Pretty good week. We have zone conference on Thursday, which is always exciting. Its been snowing for the past 3 days straight. So much snow. Its really dry though so you don't get too wet. Its like sugar. You can't pack it or anything. We tried building a snowman and it was like building a sand castle with dry sand. PS I dont like -20 degree weather. It was pretty funny. I got a letter from Grandma last monday, after I had writtten you guys about how cold it was ( I was kind of complaining ya know?) Anyway, Gma wrote and said she was proud that I wasn't complaining about the weather. Ooops.
I dont think Im going to be able to Skype, WITH PERMISSION, so thats a no. I could but I don't think prez G will let us.
Lots, kind of, happened this week. We didnt find out until Tuesday that We are going to be in a 3 some with Elder Goff until his greenie gets here. I guess the kid was playing b ball in the MTC and broke his thumb trying to dunk it. He ended up getting surgery and will not be here until the 22nd.
Send Elder Jensen some presents. When we walked into ward council everyone said, "Hey Elder Jensen, nice tie." I think you should buy him a tie. And write him a letter. Weve been trying to do lots of service by shoveling snow for people to see if we can get anyones to investigate the church.
Lisa did not get baptized this last saturday. It was just too soon for her and she wanted more time. She is again going to shoot for this Saturday. HOpefullly all goes welll. Weve been trying to use Bro Alsburys daughter to help teach. She just got home from her mish in Korea.
1st ward is on fire right now. We set a b date with Melissa for the 26th of this month. She is the most awesome lady. We seem to be teaching a lot of ladies right now. Melissa ended her church streak by being sick yesterday and not coming to church. Whatev. The Helena high Choir Teacher, Dr. H (i forget), has showed up to church the last couple sundays. (nice Dr. Spencer) He is a pretty nice guy and just got back from Salt Lake and hearing the MoTab Choir. President Holmes (in the stake presidency) also works at the school and knows him. He is going to approach him and ask him if he wants to take the lessons. So we are going to see within the next week if he accepts or not. Brittney Bangerter, who is our ward mission leaders daughter, is also in one of his classes and has been having some good QGCs (quality gospel conversations) with him. Jordan: is now 12 and coming to Church and YWs consistently. We are going to set a bdate with her hopefully tomorrow. things are good. We are just trying to find some more people so that We don't ride these people to the top and have no one else to teach after they are baptized. Luke and John: SWEET. Luke is a huge Bama fan and was pretty stoked that Mark Ingram won the Heisman. That reminds me. Everyone has been talking about Mike Gerhart, the white RB from Stanford? I heard hes pretty good. I want to see him play. Anyway. They just need to get to church. They expressed some pretty awesome feelings.
Best news/quote of the week: "Guys, dont get married to someone that doesnt like you" (said by Jason T an excommunicated member who has been cheating on his wife the last 4 years and got caught growing Marijuana in the attic of his funeral home. We helped him move out of the House/Funeral Home this last saturday, which was sweet by the way.)
Love You guys,
Elder PHeywood
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
18 days and counting...
Its about -8 degrees right now and the sun is shining brighter than ever. Ironic. Its official. I hate the snow and ice. I hate the cold. Im so glad I go home to AZ. You know its bad when theres ice on the inside of the windows. Holy. I think I will be fine I just need to buy a scarf. My face is always frozen and my nose hairs freeze the instant I take a breath. I was just starting to get acclimated to the 20 and 30 degree weather but this negative crap is a whole new ball game. Wow it is cold. They dont do a good job of plowing the roads either so if youre not on a main road it is pure ice.
You guys still didnt answer my question. When's the baby due? Did you get the pics sister Heinitz sent?
Transfer calls have been made and Elder Child is the only one leaving out of our district. Elder Goff is training again and the big news is that Elder Kesler TAnner, whom I was companions with about 8 months ago in Polson, my most diligent and obedient trainer, has been called to be the new Assistant. I will get to see him more often now. It will be fun. Our Christmas zone conference is the 17th and we're doing a white elephant. I was thinking of a 18" x 24" pic of myself. What do you think?
We are teaching the Freshman seminary class tomorrow morning. I thought you guys might like to know that I get to teach that.
Ok. Got some more names for you guys. The gooch family here was asking If I knew any of these people: Keith and Charlene Bowman (formerly Cluff), Tracy and Kathy Bowman, and Manola Cluff.
We have a goal for 3 baptisms this Month. Lisa: married to the excommunicated Rod. They are doing a lot better. She is on date for this Saturday. pray that it goes through. They fed us this last weekend (both having really low incomes) and we had the most awesome lesson. I can't wait for her to get baptized. Melissa: we took the Nelsons over to her house and her and sister Nelson clicked instantly. Bam! she came to church AGAIN. We have a lesson with her this Wednesday. pray for her also. We are looking to set a baptismal date with her on that day. Jordan: A 12 year old girl that comes from a part member family. She has been attending mutual with our ward and coming to church. The Bangerter family is doing an awesome job of fellowshipping her. We are pretty excited to have so many awesome people to teach and to have baptized. Very different from Polson where you had to dig pretty deep to find people. Dang indian reservations. Things are going good and to make it all better the Nelsons brought us a fresh cut, 8 ft tall Christmas tree to put in our 10x10x8 ft. Basement. It feels like Christmas.
