirituality! Haha

Today I read ALMA chapter 34. It's is Amulek preaching to the poor and humbled zoramites who got kicked out of the synagogues (churches). Amulek taught them what the atonement was (verse 7-16).

Then he taught what we must do to have eternal life. Which is the main goal for us here on earth! Verse 32 says it all! "for behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet god".

     

The things I learned today, I already knew, in my head that is. But what I learned today, I learned in my heart. Amulek preached "The Gospel". The Gospel isn't just going to church every Sunday. That's

Mormon culture. To many people are living Mormon culture, and I don't mean to offend anyone if I do but that's gotta stop. Like today. I can honestly say that stopped for me when I came on a mission. I'd

probably still be living "Mormon Culture" if I was back home. And I wouldn't have know the difference until 20 years down the rode. That's a waste of time. More and more people need to be living Mormon Religion. Thats where the happiness is at!!! That's walking the walk. Amulek teaches us how to do it! Psh, now that I think about it, I've been taught these principles since I was 14, by various people who care about me and love me. I knew these things. But I only stuck the knowledge in my head. When it's there it benefits you nothing. But when it's in your heart :) it changes you. Let it change you. (That's why missionaries come home "weird") the gospel is all about change. As

it changes you, teach others how it can change them as well (missionary work). Let the gospel work it's way from your brain to your heart. When it reaches your heart it turns into wisdom! Which is the weapon to beat the crap out of satan! Alma 37: 35 ("Learn wisdom in by youth. Learn wisdom in thy youth to keep the commandments of god").

I know the gospel to be true and I'm SO thankful to be apart of something so great! I'm thankful to have the fullness of HHS gospel in my life. I'm thankful for our Heavenly Father and the many ways he

teaches us. The gospel is a process, a continual process and we re all in different stages of it. But as we all live it and apply it, we can all get to the same place!

Ps. Where I'll be throwing a party that all my friends and family are invited to. I have two people who are on my VIP list. Everyone can make it on there as well! Live the gospel, pray continually, go to church, follow the commandments, all of them! And sit back and enjoy the blessings! :)) piece out!

-Elder Williams

Brad Riley March 24,2014

Hi everyone!!

So this week was a good week! It went by really fast!! It started with P day golfing in the wind! It was really fun! I did surprisingly well, but we played 14 holes and then decided to quite cause we were all really cold!! But it was alot of fun!

Tuesday we had dinner with a part member family that day and we committed her to BAPTISM and so we were so happy to get a baptism! Her name is Ja Ja and she came from China and has been here for 2 years and can barley speak any English so we had to find a member in the ward that knew how to speak Chinese so he could translate for us! So we talked to Ja Ja for the entire week and finally she felt the spirit enough and the spirit testified to her that it was true so she wanted to be baptized! So she will be baptized on Saturday! 

Wednesday we tracted and didn't have any luck! But thats okay!  You can't be successful every day!

On Thursday we went on exchanges and I was with an elder named Elder Riechman and I stayed at his house and I decided I don't want him to be my comp cause he is not a talker and I need a talker or else I might die! haha  But we didn't talk at all so we didnt get much done! He has only been out a few months so maybe he'll improve as time goes on. 

Friday was the same thing and we didn't get much done!

Saturday we taught Ja Ja her last lesson and then we got a bunch of free pork chops and bacon farm fresh! We met this new couple that we will go and do some service for them and hopefully teach them a lesson! But that's all that really happened this week! I hope you all have a good week this week!

Love Elder Riley

Brad's little room where he lives with a family and his new glasses!

.

Elder Jansen Hall - March 17, 2014

Hey Yall!

Happy St Patties Day! I hope everyone enjoys the holiday and shares with others:) haha so just a little weather update, it has been nice and in the 60's one day and back to freezin cold the next haha still have the bi polar weather in the south! Today its pretty cold, but hopefully we can find spring time soon!

This is our happy st patties day celebration:) haha

This week has been great! I was able to go interview 2 more people in our distict that got baptized this weekend. I just love doin interviews and its so cool while you do them to be listenin to the responses that they give you and also for the spirit to confirm that they are ready. In every interview i have, its such a neat experience and i am able to feel the spirit so strongly and in a different way then i usally feel it to know they are ready for baptism. I love it!:) We also had zone trainin this week. Probably the best zone trainin ive had on my mission! They trained on a meetin that 1/3 of the mission got to go to. Brothers Donaldson and Littlefield from the MTC came and trained on a new way to teach and help with members and to hasten the work even farther then its goin right now! It was so great! The one thing that ill have time to explain is about the new teachin method. We are to teach the whole restoration lesson in 7 mintues! What you do is you take out the pamplet that we pass out and we use the pictures and ask them to describe what they see and they basically teach themselves! Its so dang fun to do and very effective. As we do this we are becomin more bold! Boldness isnt yellin and screamin and gettin mad, its explainin clearly and as nephi says "According to the plainess in the which I know that no man can err" Bein bold is talkin so plainly that no one can err! As we think about what we are gonna say to people and just say short sweet simple sentences people cant err, they cant make excuses, and this way you start to find those that are serious about the gospel, or those that arent gonna change. Its so great!

