Hey!
How's it going?
It wasn't fun hearing about Nathan's wisdom teeth removals... it just reminds me that I may have to do mine one day. I don't remember what the dentist said, do I have to get mine removed or not?
A couple days ago, we went over to the Abilene Family History Center and asked about how to include it in our missionary efforts. In Preach My Gospel, the section on Family History in chapter 9 (which is about finding people to teach) is just as long as "Importance of Members", which got our attention. So we're going to find ways to incorporate it and invite people to try it out. One of the workers there suggested that we try it ourselves before we invite others. I'm thinking I could do that. We're going to go there and sign up onto new.familysearch.org. That's the one for members, which includes temple work, etc. Maybe I'll find something interesting.
We also had a baptism this Saturday. Polly is a nice old lady who's been taught by the missionaries for quite some time and she's finally decided to be baptized. She's in a wheelchair and can't support herself for long periods of time. So there were the three of us in the font: Elder Tuttle, who was doing the actual baptism, Elder Allred, who was the first to meet with her along with Elder Sosi, and myself. It took some doing, but we managed to do it right on the first try! It was a great experience. After attending another baptism (for 2nd ward), Helen made us brisket, cabbage, and rice. It was a good evening.
Also, it's transfer week. Elder Tuttle and I are staying. Elder Lofgran is being transferred, making me the only district leader in Abilene. Elder Allred is now a senior, and he'll be follow-up training this transfer. Sister Carbajal is leaving Abilene after being here for over 10 months (it's only her second area!). Sister Wallwork is training a new missionary. Elder Droge is leaving Eastland after being there for a total of 9 months (this is his second time in Eastland); his companion, Elder Reed, (they've been together for 6 months) is now a senior and will also be getting a missionary that's only been out six weeks. There's a lot of "new" missionaries and the missionaries are doing new things - myself being one of them. It's going to be an exciting transfer.
Anyways, I spent most of my time sending the pictures and getting the thing to work.
We'll talk more next week. I love you! The Church is true.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009 - Yes, you can take some of this heat
Hey!
How's it going?
I'm very jealous of the beautifully cold summer temperatures you're getting. It's been consistently over 100 for the past couple weeks. even in the evenings, it's over 90 as we go to bed. Today, we've been getting some clouds and dribble, but it's still hot. It wasn't this bad last year, that's for sure. Still, it could be worse. I'm glad I'm not in a bike area, like Elders Lofgran and Allred. Plus, we have the miracle of AC. Thank you, state-side mission.
It is so weird that I've been teaching some people in French. Ever since the Sisters introduced me to some of those African refugees, it almost seems I've been teaching more in French than in English! When I served in San Angelo, I joked with the ward during a speaking assignment that I also knew French, "which, you know, has been really useful here in West Texas". Now, I'm using it every other day or more. I guess Heavenly Father wants me to keep my French abilities and develop them. Maybe I'm meant to use them a lot more later on. But in any case, I got my hands on a French triple [combination scriptures] and I've been studying out of it everyday. Soon, I should be getting a French "Preach My Gospel" in order to better teach the lessons. For the time being, I'm just using the pamphlets and translating what little I can into French.
We also went on exchanges with President Robison on Tuesday. He was passing through town that day and decided to go with several missionaries to whatever appointments we had. He does that as often as occasion would permit, to get a feel for the work and what it's like. The Robisons have been out for a little over a year, now. It's really cool seeing them as they work at improving their own mission, not just everyone else's. We set up an appointment, but it got cancelled at the last minute, so we knocked on some doors with him. Only one guy answered and he angrily told us to get lost. Then President suggested that we visit someone that he knew lived in town and that we also knew. So it ended up being a good experience.
Also, could you send me the addresses of all the missionaries out that I know? I've been terrible at writing letters. I guess I'm just not used to having that many friends that live elsewhere than here.
Oh, and we went with Dalia to the Family History Center at the chapel, to help her start her family history work. She has been excited about this for some time and is eager to do temple work. It's probably one of the things about the Church that she loves the best.
