Dear Sons of Mosiah,
Rough week out in the mission field. You know those weeks where everything goes wrong? You know them, right? Bicycle breaks, all of your appointments cancel, your favorite person disappears because they might be in prison, your favorite recent convert starts smoking again...those kind of weeks? Yeah, rough week this week. Even John Harvey cancelled this week! I've spent a lot of time preparing for that guy! I'm supposed to go back, I know that much, but I was hoping it would be last Saturday. Oh well.
Well my brethren, not much to say this week. About the only good news, however, is probably the greatest news I've had in quite a while. SISTER SAURE IS GETTING BAPTIZED!!! Whoot!
Yeah, the Saure's are a part-member family that have had a lot of difficulties. Brother and Sister Saure have struggled in their marriage, and their whole family has had a rough time. Still, they want to work it out. Unfortunately, their divorce papers already went through, so now they have to be remarried. They are planning on it though, and she's also planning on getting baptized. They have decided the only way to keep their family functional is to center it around Jesus Christ. She has taken lesson from the missionaries before, but said she didn't feel ready to be baptized before. She does now. We've been visiting their family lately, and even had Family Home Evening with them last night. It went well.
So, now I finally get to see what I came out here to see: the completion of families. Hopefully they will be able to go through the temple in a little over a year, and get sealed for time and eternity. I feel humbled that the Lord is allowing me to see what I wanted to see.
Anyway, I'm going to keep it short today. The news is great, isn't it? I love you all my dear brethren! Keep God in your hearts always!
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
An Experience to Always Remember
My dearest Sons of Mosiah,
I wish to share an experience with you today. It really strenghtened my testimony that the Lord keeps HIs promises, and strengthens our weaknesses should we come unto Him. Also that He chose young unlearned servants, and He promised that He would give them the ability to confound the wise. This is true, I'm an unlearned servant, and I confounded a whole group of learned people...only it wasn't me of course. It was the Spirit. Even my companion testifies that I'm not smart enough or literate enough to say the things I said.
The Harvey Family is a family that is devoted to Christ--which would be good if they were actually devoted to His Gospel, but instead they are devoted to some Born Again Church, the Glad Tidings Assembly of God. John Harvey was the man who antied us last week, and I was furious about it. I went home and prayed earnestly for him, as my anger turned into sorrow. I wanted to know how I could help him, and the Lord let me know what to do.
One of the greatest parts about having people under your stewardship, is the ability you have to receive revelation for and about those people. Twice now, in this area that I've been in for less than six weeks, I've been able to receive revelation that is so vivid that, as Elder Richard G. Scott suggested, I wrote it down. It came to me in words. I didn't hear the words, but it wasn't the same feeling I get when I'm thinking about what to write. It was a state of listening, and discerning, where the Sprit was present strongly. The Lord spoke to me concerning the things that I should do, and I knew I should go back.
It's not always a good idea to go back when somebody seems unwilling to change their ways, but I was nevertheless instructed to go back, and to teach him again. I taught him, his family, and another man named Jim. They are learned in the Bible, and even have this thing called an Evidence Bible, which teaches them how to minister to other faiths, and take them away from their beliefs. However, the Lord instructed me, and I was able to follow.
(I have to switch computers. Wait for part two. If I can't do part two yet, I'll do it next week)
Grrr...I wrote all of part two, and it all got erased!
Long story short, I councelled my District Leader, and he suggested taking the Finding Faith in Christ DVD over to John Harvey's home. I took this idea to the Lord, and he confirmed that it was good, and then added to it. He instructed me to compile resources that make up the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and give them to John. He also told me not to worry. He promised he would fill my mouth with the words to say, and would guide me in the things I should teach.
I then went to John Harvey's home, and he gladly had us in. After all, he did want to minister to us. He has resources that teach him how to shake us of our faith. But the Lord would not allow that this time. He took contol of the situation, and used me as the instrument in His hands. My companion was sick that night, and therefore unable to teach with me, but he was there, and we both testify that the things I said were not of myself.
