That is too cool!!! You're doing it, how cool is that. It's cool to watch you go through all of the steps that I went through. Your call should be here in about two weeks then. Maybe In two weeks I'll wait till later in the day to do email so that I can hear where you are going. So two weeks from today I'll plan on emailing at like 3:30 or 4:00 my time. Bro I'm so proud of you. Are you nervous or anything. Do you still read your scriptures everyday, that's probably the most important thing that you could do. I'm excited for you. Zach went into the Mtc today didn't he. Have you heard anything from him before he went in, do you know if he was studying Italian any before. Anyway the mission is going great. I've got some really powerful stuff that I'll have to share with you in detail sometime. I'll try and write some of it in a letter to mom, but it's a pretty sacred and spiritual experience that my companion and I have had. I can't wait till you can be enveloped in the Lord's Spirit. How is the anatomy class going. Have you done any disections. I think part of your letter got cut off also, I don't know if something is up with the computer or what. Well I love you and pray for you bro.
YOur Brother, Elder Adams
P.S. My apologies, still working on a little project that was supposed to be for your Christmas present. I'll push to get it to you before your call comes.
It sounds great. I'm hearing a lot about Zach's farewell, it sounds like he's ready to go. The basketball sounds pretty interesting too. Hey Spencer, have you ever borne your testimony in sacrament meeting? If you haven't in the last month or two, I would suggest that you honestly fast this fast sunday, and pray that the Holy Ghost will prompt you and prompt you what to say. Then I encourage you to stand and bear your testimony. You write me your testimony so much, If I can benefit from your testimony then the ward certainly can too. More importantly that is how you can strengthen your testimony, not always by kneeling and praying for a testimony, but by standing and bearing what you know. The spirit will come and touch. You don't have to do it, but I know it will benefit you. Sit in sacrament meeting this sunday and listen to what the spirit tells you to do. I don't think I had borne my testimony for years and years (if at all) until about january or February of last year. Bearing testimony invites the spirit, and can be a strength to you. The Lord has given you something special, a testimony, so you have and obligation to bear it. The savior will bless you for sharing what he has given you. I love you little brother. Be safe, and don't get hurt. Keep writing me, I love hearing from you.
Elder Adams
Hey mom I'm here online. Ive just written President and Josh and Spencer. I haven't yet read your letter that's what I'm about to do. How is it going today? Good to see you online.
I want to give one to eddie for his baptism. Did my car ever get sold?
Love you tons my. Know that the Lord is watching over me.
I hope the puzzles will get here by Saturday before 3:00 for Eddie's baptism. The ward is really excited about this. We've had a lot of great experiences with Eddie, some very powerful, spiritual experiences and he has come so far. He had us over for dinner on saturday and we were looking back on what has happened and what will happen this saturday it's really exciting. He's also a very good cook. He made some great shrimp, and some really spicy food. Elder Brown always eats spicy stuff or puts hot sauce or cayenne pepper on everything he eats at the apartment and he sweats a ton when he eats spicy stuff. When he ate this though, he had sweat dripping off of him and he was dying, he slowed up. I was surprised I was still able to eat the salsa and everything, it had some intense peppers in it. I gave him a hard time that he wasn't eating anymore of it, so he jumped back in. Needless to say he spent a lot of time in the bathroom at Church and I think it was Eddie's hot stuff.
Anyway you asked the question about why I was so late emailing last wednesday. Well as I think I've told you my companion has to do these counseling sessions every two weeks about. He's talked to president and they're thinking that this might help him. So we were down in the city for one of his sessions and decided to go to a few of the "Hood shops" where they have all of the bling and watches and ties. We get back and we are trying to hurry to get to the library. I get out of the car and grab my backpack and start to run to the library. We were parked only about two blocks from the library, I thought he was behind me. I get to the library doors and look back and my companion is nowhere to be found. I thought ok he's got to be coming. I go inside and grab our guest passes from the desk clerk and put my stuff down. Then I went back outside and walked around to see if I could see him. He was nowhere in sight and the car is only a couple blocks away, he couldn't have gone far. So I couldn't see him, I was a little frustrated. I had no idea where he had gone. I couldn't call him either because I'm in missionary world and there's only one cell phone for the both of us. There was nothing I could do, I was at a total loss. So I went in a sat down at one of the computers I would just have to wait. Then after a while my companion comes in and sits down. I tried to ask him where he went, but he wouldn't tell me. He said I was making a big deal out of it. He was not going to talk to me. Eventually I decided I couldn't do anything and this would all get resolved later. I even told him that I would have to call President, but he didn't seem to care. So I called President and left a message with him, then went back to emailing. When we got back in the car he finally said he was sorry and that he didn't know what had come over him. I asked him where he'd gone and he told me that he had gone to the post office that is on the way to the library and had gotten some stamps. He had just decided he was going to wander off. I tried to tell him all he had to do was tell me he needed to go and get stamps. I just had to sit and talk things out with him. I knew this would happen, that eventually he would realize his mistake and come to. He said that getting stamps was like that was all that mattered in the world. So we talked some more as we drove to a dinner appointment at a member's apartment with some investigators. President had called back several times so I finally stopped and called him back. Elder Brown sat next to me in a trance as I explained to President what had happened. He asked if everything was ok, and then we were on our way again. We were driving in downtown Evanston and had only gone about 2 or 3 blocks when I noticed my companions breathing coming in short breaths, quicker and quicker. I asked him if everything was ok. Then he began to look around in a state of panic. He was gasping for breath quickly and breathing heavily. He then cried out, "I'm having an anxiety attack!" He began began to cry and his breathing was really fast. We were at an intersection right by a main road in downtown. I stopped right there and flipped on my hazard lights. Then I rolled down the windows. By now my companion had a firm grip on my wrist. I began to talk to him to try to calm him down, I told him to take deep breaths, and I breathed along with him, talking him through it. Slowly he began to gain control of it, as tears still streamed down his face. Once his breathing had slowed a bit, I drove with his hand still gripping my wrist to a nearby parking lot. I parked the car, and continued to help him breath. Just when I thought the attack had passed, he began to move and fidget around, then his breathing escalated again. He began to cry very heavily and sob, and he pleaded to me, "I need you to give me a blessing." He seemed scared, like something was seriously happening. I acted quickly and told him I'd grab my oil in the back seat, but he handed me his from his pocket and told me to use it. My companion was breathing very heavily and crying. I quickly dumped some oil on my finger, rubbed it on his head, and quickly screwed on the cap. Then with my companion in the passenger seat, I layed my hands on his head and gave him a blessing. Immediately after I had given him the blessing the anxiety attack passed, his breathing quickly slowed, and he seemed at peace. Once he had gained control we got out of the car and began to walk to the apartment highrise. He thanked me for the blessing. He said he really needed it. Then I asked him if blessings could work both ways, because I felt so uplifted and edified. He told me how it was a neat experience. The power of the priesthood is so real, we had both just witnessed a miracle. My companion then told me, "I'm glad you hold the priesthood." I told him me too, that's the reason they give us it, and send us through the temple before we come out here. It would be like going to work without a helmet. This was an incredible experience. The words of the blessing came powerfully to me. Although I did a the beginning mess up the start, my companion was able to correct me. It was incredible to see my companion calm after the blessing. He later told me that night that he had no control, and that when we got into the parking lot his face was tingling and he felt like he was going to pass out. I continue to blessed by the Lord with a patience that I could have never dreamed of. I felt so calm and in control during his anxiety attack, it was like playing a really slow game of tetris, I knew exactly where the next piece went even though everything around me was moving fast. I don't understand how this patience thing is working, because this is certainly not me, this is not who I was before. A couple years ago I would have exploded in some situations. The Lord truly is blessing me. It really was incredible, I felt so in control of everything, and I knew exactly what to do. I think the Lord was preparing me to give that blessing.
