Dear Family!
This week has just flown by. Bailee is working on her bug collection eh?? Hmmm... Well we've found/killed like 4 cock roaches inside the church building so far and they are the most disturbing lil' creatures I've ever come across. They're huge! It's disgusting. Sounds like fun though!
Saturday night we were out riding around contacting people when we came across a young lady named Jenise who was just sitting by herself on the curb. We went up to her and started talking and she mentioned to us that she had just had a terrible day at work and was extremely stressed. She said that she is a waitress at Marie Calendars and gets constantly harassed by customers and also her manager. She said that she also works with a member of the church who puts up with the same crap as she does, but is always so happy and doesn't get stressed from it. To cope with the stress, Jenise smokes a few cigarettes. So typical for this area. I'd say almost everyone we contact smokes! We sat down next to her and began having a conversation about why she smokes. She told us that she hates smoking, but that while at work when the stress gets so bad all she can think about is a cigarette. She knows how bad it is for her and as we talked she threw the pack of cigarettes in the gutter. Well, being the good missionary that I am, I asked her if I could have them as well as her lighter. :/ She agreed and I placed them in my pocket. Haha. Such a weird feeling. We continued talking about the Book of Mormon and HOW it blesses our lives and she pretty much agreed with everything. It was a sweet conversation and hopefully something good will come out of it!
Today while visiting the Chiropractor, Dr. Cathcart (2nd counselor in the Stake Presidency of the Glendale Stake), told us a sweet story that happened last week while Elder Hales was visiting their stake for a special stake conference. They have a couple in the stake who has been questioning the truthfulness of the church. This is because the wife's father, who is a former bishop, has recently been "[lead]...by the neck with a flaxen cord, until [Satan bound him] with his strong cords forever" (2 Nephi 26:22, emphasis added). He has been excommunicated and is extremely anti towards the church. He has been providing the couple with loads of anti material which has slowly but surely bound them with the flaxen cord as well. The bishop of their ward now, as well as the stake president went over to this couple's house the week before Elder Hales came to answer their questions and see what they can do to help. After answering many anti-instigated questions, the meeting with them began to be extremely contentious. The Bishop stood up pointing his finger toward each of them, and told them exactly what Elder Holland so passionately said one year ago this conference regarding the Book of Mormon. "You and I both know that the only way for you to make your exit is to do so by crawling over or under or around the Book of Mormon to make that exit. I know, and you know as well, that you have felt the spirit testify to you of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and how can you deny that?" The couple sat their dumbfounded and wouldn't deny that truth. The bishop then invited them out to church the next week because and Apostle of God would be in attendance and he PROMISED them that the apostle would answer their questions. Most of their questions were regarding the trinity, which in my opinion is absurd. They made sure they were at the conference early and had prayed the night before that Heavenly Father would show unto them that this is the true church. When Elder Hales began speaking, he said that he had received a prompting from the spirit to share a few words about John 17, which happens to be all about the separateness of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost yet the oneness in purpose. Their prayer was answered, and they confirmed the reality of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints being the true church.
I love that scripture in 2 Nephi. A flaxen cord is a thin string I often relate to a weak strand of yarn, easily broken. But Satan's plan is to bind us with a flaxen cord, and then slowly but surely add to it until the cord becomes strong, so that it will take some extra tools and power to be relieved. We all have these thin cords continually trying to bind us but what are they and how can we overcome them? I've seen flaxen cords be disguised as something as innocent as not reading your scriptures or praying. It all leads somewhere and that somewhere has no feeling of joy. I remember in my own life prior to the mission, when I was reading and praying, I was more apt to receive blessings of a positive attitude, retention of information I was studying, and also other personal needs that I desired help with. As I read now, I've noticed that Heavenly Father just wants us to put Him first in our lives, do what He asks, and as we do so the things we do next will be done with extra, much-needed help from His hands. As stated in D&C 11:21, "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men." I love that as well, and in D&C 42:14 it says that if we don't have the Spirit, we shall not teach. Kinda scary but so true!
Here are my quotes for the week:
"Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, the power to work is a blessing, the love of work is success. Genius undoubtedly is little more than the capacity for hard, sustained work." - David O. McKay
"Work while you have the light. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you." - Henri F. Amiel
I love you all so much. If at all possible, I would love some more pictures of the family! Like some of those last ones that we all took together. I love those.
Love,
Elder Mouritsen
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
September 14-20, 2010: Living Water
Hello Family:
Man, what a good letter! I'll be sending the SD card home soon I bet. It's been holding a lot more photos than I expected though so I've been trying to fill it up. That's good you taught the deacons about Limewire! That is definitely a tough one for young people. You always have the best analogies! Running ones are superb. I love how you can apply anything to gospel principles and to people that you are communicating with. I really need that skill to rub off more on me.
I love that scripture in D&C 123. Verse 17 says: "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." It's our choice to do things cheerfully. We choose to be happy. Chris Baird (recent convert) said that he used to be the most negative, angry man around. Now, when people come to him with negative or angry feelings he just tells them, "You know, it's your choice to be that way. Why not choose to be happy and benefit other's lives? It's your choice." Words of wisdom. He's a phenomenal guy. But it's so true! We also choose to entertain unworthy thoughts. Sure, they may pop into our minds but it's our choice to entertain them. One of the toughest ones for me is accepting constructive criticism from someone who is around my own age. Ughhh, it's so hard for me to do! But I've learned that I can either choose to allow it to help me, or choose to make it ruin the rest of my day! haha
This week has been pretty good. We've been at a loll lately when it comes to baptisms and baptismal dates but there are quite a few people that are right there! On Wednesday we had dinner at the Mock's home. Brother and Sister Mock are members of the church (converts for over 30 years) and Sister Mock's uncle Howard lives with them. Howard came to church last week. I told you his whole story last week. We met with him and taught him the restoration lesson. He has a tough time though because he's severely dislexic and almost 100% illiterate. As we talked to him we told him about how important baptism is for us and also what it does for us in this life and also the life to come. "So is baptism important for us Howard?" "Well I'll say so!!" he said. We then committed him to September 30th. Brother and Sister Mock started asking him if he really knew what he was comitting to though. They didn't want him to feel pressured. He responded by saying it's something he really wants to do! Well, two days later we get a call from Sister Mock and she tells us that she just thinks that he was rushed and should go through all the lessons and make the decision for himself and not be committed. SISTER MOCK! If we waited for everybody to commit themselves nobody would be baptized. So we're going back over there sometime this week to teach him and hopefully they didn't scare him away too bad. He told us he really wanted to be baptized! Oh, and he's 82 years old so I dunno how much time we have to work with! haha just kidding.
Saturday was a pretty special day. We had a mission-wide conference where we were told that Elder Robert D. Hales, Elder Richard G. Hinckley, and Elder Michael Pickard (area seventy) would be attending. Our meeting was at two o'clock and then all the stake presidents and bishops in the mission had a meeting with them from nine to one. Of course, we got there around one o'clock so we could see Elder Hales, just in case he didn't come to our meeting. As we were sitting in the foyer, he was in the chapel greeting all the Bishops and Stake presidents and we of course were standing on our tippy toes trying to spy him. Sister Beck walked passed us holding her purse and her scripture bag and we asked her if she needed a hand with them. She said, "why yes I do!" And we snuck into the chapel right behind her! As we walked up onto the stand, Elder Hales was in the aisle and we brushed shoulders up with him. Of course, my heart was beating like crazy. We put her bags up on the stand where she would be sitting and then started back down. As we walked passed him again, he was talking to President Beck and Sister Beck and Sister Beck grabbed our shoulders and said, "Elder Hales! I'd like you to meet two of our missionaries!" We got to shake his hand and he looked us in the eyes and just said, "hello elders." And went back to what he was doing. Of course, my heart was nearly burning up from how fast it was beating. He had the softest hands I've ever felt! haha But seriously, the spirit in that chapel was thick and you could feel it as soon as you walked into the building. Apostles are amazing. It's too bad that he was too worn out from speaking to the Stake Presidents and bishops that he couldn't come to our meeting, but being two of the only missionaries in the entire mission that got to shake his hand was pretty remarkable. Two apostles down! 13 to go! Richard G. Hinckley was awesome in our meeting though. He told stories about his DAD just as if he was an ordinary man, haha but then we made the correlation and OH, he was just the prophet. No big deal. Give Richard G. a few years and some glasses and he'll look just like him! We got to shake his hand as well.
Man, what a good letter! I'll be sending the SD card home soon I bet. It's been holding a lot more photos than I expected though so I've been trying to fill it up. That's good you taught the deacons about Limewire! That is definitely a tough one for young people. You always have the best analogies! Running ones are superb. I love how you can apply anything to gospel principles and to people that you are communicating with. I really need that skill to rub off more on me.
