Dear Sons of Mosiah,
The Mission Field is awesome, and it's white and ready to harvest! Jana Hager is going to be baptized on the 4th of December, and she is AWESOME! Jana is so prepared, and her story is a huge testimony builder to me about the power God gives to the pages of the Book of Mormon. Last night, about a half and hour before bed, she sent us a text to tell us that she was reading from the Book of Mormon. She told us that it is an amazing book. I told her I agree, and that it is an amazing book, but I was curious as to why she thought it was an amazing book. She told me that it was amazing because whenever she was reading it she felt something that inspired her to do good, and stay away from sin--or that was the concept anyway, without me being too specific. She then described the feeling she gets when she reads from it. I added a couple of feelings myself, and asked her if that was how she was feeling. She said my description was what she was feeling. I then identified it as the Spirit for her. With gratitude, she sent us a text saying that it might sound corny, but "thank you, sincerely". The Spirit took hold on me, and I felt an overwhelming gratitude to our Heavenly Father for allowing us to assist in her conversion process. Our conversation continued, and I accepted the thanks gladly and told my companion of the conversation since he too is doing this wonderful work and also deserves thanks to the same amount that I do. However, I let her know that we are merely instruments in the hands of God, and that this gift of the gospel which is she is receiving, is a gift from God.
God loves all of His children so much! Sometimes Satan makes it hard for us to see-- and possibly even more difficult to understand--but God truly is working in the lives of all of His children to prepare them to receive the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. How blessed we are to be instruments in this wonderful work! It is not only full-time missionaries who are instruments in God's hands to do this work. In fact, the members play a key role in most conversions! Jana has LDS family, and has had many good influences touch her life to prepare her to receive this gospel. Who's life will you touch to help them to receive the gospel? We all worry about our worldly cares, and sometimes are afraid to do this work--but what do we have to fear more, than that soul being lost? Anything? "The worth of every soul is great in the eyes of God."--Joseph Smith. As well, there is a scripture that is very similar to this quote.
My brethren, there is work to be done all around you, no matter where you are in life. Each of you know somebody who is not a member of Jesus Christ's Church here on the earth. What greater responsibility do you have than to reach out to your fellow man, and help them to find the gospel? I would guess none. Missionary Work is to be done by all members, both in and outside the home. We should also reach out to less-active members of the church, and help them to return into the loving arms of their Shepherd.
Pray for missionary opportunities always. We do not have to be perfect to do this work. God does not require that we give more than we are able, but that we give our entire capacity to the building of His Kingdom! You guys can do it. Together we can bring many people to the Kingdom of God, and then that day is going to be an amazing day with those people we bring. Can there be any greater happiness? Can there be any greater purpose in this life?
I love you guys! And thank you for the example that many of you have set for me. You are all great people! Don't forget who you are: Sons and Daughters of the Living God. Peace, and I can't wait until we all meet again...even if it is three or more years till we are all together again. See ya!
Love, Chris
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
A Letter to "Funky" Letter to Friends . . .
A Long Long Time Ago, In a Cornfield Far Far Away...
I, Elder Christopher Dennis Petersen, killed chickens this week...R.I.P. Chickens...
Dear Sons of Mosiah,
So, I've been thinking a lot about you, my good friends. Oh! Alisha, Toria, Sami, Gowski, Chris A, and Rachel!!! I know it's weird that I am talking to you all directly in this email/blog thingy, but I want you to know, I have sat down to write letters several times, and I even got some all the way finished, BUT I keep forgetting to buy stamps! Gowski and Chris and Rachel, I haven't begun your letters yet, but I'm writing them way soon! And Alisha, Toria, I have them written, only know they are weeks old, so I will probably write more! I have tried to write you two like a billion times, but something always comes up! As for Sami, I have tried to write you a billion times, but I never finish the letter. Always so much that I need to do, but I haven't forgotten about you. Tim, I need to write you too my friend.