I've had another experience In which I have come to know of the powerful reality and power of the priesthood. I will not recount in full detail the full accounts of this, because of the sacred nature of it. One day I hope to be able to look back at my journal with close family and share this experience if the time is right. (It would also take quite some time for me to type it). We received and urgent call from a dying mans brother in a nearby hospital during church on sunday. I had the priviledge of giving another blessing here. I bear witness to you that God speaks words of truth through worthy holders of the priesthood. I did not even know the man on the bed but I was informed after of the reality of things I said in the blessing. This mans brother, present at the blessing was not a member of the Church. After the blessing both he and his wife were in tears. I too cried throughout the blessing. Heavenly father knows his children here on this earth and how he communicates with them is with the priesthood. This dying mans last wish was to have a blessing from the missionaries. I am to inform you, my parents, from this man's brother of his thanks. He expresses thanks from the bottom of his heart that I was able to give a blessing. He wants to thank you. He told us that he and his wife would be considering taking the discussion after this is all done. Many other things ensued afterward. I know that the priesthood power is real. It's real, it's real , it's real. I can't deny it. God speaks through that sacred power. I cannot deny it. This man thanked me "For being the clean vessel to bear Gods Words." I understand more and more the importance of my conversion and of my repentence, the Lord has a work for me to do and needed me to be clean. I would like to exhort you with all the energy of my soul, Josh, Dad, and all who read this and who hold the priesthood of God. If You hold the priesthood of God, be clean, be ye clean, you vessels of the Lord. Repent of whatever you need to to be clean. The Lord works through that sacred power that you hold, and it is reall. I have felt the spirit and witnessed a miracle. and I will not say more of this,be faithful and clean. Always be ready to exercise that priesthood that you hold. It is real, I know that Joseph Smith received this sacred Priesthood after being visited by God the father and his son Jesus Christ. He had holy lands laid on his head to receive this priesthood. This is the key to this restored Church. Priesthood authority. This priesthood is on the earth and the Lord is working a work. Miracles have not ceased, there is a God in heaven watching over us. The atonement is real and it works just as powerful as a priesthood blessing. This is the same power that Christ used to heal the blind and lame and to rise from the the dead. He lives today, there is a living Christ whom we will all stand to meet and he will look into our faces and have joy to see us. I look forward to this day when I will meet my Jesus, who has purged my soul and taken me from pits of darkness. I cannot tell you how real the priesthood is. I am so thankful that I have been trusted with this, that I hold this. This is the true and living Church, I cannot deny it. It is more real than anything, and we are in it. We a part of something not of this world. Feel it, know it, and believe it....I do, I do... I do. In Jesus Christs Almighty name Amen.
With heartfelt Gratitude and Humility,
Elder Adams
P.S. -Keep this one in the immediate family for a while, before telling others. You're welcome to share my testimony with others though.
I reopened your email after shutting down the internet and I got the whole letter. It sounds like Zach's farewell was great, I wish I could have heard him speak. Keep plugging away at school, ask in faith for the Lord's help and he will come to you. This I know. I love you Brother. LET THE WAIT BEGIN!!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
January 21, 2009
Bud that sounds so awesome. It's good to hear that things are going great in mission prep. I've often thought about, and talked with investigators out here, about you and how you are doing things in a different way than me. At first I thought I was behind, but you know those experiences that I went through and had I needed to have, my path is different. I think you are going to be greatly prepared. The first time I taught the first discussion was in the MTC, so you have one more under your belt. You'll do great, the important thing to remember is to trust in the Lord, and in the Spirit, he will give you the things that you are to say. It's not our talents or abilities that qualify us it's the Lord's will, so I know that you will do great. Just keep preparing and doing your best and the Lord will make everything happen.
Have you met with the Stake President? Once you meet with him then they send the papers into salt lake and your two week countdown till you get your call starts. Let me know if you've met with the Stake President, that's when your papers are really in. I love you so much bro. I'm really glad that I'm able to set an example for you. I'm trying. I know I slacked off and didn't do a good job before my mission, so I know I have some things to make up to you and the family, most importantly The Lord. It's great to see you going through the mission experience, you'll love it. I've often thought of what it would be like to go out tracting with you or teach a lesson with you. We did a lot of things together. I think it would be cool to go out and be missionaries together and see how each other works. I think it would be a neat experience, working beside you. You're great bro. Keep on prepping. I can't wait to hear where you are going, I don't know where you are going, but I'm on your side in saying that where ever you go is where the Lord needs you. That will be where the people that you need to touch are living, and your spirit will speak to their spirit and you will connect. YOu will have amazing spiritual experiences that way. That's because you will soon be called of God. There is not greater feeling.
I send my love and encouragement.
