Hey!
What's up?
Over here, it seems to be the temperature. It's slowly climbing, but fall is coming on, so it's struggling. It's still nice out, except for the bright sun. Dang sun.
Anyways, we had a pretty good week. We finally got to go to Baird, TX, and Clyde, TX and worked. Brother Swartz runs a carpet cleaning business and had offered to drive us there and back. So we loaded up our bikes into his company van, he took us there and dropped us off in Baird.
We got to visit many people and taught them. The Beckam family drove us from one town to the other and brought us turkey sandwiches for lunch. Between two appointments, Elder Tuttle and I were biking on this open road with a field on one side, and a field and horses on the other side. I thought it must have been funny for cars driving by to see - two guys in white shirts and ties, riding bicycles on the side of a road in the middle of nowhere. They probably wondered how we got there. At times, I wondered the same thing.
We also got to go to a hot air balloon carnival. I was surprised that Abilene actually had an event with things to do for the residents here. It was going on for a few days - we saw some balloons go by and we wondered where they were coming from. The carnival had stands, a concert, the police and everything. There was even this one place where you could pay $10 to ride in a balloon but it was tethered to one place and you only went a few feet off the ground (lame).
We went to Zone Conference on Tuesday. There I said goodbye to Elder Sosi, since he's leaving at the end of this transfer. He gave everyone in the mission a lava lava (wraparound) and a little post card with pictures of him on it and his contact info. He knows how to go out in style. We also got from Sister Robison a copy of the picture that we took in front of the temple. I think my eyes were closed because of the sun.
As for your question about dinner appointments, with the exception of one family, we have been getting almost none. It seems most people mistakenly believe that they have to have a non-member there to have us over. It's sad, because unless we go to their house (for a meal or not), it is very difficult to get to know the local members, let alone work with them. One day, things will change. In the meantime, I'm getting better at making homemade chicken quesadillas, and we'll just keep knocking on doors and encouraging members from a distance.
Which reminds me - for the past couple weeks, we've been doing a "missionary moment" every sacrament meeting. It's a minute or less right after the announcements and before the opening hymn for a missionary (or someone else) to get up and say something encouraging member missionary work. It's Brother Bryan's idea. It's very interesting and I'm anxious to see how it'll work in the long run.
Anyways, that's pretty much it for this week.
The Church is true.
I love you!
Have a good week.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009 - Cool summer days in Texas?
Howdy!
Things are going well here in Abilene, especially the weather. On Tuesday, we had to take in the van (that got rear-ended) into the shop for repairs. Annoyingly, the dent smaller than my fist was supposed to take up to a week to fix. Anyways, we were stuck on our bikes for most of the week.
Fortunately, of all the weeks to be stuck on bikes, this was it. It was cold and cloudy all week. I have never seen so much good weather, for so many days in a row. All I can say is, I'm glad I'm not in a bike area. If it was hot and we didn't have a vehicle to fall back on, I would not have been able to work.
By law, all bikes need, at minimum, a headlight when riding at night. I don't have $23+ to buy a headlight, so Elder Tuttle and I decided to buy el-cheap-o flashlights and strap them to the handlebars. It's West Texas; it'll blend right in, right? Anyways, we went to Wal-Mart and we were trying to decide between the fat $1 flashlights or the smaller $3 LED flashlights, when who shows up? Bishop Hill. He just so happened to have two extra flashlights that were bought for scout camp, but never used. We were also having dinner with Brother Eldridge the same day, so he said he can give them to him to give to us that evening. So not only was he at Wal-Mart at the same time as us, in the same section as us, but he had exactly what he needed and a way to get it to us. I thought that was pretty cool.
Also, that old pedometer that I got out of the box of Special K before my mission, which has been on my belt every day of my mission, has finally begun to show its age. The screen is weak and it's only counting every other step, or every fourth step. I was trying to find another box of cereal that has one inside, but to no avail. I went to Sports Academy, but they were like $9 - $24! Finally, I found one at Wal-Mart for $5. It's a gay shape, but it's black, so it's less noticeable. Also, I think it's *too* sensitive - instead of daily averages around 4000 steps, now the average is 20000 steps! I haven't really changed my daily routine, or anything. Anyways, it's just for fun, right?
