September 27, 2010
Well the rainy season has officially begun, its rained every day for the last couple weeks now, and its beginning to rain pretty hard. It's not too bad though, most of the time it's still pretty warm outside, and sometimes it's just misting. But, I doubt that I will actually be privelaged to see the sun for a while. I got your letter today, Mom, sounds like things are going pretty good. I will probably continue my friendships with companions afterwards, especially since Elder Isham is planning on transfering to BYU. I realized the other day that after you've been around someone for 4 1/2 months 24/7, you can pretty much figure out what they are thinking and what they might say next. We sometimes have long discussions about doctrine or theory or culture and we are pretty darn close to having the same perspective on life. I've been blessed to have some really good companions for the last 8 months. Well anyways, I hope you guys get better from all the sicknesses, one of the baptisms last weekend had to be postponed to next week because of sickness so I've had my share of frustration with sickess.
Anyways, regardless of the postponed baptism, we saw a lot of miracles last week. We spent the entire week doing everything we could to try and get everyone to church for ward conference. We focused on less-actives, recent converts, and especially investigators and left fliers, reminders, messages on phones, text messages via the Hixon phone, and a lot of solid commitments. Of course there was a little dissapointment as always but just as the Bishop says, "will we be disappointed? yes, but discouraged? never!" All in all, the overflow was opened, chairs were set up, and there were more people there than there has been in a very long time, even with all the twilighters that came in the summer. The Bishop gave a powerful talk that I wont forget and then the Stake President gave a good, but not as good, talk and everyone there was very inspired. Before church, we gave a church tour to 4 new investigators and we had about 11 investigators at Sacrament. After church we went over to a less-active family that I've been working with since I got here, and she told us how she finally has realized she needs to start coming back to church and how she talked to her non-member husband who finally agreed to come to church next week. Her 13 yr-old daughter still needs to be baptized and she said she is thinking about it yesterday. Talking to her about that has brought to me a great amount of joy because I'm seeying all the effort put into visiting that family begin to pay-off. In fact, there were a lot of returning less-actives there yesterday. It's not like we get any money or anything out of having a lot of people at church, but there is a certain satisfaction as a missionary in seeying people recieve peace and happiness because of an active testimony of the gospel, whether through baptism or reactivation. What I think some people don't understand, is that it's not for us missionaries, it's for them. The gospel has nothing to do with anyone except you and God. Whether you want to have an active testimony has nothing to do with what your friends might think of you, what your family might say, what the missionaries or the Bishop thinks, but has only to do with what you think of your Heavenly Father and what He wants you to do - and you can be sure the only reason He wants you to be in church is because He loves you, and your family. Although the Bishop and the missionaries should have the same motive, and hopefully your family and friends as well. Love is the grand motive of every great and noble action ever performed, most importantly the infinite and atoning sacrifice of the Savior. I've learned as a missionary that the only way to fulfill your calling is to love the people whom you teach, and the only way for them to understand the gospel is by first understanding the love Heavenly Father has for them.
So one of the members in Forks, Samuel, is preparing to go on his mission, and he truly loved his friend Steven so when Steven moved back to Forks a couple weeks ago he did everything he could to get Steven to come to church with him and learn from the missionaries. Steven has had a rough past but he saw the transformation that Samuel undertook when Samuel became active in the church and he decided he needed to follow that example. And yesterday, we hiked down to second beach, and Samuel baptized his friend in the ocean. Me and Elder Butler rolled up our pant legs to go out with them and witness, but we got wet up to our waists anyways. After the baptism, Steven sat on a log on the beach while we laid our hands on him and Brother Schostak confirmed him a member of the church and gave him the gift of the holy ghost. It was quite an inspiring experience, and 4 of our investigators made it to the baptism, one of them commited to be baptized next Sunday and another the week after that. So yeah, lots of miracles last weekend that "nothing save the power of God" in this work could explain. The church is true, love you guys!