Elder Adams
Hey bro. It sounds bad what happened to you in your game, I probably would have been a litte Ticked at the kid. I hope you're ok, If you need to we've met and are teaching this gangster guy, and he's got a bunch of homies. I'm sure they'd be willing to help me out. These guys are way cool, they love my comp and I. Sounds like you're tearing it up in snowboarding too. The cold is pretty intense too, sometimes it hurts really bad and almost rips the flesh off my face. Last week they had police out rounding up the homeless who were outside. Members and people kept telling us we shouldn't be outside. It was way cold, most of the time we had lessons so we didn't have to stay outside too long. I love you bro. If there's any questions that you have or that you want to ask me, just shoot. Even though I'm far away I still want to be there for you and help you out in any way that I can. I'm there for you.
Elder Adams
P.S.-I checked out some sweet soccer shops here in Chicago. YOU would love them, they've come out with some sick cleats!
I have the puzzle of the Plan of Salvation and the one that makes a box (It's the fourth article of faith). As far as that other puzzle of the Church, THAT WOULD BE AWESOME. We often times teach that to people, in fact quite often. We've done a little lesson plan with scriptures, but as far as a visual aid, it comes down to me drawing on some paper. I'm way excited to see that one. In fact we taught that lesson just yesterday. I can't believe Landon is getting married, he didn't waste any time. I remember seeing him at the gym just before I left. I got the package from amber and from aubrey. Pass along my thanks and gratitude. It was great to see those pictures of you all. The pictures of my farewell deffinately brought back a lot of memories, what a day. I love seeing my family too. Tell Aubrey that was the perfect gift: FAMILY. I loved the picture of Ryan, good old goofy Ryan, it was good to see his humor in there. I loved the quotation from the book that will get used.Ok so the Home alone house. It's quite simple really, that house that I took pictures of is THE house where they filmed the movie. We found out from some other missionaries and from some ward members. When we went up to the house, the guy that lived there actually came out and was telling us about the filming. He told us we could stand on the porch, take pictures, and even walk around. He was very nice. He even opened the door and let us look inside, he said he would have invited us in and let us look around but his wife was sick. So yeah pretty intense. I thought Spencer would really like to see that since he is a little HOME ALONE KID!! Ha ha haha, I love Spencer. So we did end up going to see khobie last wednesday and he fed us sushi again. It was way good as usual. Tell dad they didn't have a spider roll they called it something different, as soft shel crab roll, so we got that. It was amazing. There were some other really good ones that we had too. I got pictures of Khobie and I. There were some really cold days last week, stip the flesh off your bones cold. This week has just been really great and a lot of things are going well. Dinner at the Castillos, the New investigators we are teaching, was great. Richard told us about the rats that are the size of cats on the west side of Chicago. Eddie is excited as ever for his baptism, the ward just loves him. He still talks to everyone, even his doctor, about this Gospel that he's found and how great it is. One of these days you'll meet him. He wants to serve a mission like us, and he asked when he could do that, because we had been teaching about when he gets the priesthood and goes to the temple, etc. He's 35 so we told him he wouldn't be able to do a mission just like us, but we told him about married couple missions. He asked if they still get to go out and share the word for the 2 years. When we told him yes, he said oh it's going to happen. Keep in mind he is not currently married. I wish I could write more to you but I gotta get going. I love you all and thank you for your love and support. Your scriptures to look up are those referenced at the bottom of the hym "Onward Christian Soldiers." For we are all enlisted in his army, and Josh is about to become one of his mercenaries out here with me. This Church is true, hold strong.
With Love,
Elder Adams
Have you met with the Stake President? Once you meet with him then they send the papers into salt lake and your two week countdown till you get your call starts. Let me know if you've met with the Stake President, that's when your papers are really in. I love you so much bro. I'm really glad that I'm able to set an example for you. I'm trying. I know I slacked off and didn't do a good job before my mission, so I know I have some things to make up to you and the family, most importantly The Lord. It's great to see you going through the mission experience, you'll love it. I've often thought of what it would be like to go out tracting with you or teach a lesson with you. We did a lot of things together. I think it would be cool to go out and be missionaries together and see how each other works. I think it would be a neat experience, working beside you. You're great bro. Keep on prepping. I can't wait to hear where you are going, I don't know where you are going, but I'm on your side in saying that where ever you go is where the Lord needs you. That will be where the people that you need to touch are living, and your spirit will speak to their spirit and you will connect. YOu will have amazing spiritual experiences that way. That's because you will soon be called of God. There is not greater feeling.
I send my love and encouragement.
Elder Adams
Hey bro. It sounds bad what happened to you in your game, I probably would have been a litte Ticked at the kid. I hope you're ok, If you need to we've met and are teaching this gangster guy, and he's got a bunch of homies. I'm sure they'd be willing to help me out. These guys are way cool, they love my comp and I. Sounds like you're tearing it up in snowboarding too. The cold is pretty intense too, sometimes it hurts really bad and almost rips the flesh off my face. Last week they had police out rounding up the homeless who were outside. Members and people kept telling us we shouldn't be outside. It was way cold, most of the time we had lessons so we didn't have to stay outside too long. I love you bro. If there's any questions that you have or that you want to ask me, just shoot. Even though I'm far away I still want to be there for you and help you out in any way that I can. I'm there for you.
Elder Adams
P.S.-I checked out some sweet soccer shops here in Chicago. YOU would love them, they've come out with some sick cleats!