I love that scripture in D&C 123. Verse 17 says: "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." It's our choice to do things cheerfully. We choose to be happy. Chris Baird (recent convert) said that he used to be the most negative, angry man around. Now, when people come to him with negative or angry feelings he just tells them, "You know, it's your choice to be that way. Why not choose to be happy and benefit other's lives? It's your choice." Words of wisdom. He's a phenomenal guy. But it's so true! We also choose to entertain unworthy thoughts. Sure, they may pop into our minds but it's our choice to entertain them. One of the toughest ones for me is accepting constructive criticism from someone who is around my own age. Ughhh, it's so hard for me to do! But I've learned that I can either choose to allow it to help me, or choose to make it ruin the rest of my day! haha
This week has been pretty good. We've been at a loll lately when it comes to baptisms and baptismal dates but there are quite a few people that are right there! On Wednesday we had dinner at the Mock's home. Brother and Sister Mock are members of the church (converts for over 30 years) and Sister Mock's uncle Howard lives with them. Howard came to church last week. I told you his whole story last week. We met with him and taught him the restoration lesson. He has a tough time though because he's severely dislexic and almost 100% illiterate. As we talked to him we told him about how important baptism is for us and also what it does for us in this life and also the life to come. "So is baptism important for us Howard?" "Well I'll say so!!" he said. We then committed him to September 30th. Brother and Sister Mock started asking him if he really knew what he was comitting to though. They didn't want him to feel pressured. He responded by saying it's something he really wants to do! Well, two days later we get a call from Sister Mock and she tells us that she just thinks that he was rushed and should go through all the lessons and make the decision for himself and not be committed. SISTER MOCK! If we waited for everybody to commit themselves nobody would be baptized. So we're going back over there sometime this week to teach him and hopefully they didn't scare him away too bad. He told us he really wanted to be baptized! Oh, and he's 82 years old so I dunno how much time we have to work with! haha just kidding.
Saturday was a pretty special day. We had a mission-wide conference where we were told that Elder Robert D. Hales, Elder Richard G. Hinckley, and Elder Michael Pickard (area seventy) would be attending. Our meeting was at two o'clock and then all the stake presidents and bishops in the mission had a meeting with them from nine to one. Of course, we got there around one o'clock so we could see Elder Hales, just in case he didn't come to our meeting. As we were sitting in the foyer, he was in the chapel greeting all the Bishops and Stake presidents and we of course were standing on our tippy toes trying to spy him. Sister Beck walked passed us holding her purse and her scripture bag and we asked her if she needed a hand with them. She said, "why yes I do!" And we snuck into the chapel right behind her! As we walked up onto the stand, Elder Hales was in the aisle and we brushed shoulders up with him. Of course, my heart was beating like crazy. We put her bags up on the stand where she would be sitting and then started back down. As we walked passed him again, he was talking to President Beck and Sister Beck and Sister Beck grabbed our shoulders and said, "Elder Hales! I'd like you to meet two of our missionaries!" We got to shake his hand and he looked us in the eyes and just said, "hello elders." And went back to what he was doing. Of course, my heart was nearly burning up from how fast it was beating. He had the softest hands I've ever felt! haha But seriously, the spirit in that chapel was thick and you could feel it as soon as you walked into the building. Apostles are amazing. It's too bad that he was too worn out from speaking to the Stake Presidents and bishops that he couldn't come to our meeting, but being two of the only missionaries in the entire mission that got to shake his hand was pretty remarkable. Two apostles down! 13 to go! Richard G. Hinckley was awesome in our meeting though. He told stories about his DAD just as if he was an ordinary man, haha but then we made the correlation and OH, he was just the prophet. No big deal. Give Richard G. a few years and some glasses and he'll look just like him! We got to shake his hand as well.
There are several families we are meeting with who are pretty awesome. Jacque, Reanna, and their son Gabe. They are native american (lamanite) and when we first met with them we thought they were baptized because of how often they come to church but it turns out that they aren't. They aren't even married for that matter! But it shouldn't take much time. They have two younger boys ages 3 and 4 who are hilarious. One of them modeled for the Eclipse movie. Down here they get a lot of people who are native american to play the werewolf parts or something like that. That's the word on the street at least. I told you that I'm serving in the ward that Stephanie Meyer used to live right? I think I did. Anyway, Jacque is like a 6'2" 300 pound guy so it's gonna take someone other than myself to get him under the water! The other family who is close to being baptized is the Martins. Rick, the Grandpa/dad is a member but has a smoking problem. His wife Jeanine is really interested in the church and wants all of her children to come to the lessons and church as well. They live in a small apartment with Jeanine's son and daughter-in-law and then their two sons and then four dogs. It's pretty hectic in there and it's hard to have a quiet, spiritual lesson but I think they will come around soon.
Spiritual experiences happen so frequently out here it's awesome. Friday we got a referral from Elder King and Elder McBride (yes that Elder McBride). A man named Alan works with a guy who is a member and has been showing a lot of interest in the church and especially the Priesthood. This is because his wife Tracy, who has battled breast cancer before, has now been diagnosed with a worse case than she went through in the past. We went over and visited with them. Taught them about the power of the priesthood as well as where it came from. They have faith and don't doubt that the power of God is on the earth today. So we gave her a blessing. The spirit was so strong. Tracy has to go to Michigan for her procedures for two weeks while her husband stays in Phoenix to work. They are awesome and there is a lot of potential there as well.
D&C 133:29 "And in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living water; and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land."
A few months ago a missionary in our district named Elder Kennington was approached by a woman who told them that she had a daughter serving a mission in Fresno California. She told him that even though she's not a member, she still supports her daughter in all she does and loves what the missionaries do. Elder Kennington asked the lady if he could have her daughter's email address haha. He didn't know why he asked that but he did. Last February he emailed the girl and never heard back from her until a few weeks ago when he got a letter. The letter said that the girl had been praying that her mom would be found by the missionaries and that she has been telling her mom to feed the missionaries. Well it so happens that this lady, her name is Sister Seers, moved into our area and we decided to stop by last night and get to know her. We knocked on the door and her 11 year old grandson answered the door. Sister Seers was in the background making dinner so she said, "you know guys it's not really a good time right now we're about to sit down for dinner." She came to the door to say hello and we just responded with, "Oh we just wanted to stop by and introduce ourselves!" She said alright well right now just isn't a good time and started to close the door. She then reopened the door and asked if we would like some water cause we look really tired. haha We never turn down water if it gets us in the door so we accepted. As we were sitting on the couch with our water, she then asked if we had eaten dinner yet. We played it off and said we hadn't but that we would be alright cause we have some people we needed to visit. She insisted. So we finally gave in and it just so happened that she cooked more food than she and her two grandsons could eat! It was great. She continued to say, "geez what are the odds of this. You guys show up right at dinner time during the week that I was going to call you to come over." This Thursday is her daughter's birthday and she was very hurt that she wasn't going to be able to talk to her but said that she'll give her daughter a birthday present by feeding the missionaries. We did the dishes for her, cleaned up around, and then had a very powerful spiritual thought. She told us she was currently attending Calvary Church, one that is very much against the Mormons and has even gone as far as creating a movie called, The Bible v.s. Joseph Smith. Calvary members are usually very against LDS members but since she has been around the LDS church all her life she has no problems. We talked about where the Book of Mormon came from, who Joseph Smith is and all about his story. Her grandson, who is an extremely intelligent sixth grader, burst into tears because of how much religion has split apart his family. He was interested in learning more though. I have a firm testimony that the "living water," which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, quenches a thirst that people didn't even know they had.
I love you guys so much. We're going to a zone volleyball tournament now so wish us luck.
Hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Mouritsen
Spiritual experiences happen so frequently out here it's awesome. Friday we got a referral from Elder King and Elder McBride (yes that Elder McBride). A man named Alan works with a guy who is a member and has been showing a lot of interest in the church and especially the Priesthood. This is because his wife Tracy, who has battled breast cancer before, has now been diagnosed with a worse case than she went through in the past. We went over and visited with them. Taught them about the power of the priesthood as well as where it came from. They have faith and don't doubt that the power of God is on the earth today. So we gave her a blessing. The spirit was so strong. Tracy has to go to Michigan for her procedures for two weeks while her husband stays in Phoenix to work. They are awesome and there is a lot of potential there as well.
D&C 133:29 "And in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living water; and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land."
A few months ago a missionary in our district named Elder Kennington was approached by a woman who told them that she had a daughter serving a mission in Fresno California. She told him that even though she's not a member, she still supports her daughter in all she does and loves what the missionaries do. Elder Kennington asked the lady if he could have her daughter's email address haha. He didn't know why he asked that but he did. Last February he emailed the girl and never heard back from her until a few weeks ago when he got a letter. The letter said that the girl had been praying that her mom would be found by the missionaries and that she has been telling her mom to feed the missionaries. Well it so happens that this lady, her name is Sister Seers, moved into our area and we decided to stop by last night and get to know her. We knocked on the door and her 11 year old grandson answered the door. Sister Seers was in the background making dinner so she said, "you know guys it's not really a good time right now we're about to sit down for dinner." She came to the door to say hello and we just responded with, "Oh we just wanted to stop by and introduce ourselves!" She said alright well right now just isn't a good time and started to close the door. She then reopened the door and asked if we would like some water cause we look really tired. haha We never turn down water if it gets us in the door so we accepted. As we were sitting on the couch with our water, she then asked if we had eaten dinner yet. We played it off and said we hadn't but that we would be alright cause we have some people we needed to visit. She insisted. So we finally gave in and it just so happened that she cooked more food than she and her two grandsons could eat! It was great. She continued to say, "geez what are the odds of this. You guys show up right at dinner time during the week that I was going to call you to come over." This Thursday is her daughter's birthday and she was very hurt that she wasn't going to be able to talk to her but said that she'll give her daughter a birthday present by feeding the missionaries. We did the dishes for her, cleaned up around, and then had a very powerful spiritual thought. She told us she was currently attending Calvary Church, one that is very much against the Mormons and has even gone as far as creating a movie called, The Bible v.s. Joseph Smith. Calvary members are usually very against LDS members but since she has been around the LDS church all her life she has no problems. We talked about where the Book of Mormon came from, who Joseph Smith is and all about his story. Her grandson, who is an extremely intelligent sixth grader, burst into tears because of how much religion has split apart his family. He was interested in learning more though. I have a firm testimony that the "living water," which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, quenches a thirst that people didn't even know they had.