That reminds me: have you gone on the new FamilySearch? All the work is being centralized, so there are no duplicates (especially in temple work), and so that other members of your extended family can find the work you've done. I'm not sure of the exact website, but it's something like new.familysearch.org. You should check it out and put whatever we have on it.
Anyways, I'm glad you enjoyed your Church history trip, and I hope you have a great week.
I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves us, and that His Son, Jesus Christ is real. (I've just been reading Alma 34 lately, and it's really cool) I also know that the Church is true. These two facts reinforce each other. Without one, the other is not true.
I love you! Take care.
-Elder Brandon Wong
How's it going?
I'm very jealous of the beautifully cold summer temperatures you're getting. It's been consistently over 100 for the past couple weeks. even in the evenings, it's over 90 as we go to bed. Today, we've been getting some clouds and dribble, but it's still hot. It wasn't this bad last year, that's for sure. Still, it could be worse. I'm glad I'm not in a bike area, like Elders Lofgran and Allred. Plus, we have the miracle of AC. Thank you, state-side mission.
It is so weird that I've been teaching some people in French. Ever since the Sisters introduced me to some of those African refugees, it almost seems I've been teaching more in French than in English! When I served in San Angelo, I joked with the ward during a speaking assignment that I also knew French, "which, you know, has been really useful here in West Texas". Now, I'm using it every other day or more. I guess Heavenly Father wants me to keep my French abilities and develop them. Maybe I'm meant to use them a lot more later on. But in any case, I got my hands on a French triple [combination scriptures] and I've been studying out of it everyday. Soon, I should be getting a French "Preach My Gospel" in order to better teach the lessons. For the time being, I'm just using the pamphlets and translating what little I can into French.
We also went on exchanges with President Robison on Tuesday. He was passing through town that day and decided to go with several missionaries to whatever appointments we had. He does that as often as occasion would permit, to get a feel for the work and what it's like. The Robisons have been out for a little over a year, now. It's really cool seeing them as they work at improving their own mission, not just everyone else's. We set up an appointment, but it got cancelled at the last minute, so we knocked on some doors with him. Only one guy answered and he angrily told us to get lost. Then President suggested that we visit someone that he knew lived in town and that we also knew. So it ended up being a good experience.
Also, could you send me the addresses of all the missionaries out that I know? I've been terrible at writing letters. I guess I'm just not used to having that many friends that live elsewhere than here.
Oh, and we went with Dalia to the Family History Center at the chapel, to help her start her family history work. She has been excited about this for some time and is eager to do temple work. It's probably one of the things about the Church that she loves the best.
That reminds me: have you gone on the new FamilySearch? All the work is being centralized, so there are no duplicates (especially in temple work), and so that other members of your extended family can find the work you've done. I'm not sure of the exact website, but it's something like new.familysearch.org. You should check it out and put whatever we have on it.
Anyways, I'm glad you enjoyed your Church history trip, and I hope you have a great week.
I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves us, and that His Son, Jesus Christ is real. (I've just been reading Alma 34 lately, and it's really cool) I also know that the Church is true. These two facts reinforce each other. Without one, the other is not true.
I love you! Take care.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009 - Doubling Baptisms
Hey!
How's it going?
It's been a crazy week.
First off, on Monday, it was Sister Carbajal's birthday, so we had an activity. Helen put together a Wal-Mart photo scavenger hunt. You have to do certain things and get a picture of it. Unfortunately, we're not allowed taking pictures in Wal-Mart. We didn't know that, one of the security asked us to stop. (They're dressed as normal shoppers and just walk around - it's pretty cool.) Anyways, Elder Lofgran (who's actually pretty good at cooking) made what is called a "death cake": it's two entire cakes stacked on top of each other, with ice cream and caramel in between and a layer of icing as thick as my finger around the whole thing. If I have no teeth by the end of my mission, you'll know why.