I have the puzzle of the Plan of Salvation and the one that makes a box (It's the fourth article of faith). As far as that other puzzle of the Church, THAT WOULD BE AWESOME. We often times teach that to people, in fact quite often. We've done a little lesson plan with scriptures, but as far as a visual aid, it comes down to me drawing on some paper. I'm way excited to see that one. In fact we taught that lesson just yesterday. I can't believe Landon is getting married, he didn't waste any time. I remember seeing him at the gym just before I left. I got the package from amber and from aubrey. Pass along my thanks and gratitude. It was great to see those pictures of you all. The pictures of my farewell deffinately brought back a lot of memories, what a day. I love seeing my family too. Tell Aubrey that was the perfect gift: FAMILY. I loved the picture of Ryan, good old goofy Ryan, it was good to see his humor in there. I loved the quotation from the book that will get used.Ok so the Home alone house. It's quite simple really, that house that I took pictures of is THE house where they filmed the movie. We found out from some other missionaries and from some ward members. When we went up to the house, the guy that lived there actually came out and was telling us about the filming. He told us we could stand on the porch, take pictures, and even walk around. He was very nice. He even opened the door and let us look inside, he said he would have invited us in and let us look around but his wife was sick. So yeah pretty intense. I thought Spencer would really like to see that since he is a little HOME ALONE KID!! Ha ha haha, I love Spencer. So we did end up going to see khobie last wednesday and he fed us sushi again. It was way good as usual. Tell dad they didn't have a spider roll they called it something different, as soft shel crab roll, so we got that. It was amazing. There were some other really good ones that we had too. I got pictures of Khobie and I. There were some really cold days last week, stip the flesh off your bones cold. This week has just been really great and a lot of things are going well. Dinner at the Castillos, the New investigators we are teaching, was great. Richard told us about the rats that are the size of cats on the west side of Chicago. Eddie is excited as ever for his baptism, the ward just loves him. He still talks to everyone, even his doctor, about this Gospel that he's found and how great it is. One of these days you'll meet him. He wants to serve a mission like us, and he asked when he could do that, because we had been teaching about when he gets the priesthood and goes to the temple, etc. He's 35 so we told him he wouldn't be able to do a mission just like us, but we told him about married couple missions. He asked if they still get to go out and share the word for the 2 years. When we told him yes, he said oh it's going to happen. Keep in mind he is not currently married. I wish I could write more to you but I gotta get going. I love you all and thank you for your love and support. Your scriptures to look up are those referenced at the bottom of the hym "Onward Christian Soldiers." For we are all enlisted in his army, and Josh is about to become one of his mercenaries out here with me. This Church is true, hold strong.
With Love,
Elder Adams
Monday, January 19, 2009
January 14, 2009
That is tough, I couldn't even imagine what it would be like to have to come home from my mission early. How's he doing now? Tell him he's in my prayers, because I know that would strip any Elder to the bone. As far as my health goes, I think I'm doing ok. I'll keep you posted on anything that happens, because I trust your judgement. Elder Brown and I are going to try and stop by khobie at the sushi place today since it's been a while since we visited him. We figured he did tell us to come back, he did serve a full time mission, and he is excommunicated. So we think we'll go by today, we might be having sushi again. As far as the cold goes, It was 3 degrees last night, yeah. The only way that I know I'm surviving this is because the Lord is with me. When I was back home I died at 20 degrees. I think the Lord is strengthing my heart and blood so that I can stay warm. It literally is a miracle to be able to endure this cold. It's supposed to get colder the rest of the week. The snow also keeps coming, it's pretty intense. I wrote a big letter home last week about the bulls game, see if you can get it from mom. Thanks for writing to me dad. It means a lot to hear from you. I love you so much. Keep writing to me. Oh here's some scriptures for you.
> Revelations 4:20-21- This has a lot of application to me and the Lord. I once turned my back on him and kept him outside, and he stayed and waited with and outstretched for me to turn to him again and to let him in. I now stand on a cold, frozen doorstep and wait for people to let me in. Except these people don't know that it's not me that they are turning away, or letting in, it's the Savior.
> Enos 1:26-27 My testimony is contained in a great deal in these verses. I just read them this morning. Pay close attention to the last sentence in verse 26. This is how I feel about my mission. This has brought the most happiness to me. Then in verse 27 see if you can close your eyes and envision this day for yourself. I look forward to this day...... my Savior waits for me. Well Dad you are the Patriarch of the home. Study these scriptures, pray about them, and I challenge you to prepare a lesson for FHE, and share them with the rest of the family. I've learned that the Father of the home and only the father can receive a special kind of revelation for his whole family. No one else in the family can do that but the father. Seek out the revelation for our family dad, you are the key, and then teach them. The rest of the family won't get these scriptures or the revelation you receive unless you give it to them. I love you dad, you are a great example. Love you tons,
Elder Adams
Reply From President
Dear Elder Adams,
Thank you for the question in your letter about how we can find balance between our finding efforts, our teaching efforts, our work with recent converts, and our work with less-actives. The only way to find balance between these, and other proselyting activities, is through more effective daily and weekly planning sessions. We must be very careful how we allocate our time as we plan for each day during our nightly planning sessions, and we must be careful during our weekly planning session to make sure that balance is achieved in our proselyting efforts. The way to do that is to set a goal for the time we feel should be spent on the different activities, and then plan how those goals will be achieved. It is no more complicated than that. Thank you for the good work you and Elder Brown are doing in the North Shore 1st Ward.
