Bunny Week

March 28, 2016

We started the week with a fast on Monday. It was great, we ended the fast as a district with pizza and watched the testament movie. After that... We had another dinner with our investigator Austin. The lesson we had with him was so good! We were able to keep the rest of the family from hijacking the lesson and taught him lesson one. He felt the spirit so strong! As soon as he is able to work out a couple things keeping him from baptism he will make the plunge for sure.

Tuesday we had a district meeting. Elder Brink and I gave an awesome training on our purpose and fulfilling it through being bold with all we meet. We taught a few lessons too.


Wednesday we cleaned all the floors on the ground floor of Tina and Philipe's home. Took us so long! When we were done they brought us home Bluetooth speakers tho so it was worth it. After lunch we started exchanges with elders Stout and Austin. I went to their area with elder Austin. It was an awesome exchange (besides the fact that I don't speak Spanish and it's a Spanish area). We oymed a kid who had some crazy stories, but was super receptive and took the first lesson very well. But overall it was a great day

Thursday I woke up with the worst headache I've had in my life. Like... I threw up twice cuz it hurt so bad... So I didn't do too much. Actually I slept. Till 4. Then downed sum Advil and went out to work cuz we had a night planned full of lessons. We taught a recent convert, then a recently reactivated man, then taught A., a less active who, after only like our second lesson, decided to quit smoking. I've never seen someone so stoked about getting back into the gospel. She is awesome and is finding so much joy!

Friday I forgot to write in my journal so nothing happened in my mind. But Saturday was awesome. Our zone set a goal to invite 450 people to church in the week, which came out to just over 56 people per companionship. Elder brink and I invited 58. ON SATURDAY. So we got 106 for the whole week. Yes, we are overachievers. Yes, our district leaders bought us a box of donuts for slayin it. Saturday night Tina and Philipe did a little Easter egg hunt for us and hid snacks and stuff around the house. They're awesome. Coolest landlords ever.

Sunday we went to church as usual, and B., a recent convert, got ordained a priest and received the Aaronic priesthood. It is so cool to see those we bring into the church progress in the gospel! We had Easter dinner with one of our ward mission leaders and his entire
family which was nice. Not really anything else happened, being Easter and all... Not too many people want to set things up.

Now we're bowling. So sorry if this seems choppy, I'm writing between turns...

Have a killer week erryone.

Love
-Elder Ray

"One of the Zone Leaders hopped into our photo."
(with Elder Brink and Elder Ray)

Grave Diggin' and a Busy Week

March 17, 2016

Well, sorry I wasn't able to email on Monday. They switched our pday to Thursday this week because today we went to the Temple. Monday we got our backs adjusted for free... It was cool to get hooked up to electric pads and shocked for like 15 minutes... That night we taught two recent converts, D., who is awesome, and B., who is also awesome.

Tuesday we had zone conference. It's always a great opportunity to hear from our mission president. He gave us two pieces of advice for life to stay on the straight and narrow. 1: ALWAYS communicate with God. Never close the lines of communication, pray always so he can hear us, and study the scriptures so we can hear him. And 2: Keep your eyes on your keyholder. Usually that means our bishops, and as we follow the counsel of the leaders chosen we will never be led astray. The church has been organized this way for a reason, and whatever the reason, it's what God wants.

Wednesday we had district meeting. Good enlightenment. Roleplays are always fun with the MLS (member and leader support (elderly)) missionary couples. Ha. One of the new MLS elders told us we shouldn't push baptism... That didn't go over too well considering the guidance from the prophet and a new program implemented by our mission president is to do so...

Thursday we taught R. Her husband is an active member, she is an active Non member. With a calling... We were able to discover that the main thing keeping her from getting baptized is that her family and coworkers are Anti-LDS. Unfortunately the lesson didn't last as long as we would have hoped for because she had to leave early for a girls camp planning meeting because that's her calling. It's the best excuse I've never heard! After that lesson we taught Paul, a recently reactivated man who received the priesthood the Sunday before. It's so cool to see people progress in the gospel and be so happy!

Friday was a bit weird, we only had one lesson. It was totally impromptu, we were going through a new move in list and knocked on a door in the apartments. A large, overweight dude answered the door wearing only basketball shorts and told us to both leave and come in the same sentence. Long story short the guy was super drunk. Not much happened Saturday, we had another lesson with B.

Sunday, a lady came up to us at church and said 'hi elders, I have a grandson living with me who is ready to be baptized, can you come teach him? #miracle.

Monday we had no pday, but we spent a large part of the day doing service for Tina and Philipe (our landlords). We raked all the leaves out of their front yard. It was a beautiful morning to do it... Until it started snowing and raining. So we went in and had lunch, then Tina took Ciel, their dog, to the vet to get put down since she was incompetent, blind, deaf, 14 years old, etc. So after lunch we dug the grave and buried the dog.

This is where our week blew up. We are at 11 Lessons so far which is pretty good.