Monday night, we went to the Bryan family's place and introduced the Family Mission Plan. Basically, the family writes a list of every non-member they know, regardless of whether they think they're ready for the missionaries or not. Then, they kneel as a family and pray to know who to focus on. Naturally, we should be talking about the Gospel to everyone, but we can't focus on everyone. After they pray, they choose a few names that stand out to them, as guided by the Spirit. Then, they rate those chosen people according to how well they know them, etc. They then make plans to get to know them better, be better friends and warm them up to introducing the Church. So, it's a much more long-term plan, but it works wonders. It's great because not only does it help people have an idea of where to start in sharing the Gospel, but it gets people excited about missionary work and relying on Heavenly Father.
Anyways, we shared it with the Bryan family and they chose a couple names. It didn't make any sense to them because they had already tried to talk to them about the Church and it didn't go well. still, Their names stood out and they chose them. They made some plans to visit them. The next day, we continued tracting along a street we were working on the week before. The first person that we spoke with was the first person that the Bryans chose. It's amazing what happens when we put our trust in Heavenly Father.
As you know, we've been working on doubling baptisms. For six years, we've had an average of 20 baptisms per month. Then we reached 30 and President Robison set a goal to hit 35. At the end of June, we hit an average of 35, so he decided that we should celebrate. So on Thursday, the southern zones (Midland, Odessa, and Abilene) met in Midland for a fun day. We just chilled, played games, etc. At the end of the day, we had an obstacle course. Afterwards, we sat down and he announced that our goal is now 40 baptisms per month. We need to average that for three months for it to count. President Hinckley told the whole Church that we can double baptisms and we're going to do it. We are so close. It's really cool.
On Sunday, Elder Tuttle and I spoke in Sacrament meeting. His topic was the blessings of missionary work and mine was how to do member missionary work. Hopefully, when the family mission plan comes in full force to the ward, people will be excited about it.
Nathan's idea of writing a "day in the life" thing is interesting. I think I want to do that, if I have time.
And thanks for the package and cards. (The Canadian Ketchup chips are so much better than the American sorry imitation.)
I know that God is real, and that He's our father. He's aware of all our problems and progress. To help with both, He has established a church for His children to learn about Him and help each other. There's only one to which He talks directly and directs. That's The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you don't believe that, get to know Him and then ask Him. He will tell you.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
How's it going?
It's been a crazy week.
First off, on Monday, it was Sister Carbajal's birthday, so we had an activity. Helen put together a Wal-Mart photo scavenger hunt. You have to do certain things and get a picture of it. Unfortunately, we're not allowed taking pictures in Wal-Mart. We didn't know that, one of the security asked us to stop. (They're dressed as normal shoppers and just walk around - it's pretty cool.) Anyways, Elder Lofgran (who's actually pretty good at cooking) made what is called a "death cake": it's two entire cakes stacked on top of each other, with ice cream and caramel in between and a layer of icing as thick as my finger around the whole thing. If I have no teeth by the end of my mission, you'll know why.
Monday night, we went to the Bryan family's place and introduced the Family Mission Plan. Basically, the family writes a list of every non-member they know, regardless of whether they think they're ready for the missionaries or not. Then, they kneel as a family and pray to know who to focus on. Naturally, we should be talking about the Gospel to everyone, but we can't focus on everyone. After they pray, they choose a few names that stand out to them, as guided by the Spirit. Then, they rate those chosen people according to how well they know them, etc. They then make plans to get to know them better, be better friends and warm them up to introducing the Church. So, it's a much more long-term plan, but it works wonders. It's great because not only does it help people have an idea of where to start in sharing the Gospel, but it gets people excited about missionary work and relying on Heavenly Father.
Anyways, we shared it with the Bryan family and they chose a couple names. It didn't make any sense to them because they had already tried to talk to them about the Church and it didn't go well. still, Their names stood out and they chose them. They made some plans to visit them. The next day, we continued tracting along a street we were working on the week before. The first person that we spoke with was the first person that the Bryans chose. It's amazing what happens when we put our trust in Heavenly Father.