Anyway....I hope you are all excited. Josh is in the MTC now, which is awesome! I'm loving the fact that we now have Carter, Tanner, and Josh all on their missions now! David! I heard you are going to Mexico...where is my letter? Also, of course, we have Tony Arnell out there. Now, am I missing anybody who is out? Goodness...I have a terrible memory. So, if I seem a little spastic today, I guess it's just true, I'm spastic. Things are going really well out here, though transfers are this week, which is always the worst. The work is going great, and we are teaching a lot of great people, and I am so grateful God has prepared so many people for us. I seriously have no idea what life would have been like if I had made the decision to stay home instead of serve my mission. I have made many great friends, and have a great love for the people out here.
Well, love you guys, and take care. The chicken thing above, if you are wondering, was a service project for a family out here. They kill chickens every year, and sell the meat. It helps them get by. We had to catch, kill, pluck, gut, etc. It was an experience. Anyway, you're in my prayers. "Keep the Faith. Keep the Funk", as Sister Harwood would say (for those of you who don't know, Sister Harwood was one of Scott and Michael's Missionaries).
Love, Chris
I, Elder Christopher Dennis Petersen, killed chickens this week...R.I.P. Chickens...
Dear Sons of Mosiah,
So, I've been thinking a lot about you, my good friends. Oh! Alisha, Toria, Sami, Gowski, Chris A, and Rachel!!! I know it's weird that I am talking to you all directly in this email/blog thingy, but I want you to know, I have sat down to write letters several times, and I even got some all the way finished, BUT I keep forgetting to buy stamps! Gowski and Chris and Rachel, I haven't begun your letters yet, but I'm writing them way soon! And Alisha, Toria, I have them written, only know they are weeks old, so I will probably write more! I have tried to write you two like a billion times, but something always comes up! As for Sami, I have tried to write you a billion times, but I never finish the letter. Always so much that I need to do, but I haven't forgotten about you. Tim, I need to write you too my friend.
Anyway....I hope you are all excited. Josh is in the MTC now, which is awesome! I'm loving the fact that we now have Carter, Tanner, and Josh all on their missions now! David! I heard you are going to Mexico...where is my letter? Also, of course, we have Tony Arnell out there. Now, am I missing anybody who is out? Goodness...I have a terrible memory. So, if I seem a little spastic today, I guess it's just true, I'm spastic. Things are going really well out here, though transfers are this week, which is always the worst. The work is going great, and we are teaching a lot of great people, and I am so grateful God has prepared so many people for us. I seriously have no idea what life would have been like if I had made the decision to stay home instead of serve my mission. I have made many great friends, and have a great love for the people out here.
Well, love you guys, and take care. The chicken thing above, if you are wondering, was a service project for a family out here. They kill chickens every year, and sell the meat. It helps them get by. We had to catch, kill, pluck, gut, etc. It was an experience. Anyway, you're in my prayers. "Keep the Faith. Keep the Funk", as Sister Harwood would say (for those of you who don't know, Sister Harwood was one of Scott and Michael's Missionaries).
Love, Chris
Monday, October 18, 2010
Short But Sweet . . .
Dear Brethren,
I have no time to really write this week. It will suffice me to say I am doing well, and the work is moving forward. We set a woman for baptism yesterday, named Martha Martinez. She is great, and has a family that should also follow very soon, if not get baptized when she does.
I have no time to really write this week. It will suffice me to say I am doing well, and the work is moving forward. We set a woman for baptism yesterday, named Martha Martinez. She is great, and has a family that should also follow very soon, if not get baptized when she does.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Welcome to the Mission Field, Josh . . .