So we showed the movie, and he cried as the Spirit testified of his Savior, Jesus Christ. I cried as well. The movie is quite moving. After the movie, I testified, and the Lord filled my mouth. I taught him of the temple, and its importance. I taught him aspects of the Plan of Salvation, and the Lord was with me.
Being unable to refude these things as he had previously done, John turned to attack Joseph Smith and his teachings. He was with his family, and another learned man named Jim. All together, they seeked to attack the doctine of the plurality of gods, and that mankind has the potential to become like our heavenly parents.
The Lord swiftly confounded them. I, a young unlearned man, spoke words beyond my own ability. I am not so literate, nor am I that intelligent. The Holy Ghost enlightened my mind, and elevated my understanding. In part, I feel I must thank my Dad here for telling me about the talks in his sacrament meeting. It must have been inspired, because the Holy Ghost used that knowledge in my mind to open my understanding. This led to a spirtual experence I will never forget. These learned people did not know what to say. The Lord spoke through me, and I cannot even recreate that for you. All I know is that it happened. I spoke on it too perfectly.
My bretheren, make no mistake, and know that the Lord hears each of us. He will help us in our challenges, and lift our burdens. He will enlighten our minds when we are in need, and loose our tongues.
The Gospel is life, my bretheren. Only a fool will try to separate the two. We are living the plan of our Heavenly Father. All that we do is in preparation to become like Him. The power is here to bind things on earth and in heaven. Man and woman are to be one flesh in the sight of the Lord. Families are a type of things which are to come, where we are to have children forever. Eternal increase. We will create life, and many other things, forever. That is why that desire is instilled in us. We also seek for knowledge in this life. That is the nature of our spirits. We hunger for knowledge, and as we learn, we become more and more like our heavenly parents. All that we do in this life is learn, make choices, and receive the ordinances we need to return to and become like our Heavenly Father. That is what this life is, and it is beautiful. Everything is the Gospel, and all things good are of God.
I love you all.
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
I wish to share an experience with you today. It really strenghtened my testimony that the Lord keeps HIs promises, and strengthens our weaknesses should we come unto Him. Also that He chose young unlearned servants, and He promised that He would give them the ability to confound the wise. This is true, I'm an unlearned servant, and I confounded a whole group of learned people...only it wasn't me of course. It was the Spirit. Even my companion testifies that I'm not smart enough or literate enough to say the things I said.
The Harvey Family is a family that is devoted to Christ--which would be good if they were actually devoted to His Gospel, but instead they are devoted to some Born Again Church, the Glad Tidings Assembly of God. John Harvey was the man who antied us last week, and I was furious about it. I went home and prayed earnestly for him, as my anger turned into sorrow. I wanted to know how I could help him, and the Lord let me know what to do.
One of the greatest parts about having people under your stewardship, is the ability you have to receive revelation for and about those people. Twice now, in this area that I've been in for less than six weeks, I've been able to receive revelation that is so vivid that, as Elder Richard G. Scott suggested, I wrote it down. It came to me in words. I didn't hear the words, but it wasn't the same feeling I get when I'm thinking about what to write. It was a state of listening, and discerning, where the Sprit was present strongly. The Lord spoke to me concerning the things that I should do, and I knew I should go back.
It's not always a good idea to go back when somebody seems unwilling to change their ways, but I was nevertheless instructed to go back, and to teach him again. I taught him, his family, and another man named Jim. They are learned in the Bible, and even have this thing called an Evidence Bible, which teaches them how to minister to other faiths, and take them away from their beliefs. However, the Lord instructed me, and I was able to follow.
(I have to switch computers. Wait for part two. If I can't do part two yet, I'll do it next week)
Grrr...I wrote all of part two, and it all got erased!
Long story short, I councelled my District Leader, and he suggested taking the Finding Faith in Christ DVD over to John Harvey's home. I took this idea to the Lord, and he confirmed that it was good, and then added to it. He instructed me to compile resources that make up the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and give them to John. He also told me not to worry. He promised he would fill my mouth with the words to say, and would guide me in the things I should teach.