Also, what would be the possibilities of me shipping anything home? It's a lot more expensive since it's leaving the country.
I also drove through Texico! I was only there for a moment. I'm sad I didn't take a picture of the sign.
In my planner, I wrote a list of things I wanted to include in my letter home, and one of the items was "Christmas", but at the moment, I can't remember why I wrote that...
This week has felt rather long.
Anyways, I hope the rain/clouds keep up. Yesterday, it was hot for the first time that week. People say one more week of heat, then it'll start to cool off, rain or no rain.
The Church is true.
I love you all!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something weird about being a missionary: having that "mantle" on you, blessing people just by being there and others feeling the Spirit when you're around. I'm not looking forward to losing that.
Things are going well here in Abilene, especially the weather. On Tuesday, we had to take in the van (that got rear-ended) into the shop for repairs. Annoyingly, the dent smaller than my fist was supposed to take up to a week to fix. Anyways, we were stuck on our bikes for most of the week.
Fortunately, of all the weeks to be stuck on bikes, this was it. It was cold and cloudy all week. I have never seen so much good weather, for so many days in a row. All I can say is, I'm glad I'm not in a bike area. If it was hot and we didn't have a vehicle to fall back on, I would not have been able to work.
By law, all bikes need, at minimum, a headlight when riding at night. I don't have $23+ to buy a headlight, so Elder Tuttle and I decided to buy el-cheap-o flashlights and strap them to the handlebars. It's West Texas; it'll blend right in, right? Anyways, we went to Wal-Mart and we were trying to decide between the fat $1 flashlights or the smaller $3 LED flashlights, when who shows up? Bishop Hill. He just so happened to have two extra flashlights that were bought for scout camp, but never used. We were also having dinner with Brother Eldridge the same day, so he said he can give them to him to give to us that evening. So not only was he at Wal-Mart at the same time as us, in the same section as us, but he had exactly what he needed and a way to get it to us. I thought that was pretty cool.
Also, that old pedometer that I got out of the box of Special K before my mission, which has been on my belt every day of my mission, has finally begun to show its age. The screen is weak and it's only counting every other step, or every fourth step. I was trying to find another box of cereal that has one inside, but to no avail. I went to Sports Academy, but they were like $9 - $24! Finally, I found one at Wal-Mart for $5. It's a gay shape, but it's black, so it's less noticeable. Also, I think it's *too* sensitive - instead of daily averages around 4000 steps, now the average is 20000 steps! I haven't really changed my daily routine, or anything. Anyways, it's just for fun, right?
Also, what would be the possibilities of me shipping anything home? It's a lot more expensive since it's leaving the country.
I also drove through Texico! I was only there for a moment. I'm sad I didn't take a picture of the sign.
In my planner, I wrote a list of things I wanted to include in my letter home, and one of the items was "Christmas", but at the moment, I can't remember why I wrote that...
This week has felt rather long.
Anyways, I hope the rain/clouds keep up. Yesterday, it was hot for the first time that week. People say one more week of heat, then it'll start to cool off, rain or no rain.
The Church is true.
I love you all!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Something weird about being a missionary: having that "mantle" on you, blessing people just by being there and others feeling the Spirit when you're around. I'm not looking forward to losing that.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009 - Cool weather
Hey!
I have to keep it short today - I think.
Things are going well here in Abilene. In fact, better than well, it's been raining! Not only has it been raining, but instead of raining for five to seven minutes, it's been raining for the last few days!
We've also been averaging a high of 80! It is glorious. Biking in the rain is so fun. It's wonderful when the moisture all over you is humidity and rain rather than your own sweat.
Anyways, I was trying to load more pictures onto the computer, when the battery on the camera ran out of juice. My camera card reader works, except it doesn't fit into the tiny crevice where the port is. Luckily, there is another port on the back, and once I disconnected the keyboard, there was enough space to fit.
Transfer time has come and gone. The only changes around here is that Sweetwater has been whitewashed and Elders Rasmussen and Wakefield are now serving there. Oh, and Elder Allred is a district leader and his area and Sweetwater are in his district.
