Christmas Eve at Singers
doing the "modernized" version of the Nativity
(didn't you know Pumba from Lion King was there??
In his Christmas pajamas from me (Amanda)
Tebowing Texas style!!
Monday, December 31, 2012
New Years Eve Letter (Dec 31st)
GOOD MORNING UTAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How has yall's week been? Since i last talk with you on Tuesday.
By The way it was amazing talking with yall and seeing yall. It was a blessing to have that opportunity. I know that the time will go fast to the time i get to visit with yall again. ha
This week has been a slower week than usual. One because of the holidays and everyone is gone. And 2 people are sick there is a nasty bug going around and a lot of investigators got it and less actives so there isn’t a lot that went on this week so sorry but some things were awesome.
Christmas Eve was a very good day. It was p day we went to the Singers house for dinner that night. The whole family was there except josh who is on a mission. We had some wonderful soup that they made and we sat around enjoying each other’s company. There tradition is to reenact the nativity but we put our little touch on it modern style. haha. They gave Elder Hilton and myself each gifts they gave us matching ties with their names on it. It was awesome than I gave them our gift to them they were surprised it was so cool to see. I just told them my family wanted to do something special for yall because you’re my family away from home. Sis Singer gave me a hug she was very grateful for the gifts. I finally got my packages that night. I was so happy when I got them. I loved the PJ's :)
CHRISTMAS DAY!!!!!!!!!!! We woke up and went to the other missionaries’ apartment to have breakfast and to open some of our presents. It was good to be around them and to enjoy my Christmas away from home. We went back to our apartment and we opened more of our presents. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YALL PRESENT. I know that I will surely use it a lot. We went to the Wojahn's house to eat a huge turkey feast then the main event. I got to talk and see yall!!!!!!!!!!! It was so good to see yall and talk with yall it has been 10 months since I got to do that. It was a blessing to me and I know it was for yall. After that we went to the Singers and chilled with them the rest of the night and went home and found out that we are staying together for six more weeks and not getting transferred this time. But that night I got sick, I got another really bad cold. The cough came back and the runny nose and the head ache. It is not the funniest thing you can have.
Wednesday we met with Miguel Leal. He is amazing we met and talk about the word of wisdom but that last long he wanted to talk about missions; he really wants to go on a mission. But he doesn’t want to ruin the school track that he is on to get into UTI. He wants to be a mechanic but he wants to go on a mission at the same time he is going to have to choose either leave three years of school or go on a two year mission. He said he was confused and didn’t know what to do. I felt prompted to tell him that he needs to pray about it and when you pray with a sincere heart that God will answer your prayers. Might not be what you want it to be but god is all knowing and he will provide a way for you. Miguel said that he will and I’m glad that he has so much interest in going on a mission and will pray about it. This is a really good kid that we can see go on a mission within the next year and half. We were able to meet with this mom and she was so grateful for what we have done to bring the gospel in his life. They have noticed a change in the family and in the house. So hopefully we can work with his family and see what we can do for them.
Saturday night was an interesting night. We were in a certain area and we knew that a potential investigator named Matthew Duke lived around here. He is a 20 yr old kid and he is really smart he talk’s our head off about what he believes in. It’s wasn’t religion or anything it was something to do with energy. He is very earthly and loves chi energy and likes crystals and everything natural. It was very interesting as we talk outside for about 45 mins and he gave us a rock that will cleanse our heart and purify us. hahah it was so interesting that I could help but just walk away laughing. He said that the thing he loves to do was smoke weed and just enjoy life. The earth and energy he said if I was sick that he could spiritually heal me but he would be conduit to help. Cause he can cure me through energy it was so funny. Wow I was just shocked and was amazed haha
Sunday was awesome. We had to teach the gospel doctrine class and it went pretty well we taught them how to introduce the Book of Mormon to others in a simple manner. The third hour we had a member come and talk to us about member missionary work. Her name is Diana Hoelscher . You should look her up she is awesome. This is just what we need to get things jump started to get the ball rolling about member missionary work. After church we were able to go with Bro Singer to this nursing home to go take sacrament to a member who lives there. He had a stroke and he can’t talk and use his arms very well. It was a spiritual experience to go there and to give him the sacrament. That night we went to a member’s home for dinner and his mom and dad were there. They are expecting a baby soon so the parents were there to help them I found out that they are from Richmond Utah and I know there niece. She lives right by the Hyrum cemetery her mom is the cross guard for Lincoln Elementary School. So we sat down talking for a while about Cache Valley it was awesome being able to visit with someone again from home. Man it is a small world that you meet people who know home and who are from there.
Well I will end by saying I hope yall have a great New Year’s eve and a happy New Year, have a good time don’t party too hard and I will talk with yall next week.
Love
Elder Kendall Christensen
How has yall's week been? Since i last talk with you on Tuesday.