I then went to John Harvey's home, and he gladly had us in. After all, he did want to minister to us. He has resources that teach him how to shake us of our faith. But the Lord would not allow that this time. He took contol of the situation, and used me as the instrument in His hands. My companion was sick that night, and therefore unable to teach with me, but he was there, and we both testify that the things I said were not of myself.
So we showed the movie, and he cried as the Spirit testified of his Savior, Jesus Christ. I cried as well. The movie is quite moving. After the movie, I testified, and the Lord filled my mouth. I taught him of the temple, and its importance. I taught him aspects of the Plan of Salvation, and the Lord was with me.
Being unable to refude these things as he had previously done, John turned to attack Joseph Smith and his teachings. He was with his family, and another learned man named Jim. All together, they seeked to attack the doctine of the plurality of gods, and that mankind has the potential to become like our heavenly parents.
The Lord swiftly confounded them. I, a young unlearned man, spoke words beyond my own ability. I am not so literate, nor am I that intelligent. The Holy Ghost enlightened my mind, and elevated my understanding. In part, I feel I must thank my Dad here for telling me about the talks in his sacrament meeting. It must have been inspired, because the Holy Ghost used that knowledge in my mind to open my understanding. This led to a spirtual experence I will never forget. These learned people did not know what to say. The Lord spoke through me, and I cannot even recreate that for you. All I know is that it happened. I spoke on it too perfectly.
My bretheren, make no mistake, and know that the Lord hears each of us. He will help us in our challenges, and lift our burdens. He will enlighten our minds when we are in need, and loose our tongues.
The Gospel is life, my bretheren. Only a fool will try to separate the two. We are living the plan of our Heavenly Father. All that we do is in preparation to become like Him. The power is here to bind things on earth and in heaven. Man and woman are to be one flesh in the sight of the Lord. Families are a type of things which are to come, where we are to have children forever. Eternal increase. We will create life, and many other things, forever. That is why that desire is instilled in us. We also seek for knowledge in this life. That is the nature of our spirits. We hunger for knowledge, and as we learn, we become more and more like our heavenly parents. All that we do in this life is learn, make choices, and receive the ordinances we need to return to and become like our Heavenly Father. That is what this life is, and it is beautiful. Everything is the Gospel, and all things good are of God.
I love you all.
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
Monday, March 15, 2010
A Tough Week, But a Testimony Builder
Dear Sons of Mosiah,
It has been a rough week, but it has definitely helped me reach a significant milestone in my life, I think. It was a hard week on success with a lot of let-downs, but that just goes to show that the Adversary is increasing his efforts to lead the Children of God down to misery and pain. Of course, as always, the Lord will come out triumphant. Sometimes things just don't happen in the timing that we hope, or in the way that we hope. But the Lord knows all things, and we best keep in mind that He is perfect, and just, and merciful. Heavenly Father made a plan for His children, and I don't think the Lord intends to save only few of his children. Apparently, neither did Joseph Smith's father, because he said the same thing--at least in the restoration video. I firmly agree.
My bretheren, there is a sorrow and also a joy out on a mission that seems to be almost uncomparable to any other sorrow or joy. The first little bit each of you is on a mission, you will probably miss home a lot. But the sorrow changes, and you never really lose sorrow, but rather, your sorrow becomes focused on your work. The sins of the world around you affect you tremendously. It's no wonder that Alma lemented over the sins of his people--but he also rejoiced in the Lord, and that joy is a joy that is not comparable to any other. It is the most exquisite joy, the joy that comes with this work. Sometimes I find myself worn down by the world around me, and my sadness seems almost unbearable as I watch my brothers and sisters fall away, being led slowly and steadily into the captivity of the devil. The law of chastity, and word of wisdom are huge problems out here. I watch as people reject the gospel, because they are held down in those chains. If any of you are bound in these chains, break them immediately, and follow the Savior. He truly is the Light and the Way. With HIs light comes a joy that is sweet above all other things.
