I would like to thank all y'all for the religiousness of writing to me on my mission. this will be one of the concluding emails that I send from VA. I will have you know that P-DAY is probably one of the most celebrated holidays in the mission field. It is weekly, short and sweet. I enjoy it quite fully. Today, the whole way to the library, we shouted P-DAY and rejoiced in our release from burdens.
Not that we really have any, the Lord helps us out, but if they did come! we would be released.
Speaking of released, I AM NOT TRUNKY! Let me again define that trunkyness if to be looking forward with great anticipation for your homecoming and the life after the mission. My companion likes to say little things all the time about it, i do not. the members are blown away to think that i leave in 2 weeks! it is pretty amazing to see the sadness in their eyes when they hear that. I have really grown close to this ward, not any family in particular, but the whole ward in general is just incredible. probably one of my all-time favorite areas to serve in! So they are consistently asking me about what i will do and how i am handling it all. I just say, when it comes it comes. so sorry mom and dad and mike and jacque if i am not too happy to see all yall when yall come to get me. that is the reason why.
i am excited to listen to music and hold a girls hand again! luckily music is first because i do not have a girl to hold hands with. if i did though!...music would still be first.
Sis talley is still set for the 10th, but if she does not stop smoking by friday then she cannot be baptized on the 10th. sad day huh? so keep her in your prayers!
Tonya as well needs to quit smoking but she is doing really well! her daughters and her came to all 3 hours of church and loved it tremendously. tonya told us yesterday that she really has seen the blessings among her family growing closer together as they are going to church. so that is really good. the other girls are expressing interest in baptism as well, so who knows what all will come of this great event?
Doris dropped us on thursday night, but then showed up to church with her friend. talk about a shocker. she still does not have a new baptismal date for her, but when she wants it, it will be there for her. I think it surprised her how not different our ward was from her friends ward. even if they are from the east end of Richmond. they are alright.
No other news really, sorry
Elder Malone
Countdown Clock
Make your own Countdown Clocks
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
P.S.
sorry one last item of ward business to discuss. None of yall know this, but we have been taking the sign language classes and this past week I signed the Sacrament prayer for the water! it was a really amazing thing to be able to do that for our deaf sisters in the ward. I was super nervous but the Lord helped me out a lot, as always and I prevailed! I am still working on the bread which is a tad bit longer and Elder Pierce wants to sign the water within the next two weeks also, so perhaps I can do bread and he can do the water.
love yall
love yall
Good News and Bad News..............
Well good news is that we are seeing opposition, so something is going right here in the ward. Bad news is that Miguel and Doris both are stepping off the baptism wagon for a little bit. Miguel basically disappeared and no one knows exactly where he is at. So, when and if he comes back, we shall see how interested he really is. Doris is getting some cold feet, so she decided to not be baptized THIS month. But she says definitely next month. So, we are planning on next month. She did not come to church on Sunday like we had hoped she would. She also committed to come, and her fellowshipper said she would be brought. But apparently she was not feeling very good, so it did not happen.
But as far as we know, Tonya Stith and Sis Talley are still set for what is ahead. As long as they keep their commitments, they will succeed! Just like all of us, God does not ask big things, simply little things that bring big results in our lives. As long as we do what he has asked of us to do, then we will see those BIG results in our lives. So do those small things okay?
We had an experience with a man who for some reason is praying and asking God to show him what he needs to do to change his life. We have knocked on his door twice and he skims through the bible every now and again. So we very boldly told him to repent and listen to the signs and whisperings that the Holy Ghost is giving him. I told him right to his face that his beer and cigarettes are keeping him from God's promptings. Because the Spirit backed it up, he felt the need to change and invited us back anytime. Whether he change that night I am not sure, but he felt something. That is what counts.
There was a really sweet fireside this past weekend with Elder Jay E. Jensen from the Presidency of the Seventy. That was a very powerful meeting and I walked away feeling very uplifted in the Spirit! He had a Q&A for about an hour in the which some really good questions came up that I myself had thought of but did not remember to ask them. Good news is that we took Miguel there and he enjoyed what part he really understood. Mormon language was used a lot there. can be tough for some people.
love
Elder Malone
But as far as we know, Tonya Stith and Sis Talley are still set for what is ahead. As long as they keep their commitments, they will succeed! Just like all of us, God does not ask big things, simply little things that bring big results in our lives. As long as we do what he has asked of us to do, then we will see those BIG results in our lives. So do those small things okay?
We had an experience with a man who for some reason is praying and asking God to show him what he needs to do to change his life. We have knocked on his door twice and he skims through the bible every now and again. So we very boldly told him to repent and listen to the signs and whisperings that the Holy Ghost is giving him. I told him right to his face that his beer and cigarettes are keeping him from God's promptings. Because the Spirit backed it up, he felt the need to change and invited us back anytime. Whether he change that night I am not sure, but he felt something. That is what counts.
There was a really sweet fireside this past weekend with Elder Jay E. Jensen from the Presidency of the Seventy. That was a very powerful meeting and I walked away feeling very uplifted in the Spirit! He had a Q&A for about an hour in the which some really good questions came up that I myself had thought of but did not remember to ask them. Good news is that we took Miguel there and he enjoyed what part he really understood. Mormon language was used a lot there. can be tough for some people.
love
Elder Malone
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Where did all this fire come from?
4 PEOPLE SET FOR BAPTISM!
We have been really blessed to have such good investigators who are anxious to receive these blessings. some are more solid than others but all of them are working towards that goal, and if they do not get baptized, then their hearts are still changed for living the Gospel for a time. Here are the people and their dates. I should be able to go to a few of them!
Doris- Sept 26th she has not come to our ward yet because of illnesses but she knows a good handful of people and has been 3 times to other wards were her friends are members so at least she has gone. But she keeps all of her commitments!
Miguel- Oct 3rd in between sessions probably. he keeps disappearing down to NC for sometime. So he has not been to church for a little bit, but he reads and preaches out of the BOM to his friends who are also influenced by family and friends who are members. He has a strong testimony, just needs to prioritize.
Sis Talley!- Oct 10th she has a few kids that are members. She is really awesome, super sweet lady. She has a different Spirit around her from that first time we met her, and she has become converted. She is definitely set for this date. We actually went over on Monday and gave Priesthood blessings to her and her grandchildren for school! that was a really neat experience to have. especially for Sis Talley's blessing.
Tonya Stith!- Oct 11th. her response to the invtiation for baptism was, "do you really think Im ready?" we replied yes! she understood that it was an actual covenant with God, not just a thing to do, to get into the church. she is really awesome, such a blessing to teach her.
thanks for the prayers family and friends!
i love all yall elder malone
We have been really blessed to have such good investigators who are anxious to receive these blessings. some are more solid than others but all of them are working towards that goal, and if they do not get baptized, then their hearts are still changed for living the Gospel for a time. Here are the people and their dates. I should be able to go to a few of them!
Doris- Sept 26th she has not come to our ward yet because of illnesses but she knows a good handful of people and has been 3 times to other wards were her friends are members so at least she has gone. But she keeps all of her commitments!
Miguel- Oct 3rd in between sessions probably. he keeps disappearing down to NC for sometime. So he has not been to church for a little bit, but he reads and preaches out of the BOM to his friends who are also influenced by family and friends who are members. He has a strong testimony, just needs to prioritize.
Sis Talley!- Oct 10th she has a few kids that are members. She is really awesome, super sweet lady. She has a different Spirit around her from that first time we met her, and she has become converted. She is definitely set for this date. We actually went over on Monday and gave Priesthood blessings to her and her grandchildren for school! that was a really neat experience to have. especially for Sis Talley's blessing.
Tonya Stith!- Oct 11th. her response to the invtiation for baptism was, "do you really think Im ready?" we replied yes! she understood that it was an actual covenant with God, not just a thing to do, to get into the church. she is really awesome, such a blessing to teach her.
thanks for the prayers family and friends!
i love all yall elder malone
Awesome Investigators!
My first item of business is Doris Woodlief. She is a really awesome 61 year old lady. She is set for baptism for the 26th of Sept and totally committed to that date too! She has some really great fellowship with multiple of our members and others in surrounding wards. She is the best friend of a member who lives just across the river and has been going to her ward for a few sundays but is now going to come with us this week! which will be really good for the transition. She believes and has a testimony of all of what we have taught her, so things are really looking up with her.
We had a FHE with Tonya Stith and her girls over at a members house and that went really well also! They have come to church only once but this weekend, Tonya has work off so her whole family will be there for all 3 meetings! That is where the power comes in. She will experience the whole enchilada. They do not have a baptismal date but definitely will soon. The Bishop is very aware of them and dedicated to get them baptized. its amazing how much he wants them to be members. It really motivates me and gets the ward excited also!
We are still working with a few others, nothing really too strong but all part of the separating process! half the work is finding them.
Elder Pierce is my new companion, he is from St. George, UT. But he grew up in Florida and Louisiana so he is redeemed! But we get along really well, especially because he is focused and dedicated to really teaching powerful lessons to everyone he sees, so it has helped me to teach powerfully also. The Lord knew what I needed to end the mish.
thanks for the love and letters and emails and all the support. If yall could help a brother out, here is a simple list of foods I desire.