We have been tryin to find new investigators. As we go to the stores and just talk with people and breifly explain about the gospel then set up apointments to come teach them we have been successful so far. We have a few we wanna see this week. I just love sharin this and it makes me so happy:) Ive been tryin to get my comp to talk more. He literally wont say anythin which is kinda the new missionary dealio haha but ive been tryin to help him so once he is done trainin and has another comp they both can talk! Ha but life is great! Other than that we have been tryin to see less actives, and recent converts. We are startin to do BOM studies with a RC Camron, he is 12 and we are gonna read the BOM and have him read some on his one until he reads it all the way through. Right now with our branch we are tryin to create a base where we then can build and make it stronger. We are tryin to help the active members be strong and help in missionary work which is startin to happen a little at a time right now!

The message I would leave with yall today is one that you can truley find the most happiness in. That is of openin your mouth and just sharin the joy, love, peace and happiness that the gospel bring you with others. As we do that with boldness, clear and simple, we will find the elect quicker. We will be able to see success and will have more happiness than anything else can bring us!:) I love yall, and hope yall have a great week:)

Love Elder Hall

Spring is on the Way!! Brad Riley

Hi all:

Well this week has been a pretty good week! I think I am getting a head cold because it feels like my head is going to explode! haha but things here are good.   It's raining a lot and we are going hiking today so that will be fun! It has been really nice here! The weather needs to stay like this! So this week Elder Fuller and I were walking through the church building and Sister Cannon (mission president's wife) came out of nowhere and she asks Elder Fuller and I if we will sing at zone conference! So I am singing the bass and melody so I'm a little nervous but I think it will turn out!

We have several investigators right now and we have committed 2 of them to baptism! We are excited for them and to watch their progress. We have been working really hard and trying to contact some more people! So, there is this new thing in Idaho that when someone sees a missionary they yell hail Satan! So that's always strange to hear but at least they aren't cussing at us! 

This past week has been a week filled with giving people blessings and I love giving blessing because Christ gave blessings!! It is so cool to see how they affect the people and how strong the spirit is! Well this week has kinda been slow because everyone works during the day so we can't do anything until the evening so that is always a struggle!

I will talk to y'all later!!

Love 

-Elder Riley-

Pictures will come soon.  My camera is getting fixed!!

Elder Jansen Hall - March 10, 2014

Hey Yall!

So this week has been another crazy weather week! We have had rain, hott, cold and everywhere in between! I just wish it would be sunny every day, but at the same time am not excited for the summer haha good thing its the last one ill have to spend down here as a missionary! But this week it feels like i havent been in New Albany too much because I have gotten to go on a couple exchanges with diffrent elders in my district!

I first wanna talk about the exchanges I had. The first one I went to Amory, Mississippi with Elder Harris. They just opened up the area about 6 months ago and they are tryin to get started. Well everything we had kept fallin through. No one was openin up there doors, or we would get lost on our bikes and be bikin for ages haha but we didnt let that get us down. We picked up carts at wal mart and talked to alot of different people. We went to a few different stores and just got to know people and breifly explained about the church. It was very simliar with the next exchanged I had in Tupelo with one of the Zone Leaders Elder Mckay. We exchanged later that evenin and when we tried to get into the one apt we had they werent home. So we went to the mall and contacted again. We had 10 really good conversations with people where we shared what we were doin as missionaries and gave them a mormon.org card and got there number. The cool thing is that we go around to stores or gas stations or banks and just open our mouths and talk. When you do that and just be happy and friendly you may get some no's but you will be able to find the one person that needs you. So the one thing I learned on our exchanges is to just open your mouth. Not to be scared but just share what is so important to you! "Dare to be a mormon, dare to stand alone, dare to have a purpose firm, dare to make it known!" President Monson.