Love the Lord, my bretheren, and His goodness. Pray to your father in mighty supplication for the welfare of your souls, as Enos did. Have faith in Christ, and trust in him. I realize that I must strive for these things, because my imperfections are many. The prophet Nephi also felt of His goodness, and also an exquisite sorrow because of the desires of the flesh. The scripture is 2 Nephi 4. I feel as he did quite a lot. It's a scripture that hit me with power. If a Prophet of the Lord feels a need to lament because of his sins and temptations that so easily beset him, have we also a need to cry out to the Lord as he did, and humble ourselves as the dust of the earth? I think so. It's my thought for the week. How can we better humble ourselves before the Lord? There was a talk I heard this week that I am stealing this next bit from. It's a question. Look at your hands. Whose hands are those? Certainly they are our hands. A mother might answer that they are her kids hands, and a husband might say they are his wife's hands. What do you say? Are they the Lord's hands?
Our God is a being who serves. The Son of Man descended below us all. It is so interesting how he came into the world not to be ministered unto, but to minister. Now go minister.
I am running short on time, but my experience for the week is so interesting. Plainly, a man antied us. He gave us antimormon literature. It disgusted me. If felt angry, and loathsome at that man. He looked at me and my district leader who was on exchanges with me, and asked, "Gentlemen, have you ever considered that you might well be on your way to outer darkness?"
Inside I was furious, and angry at his ignorance and accusation. The antimormon literature he gave us was so ridiculous and faulty, and all it did was anger me. I prayed to the Lord greatly for this man, as sorrows began to replace the anger in my heart. I asked what I should do concerning him, and the Lord answered me so vividly. Bretheren, the Lord wants to speak with us. He will help us fulfill the responsibilities of our stewardship. Turn to him always.
I have to go. I love all of you, and pray for you always.
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
It has been a rough week, but it has definitely helped me reach a significant milestone in my life, I think. It was a hard week on success with a lot of let-downs, but that just goes to show that the Adversary is increasing his efforts to lead the Children of God down to misery and pain. Of course, as always, the Lord will come out triumphant. Sometimes things just don't happen in the timing that we hope, or in the way that we hope. But the Lord knows all things, and we best keep in mind that He is perfect, and just, and merciful. Heavenly Father made a plan for His children, and I don't think the Lord intends to save only few of his children. Apparently, neither did Joseph Smith's father, because he said the same thing--at least in the restoration video. I firmly agree.
My bretheren, there is a sorrow and also a joy out on a mission that seems to be almost uncomparable to any other sorrow or joy. The first little bit each of you is on a mission, you will probably miss home a lot. But the sorrow changes, and you never really lose sorrow, but rather, your sorrow becomes focused on your work. The sins of the world around you affect you tremendously. It's no wonder that Alma lemented over the sins of his people--but he also rejoiced in the Lord, and that joy is a joy that is not comparable to any other. It is the most exquisite joy, the joy that comes with this work. Sometimes I find myself worn down by the world around me, and my sadness seems almost unbearable as I watch my brothers and sisters fall away, being led slowly and steadily into the captivity of the devil. The law of chastity, and word of wisdom are huge problems out here. I watch as people reject the gospel, because they are held down in those chains. If any of you are bound in these chains, break them immediately, and follow the Savior. He truly is the Light and the Way. With HIs light comes a joy that is sweet above all other things.
Love the Lord, my bretheren, and His goodness. Pray to your father in mighty supplication for the welfare of your souls, as Enos did. Have faith in Christ, and trust in him. I realize that I must strive for these things, because my imperfections are many. The prophet Nephi also felt of His goodness, and also an exquisite sorrow because of the desires of the flesh. The scripture is 2 Nephi 4. I feel as he did quite a lot. It's a scripture that hit me with power. If a Prophet of the Lord feels a need to lament because of his sins and temptations that so easily beset him, have we also a need to cry out to the Lord as he did, and humble ourselves as the dust of the earth? I think so. It's my thought for the week. How can we better humble ourselves before the Lord? There was a talk I heard this week that I am stealing this next bit from. It's a question. Look at your hands. Whose hands are those? Certainly they are our hands. A mother might answer that they are her kids hands, and a husband might say they are his wife's hands. What do you say? Are they the Lord's hands?