By The way it was amazing talking with yall and seeing yall. It was a blessing to have that opportunity. I know that the time will go fast to the time i get to visit with yall again. ha
This week has been a slower week than usual. One because of the holidays and everyone is gone. And 2 people are sick there is a nasty bug going around and a lot of investigators got it and less actives so there isn’t a lot that went on this week so sorry but some things were awesome.
Christmas Eve was a very good day. It was p day we went to the Singers house for dinner that night. The whole family was there except josh who is on a mission. We had some wonderful soup that they made and we sat around enjoying each other’s company. There tradition is to reenact the nativity but we put our little touch on it modern style. haha. They gave Elder Hilton and myself each gifts they gave us matching ties with their names on it. It was awesome than I gave them our gift to them they were surprised it was so cool to see. I just told them my family wanted to do something special for yall because you’re my family away from home. Sis Singer gave me a hug she was very grateful for the gifts. I finally got my packages that night. I was so happy when I got them. I loved the PJ's :)
CHRISTMAS DAY!!!!!!!!!!! We woke up and went to the other missionaries’ apartment to have breakfast and to open some of our presents. It was good to be around them and to enjoy my Christmas away from home. We went back to our apartment and we opened more of our presents. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YALL PRESENT. I know that I will surely use it a lot. We went to the Wojahn's house to eat a huge turkey feast then the main event. I got to talk and see yall!!!!!!!!!!! It was so good to see yall and talk with yall it has been 10 months since I got to do that. It was a blessing to me and I know it was for yall. After that we went to the Singers and chilled with them the rest of the night and went home and found out that we are staying together for six more weeks and not getting transferred this time. But that night I got sick, I got another really bad cold. The cough came back and the runny nose and the head ache. It is not the funniest thing you can have.
Wednesday we met with Miguel Leal. He is amazing we met and talk about the word of wisdom but that last long he wanted to talk about missions; he really wants to go on a mission. But he doesn’t want to ruin the school track that he is on to get into UTI. He wants to be a mechanic but he wants to go on a mission at the same time he is going to have to choose either leave three years of school or go on a two year mission. He said he was confused and didn’t know what to do. I felt prompted to tell him that he needs to pray about it and when you pray with a sincere heart that God will answer your prayers. Might not be what you want it to be but god is all knowing and he will provide a way for you. Miguel said that he will and I’m glad that he has so much interest in going on a mission and will pray about it. This is a really good kid that we can see go on a mission within the next year and half. We were able to meet with this mom and she was so grateful for what we have done to bring the gospel in his life. They have noticed a change in the family and in the house. So hopefully we can work with his family and see what we can do for them.
Saturday night was an interesting night. We were in a certain area and we knew that a potential investigator named Matthew Duke lived around here. He is a 20 yr old kid and he is really smart he talk’s our head off about what he believes in. It’s wasn’t religion or anything it was something to do with energy. He is very earthly and loves chi energy and likes crystals and everything natural. It was very interesting as we talk outside for about 45 mins and he gave us a rock that will cleanse our heart and purify us. hahah it was so interesting that I could help but just walk away laughing. He said that the thing he loves to do was smoke weed and just enjoy life. The earth and energy he said if I was sick that he could spiritually heal me but he would be conduit to help. Cause he can cure me through energy it was so funny. Wow I was just shocked and was amazed haha
Sunday was awesome. We had to teach the gospel doctrine class and it went pretty well we taught them how to introduce the Book of Mormon to others in a simple manner. The third hour we had a member come and talk to us about member missionary work. Her name is Diana Hoelscher . You should look her up she is awesome. This is just what we need to get things jump started to get the ball rolling about member missionary work. After church we were able to go with Bro Singer to this nursing home to go take sacrament to a member who lives there. He had a stroke and he can’t talk and use his arms very well. It was a spiritual experience to go there and to give him the sacrament. That night we went to a member’s home for dinner and his mom and dad were there. They are expecting a baby soon so the parents were there to help them I found out that they are from Richmond Utah and I know there niece. She lives right by the Hyrum cemetery her mom is the cross guard for Lincoln Elementary School. So we sat down talking for a while about Cache Valley it was awesome being able to visit with someone again from home. Man it is a small world that you meet people who know home and who are from there.
Well I will end by saying I hope yall have a great New Year’s eve and a happy New Year, have a good time don’t party too hard and I will talk with yall next week.
Love
Elder Kendall Christensen
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Merry Christmas!!!!
No email from Elder Christensen this week but we were able to have the wonderful opportunity to be able to Skype with him on Christmas. It was so wonderful to be able to talk to him and see the changes that he has made. On Saturday Dec 22nd, he had what he calls his "Christmas Baptism" of Elena Kent. His former companion Elder Gutierrez also made his presence there. This now brings up the total number of baptism to 12 so far. Not bad for only being out for 10 months. Way to go Elder!!!