Not a goal but still a Bdate, Luke and JOhn, the football guys. They have sincerely and intently been keeping their commitments and searching for questions and going to mormon.org. They are sweet. I hope I get to stay long enough to see them possibly make some pretty immportant steps.
Let me know what kind of knives the boys want and I can get one for them. There are some pretty sweet members that have a knife shop and give us a sweet deal. I got mine for free. EX: pocket knife, skinner, ridiculously huge knife, etc. I also heard that Alabama beat Florida. Good job Crimson Tide. That reminds me. Jared, you need to read the "Rolling with the Tide" book that Gpa Heywood has/had. Its good.
Something I learned in church the other day. Not from someone saying it but from the spirit: If youre not comfortable then there's something wrong. That principle involves our Church callings, missionary work, and basically anything that we are doing in which we are trying to be successful. That includes our Lives. (something I remember President Eyring said) "The Lords gives us callings to stretch us and work us to fulfill potential and to strenthen us." (something along those lines. He then compared it to muscles and working out.) I have realized that if I'm uncomfortable, we have a better week. We, as missionaries, stretch and work ourselves to find, teach, baptize, learn, prepare, think, study. There is large evidence as I've seen the blessings come and we grow and become more effective. Its been good for me to think about that as I get comfortable and to realize that I'm not getting any stronger, effective, etc. The principles of the Gospel are eternal.
Not too many funny stories this last week other than Elder Jensen going to church without his tie. yep, we went through all of our morning meetings: correlation, and PEC.........without his tie. Suit on, hair combed, shined shoes, top button buttoned, and...no tie. You kind of had to be there. He got some good laughs. The ward loves how 'green' he is. I like it too. I have a feeling I'm gonna be with him for a while.
Any other Christmas ideas? let me know. Youve got some good stuff coming your way. Read your scrips, pray, and look to share the gospel every day. Do you guys have any mormon.org cards back home? Those things are working miracles for us. Use some.
One day you will meet the Alsburys, Mckeans, and Heinitz families.
Talk to you tooks of a fools in about 18 days.
LOVE, ME
You guys still didnt answer my question. When's the baby due? Did you get the pics sister Heinitz sent?
Transfer calls have been made and Elder Child is the only one leaving out of our district. Elder Goff is training again and the big news is that Elder Kesler TAnner, whom I was companions with about 8 months ago in Polson, my most diligent and obedient trainer, has been called to be the new Assistant. I will get to see him more often now. It will be fun. Our Christmas zone conference is the 17th and we're doing a white elephant. I was thinking of a 18" x 24" pic of myself. What do you think?
We are teaching the Freshman seminary class tomorrow morning. I thought you guys might like to know that I get to teach that.
Ok. Got some more names for you guys. The gooch family here was asking If I knew any of these people: Keith and Charlene Bowman (formerly Cluff), Tracy and Kathy Bowman, and Manola Cluff.
We have a goal for 3 baptisms this Month. Lisa: married to the excommunicated Rod. They are doing a lot better. She is on date for this Saturday. pray that it goes through. They fed us this last weekend (both having really low incomes) and we had the most awesome lesson. I can't wait for her to get baptized. Melissa: we took the Nelsons over to her house and her and sister Nelson clicked instantly. Bam! she came to church AGAIN. We have a lesson with her this Wednesday. pray for her also. We are looking to set a baptismal date with her on that day. Jordan: A 12 year old girl that comes from a part member family. She has been attending mutual with our ward and coming to church. The Bangerter family is doing an awesome job of fellowshipping her. We are pretty excited to have so many awesome people to teach and to have baptized. Very different from Polson where you had to dig pretty deep to find people. Dang indian reservations. Things are going good and to make it all better the Nelsons brought us a fresh cut, 8 ft tall Christmas tree to put in our 10x10x8 ft. Basement. It feels like Christmas.
Not a goal but still a Bdate, Luke and JOhn, the football guys. They have sincerely and intently been keeping their commitments and searching for questions and going to mormon.org. They are sweet. I hope I get to stay long enough to see them possibly make some pretty immportant steps.
Let me know what kind of knives the boys want and I can get one for them. There are some pretty sweet members that have a knife shop and give us a sweet deal. I got mine for free. EX: pocket knife, skinner, ridiculously huge knife, etc. I also heard that Alabama beat Florida. Good job Crimson Tide. That reminds me. Jared, you need to read the "Rolling with the Tide" book that Gpa Heywood has/had. Its good.
Something I learned in church the other day. Not from someone saying it but from the spirit: If youre not comfortable then there's something wrong. That principle involves our Church callings, missionary work, and basically anything that we are doing in which we are trying to be successful. That includes our Lives. (something I remember President Eyring said) "The Lords gives us callings to stretch us and work us to fulfill potential and to strenthen us." (something along those lines. He then compared it to muscles and working out.) I have realized that if I'm uncomfortable, we have a better week. We, as missionaries, stretch and work ourselves to find, teach, baptize, learn, prepare, think, study. There is large evidence as I've seen the blessings come and we grow and become more effective. Its been good for me to think about that as I get comfortable and to realize that I'm not getting any stronger, effective, etc. The principles of the Gospel are eternal.
