Hey!
What's up?
This week, Elder Christensen of the Seventy is coming to visit. All the district leaders are driving up to Lubbock for leadership training. All the district leaders in this zone will be driving up in the van with Elder Allred and I. On Thursday, we'll be having a combined zone conference in Midland. That's why we're doing P-day today on Tuesday. we're all excited to have him come and speak to us.
This past week went very well. We had a tri-ward Trunk-r-Treat, which was way fun. Gigi (one of our investigators) donated tons of candy, apples, and popcorn. We decorated the back of the van and gave out everything we got. Afterwards there was a carnival inside the church building.
On Sunday, we had the Family History Center member fireside. There was a great turnout. They had a couple talks, then they split everyone into three groups, and we rotated into different classes. We invited everyone to invite non-members to come to the public open house on Nov 5th. We hope the turnout for that will be good also.
We also introduced a program called "The Gift of Family History". It consists of giving out cards for people to fill out information about their family - names, birth dates, death dates, etc. - then submit them to the Family History Center. There, the consultants research their family. They then make a packet containing "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", "The Living Christ", more information about the FHC, whatever they have found about that specific family, and tips on how to continue researching. The missionaries deliver the packets in person, and hopefully get the chance to deliver the message of the Restoration. It was adapted from an idea that one man in California had and developed. he had a lot of time on his hands.
Speaking of Gigi, we were at her house one day and we were asking her about baptism. She had already said that she wants to be baptized, but she pushed off setting a specific date. We asked if she prayed to ask if this church was true. She said the most wonderful thing I ever heard anyone say: "No, but I don't think I need to, because I pretty much already- ..." and she didn't finish her sentence. It was really comforting to know that people truly do find out of the truthfulness of our message.
My testimony has grown so much over the last few months. I'm so thankful that I took this chance to be a missionary. I've spoken with some people who didn't take it. They are convinced, as I am, that it's not the worst thing to happen to someone, but at the same time, they regret not going. It is life-changing and testimony-building, and I have no idea what I would've done if I had not gotten up and left.
I know this Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009 - Transfer time again
Hello!
Hope things are going well!
Here, things are cold! We had rain yesterday, pushed in by a cold front that we're now experiencing.
Also, this is our first Thursday Preparation Day. It is so weird.
This week was transfers. Elder Tuttle left Abilene after spending 11 months in the city. We're all trying to figure out what to do without him. He has been transferred to Plainview, TX. My new companion is Elder Cherrington ("ch" as in "cherry"). He's been out about 7 months, and has served in Amarillo and in Hobbs. He came to the mission when I was in the office. Back then, he was quieter than anyone I had met. Now, he's chilled out and we can't get him to shut up.
Also transferred was Elder Reed from Eastland. He was there over 9 months. He went to my greenie area, Brownwood. It will be his third area. Elder Cole came down to take his place with Elder Hanks.
The Sisters also got a new (and third) companion, Sister Westover, who's a greenie.
This is the first time I've ever taught an area to someone, which is rare for someone who's been out as long as I have. That is, it's the first time I've stayed in an area and my companion left. At the same time, this probably the first time I feel ready to teach an area.
As for the mission pictures from the Lubbock trip, we each got one copy and there is a website where we can get more.
Speaking of Lubbock trips, this coming zone conference there will be a General Authority, Elder Craig Christensen, coming to visit. Traditionally, the (annual?) visiting General Authority meets with all the zone leaders and district leaders. This time, though, President is getting everyone to meet him up in Lubbock before the zone conference, rather than an hour before zone conference. So Elder Allred and I will at some point be going up to Lubbock. After that, we will have a combined zone conference - ours in Midland and the other in Lubbock.
I did two baptismal interviews for the Sisters' investigators: two young children. They love coming to church but their dad is less active. It was interesting interviewing children.
Having P-day on Thursdays is so weird that I accidentally scheduled an appointment today. So I have to go.
Anyways, talk to you later!
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Hope things are going well!
Here, things are cold! We had rain yesterday, pushed in by a cold front that we're now experiencing.
Also, this is our first Thursday Preparation Day. It is so weird.
This week was transfers. Elder Tuttle left Abilene after spending 11 months in the city. We're all trying to figure out what to do without him. He has been transferred to Plainview, TX. My new companion is Elder Cherrington ("ch" as in "cherry"). He's been out about 7 months, and has served in Amarillo and in Hobbs. He came to the mission when I was in the office. Back then, he was quieter than anyone I had met. Now, he's chilled out and we can't get him to shut up.
Also transferred was Elder Reed from Eastland. He was there over 9 months. He went to my greenie area, Brownwood. It will be his third area. Elder Cole came down to take his place with Elder Hanks.