Sincerely,
President Stoddard
So I told dad that last night it was 3 Degrees and that it is supposed to be getting colder as the week goes on. That's interesting that you've mentioned that Andrew has grown. I didn't think it would be possible to grow much in the time we've been out, but I've noticed that some of my pants don't go down all the way. I think I might measure myself to see if I've grown. My pants just seem shorter than they were when I left. I don't know if MR. MAC left any material to be let out though. I've kindof been putting that off and getting a pair of my suit pants dry cleaned. Oh that and I haven't replaced my toothbrush. That's right same one the whole time. I've been needing to get a new one, and this morning my companion just gave me one out of a pack of 5 that he had. This has been a great week. We've got about two and half weeks till Eddy's baptism, I'm so excited. He asked me to do the baptism and my companion to do the confirmation. Which reminds me I am supposed to tell you from him that "The puzzle clinched it for me, always remember to tell your mom that." Think about that mom, all that time that the puzzle was sitting on our speaker, just sitting there. I didn't want to serve a mission, and now everytime I get it out to teach that lesson I have to reflect on the thought. Who would have ever thought that I would be using this puzzle and sharing the gospel with people. I wouldn't have placed myself there. We have also began teaching a couple in there fifties. Richard and Rosi Castillo. I still remember the Sunday I met them and the exact spot, about 2 weeks ago on a sunday. It was the day Elder Brown wasn't too happy. They were walking into the apartment complex on the sidewalk as we were walking out and I stopped and talked to them. Wow, you wouldn't believe some of the things Rosi has been through, and how much the Lord has been preparing them for this message. We have had some great experiences with them. When we taught the Plan of Salvation Richard really liked the puzzle and asked where he could get one, because he said that his daughters have been starting to have and interest in religion. He said the puzzle had helped him to understand it, and so he thought it might help them. Mom it's incredible, it's like you're out here on my mission with me. It's like I carry around you in my backpack. Think of it that way. Do think there would be any way that I could get you to send out a puzzle for Eddy's baptism, and one for the Castillo's (they are progressing along)? Maybe send out a couple others too, so that I could give them to those that are baptised. This is going to be a great story, a great part of my mission: The Puzzle That Mom sent out...Eddy can't wait to go to the temple also. He said he wants it to be the Salt Lake City Temple. We've already started talking about him being able to come out and visit us and go through the Temple with our whole family. You wait till you meet him. The Castillo's have actually invited us over this Friday to have dinner with them before we have our lesson. He related it to the disciples being able to share a meal with Christ, and so he wanted to have us share a meal with him. They are so nice. They had such a good time at Church too, it was so good to see Rosi happy and smiling. I had to just pause and stand by myself and look out over the ward members talking to Richard and Rosi, and how everyone was happy. I felt so good, this is the joy of the work: seeing others happy. I try to soak in every minute of it everyday. I'm a missionary... it still seems sureal. None the less I am a missionary, I'm here in the service of my Lord and my God. What more could I ask for. I know this Church is true, this work this true work must go forward to all. I have been, called, chosen, and commisioned by a living prophet of God who is directed by the Savior. I know this to be true. The book of Mormon is the word of God, and the greatest tool in companionship with the spirit that we have for helping people recognize the truth. I know this is true. I am so grateful to be out here. The Lord was kind enough to keep me in his sight and to wait for me to come around. Now I can only stive and try to repay him for this and for the countless drops of blood that he let fall to the ground, just because he loved me. I can only try to give him a portion of this back. I love him, he's a brother and friend to me. The greatest comforter. If you every feel alone, downtrodden, saddened, beckon to him, and he will come and sit with you a while. He'll take the empty seat next to you, he'll speak the words of comfort to your hear that you need to hear. That is his work, and he will gladly do it time and time again. I leave you with this true testimony or which I have felt personal account of in my life in my Savior and Friend's name who is Jesus Christ Amen.
I love you tons Family,
Elder Adams
HEy mom how is it going. I sent zach a final letter before he leaves.
Oh I set it up in the mtc and that was my missionary identification number there.
You can probably expect some pictures from me soon. I'm going to try and put them on a disc today.
How is school going for josh now. I didn't hear from him.
Oh I asked him about how we balance time with tracting, lessons, and less active work. because a lot of the time our lessons take up most of our time, so I was basically trying to figure out whether we go out to the less actives with what little time or tract. I feel we need to keep up our tracting, but at the same time not a lot of less active work gets done.
Are you serious so he could have his call by february. what did he put for=his date available.
YEah that is so cool about josh's papers. Tell him to hand tough in the schoolwork. He did his papers in like 3 weeks didn't he??
I gotta go we have a lot of stuff to do today. Love ya tons look for me around 10:30 my time next week. See ya latter. Herbal tea is awesome!!
> Revelations 4:20-21- This has a lot of application to me and the Lord. I once turned my back on him and kept him outside, and he stayed and waited with and outstretched for me to turn to him again and to let him in. I now stand on a cold, frozen doorstep and wait for people to let me in. Except these people don't know that it's not me that they are turning away, or letting in, it's the Savior.
> Enos 1:26-27 My testimony is contained in a great deal in these verses. I just read them this morning. Pay close attention to the last sentence in verse 26. This is how I feel about my mission. This has brought the most happiness to me. Then in verse 27 see if you can close your eyes and envision this day for yourself. I look forward to this day...... my Savior waits for me. Well Dad you are the Patriarch of the home. Study these scriptures, pray about them, and I challenge you to prepare a lesson for FHE, and share them with the rest of the family. I've learned that the Father of the home and only the father can receive a special kind of revelation for his whole family. No one else in the family can do that but the father. Seek out the revelation for our family dad, you are the key, and then teach them. The rest of the family won't get these scriptures or the revelation you receive unless you give it to them. I love you dad, you are a great example. Love you tons,
Elder Adams
Reply From President
Dear Elder Adams,
Thank you for the question in your letter about how we can find balance between our finding efforts, our teaching efforts, our work with recent converts, and our work with less-actives. The only way to find balance between these, and other proselyting activities, is through more effective daily and weekly planning sessions. We must be very careful how we allocate our time as we plan for each day during our nightly planning sessions, and we must be careful during our weekly planning session to make sure that balance is achieved in our proselyting efforts. The way to do that is to set a goal for the time we feel should be spent on the different activities, and then plan how those goals will be achieved. It is no more complicated than that. Thank you for the good work you and Elder Brown are doing in the North Shore 1st Ward.