Not too many funny stories this last week other than Elder Jensen going to church without his tie. yep, we went through all of our morning meetings: correlation, and PEC.........without his tie. Suit on, hair combed, shined shoes, top button buttoned, and...no tie. You kind of had to be there. He got some good laughs. The ward loves how 'green' he is. I like it too. I have a feeling I'm gonna be with him for a while.
Any other Christmas ideas? let me know. Youve got some good stuff coming your way. Read your scrips, pray, and look to share the gospel every day. Do you guys have any mormon.org cards back home? Those things are working miracles for us. Use some.
One day you will meet the Alsburys, Mckeans, and Heinitz families.
Talk to you tooks of a fools in about 18 days.
LOVE, ME
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wish we knew what the undo key took out....
Well. I just hit undo a bunch of times so the last 10 minutes of writing just erased. How do you UNDO and Undo? I don’t know.
I cant believe you didn’t get my last letter. Hope you guys like my late letter and my new one together. And I DID get your last letter.
Brother Barrett is doing better. We helped him set up Christmas lights the other day and do some other stuff. He gave us a ride in his Cadillac this morning to get groceries which is always an adventure when he’s driving. I wish you guys could meet him. maybe one day.
We talked in church the other day. it was ok as I only had to speak for about 5 minutes because of the sermon given by elder Jensen.
Lots of good things are happening. We got a lady, named Melissa, who just called us up the other day and said, "can you guys come teach me?" The cool thing is that she isn’t weird or funky in any way. She is a completely normal person. We ended up going over to her house, teaching her and giving her a BOfM to read and pray about. We talked a lot about the divorce she just went through and about her kids and what not. She even came to sacrament meeting all by herself. SWEETNESS. Sacrament meeting went perfect too. We didn’t sing "If You Could Hie to Kolob" or any weird songs and The speakers were perfect. The youth speaker did awesome and then one of the younger couples in the ward spoke as well, the Posts. Melissa loved it. We have a return appt for this Wednesday. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE: A member of the church works with her who set a good example and ......OPENED HIS MOUTH. yep That’s right. I still don’t see why you guys haven’t had anyone for the missionaries to teach yet. get on it. KIDS TOO you fools of a tooks.
We went to Diane Maxwell's viewing on Friday night and to her Funeral Mass on Saturday. It was pretty sad to see her go like that. The other Elders ended up staying at their house. They’re doing better. Our Bishops Father also passed away which was pretty sad. Everyone dying and also, is it just a MONTANA thing or does it seem like everyone is on oxygen? It just seems like every grandma and grandpa is on oxygen. Tell me what you think.
Transfers are coming up. I bet a million bucks that we stay together. My greenie is still a greenie. I do think Elder Goff is going to leave though. He’s my favorite missionary besides elder Journey.
Alright, you Heywoods take care. I will be talking to you on the phone in about 26 days so.. PEACE.
Elder PLHYE
I cant believe you didn’t get my last letter. Hope you guys like my late letter and my new one together. And I DID get your last letter.
Brother Barrett is doing better. We helped him set up Christmas lights the other day and do some other stuff. He gave us a ride in his Cadillac this morning to get groceries which is always an adventure when he’s driving. I wish you guys could meet him. maybe one day.
We talked in church the other day. it was ok as I only had to speak for about 5 minutes because of the sermon given by elder Jensen.
Lots of good things are happening. We got a lady, named Melissa, who just called us up the other day and said, "can you guys come teach me?" The cool thing is that she isn’t weird or funky in any way. She is a completely normal person. We ended up going over to her house, teaching her and giving her a BOfM to read and pray about. We talked a lot about the divorce she just went through and about her kids and what not. She even came to sacrament meeting all by herself. SWEETNESS. Sacrament meeting went perfect too. We didn’t sing "If You Could Hie to Kolob" or any weird songs and The speakers were perfect. The youth speaker did awesome and then one of the younger couples in the ward spoke as well, the Posts. Melissa loved it. We have a return appt for this Wednesday. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE: A member of the church works with her who set a good example and ......OPENED HIS MOUTH. yep That’s right. I still don’t see why you guys haven’t had anyone for the missionaries to teach yet. get on it. KIDS TOO you fools of a tooks.
We went to Diane Maxwell's viewing on Friday night and to her Funeral Mass on Saturday. It was pretty sad to see her go like that. The other Elders ended up staying at their house. They’re doing better. Our Bishops Father also passed away which was pretty sad. Everyone dying and also, is it just a MONTANA thing or does it seem like everyone is on oxygen? It just seems like every grandma and grandpa is on oxygen. Tell me what you think.
Transfers are coming up. I bet a million bucks that we stay together. My greenie is still a greenie. I do think Elder Goff is going to leave though. He’s my favorite missionary besides elder Journey.
Alright, you Heywoods take care. I will be talking to you on the phone in about 26 days so.. PEACE.
Elder PLHYE
(Lost in Cyberspace from Last week)....entitled "Sad Week"
You guys still never answered my question......WHENS THE BABY DUE?
That’s all I wanted to know. I want you guys to send me some wedding pics too.