The Sisters also got a new (and third) companion, Sister Westover, who's a greenie.
This is the first time I've ever taught an area to someone, which is rare for someone who's been out as long as I have. That is, it's the first time I've stayed in an area and my companion left. At the same time, this probably the first time I feel ready to teach an area.
As for the mission pictures from the Lubbock trip, we each got one copy and there is a website where we can get more.
Speaking of Lubbock trips, this coming zone conference there will be a General Authority, Elder Craig Christensen, coming to visit. Traditionally, the (annual?) visiting General Authority meets with all the zone leaders and district leaders. This time, though, President is getting everyone to meet him up in Lubbock before the zone conference, rather than an hour before zone conference. So Elder Allred and I will at some point be going up to Lubbock. After that, we will have a combined zone conference - ours in Midland and the other in Lubbock.
I did two baptismal interviews for the Sisters' investigators: two young children. They love coming to church but their dad is less active. It was interesting interviewing children.
Having P-day on Thursdays is so weird that I accidentally scheduled an appointment today. So I have to go.
Anyways, talk to you later!
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Hey!
I don't have much to talk about today.
We took a little field trip to Potosi today. There weren't as many homes as we had hoped, but it was still a good experience. We had Josh, one of the priests in the ward to take us and drive us around. We didn't know this when we asked, but he was up late the night before playing at a football game for his school team in Brownwood. It's wonderful to see how willing people are to help out, if we just ask. I hope after my mission, I can be just as cool.
I got the card (I think on Thursday) for President, thanks! We're going to sign it, etc., and give it to him.
It's been wonderfully cold the last little while. I love it. I hope I don't get sick.
Speaking of which, we all got an email from President Robison about getting flu/swine flu shots.
Also, P-day is officially being changed to Thursday. Coincidentally, I was wondering about this not too long ago, actually. Monday is a great day to follow-up on church visits. Also, the transition from Sunday to Monday is one of "the week is over, let's relax". Anyways, it'll be weird, but interesting.
A while ago, knowing that our Nepali investigators can read Hindi (Nepali being a variant of Hindi), we asked for copies of the Book of Mormon in Hindi, since the Nepali version still doesn't exist. We were told that the Hindi version doesn't exist either, but we discovered that it does, so we're going to order some copies.
Anyways, I think that's it. I told you it'll be short.
I know that the Church is true. I know that Jesus Christ is my Saviour.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong :)
P.S.: being out for 18 months is a WEIRD thought!
I don't have much to talk about today.
We took a little field trip to Potosi today. There weren't as many homes as we had hoped, but it was still a good experience. We had Josh, one of the priests in the ward to take us and drive us around. We didn't know this when we asked, but he was up late the night before playing at a football game for his school team in Brownwood. It's wonderful to see how willing people are to help out, if we just ask. I hope after my mission, I can be just as cool.
I got the card (I think on Thursday) for President, thanks! We're going to sign it, etc., and give it to him.
It's been wonderfully cold the last little while. I love it. I hope I don't get sick.
Speaking of which, we all got an email from President Robison about getting flu/swine flu shots.
Also, P-day is officially being changed to Thursday. Coincidentally, I was wondering about this not too long ago, actually. Monday is a great day to follow-up on church visits. Also, the transition from Sunday to Monday is one of "the week is over, let's relax". Anyways, it'll be weird, but interesting.
A while ago, knowing that our Nepali investigators can read Hindi (Nepali being a variant of Hindi), we asked for copies of the Book of Mormon in Hindi, since the Nepali version still doesn't exist. We were told that the Hindi version doesn't exist either, but we discovered that it does, so we're going to order some copies.
Anyways, I think that's it. I told you it'll be short.
I know that the Church is true. I know that Jesus Christ is my Saviour.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong :)
P.S.: being out for 18 months is a WEIRD thought!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009 - General Conference
Hey y'all!
What's up?
First of all, Nathan, how can it be mid-term already? Didn't you just start school a few days ago??? Just joking; time really does go by fast!
Anyways, General Conference was amazing! I keep thinking that Conferences are getting better because I'm growing and learning more, etc. ..and I think that's part of it, but I also think they truly are getting better by themselves. My sensitivity to the Spirit is stronger than it's ever been. I've never been so excited to be a missionary.
