This week was pretty awesome. We donated blood which was cool. I got
to relax for an hour or so, so that was nice. We went on exchanges and
elder itufia and I went to a basketball game at the Oregon city high
school. That was super fun. They lost by two points which is a bummer,
but still a good game. When we were donating blood this guy who was
doing the exam to make sure I was eligible took my pulse and it was 58
so he was like wow. Do you work out? I said I do my best haha. Then he
said you know... You look like one of those movie stars. I'm not sure
which one though. I'm pretty sure he was buttering me up so I would
give him my blood. But then we got lots of free snacks. Which is
always a good thing. We went out to eat with some members and they
took us and the other elders to this Chinese restaurant. And the lady
goes, wow... These are all your sons? The member said nope just this
one. The other four are missionaries. The Chinese lady said why are
missionaries so handsome... When they talk to you you don't know what
they say you are just looking at they face. Like ya sure whatever give
me you number and I will listen. We were dying laughing. Haha. We
found a new guy to teach and he said he would get baptized after we
taught the first lesson so we were really excited about that.
Hopefully that turns out well. He is an old funny guy. He always talks
about how he went to bible school and they wanted him to learn Greek.
He says, who speaks Greek? I'm not going to learn Greek... Then he
always talks about how some people can memorize the bible. He says, I
know a few verses, but I can't memorize the bible like some people
can. He is a real nice guy. We also have this new investigator named
William. He always tells us about how he lived on the streets and he
tells the same stories over and over. He goes. I spent Christmas in a
cardboard box with a girl covered in plastic wrap. I tried to get her
to come with me and get her life together, but she wouldn't let go of
the glass pipe. He was homeless, but now he is getting his life
together. He always says, you know Mormons get a bad rap. I come to
church and I see a bunch of successful people, but when I was on the
streets I heard all kinds of crazy stuff about you guys. And he always
says he's waiting for us to take him in the back and beat him up and
kick him saying come to Jesus... Come to Jesus... Every time we pass
him in the hall at church he kicks his foot and says come to Jesus
hahaha. We went Tracting one day and a lot of people have no
soliciting signs, but of course we just knock anyway. We went to this
one house, opened their gate, walked past several no soliciting signs,
and knocked. I was waiting for the guy to come out and ask if we were
blind, but he was actually super friendly. He isn't interested, but he
offered us water and said he would invite is in, but his wife was
sick. It was the opposite of what I was expecting. It was pretty
funny.
Spiritual thought:
This Sunday a member shared a story about his 7 year old daughter. She
got sent to the principals office. This little girl is the tiniest,
cutest, most well behaved little girl ever so I was surprised and so
was her dad. He went in to the office and found out she got sent there
for telling her friend about Jesus. And he was so proud of her.
Remember to stand up for what you believe... If a tiny 7 year old girl
can do it. So can you..
Love,
Elder Garfield
Ps. Johnnys bday is the 21st right?
Monday, February 22, 2016
February 1, 2016
This week was pretty swell. We found a new guy named Dan McGuire to
teach. He is an old guy. He got all emotional and was so grateful we
would give him a Book of Mormon for free. I was surprised. Normally we
have to basically force people to take them. We were out with our ward
mission leader and we saw two blind people walking on the sidewalk.
And our ward mission leader said "I was going to say the blind leading
the blind, but I thought that would be rude". It was hilarious. He is
a funny guy. We were teasing him hardcore because he didn't come to
stake conference this week. We went to his house and he was in his
pjs watching a movie with his wife. We asked him to come to our lesson
that night at 7. He goes. Do I have to? We said yes. And we asked him
if he went to stake conference. He said no not at all haha. So at the
lesson we kept calling him out because our investigator actually went.
We would ask our investigator what he liked about it and then ask our
ward mission leader what his favorite talk was haha. Then after we
asked him if we could count that as a less active lesson too. I'm
really excited because transfers is next week and I am hoping to get a
new companion. My comp right now is alright, but he is a bit of a
goon. He started driving so he can learn the area and he is an awful
driver. I'm not sure why, but he always drives on the very edge of the
road on the white line which is really sketchy when you are in Oregon
city and every road has at least a three foot ditch on each side. We
haven't died yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if he crashed before his
mission is over. Nothing crazy awesome has happened. We basically do
the same thing every day haha. Sorry my letter came so late in the
day. And sorry it's so short.