Our God is a being who serves. The Son of Man descended below us all. It is so interesting how he came into the world not to be ministered unto, but to minister. Now go minister.
I am running short on time, but my experience for the week is so interesting. Plainly, a man antied us. He gave us antimormon literature. It disgusted me. If felt angry, and loathsome at that man. He looked at me and my district leader who was on exchanges with me, and asked, "Gentlemen, have you ever considered that you might well be on your way to outer darkness?"
Inside I was furious, and angry at his ignorance and accusation. The antimormon literature he gave us was so ridiculous and faulty, and all it did was anger me. I prayed to the Lord greatly for this man, as sorrows began to replace the anger in my heart. I asked what I should do concerning him, and the Lord answered me so vividly. Bretheren, the Lord wants to speak with us. He will help us fulfill the responsibilities of our stewardship. Turn to him always.
I have to go. I love all of you, and pray for you always.
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
Monday, March 8, 2010
A Great Week!!
Dear Sons of Mosiah,
Best week in my mission history, I would dare say. I went on exchanges for two days (meaning other missionaries came in to work with me in my area, and my companion went to a meeting one day, and the next day he went to a Zone Leader's area). The first day, two other Junior Companions came and worked my area with me. It was a growing experience for me running my area for the first time, being in charge, and calling the shots. That day we got two new investigators, setting one of them for baptism. The next day, one of the Zone Leaders came into my area (his name also Elder Petersen!), and he and I got two more new investigators. The next day, my companion came back form an amazing training, and we started applying this training he had received at the meeting he went to. We got yet another new investigator, and commited him to prepare for baptism. Now, five new people might not mean much to those of you who haven't experienced a mission anywhere in North America, but that is fantastic out here! And we are just getting started. The Lord has blessed us greatly! In fact, this new training will also transform our mission, if utilized correctly.
Well, I'll tell you about a couple of these great experiences.
Wallace: He is a referral from a recent convert, named Lawrence Johnson. Brother Johnson has been best friends with Wallace for 52 years. They are 61 years old. Wallace is really open, and we taught him that we have a loving Heavenly Father, that he gave us families and prophets because he loves us, and also about the apostasies, Christ's Ministry, the Great Apostasy, and of course, the Restoration of Christ's True Gospel. As always, the Spirit filled the room--especially when I told about Joseph Smith's first vision, using Joseph's own words. My bretheren, there is little that is more powerful than testifying of Heavenly Father, HIs Son Jesus Christ, and the fact that Joseph saw them both, in his own words. The Spirit testifies so strongly, because whenever truth is spoken, it is his job to testify. When we teach, we should always strive to keep complicated things out of our teaching, and teach simply, ONLY stating truth. When we do that, the Holy Ghost fills the room so powerfully. The Truths of the Gospel stated simply, has more power than an eloquent man presenting a perfect presentation made for the smartest of men. Showing our intelligence does nothing. Testifying of bold, simple truths, is small, simple sentances, does everything. Well, we set him for baptism after that lesson, and we will be meeting with him again. He's excited to read the Book of Mormon, and to be baptized by the proper authority--being the priesthood, and the authority to perform acts and miracles in Christ's name.