Elder Burgess
Thursday, September 30, 2010
"Jesus is True"
September 20, 2010
Hey family! I got your letter, very nice letter. I especially like all the fancy fonts and graphics used by the 3 kids (or should I start saying pre-teens?).
Marybeth thank you for saying you respect me for being on a mission. I respect you for being such a great student in Mrs Cumbo's class, keep it up and maybe someday you'll find a cure for cancer. It's ok to have strict teachers because they help you learn how to work hard, and you'll need that when you get a little older.
Michael, its going great in Washington. It sounds like you're having fun in scouts and playing sports, thats great. I'm glad you're excited to go on a mission. So, did you mean to say "goodbye solider"? or "goodbye soldier"? Because soldier kinda makes sense if i'm a soldier in the army of God or something... but yeah. Keep working hard in school, it's very important at your age.
So Josh working on projects for school, thats sweet. I dont know much about Egyptian government, though. Except that there was a Pharoah who was like a king, and that Joseph was sold into Egypt and became Pharoah's right hand man until a new Pharoah was in charge, he put the children of Israel into bondage for a long time until the Lord called the prophet Moses to tell the Pharoah to let God's people go. When Pharoah said no, the Lord kicked the Egyptians in the behind until they let God's people go. So no matter how great and powerful someone thinks they are, they are no match for the Lord and His work will move forward. Anyways, I'm excited for your birthday too, you should listen to President Beck's talk from last conference called, "The Magnificent Aaronic Priesthood," it will help you be prepared to take that great step, President Beck's cousin lives in Forks by the way. Anyways keep on doing good in school, you dont have to play football to be cool, but if you do play football you might get injured and then its not really worth it.
Thanks for the great letter mom, and for the update on how everything is going. My companion for almost 4 months now is Elder Isham ("eye-shum") from Cedar City, UT. Isham is a great companion, he's got a good personality, he's a good teacher, and he's a pro at throwing the frisbee. Elder Butler from Fairview, UT is the greeny, he's doing really well, probably one of the best greeny's in his group. I've been in Forks for almost 7 months now, longer than any other missionary has been here, and the pattern of success that started about a year ago has continued, probably because the recent convert's are helping out so much with missionary work. That's too bad that you will miss the marathon, but maybe you would've got hit by a car if you had decided to run it, if that makes you feel any better... So I knew Allison would de great at BYUI, you should let me know what her email address is.. or something. So I'm on a blog, that's weird. But it doesnt bother me so go ahead. I'm just gonna have to start thinking about what I write in my emails. So I had to use the credit card s few times for this past week, but they said that my new MSF card is in the mail and it should get here on Wednesday.
Well, we got a great week ahead of us here in Forks, should be preparing at least 2 people for baptism this Sunday. It's Ward Conference and the Bishop wants everyone there, and the whole ward mobolized with fliers and special invites to make sure all the recent converts will be there. It's amazing to me how much faith that Bishop Winters has, and how much he understands how faith is an principle of action. The gospel is true and I know that, but unless you put that testimony into action and serve the Lord you will lose it. 2 weeks ago seven year old went up to bear his simple testimony and said, "I've figured it out, the church is true because Jesus made it, and Jesus is true." How perfect is this testimony? It's so simple, and yet so many people are confused. Eleanor, a recent convert now for a couple months gave a talk on Sunday after her sister was confirmed and she bore another similar testimony. The Book of Mormon fell into her lap and as she read the Spirit bore it's witness and from then on she knew that the church is true. Was the change she had to make after that easy? Not really, but it was simple - keep the commandments and you will recieve blessings, "in this there is safety and peace." Well I will write you guys next week, love you!
Hey family! I got your letter, very nice letter. I especially like all the fancy fonts and graphics used by the 3 kids (or should I start saying pre-teens?).
Marybeth thank you for saying you respect me for being on a mission. I respect you for being such a great student in Mrs Cumbo's class, keep it up and maybe someday you'll find a cure for cancer. It's ok to have strict teachers because they help you learn how to work hard, and you'll need that when you get a little older.