I love you guys so much. We're going to a zone volleyball tournament now so wish us luck.
Hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Mouritsen
Monday, September 13, 2010
September 7-13, 2010: Howard's Love Story
Hello Family!
Man, dad that broke my heart hearing that you had troubles on the race. I honestly couldn't stop thinking about what you were going through. I remember waking up on Friday morning saying, "well my dad is running now." And then I remember eating lunch on Saturday thinking the same thing. I think that is a swell plan to wait to run it again when I get back. Maybe I'll be able to do it all with ya.... Don't count on it. haha I'll definitely pace though. That's so cool you were able to have time spent with Bailee and Madi. Of course they didn't hold you back! All the elders here think you are unbelievable for all the running you do. This morning we went and climbed Lookout Peak and had a little district meeting up there. It was really neat to see the entire valley and then read Alma 47. Those war chapters are some of my favorites. On the way down they were all like, "Hey let's be like Mouritsen's dad and run!" It didn't last long though because the entire trail was rocks about the size of baseballs and softballs and scree in between.
That's awesome that Caleb Livingston emailed Jeff Hansen! Caleb is awesome. He's also the bishop’s son. Caleb had so many good stories and good things to say about Jeff. He was a phenomenal missionary.
This week has gone by pretty quickly! We are meeting with a man named Chris Jordan who just randomly came to church a few weeks ago. Prior to coming, he was severely anti and never dreamed he would hold a Book of Mormon in his hand or set foot into a Mormon church. We meet with him weekly now and since the time he came to church, he's read several chapters from the Book of Mormon and has nearly had the "baseball bat over the head" experience as he calls it. He read Alma 32 (faith), 2 Nephi 31-33 (gospel of Jesus Christ, especially baptism), and then of course I gave him 2 Nephi 4 (17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities). He's got a problem with the Word of Wisdom, so hopefully he doesn't think that I'm trying to chastise him when Nephi says, "O wretched man that I am!" haha I think it was ok cause we talked to him at church and he seemed fine. It's been awesome to see his countenance change though - from being extremely anti, to reading parts of the Book of Mormon, to now having a baptismal date for October 11. The Lord truly is preparing his elect one last time and for one last harvest.
We've been meeting with a young girl named Jeanette Weaver. She's seventeen and was introduced to the church by her "friend" Tyler Johnson. Since the first time we taught her she's been SOLID and keeps her commitments to read the Book of Mormon and come to church. At first there was some speculation as to why she was investigating the church. We thought that it was because of Tyler, which is fine but we also wanted her to be doing it for herself. A few weeks ago we set a date for her to be baptized on September 12 and she was extremely excited. Only one thing lay in the way though, her mom. Her mom has a few issues with the church and some other things, yet she didn't mind that Jeanette was meeting with the missionaries, reading the Book of Mormon, and coming to church. A week and a half before Jeanette's baptismal date she asked her mom about being baptized and it didn't go well. Her mom was quite angry and told her that even though she's almost 18 and won't need permission to be baptized, she really didn't want her to do it. Jeanette said it was awkward with her ever since then. Saturday we talked with her about the conversation with her mom and it was one of the saddest experiences on the mission. Tears began to slowly fall down her face as she related to us what happened. Our advice was to love her and be an example by allowing her light and joy from the gospel to have an affect on her mom. We asked her why she wanted to be baptized. This was the saddest part. She immediately burst into tears to the point to where she couldn't even get the words out. When she composed herself, she told us that it was because she wants the happiness that she knows it'll bring. To this point all she's been able to do is taste the fruit, and she knows that baptism and the Holy Ghost can bring that whole, lasting happiness. We really didn't know what to say... Last night we got a call from Tyler saying that Jeanette had talked to her mom again. I guess she sat Jeanette down and told her she had some important things on her mind to discuss. They talked about religion and it was going pretty well! Then all of a sudden she just turns on her and says, "Jeanette I want you to give your Book of Mormon back. You can't meet with the missionaries anymore and I'm not going to allow you to go to church. If you get baptized while you live under my roof, I will kick you out." Last night we were so ticked it was hard to do anything. Matthew 10:32-40 describes this perfectly.
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
40 ¶ He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Tom and Tom jr. are coming along nicely. Tom wants to be baptized but the thing is, he wants it to be done while he's wearing a Boba Fett suit and his son while he's wearing a storm trooper suit... Yeah they are kinda nerds when it comes to all that and it just makes me laugh but the thing is they are serious. HAHA! Tom comes to church regularly though and I have a feeling they will both be baptized in the near future.
Yesterday an 82 year old guy named Howard came to church. He has a hilarious story: When he was 7 years old he fell in love with a girl named Beverly, who was also 7 years old. He proposed to her and she didn't know he was as serious as he was at the time but she said yes anyway! Of course they weren't married but continued being friends. When they got a little older, Beverly met another guy and married him. Howard was very angry and jealous. Her marriage didn't go well and ended quickly in divorce. Of course, Howard was very ecstatic. He was planning it all out so that he could take her out on a date when suddenly, his brother decided he was going to do the same thing. Howard's brother took Howard's car and asked Beverly on a date. Well, sparks flew and it turns out that Howard's brother ended up marrying her. Howard didn't like that one bit. haha But Howard ended up finding a wife who later died young from lung cancer but he never forgot about his first love, Beverly. Beverly and Howard's brother lived a long, wholesome life until around the age of 80 when his brother began having medical issues. She wanted to divorce him too for some reason that I don't know, but couldn't because she felt bad because her insurance was supporting his medical bills. Despite the fact they didn't live together, they didn't get a divorce. Beverly moved back in with Schultzie, along with 82 year old Howard, who still loved her dearly. It was so funny because you never would have thought they weren't married. Well, Beverly ended up dying a few weeks ago. She's not a member of the church but now Howard wants to start coming to church and become a member. I think that someone told him that he can be sealed to her for eternity and that got his attention. If he couldn't get her in this life, he'll get her in the eternities! Anyways, we are now teaching him weekly and it'll be really cool to be a part of the baptism of someone as old as Howard!
That's about all this week. Thank you so much for the package! Sister Garrett is one of the nicest ladies. The ankle brace is phenomenal and definitely protected me on the hike! I can already feel it getting stronger. The ties are awesome as well! And the salsa and jam... perfect. Thank you so much!
I love you all so much. I hope all is going well! Can't wait to hear from you again.
Till then,
Love,
Elder Mouritsen
Man, dad that broke my heart hearing that you had troubles on the race. I honestly couldn't stop thinking about what you were going through. I remember waking up on Friday morning saying, "well my dad is running now." And then I remember eating lunch on Saturday thinking the same thing. I think that is a swell plan to wait to run it again when I get back. Maybe I'll be able to do it all with ya.... Don't count on it. haha I'll definitely pace though. That's so cool you were able to have time spent with Bailee and Madi. Of course they didn't hold you back! All the elders here think you are unbelievable for all the running you do. This morning we went and climbed Lookout Peak and had a little district meeting up there. It was really neat to see the entire valley and then read Alma 47. Those war chapters are some of my favorites. On the way down they were all like, "Hey let's be like Mouritsen's dad and run!" It didn't last long though because the entire trail was rocks about the size of baseballs and softballs and scree in between.
That's awesome that Caleb Livingston emailed Jeff Hansen! Caleb is awesome. He's also the bishop’s son. Caleb had so many good stories and good things to say about Jeff. He was a phenomenal missionary.
This week has gone by pretty quickly! We are meeting with a man named Chris Jordan who just randomly came to church a few weeks ago. Prior to coming, he was severely anti and never dreamed he would hold a Book of Mormon in his hand or set foot into a Mormon church. We meet with him weekly now and since the time he came to church, he's read several chapters from the Book of Mormon and has nearly had the "baseball bat over the head" experience as he calls it. He read Alma 32 (faith), 2 Nephi 31-33 (gospel of Jesus Christ, especially baptism), and then of course I gave him 2 Nephi 4 (17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities). He's got a problem with the Word of Wisdom, so hopefully he doesn't think that I'm trying to chastise him when Nephi says, "O wretched man that I am!" haha I think it was ok cause we talked to him at church and he seemed fine. It's been awesome to see his countenance change though - from being extremely anti, to reading parts of the Book of Mormon, to now having a baptismal date for October 11. The Lord truly is preparing his elect one last time and for one last harvest.