Tuesday we taught the grandson, K, that wants to be baptized. He is almost 10 and is one of the smartest kids there is! He wants to get baptized super bad, so we put him on date for April 2nd, not realizing that was general conference, so we will move it up to March 26th when we meet with him on Friday. When we asked him when the next time he wanted to meet was, he tossed his fists into the air and shouted 'Tomorrow!' So we went by last night to teach him, but he got grounded for some reason and his grandma wouldn't let him meet with us. HORRIBLE PUNISHMENT! Parents, don't punish your kid by taking away things that will help them grow closer to God! Anyways we will teach him tomorrow so no big deal.

Wednesday morning we took D. to temple square to get started on family history. He found a lot of names he plans on taking to the temple! I don't think I've ever seen anyone more in love with the gospel than him. It's great!

And Today we had the opportunity to attend the Oquirrh mountain Temple.

It's been a great week so far! The Lord has blessed us with a ton of work and we are loving the busy schedule! Have a great week!


Love
-Elder Ray

Grave diggin. (Took forever to dig for how small the dog was.)

Most of the Zone at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Seth and his companion, Elder Brink

West Jordan!

February 29, 2016

West Jordan! We started the transfer off great. The first lesson we had Tuesday was with K., who elder Brink had not met yet, and we put him on date for baptism. Win. It took a few days, but my butt is finally adjusted to being on a bike all day again. I love it, especially since the area is flat. 

Wednesday and Friday we taught S., a 17 yo girl who we are baptizing on Saturday. She is awesome. She already has such a strong testimony of the church and can feel God's love for her daily. 

We have a lot of apartments in our area which is where the majority of our work comes from. I don't have a whole lot to write about, everything's been going pretty smoothly this week. I miss Draper, but am already starting to love this area. We live in a member's basement, which is super nice. Then we just share their kitchen. The only sketchy thing is their 14 year old poodle that is vicious. And on its death bed... It wanders around the house giving everything (mainly our feet) the death stare.

But yeah I'm doing great! How's everyone else doin?

Love
-Elder Ray

Elder Ray with Elder Brink in their West Jordan apartment

Peace Out Draper.

February 22, 2016

The weather this week was awesome. Reminded me of home... It was in the high 50s nearly every day except for one random day that it poured, then hailed, then snowed for a couple hours. And today when it decided to be snowing when we woke up. Tuesday we had district meeting and were surprised when President and Sister Chambers showed up... But they brought lots of snacks so it was totally okay.


We went on two exchanges this week. The first one I went to the other area with elder Lund from Texas. He has been out about 4 months and is a good missionary, just... Shy. Haha. The second was with Elder Mestre from France. He has technically been on his mission for 6 months just like me, but the first three were in France waiting for his visa before he came to the MTC.


Wednesday night we split up, elder brogan went out with a Ward on some visits and I ran a mutual activity for a Ward that is going to send out all their youth in 'mini missions'. It was a blast. Working with the youth is so much fun since I basically still am one. I taught them the basics of being a missionary, then taught them how to teach the plan of salvation. Then made them all roleplay it. It was a blast and the spirit was so strong. Awesome experience.


D. had a work emergency and had to go in so he canceled our lesson. Also he didn't come to church for the same reason. We have a lesson tonight... If he cancels I'm going by anyways. Ha.


Saturday morning on exchanges with elder Mestre, we talked on Baptism and The Gift Of The Holy Ghost at a kid's baptism which was neat, then we also got to stand in as the father confirmed him a member and gave him the gift of the Holy Ghost. Convert or not, the power of God truly is manifest when ordinances are performed by proper authority as we read in D&C 84:20. I am so grateful that power is restored to the earth! Saturday evening I had to take elder Mestre to practice singing with the sisters and elder fehoko, all four of them were gonna sing at a missionary fireside Sunday. But, elder fehoko was 'sick' and didn't want to do it. So, I got roped into it. So I had one practice to sing in front of too many people. You should all know I don't sing. Also, I had a solo part. In Spanish. I don't speak Spanish.

Whelp we found out today that I am getting transferred to West Jordan! I'll miss so many things about draper... The people... The food...The car... The mountains... The car... I won't have a car in WJ. Bummer. But it's where I need to be and I'm excited to work there! Have a killer week everyone!

Love
-Elder Ray

Elder Ray enjoying some Utah winter sun

President and Sister Chambers (center, back) with Seth's District

The Most Correct Book

February 15, 2016

This week started off with a bang! After pday ended Monday, we decided to swing by D.'s house. He and his girlfriend have been super busy with meetings and running Texas Roadhouse so we haven't been able to meet with them but when we knocked, he answered and invited us in without hesitation. We were able to teach D., his girlfriend C., and one of his daughters, N.. So that is two new investigators! We have another lesson setup on Thursday and they plan on coming to church this weekend as well.

We were able to take M., who we have been working with for a while and is now almost 2 months sober, to temple square this week as well. We mainly went for the new first vision video in the church history museum which was rad but also walked around a bit. It has been so awesome to see his spirit slowly returning to him as he has started doing what's right again.