Dear fellow brethren,
This week should be an exciting one I would assume. Josh Van Steeter, welcome to the mission field soon buddy! I hear your fairwell is coming up this weekend! You'll be in my prayers. Go do an amazing work, and have fun with the fishbowl we like to call the Missionary Training Center. The MTC fishbowl is a great place full of the spirit, food, inspiration, and more food, for those of you who don't know. I call it the fishbowl for several reasons. For one, I had previously heard of the MTC referred to as 1) Spiritual Disneyland, and 2) Prison. It was neither for obvious reasons. First off, though it is very spirtual, I like the mission field more. It's just nothing like Disneyland. It isn't like prison because you can leave whenever you want, and prison is reserved for the wicked, not the righteous. It is a fishbowl because you can see the outside world, but you can't touch it. You are inside a little world, even though the MTC is a place in the larger world that you can see. If you jump out, you will spiritually suffocate until it is time to leave, or you have permission. If you leave, you may be able to flop yourself back into the bowl, or you may not. You take the jump and it's chancing it. Anyway, I'm out of time, but I love you all!
This week should be an exciting one I would assume. Josh Van Steeter, welcome to the mission field soon buddy! I hear your fairwell is coming up this weekend! You'll be in my prayers. Go do an amazing work, and have fun with the fishbowl we like to call the Missionary Training Center. The MTC fishbowl is a great place full of the spirit, food, inspiration, and more food, for those of you who don't know. I call it the fishbowl for several reasons. For one, I had previously heard of the MTC referred to as 1) Spiritual Disneyland, and 2) Prison. It was neither for obvious reasons. First off, though it is very spirtual, I like the mission field more. It's just nothing like Disneyland. It isn't like prison because you can leave whenever you want, and prison is reserved for the wicked, not the righteous. It is a fishbowl because you can see the outside world, but you can't touch it. You are inside a little world, even though the MTC is a place in the larger world that you can see. If you jump out, you will spiritually suffocate until it is time to leave, or you have permission. If you leave, you may be able to flop yourself back into the bowl, or you may not. You take the jump and it's chancing it. Anyway, I'm out of time, but I love you all!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Serving in Columbus, Nebraska
Dear Brethren,
This week has been great. General Conference had some very important messages in it, and I hope all of you got to watch the sessions. If not, I would strongly suggest that you read the talks in the November Ensign. The Servants of the Lord that spoke seemed to have some very common themes. It's helped me to see that they are truly inspired (not that I thought they weren't), and tell the world exactly what they need to hear to be able to repent, and align themselves with the will our loving Heavenly Father. Hopefully we are all putting our trust in God.
Well, I don't know what to say...again. I'm finding it harder and harder to come up with things to say the more of these messages I do. Of course, that's to be expected. However, I hope they will all have some value to you. For those of you who care to know what's actually going on with me in my mission, I think I will give an update right now:
I'm doing really well. I'm currently serving a branch, out in Columbus, Nebraska. The Columbus Branch is a strong branch, and they work very hard. The work has a lot of potential out here, and we are beginning to see a lot of success. I just got here a little over two weeks ago. Previously I was serving in the Trendwood Ward in Lincoln, Nebraska, where I made a lot of life long friends. It was sad to leave, but I believe the Lord needs me here more than there at the moment. My last companion is a very capable missionary, so I'm sure he and his companion are tearing it up out there.
Anyway, we are teaching a lot of Hispanic people because my current companion, Elder Noonchester, is a Spanish speaking missionary. So we teach both English and Spanish speaking people, which makes this area very interesting. I am the senior companion for the first time, which is really bizarre. We are teaching a really cool family called the Cardena Family, and they speak both English and Spanish, so our lessons are kind of Spanglish. It makes for fun times. My companion is kind of amazed that I know what he's talking about when he's teaching in Spanish, and how I can pick up from where he left off in English. I think it's funny. I wish I could claim it was my righteousness and the gift of tongues, but I just listen for the words I do know, and because I know the lesson it's easy.
We are also teaching many more wonderful people, and having a blast out here, but I'm running out of time, so I have to send this. I love you all!
Love, Elder Christopher Petersen
This week has been great. General Conference had some very important messages in it, and I hope all of you got to watch the sessions. If not, I would strongly suggest that you read the talks in the November Ensign. The Servants of the Lord that spoke seemed to have some very common themes. It's helped me to see that they are truly inspired (not that I thought they weren't), and tell the world exactly what they need to hear to be able to repent, and align themselves with the will our loving Heavenly Father. Hopefully we are all putting our trust in God.