Anyway, this week ended pretty sad as we got the news that Diane Maxwell had passed away the other night. The Maxwells were the Catholic family that Elder Goff and Elder Child were living with. They were definitely sent there for a reason. Diane had been going through Dialysis for the last five years about 3 times a week. Her body just all of the sudden stopped accepting the dialysis and they gave her about 5 days to live. She went home to be with her family for the last couple of days before she passed away. The Elders have been pretty upset. I feel for them. She went into the Hospital about a week and a half ago for another problem and we got to sing a couple of hymns for her, not knowing that she was about to die within the following week. It’s a sad story but I think that its no coincidence that the other Elders were put into their home just only a few months ago.
Brother Barrett has been sick and hasn’t been his usual gruff self. Things are just a little grim around here.
We found a new investigator this week who is living with one of the less active members in the ward and they are in deep _____! The dude is the non member living with the member and is a drug addict. On top of all that both are unemployed, Girl pregnant, and considering an abortion. Its bad stuff. They have a long way to go but they were willing to listen so we will see what we can do. the LDS family services building is in Helena and I think they give free counseling for 'ABORTION considerers.' People are pretty messed up these days. We talked to a theologian major the other day and said that he likes truth and was interested in hearing what we had to say. We will see them later this week. Rod & Lisa are doing awesome. Like I said last week, "ROD GOT A JOB!" Its pretty exciting. They have been struggling for a while. Now he has a job. They have been both really happy these last couple of days. They even came to Sunday school for the first time. It was sweet. On top of that Rod got to meet a guy that we’ve been trying to get him to meet for a long time, Jared. Bro Maddox and Rod have some rough pasts and it was awesome to see them both at church trying to work out some of their own problems and what not. But, Im telling you guys, this Jared guy is very similar to Alma the Younger. I thinkg that is one of my favorite things about being on a mission is getting to talk to and meet so many unique and diverse people. Jared was in a Motorcycle gang, been in and out of jail, etc. At our zone conference in Bozeman this last Tuesday I was talking to one of the other Elders who had served here and he told me some crazy stories about our Bishop and Jared. Totally off topic, but you guys will have to remind me to tell you the story sometime. Anyway, Jared said he would have them over for Dinner one of these nights and we could teach a lesson. I think Lisa and his wife would get along perfectly. That was one of the other awesome things that happened.
I got hold of and went to Dave Stahlys house this last Monday. We chatted for a good half hour and then he sent me on my way. He invited us right in but after we were done talking about Grandpa and the company and transitioned to Church he wasn’t too interested. He was nice though. He says to say hi.
Shelly had another Bdate for this Saturday but she didn’t come to church again. Whats new?
Marie got a calling to work in the Young womens. She was pretty stoked. Rich and Scott got to pass the sacrament this last week. That was sweetalicious. Holli has an infected tear gland. Not sweetalicious. We saw her the other day and she wasn’t doing so hot. Her eye looked like it was about to fall out. Gave her a blessing. Sweetalicious.
That’s pretty much it for the week. We are in a finding mode again. People to teach but going no where. We’ve got some lamo investigators. We’ve seen lots of Part member families though. We hope to be getting some of those fools of tooks to church.
Send some money so I can buy you something good little Chrissy. Dana....no kissing til you’re married. Just ask Katie. Luke and Jared remember: for the strength of youth. Katie: when’s the baby coming?
Pray for us. We are talking in Church this week.
Hope you guys have a "so sick" week.
Love
Parker
That’s all I wanted to know. I want you guys to send me some wedding pics too.
Anyway, this week ended pretty sad as we got the news that Diane Maxwell had passed away the other night. The Maxwells were the Catholic family that Elder Goff and Elder Child were living with. They were definitely sent there for a reason. Diane had been going through Dialysis for the last five years about 3 times a week. Her body just all of the sudden stopped accepting the dialysis and they gave her about 5 days to live. She went home to be with her family for the last couple of days before she passed away. The Elders have been pretty upset. I feel for them. She went into the Hospital about a week and a half ago for another problem and we got to sing a couple of hymns for her, not knowing that she was about to die within the following week. It’s a sad story but I think that its no coincidence that the other Elders were put into their home just only a few months ago.
Brother Barrett has been sick and hasn’t been his usual gruff self. Things are just a little grim around here.
We found a new investigator this week who is living with one of the less active members in the ward and they are in deep _____! The dude is the non member living with the member and is a drug addict. On top of all that both are unemployed, Girl pregnant, and considering an abortion. Its bad stuff. They have a long way to go but they were willing to listen so we will see what we can do. the LDS family services building is in Helena and I think they give free counseling for 'ABORTION considerers.' People are pretty messed up these days. We talked to a theologian major the other day and said that he likes truth and was interested in hearing what we had to say. We will see them later this week. Rod & Lisa are doing awesome. Like I said last week, "ROD GOT A JOB!" Its pretty exciting. They have been struggling for a while. Now he has a job. They have been both really happy these last couple of days. They even came to Sunday school for the first time. It was sweet. On top of that Rod got to meet a guy that we’ve been trying to get him to meet for a long time, Jared. Bro Maddox and Rod have some rough pasts and it was awesome to see them both at church trying to work out some of their own problems and what not. But, Im telling you guys, this Jared guy is very similar to Alma the Younger. I thinkg that is one of my favorite things about being on a mission is getting to talk to and meet so many unique and diverse people. Jared was in a Motorcycle gang, been in and out of jail, etc. At our zone conference in Bozeman this last Tuesday I was talking to one of the other Elders who had served here and he told me some crazy stories about our Bishop and Jared. Totally off topic, but you guys will have to remind me to tell you the story sometime. Anyway, Jared said he would have them over for Dinner one of these nights and we could teach a lesson. I think Lisa and his wife would get along perfectly. That was one of the other awesome things that happened.