New investigator Bobbi Jo (the mother)
Temple Day
Elder Hilton and Elder Christensen
Elder Gutierrez (former companion) Elena Kent, Elder Christensen, Elder Hilton
Skyping with him Christmas afternoon
Friday, December 21, 2012
The Mission Call
It is hard to believe that one year ago today, a certain white envenlope would change all of our lives for the better. We remember like it was yesterday how a certain soon to be missionary got the exciting call from the post office that his call had arrived. In spite of his excitement, he didn't realized til he got to the post office that he was there 30 minutes before it opened. With that and having to wait til 7:00 til he could open his call, it was one of those days where he had to test his patience. Anyone who knows Kendall know that he doesn't have alot of patience when it comes to certain things. But all in all, we are grateful for the willingness and desire he had to serve a mission.
The envenlope
Calling friends and family
The Call
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Dec 17th Letter
WHATS UP YALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How is everyone back in Utah!!!!!!!!! How is the weather? Still cold haha? Well it’s humid and rainy for the past couple of days and I was told that, that is Houston’s Snow ha. I’m just glad that it isn’t white. The coldest I have seen it here is 37 and that was in the morning. And that was soooooo Cold I actually saw frost for the first time in Texas It was crazy I thought I was in Utah.
Man lately it has been so busy! I love it but it’s crazy sometimes, this week we started out having Interviews with our mission president. That was really good it is always good to talk with him, whenever I talk with him one on one I can feel the love that he has for us. It is really true that mission president and there wife are your parents out here. We learned at interviews about lesson plans and how we prepare better for our lessons our Mission mom Sister Pingree taught us about manners haha that was really funny. After interviews we met with Kelsey Hodson she is doing good she bore her testimony two weeks ago in church and she wants to do it again real bad. It’s good that she has a desire to share her testimony more often. We met with Leticia Banos she is doing well she is still going through the grieving process of her dad passing. But we are just showing her love and support from the ward and from us.
Wednesday was a very busy day that started at 5:45 in the morning when we woke up. Our zone had the opportunity to do some service at the HUGE Houston Food Bank. We worked there from 8-12 in the morning and while we were there we processed about 14,000 pounds of food and that feeds 12,000 people. I think that was pretty amazing I didn’t have part of that fun. They needed some volunteers up in the administration offices so that was where I was and all we did was put stuff in envelopes and put them to the side so they can be shipped off, let’s just say we did about a 1000 of those and it was alright. Not the best job but it was cool to see what goes behind the scenes. After that is when our day got hectic. We had a baptismal interview for Elena Kent for her baptism on the 22nd than we had another lesson after that with a new investigator her name is Bobby Jo, than off to dinner with Monica and Justin at around 8pm so the whole day we were walking around with our heads cut off but I’m not trying to complain because in a couple of weeks it’s going to be slow with the holidays and we won’t be busy as we have been these couple of weeks.
Thursday was pretty good day. We met with an 18 yr old teenager that was baptized when he was 8 yrs old but has never come to church. So we have been able to go to his house and sit down and talk with him. He has a HUGE desire to come to church and loves it; he said that it is helping him make some important decisions in his life. He has received some good support from the ward and the young men. When we meet with him we treat him like we do investigator that means go through the whole lessons and teach him. Well this week we were teaching him the gospel of Jesus Christ which talks about faith repentance baptism receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end it was a pretty good lesson the spirit was strong. After we were taught him the lesson we got into the conversation of missions and he ask if we had any interesting stories or experiences we have had on our missions as I was talking I felt the spirit more strong I told him about the Rios family and the wonderful opportunity I had to find them and teach them. After my companion and myself both shared stories he ask if you can go on a mission when you are older like 24, we said yeah but you should go sooner my companion and i had the feeling to mention to him that he shouldn’t wait but you should go when he had the chance. He said yeah. He said that he doesn’t know a lot but he is going to church more often and now is going to seminary which is awesome. We promised him that if he continues to do this (going to church, reading, praying, going to seminary) that he will know enough that he will go on a mission he said yea i want to do that. It was a blessing to be in this area and find this kid and meet with him and bring him back to the fold and get him a huge desire to come to church it’s a tender mercy of the Lord.