Well, I don't know what to say...again. I'm finding it harder and harder to come up with things to say the more of these messages I do. Of course, that's to be expected. However, I hope they will all have some value to you. For those of you who care to know what's actually going on with me in my mission, I think I will give an update right now:
I'm doing really well. I'm currently serving a branch, out in Columbus, Nebraska. The Columbus Branch is a strong branch, and they work very hard. The work has a lot of potential out here, and we are beginning to see a lot of success. I just got here a little over two weeks ago. Previously I was serving in the Trendwood Ward in Lincoln, Nebraska, where I made a lot of life long friends. It was sad to leave, but I believe the Lord needs me here more than there at the moment. My last companion is a very capable missionary, so I'm sure he and his companion are tearing it up out there.
Anyway, we are teaching a lot of Hispanic people because my current companion, Elder Noonchester, is a Spanish speaking missionary. So we teach both English and Spanish speaking people, which makes this area very interesting. I am the senior companion for the first time, which is really bizarre. We are teaching a really cool family called the Cardena Family, and they speak both English and Spanish, so our lessons are kind of Spanglish. It makes for fun times. My companion is kind of amazed that I know what he's talking about when he's teaching in Spanish, and how I can pick up from where he left off in English. I think it's funny. I wish I could claim it was my righteousness and the gift of tongues, but I just listen for the words I do know, and because I know the lesson it's easy.
We are also teaching many more wonderful people, and having a blast out here, but I'm running out of time, so I have to send this. I love you all!
Love, Elder Christopher Petersen
Monday, September 27, 2010
Some "Whacky" Times . . .
Dear Brethren,
I'm trying to remember exactly where I left off last week. I remember now what I was saying, however I think I will spare you for another week, and make this letter a little different.
This time, I'm going to just report on how things are going, and what rocks about my mission! Maybe I'll go over the whacky times, and some summaries!
The First Day of Proselyting On My Mission: I don't know how many of you I ever got to tell about the first day of my mission, but it's work retelling. I think start preaching a little less, and start sharing a few more experiences--both spiritual and crazy! My first day I was taken out by one of my trainers, Elder Thornock. We went out to downtown Omaha, and man it was crazy! It was 40 degrees below 0 with the windchill, and schools had been shut down all over the place for days. Nebraska drivers just cannot drive in the snow. In fact, they can hardly drive AT ALL! Anyway, to set the scene, imagine skyscrapers, cold cold weather, almost nobody outside (those who were out were extremely bundled up), and a brand new missionary out on the streets! I start walking down the sidewalk toward the first people I can sight, which are waiting at a bus stop. There is a man just yelling his guts out--only he isn't an intimidating guy, just weird--and he's screaming some wild things, almost like talking to himself though. Well, we talked to him first. We asked him if he has a faith in Jesus Christ. He responds, "Well, you see, I think that God is the devil, and Satan is Jesus". Now, some people mess with us...but this guy was serious. We kind of just moved on, and talked to some black people who stood at the bus stop and told us we could talk to them right there, but they weren't really interested--mostly just cold, with bloodshot and yellow eyes, and not a great first impression. Then we moved on, and talked to a guy walking quickly down the sidewalk, and he told us we could walk with him to his destination. So we did, and we walked into an amazing antique shop. He told us he owned the shop. He was a catholic guy who was very smart, and he wrote about several religions (basically to tear them apart), but the one he was never able to find problems with, was our church (heck yeah!). Well, we went on to talk about the Plan of Salvation a lot, and he went on to tell us how it makes sense that angels do exist, and explained it to us using evolution. He said, "You have man, then angel, then god." Whoa! Is he in the wrong religion, or what?