On Monday, the assistants called and said that the computers in the office weren't working, and have asked if I could come to Lubbock and fix them. I wasn't sure if that was the right thing to do, but I agreed. Elder Tuttle had to go up to Lubbock anyways. So on Tuesday, we took the transfer bus up to Lubbock, spent the evening and night there, then took the bus back down on Wednesday. It was fun seeing lots of the missionaries again. Recently, the bus has been allowed to go into New Mexico, so we stopped in Hobbs and I entered New Mexico for the second time ever. We also watched a whole bunch of church movies on the bus' DVD player. Long story short, I fixed the problem that was on the computers.
Speaking of Lubbock, there have been some changes in the office. Elder Mortensen is taking Elder Sosi's place in the office as finance secretary, making him my step-grandson. Also, Elder Vance is the new AP.
There is something I need: could you resend my line of authority? It is actually a good teaching tool, to show that the priesthood authority that we hold can be traced straight back to Christ himself.
Another good teaching tool which I was able to make is a map of the world. It's good for children, or those whose English is not very good. I printed one out and laminated it.
Also, I plan to make a Nepali quick reference guide, so that we can understand what is being said in the Nepali Gospel Principles book.
I was thinking of making a voice clip on my camera to send to you, but like I said, the batteries ran out.
Anyways, I should go. I'm going to ENJOY being outdoors in Texas for a change.
I know the Church is true. It's the only place where one can make covenants with God.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
I have to keep it short today - I think.
Things are going well here in Abilene. In fact, better than well, it's been raining! Not only has it been raining, but instead of raining for five to seven minutes, it's been raining for the last few days!
We've also been averaging a high of 80! It is glorious. Biking in the rain is so fun. It's wonderful when the moisture all over you is humidity and rain rather than your own sweat.
Anyways, I was trying to load more pictures onto the computer, when the battery on the camera ran out of juice. My camera card reader works, except it doesn't fit into the tiny crevice where the port is. Luckily, there is another port on the back, and once I disconnected the keyboard, there was enough space to fit.
Transfer time has come and gone. The only changes around here is that Sweetwater has been whitewashed and Elders Rasmussen and Wakefield are now serving there. Oh, and Elder Allred is a district leader and his area and Sweetwater are in his district.
On Monday, the assistants called and said that the computers in the office weren't working, and have asked if I could come to Lubbock and fix them. I wasn't sure if that was the right thing to do, but I agreed. Elder Tuttle had to go up to Lubbock anyways. So on Tuesday, we took the transfer bus up to Lubbock, spent the evening and night there, then took the bus back down on Wednesday. It was fun seeing lots of the missionaries again. Recently, the bus has been allowed to go into New Mexico, so we stopped in Hobbs and I entered New Mexico for the second time ever. We also watched a whole bunch of church movies on the bus' DVD player. Long story short, I fixed the problem that was on the computers.
Speaking of Lubbock, there have been some changes in the office. Elder Mortensen is taking Elder Sosi's place in the office as finance secretary, making him my step-grandson. Also, Elder Vance is the new AP.
There is something I need: could you resend my line of authority? It is actually a good teaching tool, to show that the priesthood authority that we hold can be traced straight back to Christ himself.
Another good teaching tool which I was able to make is a map of the world. It's good for children, or those whose English is not very good. I printed one out and laminated it.
Also, I plan to make a Nepali quick reference guide, so that we can understand what is being said in the Nepali Gospel Principles book.
I was thinking of making a voice clip on my camera to send to you, but like I said, the batteries ran out.
Anyways, I should go. I'm going to ENJOY being outdoors in Texas for a change.
I know the Church is true. It's the only place where one can make covenants with God.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, September 7, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Hello!
I don't have time to write much; I'm sending pictures and getting pictures, etc.