We had another huge spiritual lesson this week. It was with Elena Kent. We are getting her ready for the 22nd and we went in to answer questions that she might have or concerns. She had one and that was prophets. She has never been exposed to the thought of prophets on this earth, she was concerned because when she went to this one church the pastor she thought was leading them and guiding them wasn’t really doing that for them and some things were going on there so she has a lot of trust issues, so she said that there couldn’t be another person that is leading and guiding us. But we read a scripture in Matthew that says that a prophet of god won’t lead us astray it was good that we brought a return missionary with us he has been home a week and he help us out so much. He connected with her a lot and we watch the restoration dvd and we bore her our testimonies about prophets. And we challenged her to go to sacrament meeting with this concern that she has and we promised her that if she does that her testimony will strengthen and that she will come to an understanding that we have modern day prophets on this earth in these days. So yesterday we were fasting for the chance that she will be able to know for herself that we have prophets and she will get her answer. We are meeting with her and find out if she has come to knowledge of prophets. BUT she is still good for baptism on SATURDAY
This week is going to be very special I’m having two people that i have taught getting baptized. One is Elena Kent and the other is from my old area Spring Branch Jacob Alonzo. He is getting baptized I’m so glad that i have been seeing fruits of my work being coming about this work is true. I wanna leave you with my testimony. That i Love this work it has changed my life and i love it, i know the gospel is true.. I know that our savior Jesus Christ loves us and I’m so glad for this time of season for the love that we feel and the spirit. I CANT WAIT TO VISIT WITH YALL NEXT WEEK. I can tell you one thing counting down to Christmas makes the month go slow so don’t ever count down any days.
Love yall
Elder Christensen
ELF QUOTE. CONGRATULATIONS THE WORLDS BEST CUP OF COFFEE GOOD JOB EVERYONE!!!!!!
How is everyone back in Utah!!!!!!!!! How is the weather? Still cold haha? Well it’s humid and rainy for the past couple of days and I was told that, that is Houston’s Snow ha. I’m just glad that it isn’t white. The coldest I have seen it here is 37 and that was in the morning. And that was soooooo Cold I actually saw frost for the first time in Texas It was crazy I thought I was in Utah.
Man lately it has been so busy! I love it but it’s crazy sometimes, this week we started out having Interviews with our mission president. That was really good it is always good to talk with him, whenever I talk with him one on one I can feel the love that he has for us. It is really true that mission president and there wife are your parents out here. We learned at interviews about lesson plans and how we prepare better for our lessons our Mission mom Sister Pingree taught us about manners haha that was really funny. After interviews we met with Kelsey Hodson she is doing good she bore her testimony two weeks ago in church and she wants to do it again real bad. It’s good that she has a desire to share her testimony more often. We met with Leticia Banos she is doing well she is still going through the grieving process of her dad passing. But we are just showing her love and support from the ward and from us.
Wednesday was a very busy day that started at 5:45 in the morning when we woke up. Our zone had the opportunity to do some service at the HUGE Houston Food Bank. We worked there from 8-12 in the morning and while we were there we processed about 14,000 pounds of food and that feeds 12,000 people. I think that was pretty amazing I didn’t have part of that fun. They needed some volunteers up in the administration offices so that was where I was and all we did was put stuff in envelopes and put them to the side so they can be shipped off, let’s just say we did about a 1000 of those and it was alright. Not the best job but it was cool to see what goes behind the scenes. After that is when our day got hectic. We had a baptismal interview for Elena Kent for her baptism on the 22nd than we had another lesson after that with a new investigator her name is Bobby Jo, than off to dinner with Monica and Justin at around 8pm so the whole day we were walking around with our heads cut off but I’m not trying to complain because in a couple of weeks it’s going to be slow with the holidays and we won’t be busy as we have been these couple of weeks.
Thursday was pretty good day. We met with an 18 yr old teenager that was baptized when he was 8 yrs old but has never come to church. So we have been able to go to his house and sit down and talk with him. He has a HUGE desire to come to church and loves it; he said that it is helping him make some important decisions in his life. He has received some good support from the ward and the young men. When we meet with him we treat him like we do investigator that means go through the whole lessons and teach him. Well this week we were teaching him the gospel of Jesus Christ which talks about faith repentance baptism receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end it was a pretty good lesson the spirit was strong. After we were taught him the lesson we got into the conversation of missions and he ask if we had any interesting stories or experiences we have had on our missions as I was talking I felt the spirit more strong I told him about the Rios family and the wonderful opportunity I had to find them and teach them. After my companion and myself both shared stories he ask if you can go on a mission when you are older like 24, we said yeah but you should go sooner my companion and i had the feeling to mention to him that he shouldn’t wait but you should go when he had the chance. He said yeah. He said that he doesn’t know a lot but he is going to church more often and now is going to seminary which is awesome. We promised him that if he continues to do this (going to church, reading, praying, going to seminary) that he will know enough that he will go on a mission he said yea i want to do that. It was a blessing to be in this area and find this kid and meet with him and bring him back to the fold and get him a huge desire to come to church it’s a tender mercy of the Lord.