Danielle: We also shared a similar message with Danielle, since it was also her first time being taught. She was a potential investigator some time ago, and had been questioned in the street by some missionaries. My companion just happened to pick her from the long list of potentials, so we visited her, set up an appointment, and I came back with two other Elders since that was the day she picked. Well, it was a good lesson. She cried, as we spoke about that Great Apostasy. It saddened her deeply. Then Elder Stevenson-a great guy-presumed to dive into the Restoration, and specifically Joseph Smith's first vision. He's used to speaking Spanish, but somehow he still remembered the words in English. He did fine, but he said it very quickly, and it was a lot to take in. She pointed out how huge a claim that was, to say that there were two of them, and that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were separate beings. I quickly analyzed the problem, and explained to her how throgh the Holy Ghost we can know the truth of all things. I explained the feelings the Holy Ghost brings, and how he only testifies when something is true. I told her I would recite what Joseph said he saw, again for her, and this time invited her to pay attention to those feeling to see if the Holy Ghost would testify. She agreed, and I presumed to say it slowly, simply, and with sincerity. She looked at the picture we had given her, as I said Joseph's words. I paused for a moment afterward to let the Spirit testify even more. Quietly, I heard her say something along the lines of: "I believe it. I believe that happened."
Bretheren...Sisters...there is a power in these words, and in simplicity and sincerity. I did not convince her of anything, nor am I a special missionary beyond anybody else. This power is God's, and is the Power of the Holy Ghost. When you are a missionary, you are endowed with a power that is promised to you. Have faith in that, and know that the Holy Ghost will always testify of the simple truths. Remember to teach simply. Help them feel the Holy Ghost. Words will convert nobody. Physical evidence, miracles, and signs will convert nobody. Remember that Laman and Lemuel saw an angel, and they did not change. The Children of Israel saw the Red Sea part, and many many other miracles. Yet even they worshipped a golden cow, because of their unbelief. It is only by the Holy Ghost that we will know the truth of all things. I love you all.
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
Best week in my mission history, I would dare say. I went on exchanges for two days (meaning other missionaries came in to work with me in my area, and my companion went to a meeting one day, and the next day he went to a Zone Leader's area). The first day, two other Junior Companions came and worked my area with me. It was a growing experience for me running my area for the first time, being in charge, and calling the shots. That day we got two new investigators, setting one of them for baptism. The next day, one of the Zone Leaders came into my area (his name also Elder Petersen!), and he and I got two more new investigators. The next day, my companion came back form an amazing training, and we started applying this training he had received at the meeting he went to. We got yet another new investigator, and commited him to prepare for baptism. Now, five new people might not mean much to those of you who haven't experienced a mission anywhere in North America, but that is fantastic out here! And we are just getting started. The Lord has blessed us greatly! In fact, this new training will also transform our mission, if utilized correctly.
Well, I'll tell you about a couple of these great experiences.
Wallace: He is a referral from a recent convert, named Lawrence Johnson. Brother Johnson has been best friends with Wallace for 52 years. They are 61 years old. Wallace is really open, and we taught him that we have a loving Heavenly Father, that he gave us families and prophets because he loves us, and also about the apostasies, Christ's Ministry, the Great Apostasy, and of course, the Restoration of Christ's True Gospel. As always, the Spirit filled the room--especially when I told about Joseph Smith's first vision, using Joseph's own words. My bretheren, there is little that is more powerful than testifying of Heavenly Father, HIs Son Jesus Christ, and the fact that Joseph saw them both, in his own words. The Spirit testifies so strongly, because whenever truth is spoken, it is his job to testify. When we teach, we should always strive to keep complicated things out of our teaching, and teach simply, ONLY stating truth. When we do that, the Holy Ghost fills the room so powerfully. The Truths of the Gospel stated simply, has more power than an eloquent man presenting a perfect presentation made for the smartest of men. Showing our intelligence does nothing. Testifying of bold, simple truths, is small, simple sentances, does everything. Well, we set him for baptism after that lesson, and we will be meeting with him again. He's excited to read the Book of Mormon, and to be baptized by the proper authority--being the priesthood, and the authority to perform acts and miracles in Christ's name.