Well, after teaching him, we went to an appointment. On our way to the appointment, we learned the other missionaries talked to the crazy guy yelling things in the street. As they talked to him, the guy claimed he was possessed by a devil. One of the missionaries promptly offered to "take care of it" for him. He decilined, and said, "Oh no. I like it." Well, we had a talk about whether or not we should go back and do it anyway--of course, who's to say whether or not he really was? Perhaps he just belongs in the looney bin. Anyway, we eventually made it to the next apppointment. Elder Thornock briefed me on the guy's situation that we were going to see. He was a black guy who just stole his friend's gun because his friend was going to go kill somebody for some reason. He was a good guy who likes the missionaries, but what an appointment!
We went in, and talked to him for a bit. As we did, these two girls chimed in. Well, turns out they were both Lesbian, but they weren't dating each other, so it wasn't that awkward. However, they asked us all sorts of prying questions when they found out we can't even go on dates for two years. They asked, "How are you supposed to get some booty?" Awkwardly we answerd that we aren't, and don't have sexual relations till marriage. They flipped out, and it was nutty. One of them, I guess, actually wanted to join the church at some point, but couldn't cause she wouldn't quit being lesbian. However, awkwardly, she was pregnant because she decided to try not being a lesbian. What a first day, huh?
Anyway, that's not what I intended to write about, but was crazy. Here I am thinking this is how my entire two years would be. I hope you can find the humor in it, even if it's all awkward. Things did still stay crazy on my mission, and we laugh about a lot of things. However, none of my areas have been as crazy as Omaha. Moral of the story: Stay out of Omaha. It's full of weirdies. I'll give more examples in the future. This world is messed up. I guess the whole situation isn't funny. There's a lot to just learn from this experience, and I hope you future missionaries do. We have a lot of work to do out there. Love you all.
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
I'm trying to remember exactly where I left off last week. I remember now what I was saying, however I think I will spare you for another week, and make this letter a little different.
This time, I'm going to just report on how things are going, and what rocks about my mission! Maybe I'll go over the whacky times, and some summaries!
The First Day of Proselyting On My Mission: I don't know how many of you I ever got to tell about the first day of my mission, but it's work retelling. I think start preaching a little less, and start sharing a few more experiences--both spiritual and crazy! My first day I was taken out by one of my trainers, Elder Thornock. We went out to downtown Omaha, and man it was crazy! It was 40 degrees below 0 with the windchill, and schools had been shut down all over the place for days. Nebraska drivers just cannot drive in the snow. In fact, they can hardly drive AT ALL! Anyway, to set the scene, imagine skyscrapers, cold cold weather, almost nobody outside (those who were out were extremely bundled up), and a brand new missionary out on the streets! I start walking down the sidewalk toward the first people I can sight, which are waiting at a bus stop. There is a man just yelling his guts out--only he isn't an intimidating guy, just weird--and he's screaming some wild things, almost like talking to himself though. Well, we talked to him first. We asked him if he has a faith in Jesus Christ. He responds, "Well, you see, I think that God is the devil, and Satan is Jesus". Now, some people mess with us...but this guy was serious. We kind of just moved on, and talked to some black people who stood at the bus stop and told us we could talk to them right there, but they weren't really interested--mostly just cold, with bloodshot and yellow eyes, and not a great first impression. Then we moved on, and talked to a guy walking quickly down the sidewalk, and he told us we could walk with him to his destination. So we did, and we walked into an amazing antique shop. He told us he owned the shop. He was a catholic guy who was very smart, and he wrote about several religions (basically to tear them apart), but the one he was never able to find problems with, was our church (heck yeah!). Well, we went on to talk about the Plan of Salvation a lot, and he went on to tell us how it makes sense that angels do exist, and explained it to us using evolution. He said, "You have man, then angel, then god." Whoa! Is he in the wrong religion, or what?