I got hold of and went to Dave Stahlys house this last Monday. We chatted for a good half hour and then he sent me on my way. He invited us right in but after we were done talking about Grandpa and the company and transitioned to Church he wasn’t too interested. He was nice though. He says to say hi.
Shelly had another Bdate for this Saturday but she didn’t come to church again. Whats new?
Marie got a calling to work in the Young womens. She was pretty stoked. Rich and Scott got to pass the sacrament this last week. That was sweetalicious. Holli has an infected tear gland. Not sweetalicious. We saw her the other day and she wasn’t doing so hot. Her eye looked like it was about to fall out. Gave her a blessing. Sweetalicious.
That’s pretty much it for the week. We are in a finding mode again. People to teach but going no where. We’ve got some lamo investigators. We’ve seen lots of Part member families though. We hope to be getting some of those fools of tooks to church.
Send some money so I can buy you something good little Chrissy. Dana....no kissing til you’re married. Just ask Katie. Luke and Jared remember: for the strength of youth. Katie: when’s the baby coming?
Pray for us. We are talking in Church this week.
Hope you guys have a "so sick" week.
Love
Parker
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
When's The Baby Due?
Hey there DANC N' DANA! Heard you danced a lot. Sounds like lots of people showed up for the wedding. Whoo. I cant believe KT is married hahaha. I honestly cant believe that She is now Katie Garcia. That is plain wild. And.... of course the wedding was awesome. We're the Heywoods. Come on.
This last week was pretty good. Lots of things happened. The other night Elder Jensen and I went to go contact a referral that our Ward mission leader had given to us. She was from Polson so Bro Alsbury (who is from Polson) and I were really excited to get in contact with her. Elder Jensen and I arrive at the destined address and presume to get out of the car. We both look at the destination and say, "wow this is a big house." We are about to knock on the door when all we can see on the inside is STATE OF MONTANA certificates. It dawned on me that it wasn’t the kind of house that we were thinking about. We then knock and a nurse like looking lady answers the door.. We then walk into the facility and realize that it is a mental/handicap facility just like Randolph.. I cant tell the whole story or I would be here for days but it was the funniest visit I have ever had. We talked and Mary Jane was completely obsessed with lighthouses and about anything nautical. We sang Brightly beams our Fathers Mercy to her and read some scriptures about light. We then proceeded to talk about the Whale Oil that she said she lived on. Hilarious. After that we began to make different fog horn noises and I showed her the "tractor beam" from dumb and dumber. Mary Jane then asked me if we could watch dumb and dumber sometime. After that we raced: me on foot, Mary Jane in her wheel chair. It was great.
You guys need to look on pg. 96 of the Ensign and tell me if the guy in the middle of that page played volleyball for Westwood.
Now for the big question. WHENS THE BABY DUE? I NEED TO KNOW. I WILL SEE IF I CAN SEND SOME BABY CLOTHES. some little baby cowboy boots and a little carhardt jacket.
We get a monthly "mission" newsletter that shows a missionary directory and has some presidents messages and stories and stuff, one of which, that I would like to share with you. President Gardner wrote about this experience about 3 weeks ago at a Billings Stake Conference: "In the Billings Stake conference this last weekend, there was a special meeting, for new converts and investigators. A man by the name of John came with his member wife, Karen, who was called on last minute to lead the singing. He has been investigating the church off and on for the last 7 years. Elder Condie (who was the GA seventy that came through the mission) asked Sister Lingmann who was going home that week, to come up and in 2 minutes teach John what he needed to know, testify to him, and challenge him to be baptized. We were all surprised at the boldness of Elder Condie. Sister Lingmann did as she was invited to do and then invited John to be baptized. There was an awkward pause, Finally John said, “we'll see.” Then Pres. Getz, the stake president, stood up and said, “we have known each other a longtime John. As your friend, I testify as a second witness that what Sister Lingmann has said is true. I challenge you to be baptized before sister Lingmann goes home on Thursday.” Elder Condie then stood and said, “NO pressure here john.” There was a tension breaking chuckle from the group, but then he added that he was leaving in the morning and challenged John to be baptized before the day was out. During Conference, Elder Condie once again bore testimony from the pulpit, by saying that he was a last minute substitute for the conference. He wasn’t supposed to be in Billings, but he was here and one of the reasons he was here was to see that John was baptized. Sisters Lingmann, Denning, and Reyes called about 2:30 indicating that they had been asked to review the lessons with John and wondered if they could teach him here at the mission home. Of course we said yes, and so we did from 3:00 pm until 6:30pm John had some misconceptions that needed to be clarified, but he knew enough to be baptized. He knew that Jesus is the Christ and that the Book of Mormon is true. He believed in Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Gospel. In the end, he wanted to be baptized, not because of pressure, but because of choice. He know this is what he needed to do. The font was filled and a baptism was held at 8:00 that night. President Getz baptized him and was confirmed a member by Elder Spencer J. Condie. It took a lot of effort from a lot of people but finally John was able to feel the spirit and knew that it was time to be baptized. Thanks to Elders Tryon, Coker and Journey, Sisters Reyes Denning, and Lingmann, Sister Gardner and Sister Carter, President Getz, and Elder Condie, and I’m sure many others. It always takes lots of touches for someone to feel enough of the workings of the spirit to precipitate action. John told me that, “I learned that you just cant do it on your own.” Thanks to all who helped along the way. -Pres Gardner.