We had another huge spiritual lesson this week. It was with Elena Kent. We are getting her ready for the 22nd and we went in to answer questions that she might have or concerns. She had one and that was prophets. She has never been exposed to the thought of prophets on this earth, she was concerned because when she went to this one church the pastor she thought was leading them and guiding them wasn’t really doing that for them and some things were going on there so she has a lot of trust issues, so she said that there couldn’t be another person that is leading and guiding us. But we read a scripture in Matthew that says that a prophet of god won’t lead us astray it was good that we brought a return missionary with us he has been home a week and he help us out so much. He connected with her a lot and we watch the restoration dvd and we bore her our testimonies about prophets. And we challenged her to go to sacrament meeting with this concern that she has and we promised her that if she does that her testimony will strengthen and that she will come to an understanding that we have modern day prophets on this earth in these days. So yesterday we were fasting for the chance that she will be able to know for herself that we have prophets and she will get her answer. We are meeting with her and find out if she has come to knowledge of prophets. BUT she is still good for baptism on SATURDAY
This week is going to be very special I’m having two people that i have taught getting baptized. One is Elena Kent and the other is from my old area Spring Branch Jacob Alonzo. He is getting baptized I’m so glad that i have been seeing fruits of my work being coming about this work is true. I wanna leave you with my testimony. That i Love this work it has changed my life and i love it, i know the gospel is true.. I know that our savior Jesus Christ loves us and I’m so glad for this time of season for the love that we feel and the spirit. I CANT WAIT TO VISIT WITH YALL NEXT WEEK. I can tell you one thing counting down to Christmas makes the month go slow so don’t ever count down any days.
Love yall
Elder Christensen
ELF QUOTE. CONGRATULATIONS THE WORLDS BEST CUP OF COFFEE GOOD JOB EVERYONE!!!!!!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
10 Months!!!!!!!!!!
We have finally hit the double digits!! Elder Christensen has now been out for 10 months!!! We are getting closer to the 1 year mark!!!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Dec 10th Letter
15 days til Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello Family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How is everything been going? Well now it’s getting cold over here it’s getting in the 50's and its freezing man it cold I guess my blood has thin out a lot.
This week has been a very good week for me. Do you remember how I mention the website mormon.org/christmas. Well that has been advertised a lot and we have had a lot of referrals this week. We have received two this week It’s cool we received by a young man named Matthew Duke. He is a 20yr old young man who has a lot of things going for him he wanted a free bible because he is huge into the building of the earth and stuff and he know that there is more to stuff like that and he is pretty religious so he has never had a bible and he wanted one so we gave him one and we talked about our purpose in life and to see if we could stop by one time and teach him more and he said just come over when you want. So we will be visiting with him soon.
Wednesday was our busy day we had appointments one after the other. We started out visiting with Astrid Otto she is the one who was a member and then left for different reasons. When we went to visit her she invited her friend who is a member and she wanted her to be there. Than our Relief Society president wanted to be there so she came also but we still needed a male to be with us so we brought a young male with us. So we had two missionaries’ three members and one investigator so we can say it was a packed house. We taught her about and faith and charity and how they go hand and hand. But the discussion turned to talking about her gift of the spirit she had it was cool we talked about this in Sunday school the Sunday before and the teacher told us to pray to know what our gift is so we mention to her that she has already figured out her gift. And she had no idea that was her gift it was cool to see someone get something for the first time and understand it.
This week we met with Elena Kent twice. Once on Wednesday and the other on Friday on Wednesday we taught her about tithing and fast offerings she doesn’t have a problem follow this commandment. She said that it is really easy for her to follow it because she was taught how to give more than she received and that when you give you get blessings it was awesome to know that she was taught it so young. On Friday we taught her about the law of chastity of course she has no problems in this and she believes strongly in that. The cool thing with her is that when we met with her on Friday she had a new book she was reading. We asked her what this new book of yours she said that she did some research and was trying to figure something’s out like why this is happening to her and to feel better. She said that she got this book and it talks about fasting. The title is like fasting and healthy living she mentioned to us that if you go without two meals a months that it cleans out your body and makes you healthy. I mention well you know that is funny because remember us teaching you about the word of wisdom and now you know about fasting she is like I know. So now she has committed to live the word of wisdom fully and fast.
We met with Monica and Justin twice this week also, she feeds us on Wednesday and we have a lesson afterwards. So this week they called us up and had a list of questions for us to answer. So after we had a huge ham dinner we answered there questions. They love that we could answer most of their questions that they have. We met with them yesterday and taught them about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We focused our lesson on baptism we have been praying a lot about them and we felt like we should give them the date of the 29th of December for Justin’s baptism. So we asked him boldly after the lesson and he said that he was going to pray about it and make sure that this is what he is supposed to be doing. He said that he wants to get the support of Monica and she mention that she supports him 100% getting baptized. But she wants him to find it out for himself so I know that he is going to pray and figure what he wants to do and he will let us know for sure soon it was a powerful lesson I felt the spirit so strong with him and it was amazing.
We are working with this youth he is 18 yrs old and we are reactivating him back into the church. This week we finally got into contact with him we stopped by and gave him a quick lesson and then we asked him if there is anything else we can do for him. He said will you teach me another lesson but a lesson that has impacted your life so we taught him the plan of salvation which has impacted me the most knowing that there is something after this life and that our families can be together forever.