Well, after teaching him, we went to an appointment. On our way to the appointment, we learned the other missionaries talked to the crazy guy yelling things in the street. As they talked to him, the guy claimed he was possessed by a devil. One of the missionaries promptly offered to "take care of it" for him. He decilined, and said, "Oh no. I like it." Well, we had a talk about whether or not we should go back and do it anyway--of course, who's to say whether or not he really was? Perhaps he just belongs in the looney bin. Anyway, we eventually made it to the next apppointment. Elder Thornock briefed me on the guy's situation that we were going to see. He was a black guy who just stole his friend's gun because his friend was going to go kill somebody for some reason. He was a good guy who likes the missionaries, but what an appointment!
We went in, and talked to him for a bit. As we did, these two girls chimed in. Well, turns out they were both Lesbian, but they weren't dating each other, so it wasn't that awkward. However, they asked us all sorts of prying questions when they found out we can't even go on dates for two years. They asked, "How are you supposed to get some booty?" Awkwardly we answerd that we aren't, and don't have sexual relations till marriage. They flipped out, and it was nutty. One of them, I guess, actually wanted to join the church at some point, but couldn't cause she wouldn't quit being lesbian. However, awkwardly, she was pregnant because she decided to try not being a lesbian. What a first day, huh?
Anyway, that's not what I intended to write about, but was crazy. Here I am thinking this is how my entire two years would be. I hope you can find the humor in it, even if it's all awkward. Things did still stay crazy on my mission, and we laugh about a lot of things. However, none of my areas have been as crazy as Omaha. Moral of the story: Stay out of Omaha. It's full of weirdies. I'll give more examples in the future. This world is messed up. I guess the whole situation isn't funny. There's a lot to just learn from this experience, and I hope you future missionaries do. We have a lot of work to do out there. Love you all.
Love, Elder Chris Petersen
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Lord is going before us and preparing people . . .
Dear Brethren,
Today's message will have to be a short one since I am running low on time. I got transferred to Columbus Nebraska, which is about and hour and a half away from Lincoln. I am now serving as the senior companion, and am with a spanish speaking missionary, so this is an interesting experience. Columbus is a branch that covers several small towns, and it's weird because the whole town is surrounded by corn fields. I'm finally getting the classic midwest experience!............which, I actually hoped not to have, but great, why not, right? Anyway, the branch is great, but of course, much smaller than what I am used to. The work should be great!
Our mission was honored to be visited by Elder Ellis of the Seventy, and his wife. Their messages were great, and in a summary, told us that we need to enjoy our lives and our missions. The Lord's work is a great, and a joyful work! Elder Ellis talked a lot about how the Lord is going before us, and preparing people. He said that our job as missionaries, is to find the elect, not to convice people who will not listen. God is preparing people for us still, and He is also with us in our individual areas.
I believe this can be applied to even people who are not on their missions, to some degree. However, you may even be a tool in the hands of the Lord to help prepare somebody for the missionaries. Some people take time to be prepared. Well, I am out of time, but just think about the message. Love you all!
Love Elder Petersen
Today's message will have to be a short one since I am running low on time. I got transferred to Columbus Nebraska, which is about and hour and a half away from Lincoln. I am now serving as the senior companion, and am with a spanish speaking missionary, so this is an interesting experience. Columbus is a branch that covers several small towns, and it's weird because the whole town is surrounded by corn fields. I'm finally getting the classic midwest experience!............which, I actually hoped not to have, but great, why not, right? Anyway, the branch is great, but of course, much smaller than what I am used to. The work should be great!
Our mission was honored to be visited by Elder Ellis of the Seventy, and his wife. Their messages were great, and in a summary, told us that we need to enjoy our lives and our missions. The Lord's work is a great, and a joyful work! Elder Ellis talked a lot about how the Lord is going before us, and preparing people. He said that our job as missionaries, is to find the elect, not to convice people who will not listen. God is preparing people for us still, and He is also with us in our individual areas.
I believe this can be applied to even people who are not on their missions, to some degree. However, you may even be a tool in the hands of the Lord to help prepare somebody for the missionaries. Some people take time to be prepared. Well, I am out of time, but just think about the message. Love you all!
Love Elder Petersen
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