Ya. I thought that was a pretty cool story. Maybe you guys can learn from Elder Condie and be bold enough to straight up invite a family to learn the Gospel. Im still waiting for you guys to do that.
I read over and over Ann M. Dibb's talk. it was great. "it was pretty scary I tell you" "get a grip" those lines will never be forgotten.
That’s about it for the last week. We hope to have a big week this week. We have zone conference tomorrow and zone leader team ups today and tomorrow
This last week was pretty good. Lots of things happened. The other night Elder Jensen and I went to go contact a referral that our Ward mission leader had given to us. She was from Polson so Bro Alsbury (who is from Polson) and I were really excited to get in contact with her. Elder Jensen and I arrive at the destined address and presume to get out of the car. We both look at the destination and say, "wow this is a big house." We are about to knock on the door when all we can see on the inside is STATE OF MONTANA certificates. It dawned on me that it wasn’t the kind of house that we were thinking about. We then knock and a nurse like looking lady answers the door.. We then walk into the facility and realize that it is a mental/handicap facility just like Randolph.. I cant tell the whole story or I would be here for days but it was the funniest visit I have ever had. We talked and Mary Jane was completely obsessed with lighthouses and about anything nautical. We sang Brightly beams our Fathers Mercy to her and read some scriptures about light. We then proceeded to talk about the Whale Oil that she said she lived on. Hilarious. After that we began to make different fog horn noises and I showed her the "tractor beam" from dumb and dumber. Mary Jane then asked me if we could watch dumb and dumber sometime. After that we raced: me on foot, Mary Jane in her wheel chair. It was great.
You guys need to look on pg. 96 of the Ensign and tell me if the guy in the middle of that page played volleyball for Westwood.
Now for the big question. WHENS THE BABY DUE? I NEED TO KNOW. I WILL SEE IF I CAN SEND SOME BABY CLOTHES. some little baby cowboy boots and a little carhardt jacket.
We get a monthly "mission" newsletter that shows a missionary directory and has some presidents messages and stories and stuff, one of which, that I would like to share with you. President Gardner wrote about this experience about 3 weeks ago at a Billings Stake Conference: "In the Billings Stake conference this last weekend, there was a special meeting, for new converts and investigators. A man by the name of John came with his member wife, Karen, who was called on last minute to lead the singing. He has been investigating the church off and on for the last 7 years. Elder Condie (who was the GA seventy that came through the mission) asked Sister Lingmann who was going home that week, to come up and in 2 minutes teach John what he needed to know, testify to him, and challenge him to be baptized. We were all surprised at the boldness of Elder Condie. Sister Lingmann did as she was invited to do and then invited John to be baptized. There was an awkward pause, Finally John said, “we'll see.” Then Pres. Getz, the stake president, stood up and said, “we have known each other a longtime John. As your friend, I testify as a second witness that what Sister Lingmann has said is true. I challenge you to be baptized before sister Lingmann goes home on Thursday.” Elder Condie then stood and said, “NO pressure here john.” There was a tension breaking chuckle from the group, but then he added that he was leaving in the morning and challenged John to be baptized before the day was out. During Conference, Elder Condie once again bore testimony from the pulpit, by saying that he was a last minute substitute for the conference. He wasn’t supposed to be in Billings, but he was here and one of the reasons he was here was to see that John was baptized. Sisters Lingmann, Denning, and Reyes called about 2:30 indicating that they had been asked to review the lessons with John and wondered if they could teach him here at the mission home. Of course we said yes, and so we did from 3:00 pm until 6:30pm John had some misconceptions that needed to be clarified, but he knew enough to be baptized. He knew that Jesus is the Christ and that the Book of Mormon is true. He believed in Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Gospel. In the end, he wanted to be baptized, not because of pressure, but because of choice. He know this is what he needed to do. The font was filled and a baptism was held at 8:00 that night. President Getz baptized him and was confirmed a member by Elder Spencer J. Condie. It took a lot of effort from a lot of people but finally John was able to feel the spirit and knew that it was time to be baptized. Thanks to Elders Tryon, Coker and Journey, Sisters Reyes Denning, and Lingmann, Sister Gardner and Sister Carter, President Getz, and Elder Condie, and I’m sure many others. It always takes lots of touches for someone to feel enough of the workings of the spirit to precipitate action. John told me that, “I learned that you just cant do it on your own.” Thanks to all who helped along the way. -Pres Gardner.
Ya. I thought that was a pretty cool story. Maybe you guys can learn from Elder Condie and be bold enough to straight up invite a family to learn the Gospel. Im still waiting for you guys to do that.
I read over and over Ann M. Dibb's talk. it was great. "it was pretty scary I tell you" "get a grip" those lines will never be forgotten.
That’s about it for the last week. We hope to have a big week this week. We have zone conference tomorrow and zone leader team ups today and tomorrow
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Hunting Season...