Anyways, it's transfer time. I knew for sure that I was staying. During interviews, President suggested that Elder Tuttle would be leaving and that I would be getting a new companion. Well, things change and we're both staying. I'm kinda relieved; I'm not a big fan of not knowing who I'm serving with. This means that Elder Tuttle is spending yet another transfer in Abilene, the end of which will bring him 15 days short of a whole year. With the exception of three weeks in Lubbock, he's been in Abilene his whole mission. Also, Elder Allred is a district leader now, and 2nd ward and Sweetwater are now their own district again.
We finally got supplies in Nepali - namely one book: Gospel Principles. They don't have the Book of Mormon in Nepali, but they have Gospel Principles. Anyways, we used it on Saturday. We had our friends read it and then translate it back to us as best they can. That way, we can still follow along, and know that they are paying attention and understanding what is being taught. It's a good thing there are pictures in there, or we'd be totally lost.
Speaking of getting lost in translation, I translated Fast and Testimony meeting for the Sisters' investigators. It was horrible. I knew over ten years ago that translation was not for me and this proved it. Not only that, some of the stories that people tell in testimony meeting are ridiculous. Seriously, you're only supposed to bear testimony of the Saviour, the Church, the Prophet... share uplifting experiences, etc. This one lady talked about "diabetes shoes", which I had no idea what it was, let alone how to interpret it. We need a member who knows French to move to Abilene; that's all there is to it. All in all, it was a good meeting, though.
Did I tell you that our van got rear-ended? It did. We were sitting at a stop sign and this college student came up and bumped us in the behind. So on Friday we had to get an estimate on the repairs.
Speaking of vehicles, I got an email from Elder Northey. He was telling me all the crazy things that have been going on since he went home.
Oh, and we did a lot of service. We helped demolish an addition to an old house, and this week we helped with the cleanup. Rather, we did the cleanup. The lady got this big dumpster and we filled it three times.
Okay, I have to go. I'm trying to send videos, but it's slow going.
The Church is true!
I love you.
-Elder Brandon Wong
I don't have time to write much; I'm sending pictures and getting pictures, etc.
Anyways, it's transfer time. I knew for sure that I was staying. During interviews, President suggested that Elder Tuttle would be leaving and that I would be getting a new companion. Well, things change and we're both staying. I'm kinda relieved; I'm not a big fan of not knowing who I'm serving with. This means that Elder Tuttle is spending yet another transfer in Abilene, the end of which will bring him 15 days short of a whole year. With the exception of three weeks in Lubbock, he's been in Abilene his whole mission. Also, Elder Allred is a district leader now, and 2nd ward and Sweetwater are now their own district again.
We finally got supplies in Nepali - namely one book: Gospel Principles. They don't have the Book of Mormon in Nepali, but they have Gospel Principles. Anyways, we used it on Saturday. We had our friends read it and then translate it back to us as best they can. That way, we can still follow along, and know that they are paying attention and understanding what is being taught. It's a good thing there are pictures in there, or we'd be totally lost.
Speaking of getting lost in translation, I translated Fast and Testimony meeting for the Sisters' investigators. It was horrible. I knew over ten years ago that translation was not for me and this proved it. Not only that, some of the stories that people tell in testimony meeting are ridiculous. Seriously, you're only supposed to bear testimony of the Saviour, the Church, the Prophet... share uplifting experiences, etc. This one lady talked about "diabetes shoes", which I had no idea what it was, let alone how to interpret it. We need a member who knows French to move to Abilene; that's all there is to it. All in all, it was a good meeting, though.
Did I tell you that our van got rear-ended? It did. We were sitting at a stop sign and this college student came up and bumped us in the behind. So on Friday we had to get an estimate on the repairs.
Speaking of vehicles, I got an email from Elder Northey. He was telling me all the crazy things that have been going on since he went home.
Oh, and we did a lot of service. We helped demolish an addition to an old house, and this week we helped with the cleanup. Rather, we did the cleanup. The lady got this big dumpster and we filled it three times.
Okay, I have to go. I'm trying to send videos, but it's slow going.
The Church is true!
I love you.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009 - Message from Abilene, Texas
Hey!
What's up?
Not much here except another exciting week in Abilene, Texas!
(I'm not completely joking, either.)