So each week it seems like there is something that I have learned or something that I have realized since I have been out on my mission and this week this is what I have come to understand. I’m so glad that I have my "eye single to the glory of god" I’m so glad that I’m out here for the right reason and not out here just because others want me to be here. I’m glad that I’m happy and even though sometimes it’s hard I know that I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I don’t want to sound like I’m perfect but coming out here I have seen things differently, and I feel like I’m more mature and I have grown up I guess that is what missions does to you haha
When I opened my email and saw the pictures from the temple. I cried. I can honestly tell a difference in uncle Troy's face, he is happier and so is his family. I’m so proud of him and his family it was awesome seeing that special day.
I love you guys and thank you for everything. CAN’T WAIT TO TALK TO YALL SOON
Elder Christensen
ELF QUOTE: HELLO BUDDY THE ELF WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR.
Hello Family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How is everything been going? Well now it’s getting cold over here it’s getting in the 50's and its freezing man it cold I guess my blood has thin out a lot.
This week has been a very good week for me. Do you remember how I mention the website mormon.org/christmas. Well that has been advertised a lot and we have had a lot of referrals this week. We have received two this week It’s cool we received by a young man named Matthew Duke. He is a 20yr old young man who has a lot of things going for him he wanted a free bible because he is huge into the building of the earth and stuff and he know that there is more to stuff like that and he is pretty religious so he has never had a bible and he wanted one so we gave him one and we talked about our purpose in life and to see if we could stop by one time and teach him more and he said just come over when you want. So we will be visiting with him soon.
Wednesday was our busy day we had appointments one after the other. We started out visiting with Astrid Otto she is the one who was a member and then left for different reasons. When we went to visit her she invited her friend who is a member and she wanted her to be there. Than our Relief Society president wanted to be there so she came also but we still needed a male to be with us so we brought a young male with us. So we had two missionaries’ three members and one investigator so we can say it was a packed house. We taught her about and faith and charity and how they go hand and hand. But the discussion turned to talking about her gift of the spirit she had it was cool we talked about this in Sunday school the Sunday before and the teacher told us to pray to know what our gift is so we mention to her that she has already figured out her gift. And she had no idea that was her gift it was cool to see someone get something for the first time and understand it.
This week we met with Elena Kent twice. Once on Wednesday and the other on Friday on Wednesday we taught her about tithing and fast offerings she doesn’t have a problem follow this commandment. She said that it is really easy for her to follow it because she was taught how to give more than she received and that when you give you get blessings it was awesome to know that she was taught it so young. On Friday we taught her about the law of chastity of course she has no problems in this and she believes strongly in that. The cool thing with her is that when we met with her on Friday she had a new book she was reading. We asked her what this new book of yours she said that she did some research and was trying to figure something’s out like why this is happening to her and to feel better. She said that she got this book and it talks about fasting. The title is like fasting and healthy living she mentioned to us that if you go without two meals a months that it cleans out your body and makes you healthy. I mention well you know that is funny because remember us teaching you about the word of wisdom and now you know about fasting she is like I know. So now she has committed to live the word of wisdom fully and fast.
We met with Monica and Justin twice this week also, she feeds us on Wednesday and we have a lesson afterwards. So this week they called us up and had a list of questions for us to answer. So after we had a huge ham dinner we answered there questions. They love that we could answer most of their questions that they have. We met with them yesterday and taught them about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We focused our lesson on baptism we have been praying a lot about them and we felt like we should give them the date of the 29th of December for Justin’s baptism. So we asked him boldly after the lesson and he said that he was going to pray about it and make sure that this is what he is supposed to be doing. He said that he wants to get the support of Monica and she mention that she supports him 100% getting baptized. But she wants him to find it out for himself so I know that he is going to pray and figure what he wants to do and he will let us know for sure soon it was a powerful lesson I felt the spirit so strong with him and it was amazing.
We are working with this youth he is 18 yrs old and we are reactivating him back into the church. This week we finally got into contact with him we stopped by and gave him a quick lesson and then we asked him if there is anything else we can do for him. He said will you teach me another lesson but a lesson that has impacted your life so we taught him the plan of salvation which has impacted me the most knowing that there is something after this life and that our families can be together forever.
So each week it seems like there is something that I have learned or something that I have realized since I have been out on my mission and this week this is what I have come to understand. I’m so glad that I have my "eye single to the glory of god" I’m so glad that I’m out here for the right reason and not out here just because others want me to be here. I’m glad that I’m happy and even though sometimes it’s hard I know that I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I don’t want to sound like I’m perfect but coming out here I have seen things differently, and I feel like I’m more mature and I have grown up I guess that is what missions does to you haha
When I opened my email and saw the pictures from the temple. I cried. I can honestly tell a difference in uncle Troy's face, he is happier and so is his family. I’m so proud of him and his family it was awesome seeing that special day.