One cool story is that right before we were gonna exchange, the ZLs told us they were gonna be late. Well that gave us around 30-40 minutes where we didnt know what to do. So I told my comp that we were gonna go walk around our neighborhood. We did and ended up runnin into a few little kids playin b ball outside. Well I stopped and asked if we could play with them. They said yes and we had such a fun time! We played for a while until we had to go back home and go on exchanges. Even though we didnt get a chance to share the gospel with them, we still made friends and left an impression on them. They loved playin with us.

Other than that, we have just been tryin to look for service and new investigators. We have a couple of potentials that we are gonna visit this week! But life has been great and i cant complain. The other thing i wanted to share was that of love and charity. I have been workin on this alot! Our mission prez always says, "Point your arrows outward." I know that as we have love and charity and serve others we will be blessed. As we give literally our all to the Lord he can and will bless us! We wont need to worry. He gave his all for us, let us give our all for him!

I hope yall have a great week! Be happy and remember, "Sure is a beautiful day!"

Love Elder Hall

Elder Isaiah Williams - March 10, 2014

New week new things :)

It has been another great week here in Elgin, Illinois. Birds are chirpin, my feet are hurtin, and the snow is finally melting! Haha it's finally starting to warm up! It is about time!!! Missionary work goes along much smoother when the sun is shining. I don't know what the cold does to people hearts, but It makes them cranky 24/7. The high have been getting in the 40's and the low has been in the 20's. That's good enough for me though, I won't complain. Cause as soon as I complain a snowstorm from somewhere will hit. Always seems to happen. This past Saturday is the first Saturday it hasn't snowed since I got here. Hopefully that's OVER!

   

The members here are great! They remind me of people back at home. They take care of us and all our needs which is awesome. I think that's why I'm not homesick at all. Haha we are in a car share, so every other week we depend on the members to take us places. I feel bad most of the time cause I hate asking people (who aren't my family) for things. I feel like they get annoyed with us and why members aren't motivated to drive us around. What can we do as missionaries to make the members not feel burdened!??? I had my first greeny meal haha the Sowa family made me and my companion dinner and dyed it green

hahaha it was pretty funny. There's lots and lots of diversity here which I love. Lots of Filipinos, Hispanic, and Polish people. I love getting to know different people and learning about what different cultures do, how they live, and mostly what and how they eat! The Filipino culture loves rice and meat! They cook sticky rice, pinch it with their fingers along with some chicken, dip it in Filipino ketchup, called mang thomas, it's brown, and it's dang good. I don't want to say that I have a favorite family cause I love all the families here but I click best with the Payo family. Its none stop laughing when we go to their house, no joke. This past week they made me eat Belot, it's fertilized duck egg! I'll send some pictures of it. There's a video of me eating it as well. They take a picture of it and put it on the wall of fame in their kitchen! Go to an Asian store and buy Belot, boil it for 10-15 min, than yum yum yum yum. It's delicious. Haha

   

My p-days are pretty good. We get up at 6:30 still. But that's no problem. We work out until 7:15, shower, put laundry in at 8, and study and do laundry for about an hour. Shop and get groceries. Then we hit up (go to) other places and find cool stuff! We go to thrift shops, antique places, Salvation Army, and good will. I call of them DI and people look at me like I'm dumb. I've gotten a few toys. :) hehe I bought an old blow dart gun. I'll send it home whenever I get in trouble. After wee do that we go to the church. Our mission president has said that we can email as long as we want. Well until 6. Which is cool, lots of missions don't do that. We have wi-fi in our church. So we play sports and email. That's basically it. It's a good day. :)

   

Anyways, the mission is awesome. I'm staying busy and staying true to the faith! I'm Inviting others to come unto by helping them receive the restored gospel through having faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism and recieving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end! You can do the same!!!

    

From now on I'm going to end with a spiritual thought so you guysdon't think I'm goofing off out here lol :)

D&C 4:5-6

  ^       ^

These attributes are Christlike attributes. Those attributes are what we are here on earth to learn and apply in our lives. And everyone has the capability to do so. If you are not applying those attributes in your life, then you should start. And watch how your life change. :) the gospel of Christ (faith, repentance, baptism, recieving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring) is a process! So don't judge yourself to hardly. :) just have a self evaluation every here and there to see where your at. ;) love you all!!! :)

-Baptizing Like Cray Cray

Elder Isaiah Williams - March 3, 2014

Here I am once again!!! :) how is everyone doing!? I'm doing great!

This week once again has been super fast, anddddd super cold! The high

of is week has been 12 degrees. The low has been about -15. Because

the Weather is so cold the work has been kinda slow. We don't tract.