Sincerely,
President Stoddard
So I told dad that last night it was 3 Degrees and that it is supposed to be getting colder as the week goes on. That's interesting that you've mentioned that Andrew has grown. I didn't think it would be possible to grow much in the time we've been out, but I've noticed that some of my pants don't go down all the way. I think I might measure myself to see if I've grown. My pants just seem shorter than they were when I left. I don't know if MR. MAC left any material to be let out though. I've kindof been putting that off and getting a pair of my suit pants dry cleaned. Oh that and I haven't replaced my toothbrush. That's right same one the whole time. I've been needing to get a new one, and this morning my companion just gave me one out of a pack of 5 that he had. This has been a great week. We've got about two and half weeks till Eddy's baptism, I'm so excited. He asked me to do the baptism and my companion to do the confirmation. Which reminds me I am supposed to tell you from him that "The puzzle clinched it for me, always remember to tell your mom that." Think about that mom, all that time that the puzzle was sitting on our speaker, just sitting there. I didn't want to serve a mission, and now everytime I get it out to teach that lesson I have to reflect on the thought. Who would have ever thought that I would be using this puzzle and sharing the gospel with people. I wouldn't have placed myself there. We have also began teaching a couple in there fifties. Richard and Rosi Castillo. I still remember the Sunday I met them and the exact spot, about 2 weeks ago on a sunday. It was the day Elder Brown wasn't too happy. They were walking into the apartment complex on the sidewalk as we were walking out and I stopped and talked to them. Wow, you wouldn't believe some of the things Rosi has been through, and how much the Lord has been preparing them for this message. We have had some great experiences with them. When we taught the Plan of Salvation Richard really liked the puzzle and asked where he could get one, because he said that his daughters have been starting to have and interest in religion. He said the puzzle had helped him to understand it, and so he thought it might help them. Mom it's incredible, it's like you're out here on my mission with me. It's like I carry around you in my backpack. Think of it that way. Do think there would be any way that I could get you to send out a puzzle for Eddy's baptism, and one for the Castillo's (they are progressing along)? Maybe send out a couple others too, so that I could give them to those that are baptised. This is going to be a great story, a great part of my mission: The Puzzle That Mom sent out...Eddy can't wait to go to the temple also. He said he wants it to be the Salt Lake City Temple. We've already started talking about him being able to come out and visit us and go through the Temple with our whole family. You wait till you meet him. The Castillo's have actually invited us over this Friday to have dinner with them before we have our lesson. He related it to the disciples being able to share a meal with Christ, and so he wanted to have us share a meal with him. They are so nice. They had such a good time at Church too, it was so good to see Rosi happy and smiling. I had to just pause and stand by myself and look out over the ward members talking to Richard and Rosi, and how everyone was happy. I felt so good, this is the joy of the work: seeing others happy. I try to soak in every minute of it everyday. I'm a missionary... it still seems sureal. None the less I am a missionary, I'm here in the service of my Lord and my God. What more could I ask for. I know this Church is true, this work this true work must go forward to all. I have been, called, chosen, and commisioned by a living prophet of God who is directed by the Savior. I know this to be true. The book of Mormon is the word of God, and the greatest tool in companionship with the spirit that we have for helping people recognize the truth. I know this is true. I am so grateful to be out here. The Lord was kind enough to keep me in his sight and to wait for me to come around. Now I can only stive and try to repay him for this and for the countless drops of blood that he let fall to the ground, just because he loved me. I can only try to give him a portion of this back. I love him, he's a brother and friend to me. The greatest comforter. If you every feel alone, downtrodden, saddened, beckon to him, and he will come and sit with you a while. He'll take the empty seat next to you, he'll speak the words of comfort to your hear that you need to hear. That is his work, and he will gladly do it time and time again. I leave you with this true testimony or which I have felt personal account of in my life in my Savior and Friend's name who is Jesus Christ Amen.
I love you tons Family,
Elder Adams
HEy mom how is it going. I sent zach a final letter before he leaves.
Oh I set it up in the mtc and that was my missionary identification number there.
You can probably expect some pictures from me soon. I'm going to try and put them on a disc today.
How is school going for josh now. I didn't hear from him.
Oh I asked him about how we balance time with tracting, lessons, and less active work. because a lot of the time our lessons take up most of our time, so I was basically trying to figure out whether we go out to the less actives with what little time or tract. I feel we need to keep up our tracting, but at the same time not a lot of less active work gets done.
Are you serious so he could have his call by february. what did he put for=his date available.
YEah that is so cool about josh's papers. Tell him to hand tough in the schoolwork. He did his papers in like 3 weeks didn't he??
I gotta go we have a lot of stuff to do today. Love ya tons look for me around 10:30 my time next week. See ya latter. Herbal tea is awesome!!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
January 7, 2009
Atta boy, way to be an example to your friends. That's what Zach was to me, he really helped me. Be careful though with forcing people to do things, I know that was something that made me fight back. Zach always had these great talks with me at night when we would have sleepovers. He would break the gospel down for me. Best of all was his example. That's kinda how it is out here on the mission. I know this gospel, this Church, and the Book of Mormon are true, but when we teach people and they don't keep their appointments or they don't do their bom reading, I can't force them. I can't make them come to Church. They have to be touched by the spirit in order to be converted. That's why this is not my work. This is the Lord's, it 's in his hands, I am just his tool. I bear testimony, promise them blessings, and ask them to keep their commitments. They have to do it though. That's what's tough. Is that I know that this is good for them, I want them to feel how I feel, know what I know, feel the spirit in a way that I have. I can't pull it out of my backpack and give it to them though. I love this work though, and that's why we need the spirit. It works through us and accomplishes miracles. Keep doing what you're doing bro. school will be fine. I'll keep you in my prayers. I'll keep fighting off that "Evil Cold" too. Love ya Bro.
Elder Adams
Well that sounds nice, a new GPS. I do have the card from applebee's, and yes I did get the Christmas visa card from Grandma.
Sounds like spencer got some cool stuff too.
So how often does he use the quesadilla maker? For josh, that sounds like and everyday thing, he loves cheese, well he loves food in general.
Buddy, can I just say that I feel the spirit every time I read your testimony. That's what's wonderful about a testimony, is that it doesn't have to be eloquent or complex, it just has to be born by someone with a pure heart and with sincerity. Even in your words, because you have a good heart about it, the spirit conveys that message. I love you. Well it sounds like school is going really well. I did not hear about the Utah game, but that is way cool. I bet you rubbed it in pretty good at church. Just be careful, excitement is good, but pride is no bueno.
Love you tons bro.
Elder Adams
P.S. That corn dog is money when I get in and it's cold, warms me right up.