-Tuna in WATER
- whole-wheat pretzels
-almonds
-protein powder
love to all yall
Elder Malone
We had a FHE with Tonya Stith and her girls over at a members house and that went really well also! They have come to church only once but this weekend, Tonya has work off so her whole family will be there for all 3 meetings! That is where the power comes in. She will experience the whole enchilada. They do not have a baptismal date but definitely will soon. The Bishop is very aware of them and dedicated to get them baptized. its amazing how much he wants them to be members. It really motivates me and gets the ward excited also!
We are still working with a few others, nothing really too strong but all part of the separating process! half the work is finding them.
Elder Pierce is my new companion, he is from St. George, UT. But he grew up in Florida and Louisiana so he is redeemed! But we get along really well, especially because he is focused and dedicated to really teaching powerful lessons to everyone he sees, so it has helped me to teach powerfully also. The Lord knew what I needed to end the mish.
thanks for the love and letters and emails and all the support. If yall could help a brother out, here is a simple list of foods I desire.
-Tuna in WATER
- whole-wheat pretzels
-almonds
-protein powder
love to all yall
Elder Malone
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Small successes.....
Well we had a family come to church on Sunday! They are the Stiths. Great
family. A mom and 3 girls all over 11! So they are mostly all going to be in YW
which is really needed right now. Poor YW class with only 3 YW in there. They
plan on staying the whole 3 hours next week. She gave up extra work time to come
so she is really seeing the blessings in sacrifice.
We have also been recieving a lot of referrals lately. Mostly from the Church
HQ but referrals none the less. Lots of work to do. It did slow down for a few
days here and there, but luckily, we have been faithful and the Good Lord is
definitely providing! We have members who are actively working with non-members
to invite into their home, so within the month we should see some super solid
people come forth!
Our main girl Cassie is staying in VA for good, so we are working forward with
her for the baptism. She is not set for a date because she has some things to
take care of first and she really needs to be reading and praying daily. She
wants to be baptized within the month so she can have some of her school friends
there, but she needs to step up her game. we told her that too and she
understood, so it is up to her now. But her mother is a member who would come to
church except for work. So not too bad of a support at home. She did get to go
to the Spanish ward's baptism last night at 8:30 which was a really good
service. So she got to witness it and reconfirmed her decision to be baptized.
It is almost surreal how the end is near. It is not something to really push
off anymore. I do not think about it often really, but it is odd to think that
in 7 weeks, it will be over. I hope my efforts have been accepted by the Lord.
He definitely has had a struggle with me at times. I feel like I have done my
best throughout most of my mission and that is just about all I can ask for.
Thanks to all y'all for supporting me throughout this time in my life. It is a
blessing to have so many great people, especially among those I hardly know.
love,
Elder Malone
family. A mom and 3 girls all over 11! So they are mostly all going to be in YW
which is really needed right now. Poor YW class with only 3 YW in there. They
plan on staying the whole 3 hours next week. She gave up extra work time to come
so she is really seeing the blessings in sacrifice.
We have also been recieving a lot of referrals lately. Mostly from the Church
HQ but referrals none the less. Lots of work to do. It did slow down for a few
days here and there, but luckily, we have been faithful and the Good Lord is
definitely providing! We have members who are actively working with non-members
to invite into their home, so within the month we should see some super solid
people come forth!
Our main girl Cassie is staying in VA for good, so we are working forward with
her for the baptism. She is not set for a date because she has some things to
take care of first and she really needs to be reading and praying daily. She
wants to be baptized within the month so she can have some of her school friends
there, but she needs to step up her game. we told her that too and she
understood, so it is up to her now. But her mother is a member who would come to
church except for work. So not too bad of a support at home. She did get to go
to the Spanish ward's baptism last night at 8:30 which was a really good
service. So she got to witness it and reconfirmed her decision to be baptized.
It is almost surreal how the end is near. It is not something to really push
off anymore. I do not think about it often really, but it is odd to think that
in 7 weeks, it will be over. I hope my efforts have been accepted by the Lord.
He definitely has had a struggle with me at times. I feel like I have done my
best throughout most of my mission and that is just about all I can ask for.
Thanks to all y'all for supporting me throughout this time in my life. It is a
blessing to have so many great people, especially among those I hardly know.
love,
Elder Malone
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Letter Home 8/12/09
Well...not a letter in a while because most of our people have been disappearing! Or at least are not keeping commitments and not calling us back. So instead of chasing them down and trying to knock some sense into them like we use to do, we just move onward!
We did have an experience with a part-member family who we are teaching. They have been taught by missionaries for a little while now but never make those steps so they stop meeting with them. Well the first couple of appointments went really well. But when they all committed to come to church and our rides came by to find no one home, we got a little perturbed. So we went by and they all individually swore up and down and side to side that they did not say they would come to church. So they were all conspiring together! Well, we rebuked the mother hardcore to get some sense into her, plus it fed my pride a little bit. :) We told her that she needed to come and let the Spirit work on her. So she stated that she had things planned to do... we asked if they were more important than church or the Lord. She said, of course not! nothing is more important than the Lord. So we boldly said, Then why are you making them that way? And left silence while she ate from the ice cream cone filled with guilt. Chocolate chip kind too. She agreed to let us come back and we told them all, if they miss one commitment they are dropped! No time to play around, they have had too many witnesses now, it's all on the them.
Well on a good note, Tonya and her family will be at church this Sunday! She finally found the exact location of the building, because last sunday she got lost and did not bring her cell phone with her. So this sunday is the day! They keep all of their commitments and definitely are making a point to have family scripture study. So they are doing well.
We were told just yesterday that the first book Pocahontas ever read was the Bible, specifically in John were it talked about confessing with your mouth and you are saved! She liked it so much she made her own version of the Bible to share with her Native friends and highlighted that scripture in there. Betcha y'all never heard that before!
Also, they may move our apartment in a couple months. We are currently at the very bottom of a 10 mile up and down area. Mostly up hill, so 45 mins later we arrive at the top, which is difficult sometimes on bike. So they will move us to a more central location. We are picking out places to go, and we may have found a winner.
All in all, just working and striving to finish with a bang. But I think the only bang I may make is just a little hooray from my companion!
love,
Elder Malone
We did have an experience with a part-member family who we are teaching. They have been taught by missionaries for a little while now but never make those steps so they stop meeting with them. Well the first couple of appointments went really well. But when they all committed to come to church and our rides came by to find no one home, we got a little perturbed. So we went by and they all individually swore up and down and side to side that they did not say they would come to church. So they were all conspiring together! Well, we rebuked the mother hardcore to get some sense into her, plus it fed my pride a little bit. :) We told her that she needed to come and let the Spirit work on her. So she stated that she had things planned to do... we asked if they were more important than church or the Lord. She said, of course not! nothing is more important than the Lord. So we boldly said, Then why are you making them that way? And left silence while she ate from the ice cream cone filled with guilt. Chocolate chip kind too. She agreed to let us come back and we told them all, if they miss one commitment they are dropped! No time to play around, they have had too many witnesses now, it's all on the them.
Well on a good note, Tonya and her family will be at church this Sunday! She finally found the exact location of the building, because last sunday she got lost and did not bring her cell phone with her. So this sunday is the day! They keep all of their commitments and definitely are making a point to have family scripture study. So they are doing well.
We were told just yesterday that the first book Pocahontas ever read was the Bible, specifically in John were it talked about confessing with your mouth and you are saved! She liked it so much she made her own version of the Bible to share with her Native friends and highlighted that scripture in there. Betcha y'all never heard that before!
Also, they may move our apartment in a couple months. We are currently at the very bottom of a 10 mile up and down area. Mostly up hill, so 45 mins later we arrive at the top, which is difficult sometimes on bike. So they will move us to a more central location. We are picking out places to go, and we may have found a winner.
All in all, just working and striving to finish with a bang. But I think the only bang I may make is just a little hooray from my companion!
love,
Elder Malone
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Letter home 7/15/09
Hello family!
Things are going super well here in meadowbrook. I really love it here. lots of people to teach which i will talk about all of them in just a minute. transfers!..nothing! except that my son Elder Holley is going to be my new Zone Leader. talk about awesome. im really glad I got to see him before i die...as a missionary. not in real life.
Ok here are the main peoples:
-Kassi...she is a part member. She is really awesome. 16, she is going with the stake up to the Palmyra pageant this weekend so it will be a super big spiritual moment for her. im really excited. she keeps all of her commitments and loves meeting with us. just waiting for her glasses from NC so she can read.
-Sylvia...we are going to do service for her. When we taught her about the BOM, the spirit was really strong and she said she didnt need to pray about it to know that it was a true book. we had a hard time getting ahold of her which is nice because it taught me about dilligence and now we are cutting her grass which will soften her heart and almost guarantee a church attendance or two. :)
-Hamza...a Muslim guy. he came to church and a baptism and said he will never go to another Christian church again unless its a Mormon church! he loved it. we are teaching about the Atonement today so it will be powerful and he will be baptized soon. he is soo close to a belief in Christ. he use to be an athiest. now he believes in God! there is more but not enough time.