Danielle: We also shared a similar message with Danielle, since it was also her first time being taught. She was a potential investigator some time ago, and had been questioned in the street by some missionaries. My companion just happened to pick her from the long list of potentials, so we visited her, set up an appointment, and I came back with two other Elders since that was the day she picked. Well, it was a good lesson. She cried, as we spoke about that Great Apostasy. It saddened her deeply. Then Elder Stevenson-a great guy-presumed to dive into the Restoration, and specifically Joseph Smith's first vision. He's used to speaking Spanish, but somehow he still remembered the words in English. He did fine, but he said it very quickly, and it was a lot to take in. She pointed out how huge a claim that was, to say that there were two of them, and that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were separate beings. I quickly analyzed the problem, and explained to her how throgh the Holy Ghost we can know the truth of all things. I explained the feelings the Holy Ghost brings, and how he only testifies when something is true. I told her I would recite what Joseph said he saw, again for her, and this time invited her to pay attention to those feeling to see if the Holy Ghost would testify. She agreed, and I presumed to say it slowly, simply, and with sincerity. She looked at the picture we had given her, as I said Joseph's words. I paused for a moment afterward to let the Spirit testify even more. Quietly, I heard her say something along the lines of: "I believe it. I believe that happened."
Bretheren...Sisters...there is a power in these words, and in simplicity and sincerity. I did not convince her of anything, nor am I a special missionary beyond anybody else. This power is God's, and is the Power of the Holy Ghost. When you are a missionary, you are endowed with a power that is promised to you. Have faith in that, and know that the Holy Ghost will always testify of the simple truths. Remember to teach simply. Help them feel the Holy Ghost. Words will convert nobody. Physical evidence, miracles, and signs will convert nobody. Remember that Laman and Lemuel saw an angel, and they did not change. The Children of Israel saw the Red Sea part, and many many other miracles. Yet even they worshipped a golden cow, because of their unbelief. It is only by the Holy Ghost that we will know the truth of all things. I love you all.
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Work Continues...
Dear Sons of Mosiah,
A word of advice for all of you, and then I'll get on to the stories. Always always remember that there is no substitute for member referrals, and that it is important to always share the gospel with our neighbors. The prophets have taught that it is the responsiblity of all members to preach the gospel. The full-time missionaries are set apart to do it all of the time, to teach, and to baptize. However, it is much harder for us to do this without member support, and help. One of the reasons that Elder L. Tom Perry came to my mission, from my understanding, is to get the members to help with a goal that the apostles have. Now, I wasn't there for the meeting he had with the members, so don't quote me on it, but supposedly they have a goal for members to be so involved in finding people for the missionaries to teach that the missionaries never have to tract because the members are keeping us so booked with teaching their nonmember friends. Interesting, huh? Preach My Gospel says that tracting is one of the least effective ways of doing missionary work. It also notes that one of the most effective (if not THE MOST), is having members involved every step of the way (this includes inviting friends into their home to be taught by the missionaries, being the friend, helping them to church, etc.). I guess the apostles want us missionaries to spend less time finding, more time teaching. Great concept, isn't it? Help the missionaries out in your area.
Great news: The Jones Family that I was teaching in Benson got baptized! YES!!! I'm so excited for them. As well, I attended a baptism of a person my companion was teaching before he handed him over to the sisters in the singles ward. My companion was the one that baptized him. He's a great guy named Andy, and I'm so excited for him. Also, that day at the baptism, I met somebody's aunt and cousin...:-p
So, I think you'll find this next story interesting. I love being a missionary because of all the crazy things we get to do. Being involved with the lives of people is so fascinating. Especially when it's the life of a Catholic man named John Riggs.
Crazy Story of the Week: We are trying to get John Riggs to church, and he's an open guy. Still, sometimes you have to bargain with people to get them to do things, and they aren't always willing to investigate openly. So, my companion and I got permission to make him an interesting trade, and it worked. So, he's going to church with us, but in exhange, we had to go to a Catholic Mass with him. Hehehe...