Get out the candles, the punch bowl, fine tableclothes, and invite one and all- ELDER ADAMS has finally landed his first 2 transfer comapanion. That's right I did not just have a handcramp and make a mistake typing. My companion, Elder Brown, and I are both staying here in the North Shore for another transfer. Yeah, I am way excited. 7 and a half months in the field and I finally have a companion for more than six weeks. I don't have to learn to teach with someone new, or get to know a new area. WHAT!!!! So yeah we are pretty excited about the whole ordeal. The only thing is that, you know how I mentioned he was having some rough days. We had a talk about how it was affecting our relationship and how we do the work, and it caused a lot of thought provoking for him. He says he's having a lot of anxiety, so he called President last week and they set him up with the LDS services therapist. His appointment was today, things went well. Since he and I talked he's been a lot better. We have a greater love and understanding for each other. This is why we are so excited to be together. It will be great to work with him longer. Something I probably haven't told you about this area, is there are a lot of sirens. Every night, lots of activity. There really loud, that's what you fall asleep to. Speaking of cops, last week were stopped by the police and 3 cars showed up, while we were out tracting. You would have thought it was a homicide. They wanted to see licenses, and tried to tell us we needed a permit. This is the 6th time this has happened and we told them this. People just get worried because we are in black going door to door. We told President Stoddard about this and he told us we don't need a permit because we are not selling anything, so it is not solliciting. He told us the next time it happened to get the officers names and badge numbers, and he'd take care of things (He's a big time lawyer from Vegas) Sure enough it happened again a few days later. 2 cops, so I asked for their information. One of them tried to avoid me and when I asked again my comp tried to ask if we needed both. I thought, yes, they both messed with us they both need to pay the price. The officer gave it to me finally. Then one of the cops tried to tell me that when Jesus taught he didn't go from place to place he let people come to him, so I replied," Well when I learn to walk on water, People will come to see me too, until then..." I probably shouldn't have said this, but when we called president to tell him it had happened again he laughed when I told him what I had said. He took care of things, and said they were going to be talked to by the chief of police. President Stoddard doesn't mess aroung, he's hard core. He said they shouldn't be bothering us anymore. So this makes seven times for me being talked to by police while out tracting. (Oh mom I need some of the face spot treatment medicine in the little tube.)Wow that sounds like a lot happened. It sounds like Zach is getting ready to do it. Tell Peedy that lying and deceiving is of the Devil, and that he will be smitten if he does not repent and forsake his sins.So Last Wednesday, New Years Eve....We went to the bulls game. We missed the first minute though, because we were late, and we were rushing. They got stomped on though. Dad was right about that rookie, he's incredible. There was probably about 20 or more missionaries there at the game, all on one row, and President Stoddard even came. After half time he came and sat next to me for a while and he started falling asleep!!!!! So I tried to get a picture, (Some great blackmail material), just as I snapped it though he woke up and I moved my hand really quick so the picture was blurred really bad. He and I had a good laugh, and he tried to make excuses. The game was good though, the bulls started to rally about the last 2 minutes (a little late). One of the bulls players did a no look alley-oop pass to a team mate who dunked it!!! After the Game my comp and I went out to this Thai Restaurant afterwards. It was really good, and we had a ton of leftovers.So next big event. Saturday we had Ricardo's Baptism. We ended up getting to the Church to fill the font late. Then we noticed that the nozzle on the spout was tiny. We knew it would take forever and we had and hour and a half. So my comp and I went into the kitchen and took out every larg pot and punch bowl we could and began filling them with water. Then we loaded them onto wheeled serving carts and took them to the other side of the building and dumped them into the font. I was the filler and loader in the kitchen and my companion took them to the font and dumped. We worked frantically, I felt like Mickey from the movie fantasia. There was water all over the floor, and we were rushing. It looked like we were going to make it. Then the water in the spout started to cool off.. so we filled up the biggest pots and put them on the stove to heat. This was an intense experience. We finally made it though, the font was filled just as people began to arrive. Ricardo didn't bring a change of church clothes though and showed up in a jacket and jeans. He had to go home so we had to wait for him. It was just a small baptism because not many of the singles ward was back from the holidays but it was great. So Ricardo had asked me to do the baptism. As I walked down into the water, wow, it was a little chilly. I felt bad for Ricardo because he had to go under. After I said the prayer and layed him back, the witnesses said that his left hand didn't go all the way under, so we had to do it again. When we got out of the font I gave him a hug, he said he was happy. He had forgotten his towel though so we had to share, (That water made us both cold). He pointed out the tattoos on his arm as mistakes, but I told him he was clean and perfect now. We both undressed, and he stopped half undressed in wet clothes and knelt down on the tile floor to pray. This is the gospel changing people's lives, he knows and understands it. He got choked up as he gave his testimony afterwards. His mom and brother were there to see all of this, it was great. He's even been talking about serving a mission now. How great would that be, he's told us about how he used to drink and party, now look at him he could be a servant of the Lord. I feel so blessed to have been a part of it. So now Elder Brown and I are looking forward to Eddy's on Jan 31 and we have 2 others who are deciding on a date, hopefully everything works out. Eddy's appointments continue to be incredible. He had a really powerful experience of his own reading the BOM on New year's eve. I don't know if I've told you about Beverly, She's this really kind hearted African American lady. She reminds me of the typical southern woman type. I love her spirit. I wish you could meet her and listen to her. She reads the BOM everyday and says it helps her to not think about her health problems or other things. Last night she said, " I didn't have any sons but I have 2 now." Don't worry mom I'm still yours too. She also came out and told us that she wasn't going to lie, that she'd been searching, and was on a journey and didn't know what she was looking for, but the lord did. She said that was a good day when we knocked on the door. I know it's because of the Lord all of these children that he has led us to, that he has prepared. He trusts me enough to give them their chance here on this earth. What a priviledge. These people have been waiting and looking for this, and now they have. This gospel changes and blesses lives, I witness miracles weekly, daily, I cannot say it enough. God hears and answers prayers. I love this work, to testify is my calling, and the Lord is there to uphold and bless me. He consecrates me to be his servant, and gives me conviction through the cold. Christ lives, and this is his Church. If everyone could only know, If you could feel it, and see it as I see it. This might well be ground zero of God's work, he is building it and rolling it forward quickly. I know this to be true in the sacred name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Love you All, Elder Adams
Elder Adams
Well that sounds nice, a new GPS. I do have the card from applebee's, and yes I did get the Christmas visa card from Grandma.
Sounds like spencer got some cool stuff too.
So how often does he use the quesadilla maker? For josh, that sounds like and everyday thing, he loves cheese, well he loves food in general.
Buddy, can I just say that I feel the spirit every time I read your testimony. That's what's wonderful about a testimony, is that it doesn't have to be eloquent or complex, it just has to be born by someone with a pure heart and with sincerity. Even in your words, because you have a good heart about it, the spirit conveys that message. I love you. Well it sounds like school is going really well. I did not hear about the Utah game, but that is way cool. I bet you rubbed it in pretty good at church. Just be careful, excitement is good, but pride is no bueno.
Love you tons bro.
Elder Adams
P.S. That corn dog is money when I get in and it's cold, warms me right up.