Spiritual thought:
I'm too lazy to type something out so here is a video haha
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2009-01-01-gordon-hinckley-lessons-i-learned-as-a-boy?lang=eng
teach. He is an old guy. He got all emotional and was so grateful we
would give him a Book of Mormon for free. I was surprised. Normally we
have to basically force people to take them. We were out with our ward
mission leader and we saw two blind people walking on the sidewalk.
And our ward mission leader said "I was going to say the blind leading
the blind, but I thought that would be rude". It was hilarious. He is
a funny guy. We were teasing him hardcore because he didn't come to
stake conference this week. We went to his house and he was in his
pjs watching a movie with his wife. We asked him to come to our lesson
that night at 7. He goes. Do I have to? We said yes. And we asked him
if he went to stake conference. He said no not at all haha. So at the
lesson we kept calling him out because our investigator actually went.
We would ask our investigator what he liked about it and then ask our
ward mission leader what his favorite talk was haha. Then after we
asked him if we could count that as a less active lesson too. I'm
really excited because transfers is next week and I am hoping to get a
new companion. My comp right now is alright, but he is a bit of a
goon. He started driving so he can learn the area and he is an awful
driver. I'm not sure why, but he always drives on the very edge of the
road on the white line which is really sketchy when you are in Oregon
city and every road has at least a three foot ditch on each side. We
haven't died yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if he crashed before his
mission is over. Nothing crazy awesome has happened. We basically do
the same thing every day haha. Sorry my letter came so late in the
day. And sorry it's so short.
Spiritual thought:
I'm too lazy to type something out so here is a video haha
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2009-01-01-gordon-hinckley-lessons-i-learned-as-a-boy?lang=eng
January 25, 2016
Hello!
I got the bike. It's awesome. Those bars are sweet, and it looks like
you got the wheels trued and a new derailleur? Thank you. I have a
feeling I'm going to get transferred to a bike area so we will see.
Transfers are in two weeks. I'm pretty excited. I'm ready to move to a
new area. Oregon city is awesome, but I'm ready to meet some new
people. There is a chance I won't move at all, but not a big one. This
week was pretty awesome. We had a new guy come to church and he is so
solid. His name is William and you would think he was a member. He was
even answering questions in gospel principals class. Friday and
Saturday we did a ton of service. We worked at the food pantry,
shoveled piles of dirt for this lady, helped someone move twice, we
moved bricks for someone, and we shoveled more dirt haha. I was pretty
tired. After we helped this guy moved we said goodbye to him and he is
a heavy smoking, tough, rough, veitnam veteran. He was just about
crying when he said goodbye to us. We gave him a big hug and he said
"I will offer the mechanics prayer. spectacles (he touched his
glasses) testicles (he touched his balls) wallet (he touched one side
of his chest) watch (he touched the other side of his chest)" I was
dying laughing. And I said amen! Amen! Hahahahaha. Then a couple weeks
ago I forgot to write about it. We were looking for this house and we
walked up this alley type thing past another house. There was this big
bearded guy working on his car. We asked him if he knew where the
house was. He said he didn't. I asked him if he has ever heard of the
church. He said yeah I've had thousands of you guys try and convert
me. I laughed and said, oh yeah? And they can't get ya? He said, nope.
I'm the devil himself. I ride Harley's and curse like a drunken effing
sailor. I've been stabbed 39 times. Two years later I walked into the
hospital holding my own organs. And if you don't believe me look. He
pulled up his shirt and showed us his big hair belly with a huge scar.
We said okay have a good day. I was dying laughing. I was thinking
ahhhhh! You don't have to show me. I believed you. Put that away!