I love you guys and thank you for everything. CAN’T WAIT TO TALK TO YALL SOON
Elder Christensen
ELF QUOTE: HELLO BUDDY THE ELF WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
New pics
lights?
Dec 3rd Letter
DECEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello from the Great State of Texas!
How is everything going with my people in the great state of Utah and the awesome city of Hyrum UT????
This week was a pretty good week we stayed way busy which was good because the week goes a lot faster when it’s busy. So let me tell you about my week here in Spring Texas.
So on Tuesday we met with Kelsey Hodson she is doing really well whenever we go over we sit down with her and read the Book of Mormon (the kids version ) but she doesn't want us to do that she get bored really easy so she wants us to do object lessons with her. So now I got to think of some ideas to teach her and have fun. We helped our other recent convert Leticia Banos, her sister moved in with her and their mom so we helped with her stuff from her old place and move it back in Leticia’s house. It was good serving people today not a lot going on today.
This week we met with Elena Kent twice Wednesday and Friday and both times we had a really good lesson with her. On Wednesday we taught her the Gospel of Jesus Christ she accepted the lesson really well I love teaching this lesson because it’s very powerful. We focused the lesson on baptism because it has been 2 weeks since the last time we have met with her so in those 2 weeks things could be either bad or good because she has been away from the gospel. So you could say I was a little nervous but when we got there she was so happy to see us I was so glad she is still good for the 22nd of December. We met with her on Friday and we taught her about the Word of Wisdom which I thought wouldn't be an issue for her but she had an issue of having wine because she explained well Jesus had wine and what not and she likes to have an occasional glass of wine here and there. But when we explained to her what it means she said that she will follow it to her best ability.
Thursday I was on exchanges with my district leader Elder Wilstead its funny because whenever you are on exchanges miracles happen I don't know what it is but miracles happen. Well that was the case when we were on this exchange we started out going to Wal-Mart picking stuff up and as we were doing so we met with a member there and talk to them. After visiting with them we got hungry so I ask my comp where do you wanna go for lunch? He said lets go to Wendy's so we went to Wendy's and got some food. We sat there talking and we noticed some guy sitting close by us and didn't think of anything. He leaned over and asks if we were LDS we said yes sir we are he said what that big white building down the street. We said that is our temple we got into a discussion about the gospel and the temple. He had questions about our MAGIC UNDERWEAR!!!! haha We were there for about an hour and a half talking to him he had a lot of questions he said he has always had questions but couldn't find anyone to answer them for him. So I’m glad he had confidence to ask us and it made me think that god wanted us to go to Wendy's that day and talk with him.
We met with Jonathan Barnes. It is usually crazy when we are there he acts really crazy and weird like sometimes I think he is drunk or high but this time he was normal. He invited us in and said sorry I haven't been able to meet with yall for a couple weeks I have been sick, my grandma died and I got locked up on warrants for my arrest. (For traffic tickets). When he mention about his grandma we taught him the plan of salvation again and he understood it. It was amazing when we said that we can have families forever and that there is waiting period after this life. He said I never heard about this and he really liked it so now he progressing and he is interested again.
Monica and Justin are doing awesome. They came to church this week again and Justin is opening up to us he is one of those guys that is content with everything and just follows along but when he is asking us sincere questions it’s awesome. He asked us what makes our church different from any other ones you say your Church is true how do you know. I’m glad that he asked that they called us last night with a list of questions for us to answer so we have a dinner appointment with them on Wednesday and we will answer their questions for them.
Saturday was a day of service we first helped the community in setting up tents and tables and get things ready for their chili cook-off we helped all morning with that than we went and helped our member in our ward put up Christmas lights, we then went back and cleaned up everything at the chili cook-off and take down everything it was one of those exhausting days.
Alright here is something that was funny that I did this week: So we were at a members house to eat, we got on the subject of peppers and hot things and I told them my story about eating a whole habanero and it was horrible so they told me to eat this pepper so I took half and my comp took half and it was so freaking hot it’s just right below the habanero pepper I have a video of it I’ll send it sometime so yeah I’m really stupid.
Mormon Moment:
So this Sunday was fast Sunday and this week I bore my testimony. This week I have been thinking a lot about Troy and Rachel* going through the temple for the first time I bore them my testimony about Temples. I have realized what means the most to me is my family and the other is the gospel. Those are the only two things that I need and those are the only things that we will have in heaven our families and the knowledge of the gospel. I have a strong testimony of that.
I wanna wish yall a very good week. I hope everything goes well for Troy and Rachel I will be praying for them; I wish I would be there. But I know I will go to the temple with them when I get home. I love you guys and thank you for everything.