First of all, interviews was this past Tuesday. The High Council room was locked, the AC in the Relief Society room doesn't work and I felt that the chapel was too big for a district of just ten people, so we held our meeting in the overflow. It was great seeing President and Sister Robison again. We took a district picture with them and they judged the other missionaries' colouring contest. Elder Tuttle won.
Also, we've been doing a ton of service. Probably more than we should be. Definitely more than my poor out-of-shape body should be doing. First, we went to a member's house in First ward (and out in the middle of nowhere - it was a nice drive, though) to help put up some fencing. Long story short, I probably won't be doing that for a living. I got to ride a tractor though, so that was fun.
The next day, we went to one of Elder Allred's investigators' house. There was an add-on to their 100+ year-old house that caved in, making the whole thing structurally unsound. The city was going to condemn it unless the add-on was removed. Long story short, Elder Allred volunteered us all. That was more fun though. It came down pretty easily. The clean up was the tough part.
Also, we had stake conference this weekend. During the leadership meeting, President Webb (the stake president) said, "Now for my talk; two sentences: If you care, you'll find a way. If you don't care, you'll find an excuse. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
Oh, and I can't forget that incident where this college student rear-ended us. As we stopped at a stop sign, this guy came up behind us and *bump*. There wasn't much damage, but we had to call the cops anyway. More paperwork than it was worth, if you ask me.
In terms of missionary work, things are kinda slow. Most of our investigators have either moved away or asked us not to come teach them anymore. In "Preach My Gospel", it says nothing happens until we have someone to teach and it's really showing here. So Elder Tuttle and I have decided to focus on finding this week.
Nevertheless, the work is still moving forward. This weekend, there were two baptisms and I did another two interviews for two more next week.
It really is an exciting time to be alive. There is probably no better time to be around in the history of the Church.
I know that the Church is true. It's the same one that Adam had, Noah, Moses, and Isaiah. It is Christ's church.
I love you!
Have a great week
-Elder Brandon Wong
P.S.: Oh, and our toilet is leaking again. Thank you, Abilene.
What's up?
Not much here except another exciting week in Abilene, Texas!
(I'm not completely joking, either.)
First of all, interviews was this past Tuesday. The High Council room was locked, the AC in the Relief Society room doesn't work and I felt that the chapel was too big for a district of just ten people, so we held our meeting in the overflow. It was great seeing President and Sister Robison again. We took a district picture with them and they judged the other missionaries' colouring contest. Elder Tuttle won.
Also, we've been doing a ton of service. Probably more than we should be. Definitely more than my poor out-of-shape body should be doing. First, we went to a member's house in First ward (and out in the middle of nowhere - it was a nice drive, though) to help put up some fencing. Long story short, I probably won't be doing that for a living. I got to ride a tractor though, so that was fun.
The next day, we went to one of Elder Allred's investigators' house. There was an add-on to their 100+ year-old house that caved in, making the whole thing structurally unsound. The city was going to condemn it unless the add-on was removed. Long story short, Elder Allred volunteered us all. That was more fun though. It came down pretty easily. The clean up was the tough part.
Also, we had stake conference this weekend. During the leadership meeting, President Webb (the stake president) said, "Now for my talk; two sentences: If you care, you'll find a way. If you don't care, you'll find an excuse. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
Oh, and I can't forget that incident where this college student rear-ended us. As we stopped at a stop sign, this guy came up behind us and *bump*. There wasn't much damage, but we had to call the cops anyway. More paperwork than it was worth, if you ask me.
In terms of missionary work, things are kinda slow. Most of our investigators have either moved away or asked us not to come teach them anymore. In "Preach My Gospel", it says nothing happens until we have someone to teach and it's really showing here. So Elder Tuttle and I have decided to focus on finding this week.
Nevertheless, the work is still moving forward. This weekend, there were two baptisms and I did another two interviews for two more next week.
It really is an exciting time to be alive. There is probably no better time to be around in the history of the Church.
I know that the Church is true. It's the same one that Adam had, Noah, Moses, and Isaiah. It is Christ's church.
I love you!
Have a great week
-Elder Brandon Wong
P.S.: Oh, and our toilet is leaking again. Thank you, Abilene.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009 - Lots of driving, lots of burning
Hey,
How's it going?