Michael, its going great in Washington. It sounds like you're having fun in scouts and playing sports, thats great. I'm glad you're excited to go on a mission. So, did you mean to say "goodbye solider"? or "goodbye soldier"? Because soldier kinda makes sense if i'm a soldier in the army of God or something... but yeah. Keep working hard in school, it's very important at your age.
So Josh working on projects for school, thats sweet. I dont know much about Egyptian government, though. Except that there was a Pharoah who was like a king, and that Joseph was sold into Egypt and became Pharoah's right hand man until a new Pharoah was in charge, he put the children of Israel into bondage for a long time until the Lord called the prophet Moses to tell the Pharoah to let God's people go. When Pharoah said no, the Lord kicked the Egyptians in the behind until they let God's people go. So no matter how great and powerful someone thinks they are, they are no match for the Lord and His work will move forward. Anyways, I'm excited for your birthday too, you should listen to President Beck's talk from last conference called, "The Magnificent Aaronic Priesthood," it will help you be prepared to take that great step, President Beck's cousin lives in Forks by the way. Anyways keep on doing good in school, you dont have to play football to be cool, but if you do play football you might get injured and then its not really worth it.
Thanks for the great letter mom, and for the update on how everything is going. My companion for almost 4 months now is Elder Isham ("eye-shum") from Cedar City, UT. Isham is a great companion, he's got a good personality, he's a good teacher, and he's a pro at throwing the frisbee. Elder Butler from Fairview, UT is the greeny, he's doing really well, probably one of the best greeny's in his group. I've been in Forks for almost 7 months now, longer than any other missionary has been here, and the pattern of success that started about a year ago has continued, probably because the recent convert's are helping out so much with missionary work. That's too bad that you will miss the marathon, but maybe you would've got hit by a car if you had decided to run it, if that makes you feel any better... So I knew Allison would de great at BYUI, you should let me know what her email address is.. or something. So I'm on a blog, that's weird. But it doesnt bother me so go ahead. I'm just gonna have to start thinking about what I write in my emails. So I had to use the credit card s few times for this past week, but they said that my new MSF card is in the mail and it should get here on Wednesday.
Well, we got a great week ahead of us here in Forks, should be preparing at least 2 people for baptism this Sunday. It's Ward Conference and the Bishop wants everyone there, and the whole ward mobolized with fliers and special invites to make sure all the recent converts will be there. It's amazing to me how much faith that Bishop Winters has, and how much he understands how faith is an principle of action. The gospel is true and I know that, but unless you put that testimony into action and serve the Lord you will lose it. 2 weeks ago seven year old went up to bear his simple testimony and said, "I've figured it out, the church is true because Jesus made it, and Jesus is true." How perfect is this testimony? It's so simple, and yet so many people are confused. Eleanor, a recent convert now for a couple months gave a talk on Sunday after her sister was confirmed and she bore another similar testimony. The Book of Mormon fell into her lap and as she read the Spirit bore it's witness and from then on she knew that the church is true. Was the change she had to make after that easy? Not really, but it was simple - keep the commandments and you will recieve blessings, "in this there is safety and peace." Well I will write you guys next week, love you!