People are so crazy. We taught the law of chastity in more depth to
Chris and Bonnie. They are living together. They aren't super happy
with us at the moment. He said I've been living. With her for 4 years
and she's been a part of my life since high school. He is like 40 now.
I had a really hard time being patient with him, but he will do what
he wants to do. We told him what he needs to do and if he is willing
to act on it then he will. If not then he won't. They said they were
going to talk to the bishop about it. They said they are waiting for
the funding to have a big wedding. I was thinking *you've been engaged
for 4 years... Are you waiting to win the lottery?* we will see what
happens with them. I'd bet my bottom dollar the bishop will tell them
the same thing we did, but maybe they will actually listen to him.
Anyway...
Spiritual thought:
"A short while ago I heard the testimony of a woman who, with her
husband, strayed from the path of safety, breaking commandments and,
in the process, nearly destroying their family. When each of them
could finally see through the thick haze of addiction and recognize
how unhappy their lives had become, as well as how much they were
hurting their loved ones, they began to change. The repentance process
felt slow and was, at times, painful, but with the help of priesthood
leaders, along with help from family and loyal friends, they made
their way back.
I share with you a portion of this sister’s testimony of the healing
power of repentance: “How does someone go from being one of the lost
sheep and gripped by [sin], to this peace and happiness we now feel?
How does that happen? The answer … is because of a perfect gospel, a
perfect Son and His sacrifice for me. … Where there was darkness,
there is now light. Where there was despair and pain, there is joy and
hope. We have been infinitely blessed by the change that can only come
through repentance made possible by the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
Our Savior died to provide you and me that blessed gift. Despite the
fact that the path is difficult, the promise is real. Said the Lord to
those who repent:
“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
“And I will remember [them] no more.”"
-president Thomas S Monson
Love,
Elder Garfield
I got the bike. It's awesome. Those bars are sweet, and it looks like
you got the wheels trued and a new derailleur? Thank you. I have a
feeling I'm going to get transferred to a bike area so we will see.
Transfers are in two weeks. I'm pretty excited. I'm ready to move to a
new area. Oregon city is awesome, but I'm ready to meet some new
people. There is a chance I won't move at all, but not a big one. This
week was pretty awesome. We had a new guy come to church and he is so
solid. His name is William and you would think he was a member. He was
even answering questions in gospel principals class. Friday and
Saturday we did a ton of service. We worked at the food pantry,
shoveled piles of dirt for this lady, helped someone move twice, we
moved bricks for someone, and we shoveled more dirt haha. I was pretty
tired. After we helped this guy moved we said goodbye to him and he is
a heavy smoking, tough, rough, veitnam veteran. He was just about
crying when he said goodbye to us. We gave him a big hug and he said
"I will offer the mechanics prayer. spectacles (he touched his
glasses) testicles (he touched his balls) wallet (he touched one side
of his chest) watch (he touched the other side of his chest)" I was
dying laughing. And I said amen! Amen! Hahahahaha. Then a couple weeks
ago I forgot to write about it. We were looking for this house and we
walked up this alley type thing past another house. There was this big
bearded guy working on his car. We asked him if he knew where the
house was. He said he didn't. I asked him if he has ever heard of the
church. He said yeah I've had thousands of you guys try and convert
me. I laughed and said, oh yeah? And they can't get ya? He said, nope.
I'm the devil himself. I ride Harley's and curse like a drunken effing
sailor. I've been stabbed 39 times. Two years later I walked into the
hospital holding my own organs. And if you don't believe me look. He
pulled up his shirt and showed us his big hair belly with a huge scar.
We said okay have a good day. I was dying laughing. I was thinking
ahhhhh! You don't have to show me. I believed you. Put that away!
People are so crazy. We taught the law of chastity in more depth to
Chris and Bonnie. They are living together. They aren't super happy
with us at the moment. He said I've been living. With her for 4 years
and she's been a part of my life since high school. He is like 40 now.