Things ain't too bad here.
Last week (and I forgot to mention this last time), I woke up to Sisters Wallwork and Smith calling on the phone, saying that they have a flat tire. How their car got a flat tire just by sitting parked all night, I don't know, but they were pretty worried about it. I tried to explain how to change it over the phone, but it didn't quite work. I am actually thankful that you showed me how to change a tire, Dad. One would think that it is simple enough to figure out on your own, but I guess not.
Sadly, everyone was so surprised that I can change a tire. I had to do district leader follow-ups while showing these two clowns how to use a car jack and everybody on the phone kept asking "wait, you know how to change a car tire?" Thanks a lot, guys. Don't act too surprised.
Now, one thing I DON'T know how to do is bake. We've been experimenting with baking cookies for our investigators. It's cheap, "easy", makes people happy and we get to have the leftover cookies. Win-win. The first batch, though, we burnt. It was still edible, but certainly not worthy to give to others. We're getting better at it, though. Maybe one day, we'll upgrade from the store-bought cookie dough powder to from scratch. ... or maybe not.
Also - the best news of the day - we went to Lubbock to celebrate! We were gathered together as a mission for the first time in the history of the mission - seven years. It is probably also the first time in the history of the past missions that covered this region. It was so fun seeing everyone again. I kinda miss that from being in the office.
But anyways, they set up risers in front of the temple and we took a picture as a mission. We also had lunch and a special fireside (I guess you could call it that). Before we knew it, we were driving home. That day went by way too fast. It seems we were on the road longer than in Lubbock. Whatever; it was fun, and we should do it more often.
Other than that, we've been trying to visit a lot of less-active people in our ward. As Brother Bilodeau explained a long time ago, a ward is like a baby-sitter. If a baby-sitter has a reputation or a habit of losing children, no parent would trust her with more of their children. Similarly, if a ward cannot retain God's children, then He won't trust that ward with any more of His children and He will lead them to the truth in other ways (usually by having them move away).
It's interesting to think about and study cause and effect in Heavenly Father's eyes. Does your situation affect your happiness, or vice versa? Is it usually the wealthier members who stay stronger in the Church, or the more active members who end up more prosperous? Would an invitation to be baptized be strengthened if the investigator came to church, or would they be more likely to come to Church if they were looking forward to being baptized? Those are just a few to start with. People have ideas set in their minds so strongly, that nothing else makes sense. All it takes to make sure your basics, or your anchors, are correct and in the right place.
It rained a tiny bit on Saturday.
I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that this is His Church.
I love you.
-Elder Brandon Wong
How's it going?
Things ain't too bad here.
Last week (and I forgot to mention this last time), I woke up to Sisters Wallwork and Smith calling on the phone, saying that they have a flat tire. How their car got a flat tire just by sitting parked all night, I don't know, but they were pretty worried about it. I tried to explain how to change it over the phone, but it didn't quite work. I am actually thankful that you showed me how to change a tire, Dad. One would think that it is simple enough to figure out on your own, but I guess not.
Sadly, everyone was so surprised that I can change a tire. I had to do district leader follow-ups while showing these two clowns how to use a car jack and everybody on the phone kept asking "wait, you know how to change a car tire?" Thanks a lot, guys. Don't act too surprised.
Now, one thing I DON'T know how to do is bake. We've been experimenting with baking cookies for our investigators. It's cheap, "easy", makes people happy and we get to have the leftover cookies. Win-win. The first batch, though, we burnt. It was still edible, but certainly not worthy to give to others. We're getting better at it, though. Maybe one day, we'll upgrade from the store-bought cookie dough powder to from scratch. ... or maybe not.
Also - the best news of the day - we went to Lubbock to celebrate! We were gathered together as a mission for the first time in the history of the mission - seven years. It is probably also the first time in the history of the past missions that covered this region. It was so fun seeing everyone again. I kinda miss that from being in the office.