Things are well. im happy and myself which is nice. Elder Burningham and I get along really well. The ward trusts us pretty good and the biking is getting easier. Thanks for all the packages and cards and letters and all the support too. its really awesome!
we should have a baptism by the end of this transfer, which just started, but we are praying for it, so it will happen. i hope the pictures got there ok. im actually more lean than some of those pictures let on to be...maybe ill get some updated ones. although I think those are. I just have bigger pants. i need to get some tighter ones. but my thighs are massive from riding bikes! hope all is well in AZ!
love,
Elder Malone
Things are going super well here in meadowbrook. I really love it here. lots of people to teach which i will talk about all of them in just a minute. transfers!..nothing! except that my son Elder Holley is going to be my new Zone Leader. talk about awesome. im really glad I got to see him before i die...as a missionary. not in real life.
Ok here are the main peoples:
-Kassi...she is a part member. She is really awesome. 16, she is going with the stake up to the Palmyra pageant this weekend so it will be a super big spiritual moment for her. im really excited. she keeps all of her commitments and loves meeting with us. just waiting for her glasses from NC so she can read.
-Sylvia...we are going to do service for her. When we taught her about the BOM, the spirit was really strong and she said she didnt need to pray about it to know that it was a true book. we had a hard time getting ahold of her which is nice because it taught me about dilligence and now we are cutting her grass which will soften her heart and almost guarantee a church attendance or two. :)
-Hamza...a Muslim guy. he came to church and a baptism and said he will never go to another Christian church again unless its a Mormon church! he loved it. we are teaching about the Atonement today so it will be powerful and he will be baptized soon. he is soo close to a belief in Christ. he use to be an athiest. now he believes in God! there is more but not enough time.
Things are well. im happy and myself which is nice. Elder Burningham and I get along really well. The ward trusts us pretty good and the biking is getting easier. Thanks for all the packages and cards and letters and all the support too. its really awesome!
we should have a baptism by the end of this transfer, which just started, but we are praying for it, so it will happen. i hope the pictures got there ok. im actually more lean than some of those pictures let on to be...maybe ill get some updated ones. although I think those are. I just have bigger pants. i need to get some tighter ones. but my thighs are massive from riding bikes! hope all is well in AZ!
love,
Elder Malone
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
letter
OK here we gooo...
Today's news is that we are spending a lot of time finding people to teach. and we
actually find people who want to hear about the gospel too! they have a desire.
it may not be too big but we are taking every chance we get and the Lord can see
it.
Today is Blame Canada Day and my companion and I are going to be eating
pereogies. (per-ro-gees) they are mashed potatoes in ravioli. its a Canadian
thing so don't ask me about it. But I am making him celebrate the 4th with me. He
is in America! he shall do it. Oh and President said I cannot light fireworks on
the 4th either. He is a mean guy. But i bought him a really nice gray and blue
argyle sweater for our BIG meeting we had last week. it was really awesome. He
loved it. He said he will wear it but not during the summer. he did put it on
for a picture though which I will be sending soon. along with 7 cds of pictures.
I hope they work actually let me try them real quick...processing processing...
The ward itself is super awesome. We are really building some good trust and
excitement. its just a matter of getting these members to talk to people! they
claim they don't have anyone around them who isn't LDS. but at their dental
schools, its half LDS so they have a point.
ok the picture CDs work! so i will be sending them home and they are for
everyone to enjoy. now granted I have not really gone through all of them so
they may be some odd ones in there and random ones. but please DO NOT delete any
of them. i will await for word that they all work, i only tried one. then I
shall delete them off my camera. thanks for the love and encouragement. Friday
is my 21 month mark. Saturday i by my first 40 oz. wooot woot.
love,
Elder Malone
Today's news is that we are spending a lot of time finding people to teach. and we
actually find people who want to hear about the gospel too! they have a desire.
it may not be too big but we are taking every chance we get and the Lord can see
it.
Today is Blame Canada Day and my companion and I are going to be eating
pereogies. (per-ro-gees) they are mashed potatoes in ravioli. its a Canadian
thing so don't ask me about it. But I am making him celebrate the 4th with me. He
is in America! he shall do it. Oh and President said I cannot light fireworks on
the 4th either. He is a mean guy. But i bought him a really nice gray and blue
argyle sweater for our BIG meeting we had last week. it was really awesome. He
loved it. He said he will wear it but not during the summer. he did put it on
for a picture though which I will be sending soon. along with 7 cds of pictures.
I hope they work actually let me try them real quick...processing processing...
The ward itself is super awesome. We are really building some good trust and
excitement. its just a matter of getting these members to talk to people! they
claim they don't have anyone around them who isn't LDS. but at their dental
schools, its half LDS so they have a point.
ok the picture CDs work! so i will be sending them home and they are for
everyone to enjoy. now granted I have not really gone through all of them so
they may be some odd ones in there and random ones. but please DO NOT delete any
of them. i will await for word that they all work, i only tried one. then I
shall delete them off my camera. thanks for the love and encouragement. Friday
is my 21 month mark. Saturday i by my first 40 oz. wooot woot.
love,
Elder Malone
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Transfer to Meadowbrooke.....
I think the "e" at the end makes it look a little more formal don't you think?
Well Meadowbrook is amazing!!! I love it soo much. The joys of living in
Richmond and being so close to all my favorite missionaries plus the ward is
great! We got the nicest welcome on Sunday and lots of missionary excitement.
The bishop is just all for missionary work and it gets the members all excited
too. It truly is a very dedicated area. makes me wonder why they changed both
missionaries out and haven't baptized in a while. But that will change.
We had a zone conference yesterday, a big one too. Sister Millburn who has
been sick for almost 11 months now showed up! it was really powerful when she
spoke and gave her testimony. I haven't seen her for like 11 months too. its
really sad but she is pulling through! At zone conference they mentioned some
really neat things about using the BOM in our teaching. Like how its easier to
convince people of the truthfulness of the BOM than it is to convince them that
we have the correct interpretation of Bible scriptures. very true!
President is starting something called the "146 Days to Remember". its a BOM challenge to read through it marking 5 scriptures for 15 different topics of the gospel. then we have to memorize them. but think of how much more powerful that would be! I'm excited, mostly because I'm already in Alma in my other BOM reading and marking up my military set of scriptures I got in Norfolk. So im marking principles in one set, reading from Alma to the end in my little BOM and starting over in a brand new copy. Not to mention I don't have 146 days left! :) so it has to be done faster. but not a problem. its an awesome book. not to mention a true one.
We are starting a new program called lesson series. The First Presidency has
asked that all missionaries teach at least 20 lessons a week to all kinds of
members and nonmembers. So we go into members homes and share a POWERFUL 10 min
lesson and then pray and walk out! it really only is supposed to last about
10-15 mins so not a hard job for the member. we do it once a week for 4 weeks
straight. then supposedly by week 2 or 3, they have someone to invite into their
home where we share another 15 min lesson. powerful once more. and this time its
all conversion from here on out!
Elder Burningham is my new companion. From Cardston, Alberta. very luckily for
me he is really into fitness so we are going to look good. Plus, he is really
funny, very spiritual and we get along great. the ward is solid in doing what
needs to be done and I'm on bike in south side of Richmond, VA. What else could a
guy ask for?
Love,
Elder Malone
Well Meadowbrook is amazing!!! I love it soo much. The joys of living in
Richmond and being so close to all my favorite missionaries plus the ward is
great! We got the nicest welcome on Sunday and lots of missionary excitement.
The bishop is just all for missionary work and it gets the members all excited
too. It truly is a very dedicated area. makes me wonder why they changed both
missionaries out and haven't baptized in a while. But that will change.
We had a zone conference yesterday, a big one too. Sister Millburn who has
been sick for almost 11 months now showed up! it was really powerful when she
spoke and gave her testimony. I haven't seen her for like 11 months too. its
really sad but she is pulling through! At zone conference they mentioned some
really neat things about using the BOM in our teaching. Like how its easier to
convince people of the truthfulness of the BOM than it is to convince them that
we have the correct interpretation of Bible scriptures. very true!
President is starting something called the "146 Days to Remember". its a BOM challenge to read through it marking 5 scriptures for 15 different topics of the gospel. then we have to memorize them. but think of how much more powerful that would be! I'm excited, mostly because I'm already in Alma in my other BOM reading and marking up my military set of scriptures I got in Norfolk. So im marking principles in one set, reading from Alma to the end in my little BOM and starting over in a brand new copy. Not to mention I don't have 146 days left! :) so it has to be done faster. but not a problem. its an awesome book. not to mention a true one.
We are starting a new program called lesson series. The First Presidency has
asked that all missionaries teach at least 20 lessons a week to all kinds of
members and nonmembers. So we go into members homes and share a POWERFUL 10 min
lesson and then pray and walk out! it really only is supposed to last about
10-15 mins so not a hard job for the member. we do it once a week for 4 weeks
straight. then supposedly by week 2 or 3, they have someone to invite into their
home where we share another 15 min lesson. powerful once more. and this time its
all conversion from here on out!