As you know, we've been working on doubling baptisms. For six years, we've had an average of 20 baptisms per month. Then we reached 30 and President Robison set a goal to hit 35. At the end of June, we hit an average of 35, so he decided that we should celebrate. So on Thursday, the southern zones (Midland, Odessa, and Abilene) met in Midland for a fun day. We just chilled, played games, etc. At the end of the day, we had an obstacle course. Afterwards, we sat down and he announced that our goal is now 40 baptisms per month. We need to average that for three months for it to count. President Hinckley told the whole Church that we can double baptisms and we're going to do it. We are so close. It's really cool.
On Sunday, Elder Tuttle and I spoke in Sacrament meeting. His topic was the blessings of missionary work and mine was how to do member missionary work. Hopefully, when the family mission plan comes in full force to the ward, people will be excited about it.
Nathan's idea of writing a "day in the life" thing is interesting. I think I want to do that, if I have time.
And thanks for the package and cards. (The Canadian Ketchup chips are so much better than the American sorry imitation.)
I know that God is real, and that He's our father. He's aware of all our problems and progress. To help with both, He has established a church for His children to learn about Him and help each other. There's only one to which He talks directly and directs. That's The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you don't believe that, get to know Him and then ask Him. He will tell you.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009 - En français, s'il vous plait!
Hey!
How are things going?
It was nice to hear that you had a good holiday.
For the 4th of July, we went with the other Elders to Helen's place and played cards/games. She made us Hawaiian haystacks, too. Helen is Elder Sosi's cousin who lives in Abilene. In fact, they only discovered each other a couple of months ago. Ever since then, she has been one of the best member-missionaries there are and she has helped the full-time missionaries over and over.
Speaking of Independence Day, how's this for American: I taught a lesson in French this week! The Sisters have been working with a few people from Africa (some are refugees), most of which speak Swahili, French and very little English. For example, they have been visiting a man named Noe (Noah, in English) and they would communicate as best as they could, but not very well. There are quite a few people who could be taught, if it weren't for the language barrier. They got some French materials, but they prayed that someone who knows Swahili or French would move to Abilene to help them. Surprise, surprise.
Anyways, they were concerned because people from other churches were coming and speaking French. Long story short, I got transferred here and we've gone over to talk with him. It was refreshing for him to actually understand more than 30% of what the missionaries were saying, but it was tough for me. Now I know for sure I wasn't meant to go to a foreign-speaking mission. Anyhow, most of the lesson was just me and him talking. He wanted to know what was the point of another book (The Book of Mormon) and how it can help. He was studying to be a preacher when he was in Africa. All I got out of it was that we were welcome back, so I'd say it went well.
We also got to teach a lesson in a hotel. We were meeting with Ann, who's the mother of someone who joined the Church a short while ago. It's kinda far to drive out there, so we decided to meet at a restaurant. When we got there, it was too crowded and too loud. So she suggested a nearby hotel. It's called the Elegante Suites - high class. She took us to eat at the restaurant inside. Then, we had a great lesson with her. After we were done, she left and we took a look at the rest of the hotel. It was spacious and beautiful. Like I said before, I just have to be rich. Can't be any other way.
On the flip side, we finally got our bikes together and in working order, and we did some riding. Because of this, we've actually saved a lot of miles on our little van. Unfortunately, not long after riding for the first time, Elder Tuttle got a flat tire. I'm okay with driving through the heat, though.
I also got your package - thanks! The postmaster dropped it off at the apartment office, which closed before we got there for three days; so I just got it this morning. Now I'll have enough soup to last me for months! And, it's true, they did try ketchup chips in America (it was sold at Wal-Mart), but they were terrible. Too sweet and not strong enough. Just like Lipton's soup, the Canadian stuff is better. I did find a decent bag of salt and pepper, which is becoming more and more popular here. I'm happy about that. By the way, what's with all the Canadian rubber magnets?
We also had zone conference in San Angelo, which was fun. It's been a while since I've been to a zone conference not as an Office Elder.
It's been raining here and there for a couple weeks. Naturally, it got hot in between the showers.