Monday, September 13, 2010
"Burgess" Family Reunion
Hey family, another great week to report on in Forks. We got our greeny in the water yesterday, when he baptized Regina. Regina is Eleanor's sister, and Eleanor has been very helpful in teaching her and resolving her concerns. In fact, earlier this week Regina was having some doubts when an anti-mormon friend tried to convince her not to get baptized, and Regina said a prayer to ask for help on what she should do. At about the same time, Eleanor recieved a prompting to go to La Push and see her sister so she and another recent convert headed off to La Push. Because the Lord loves all of us and is willing and able to answer prayers Regina was given the help she needed and was able to do the right thing. Of course we all have our agency, the Lord will never take that away, but the Lord does know exactly what we need to do to fulfill our divine potential and we are given ample opportunity to take steps in the right direction. Many times we make the wrong step and faulter, but I'm sure that the principles of trial and error are neccessary for real progression to take place, and no matter what happens the Lord will never turn His back on us. I have seen many investigators begin to turn away from the Lord and yet the Lord still has a plan for them. Eleanor is a good example of this, she did not show any good signs of progression when she was first taught and so she was dropped by the Elders before me, but of course the Lord knew when the time was right and months later and she found her way back into our teaching pool. A few powerful spiritual experiences became a turning point in her life and this Sunday she will be giving a talk on the story of her conversion and the work that she has been able to accomplish in sharing the gospel with her family and friends, I will send you guys a copy.
Well anyways I have some good news and some bad news. For the good news we had a lot of fun in Sequim today playing capture the flag and having a multi-person birthday party at the sisters apartment. The bad news is I got call from the office elders letting me know that they accidentally canceled my MSF card because an Elder Berger lost his card and they mixed up our names. So.. I might have to use the credit card a few times over the next 7-10 days until they can send me a new one.
So there is also a Sister Burgess missionary that is in Sequim and I found out that we are related. We were at the library doing service on Saturday and sister Burgess's Aunt, from St. George, was at the library and she invited us to go to La Push to the family reunion they were having down there in the cabins. We were planning on going to La Push anyways and so we went to the reunion and painted these little piggy banks them. And we pretty much blew them away with the banks that we painted, so they got some pictures and they said they would email them to you. So now you should understand that if some random people email some pics to you. I think we are both related to William Burgess Sr., the first Deacons Quorum President or something like that.
Well, I hope everything is going good for you guys.. In fact, let me know how everything is going..Well, talk to ya later!
Elder BurgessHey family, another great week to report on in Forks. We got our greeny in the water yesterday, when he baptized Regina. Regina is Eleanor's sister, and Eleanor has been very helpful in teaching her and resolving her concerns. In fact, earlier this week Regina was having some doubts when an anti-mormon friend tried to convince her not to get baptized, and Regina said a prayer to ask for help on what she should do. At about the same time, Eleanor recieved a prompting to go to La Push and see her sister so she and another recent convert headed off to La Push. Because the Lord loves all of us and is willing and able to answer prayers Regina was given the help she needed and was able to do the right thing. Of course we all have our agency, the Lord will never take that away, but the Lord does know exactly what we need to do to fulfill our divine potential and we are given ample opportunity to take steps in the right direction. Many times we make the wrong step and faulter, but I'm sure that the principles of trial and error are neccessary for real progression to take place, and no matter what happens the Lord will never turn His back on us. I have seen many investigators begin to turn away from the Lord and yet the Lord still has a plan for them. Eleanor is a good example of this, she did not show any good signs of progression when she was first taught and so she was dropped by the Elders before me, but of course the Lord knew when the time was right and months later and she found her way back into our teaching pool. A few powerful spiritual experiences became a turning point in her life and this Sunday she will be giving a talk on the story of her conversion and the work that she has been able to accomplish in sharing the gospel with her family and friends, I will send you guys a copy.
Well anyways I have some good news and some bad news. For the good news we had a lot of fun in Sequim today playing capture the flag and having a multi-person birthday party at the sisters apartment. The bad news is I got call from the office elders letting me know that they accidentally canceled my MSF card because an Elder Berger lost his card and they mixed up our names. So.. I might have to use the credit card a few times over the next 7-10 days until they can send me a new one.
So there is also a Sister Burgess missionary that is in Sequim and I found out that we are related. We were at the library doing service on Saturday and sister Burgess's Aunt, from St. George, was at the library and she invited us to go to La Push to the family reunion they were having down there in the cabins. We were planning on going to La Push anyways and so we went to the reunion and painted these little piggy banks them. And we pretty much blew them away with the banks that we painted, so they got some pictures and they said they would email them to you. So now you should understand that if some random people email some pics to you. I think we are both related to William Burgess Sr., the first Deacons Quorum President or something like that.