Because after about five minutes we walk like penguins. Haha when it's

below zero we can't be outside anymore. So we've been teaching lots of

Facebook lessons. Which gets kinda boring. -_- I like looking into

people's eyes so the spirit can go directly in theirs souls! Haha

sounds kind of scary but it's the truth. When we're not teaching, we

re studying. Which is my favorite time of day. I'm in mosiah in the

Book of Mormon. I read the Book of Mormon stories first to know who

everyone is haha and it worked! I'm not confused anymore! I'm at the

part where abinadi is ripping into king Noah and his priests. Haha

   We call lots of people and get rejected by lots of people but it's

what I expected so it doesn't hurt to much. Most of my investigators

are progressing, which is great! I love seeing people change their

lives. Makes me so glad to be here in Illinois. Ummm I haha have

gained some weight definitely. We get fed every night which is bad but

nice. ;) so these next couple of weeks I'm gonna be watchin my belly.

Haha if you want to send me letters and stuff my address is 1319

butterfield rd. Downers Grove, Illinois. 60515. I love when I get

stuff!

    I've caught on fast with pretty much everything. I have like 7

weeks of training left. Transfers are coming up but I think I'm

staying here in Elgin. Sorry this letter is so short. Love you all so

much though! ;)

-Baptizing Like Cray Cray

Elder Jansen Hall - March 3, 2014

Hey Yall!

This week has been so cold, and rainy. Which is really unsual for this time of the year, but im enjoyin it before the hott of summer comes and i start to melt again! None the less we were able to have a great week and have many good enjoyable moments! Just a few cool things about our area. Its the biggest area in the mission, we do have a car. Um the towns are pretty small but i love it here. Elder Black and I are gettin along great.

We still dont really have any investigators. We have an investigator right now that basically is at a stand still and wont do anythin. We are tryin to work with her and help her progress. But right now we are just tryin to get the branch presidency and members excited again about missionary work. Its been really rough here for them and they are gettin down a little bit so we need to pick it back up. One thing were gonna start doin is going to visit every member and have a family home evenin with them! That'll hopefully help us gain there trust and get them excited about missionary work again! Right now basically all of New Albany has been tracted upsidedown and backwards so we are goin around and tryin to just talk to people. Its amazin how many people will talk back if you just open your mouth. Sometimes you dont get to talk for very long or not even about the gospel, but its showin people your friendly.

But the highlight for sure of my week was on Saturday. We got special permission to go see a man up in Corinth. That was my first area. Now this mans name is James. He is in his late 70's and has had a pretty rough life. He has been through many surgeries, even while i was with him and many times he literally died and they had to bring him back to life. While I was up in Corinth at the start of my mission he had a surgery like that. Well he has had many more since i left. About 2 weeks ago he had another surgery. Half way through the Dr's stopped the procedure because he would've bled out on the table and died. Then they basically gave him a termination date. Which James showed me when we went up there on paper. Well I got to go up with my trainer Elder Galorath. I love him so much haha and we had a great time going around seein all the people we used to see, and talkin with everyone we would pass. But back to James. So we went to see him. He is in super happy spirits. He hasnt been active his whole life, but while we talked with him, he said he loves the church and is basically active in his heart. Well before we left he told us a couple things that i wanna pass on.

1. Be Happy and Positive.

The most successful people in life are the happy ones, that view everything with a positive outlook.

2. Remember to keep learnin.

If there is a word that you come across in your scripture readin or other books, stop and look up the definition. That way you will learn more. Knowledge is power!

3. Find your mark, and leave it behind on the world!

His mark is this, "Sure is a beautiful day!" James. He made his own foundation the "Sure is a Beautiful Day Foundation". Im now gonna initiate yall into it. Step 1. Wake up every day and say the quote found on the line above. Step 2 Do everything you can to make it a beautiful day even if it may not seem to be.

Ive learned that life is what we make it. James told us that he isnt scared of dyin. He isnt mad or sad because he has chosen to be happy and to make each day a beautiful one! What a great lesson that is to all of us! Even though things may be dark and gloomy and sad we can still make it what we want!

Well we had a great time with James and what a great man and influence on my life. I have now looked back on my mission and what ive done. I have picked out things that i can do better and ive started to change. I invite yall to do the same with your individule lives. Look back and see all the good youve done. Now try to pick some things you can improve on and follow the council of King Mosiah!

Mosiah 4:10, And again, believe that ye must ^arepent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in ^bsincerity of heart that he would ^cforgive you; and now, if you ^dbelieve all these things see that ye ^edo them.

Start now! Act now! The time is now! I hope that yall have a great week and keep bein happy! Find your talent God has given you and act upon it and share it with others! Love yall so much!

Love Elder Hall:)