Elder Burningham is my new companion. From Cardston, Alberta. very luckily for
me he is really into fitness so we are going to look good. Plus, he is really
funny, very spiritual and we get along great. the ward is solid in doing what
needs to be done and I'm on bike in south side of Richmond, VA. What else could a
guy ask for?
Love,
Elder Malone
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
listen up children, it's goin' down
Dear Family,
All is well in Norfolk. Scotty Rey is getting baptized this weekend at 6 pm. We have a ward picnic that day too, so we are going to go and get people rallied up for the baptism. I made some more salsa today and my nose is burning because i rubbed my fingers over it. not a good thing to do reminder to all. We also made some pancit. Which is like the Filipino version of chow mein I guess. its pretty good. we are going to open up a Filipino restaurant. we also set a fire on the stove top. that was an adventure. elder stokes tried to take a picture but I blew it out too quick. we didn't reignite it. we aren't that dumb.
So we had a Zone Conference on Monday and it was a pretty good one. They talked all about dedicating yourself wholly to the work. Heart might mind and strength. something that I feel like I do, but not 100%. i can get up there to like the upper 80s maybe even the 90s, but not 100%. and its tough because it seems as if all the miracles and success happens when its 100%. you can give 80-90% effort in a classroom and still pass, but with God's service, its 100%. so that is my goal this week. and the weeks after, but a short range goal sounds nicer. and more accomplish-able.
Things are improving around the area too. Starting to learn more members and gain some trust with them. We hope to get things rolling this weekend as we are teaching the 5th Sunday lesson in the 3rd hour. Introducing the family mission plan and helping people start working with specific people. Its difficult. You would think that missionary work, being required of the Lord, would be made more of a priority. Which leads me to think back to a talk I was given some time ago about a lady with 3 doctorates in theology and other religious fields. She said, "do we really know what we have?" Its also been said that as you learn more about the Atonement, you learn more about why your actually out here. It is soo true too. This work is the best and only way people can be saved. Souls are brought back to God's presence by the work the WE do in OUR church. No other church has the priesthood. Its OUR mandate in this last day. To declare to all people whether they be in VA, AZ or Japan. IF you go to japan on business, declare it there too. So make that an effort, not to just pray for them, seek for them. seek and ye shall find. seek and ye shall be blessed.
love to all y'all,
Elder Malone
All is well in Norfolk. Scotty Rey is getting baptized this weekend at 6 pm. We have a ward picnic that day too, so we are going to go and get people rallied up for the baptism. I made some more salsa today and my nose is burning because i rubbed my fingers over it. not a good thing to do reminder to all. We also made some pancit. Which is like the Filipino version of chow mein I guess. its pretty good. we are going to open up a Filipino restaurant. we also set a fire on the stove top. that was an adventure. elder stokes tried to take a picture but I blew it out too quick. we didn't reignite it. we aren't that dumb.
So we had a Zone Conference on Monday and it was a pretty good one. They talked all about dedicating yourself wholly to the work. Heart might mind and strength. something that I feel like I do, but not 100%. i can get up there to like the upper 80s maybe even the 90s, but not 100%. and its tough because it seems as if all the miracles and success happens when its 100%. you can give 80-90% effort in a classroom and still pass, but with God's service, its 100%. so that is my goal this week. and the weeks after, but a short range goal sounds nicer. and more accomplish-able.
Things are improving around the area too. Starting to learn more members and gain some trust with them. We hope to get things rolling this weekend as we are teaching the 5th Sunday lesson in the 3rd hour. Introducing the family mission plan and helping people start working with specific people. Its difficult. You would think that missionary work, being required of the Lord, would be made more of a priority. Which leads me to think back to a talk I was given some time ago about a lady with 3 doctorates in theology and other religious fields. She said, "do we really know what we have?" Its also been said that as you learn more about the Atonement, you learn more about why your actually out here. It is soo true too. This work is the best and only way people can be saved. Souls are brought back to God's presence by the work the WE do in OUR church. No other church has the priesthood. Its OUR mandate in this last day. To declare to all people whether they be in VA, AZ or Japan. IF you go to japan on business, declare it there too. So make that an effort, not to just pray for them, seek for them. seek and ye shall find. seek and ye shall be blessed.
love to all y'all,
Elder Malone
Friday, May 22, 2009
Letter Home 5/20/09
Well this one wont be too long today. We went to the stake center and had a big pday party with some other missionaries. Bro Knight, one of the members took us there too. He is pretty alright, for a Navy guy. You know how they go. You hear that Bro Knight! Huh? Those chili dogs really weren't that great after all! HA! Ok yes they were. I have to bike extra hard to work them off though. Oh by the way, I forgot to say, we are on bikes full-time. I think i said it, but just in case.
Well Scotty Rey, is getting baptized on the 30th. He gets more and more excited as the time goes on. He just needs to figure out his baptismal program and we should be all set. Also Haskell Corry is now officially set for June 13th. He is praying about it, but he still knows it is true so it will hold, no doubt.
Elder Stokes and I are doing alright. We go through our good times and our tough times. But we talk it over and we move on. It's not as touchy feely as it may sound. The talking over it aprt doesn't mean our voices are not raised. We both like to annoy each other. Its tough love you could say. or just, I-have-to-live-with-you-I-guess-I-can-love-you love. We shall see. Nothing really new to tell. other than things are well. everyone says I look skinnier since Deep Creek. Which was like 2 months ago. I'll take it I guess. I am eating small healthy meals, and lots of biking. It does the trick I guess. Spread the news.
It rains alot, and I love it. Especially cause I left my fender in Deep Creek, so water goes all over. But it aint bikin with out a dirty shirt. I swear no spaghetti sauce at all on my shirts in two year, but lots of dirt from rain water. very odd.
love,
Elder Malone
Well Scotty Rey, is getting baptized on the 30th. He gets more and more excited as the time goes on. He just needs to figure out his baptismal program and we should be all set. Also Haskell Corry is now officially set for June 13th. He is praying about it, but he still knows it is true so it will hold, no doubt.
Elder Stokes and I are doing alright. We go through our good times and our tough times. But we talk it over and we move on. It's not as touchy feely as it may sound. The talking over it aprt doesn't mean our voices are not raised. We both like to annoy each other. Its tough love you could say. or just, I-have-to-live-with-you-I-guess-I-can-love-you love. We shall see. Nothing really new to tell. other than things are well. everyone says I look skinnier since Deep Creek. Which was like 2 months ago. I'll take it I guess. I am eating small healthy meals, and lots of biking. It does the trick I guess. Spread the news.
It rains alot, and I love it. Especially cause I left my fender in Deep Creek, so water goes all over. But it aint bikin with out a dirty shirt. I swear no spaghetti sauce at all on my shirts in two year, but lots of dirt from rain water. very odd.
love,
Elder Malone
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Norfolk 2nd Ward...
It's a good little ward. not too much excitement for missionary work though. I don't know how to explain it. It's like there is, but the members are not that interacting with the missionaries like normal. So it's something I'm trying to work on. My companion is Elder Stokes. He is an alright guy. He kinda takes over the role of SR companion for now which is fine, he knows the area better. But I still need to jump in when he plan on doing something ridiculous, like biking 2 miles to stop by a guy, then bike 1 to stop by a lady, then go back home for 3 miles for lunch. I say just pack a lunch, plan to work the area around that person and lets go. So longer days, but it pays off. The Lord helps us.
Other than that it's alright. Trying to stay dry, I'm sopping wet after a short ride, so I wear a bandanna to keep the sweat from out of my face. It works good. actually y'all will not believe this but I'm actually eating a WHOLE LOT healthier than i use to. (besides the cookie dough and snickers pie Elder Leonard made today). mostly whole-grain breads, tuna and water. I ran out of money a while back so I'm surviving off the food that no one really claimed in the apartment. I don't want to use my personal card because in the real life, there is no "fall back cash". It's tough, but paying off. My health is up and my body fat is going down. We have a scale that measures it, so with eating 6 healthy, small meals a day, and lots of exercise and water i will be lean and mean in October. yeah baby!
I'm already buff so its just the lean part. seriously, y'all know its true. so along with that, if anyone feels compelled to send me some:
-tuna/chicken in water
-brown rice
-peanut butter
-dried fruit
-almonds or other nuts( not peanuts)
-other non-perishables
that would be splendid. thanks family!
Well in the Norfolk news, its a great place. I'm definitely going to be a pilot in the Navy soon after the mission. I love love love hearing the planes fly overhead and seeing them. It's gorgeous. A TOTAL distraction but I don't care. The area is nice. a lot like Deep Creek with its rough areas and nice areas. So far so good. We are really trying to find more people to teach. You can never have too many. They were teaching a couple of people when I first got here, but they are on the slow track. we need to step them up. Oh we also have Sisters in our ward too. We live with the 1st ward Elders in their area. The 1st and 2ND ward Sisters live together in our area. They are really great Sisters too. hard working. Unfortunately they are not finding too much success. :( super sad day, but they remain faithful! I'm really hoping to help the ward not only gain trust in the missionaries but mostly in helping the sisters. Its super easy for members to love Elders, but its really hard for some to like sisters. I don't know why. They are stellar. One of the Elders in the 1st ward is Elder Leonard, one of the guys from my MTC group. So we have a good time. Oh and the sisters in the 2ND ward, our sisters, are the ones who drive "Lily" my car from Deep Creek. So they had to fix the dent in it this week. so they are walking,poor girls. It's like high 80s all week. They get rides though.