We've been meeting with a young girl named Jeanette Weaver. She's seventeen and was introduced to the church by her "friend" Tyler Johnson. Since the first time we taught her she's been SOLID and keeps her commitments to read the Book of Mormon and come to church. At first there was some speculation as to why she was investigating the church. We thought that it was because of Tyler, which is fine but we also wanted her to be doing it for herself. A few weeks ago we set a date for her to be baptized on September 12 and she was extremely excited. Only one thing lay in the way though, her mom. Her mom has a few issues with the church and some other things, yet she didn't mind that Jeanette was meeting with the missionaries, reading the Book of Mormon, and coming to church. A week and a half before Jeanette's baptismal date she asked her mom about being baptized and it didn't go well. Her mom was quite angry and told her that even though she's almost 18 and won't need permission to be baptized, she really didn't want her to do it. Jeanette said it was awkward with her ever since then. Saturday we talked with her about the conversation with her mom and it was one of the saddest experiences on the mission. Tears began to slowly fall down her face as she related to us what happened. Our advice was to love her and be an example by allowing her light and joy from the gospel to have an affect on her mom. We asked her why she wanted to be baptized. This was the saddest part. She immediately burst into tears to the point to where she couldn't even get the words out. When she composed herself, she told us that it was because she wants the happiness that she knows it'll bring. To this point all she's been able to do is taste the fruit, and she knows that baptism and the Holy Ghost can bring that whole, lasting happiness. We really didn't know what to say... Last night we got a call from Tyler saying that Jeanette had talked to her mom again. I guess she sat Jeanette down and told her she had some important things on her mind to discuss. They talked about religion and it was going pretty well! Then all of a sudden she just turns on her and says, "Jeanette I want you to give your Book of Mormon back. You can't meet with the missionaries anymore and I'm not going to allow you to go to church. If you get baptized while you live under my roof, I will kick you out." Last night we were so ticked it was hard to do anything. Matthew 10:32-40 describes this perfectly.
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
40 ¶ He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Tom and Tom jr. are coming along nicely. Tom wants to be baptized but the thing is, he wants it to be done while he's wearing a Boba Fett suit and his son while he's wearing a storm trooper suit... Yeah they are kinda nerds when it comes to all that and it just makes me laugh but the thing is they are serious. HAHA! Tom comes to church regularly though and I have a feeling they will both be baptized in the near future.
Yesterday an 82 year old guy named Howard came to church. He has a hilarious story: When he was 7 years old he fell in love with a girl named Beverly, who was also 7 years old. He proposed to her and she didn't know he was as serious as he was at the time but she said yes anyway! Of course they weren't married but continued being friends. When they got a little older, Beverly met another guy and married him. Howard was very angry and jealous. Her marriage didn't go well and ended quickly in divorce. Of course, Howard was very ecstatic. He was planning it all out so that he could take her out on a date when suddenly, his brother decided he was going to do the same thing. Howard's brother took Howard's car and asked Beverly on a date. Well, sparks flew and it turns out that Howard's brother ended up marrying her. Howard didn't like that one bit. haha But Howard ended up finding a wife who later died young from lung cancer but he never forgot about his first love, Beverly. Beverly and Howard's brother lived a long, wholesome life until around the age of 80 when his brother began having medical issues. She wanted to divorce him too for some reason that I don't know, but couldn't because she felt bad because her insurance was supporting his medical bills. Despite the fact they didn't live together, they didn't get a divorce. Beverly moved back in with Schultzie, along with 82 year old Howard, who still loved her dearly. It was so funny because you never would have thought they weren't married. Well, Beverly ended up dying a few weeks ago. She's not a member of the church but now Howard wants to start coming to church and become a member. I think that someone told him that he can be sealed to her for eternity and that got his attention. If he couldn't get her in this life, he'll get her in the eternities! Anyways, we are now teaching him weekly and it'll be really cool to be a part of the baptism of someone as old as Howard!
That's about all this week. Thank you so much for the package! Sister Garrett is one of the nicest ladies. The ankle brace is phenomenal and definitely protected me on the hike! I can already feel it getting stronger. The ties are awesome as well! And the salsa and jam... perfect. Thank you so much!
I love you all so much. I hope all is going well! Can't wait to hear from you again.
Till then,
Love,
Elder Mouritsen
Monday, September 6, 2010
August 31 - September 6, 2010: Another Zone Record for Baptisms
Mouritsen Family,
"Imagine all you want in life is the ocean and your father has the power to give it to you, but he won't. It's so devastating that it's possible for him to do it, but he just won't. One day, all of a sudden he decides to give it to you, and you realize all the mysteries, possibilities, opportunities, and joys that come from it!"
-A quote from Charlotte Hurley, restated by our Bishop while they were driving home after Charlotte was baptized.
"Imagine all you want in life is the ocean and your father has the power to give it to you, but he won't. It's so devastating that it's possible for him to do it, but he just won't. One day, all of a sudden he decides to give it to you, and you realize all the mysteries, possibilities, opportunities, and joys that come from it!"
-A quote from Charlotte Hurley, restated by our Bishop while they were driving home after Charlotte was baptized.
I think I told you last week that Charlotte's dad finally agreed to allow her to be baptized. After about 5 years of investigating, being told several times that he'll sign the baptismal record and going back on his word once the paper was in front of him, finally six months before she turns 18, he signed it. It was a very emotional and special day for her and also for the rest of the ward. With nearly 80 people in attendance we had to do the program in the stake center chapel, and then move everybody into the primary room for the baptism. Elder Cichy was asked to baptize her which was awesome! I've never seen so many people gathered around for a person to be baptized! It was very cool to see her dad, sister, best friend, mom, and her dad's girlfriend all get emotional because of the powerful spirit that was present. After the ordinance, everyone was ushered back into the chapel for the missionary's intermediate message, only that Cichy was in the changing room getting dried off and back into his suit. So I had to go at it alone, haha. All those times speaking in church have been paying off and I've never been so grateful for those opportunites! Charlotte bore her testimony which was piercing and then the Bishop finished with some powerful advice and heart felt words.
Following that service, there was another baptism by some other missionaries in our district. The young woman being baptized said something that struck me. "You never know how lost you are, until you find the truth." She then recalled her conversion experience and it reminded me of how even if we've grown up in the church, we still have a conversion story. I've tried to find the source of mine, but the experiences that have strengthened my testimony are without end and they continue daily here on the mission. I think it takes a lifetime of effort and faith to truly become converted to this gospel.
After that baptism, we hurried home to eat some lunch and then we had to be back around three because another girl was being baptized at four o'clock in our ward. She's nine years old so she's still a convert baptism, but she was being baptized with the eight year olds. It was funny to hear that Charlotte had been chosen several weeks ago to speak at this baptism on the topic of baptism, even though she had never been baptized (at that time). Well, now she had been just a few hours earlier, BUT when she got on the stand the other girl that was supposed to speak on the Holy Ghost had prepared a talk on baptism as well. So, Charlotte had to change her entire topic and give a talk on the spot on something that she hadn't even received yet. It was still a great talk for not having anything prepared!
Yesterday, Brother Mike James was ordained to the office of a Priest and received the Aaronic Priesthood. Next, Charlotte was confirmed a member of the church and commanded to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. She had asked me to be the spokesperson and I was so dang nervous to do so!! Man, it was my first one and of course it had to be a girl that the entire ward knew who also had one of the biggest support groups! It was soothing to feel all the nervousness go away as we laid our hands upon her head. It was one of the best weekends ever! During fast and testimony meeting, over half of the testimonies had to do with the person's love for Charlotte and her persistence and determination. It was really cool to see!
Later that night we visited with a man named Andy Esquivel. He has a wife and 18 year old daughter who are both members and then two young sons. The whole family comes to church every week but we found out that Andy has never been baptized. As we visited with him we found that he has no real problems with any of the doctrine, he just doens't really know if God exists. It's kind of hard for him to receive answers to prayers when he doesn't know if there is anything to pray to. I'm almost positive that he's had experiences in his life where miracles have happened but he just doesn't recognize that it's the power of God or the spirit speaking to him. Ironically, he asked us for a blessing because his back had been hurting him. Uhmm, what? You don't believe in God but you believe that you can be healed by His power? Hmmm... It's things like that though, where he just doesn't recognize that that could be his answer that God really does exist. I think he'll come around soon and become a member. The blessing was neat though, he asked Cichy to anoint and then I sealed the anointing. It was cool to hear him say that immediately following the blessing, the tedious pain in his back began to subside. Throughout the day on Sunday, we were involved in 4 different priesthood blessings, and 3 of them were totally different types which was really neat! (the fourth one was the 9 year old girl, Krystyanna Laven, her confirmation).
Anyways, I think that's about all for now! I hope all is going well. It's cool to hear about experiences you are having regarding answers to prayers, comfort despite trial, and focus despite busyness. I hope the girls are doing great as well! I haven't heard from them for awhile. I created a "brotherhood" chat deal where all of their email addresses are in one big email so we can all talk to each other by sending one email each. Hopefully it works out. I've heard from Elder Larrabee and he's doing awesome! I knew he would be an amazing missionary. Tell Grandpa Roger I love him and I'll be praying for his strength. I got the letter from Grandma Georgia and it sounds like they had a blast up in Dingle! Demolition Derby on a saturday night must be phenomenal!! I can see the family coming back to Phoenix for sure! Cichy is from Calgary. I can't wait to hear the results from the Wasatch 100! Last month we beat the zone record again with baptisms. The field truely is white and ready to harvest. The Lord is preparing his elect for one more harvest!
I love you all very much.
Love,
Elder Mouritsen
P.S. some quotes:
"You only pass this way once. You only have one shot to be an influence for good with the people that are with you. The time, people and situation will never be dublicated again. No one else will be able to do what you can do. Some people you will prepare to change, others you will help change, and others yet will rely completely on you to know the truth. Do whatever it takes! Live to have no regrets! Do some good today and everyday!"
-Anonymous
"Pain is God's megaphone to awake the sleeping spirituality of the world."
-C.S. Lewis
After that baptism, we hurried home to eat some lunch and then we had to be back around three because another girl was being baptized at four o'clock in our ward. She's nine years old so she's still a convert baptism, but she was being baptized with the eight year olds. It was funny to hear that Charlotte had been chosen several weeks ago to speak at this baptism on the topic of baptism, even though she had never been baptized (at that time). Well, now she had been just a few hours earlier, BUT when she got on the stand the other girl that was supposed to speak on the Holy Ghost had prepared a talk on baptism as well. So, Charlotte had to change her entire topic and give a talk on the spot on something that she hadn't even received yet. It was still a great talk for not having anything prepared!