But anyways, they set up risers in front of the temple and we took a picture as a mission. We also had lunch and a special fireside (I guess you could call it that). Before we knew it, we were driving home. That day went by way too fast. It seems we were on the road longer than in Lubbock. Whatever; it was fun, and we should do it more often.
Other than that, we've been trying to visit a lot of less-active people in our ward. As Brother Bilodeau explained a long time ago, a ward is like a baby-sitter. If a baby-sitter has a reputation or a habit of losing children, no parent would trust her with more of their children. Similarly, if a ward cannot retain God's children, then He won't trust that ward with any more of His children and He will lead them to the truth in other ways (usually by having them move away).
It's interesting to think about and study cause and effect in Heavenly Father's eyes. Does your situation affect your happiness, or vice versa? Is it usually the wealthier members who stay stronger in the Church, or the more active members who end up more prosperous? Would an invitation to be baptized be strengthened if the investigator came to church, or would they be more likely to come to Church if they were looking forward to being baptized? Those are just a few to start with. People have ideas set in their minds so strongly, that nothing else makes sense. All it takes to make sure your basics, or your anchors, are correct and in the right place.
It rained a tiny bit on Saturday.
I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that this is His Church.
I love you.
-Elder Brandon Wong
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009 - Crocodiles in the Savannah
Hey y'all!
It's been a slow week. It seems everyone decided to be unavailable at the same time - for the whole week. So we've been doing a lot of door-to-door. We have a new ward mission leader, Brother Bryan. He was just released from the high council (assigned to the missionary work). He is very gung-ho and very passionate about everything he puts his mind to. His big thing is getting members to do missionary work. He gets very upset and worked up just at the thought of people in the ward not sharing the Gospel. He's one of the friendliest people around, yet he can get very loud and very angry if he wants to. It's going to be exciting to work with him. He has a lot of good ideas.
We had zone conference this Tuesday. It was very good.
Since zone conference is in San Angelo, we always have a road trip to get there - thank you, soccer daddy van.
Yesterday evening, one of the Sisters' French-speaking investigators invited all of us to his 60th birthday party. The small apartment was filled with French-speaking Africans from Congo (not to be confused with the Belgian Congo). They had some good African food. We all had a good time. Ironically, as we were leaving, they were watching a nature program on TV about crocodiles in the Savannah. So these people leave Africa, come to America, and what do they do in their free time? They gather together and watch TV shows about Africa.
This coming Friday, we're going to Lubbock! They decided against renting buses, so we're having another road trip. Yay. Pray for good picture-taking weather.
Speaking of pictures, I'll send them next week. I also plan on getting the digital copy of the picture(s) we'll be taking in front of the temple.
Hope you have fun [on your vacation]! We'll talk more later.
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
It's been a slow week. It seems everyone decided to be unavailable at the same time - for the whole week. So we've been doing a lot of door-to-door. We have a new ward mission leader, Brother Bryan. He was just released from the high council (assigned to the missionary work). He is very gung-ho and very passionate about everything he puts his mind to. His big thing is getting members to do missionary work. He gets very upset and worked up just at the thought of people in the ward not sharing the Gospel. He's one of the friendliest people around, yet he can get very loud and very angry if he wants to. It's going to be exciting to work with him. He has a lot of good ideas.
We had zone conference this Tuesday. It was very good.
Since zone conference is in San Angelo, we always have a road trip to get there - thank you, soccer daddy van.
Yesterday evening, one of the Sisters' French-speaking investigators invited all of us to his 60th birthday party. The small apartment was filled with French-speaking Africans from Congo (not to be confused with the Belgian Congo). They had some good African food. We all had a good time. Ironically, as we were leaving, they were watching a nature program on TV about crocodiles in the Savannah. So these people leave Africa, come to America, and what do they do in their free time? They gather together and watch TV shows about Africa.
This coming Friday, we're going to Lubbock! They decided against renting buses, so we're having another road trip. Yay. Pray for good picture-taking weather.
Speaking of pictures, I'll send them next week. I also plan on getting the digital copy of the picture(s) we'll be taking in front of the temple.
Hope you have fun [on your vacation]! We'll talk more later.
The Church is true.
I love you!
-Elder Brandon Wong
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