Well, I hope everything is going good for you guys.. In fact, let me know how everything is going..Well, talk to ya later!
Elder Burgess
Well anyways I have some good news and some bad news. For the good news we had a lot of fun in Sequim today playing capture the flag and having a multi-person birthday party at the sisters apartment. The bad news is I got call from the office elders letting me know that they accidentally canceled my MSF card because an Elder Berger lost his card and they mixed up our names. So.. I might have to use the credit card a few times over the next 7-10 days until they can send me a new one.
So there is also a Sister Burgess missionary that is in Sequim and I found out that we are related. We were at the library doing service on Saturday and sister Burgess's Aunt, from St. George, was at the library and she invited us to go to La Push to the family reunion they were having down there in the cabins. We were planning on going to La Push anyways and so we went to the reunion and painted these little piggy banks them. And we pretty much blew them away with the banks that we painted, so they got some pictures and they said they would email them to you. So now you should understand that if some random people email some pics to you. I think we are both related to William Burgess Sr., the first Deacons Quorum President or something like that.
Well, I hope everything is going good for you guys.. In fact, let me know how everything is going..Well, talk to ya later!
Elder BurgessHey family, another great week to report on in Forks. We got our greeny in the water yesterday, when he baptized Regina. Regina is Eleanor's sister, and Eleanor has been very helpful in teaching her and resolving her concerns. In fact, earlier this week Regina was having some doubts when an anti-mormon friend tried to convince her not to get baptized, and Regina said a prayer to ask for help on what she should do. At about the same time, Eleanor recieved a prompting to go to La Push and see her sister so she and another recent convert headed off to La Push. Because the Lord loves all of us and is willing and able to answer prayers Regina was given the help she needed and was able to do the right thing. Of course we all have our agency, the Lord will never take that away, but the Lord does know exactly what we need to do to fulfill our divine potential and we are given ample opportunity to take steps in the right direction. Many times we make the wrong step and faulter, but I'm sure that the principles of trial and error are neccessary for real progression to take place, and no matter what happens the Lord will never turn His back on us. I have seen many investigators begin to turn away from the Lord and yet the Lord still has a plan for them. Eleanor is a good example of this, she did not show any good signs of progression when she was first taught and so she was dropped by the Elders before me, but of course the Lord knew when the time was right and months later and she found her way back into our teaching pool. A few powerful spiritual experiences became a turning point in her life and this Sunday she will be giving a talk on the story of her conversion and the work that she has been able to accomplish in sharing the gospel with her family and friends, I will send you guys a copy.
Well anyways I have some good news and some bad news. For the good news we had a lot of fun in Sequim today playing capture the flag and having a multi-person birthday party at the sisters apartment. The bad news is I got call from the office elders letting me know that they accidentally canceled my MSF card because an Elder Berger lost his card and they mixed up our names. So.. I might have to use the credit card a few times over the next 7-10 days until they can send me a new one.
So there is also a Sister Burgess missionary that is in Sequim and I found out that we are related. We were at the library doing service on Saturday and sister Burgess's Aunt, from St. George, was at the library and she invited us to go to La Push to the family reunion they were having down there in the cabins. We were planning on going to La Push anyways and so we went to the reunion and painted these little piggy banks them. And we pretty much blew them away with the banks that we painted, so they got some pictures and they said they would email them to you. So now you should understand that if some random people email some pics to you. I think we are both related to William Burgess Sr., the first Deacons Quorum President or something like that.
Well, I hope everything is going good for you guys.. In fact, let me know how everything is going..Well, talk to ya later!
Elder Burgess
New Blog
We are starting a blog to post David's letters so more of you can read how he is doing. He would love to hear from each of you so please take time to write him a letter
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