Get out the candles, the punch bowl, fine tableclothes, and invite one and all- ELDER ADAMS has finally landed his first 2 transfer comapanion. That's right I did not just have a handcramp and make a mistake typing. My companion, Elder Brown, and I are both staying here in the North Shore for another transfer. Yeah, I am way excited. 7 and a half months in the field and I finally have a companion for more than six weeks. I don't have to learn to teach with someone new, or get to know a new area. WHAT!!!! So yeah we are pretty excited about the whole ordeal. The only thing is that, you know how I mentioned he was having some rough days. We had a talk about how it was affecting our relationship and how we do the work, and it caused a lot of thought provoking for him. He says he's having a lot of anxiety, so he called President last week and they set him up with the LDS services therapist. His appointment was today, things went well. Since he and I talked he's been a lot better. We have a greater love and understanding for each other. This is why we are so excited to be together. It will be great to work with him longer. Something I probably haven't told you about this area, is there are a lot of sirens. Every night, lots of activity. There really loud, that's what you fall asleep to. Speaking of cops, last week were stopped by the police and 3 cars showed up, while we were out tracting. You would have thought it was a homicide. They wanted to see licenses, and tried to tell us we needed a permit. This is the 6th time this has happened and we told them this. People just get worried because we are in black going door to door. We told President Stoddard about this and he told us we don't need a permit because we are not selling anything, so it is not solliciting. He told us the next time it happened to get the officers names and badge numbers, and he'd take care of things (He's a big time lawyer from Vegas) Sure enough it happened again a few days later. 2 cops, so I asked for their information. One of them tried to avoid me and when I asked again my comp tried to ask if we needed both. I thought, yes, they both messed with us they both need to pay the price. The officer gave it to me finally. Then one of the cops tried to tell me that when Jesus taught he didn't go from place to place he let people come to him, so I replied," Well when I learn to walk on water, People will come to see me too, until then..." I probably shouldn't have said this, but when we called president to tell him it had happened again he laughed when I told him what I had said. He took care of things, and said they were going to be talked to by the chief of police. President Stoddard doesn't mess aroung, he's hard core. He said they shouldn't be bothering us anymore. So this makes seven times for me being talked to by police while out tracting. (Oh mom I need some of the face spot treatment medicine in the little tube.)Wow that sounds like a lot happened. It sounds like Zach is getting ready to do it. Tell Peedy that lying and deceiving is of the Devil, and that he will be smitten if he does not repent and forsake his sins.So Last Wednesday, New Years Eve....We went to the bulls game. We missed the first minute though, because we were late, and we were rushing. They got stomped on though. Dad was right about that rookie, he's incredible. There was probably about 20 or more missionaries there at the game, all on one row, and President Stoddard even came. After half time he came and sat next to me for a while and he started falling asleep!!!!! So I tried to get a picture, (Some great blackmail material), just as I snapped it though he woke up and I moved my hand really quick so the picture was blurred really bad. He and I had a good laugh, and he tried to make excuses. The game was good though, the bulls started to rally about the last 2 minutes (a little late). One of the bulls players did a no look alley-oop pass to a team mate who dunked it!!! After the Game my comp and I went out to this Thai Restaurant afterwards. It was really good, and we had a ton of leftovers.So next big event. Saturday we had Ricardo's Baptism. We ended up getting to the Church to fill the font late. Then we noticed that the nozzle on the spout was tiny. We knew it would take forever and we had and hour and a half. So my comp and I went into the kitchen and took out every larg pot and punch bowl we could and began filling them with water. Then we loaded them onto wheeled serving carts and took them to the other side of the building and dumped them into the font. I was the filler and loader in the kitchen and my companion took them to the font and dumped. We worked frantically, I felt like Mickey from the movie fantasia. There was water all over the floor, and we were rushing. It looked like we were going to make it. Then the water in the spout started to cool off.. so we filled up the biggest pots and put them on the stove to heat. This was an intense experience. We finally made it though, the font was filled just as people began to arrive. Ricardo didn't bring a change of church clothes though and showed up in a jacket and jeans. He had to go home so we had to wait for him. It was just a small baptism because not many of the singles ward was back from the holidays but it was great. So Ricardo had asked me to do the baptism. As I walked down into the water, wow, it was a little chilly. I felt bad for Ricardo because he had to go under. After I said the prayer and layed him back, the witnesses said that his left hand didn't go all the way under, so we had to do it again. When we got out of the font I gave him a hug, he said he was happy. He had forgotten his towel though so we had to share, (That water made us both cold). He pointed out the tattoos on his arm as mistakes, but I told him he was clean and perfect now. We both undressed, and he stopped half undressed in wet clothes and knelt down on the tile floor to pray. This is the gospel changing people's lives, he knows and understands it. He got choked up as he gave his testimony afterwards. His mom and brother were there to see all of this, it was great. He's even been talking about serving a mission now. How great would that be, he's told us about how he used to drink and party, now look at him he could be a servant of the Lord. I feel so blessed to have been a part of it. So now Elder Brown and I are looking forward to Eddy's on Jan 31 and we have 2 others who are deciding on a date, hopefully everything works out. Eddy's appointments continue to be incredible. He had a really powerful experience of his own reading the BOM on New year's eve. I don't know if I've told you about Beverly, She's this really kind hearted African American lady. She reminds me of the typical southern woman type. I love her spirit. I wish you could meet her and listen to her. She reads the BOM everyday and says it helps her to not think about her health problems or other things. Last night she said, " I didn't have any sons but I have 2 now." Don't worry mom I'm still yours too. She also came out and told us that she wasn't going to lie, that she'd been searching, and was on a journey and didn't know what she was looking for, but the lord did. She said that was a good day when we knocked on the door. I know it's because of the Lord all of these children that he has led us to, that he has prepared. He trusts me enough to give them their chance here on this earth. What a priviledge. These people have been waiting and looking for this, and now they have. This gospel changes and blesses lives, I witness miracles weekly, daily, I cannot say it enough. God hears and answers prayers. I love this work, to testify is my calling, and the Lord is there to uphold and bless me. He consecrates me to be his servant, and gives me conviction through the cold. Christ lives, and this is his Church. If everyone could only know, If you could feel it, and see it as I see it. This might well be ground zero of God's work, he is building it and rolling it forward quickly. I know this to be true in the sacred name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Love you All, Elder Adams
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