I also noticed there was a theme this time. One of love, and also one of standing for what's right. This is the time that all the prophets - old and new - have been talking about. The world has moved from black and white to many shades of grey; but we are slowly (yet quickly) returning to a clear separation. The line between true believers and followers of Christ and unbelievers is getting wider and wider. Elder Christofferson's talk clearly explained how we have moved from individuals having internal self-control, to governments applying external control, because we are losing our moral footings. When a civilization decides that "freedom" means everyone can choose and live by their own view of what's Right and what's Wrong, then that civilization is doomed to fall. At the same time, this and other talks have shown that while all this is happening, it is possible to find out what God thinks is right, and to protect that in our family and society. Bishop Burton talked about the "-ity virtues", especially integrity. Part of all this is getting, having, and strengthening your testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus is the Christ; and when that testimony is tested, I hope I will have the strength to uphold it.
Joseph Smith plainly taught that you can't know anything spiritual except by the Spirit - that you can't know about God, unless it's from God. Therefore, it is also important to have a testimony of the sources of this revelation from God. Elder Holland gave one of the most powerful testimonies of the Book of Mormon that I ever heard. With all that was happening to them, their families, and their friends, did Joseph and Hyrum Smith find solace from a book that they made up and wrote? Did they give their lives and more for a cause they knew was fake? No; they found comfort in true scripture, including the Book of Mormon. Peter, Paul, and Joseph Smith alike gave everything, not for a work that they thought was really good, not one that had been revealed to them by flesh and blood, but by a marvellous work that had been revealed by our Father which is in Heaven.
Like Sister Catudal mentioned, I also like Elder Callister's talk and testimony on the Prophet Joseph Smith. I loved the example he used, which I like to use quite often: Peter denied Christ, Moses was a "murderer", Jeremiah was a child... anyone who attacks "Mormonism" attacks Christianity; because, in reality, they are the same. As a side note, Elder Callister sounded very familiar. I think was the keynote speaker for our Youth Conference one year. Can anyone confirm that?
There were other talks that I loved. Elder Bednar taught that sometimes, the best Family Home Evening lesson is the fact that it is being done every week. Sometimes, it's consistency that daily family prayer and scripture study teach more than anything. The best lesson a parent can teach about life and the Gospel is not any one idea or concept, but how they can find it on their own. That's why Jesus taught that if you give a man a fish, he'll eat only for a day, whereas if you teach him to fish, he'll eat forever.
I also loved Elder Renlund (I think it's him; I don't have my conference notes with me)'s talk with the analogy of a heart transplant. Just as it is the body's tendency to reject a new heart, it is the natural man's tendency to reject a "mighty change of heart", and we must monitor it every day and every week (take biopsies, etc) and work to make sure that we keep it healthy.
All in all, I loved the whole thing. It's always been hard to sit in the chapel and stay there all day, but it was a breeze this time. (Before priesthood, they had a "Burger Burn", and we got the leftovers.)
Speaking of which, when we got to the chapel, nothing was set up. We called around and found the projector. Then, the satellite sound wasn't working. We had to "break into" an office, then into a key box, then use one of those keys to break into the satellite control box in the library. I had no idea what to do, so I just turned it off, then back on. We got it working literally thirty seconds before conference started. Good thing we came early. We also managed to bring three people to come watch.
And I agree with the stake presidency [of Montreal Quebec Mont-Royal Stake] that we should watch conference in the chapel (at the very least, one session). Most people say that they're watching at home, but how many of those do you think are honestly doing that? Unity is another good reason. Also, the chapel is a dedicated building and made especially for this purpose. If we had the technology and the means to efficiently and cost-effectively take the sacrament to everyone's home every week (and in some parts of Utah, that's possible) and then have talks and lessons over teleconference, would we do it? Can anyone say that they feel the Spirit more strongly at home in their PJs with the TV on the side and with a snack going in the microwave, rather than wearing their Sunday best in the "house of prayer"? Can listening straight from the Prophets and Apostles of our time be treated as the special opportunity that it is if it is treated equal to any other show you would find on TV, or even worse, on YouTube? I believe that Conference by public satellite and Internet was intended for those who don't otherwise have access to Conference, and for no other purpose. Sure, it is easier to do it at home, and if you prepare yourself enough, you could have a very spiritual experience, but I think there is something about "keep the Sabbath day holy" that involves going to the church at least once on Sunday.
Anyways, I have truly come out of this conference spiritually (and physically) fed. It is an exciting time to be alive.
I hope y'all will have a good week. I'm looking forward to the predicted moisture that we're supposed to get for the whole week. Too bad President Monson doesn't have time to do weather forecasts.
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
What's up?
First of all, Nathan, how can it be mid-term already? Didn't you just start school a few days ago??? Just joking; time really does go by fast!
Anyways, General Conference was amazing! I keep thinking that Conferences are getting better because I'm growing and learning more, etc. ..and I think that's part of it, but I also think they truly are getting better by themselves. My sensitivity to the Spirit is stronger than it's ever been. I've never been so excited to be a missionary.