Yesterday, Brother Mike James was ordained to the office of a Priest and received the Aaronic Priesthood. Next, Charlotte was confirmed a member of the church and commanded to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. She had asked me to be the spokesperson and I was so dang nervous to do so!! Man, it was my first one and of course it had to be a girl that the entire ward knew who also had one of the biggest support groups! It was soothing to feel all the nervousness go away as we laid our hands upon her head. It was one of the best weekends ever! During fast and testimony meeting, over half of the testimonies had to do with the person's love for Charlotte and her persistence and determination. It was really cool to see!
Later that night we visited with a man named Andy Esquivel. He has a wife and 18 year old daughter who are both members and then two young sons. The whole family comes to church every week but we found out that Andy has never been baptized. As we visited with him we found that he has no real problems with any of the doctrine, he just doens't really know if God exists. It's kind of hard for him to receive answers to prayers when he doesn't know if there is anything to pray to. I'm almost positive that he's had experiences in his life where miracles have happened but he just doesn't recognize that it's the power of God or the spirit speaking to him. Ironically, he asked us for a blessing because his back had been hurting him. Uhmm, what? You don't believe in God but you believe that you can be healed by His power? Hmmm... It's things like that though, where he just doesn't recognize that that could be his answer that God really does exist. I think he'll come around soon and become a member. The blessing was neat though, he asked Cichy to anoint and then I sealed the anointing. It was cool to hear him say that immediately following the blessing, the tedious pain in his back began to subside. Throughout the day on Sunday, we were involved in 4 different priesthood blessings, and 3 of them were totally different types which was really neat! (the fourth one was the 9 year old girl, Krystyanna Laven, her confirmation).
Anyways, I think that's about all for now! I hope all is going well. It's cool to hear about experiences you are having regarding answers to prayers, comfort despite trial, and focus despite busyness. I hope the girls are doing great as well! I haven't heard from them for awhile. I created a "brotherhood" chat deal where all of their email addresses are in one big email so we can all talk to each other by sending one email each. Hopefully it works out. I've heard from Elder Larrabee and he's doing awesome! I knew he would be an amazing missionary. Tell Grandpa Roger I love him and I'll be praying for his strength. I got the letter from Grandma Georgia and it sounds like they had a blast up in Dingle! Demolition Derby on a saturday night must be phenomenal!! I can see the family coming back to Phoenix for sure! Cichy is from Calgary. I can't wait to hear the results from the Wasatch 100! Last month we beat the zone record again with baptisms. The field truely is white and ready to harvest. The Lord is preparing his elect for one more harvest!
I love you all very much.
Love,
Elder Mouritsen
P.S. some quotes:
"You only pass this way once. You only have one shot to be an influence for good with the people that are with you. The time, people and situation will never be dublicated again. No one else will be able to do what you can do. Some people you will prepare to change, others you will help change, and others yet will rely completely on you to know the truth. Do whatever it takes! Live to have no regrets! Do some good today and everyday!"
-Anonymous
"Pain is God's megaphone to awake the sleeping spirituality of the world."
-C.S. Lewis
Monday, August 30, 2010
August 24-30, 2010: "We have a whole lot of work to do"
What up Mouritsens?
Alright this week has been swell. Sounds like all is going well back there too! How was the first week of school for the girls?? I'm glad the blue oven mitt is coming in handy! I knew it would. Just don't be ripping that cast off a few weeks before the doctor says it can come off ok Hallaballoo? Mom, that salsa sounds phenomenal. I can't remember if I told you but they changed the whole dinner with members rule down here and the only time we can eat at a member's home is when they have a non-member, less active, or recent convert over at their house. We are feeding ourselves quite a bit but it's great to see missionary work be taken to the family level and people actually doing it! Yesterday we, and the Ward Mission Leader, taught a combined young men/young women lesson on missionary work. Mind you there were three TOTAL young men and maybe 10 young women. I think I take after dad cause I got up there and was like, "alright, I have a question for ya. How many people are on the earth today?.... About seven billion, that's correct. How many members of the church are there on the earth today?.....About 14 million, that's right. I did the math recently and that's about .0025% (my math is pretty sketchy so correct me if I'm wrong please) of the world's population that is a member of our church. What does that mean to us?" They replied, "that we have a whole lot of work to do." haha I said that I take after dad because I like numbers or something, I donno. But yeah they were right, we do have a lot of work to do! And we are all numbered among those 14 million choice people whom the Lord has blessed to have his gospel, and it's our responsibility to share it! I asked them if they'd ever been nervous to talk about church related things to people and of course they said they had so I told them to open up to Moses chapter 6. This is where Enoch is called by the Lord to be a missionary and he says something to the effect of, I am but a lad, and all the people hate me, I am slow of speech, why are you sending me? I said, "ya know I put my own name in there when I read this cause, the people hate me, I'm a lad, and I'm very slow of speech." haha But we discussed how important it is from the next verse to just "open [our] mouth" and the spirit will help us to speak what needs to be said. They all committed to invite a friend to a church related activity in the next two weeks.
Transfer news wasn't what anybody expected. Elder Henrie was the only one from our district who was transferred, so that leaves Elder Otto and Elder Wesche (District Leader and one of the Zone Leaders) here who are going home next transfer. October is going to be a big change. Henrie went to the area that borders ours to the west but it's in a totally different stake and zone. He was made district leader there and his companion is Elder Halligan. That happens to be the same ward that the King's live in - how cool is that?!
We've been trying to come up with new ways to find people that can be fun at the same time. So we went to the dollar store and bought a bag of sidewalk chalk. :) We then went from bus stop to bus stop and drew the Plan of Salvation nice and big where people could see it. We then left a Plan of Salvation pamphlet sitting there so people could read. It was fun/funny and we ended up talking to quite a few people while doing so! It helps achieving the new rule of contacting 140 people weekly, instead of tracting for 10 hours.
Saturday was an awesome day. Chris Baird was baptized and he was giddy as a school girl! There were 59 people packed into a primary room to support him! He entered the water just shaking with a huge smile on his face and then when he was pulled up out of the water just smiling from ear to ear! He looked like Rocky Balboa after he ran up to the top of the stairs pumping his fists up above his head. It was PHENOMENAL. haha He gave a 10-15 minute talk about his conversion and his testimony, which was amazing. Afterwards we had a little get together with all his family members (who aren't members of the church except for his in-laws) at his home. He took us back into his room and just poured his heart out to us on how grateful he is to us and how he'll always hold open a spot for us in his heart. Awww man ain't that great? Whattaa guy.
Saturday night we got a call from a young girl named Charlotte Hurley. Charlotte is the future General Relief Society President. That's all there is to it. Six years ago Charlotte's father introduced her to the church because according to him she was an "angry child." She began going, loved church, loved girls camp, loved the Book of Mormon and continued on and decided she wanted to be baptized. Nope. Dad wouldn't let her. Weird right? Since he's the one who introduced her to it and all... Well, Charlotte goes on to earn her Young Womanhood Recognition award, she holds a calling in the Stake Youth Commitee and was asked to speak on baptism for the child of record baptisms next week. She's been taught the missionary lessons several times, one of them being us which we just finished about two weeks ago. Last night we got a voicemail from her which said that she needed us to call her back or she'll just speak to us the next day. We called her back and we were pleased to hear a very enthusiastic and excited response from her which said that her dad was going to allow her to be baptized! She's a senior in high school and 6 months from turning 18 haha. Yesterday we had dinner at the bishop's house and Charlotte was present so we could fill our her baptismal program. It's going to be a packed house! We could tell it was hard for her to decide whom she wanted to have baptize her but finally came to the conclusion to have Cichy baptize her and me to confirm her. I'm terrified! In front of the whole ward in sacrament meeting! haha Just kidding it'll be awesome. I'm honored. We'll probably have to hold the baptismal service in the chapel because of all the people who are planning on attending. It's gonna be a good one! She was interviewed immediately following dinner and took the baptismal program to her dad so that he would sign it. I guess a few times before he's said that she can be baptized and then when it came down to it he wouldn't sign the paper... Lame.
The crazy thing to me is this past month we've been blessed with a baptism almost every weekend and almost immediately following the baptism, the Lord places someone in our path who has interest in being baptized or wants to learn more. Mike James' baptism, a girl named Jeanette was there and said she would be baptized if she came to know it was true. She has a date for September 12th. Alicia Scott, baptized last week, was a random phone call from her mother who said she wanted to be baptized. And then after Chris Baird's, Charlotte's dad has a change of heart and says she can be baptized. Just amazing... It reminds me of the story of Elijah and the woman who fed him before she fed herself and her son. She was promised that the meal in the barrel would never run out as long as she first trusted in the Lord and served. Our teaching pool has been replenished just at the moment when we feel we're not going to have anybody to teach. It's amazing how this work works.
I know this church is true. It just is. I love being a missionary. "There's no comfort in a growing zone, but there's no growing in a comfort zone." Words of wisdom from Sister Beck that are very true. I've never been so uncomfortable because of going out of my comfort zone but with the Lord's help anything is possible. I hope all is going well for you back home. I pray for your safety every night! I love you all so much.