Last night I met a Muslim guy who is going to give me a Koran this week some time. He is a really neat guy. I told him all about Sri Lanka and asked about the Muslim faith. Very similar to ours...very similar. It's amazing how close they are. Their Koran is our BOM written to provide a 2ND witness to the things in the Bible. Their Mohammad is our Joseph Smith. So basically the same thing. I would encourage everyone to look more into other faiths and be familiar with them. It provides good knowledge and proper understanding of others beliefs. Especially because we want people to learn about our faith, we should do the same thing.
Well not too much left to talk about. just really working on getting pretty for October, and trying to not think about it. It's easy. Also, trying to avoid getting such a dark tan this year. too late though, in 3 days I've changed like 2 shades. Seriously it's terrible. Get me a do-rag and call me Shequan.(pronounced shay-kwan). oh yeah.
love to all y'all,
Love, Elder Malone
Other than that it's alright. Trying to stay dry, I'm sopping wet after a short ride, so I wear a bandanna to keep the sweat from out of my face. It works good. actually y'all will not believe this but I'm actually eating a WHOLE LOT healthier than i use to. (besides the cookie dough and snickers pie Elder Leonard made today). mostly whole-grain breads, tuna and water. I ran out of money a while back so I'm surviving off the food that no one really claimed in the apartment. I don't want to use my personal card because in the real life, there is no "fall back cash". It's tough, but paying off. My health is up and my body fat is going down. We have a scale that measures it, so with eating 6 healthy, small meals a day, and lots of exercise and water i will be lean and mean in October. yeah baby!
I'm already buff so its just the lean part. seriously, y'all know its true. so along with that, if anyone feels compelled to send me some:
-tuna/chicken in water
-brown rice
-peanut butter
-dried fruit
-almonds or other nuts( not peanuts)
-other non-perishables
that would be splendid. thanks family!
Well in the Norfolk news, its a great place. I'm definitely going to be a pilot in the Navy soon after the mission. I love love love hearing the planes fly overhead and seeing them. It's gorgeous. A TOTAL distraction but I don't care. The area is nice. a lot like Deep Creek with its rough areas and nice areas. So far so good. We are really trying to find more people to teach. You can never have too many. They were teaching a couple of people when I first got here, but they are on the slow track. we need to step them up. Oh we also have Sisters in our ward too. We live with the 1st ward Elders in their area. The 1st and 2ND ward Sisters live together in our area. They are really great Sisters too. hard working. Unfortunately they are not finding too much success. :( super sad day, but they remain faithful! I'm really hoping to help the ward not only gain trust in the missionaries but mostly in helping the sisters. Its super easy for members to love Elders, but its really hard for some to like sisters. I don't know why. They are stellar. One of the Elders in the 1st ward is Elder Leonard, one of the guys from my MTC group. So we have a good time. Oh and the sisters in the 2ND ward, our sisters, are the ones who drive "Lily" my car from Deep Creek. So they had to fix the dent in it this week. so they are walking,poor girls. It's like high 80s all week. They get rides though.
Last night I met a Muslim guy who is going to give me a Koran this week some time. He is a really neat guy. I told him all about Sri Lanka and asked about the Muslim faith. Very similar to ours...very similar. It's amazing how close they are. Their Koran is our BOM written to provide a 2ND witness to the things in the Bible. Their Mohammad is our Joseph Smith. So basically the same thing. I would encourage everyone to look more into other faiths and be familiar with them. It provides good knowledge and proper understanding of others beliefs. Especially because we want people to learn about our faith, we should do the same thing.
Well not too much left to talk about. just really working on getting pretty for October, and trying to not think about it. It's easy. Also, trying to avoid getting such a dark tan this year. too late though, in 3 days I've changed like 2 shades. Seriously it's terrible. Get me a do-rag and call me Shequan.(pronounced shay-kwan). oh yeah.
love to all y'all,
Love, Elder Malone
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I'm a grandpa!
Elder Holley, my son, is training this transfer! Which makes me a grandpa! haha that makes me feel old, mission wise. But I will get a generational picture tomorrow and have to send it out. I guess he didn't turn out so bad after all huh?...odd.
I have 4 transfers left, including this one. And i am going down to Norfolk 2nd ward in the VA Beach stake. I've never served in that one before but I've been to Norfolk plenty. WE are on a bike and I'm excited. Have I mentioned how much I love biking? Well I really do. So I might need some money to get it back in working order. Actually I need 20 dollars. We HAVE to wear these ridiculous yellow reflectors and leg straps all the time... to keep cars from hitting us, (hmm...a little late?) so good news is no more cars! Bad news is, more Mormon jokes. We are known for the white shirts and black pants, and soon also the yellow bandalos. President thinks they are the greatest thing ever....He is also bald, so phooey on him. Here is my new address in case anyone really cares:
Elder Humility
6411 Crescent Way #203
Norfolk, VA 23513
Now a lesson on Norfolk. Don't get confused with the pronunciation of it with Suffolk. Suffolk= Suf-folk...Norfolk=Nor-fick. I would write the southern way to say Norfolk but that involves a bad word but it is properly said with that word in there. Perhaps if I'm feeling rebellious one day, ill say it for y'all. its ok for me, I'm a missionary, and its my mission language. I feel like this is a small transfer too. I won't be in Norfolk very long. I think the Lord is really just hopping me around to keep it fresh, and to utilize me in ways I'm needed. I have often felt that I'm here more to bless than to be blessed. A lot of my companions had things I could help them with. Maybe ill be a counselor one day. who knows.
Miracles in Farmville. Well, we had 4 to church which is nice. WE are dropping some people and picking up a few new ones. Not too many actually. But the branch just loves how hard we work. They are very impressed at our attitude on not wasting time or doing dumb things. So we got a good reputation going there. Which has brought about a greater missionary spirit. So this Sunday we are teaching some friends of a member. The best kind to get because the member will be there. So talk about a blessing. Those have a 80% rate of getting baptized I believe. So invite your friends!
I'm not excited to leave, but it feels ready. Which is odd because of Crystal, being sent here to teach her. But the Lord knows what He is doing with His Elders. And I know that President is inspired man. so...we shalljavascript:void(0) roll with the punches.
Love to all,
Elder Malone
I have 4 transfers left, including this one. And i am going down to Norfolk 2nd ward in the VA Beach stake. I've never served in that one before but I've been to Norfolk plenty. WE are on a bike and I'm excited. Have I mentioned how much I love biking? Well I really do. So I might need some money to get it back in working order. Actually I need 20 dollars. We HAVE to wear these ridiculous yellow reflectors and leg straps all the time... to keep cars from hitting us, (hmm...a little late?) so good news is no more cars! Bad news is, more Mormon jokes. We are known for the white shirts and black pants, and soon also the yellow bandalos. President thinks they are the greatest thing ever....He is also bald, so phooey on him. Here is my new address in case anyone really cares:
Elder Humility
6411 Crescent Way #203
Norfolk, VA 23513
Now a lesson on Norfolk. Don't get confused with the pronunciation of it with Suffolk. Suffolk= Suf-folk...Norfolk=Nor-fick. I would write the southern way to say Norfolk but that involves a bad word but it is properly said with that word in there. Perhaps if I'm feeling rebellious one day, ill say it for y'all. its ok for me, I'm a missionary, and its my mission language. I feel like this is a small transfer too. I won't be in Norfolk very long. I think the Lord is really just hopping me around to keep it fresh, and to utilize me in ways I'm needed. I have often felt that I'm here more to bless than to be blessed. A lot of my companions had things I could help them with. Maybe ill be a counselor one day. who knows.
Miracles in Farmville. Well, we had 4 to church which is nice. WE are dropping some people and picking up a few new ones. Not too many actually. But the branch just loves how hard we work. They are very impressed at our attitude on not wasting time or doing dumb things. So we got a good reputation going there. Which has brought about a greater missionary spirit. So this Sunday we are teaching some friends of a member. The best kind to get because the member will be there. So talk about a blessing. Those have a 80% rate of getting baptized I believe. So invite your friends!
I'm not excited to leave, but it feels ready. Which is odd because of Crystal, being sent here to teach her. But the Lord knows what He is doing with His Elders. And I know that President is inspired man. so...we shalljavascript:void(0) roll with the punches.