Elder Greenie and I are just doin swell. Just tryin to help him progress and turn that Californian wildfire into a missionary. Tell that Dave that I aint stretchin or breakin no rules. Its an emergency type of situation and we need the bike or else, no missionary work. Lots has and hasn't happened this past week. Its that dang huntin season again and it seems like people think the world is going to end if they dont shoot a big Buck or Bull. Ive never seen so many people addicted to something that isn't drugs. We will be in the middle of a lesson and some dude will get a phone call and say, "gotta go" then proceed to grab his jacket, gun and keys and head out the door while we sit there left alone in their house. Weird.
We ate breakfast at a non members home this morning and sports center was on. They kept replaying the ASU and USC clip with the football flying everywhere. That looked pretty crazy.
This last sunday Rich and Scott got ordained to the priesthood. That was another sweet experience to add to the whole thing. They will both be passing the sacrament this next week.
I cant wait for zone conference for some weird reason. I think I always like to listen to President Gardner for some reason.
This week we were able to find 3 new investigators and one of those had us over for dinner. Her name is Charlanne. She is pretty cool. She has 6 cats. She really enjoys coming to church and wants to start taking the lessons. That is always probably one of the most exciting things. I always love to start teaching lessons to someone that WANTS them. I will keep you guys updated on her. We also taught two 30 year old dudes who seem to have a slight interest in the Gospel. It was pretty cool. They are both huge college football fans and we talked it up for a while before we started our lesson. It was kind of an "instant friendship" with the both of them so we will see what we can do there.
We still havent seen Anna in a while. SHe is going through Some pretty harsh Chemo therapy. I feel bad for her. It was kind of bad timing on our part. I wish we could have got to her sooner. SHe was so ready.
Have you guys exercised the challenge of going out with the missionaries to teach any lessons yet? You haven't? Well I know Grandma has. You guys should too. Dont wait for them to ask you. Ask them. Keep thinking and praying about a family you can invite over for a FHE or something simple. I think Elder Brimhall said it best. He said that when you meet someone who you want to hear the Gospel, you dont have to automatically tell them about the first vision. Hardly anyone is attracted to the Doctrines of the Gospel of the get go. He said to share important principles and activities that will attract people such as our families, inviting friends to A FHE, Mutual activties, etc, etc. Also, ask the missionaries for some of the MORMON.ORG pass-along cards and see if you can hand them out to someone. That includes you too BEAR. Katie, you and Are Bear have the perfect opportunity to do missionary work as well moving into a brand new neighborhood. JUST DO IT
Again I wish you guys could meet all the people that I get to teach and (Elder Roerdanz says hi) talk with. Theyre awesome. im not doing to good on my journal writing so I hope you save all these letters.
Katie, I hope they seal you guys good. too bad the kids dont get to go inside and see.
Love
Playwood
We ate breakfast at a non members home this morning and sports center was on. They kept replaying the ASU and USC clip with the football flying everywhere. That looked pretty crazy.
This last sunday Rich and Scott got ordained to the priesthood. That was another sweet experience to add to the whole thing. They will both be passing the sacrament this next week.
I cant wait for zone conference for some weird reason. I think I always like to listen to President Gardner for some reason.
This week we were able to find 3 new investigators and one of those had us over for dinner. Her name is Charlanne. She is pretty cool. She has 6 cats. She really enjoys coming to church and wants to start taking the lessons. That is always probably one of the most exciting things. I always love to start teaching lessons to someone that WANTS them. I will keep you guys updated on her. We also taught two 30 year old dudes who seem to have a slight interest in the Gospel. It was pretty cool. They are both huge college football fans and we talked it up for a while before we started our lesson. It was kind of an "instant friendship" with the both of them so we will see what we can do there.
We still havent seen Anna in a while. SHe is going through Some pretty harsh Chemo therapy. I feel bad for her. It was kind of bad timing on our part. I wish we could have got to her sooner. SHe was so ready.
Have you guys exercised the challenge of going out with the missionaries to teach any lessons yet? You haven't? Well I know Grandma has. You guys should too. Dont wait for them to ask you. Ask them. Keep thinking and praying about a family you can invite over for a FHE or something simple. I think Elder Brimhall said it best. He said that when you meet someone who you want to hear the Gospel, you dont have to automatically tell them about the first vision. Hardly anyone is attracted to the Doctrines of the Gospel of the get go. He said to share important principles and activities that will attract people such as our families, inviting friends to A FHE, Mutual activties, etc, etc. Also, ask the missionaries for some of the MORMON.ORG pass-along cards and see if you can hand them out to someone. That includes you too BEAR. Katie, you and Are Bear have the perfect opportunity to do missionary work as well moving into a brand new neighborhood. JUST DO IT
Again I wish you guys could meet all the people that I get to teach and (Elder Roerdanz says hi) talk with. Theyre awesome. im not doing to good on my journal writing so I hope you save all these letters.
Katie, I hope they seal you guys good. too bad the kids dont get to go inside and see.
Love
Playwood
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
New Comp!