Love
Elder Christensen
P.S. Here is my weekly ELF quote: The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. hahahaha
(* Troy and Rachel is our aunt and uncle, our dad's younger brother and his wife, who will be going through the Logan Temple for the first time to be sealed this saturday the 8th.)
Hello from the Great State of Texas!
How is everything going with my people in the great state of Utah and the awesome city of Hyrum UT????
This week was a pretty good week we stayed way busy which was good because the week goes a lot faster when it’s busy. So let me tell you about my week here in Spring Texas.
So on Tuesday we met with Kelsey Hodson she is doing really well whenever we go over we sit down with her and read the Book of Mormon (the kids version ) but she doesn't want us to do that she get bored really easy so she wants us to do object lessons with her. So now I got to think of some ideas to teach her and have fun. We helped our other recent convert Leticia Banos, her sister moved in with her and their mom so we helped with her stuff from her old place and move it back in Leticia’s house. It was good serving people today not a lot going on today.
This week we met with Elena Kent twice Wednesday and Friday and both times we had a really good lesson with her. On Wednesday we taught her the Gospel of Jesus Christ she accepted the lesson really well I love teaching this lesson because it’s very powerful. We focused the lesson on baptism because it has been 2 weeks since the last time we have met with her so in those 2 weeks things could be either bad or good because she has been away from the gospel. So you could say I was a little nervous but when we got there she was so happy to see us I was so glad she is still good for the 22nd of December. We met with her on Friday and we taught her about the Word of Wisdom which I thought wouldn't be an issue for her but she had an issue of having wine because she explained well Jesus had wine and what not and she likes to have an occasional glass of wine here and there. But when we explained to her what it means she said that she will follow it to her best ability.
Thursday I was on exchanges with my district leader Elder Wilstead its funny because whenever you are on exchanges miracles happen I don't know what it is but miracles happen. Well that was the case when we were on this exchange we started out going to Wal-Mart picking stuff up and as we were doing so we met with a member there and talk to them. After visiting with them we got hungry so I ask my comp where do you wanna go for lunch? He said lets go to Wendy's so we went to Wendy's and got some food. We sat there talking and we noticed some guy sitting close by us and didn't think of anything. He leaned over and asks if we were LDS we said yes sir we are he said what that big white building down the street. We said that is our temple we got into a discussion about the gospel and the temple. He had questions about our MAGIC UNDERWEAR!!!! haha We were there for about an hour and a half talking to him he had a lot of questions he said he has always had questions but couldn't find anyone to answer them for him. So I’m glad he had confidence to ask us and it made me think that god wanted us to go to Wendy's that day and talk with him.
We met with Jonathan Barnes. It is usually crazy when we are there he acts really crazy and weird like sometimes I think he is drunk or high but this time he was normal. He invited us in and said sorry I haven't been able to meet with yall for a couple weeks I have been sick, my grandma died and I got locked up on warrants for my arrest. (For traffic tickets). When he mention about his grandma we taught him the plan of salvation again and he understood it. It was amazing when we said that we can have families forever and that there is waiting period after this life. He said I never heard about this and he really liked it so now he progressing and he is interested again.
Monica and Justin are doing awesome. They came to church this week again and Justin is opening up to us he is one of those guys that is content with everything and just follows along but when he is asking us sincere questions it’s awesome. He asked us what makes our church different from any other ones you say your Church is true how do you know. I’m glad that he asked that they called us last night with a list of questions for us to answer so we have a dinner appointment with them on Wednesday and we will answer their questions for them.
Saturday was a day of service we first helped the community in setting up tents and tables and get things ready for their chili cook-off we helped all morning with that than we went and helped our member in our ward put up Christmas lights, we then went back and cleaned up everything at the chili cook-off and take down everything it was one of those exhausting days.
Alright here is something that was funny that I did this week: So we were at a members house to eat, we got on the subject of peppers and hot things and I told them my story about eating a whole habanero and it was horrible so they told me to eat this pepper so I took half and my comp took half and it was so freaking hot it’s just right below the habanero pepper I have a video of it I’ll send it sometime so yeah I’m really stupid.
Mormon Moment:
So this Sunday was fast Sunday and this week I bore my testimony. This week I have been thinking a lot about Troy and Rachel* going through the temple for the first time I bore them my testimony about Temples. I have realized what means the most to me is my family and the other is the gospel. Those are the only two things that I need and those are the only things that we will have in heaven our families and the knowledge of the gospel. I have a strong testimony of that.
I wanna wish yall a very good week. I hope everything goes well for Troy and Rachel I will be praying for them; I wish I would be there. But I know I will go to the temple with them when I get home. I love you guys and thank you for everything.
Love
Elder Christensen
P.S. Here is my weekly ELF quote: The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. hahahaha
(* Troy and Rachel is our aunt and uncle, our dad's younger brother and his wife, who will be going through the Logan Temple for the first time to be sealed this saturday the 8th.)
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