Love,
Elder Mouritsen
Alright this week has been swell. Sounds like all is going well back there too! How was the first week of school for the girls?? I'm glad the blue oven mitt is coming in handy! I knew it would. Just don't be ripping that cast off a few weeks before the doctor says it can come off ok Hallaballoo? Mom, that salsa sounds phenomenal. I can't remember if I told you but they changed the whole dinner with members rule down here and the only time we can eat at a member's home is when they have a non-member, less active, or recent convert over at their house. We are feeding ourselves quite a bit but it's great to see missionary work be taken to the family level and people actually doing it! Yesterday we, and the Ward Mission Leader, taught a combined young men/young women lesson on missionary work. Mind you there were three TOTAL young men and maybe 10 young women. I think I take after dad cause I got up there and was like, "alright, I have a question for ya. How many people are on the earth today?.... About seven billion, that's correct. How many members of the church are there on the earth today?.....About 14 million, that's right. I did the math recently and that's about .0025% (my math is pretty sketchy so correct me if I'm wrong please) of the world's population that is a member of our church. What does that mean to us?" They replied, "that we have a whole lot of work to do." haha I said that I take after dad because I like numbers or something, I donno. But yeah they were right, we do have a lot of work to do! And we are all numbered among those 14 million choice people whom the Lord has blessed to have his gospel, and it's our responsibility to share it! I asked them if they'd ever been nervous to talk about church related things to people and of course they said they had so I told them to open up to Moses chapter 6. This is where Enoch is called by the Lord to be a missionary and he says something to the effect of, I am but a lad, and all the people hate me, I am slow of speech, why are you sending me? I said, "ya know I put my own name in there when I read this cause, the people hate me, I'm a lad, and I'm very slow of speech." haha But we discussed how important it is from the next verse to just "open [our] mouth" and the spirit will help us to speak what needs to be said. They all committed to invite a friend to a church related activity in the next two weeks.
Transfer news wasn't what anybody expected. Elder Henrie was the only one from our district who was transferred, so that leaves Elder Otto and Elder Wesche (District Leader and one of the Zone Leaders) here who are going home next transfer. October is going to be a big change. Henrie went to the area that borders ours to the west but it's in a totally different stake and zone. He was made district leader there and his companion is Elder Halligan. That happens to be the same ward that the King's live in - how cool is that?!
We've been trying to come up with new ways to find people that can be fun at the same time. So we went to the dollar store and bought a bag of sidewalk chalk. :) We then went from bus stop to bus stop and drew the Plan of Salvation nice and big where people could see it. We then left a Plan of Salvation pamphlet sitting there so people could read. It was fun/funny and we ended up talking to quite a few people while doing so! It helps achieving the new rule of contacting 140 people weekly, instead of tracting for 10 hours.
Saturday was an awesome day. Chris Baird was baptized and he was giddy as a school girl! There were 59 people packed into a primary room to support him! He entered the water just shaking with a huge smile on his face and then when he was pulled up out of the water just smiling from ear to ear! He looked like Rocky Balboa after he ran up to the top of the stairs pumping his fists up above his head. It was PHENOMENAL. haha He gave a 10-15 minute talk about his conversion and his testimony, which was amazing. Afterwards we had a little get together with all his family members (who aren't members of the church except for his in-laws) at his home. He took us back into his room and just poured his heart out to us on how grateful he is to us and how he'll always hold open a spot for us in his heart. Awww man ain't that great? Whattaa guy.
Saturday night we got a call from a young girl named Charlotte Hurley. Charlotte is the future General Relief Society President. That's all there is to it. Six years ago Charlotte's father introduced her to the church because according to him she was an "angry child." She began going, loved church, loved girls camp, loved the Book of Mormon and continued on and decided she wanted to be baptized. Nope. Dad wouldn't let her. Weird right? Since he's the one who introduced her to it and all... Well, Charlotte goes on to earn her Young Womanhood Recognition award, she holds a calling in the Stake Youth Commitee and was asked to speak on baptism for the child of record baptisms next week. She's been taught the missionary lessons several times, one of them being us which we just finished about two weeks ago. Last night we got a voicemail from her which said that she needed us to call her back or she'll just speak to us the next day. We called her back and we were pleased to hear a very enthusiastic and excited response from her which said that her dad was going to allow her to be baptized! She's a senior in high school and 6 months from turning 18 haha. Yesterday we had dinner at the bishop's house and Charlotte was present so we could fill our her baptismal program. It's going to be a packed house! We could tell it was hard for her to decide whom she wanted to have baptize her but finally came to the conclusion to have Cichy baptize her and me to confirm her. I'm terrified! In front of the whole ward in sacrament meeting! haha Just kidding it'll be awesome. I'm honored. We'll probably have to hold the baptismal service in the chapel because of all the people who are planning on attending. It's gonna be a good one! She was interviewed immediately following dinner and took the baptismal program to her dad so that he would sign it. I guess a few times before he's said that she can be baptized and then when it came down to it he wouldn't sign the paper... Lame.
The crazy thing to me is this past month we've been blessed with a baptism almost every weekend and almost immediately following the baptism, the Lord places someone in our path who has interest in being baptized or wants to learn more. Mike James' baptism, a girl named Jeanette was there and said she would be baptized if she came to know it was true. She has a date for September 12th. Alicia Scott, baptized last week, was a random phone call from her mother who said she wanted to be baptized. And then after Chris Baird's, Charlotte's dad has a change of heart and says she can be baptized. Just amazing... It reminds me of the story of Elijah and the woman who fed him before she fed herself and her son. She was promised that the meal in the barrel would never run out as long as she first trusted in the Lord and served. Our teaching pool has been replenished just at the moment when we feel we're not going to have anybody to teach. It's amazing how this work works.
I know this church is true. It just is. I love being a missionary. "There's no comfort in a growing zone, but there's no growing in a comfort zone." Words of wisdom from Sister Beck that are very true. I've never been so uncomfortable because of going out of my comfort zone but with the Lord's help anything is possible. I hope all is going well for you back home. I pray for your safety every night! I love you all so much.
Love,
Elder Mouritsen
Monday, August 23, 2010
August 17-23, 2010: Baptisms & The Light vs Darkness
Hello family:
What a great letter! Sounds like the family is doing great and I bet all the girls are just heart breakin' head turners to all the boys. :/ . No dating till I get home. Nope, none. That's really cool that me and Kyler both finished the Book of Mormon and took the challenge. He's an awesome missionary. Well transfers are today and we hear in about an hour so I'll have to let you know through a written letter what happens. That's too bad about Hallie and her bone chip. She's super tough though and knows how to "accept the pain!" My ankle is... eh.. I've rolled it probably two-three times out here and it hurts bad but then after about 4-5 days the pain subsides. It is still all wobbly and it hurts to bend side to side so I'm trying to look for a brace that will be good to wear for tracting and playing sports. If you find a nice one let me know and I'd love to have it sent out!
This week has been pretty great. It was one of the longest weeks yet because of the anticipation of transfer news. On Saturday we were blessed to be a part of two baptisms: Alana Cortez and Alicia Scott. We were reading the teaching record of Alana and the missionaries found her in April of 2008 and gave up three months later because she wouldn't come to church and her less active mother wasn't supportive. Now, two years later we were able to contact her in July, commit her to baptism, get her to church with her young women's leaders, and develop friendships in the ward so she'll be excited to go to mutual, which she has been going to for a while now. On Friday we were getting information to fill out her baptismal record and we needed to know who she wanted to baptize her. Of course, being a young 12 year old she couldn't decide so her mom told her that she needed to choose one of us. That made it even worse. So after a few minutes of contemplation, her mom looked at Cichy and asked how many he had done and he said one, then looked at me and asked and I said zero (on the mission). So that settled it and I was able to baptize her! It was nothing like raising the blue oven mitt to the square (to cover my cast when I baptized Hallie) but it was still a very neat experience.
Saturday night we visited Teddy and Genevieve. I don't know if I've mentioned them before but they are a Mexican (teddy) and Navajo (Genevieve) couple who have shown some interest in being baptized. Back in June, Genevieve prayed about baptism and even received an answer for July 10th but then didn't follow through because she moved up to the reservation to be with family for about two months. Saturday was the first time we've seen her in about that long. We went inside and began chatting and there were two other people sitting in the room that we didn't know. The discussion went on and Genevieve was just kind of like, "ehh, yeah, ahh ok, yeah whatever cool" kind of attitude. Then all of a sudden, the woman who was sitting off to the side raised her hand and we were like, "oh do you have a question?" She replied, "yes actually I am Genevieve's sister and I was baptized with my daughter back in 1993 and I'm looking for the church around here so that I can attend." She then went on to bear a very powerful testimony about how the Holy Ghost has been a comfort to her even through all the tough trials she's had in her life. It brought Genevieve to tears and the spirit was very strong. Teddy, that jokester, never gives us straight answers and lies to us all the time. Even he began opening up and saying that he was going to talk to his Catholic priest and ask him where is authority comes from and then he was going to go talk to our bishop and ask him where HIS authority comes from. HAHA. It ended up being a very good lesson and we ended when Genevieve's sister asked if we could close with a prayer where we all hold hands and make a circle. Very odd, yet very powerful.
The next day, Sunday, made for a very interesting and bizarre experience. So bizarre and scary to me that I don't really want to have to describe it until a later time when we are face to face. I'll just say this, there are two powers on this earth, God's and Satan's. Both are real as you and me. God's power brings light, Satan's brings darkness. No darkness can reside where there is light. The power of the priesthood can and does work miracles as I saw with my own eyes and felt with my own hands. Satan's power is one thing that I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemies and I'm so grateful that God's power is able to overcome all darkness. I recorded this experience in my journal and will have to tell you about it in person. I have the chills and am near tears right now as I write and think about it and I just feel that it wouldn't be good to tell at this time.