Now, of course my companion and I aren't allowed to miss our own church, but we were allowed to attend an earlier session of Catholic Mass yesterday, and we did. HOLY COW!!! It was kind of like an apostate sacrament meeting, mixed with an apostate temple session. That's the only way to describe it simply. Also, you have to add all of their ritualistic things they do that have absolutely nothing to do with the true gospel. Some of the things are just entirely out there, and some of the things you can tell used to be part of the true gospel, but became corrupted by men. It's very interesting. The world has corrupted a lot of it. It's no wonder that the Lord didn't call somebody to reform a church that already existed, but instead called Joseph Smith to RESTORE Christ's Church. Some of the things the other churches do are so far gone that the gospel HAD TO BE RESTORED.
Now, I don't mean to bash on Catholocism. They are great people, they were very kind, and some of the things they do are fantastic. The real problem is simply that they don't have the whole truth. That is why missionary work is so important. We are called to help people find the truth that they don't even know they are missing, and to fill the void inside of them, that many don't even realize is there until we fill it. The authority is again on the earth, and the Spirit of God is upon the inhabitants of the earth once again.
A word of advice for all of you, and then I'll get on to the stories. Always always remember that there is no substitute for member referrals, and that it is important to always share the gospel with our neighbors. The prophets have taught that it is the responsiblity of all members to preach the gospel. The full-time missionaries are set apart to do it all of the time, to teach, and to baptize. However, it is much harder for us to do this without member support, and help. One of the reasons that Elder L. Tom Perry came to my mission, from my understanding, is to get the members to help with a goal that the apostles have. Now, I wasn't there for the meeting he had with the members, so don't quote me on it, but supposedly they have a goal for members to be so involved in finding people for the missionaries to teach that the missionaries never have to tract because the members are keeping us so booked with teaching their nonmember friends. Interesting, huh? Preach My Gospel says that tracting is one of the least effective ways of doing missionary work. It also notes that one of the most effective (if not THE MOST), is having members involved every step of the way (this includes inviting friends into their home to be taught by the missionaries, being the friend, helping them to church, etc.). I guess the apostles want us missionaries to spend less time finding, more time teaching. Great concept, isn't it? Help the missionaries out in your area.
Great news: The Jones Family that I was teaching in Benson got baptized! YES!!! I'm so excited for them. As well, I attended a baptism of a person my companion was teaching before he handed him over to the sisters in the singles ward. My companion was the one that baptized him. He's a great guy named Andy, and I'm so excited for him. Also, that day at the baptism, I met somebody's aunt and cousin...:-p
So, I think you'll find this next story interesting. I love being a missionary because of all the crazy things we get to do. Being involved with the lives of people is so fascinating. Especially when it's the life of a Catholic man named John Riggs.
Crazy Story of the Week: We are trying to get John Riggs to church, and he's an open guy. Still, sometimes you have to bargain with people to get them to do things, and they aren't always willing to investigate openly. So, my companion and I got permission to make him an interesting trade, and it worked. So, he's going to church with us, but in exhange, we had to go to a Catholic Mass with him. Hehehe...
Now, of course my companion and I aren't allowed to miss our own church, but we were allowed to attend an earlier session of Catholic Mass yesterday, and we did. HOLY COW!!! It was kind of like an apostate sacrament meeting, mixed with an apostate temple session. That's the only way to describe it simply. Also, you have to add all of their ritualistic things they do that have absolutely nothing to do with the true gospel. Some of the things are just entirely out there, and some of the things you can tell used to be part of the true gospel, but became corrupted by men. It's very interesting. The world has corrupted a lot of it. It's no wonder that the Lord didn't call somebody to reform a church that already existed, but instead called Joseph Smith to RESTORE Christ's Church. Some of the things the other churches do are so far gone that the gospel HAD TO BE RESTORED.
Now, I don't mean to bash on Catholocism. They are great people, they were very kind, and some of the things they do are fantastic. The real problem is simply that they don't have the whole truth. That is why missionary work is so important. We are called to help people find the truth that they don't even know they are missing, and to fill the void inside of them, that many don't even realize is there until we fill it. The authority is again on the earth, and the Spirit of God is upon the inhabitants of the earth once again.
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