I also noticed there was a theme this time. One of love, and also one of standing for what's right. This is the time that all the prophets - old and new - have been talking about. The world has moved from black and white to many shades of grey; but we are slowly (yet quickly) returning to a clear separation. The line between true believers and followers of Christ and unbelievers is getting wider and wider. Elder Christofferson's talk clearly explained how we have moved from individuals having internal self-control, to governments applying external control, because we are losing our moral footings. When a civilization decides that "freedom" means everyone can choose and live by their own view of what's Right and what's Wrong, then that civilization is doomed to fall. At the same time, this and other talks have shown that while all this is happening, it is possible to find out what God thinks is right, and to protect that in our family and society. Bishop Burton talked about the "-ity virtues", especially integrity. Part of all this is getting, having, and strengthening your testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus is the Christ; and when that testimony is tested, I hope I will have the strength to uphold it.
Joseph Smith plainly taught that you can't know anything spiritual except by the Spirit - that you can't know about God, unless it's from God. Therefore, it is also important to have a testimony of the sources of this revelation from God. Elder Holland gave one of the most powerful testimonies of the Book of Mormon that I ever heard. With all that was happening to them, their families, and their friends, did Joseph and Hyrum Smith find solace from a book that they made up and wrote? Did they give their lives and more for a cause they knew was fake? No; they found comfort in true scripture, including the Book of Mormon. Peter, Paul, and Joseph Smith alike gave everything, not for a work that they thought was really good, not one that had been revealed to them by flesh and blood, but by a marvellous work that had been revealed by our Father which is in Heaven.
Like Sister Catudal mentioned, I also like Elder Callister's talk and testimony on the Prophet Joseph Smith. I loved the example he used, which I like to use quite often: Peter denied Christ, Moses was a "murderer", Jeremiah was a child... anyone who attacks "Mormonism" attacks Christianity; because, in reality, they are the same. As a side note, Elder Callister sounded very familiar. I think was the keynote speaker for our Youth Conference one year. Can anyone confirm that?
There were other talks that I loved. Elder Bednar taught that sometimes, the best Family Home Evening lesson is the fact that it is being done every week. Sometimes, it's consistency that daily family prayer and scripture study teach more than anything. The best lesson a parent can teach about life and the Gospel is not any one idea or concept, but how they can find it on their own. That's why Jesus taught that if you give a man a fish, he'll eat only for a day, whereas if you teach him to fish, he'll eat forever.
I also loved Elder Renlund (I think it's him; I don't have my conference notes with me)'s talk with the analogy of a heart transplant. Just as it is the body's tendency to reject a new heart, it is the natural man's tendency to reject a "mighty change of heart", and we must monitor it every day and every week (take biopsies, etc) and work to make sure that we keep it healthy.
All in all, I loved the whole thing. It's always been hard to sit in the chapel and stay there all day, but it was a breeze this time. (Before priesthood, they had a "Burger Burn", and we got the leftovers.)
Speaking of which, when we got to the chapel, nothing was set up. We called around and found the projector. Then, the satellite sound wasn't working. We had to "break into" an office, then into a key box, then use one of those keys to break into the satellite control box in the library. I had no idea what to do, so I just turned it off, then back on. We got it working literally thirty seconds before conference started. Good thing we came early. We also managed to bring three people to come watch.
And I agree with the stake presidency [of Montreal Quebec Mont-Royal Stake] that we should watch conference in the chapel (at the very least, one session). Most people say that they're watching at home, but how many of those do you think are honestly doing that? Unity is another good reason. Also, the chapel is a dedicated building and made especially for this purpose. If we had the technology and the means to efficiently and cost-effectively take the sacrament to everyone's home every week (and in some parts of Utah, that's possible) and then have talks and lessons over teleconference, would we do it? Can anyone say that they feel the Spirit more strongly at home in their PJs with the TV on the side and with a snack going in the microwave, rather than wearing their Sunday best in the "house of prayer"? Can listening straight from the Prophets and Apostles of our time be treated as the special opportunity that it is if it is treated equal to any other show you would find on TV, or even worse, on YouTube? I believe that Conference by public satellite and Internet was intended for those who don't otherwise have access to Conference, and for no other purpose. Sure, it is easier to do it at home, and if you prepare yourself enough, you could have a very spiritual experience, but I think there is something about "keep the Sabbath day holy" that involves going to the church at least once on Sunday.
Anyways, I have truly come out of this conference spiritually (and physically) fed. It is an exciting time to be alive.
I hope y'all will have a good week. I'm looking forward to the predicted moisture that we're supposed to get for the whole week. Too bad President Monson doesn't have time to do weather forecasts.
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
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