I had a really hard time being patient with him, but he will do what
he wants to do. We told him what he needs to do and if he is willing
to act on it then he will. If not then he won't. They said they were
going to talk to the bishop about it. They said they are waiting for
the funding to have a big wedding. I was thinking *you've been engaged
for 4 years... Are you waiting to win the lottery?* we will see what
happens with them. I'd bet my bottom dollar the bishop will tell them
the same thing we did, but maybe they will actually listen to him.
Anyway...
Spiritual thought:
"A short while ago I heard the testimony of a woman who, with her
husband, strayed from the path of safety, breaking commandments and,
in the process, nearly destroying their family. When each of them
could finally see through the thick haze of addiction and recognize
how unhappy their lives had become, as well as how much they were
hurting their loved ones, they began to change. The repentance process
felt slow and was, at times, painful, but with the help of priesthood
leaders, along with help from family and loyal friends, they made
their way back.
I share with you a portion of this sister’s testimony of the healing
power of repentance: “How does someone go from being one of the lost
sheep and gripped by [sin], to this peace and happiness we now feel?
How does that happen? The answer … is because of a perfect gospel, a
perfect Son and His sacrifice for me. … Where there was darkness,
there is now light. Where there was despair and pain, there is joy and
hope. We have been infinitely blessed by the change that can only come
through repentance made possible by the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
Our Savior died to provide you and me that blessed gift. Despite the
fact that the path is difficult, the promise is real. Said the Lord to
those who repent:
“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
“And I will remember [them] no more.”"
-president Thomas S Monson
Love,
Elder Garfield
January 18, 2016
This week was pretty awesome. We had Anya's baptism. That was really awesome. She is 8 and her dad is a member so it didn't count for us, but we still taught her all the lessons. I gave a talk on baptism and I think it was pretty good. I got a lot of compliments, but I prepared it 30 minutes beforehand so it couldn't have been that great. We found a couple new people to teach finally. One is named Judy and she was an investigator, but she stopped meeting with the missionaries for a couple years and now she wants to meet with us again. We also found Tiffany. She is interested in learning more, but I'm not sure how serious she is about religion. We also had a little girl come to church. I'm not sure why, but we only ever have little girl investigators. It's kinda strange. Kayla, Anya, and now this girl named emra... Anyway. She came to church and really loved it. She said she is going to come every week. And next week she is bringing her family. Hopefully all of them come. They are a family of 7! We are so excited and hope it works out. We have really been wanting to teach a family. We went to visit this less active we have been trying to have an appointment with for a long time. She is in her 20s. We knocked on her door and this other girl/woman answered. She is in her 20s as well. I had never seen her before. We asked if Ashley was home. She said no and then Asked "who are you?" We said we were the missionaries, but the whole time I was thinking who the heck are you and why are you in Ashley's house when she is not home??? I was so confused. This guy we teach named Chris is living with this less active named Bonnie. Last week we told Chris he has to get married before he gets baptized. This week he wasn't at church and we normally have lessons with him on Sunday so I was a little concerned. Bonnie texted us and said "today isn't a good day because of her cold pneumonia" so we said okay let us know if you need anything. Then in the evening we went on Facebook and WE SAW HER POST A BUNCH OF PICTURES OF A HIKE SHE WENT ON THAT DAY!!!! I was so mad. It's so frustrating dealing with people. Also the funniest thing happened while we were Tracting. We knocked on this door and no one was home so we started to walk Down The driveway and this car turns to pull in. Then they saw us and they turned away and pinned it! It was hilarious. They flew up out of there. Then we kept knocking doors and waited for them to come back. We saw them go inside and we went and knocked on their door, but they didn't answer. People are unbelievable.