Stand in the light, but if circumstance arise, light up the darkness. It's cheesy I know but it's been a major topic lately. People see your examples whether you like it or not and they can physically see your light radiate. Never underestimate the power of the priesthood but on the flip side, don't tamper with the power of the adversary. It is extremely real as I stated earlier. But yes dad, like you said exercising Priesthood takes practice and twice this week I've had the opportunity to be a part of blessings with consecrated oil for the benefit of the sick and the afflicted and I love the opportunities given to exercise it because that's what it's meant for, blessing the lives of others.
I love you all very much and I applaud you girls for showing your faith in the priesthood and allowing dad to give you a father's blessing. Oh how I wish I could receive one as well. In due time.
Say hi to Parlay and Brer... :/ not. haha jk. Let me know how the first week of school goes!
Love,
Elder Mouritsen
What a great letter! Sounds like the family is doing great and I bet all the girls are just heart breakin' head turners to all the boys. :/ . No dating till I get home. Nope, none. That's really cool that me and Kyler both finished the Book of Mormon and took the challenge. He's an awesome missionary. Well transfers are today and we hear in about an hour so I'll have to let you know through a written letter what happens. That's too bad about Hallie and her bone chip. She's super tough though and knows how to "accept the pain!" My ankle is... eh.. I've rolled it probably two-three times out here and it hurts bad but then after about 4-5 days the pain subsides. It is still all wobbly and it hurts to bend side to side so I'm trying to look for a brace that will be good to wear for tracting and playing sports. If you find a nice one let me know and I'd love to have it sent out!
This week has been pretty great. It was one of the longest weeks yet because of the anticipation of transfer news. On Saturday we were blessed to be a part of two baptisms: Alana Cortez and Alicia Scott. We were reading the teaching record of Alana and the missionaries found her in April of 2008 and gave up three months later because she wouldn't come to church and her less active mother wasn't supportive. Now, two years later we were able to contact her in July, commit her to baptism, get her to church with her young women's leaders, and develop friendships in the ward so she'll be excited to go to mutual, which she has been going to for a while now. On Friday we were getting information to fill out her baptismal record and we needed to know who she wanted to baptize her. Of course, being a young 12 year old she couldn't decide so her mom told her that she needed to choose one of us. That made it even worse. So after a few minutes of contemplation, her mom looked at Cichy and asked how many he had done and he said one, then looked at me and asked and I said zero (on the mission). So that settled it and I was able to baptize her! It was nothing like raising the blue oven mitt to the square (to cover my cast when I baptized Hallie) but it was still a very neat experience.
Saturday night we visited Teddy and Genevieve. I don't know if I've mentioned them before but they are a Mexican (teddy) and Navajo (Genevieve) couple who have shown some interest in being baptized. Back in June, Genevieve prayed about baptism and even received an answer for July 10th but then didn't follow through because she moved up to the reservation to be with family for about two months. Saturday was the first time we've seen her in about that long. We went inside and began chatting and there were two other people sitting in the room that we didn't know. The discussion went on and Genevieve was just kind of like, "ehh, yeah, ahh ok, yeah whatever cool" kind of attitude. Then all of a sudden, the woman who was sitting off to the side raised her hand and we were like, "oh do you have a question?" She replied, "yes actually I am Genevieve's sister and I was baptized with my daughter back in 1993 and I'm looking for the church around here so that I can attend." She then went on to bear a very powerful testimony about how the Holy Ghost has been a comfort to her even through all the tough trials she's had in her life. It brought Genevieve to tears and the spirit was very strong. Teddy, that jokester, never gives us straight answers and lies to us all the time. Even he began opening up and saying that he was going to talk to his Catholic priest and ask him where is authority comes from and then he was going to go talk to our bishop and ask him where HIS authority comes from. HAHA. It ended up being a very good lesson and we ended when Genevieve's sister asked if we could close with a prayer where we all hold hands and make a circle. Very odd, yet very powerful.
The next day, Sunday, made for a very interesting and bizarre experience. So bizarre and scary to me that I don't really want to have to describe it until a later time when we are face to face. I'll just say this, there are two powers on this earth, God's and Satan's. Both are real as you and me. God's power brings light, Satan's brings darkness. No darkness can reside where there is light. The power of the priesthood can and does work miracles as I saw with my own eyes and felt with my own hands. Satan's power is one thing that I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemies and I'm so grateful that God's power is able to overcome all darkness. I recorded this experience in my journal and will have to tell you about it in person. I have the chills and am near tears right now as I write and think about it and I just feel that it wouldn't be good to tell at this time.
Stand in the light, but if circumstance arise, light up the darkness. It's cheesy I know but it's been a major topic lately. People see your examples whether you like it or not and they can physically see your light radiate. Never underestimate the power of the priesthood but on the flip side, don't tamper with the power of the adversary. It is extremely real as I stated earlier. But yes dad, like you said exercising Priesthood takes practice and twice this week I've had the opportunity to be a part of blessings with consecrated oil for the benefit of the sick and the afflicted and I love the opportunities given to exercise it because that's what it's meant for, blessing the lives of others.
I love you all very much and I applaud you girls for showing your faith in the priesthood and allowing dad to give you a father's blessing. Oh how I wish I could receive one as well. In due time.
Say hi to Parlay and Brer... :/ not. haha jk. Let me know how the first week of school goes!
Love,
Elder Mouritsen
Monday, August 16, 2010
August 10-16, 2010: Stevie Thom's Conversion & Baptism
How ya doin eh?
I love the pictures! What the heck glasses are you wearing dad? haha! And the stories, phenomenal. Mom, I really enjoy your letters and the updates and encouragement it gives me! I would absolutely love something from you though. I just want a letter that is all about you. Whatever you feel to write about, experiences, childhood, raising children, life in general, happy times, bad times, just whatever! I just want it to be all about you. I would love that :). That goes for everyone though! Girls, dad. Don't be afraid to include pictures of us as well!
This week has been great. It's felt like it's absolutely flown by but at the same time it feels like it's been forever since I last emailed you guys. (I think I say that every week). On Thursday we were on exchanges with Elder Otto and Elder Henrie. Elder Otto came to our area with me and Cichy went to their area. We needed to schedule Stevie's baptism with the High Councilman over missionary work for six o'clock at the stake center so we called him up and he told us that there was already a baptism scheduled at the time.. Dang! I was so frazzled. I immediately began calling around seeing if it would be ok to reschedule or do it at a different building but everything just wasn't working out. Stevie's wife who almost caused him to not be baptized was working till five so it couldn't be earlier, the elder's quorum had already sent out an email saying it was 6 o'clock at the stake center, and there was no way we were going to make Stevie wait until the week after. He's just too dang excited. It all got worked out though. We moved it to another stake center and were able to keep it at the same time. I'm telling you this because I thought it was going to ruin my entire day spent with the district leader because the entire morning was spent making phone calls. Afterwards, we just went out tracting and tried to make the hectic feelings leave. The very first door we knocked on was a black woman named Annie from Liberia. We began talking to her and she didn't speak English very well. I mentioned we were missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and she just kinda squinted and looked confused. Then, with her broken english she asked, "Which church are you from?" "We're LDS," I said. "The Mormons." She perked up and said, "The Mormons?! I've been waiting for you guys! I have a friend in North Carolina who is Mormon and wanted me to join your religion after I moved to Phoenix! Come on in!" At this time I felt just how powerful your prayers are and I know that doors are opened for missionaries every time a sincere, heart felt prayer is said. We chatted with her for a while and it was tough to talk because of the language barrier but we ended up teaching the first discussion and she accepted a Book of Mormon. I told her that we could probably get her a book in her native language but she said, "No! I want to learn it in English." Sounded good to me! I was amazed at how the Lord leads us to those who he has prepared.
We tracted for a good hour and a half after that having many good conversations with people but nothing like the visit with Annie. We then went home for lunch and were just sitting down on the couch for a bit when I got a call on the cell phone. I happened to be on the other line so the caller left a message. She said her name was Sister Paisley Brinkerhoff, a member in the ward, and that she has two step daughters who have taken the missionary lessons twice, been coming to church for almost five years, and are now wanting to be baptized. Uhhhh.. Ummm... WHAT? Gotta be kidding me? I called her back immediately and she told me the story, 12 year old Alicia, and 14 year old Alyssa want to be baptized. I told her we would just probably need to meet with her and the daughters and then if they could pass a baptismal interview, they'd be good to go. That night at 6:30 we met them (just Alicia and her mom, Alyssa is going to wait a few more weeks) at the chuch and just chatted about a few things, got to know them, and then since we just happened to be on exchanges, Elder Otto (district leader) interviewed Alicia right then. She passed and we scheduled her baptism for August 21st. Things have been exploding lately. Just recently there have been 11 people who have expressed interest in being baptized not including the 3 who have dates. Last transfer we were wondering where our teaching pool was going to go because those who we had been teaching, were about to be baptized. I have a firm testimony that the time of the harvest of souls is here. No more planting seeds. The Lord is going to come soon and He's preparing all who will accept the message. It's been amazing to me to see tangible evidence of that coming to pass. Lives are changed by this message.