My new greenie is a good boy. He is from Ridgecrest, CA. His name is Elder David Jensen and He says he knows some Strattons from Mesa. (Chantel, Kayli, Emily, Caleb,etc?) He is as green as they come. I like him. He is willing to work hard and become a better missionary. We get along well and work hard. Thats all that matters. I feel bad because we had a horrible week this last week and felt like it was a horrible introduction to the mission.
We spent Halloween at the Binghams. We weren't allowed to be out past dark so we had dinner there and then went home. The Binghams are from Phoenix and said that they remember a STake President with the last name Heywood. I then explained. Sister Bingham went to..I forget and Bro Bingham went to Carl Hayden and Alhambra for school. They're about your ages. Donna Anderson-Bingham and Dan Bingham.
I was thinking that you should just send me some of the pictures back on a USB drive including the pics Ive already taken. That would be easiest. Im glad you liked all the pics. Whoo WHooo.
So this last week was pretty slow. I had two wait until Wed night to get Elder Greenie. Before that I spent the week with Elder Child and Elder Goff are one of my favorite companionships in history. Anyway, We went to Townsend with the new missionaries and hauled over 10 tons of logs to some community wood pile and the previous evening got to sing at the Townsend community Gospel sing. It was at the methodist Church and was great. Ya. Fantastic. BOOYAh.
I dont know why Im writing in backwards order but, even before we went out to Townsend I was with Elder Moore and Robison on Sunday after Elder Jurney left and we went and visited some people. Before I left Polson, the Burninghams gave me their Brothers address in Helena.(bro Burninghams Bro. He is less active.) time is running out but we went and visited him and he invited us in. He was about 55 years old or so and is single. He is a business man and drives a UPS truck. His house consists of a Bar, beer pictures everywhere, Beer signs, empty kegs, nice leather sofas, etc. I know Im not painting the best picture but He basically likes beer and considers himself the beer ambassador of Helena. He was actually really nice, even though im not sure he was completly sober. Overall, I was just so suprised to see such a weird guy stem off of the very sweet and very innocent Burnigham family. It was crazy.
I dont know if I ever told you but ELder Goff and Child are living with a staunch catholic couple next to their bishops house and have the most awesome relationship with them. (thats the house that I played the guitar at. I was thinking of doing it with some deer or horses in the backdrop but my choices were limited.)(anyway, nice tangent) The lady they live with is really sick and they've had the opportunity to administer to her a couple of times and what not. so its pretty cool.
I dont know if there is too much more to say. Thank you.
BYE. I will write a full letter of our investigators progress and everything else involved next week. Its hard to write about people when you hardly see anyone. this week should be good.
LOVE me do.
PS. I dont know why im craving this but send me some riddles (ask jared and luke mainly. kids like riddles) and also some magic card tricks. GREAT, im turning into Elder Weirdo.
BYE
PS. I was informed that POLSON has had 3 baptisms and that INez Brown will be baptized in December.
We spent Halloween at the Binghams. We weren't allowed to be out past dark so we had dinner there and then went home. The Binghams are from Phoenix and said that they remember a STake President with the last name Heywood. I then explained. Sister Bingham went to..I forget and Bro Bingham went to Carl Hayden and Alhambra for school. They're about your ages. Donna Anderson-Bingham and Dan Bingham.
I was thinking that you should just send me some of the pictures back on a USB drive including the pics Ive already taken. That would be easiest. Im glad you liked all the pics. Whoo WHooo.
So this last week was pretty slow. I had two wait until Wed night to get Elder Greenie. Before that I spent the week with Elder Child and Elder Goff are one of my favorite companionships in history. Anyway, We went to Townsend with the new missionaries and hauled over 10 tons of logs to some community wood pile and the previous evening got to sing at the Townsend community Gospel sing. It was at the methodist Church and was great. Ya. Fantastic. BOOYAh.
I dont know why Im writing in backwards order but, even before we went out to Townsend I was with Elder Moore and Robison on Sunday after Elder Jurney left and we went and visited some people. Before I left Polson, the Burninghams gave me their Brothers address in Helena.(bro Burninghams Bro. He is less active.) time is running out but we went and visited him and he invited us in. He was about 55 years old or so and is single. He is a business man and drives a UPS truck. His house consists of a Bar, beer pictures everywhere, Beer signs, empty kegs, nice leather sofas, etc. I know Im not painting the best picture but He basically likes beer and considers himself the beer ambassador of Helena. He was actually really nice, even though im not sure he was completly sober. Overall, I was just so suprised to see such a weird guy stem off of the very sweet and very innocent Burnigham family. It was crazy.
I dont know if I ever told you but ELder Goff and Child are living with a staunch catholic couple next to their bishops house and have the most awesome relationship with them. (thats the house that I played the guitar at. I was thinking of doing it with some deer or horses in the backdrop but my choices were limited.)(anyway, nice tangent) The lady they live with is really sick and they've had the opportunity to administer to her a couple of times and what not. so its pretty cool.
I dont know if there is too much more to say. Thank you.
BYE. I will write a full letter of our investigators progress and everything else involved next week. Its hard to write about people when you hardly see anyone. this week should be good.
LOVE me do.
PS. I dont know why im craving this but send me some riddles (ask jared and luke mainly. kids like riddles) and also some magic card tricks. GREAT, im turning into Elder Weirdo.
BYE
PS. I was informed that POLSON has had 3 baptisms and that INez Brown will be baptized in December.
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