Spiritual thought:
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-01-003-waiting-on-our-road-to-damascus?lang=eng
Love Elder Garfield
Ps. Can you send my bike to my address and just put a couple tools so I can put it together. We still have three weeks left in the transfer. Also tanners baby looks pretty darn cute. And did Johnny ride the rock drop on snake back? And did dad beat my time????😀
Spiritual thought:
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-01-003-waiting-on-our-road-to-damascus?lang=eng
Love Elder Garfield
Ps. Can you send my bike to my address and just put a couple tools so I can put it together. We still have three weeks left in the transfer. Also tanners baby looks pretty darn cute. And did Johnny ride the rock drop on snake back? And did dad beat my time????😀
Monday, January 4, 2016
January 4, 2016
This week was pretty wild. I got a new companion. His name is Elder Wilcock so I get to hear people say "cock or cocks?" all the time hahahahaha. He is alright he is kinda weird and we don't really have anything in common. He did drama and musicals and singing in high school. I did the calculation though and there is only a 37% chance he is gay by my current data. We will see. Yesterday it snowed so basically all of Oregon city shut down. We walked around all day because we weren't supposed to drive. We helped push people up hills and stuff. We saw this old lady just flying around a corner sliding and nailed an electrical box thing. Her entire car was on the sidewalk/grass. She only had a small dent in her car. Then I drove her car off the sidewalk for her and she went on her way haha. It was crazy. We were just walking around with the first elders. They drove over in the morning and we drove to play Yahtzee with brother Steve. This big fat handicapped guy. Then we drove to our apartment. Then we got word that we weren't allowed to drive. We walked to the sisters apartment and got them and we all walked around helping people and what not. Snowball fights and such. Then we walked all the way to the other elders apartment to grab something. Then we walked all the way back to our apartment. The sisters went to their apartment. And we were fasting all this time so we were an hungered and we were about to faint because of our weariness. we walked 8 miles. Then the sisters grabbed some stuff and came to our apartment, but they aren't allowed to come in so they came in sat outside on our balcony and we ate dinner haha. Then the sisters left and we really wanted to go play Yahtzee with the first ward elders less active, but she is too far away to walk so we drove(don't tell president). I drove since elder Anderson is a terrible driver. We made it there and played Yahtzee. I won. Then we made it back without any incidents. It was only a half inch of snow so it wasn't a super big deal. If you are wondering how we did all this and made it to church. We didn't! Church was canceled because of a half inch of snow! I never thought I would miss church on my mission. It was hilarious. As far as actual missionary work goes. Earlier in the week we saw a few people and did some tracting. Nothing groundbreaking. We have a baptism this Saturday! I am super excited. We also have two other baptisms that are scheduled this month. And one
scheduled in February. So we are doing pretty well.
Spiritual thought:
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Matthew 14
In this Peter walks a few steps toward Jesus on the water. Peter had sufficient faith to walk on the water, but he was afraid because of the wind and rough seas. He began to doubt. He sank in the water. He cried out to the lord for help and it says "immediately" the lord reached out his loving hand and saved him. Sometimes we take the leap of faith and follow God, but when the times get tough and the wind becomes boisterous we doubt, but the lord will always be there immediately to help us if we ask for it. Notice Peter cried out and said lord, save me. We need to do the same. When we make mistakes and fall on hard times. Don't hesitate to ask the lord for help.
Love,
Elder Garfield
scheduled in February. So we are doing pretty well.
Spiritual thought:
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Matthew 14
In this Peter walks a few steps toward Jesus on the water. Peter had sufficient faith to walk on the water, but he was afraid because of the wind and rough seas. He began to doubt. He sank in the water. He cried out to the lord for help and it says "immediately" the lord reached out his loving hand and saved him. Sometimes we take the leap of faith and follow God, but when the times get tough and the wind becomes boisterous we doubt, but the lord will always be there immediately to help us if we ask for it. Notice Peter cried out and said lord, save me. We need to do the same. When we make mistakes and fall on hard times. Don't hesitate to ask the lord for help.