Love to all,
Elder Malone
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Miracles
So first things first, we had some really neat miracles this week. Lets recount them:
1) Elder Neugubauer taught a guy named Edmond in downtown Richmond last couple of transfers. He was doing really really well, keeping all his commitments and all, but then he disappeared. So we are walking along the road around the college on Monday, and sure enough guess who we run into? Seriously! After a few weeks he turns up to be in Farmville, VA of all places. He got in a car wreck and had been struggling so he is in town for a while. We are meeting with him tonight. Really neat though how things turned out. He is excited to get back into the Book of Mormon and church. :)
2) There was someone that had met with the missionaries back in January, only once though. Nothing really came of it. Well sure enough, he called us last night and asked about church and what it as like. We told him and commited him and his girlfriend to come to church. Their names are Sidney Thompson and Austin Miller. So we are meeting with them tonight also. But what a blessing to have some random people from a few months ago just up and call for church and lessons!
3) Well I may have said this before, maybe not, but there is someone here that im
supposed to teach. It was made clearly known to Elder Clegg, when he was praying for transfers. He got the impression that I should come to Farmville to teach a lady named Crystal Burley. I had heard about her form other missionaries but didnt think much of it. Well when i got here, I looked her up and her information. We attempted contact with no success. Well one day in wal-Mart parking lot we happen to see her in her car.So I go and talk to her and find out who she is. She said she recognized the missionary tag and all. Well not too much came of it unfortunately. We contacted the member that she is very familar with and told her that we wanted her to set up an appointment with Crystal and us. (Crystal had been reading the Book of Mormon on her own). The member was a little apprehensive, so I quickly bore my testimony about how the Lord made it known that we ARE the missionaires that are meant teach her. The Spirit was strong, and she agreed that she needed to do it. That was Friday. Monday, I called her and she said that Crystal was anxious to meet with us! So we set up an appointment for tonight at 6pm. Family, friends, and family of my companion, please pray for her. We have been praying for a baptism this month. It could be her it could not be, but there IS indeed a reason why she is now ready. We need your prayers for her too. so when you read this, if you will pray for her to understand in her heart and mind the message that we are teaching her, that will do wonders. Thanks sooo much.
I love yall alot. Im not ready to come home just yet, but I will be when the time comes. I love missions. they're gooder 'n grits.
love
Elder Malone
1) Elder Neugubauer taught a guy named Edmond in downtown Richmond last couple of transfers. He was doing really really well, keeping all his commitments and all, but then he disappeared. So we are walking along the road around the college on Monday, and sure enough guess who we run into? Seriously! After a few weeks he turns up to be in Farmville, VA of all places. He got in a car wreck and had been struggling so he is in town for a while. We are meeting with him tonight. Really neat though how things turned out. He is excited to get back into the Book of Mormon and church. :)
2) There was someone that had met with the missionaries back in January, only once though. Nothing really came of it. Well sure enough, he called us last night and asked about church and what it as like. We told him and commited him and his girlfriend to come to church. Their names are Sidney Thompson and Austin Miller. So we are meeting with them tonight also. But what a blessing to have some random people from a few months ago just up and call for church and lessons!
3) Well I may have said this before, maybe not, but there is someone here that im
supposed to teach. It was made clearly known to Elder Clegg, when he was praying for transfers. He got the impression that I should come to Farmville to teach a lady named Crystal Burley. I had heard about her form other missionaries but didnt think much of it. Well when i got here, I looked her up and her information. We attempted contact with no success. Well one day in wal-Mart parking lot we happen to see her in her car.So I go and talk to her and find out who she is. She said she recognized the missionary tag and all. Well not too much came of it unfortunately. We contacted the member that she is very familar with and told her that we wanted her to set up an appointment with Crystal and us. (Crystal had been reading the Book of Mormon on her own). The member was a little apprehensive, so I quickly bore my testimony about how the Lord made it known that we ARE the missionaires that are meant teach her. The Spirit was strong, and she agreed that she needed to do it. That was Friday. Monday, I called her and she said that Crystal was anxious to meet with us! So we set up an appointment for tonight at 6pm. Family, friends, and family of my companion, please pray for her. We have been praying for a baptism this month. It could be her it could not be, but there IS indeed a reason why she is now ready. We need your prayers for her too. so when you read this, if you will pray for her to understand in her heart and mind the message that we are teaching her, that will do wonders. Thanks sooo much.
I love yall alot. Im not ready to come home just yet, but I will be when the time comes. I love missions. they're gooder 'n grits.
love
Elder Malone
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Where in the Hades is Farmville, Va?
Well, its considered the heart of Va. So if you get a map and point to the middle, somewhat, you'll find me. I love it out here. I was uncertain as to how I would like it. we got a very unexcited response to us our first Sunday. We don't have very many members in the branch, so we are working on that. We are making sure to not waste time at members homes and to be on time. It builds trust you see. That's what we need. We are working on getting the Priesthood more involved also. We need exchanges and they need the blessings/growth.
Here is some miracles and people we are teaching:
-Bobby Carwile and Sam Elholm, have been investigating for a while now. They are a really great family. I'm excited that they are still talking with us. They plan to get married soon but they don't know when. Also they want to be baptized, so we set them for a date to help speed things up. They are praying about April 25th. They feel really good about it, they face a lot of trials but they are being blessed for their obedience. We had a powerful lesson the other day. It's funny because we felt strongly about sharing a particular lesson with them, we get there and they bear a powerful testimony of it right off. So the Spirit helps us to address their needs and it was probably one of the most Spiritual lessons. Only twice have I born a testimony that brought me to tears during a lesson. It was amazing the way the Lord used me. I was extremely humbled that night. Good things are happening there...
-Jay B, we met him walking along the road. He said he met with the missionaries before and it was mostly his GF who was interested. Well he agreed to meet again and he loves it! He was going to go to church at another church, but we committed him(after a really long, Spiritual lesson) to come with us. He did and felt everything really speak to him. He said, if this really is the truth, then I want to jump right in and just go for it. Well he is doing that because he got his confirmation. Amazing...
-We had 6 people to church last week too. Probably the most I've had my whole mission. The members are bringing friends and they love it. We are actually going bowling with some of the YSA's tonight to get to know them a little bit better before we teach them. Good way for lots of people to come together and see us as people, not just Elders.
Also our first day here we met a really neat kid at Goodwill named Brian. He is pretty interested. He is coming bowling so he will get involved more in the branch which is really good. He loves to learn, so we hope its more of a wanting to convert and not so much, I want to learn. He is tough to teach though because he stares you down and doesn't look away. So it can be tough to determine his understanding.
Well much love to all y'all. thanks for the prayers. I'm having such a great time out here. We are being blessed. I'm back up in Richmond(ish). I have some of my favorite people in this zone too, so the meetings are really great. Its such a great way to do missionary work. with those you love.
My love to all,
Elder Malone
Here is some miracles and people we are teaching:
-Bobby Carwile and Sam Elholm, have been investigating for a while now. They are a really great family. I'm excited that they are still talking with us. They plan to get married soon but they don't know when. Also they want to be baptized, so we set them for a date to help speed things up. They are praying about April 25th. They feel really good about it, they face a lot of trials but they are being blessed for their obedience. We had a powerful lesson the other day. It's funny because we felt strongly about sharing a particular lesson with them, we get there and they bear a powerful testimony of it right off. So the Spirit helps us to address their needs and it was probably one of the most Spiritual lessons. Only twice have I born a testimony that brought me to tears during a lesson. It was amazing the way the Lord used me. I was extremely humbled that night. Good things are happening there...
-Jay B, we met him walking along the road. He said he met with the missionaries before and it was mostly his GF who was interested. Well he agreed to meet again and he loves it! He was going to go to church at another church, but we committed him(after a really long, Spiritual lesson) to come with us. He did and felt everything really speak to him. He said, if this really is the truth, then I want to jump right in and just go for it. Well he is doing that because he got his confirmation. Amazing...
-We had 6 people to church last week too. Probably the most I've had my whole mission. The members are bringing friends and they love it. We are actually going bowling with some of the YSA's tonight to get to know them a little bit better before we teach them. Good way for lots of people to come together and see us as people, not just Elders.
Also our first day here we met a really neat kid at Goodwill named Brian. He is pretty interested. He is coming bowling so he will get involved more in the branch which is really good. He loves to learn, so we hope its more of a wanting to convert and not so much, I want to learn. He is tough to teach though because he stares you down and doesn't look away. So it can be tough to determine his understanding.
Well much love to all y'all. thanks for the prayers. I'm having such a great time out here. We are being blessed. I'm back up in Richmond(ish). I have some of my favorite people in this zone too, so the meetings are really great. Its such a great way to do missionary work. with those you love.
My love to all,
Elder Malone
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Transferred to Farmville, VA
Well, Farmville is a pretty nice little town. Its got a lot of big town things
with a small town feel. WE live in a really nice duplex with another girl named
Andrea.(du means two, completely separate houses). So we went around and met our
neighbors and actually met some really great people to teach. one family is
kinda odd, they are into robots and what not, but the mom is really into family
history. She added 100 names to her lines within days of our last visit. Learn
from her.
We went running this morning down by the High School, really pretty day
outside. We also went to Hampden-Sydney yesterday which was really pretty too.