We had a lesson with J., in which we planned on dropping him due to his lack of progression. But, we were prompted to not drop him and realized that he has been prepared by the Lord. We came to that decision when we started being really bold with him, calling him to repentance and while he wasn't accepting commitments other than reading the Book of Mormon, he was not getting offended. A sure sign he is prepared. We helped break down many walls that were holding him back. He is getting closer and closer!

We spoke in one of our wards yesterday on the Book of Mormon. I covered the what and the why of the Book of Mormon and elder Brogan covered the How and the when, to really stress the importance of the book. It really was a book written and brought forth in these days for our benefit. These scriptures are “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17.)

We read in 3rd Nephi chapter 21 that the Book of Mormon will be the tool used to gather Israel. Verses 5 and 6 say that 'when these works and the works which shall be wrought among you hereafter shall come forth from the Gentiles, unto your seed which shall dwindle in unbelief because of iniquity; if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know of the true points of my doctrine, they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel.

It is true. We know the Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on the earth and that we will grow nearer to our father in Heaven by reading it than by reading any other book. So just read it!

Hope everyone has an awesome week!

Love
-Elder Ray

ps - We found some couches to furnish our apartment!

Elder Brogan

Coordination, Lessons, and Making an Impact

February 8, 2016

This week we have spent a lot of time trying to get the efforts of the wards and stake coordinated to be most efficient in our missionary work. It has been really cool to see it all come together. We had exchanges with the zone leaders this week, I ended up going to the YSA stake with elder Kim for this exchange. It was fun being with an old companion again!


We were able to have another lesson with J., in which we were able to realize the Holy Ghost has testified to him that the Book of Mormon is true, but something still is holding him back. With the help of the member that attended the lesson with us that has know J. for awhile, we were able to figure out that Jeff's main concern is his family, who are all active members of the Catholic religion. For our next lesson we plan on helping him to understand 3 Nephi 13:33-34 and having the faith to 'seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness.'


We were also able to meet with D., another of our investigators. We committed him to come to church and he said he would since he had work off (which never happens... The dude is so busy between a full time day job, weekend truck driving job, and flight school...) but he didn't show up which is too bad.


K.-less active- broke his bike again so I fixed it for him, and we will probably help him move since he is planning on it. Anyways it felt like a successful week, we were able to make an impact in a number of people's lives which is what we ultimately try to do as representatives of Jesus Christ.


Have a great week!

Love
-Elder Ray

The Draper Zone

Great Gatsby

February 1, 2016

It has been a productive week. We have spent a lot of time trying to get real time correlation visits set up with each ward each week, and it's finally coming together. We know that when we get the stake's missionary work organized and united, miracles will happen.


We have still been trying to meet with D. and his family but haven't had much luck. Working in the restaurant business is time consuming, and they have been out of town for a bit so we still haven't gotten anywhere with them.


We went on exchanges on Tuesday/Wednesday, I went to the Draper Meadows Stake with elder Fehoko. Being on foot is so much different than being in a car. In a way it is better because it is way easier to talk to everyone you see but it takes so much more time to cover any distance. While there I was able to help teach two of his investigators, both of which were baptized on Saturday.

We were finally able to set up another lesson with J., and found a member to come who is going to become (if J. accepts) his Book of Mormon reading mentor. J. isn't progressing and isn't willing to come to church at this time so we will have him read the BOM to gain his testimony.


Our 9yo investigator Ashlyn is doing great, she is learning really well and loves when we come every Sunday night. It will be a really neat experience for the whole family when she is able to be baptized and sealed as a family when the adoption process is complete.

This area is always full of interesting people. We knocked on one of the huge houses at the top of our stake to find they were members and a great family, but they told us about their neighbor a little bit... A single man living alone (his mansion is big enough for 200 people to comfortably live in) in this castle, who is very nice but no one rarely sees him. He pays for the water for most of the people on the street and did free landscaping for his neighbors when they built their homes. They described him as the 'Great Gatsby'. Needless to say we knocked and no one answered, but it would be cool to meet him and share the gospel with him!


Saturday while driving to a bishop's house we saw a man outside snow blowing his sidewalks. Only, he didn't have a snow blower, he only had a leaf blower that barely ran... We looked at all the progress he had made and it was the equivalent of trying to sweep the snow off your sidewalk with the butt end of a broomstick. So, we stopped and asked if we could help him. He told us to ask 'him' and pointed to a guy in his late 20s early 30s smoking on the doorstep. When we asked him, after about 20 seconds without a reply--which gave us time to realize with how red his eyes were and brown his index and middle fingers were, he was blazed out of his mind--he told us he would grab the shovels. So, we shoveled their entire driveway and sidewalks. When we were done we asked if we could share a message but they said they were already members, attended church every week, and needed to hit up the dollar menu at McDs. I guess we will have to catch them another time.

Lots of interesting things this past week for sure.

Love
-Elder Ray

Draper zone after the world wide broadcast

Draper Temple during a little snow storm:

"Just a bit of fun"