Love,
Elder Garfield
December 28, 2015
This week was awesome! I got to talk to you guys so that was sweet. It's so hard to start to do missionary work after Christmas. Transfers are today and I'm getting a new companion. His name is elder wilcock so lots of jokes about that. I've met him once and he seemed pretty cool so we will see. Yesterday we went to have a lesson with one of our investigators. His fiancé is less active, but is a member. He is the one who didn't believe in Jesus Christ. We asked him if he had any questions and he said yes. "What do I have to do to become a member?" We were both kind of taken back. Then we thought. Oh wait... We actually know how to answer this question. He is scheduled to be baptized on the 30th of January. That was amazing. I didn't ink stuff like that actually happened. I don't really have any other stories since I told you all of them when we were skyline, but this week was pretty good. As far as numbers go this week was awful. Nobody really wants the missionaries to bug them coming close to Christmas and we weren't allowed to proselytize Christmas or Christmas Eve. The members took great care of us though. We got tiny rc cars, $30 in subway gift cards, $20, a pocket knife, a box of Cocoa Puffs, plus all the stuff you guys sent me. I was really surprised. The members are so awesome out here. I didn't really have to buy groceries because I have so many sweets and stuff that people have us. It's crazy. I'm probably gonna get diabetes haha. I saw Veronica Laughlin on Sunday. She is karlee larsens best friend from byu-I. Apparently her grandparents are in our ward and her family is in the neighboring ward. That was pretty awesome. That's basically it for this week. Sorry I didn't have any super funny stories haha.
Spiritual thought:
1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
2 Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.
3 But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.
Alma chapter 29
Here alma who is a mighty prophet is just wishing that he were and angel so he could more powerfully profess the gospel. But he goes on to say that he sins in his wish and that he should be grateful for what God has given him. We do this to ourselves so often. We should be more grateful for the talents and abilities that we already posses instead of focusing on our weaknesses. Do the best you can and the lord will bless you for your efforts.
Love,
Elder Garfield
Spiritual thought:
1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
2 Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.
3 But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.
Alma chapter 29
Here alma who is a mighty prophet is just wishing that he were and angel so he could more powerfully profess the gospel. But he goes on to say that he sins in his wish and that he should be grateful for what God has given him. We do this to ourselves so often. We should be more grateful for the talents and abilities that we already posses instead of focusing on our weaknesses. Do the best you can and the lord will bless you for your efforts.
Love,
Elder Garfield
December 21, 2015
This week we had the mission Christmas party! It was awesome because they had a ton of cookies, but guess what they fed us as the meal? A FREAKING SALAD!!!!! I was so angry!! Luckily there were a ton of cookies like I said before. This week didn't seem that productive, but apparently we taught 24 lessons so that was pretty awesome. It's not a competition, but the first ward elders beat us as far as lessons the last two weeks so we had to step our game up. I'm not saying it's all about numbers, but when you are winning... It's all about numbers. AND helping others come unto Christ of course. The Christmas party was pretty awesome. I was talking to elder Lott and we decided that it was kinda like an awkward stake dance because we don't know that many missionaries yet. It was fun though.
I'm super excited to talk to you guys on Christmas. I think I am going to use Skype, but if that doesn't work I will just FaceTime. I have both. I got the Christmas packages, but I sorta opened everything up right when I got them... So thank you so much for all everything. Also the fifes and grandma and grandpa sent me a package which was really nice of them. I also love the Christmas tree. It is pretty legit.
This week we got to talk with one of our investigators who's significant other is a less active member. Last week we took them to the visitors center and they came to church yesterday. We also had a lesson with them yesterday after church. It was awesome because he (the nonmember) was the one who really wanted to go to church! He also said that the visitors center made him feel something different inside. (THE SPIRIT!!!) it was awesome. Especially because a couple weeks ago he told us he didn't believe in Jesus Christ... Oh I almost forgot. We taught a lady again this week and she said she would be baptized. We haven't set a date with her yet, but she is really open to the gospel. It is amazing. So the missionary work is going really well. Oregon city is the place to be. Transfers are on the 28th so there is a chance I could leave. We will have to see.
Spiritual thought:
"our knowledge of God does not depend on the amount of information we accumulate. After all, all the knowledge of the gospel which is meaningful for our salvation can be summarized in a few points of doctrine, principles, and essential commandments, which are already there in the missionary lessons we receive before baptism. Knowing God is a matter of opening our hearts to gain a spiritual understanding and a fervent testimony of the truth of these few fundamental points of doctrine. Knowing God is having a testimony of His existence and feeling in one’s heart that He loves us. It is accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and having a fervent desire to follow His example. In serving God and our neighbor, we witness of Christ and allow those around us to get to know Him better.