We just drove around the campus but it was founded in 1776 so really old
building. Very green though and very elegant. I loved it. It was like in a
forest, all hidden too because you go a few miles either way and it opens up and
becomes all dead. Its kinda magical I guess. We chopped wood for a 94 year old
member lady. It was a lot of fun. I got a couple of blisters from not chopping in
a few years but they are all better. We toured around her garage which hasn't
really been touched for about 8 years when her husband died. He restored old MG
Midgets...these tiny English speedsters. She said anyone could have it if they
will fix it up. So I thought about it. it would definitely need to be towed with
a lot of work done to it. Completely rebuilt and I know nothing about cars. But
I can figure it out. hey, free classic car, why not?
My companions are:
Elder Neugubauer- really tall,loves to work hard and keep at the
best we can be. he really inspires me to do better. Always hoping to have a good
time. ugly ties
Elder Johnson- really charitable, very humble, kinda quick to upsetness so we
have to tread carefully. looks forward to working in this area.
We have also committed ourselves to be praying for a baptism this transfer in
every pray we say. I'm not perfect but we are seeing more and more unfold as we
do so. for instance, our top guy and his fiancee are Bobby and Sam Carwile. His
kids are actually named Bobbie Jo and Robert. No joke either. (and yes I told
them). They are planning on marriage soon and baptism right after. They are very
prepared. well these southerners like to drive slow but they kick you off the
computer fast.
love to all y'all,
Elder Malone
with a small town feel. WE live in a really nice duplex with another girl named
Andrea.(du means two, completely separate houses). So we went around and met our
neighbors and actually met some really great people to teach. one family is
kinda odd, they are into robots and what not, but the mom is really into family
history. She added 100 names to her lines within days of our last visit. Learn
from her.
We went running this morning down by the High School, really pretty day
outside. We also went to Hampden-Sydney yesterday which was really pretty too.
We just drove around the campus but it was founded in 1776 so really old
building. Very green though and very elegant. I loved it. It was like in a
forest, all hidden too because you go a few miles either way and it opens up and
becomes all dead. Its kinda magical I guess. We chopped wood for a 94 year old
member lady. It was a lot of fun. I got a couple of blisters from not chopping in
a few years but they are all better. We toured around her garage which hasn't
really been touched for about 8 years when her husband died. He restored old MG
Midgets...these tiny English speedsters. She said anyone could have it if they
will fix it up. So I thought about it. it would definitely need to be towed with
a lot of work done to it. Completely rebuilt and I know nothing about cars. But
I can figure it out. hey, free classic car, why not?
My companions are:
Elder Neugubauer- really tall,loves to work hard and keep at the
best we can be. he really inspires me to do better. Always hoping to have a good
time. ugly ties
Elder Johnson- really charitable, very humble, kinda quick to upsetness so we
have to tread carefully. looks forward to working in this area.
We have also committed ourselves to be praying for a baptism this transfer in
every pray we say. I'm not perfect but we are seeing more and more unfold as we
do so. for instance, our top guy and his fiancee are Bobby and Sam Carwile. His
kids are actually named Bobbie Jo and Robert. No joke either. (and yes I told
them). They are planning on marriage soon and baptism right after. They are very
prepared. well these southerners like to drive slow but they kick you off the
computer fast.
love to all y'all,
Elder Malone
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
40 Day Fast
Well I think I told y'all about our 40 day fast that we are doing in the ward. It is where for 40 days, 40 families fast, each one day, and they all fast for missionary work! So its been pretty good so far. We have seen some good miracles. One of the biggest ones is VINCE COMING TO CHURCH!!! I was soo excited to see him. he said he would come and he did! He is really progressing well. We talked about church yesterday and he said that he really enjoyed it. A lot like his Lutheran church but he still liked it. He plans on coming to the ward activity on Friday. He already knows tons of people from all the members at his lessons. So its just a matter of him actually continuing to come to church. He bore a really nice testimony to us last night and Friday. he knows the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet. He didn't quite know about the why for the BOM so we explained it with 1 Nephi 13. Talking about the plain and precious truths lost. that's where we hit a little bump. he believes its the "infallible word of God." yet he sees hos the bible by itself yields confusion. so we explained the need for more scripture and the Love God has for us in giving us those plain and precious truths back. Good ending. he still wants us back so it works.
I'm really loving this ward a whole bunch. they all have such a strong desire to share the gospel its just a matter of getting the opportunity. So we ate with the Hobdys last night. That's the family that dropped by with the DVD. and we taught sister Hobdy how to further a conversation about the church. Instead of just saying that we don't drink coffee because its against my religion/faith. ask them a question back. "why do you think i don't drink coffee?" "did you know its a commandment from God?" "did you know we have a prophet on the earth to give us these commandments?" That will teach them as well as open up more for them to learn about. She really liked the idea. Its a big thing for members to step out of their comfort zones and talk but IT WORKS. DO IT!!!
We actually go to businesses now and talk to people. But its your going fishing, go where the fish are right? So we do. We meet some really good people there. One lady at a dry cleaners we are following up with on Thursday. perhaps we can get free dry cleaning. i need it badly.
Trunky thoughts: (trunky means looking forward to home, i cant wait to get home or "things I will do when I got home" thoughts) come April Conference, we take our suit coats off unless we are at meetings. I don't put my coat back on. I leave for the mission home like 2 days after the October Conference so that is kinda good news. I don't like the coat, but I don't like the idea of my 5th and final Conference. :( sad day..anyways
Nick and Nate! I hope y'all enjoyed my letter. Not meaning to brag about my members there Nate. Keep your head up! The Lord is on your side. "When your on the Lord's errand your entitled to the Lord's help!" I wish I could help you but VA needs me.
Nothing really new happening. Just living life. Oh I was finally sick on Sunday so we stayed in and got some members to bring by a TV/VCR combo. we watched all the old cheesy movies by the church. it was awesome. I love them.
Take care y'all
Elder Malone
I'm really loving this ward a whole bunch. they all have such a strong desire to share the gospel its just a matter of getting the opportunity. So we ate with the Hobdys last night. That's the family that dropped by with the DVD. and we taught sister Hobdy how to further a conversation about the church. Instead of just saying that we don't drink coffee because its against my religion/faith. ask them a question back. "why do you think i don't drink coffee?" "did you know its a commandment from God?" "did you know we have a prophet on the earth to give us these commandments?" That will teach them as well as open up more for them to learn about. She really liked the idea. Its a big thing for members to step out of their comfort zones and talk but IT WORKS. DO IT!!!
We actually go to businesses now and talk to people. But its your going fishing, go where the fish are right? So we do. We meet some really good people there. One lady at a dry cleaners we are following up with on Thursday. perhaps we can get free dry cleaning. i need it badly.
Trunky thoughts: (trunky means looking forward to home, i cant wait to get home or "things I will do when I got home" thoughts) come April Conference, we take our suit coats off unless we are at meetings. I don't put my coat back on. I leave for the mission home like 2 days after the October Conference so that is kinda good news. I don't like the coat, but I don't like the idea of my 5th and final Conference. :( sad day..anyways
Nick and Nate! I hope y'all enjoyed my letter. Not meaning to brag about my members there Nate. Keep your head up! The Lord is on your side. "When your on the Lord's errand your entitled to the Lord's help!" I wish I could help you but VA needs me.
Nothing really new happening. Just living life. Oh I was finally sick on Sunday so we stayed in and got some members to bring by a TV/VCR combo. we watched all the old cheesy movies by the church. it was awesome. I love them.
Take care y'all
Elder Malone
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Hit and Run!
I'm excited for taylors baptism. the first one in this ward in almost a year. so the ward it excited. the guy who baptized her mom (in 1991) will be the one to baptize her. his name is brother lee. Then one of the Bishopric will be confirming her. At least we get to stand in. Im really glad. its different having us do all the teahcing and then the ward takes care of the baptism. Its almost like we are pushed off to the side. But I know its not intentional. Thats the way its supposed to be too. Im glad that the ward its getting involved with her baptism. While Taylor and her mom are getting things together, they have been having missionary experiences. They have two families coming to the baptism that we can teach. im really excited. imagine a family of 5! especially with recent converts as their fellow shippers! Its guaranteed to be solid.
I got hit by a car on Friday evening. I was crossing through an intersection and Elder Lagace was a little bit behind me. of course there are no bike lanes or even a shoulder in VA, so I was riding the white line. then a white jeep comes up behind me and side-swipes me. It knocked me off balance but luckily not off my bike. I wasn't sure what had happened until i felt my arm hurt so I pulled over and sat there watching the jeep just drive away. I pulled out the phone and called the police. I felt really bad though. I had no ID on the guy or car. Just the fact that he ran and i got hit was all. Luckily there were two cars full of witnesses. who stopped and checked up on us. then they gave the cop their information. It was a blessing. my arm feels fine now, no harm done. other than me always wanting to ride on the sidewalks now. can you blame me though?
We have not been successful in contacting Sherri or the Wheatleys lately. It makes me sad that we have to struggle to get a hold of them let along get a lesson with them. Its like with Lewis. Great guy, strong desire to learn, but just wont give up their time to learn more. They know they need to prioritize but they just don't. I hope and pray that none of y'all are doing that. its a bad bad trap to get into. We are hoping to get them seeing enough to change but its not too good looking right now.