One example of a life being changed: Brother Stevie Thom. His baptism was unbelieveable. We heard some great talks on baptism and the Holy Ghost and then it was time for the ordinance. Everyone moved into the room with the font and as we did, tears began to fill Stevie's eyes. His wife began to sob as well. The Spirit was thick and nobody could deny it. He and Brother Mineer entered the water, tears streaming down his face. The prayer was said and his old life was laid down, never to be known again. As he came back up, born again with a clean slate, he wrapped his arms around big Brother Mineer and they just held each other, both sobbing, for about 15-20 seconds. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. President Morris, a member of the mission presidency, was there comforting Stevie's wife who was crying uncontrollably. I too had a hard time keeping back the tears, as usual. Me and Cichy then gave our little intermediate message while they were getting dressed, and then Stevie bore his own powerful testimony. Nobody wanted to leave as the meeting ended and we all just hung around and chatted. The bummer thing is, Stevie happens to live in a totally different Stake and despite the fact that he would probably continue coming to our ward because that is where all his fellowship is, we were told he had to be confirmed in the other ward. He's so solid. I can see him pulling 4-5 hour Sundays, first coming to our ward at 9:00 and then going to his own ward at 11:00. What a stud! The man who we thought had a demon, now replaced with one of the greatest gifts of all, the Holy Ghost. He told us his conversion story after all this was done:
He said that a day or so after our first meeting with him, the meeting where we thought he had a demon, he was up working on a job near the new temple site in Phoenix. The street he happened to be parked on was Lehi Street. Coincidence? I think not. He had a few minutes so he opened up to a random spot in the Book of Mormon. The random spot happened to be the story of Korihor. As he read, he likened the story to himself and said that he could find no real differences between himself and Korihor. That scared him. He read what eventually happened to Korihor because of the route he was taking and Stevie was in no position to allow that to happen to himself. He called us later and said he was going to begin taking things on sure faith. We were thrilled of course haha cause we were so scared after our first meeting with him. In his testimony at his baptism, he said that before all of this, he was Korihor, he was a liar, and because he was a liar, he knew truth when he said it and he knew truth when he read it. The Book of Mormon speaks nothing but truth and he knew it. A little more than 3 weeks after that experience from reading Korihor, he was baptized.
I recently finished the Book of Mormon and took Moroni's promise. Yes, I know that it is true. And I challenge all who have either read it dozens of times or never finished it at all, to read it, to pray about it, and to recognize the feelings from it. Know that the feeling is enough. It is the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ.
I hope all is going well with you guys! I can't wait to hear about the first week at school for everyone. How exciting. School has already started down here for most everyone. I think it started like the first week in August for some kids. Poor guys. haha Make sure you tell the Kings thanks so much for taking us out to lunch! They took us on Cichy's birthday and it was awesome. It's so great to see them! I don't know if Melynda sent you the picture but if not, text her and tell her to.
I love ya'll so much. Talk to you soon. Transfers are next week and I'm feeling a big change in our district for some reason.
Love,
Elder Mouritsen
I love the pictures! What the heck glasses are you wearing dad? haha! And the stories, phenomenal. Mom, I really enjoy your letters and the updates and encouragement it gives me! I would absolutely love something from you though. I just want a letter that is all about you. Whatever you feel to write about, experiences, childhood, raising children, life in general, happy times, bad times, just whatever! I just want it to be all about you. I would love that :). That goes for everyone though! Girls, dad. Don't be afraid to include pictures of us as well!
This week has been great. It's felt like it's absolutely flown by but at the same time it feels like it's been forever since I last emailed you guys. (I think I say that every week). On Thursday we were on exchanges with Elder Otto and Elder Henrie. Elder Otto came to our area with me and Cichy went to their area. We needed to schedule Stevie's baptism with the High Councilman over missionary work for six o'clock at the stake center so we called him up and he told us that there was already a baptism scheduled at the time.. Dang! I was so frazzled. I immediately began calling around seeing if it would be ok to reschedule or do it at a different building but everything just wasn't working out. Stevie's wife who almost caused him to not be baptized was working till five so it couldn't be earlier, the elder's quorum had already sent out an email saying it was 6 o'clock at the stake center, and there was no way we were going to make Stevie wait until the week after. He's just too dang excited. It all got worked out though. We moved it to another stake center and were able to keep it at the same time. I'm telling you this because I thought it was going to ruin my entire day spent with the district leader because the entire morning was spent making phone calls. Afterwards, we just went out tracting and tried to make the hectic feelings leave. The very first door we knocked on was a black woman named Annie from Liberia. We began talking to her and she didn't speak English very well. I mentioned we were missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and she just kinda squinted and looked confused. Then, with her broken english she asked, "Which church are you from?" "We're LDS," I said. "The Mormons." She perked up and said, "The Mormons?! I've been waiting for you guys! I have a friend in North Carolina who is Mormon and wanted me to join your religion after I moved to Phoenix! Come on in!" At this time I felt just how powerful your prayers are and I know that doors are opened for missionaries every time a sincere, heart felt prayer is said. We chatted with her for a while and it was tough to talk because of the language barrier but we ended up teaching the first discussion and she accepted a Book of Mormon. I told her that we could probably get her a book in her native language but she said, "No! I want to learn it in English." Sounded good to me! I was amazed at how the Lord leads us to those who he has prepared.
We tracted for a good hour and a half after that having many good conversations with people but nothing like the visit with Annie. We then went home for lunch and were just sitting down on the couch for a bit when I got a call on the cell phone. I happened to be on the other line so the caller left a message. She said her name was Sister Paisley Brinkerhoff, a member in the ward, and that she has two step daughters who have taken the missionary lessons twice, been coming to church for almost five years, and are now wanting to be baptized. Uhhhh.. Ummm... WHAT? Gotta be kidding me? I called her back immediately and she told me the story, 12 year old Alicia, and 14 year old Alyssa want to be baptized. I told her we would just probably need to meet with her and the daughters and then if they could pass a baptismal interview, they'd be good to go. That night at 6:30 we met them (just Alicia and her mom, Alyssa is going to wait a few more weeks) at the chuch and just chatted about a few things, got to know them, and then since we just happened to be on exchanges, Elder Otto (district leader) interviewed Alicia right then. She passed and we scheduled her baptism for August 21st. Things have been exploding lately. Just recently there have been 11 people who have expressed interest in being baptized not including the 3 who have dates. Last transfer we were wondering where our teaching pool was going to go because those who we had been teaching, were about to be baptized. I have a firm testimony that the time of the harvest of souls is here. No more planting seeds. The Lord is going to come soon and He's preparing all who will accept the message. It's been amazing to me to see tangible evidence of that coming to pass. Lives are changed by this message.
One example of a life being changed: Brother Stevie Thom. His baptism was unbelieveable. We heard some great talks on baptism and the Holy Ghost and then it was time for the ordinance. Everyone moved into the room with the font and as we did, tears began to fill Stevie's eyes. His wife began to sob as well. The Spirit was thick and nobody could deny it. He and Brother Mineer entered the water, tears streaming down his face. The prayer was said and his old life was laid down, never to be known again. As he came back up, born again with a clean slate, he wrapped his arms around big Brother Mineer and they just held each other, both sobbing, for about 15-20 seconds. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. President Morris, a member of the mission presidency, was there comforting Stevie's wife who was crying uncontrollably. I too had a hard time keeping back the tears, as usual. Me and Cichy then gave our little intermediate message while they were getting dressed, and then Stevie bore his own powerful testimony. Nobody wanted to leave as the meeting ended and we all just hung around and chatted. The bummer thing is, Stevie happens to live in a totally different Stake and despite the fact that he would probably continue coming to our ward because that is where all his fellowship is, we were told he had to be confirmed in the other ward. He's so solid. I can see him pulling 4-5 hour Sundays, first coming to our ward at 9:00 and then going to his own ward at 11:00. What a stud! The man who we thought had a demon, now replaced with one of the greatest gifts of all, the Holy Ghost. He told us his conversion story after all this was done:
He said that a day or so after our first meeting with him, the meeting where we thought he had a demon, he was up working on a job near the new temple site in Phoenix. The street he happened to be parked on was Lehi Street. Coincidence? I think not. He had a few minutes so he opened up to a random spot in the Book of Mormon. The random spot happened to be the story of Korihor. As he read, he likened the story to himself and said that he could find no real differences between himself and Korihor. That scared him. He read what eventually happened to Korihor because of the route he was taking and Stevie was in no position to allow that to happen to himself. He called us later and said he was going to begin taking things on sure faith. We were thrilled of course haha cause we were so scared after our first meeting with him. In his testimony at his baptism, he said that before all of this, he was Korihor, he was a liar, and because he was a liar, he knew truth when he said it and he knew truth when he read it. The Book of Mormon speaks nothing but truth and he knew it. A little more than 3 weeks after that experience from reading Korihor, he was baptized.
I recently finished the Book of Mormon and took Moroni's promise. Yes, I know that it is true. And I challenge all who have either read it dozens of times or never finished it at all, to read it, to pray about it, and to recognize the feelings from it. Know that the feeling is enough. It is the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ.
I hope all is going well with you guys! I can't wait to hear about the first week at school for everyone. How exciting. School has already started down here for most everyone. I think it started like the first week in August for some kids. Poor guys. haha Make sure you tell the Kings thanks so much for taking us out to lunch! They took us on Cichy's birthday and it was awesome. It's so great to see them! I don't know if Melynda sent you the picture but if not, text her and tell her to.
I love ya'll so much. Talk to you soon. Transfers are next week and I'm feeling a big change in our district for some reason.
Love,
Elder Mouritsen
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