These principles find concrete application in the teaching which is given in our wards and branches. For you teachers of the Church, the principal goal of your lessons is the conversion of hearts. The quality of a lesson is not measured by the number of new pieces of information that you give your students. It comes from your capacity to invite the presence of the Spirit and to motivate your students to make commitments. It is by exercising their faith by putting into practice the lessons taught that they will increase their spiritual knowledge.
I pray that we will know how to open our hearts like a little child and take pleasure in hearing and practicing the word of God in all the power of its simplicity. I bear testimony that if we do this, we will gain the knowledge of the “mysteries [of God] and [the] peaceable things--that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal” (D&C 42:61). In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."-elder caussé
Don't try to over complicate things please. The gospel can be understood by 8 year olds. We do not need to try and make it more complicated. This gospel is a gospel of feelings not knowledge or complexity. The more complex we make it, the less likely we are to feel the spirit. Feeling the spirit leads to belief and through continued prayer and scripture study. That belief can become a knowledge. You can know of a surety that God is real, that Jesus is the Christ, and that His church has been restored once again to the earth. This is my testimony. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
LOVE YOU,
Elder Garfield
I'm super excited to talk to you guys on Christmas. I think I am going to use Skype, but if that doesn't work I will just FaceTime. I have both. I got the Christmas packages, but I sorta opened everything up right when I got them... So thank you so much for all everything. Also the fifes and grandma and grandpa sent me a package which was really nice of them. I also love the Christmas tree. It is pretty legit.
This week we got to talk with one of our investigators who's significant other is a less active member. Last week we took them to the visitors center and they came to church yesterday. We also had a lesson with them yesterday after church. It was awesome because he (the nonmember) was the one who really wanted to go to church! He also said that the visitors center made him feel something different inside. (THE SPIRIT!!!) it was awesome. Especially because a couple weeks ago he told us he didn't believe in Jesus Christ... Oh I almost forgot. We taught a lady again this week and she said she would be baptized. We haven't set a date with her yet, but she is really open to the gospel. It is amazing. So the missionary work is going really well. Oregon city is the place to be. Transfers are on the 28th so there is a chance I could leave. We will have to see.
Spiritual thought:
"our knowledge of God does not depend on the amount of information we accumulate. After all, all the knowledge of the gospel which is meaningful for our salvation can be summarized in a few points of doctrine, principles, and essential commandments, which are already there in the missionary lessons we receive before baptism. Knowing God is a matter of opening our hearts to gain a spiritual understanding and a fervent testimony of the truth of these few fundamental points of doctrine. Knowing God is having a testimony of His existence and feeling in one’s heart that He loves us. It is accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and having a fervent desire to follow His example. In serving God and our neighbor, we witness of Christ and allow those around us to get to know Him better.
These principles find concrete application in the teaching which is given in our wards and branches. For you teachers of the Church, the principal goal of your lessons is the conversion of hearts. The quality of a lesson is not measured by the number of new pieces of information that you give your students. It comes from your capacity to invite the presence of the Spirit and to motivate your students to make commitments. It is by exercising their faith by putting into practice the lessons taught that they will increase their spiritual knowledge.
I pray that we will know how to open our hearts like a little child and take pleasure in hearing and practicing the word of God in all the power of its simplicity. I bear testimony that if we do this, we will gain the knowledge of the “mysteries [of God] and [the] peaceable things--that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal” (D&C 42:61). In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."-elder caussé
Don't try to over complicate things please. The gospel can be understood by 8 year olds. We do not need to try and make it more complicated. This gospel is a gospel of feelings not knowledge or complexity. The more complex we make it, the less likely we are to feel the spirit. Feeling the spirit leads to belief and through continued prayer and scripture study. That belief can become a knowledge. You can know of a surety that God is real, that Jesus is the Christ, and that His church has been restored once again to the earth. This is my testimony. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
LOVE YOU,
Elder Garfield
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