Also, as a mission, we had a goal to have 35 baptisms in June and maintain that as an average. In June, we got 38. So President has arranged a celebration. On Thursday, we're going to Midland (the three southern zones) and having... pretty much a game/activity day (from what I understand). When we hit an average of 40 per month, and thereby succeed in doubling baptisms in this mission, everyone is coming to Lubbock (Greyhound buses and all) and we're taking a picture in front of the temple as a mission. I can only imagine the celebration then.
Well, I'm going to go. I sent all the pictures I have so far. We're also going to have a little celebration for Sister Carbajal's birthday.
The Church is true, and the Gospel is Truth.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
How are things going?
It was nice to hear that you had a good holiday.
For the 4th of July, we went with the other Elders to Helen's place and played cards/games. She made us Hawaiian haystacks, too. Helen is Elder Sosi's cousin who lives in Abilene. In fact, they only discovered each other a couple of months ago. Ever since then, she has been one of the best member-missionaries there are and she has helped the full-time missionaries over and over.
Speaking of Independence Day, how's this for American: I taught a lesson in French this week! The Sisters have been working with a few people from Africa (some are refugees), most of which speak Swahili, French and very little English. For example, they have been visiting a man named Noe (Noah, in English) and they would communicate as best as they could, but not very well. There are quite a few people who could be taught, if it weren't for the language barrier. They got some French materials, but they prayed that someone who knows Swahili or French would move to Abilene to help them. Surprise, surprise.
Anyways, they were concerned because people from other churches were coming and speaking French. Long story short, I got transferred here and we've gone over to talk with him. It was refreshing for him to actually understand more than 30% of what the missionaries were saying, but it was tough for me. Now I know for sure I wasn't meant to go to a foreign-speaking mission. Anyhow, most of the lesson was just me and him talking. He wanted to know what was the point of another book (The Book of Mormon) and how it can help. He was studying to be a preacher when he was in Africa. All I got out of it was that we were welcome back, so I'd say it went well.
We also got to teach a lesson in a hotel. We were meeting with Ann, who's the mother of someone who joined the Church a short while ago. It's kinda far to drive out there, so we decided to meet at a restaurant. When we got there, it was too crowded and too loud. So she suggested a nearby hotel. It's called the Elegante Suites - high class. She took us to eat at the restaurant inside. Then, we had a great lesson with her. After we were done, she left and we took a look at the rest of the hotel. It was spacious and beautiful. Like I said before, I just have to be rich. Can't be any other way.
On the flip side, we finally got our bikes together and in working order, and we did some riding. Because of this, we've actually saved a lot of miles on our little van. Unfortunately, not long after riding for the first time, Elder Tuttle got a flat tire. I'm okay with driving through the heat, though.
I also got your package - thanks! The postmaster dropped it off at the apartment office, which closed before we got there for three days; so I just got it this morning. Now I'll have enough soup to last me for months! And, it's true, they did try ketchup chips in America (it was sold at Wal-Mart), but they were terrible. Too sweet and not strong enough. Just like Lipton's soup, the Canadian stuff is better. I did find a decent bag of salt and pepper, which is becoming more and more popular here. I'm happy about that. By the way, what's with all the Canadian rubber magnets?
We also had zone conference in San Angelo, which was fun. It's been a while since I've been to a zone conference not as an Office Elder.
It's been raining here and there for a couple weeks. Naturally, it got hot in between the showers.
Also, as a mission, we had a goal to have 35 baptisms in June and maintain that as an average. In June, we got 38. So President has arranged a celebration. On Thursday, we're going to Midland (the three southern zones) and having... pretty much a game/activity day (from what I understand). When we hit an average of 40 per month, and thereby succeed in doubling baptisms in this mission, everyone is coming to Lubbock (Greyhound buses and all) and we're taking a picture in front of the temple as a mission. I can only imagine the celebration then.
Well, I'm going to go. I sent all the pictures I have so far. We're also going to have a little celebration for Sister Carbajal's birthday.
The Church is true, and the Gospel is Truth.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
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