Vince is not getting baptized on the 28th but he is still doing well. more later Love to all,
Elder Malone
I got hit by a car on Friday evening. I was crossing through an intersection and Elder Lagace was a little bit behind me. of course there are no bike lanes or even a shoulder in VA, so I was riding the white line. then a white jeep comes up behind me and side-swipes me. It knocked me off balance but luckily not off my bike. I wasn't sure what had happened until i felt my arm hurt so I pulled over and sat there watching the jeep just drive away. I pulled out the phone and called the police. I felt really bad though. I had no ID on the guy or car. Just the fact that he ran and i got hit was all. Luckily there were two cars full of witnesses. who stopped and checked up on us. then they gave the cop their information. It was a blessing. my arm feels fine now, no harm done. other than me always wanting to ride on the sidewalks now. can you blame me though?
We have not been successful in contacting Sherri or the Wheatleys lately. It makes me sad that we have to struggle to get a hold of them let along get a lesson with them. Its like with Lewis. Great guy, strong desire to learn, but just wont give up their time to learn more. They know they need to prioritize but they just don't. I hope and pray that none of y'all are doing that. its a bad bad trap to get into. We are hoping to get them seeing enough to change but its not too good looking right now.
Vince is not getting baptized on the 28th but he is still doing well. more later Love to all,
Elder Malone
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Par-lay voo Fran-say?
I am sticking another one out with the Canadian, (y'all knew Elder Lagace is Canadian right?). He is super stoked...don't know why. I think im a terrible companion. But he told me a week ago that he was praying for us to be together again. He then asked if it was alright by me. Sure i said. I even did it once. I like the kid, he is a good guy. The thing is that he reminds me alot of Elder Brockman, my 2nd and probably worst companion. So its tough to see elder lagace for Elder Lagace. That's who he models himself after because it was the first American that he lived with, so he doesn't really know any other way. its a test I know it is.
But attached is a picture of my Canadian, myself and Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve. He came to our Stake Conference and also to our Zone Conference. Which only had about 26 other missionaries, which made it totally more powerful. That Relief Society was on fire. I'm telling you. Wow. So then we got to see him at the Adult Session and the regular session. each time he bore just the most incredible testimony ever. of course he would, he is a Special Witness of the Lord and Savior, who could deny his power?
All in all it was a great session. Plus President went out with us on an exchange and Taylor the little 9 year old girl is set for baptism on the 7th. Vince is set for the 28th. It is going to be a great transfer. We have so many more people to find and teach and baptize. Sherri is still struggling so keep her in y'alls prayers. please and thank you.
Love to all y'all. Thanks for all you do.
Elder Malone
p.s. Elder Shock, a guy i came out with. is going to be in Portsmouth Ward! I can see him all the time now! he is probably one of my best friends out here.
But attached is a picture of my Canadian, myself and Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve. He came to our Stake Conference and also to our Zone Conference. Which only had about 26 other missionaries, which made it totally more powerful. That Relief Society was on fire. I'm telling you. Wow. So then we got to see him at the Adult Session and the regular session. each time he bore just the most incredible testimony ever. of course he would, he is a Special Witness of the Lord and Savior, who could deny his power?
All in all it was a great session. Plus President went out with us on an exchange and Taylor the little 9 year old girl is set for baptism on the 7th. Vince is set for the 28th. It is going to be a great transfer. We have so many more people to find and teach and baptize. Sherri is still struggling so keep her in y'alls prayers. please and thank you.
Love to all y'all. Thanks for all you do.
Elder Malone
p.s. Elder Shock, a guy i came out with. is going to be in Portsmouth Ward! I can see him all the time now! he is probably one of my best friends out here.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Letter.........
Happy Obama Day!
Well we just got back from "Boot Camp". We went up to Richmond, actually the Midlothian area where I was born, and went on exchanges with the training assistants. TAs as they are called. remember i wanted to be one? yeah, missed out. :( sad day). But one of them is Elder hatch my MTC comp so it was great to finally serve with him! We had a really good time.
We got pounded with Preach My Gospel trainings and application. It was a really good thing. I learned alot of new ways to find people to teach. We would go "where the fish are." No one is home during the day, so we go to business and pretend to be interested while we work in Gospel conversation. worked good in some places and terrible in others. But all is well. We got kicked out of Goodwill for "soliciting". we just let it be. All in all it was well. i loved being back in the old area. i got to eat dinner with a great family and they remembered me! That was a blessing to know that.
Probably the coolest thing though was how I was used last night by the Lord.Remember Whitney Terramato? Well...she met with the sisters after we left and didn't like them and their teaching style. So she stopped taking the lessons. She still believed it was true and all, and she knew she needed to act on it, but couldn't do it. So Elders have tried lately with little to no success. They showed up one time and she called her member neighbor and told her to ask them to leave. So the TAs were not too open to going by again. But I called her and she remembered me! So we got a meeting set up that night and went over to her house! Not only was it really great to see her again, but it was truly a blessing to see how the exchange that had signed up that night was exactly who needed to be there for her. So had a lot of questions about Mormon life with a part member family and so on. So she mentioned she still believes and what not so she agreed to meet again! It was a blessing to see that. I almost set her for baptism. When i first taught her, she mentioned how if she was to be baptized it would be in March, for nothing is in March. What a great month to be baptized! Well march is coming back up. So i wanted to but something held me back. afterward the TA said he was really hoping I would do it but it didn't work for a reason. that was my week so far.
Sherri is still struggling alot with life and what have you. But she is working through it. Taylor is going to be baptized in Feb. Her mom and her are praying for the 14th. Keep your fingers crossed, and your arms folded! Vince is coming to stake conference where he will receive an experience of a lifetime. it just so happened he can only come one week a month. it was supposed to be last week but something came up, honestly, he was bummed. so he can just have an even greater time next week.
Love to all y'all,
Elder Malone
Happy Anniversary Goodmans
Well we just got back from "Boot Camp". We went up to Richmond, actually the Midlothian area where I was born, and went on exchanges with the training assistants. TAs as they are called. remember i wanted to be one? yeah, missed out. :( sad day). But one of them is Elder hatch my MTC comp so it was great to finally serve with him! We had a really good time.
We got pounded with Preach My Gospel trainings and application. It was a really good thing. I learned alot of new ways to find people to teach. We would go "where the fish are." No one is home during the day, so we go to business and pretend to be interested while we work in Gospel conversation. worked good in some places and terrible in others. But all is well. We got kicked out of Goodwill for "soliciting". we just let it be. All in all it was well. i loved being back in the old area. i got to eat dinner with a great family and they remembered me! That was a blessing to know that.
Probably the coolest thing though was how I was used last night by the Lord.Remember Whitney Terramato? Well...she met with the sisters after we left and didn't like them and their teaching style. So she stopped taking the lessons. She still believed it was true and all, and she knew she needed to act on it, but couldn't do it. So Elders have tried lately with little to no success. They showed up one time and she called her member neighbor and told her to ask them to leave. So the TAs were not too open to going by again. But I called her and she remembered me! So we got a meeting set up that night and went over to her house! Not only was it really great to see her again, but it was truly a blessing to see how the exchange that had signed up that night was exactly who needed to be there for her. So had a lot of questions about Mormon life with a part member family and so on. So she mentioned she still believes and what not so she agreed to meet again! It was a blessing to see that. I almost set her for baptism. When i first taught her, she mentioned how if she was to be baptized it would be in March, for nothing is in March. What a great month to be baptized! Well march is coming back up. So i wanted to but something held me back. afterward the TA said he was really hoping I would do it but it didn't work for a reason. that was my week so far.
Sherri is still struggling alot with life and what have you. But she is working through it. Taylor is going to be baptized in Feb. Her mom and her are praying for the 14th. Keep your fingers crossed, and your arms folded! Vince is coming to stake conference where he will receive an experience of a lifetime. it just so happened he can only come one week a month. it was supposed to be last week but something came up, honestly, he was bummed. so he can just have an even greater time next week.
Love to all y'all,
Elder Malone
Happy Anniversary Goodmans
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Blessings they may be, but are they wanted?
Now who would turn down blessings right? I can't think of a single person who would willingly turn down blessings. Or can I? Let's think for instance of how many people have disobeyed God. They have all turned down blessings. Especially as members of the church, we know the blessings that comes in obedience. Yet we sometimes choose to follow the beaten path that is easier. Remember though that "taking the path of least resistance, is what makes men and rivers cooked." If life gets easy, then we are probably going downhill. ( I just came up with that myself. pretty good eh?) I'm not here to rebuke y'all, just posing a question. If Zion is to be built on principles of righteousness, then shouldn't it begin with obedience?
Well the reason why i titled the email the way I did is because we have been having people to church. Sherri and her son Zach came on the 4th. But not the 11th. Taylor and her Mom came on the 11th. So with all these blessings must come more opposition. If the Church is true, the why wouldn't there be opposition? Why would Satan let them come and be baptized and he just not care? He does, that's why Sherri missed two appointments in a row and now has food poisoning maybe not making tonight. So I ask again, are the blessings wanted? Wouldn't it just be easier to struggle and wish to overcome it, hoping for some help, than it would be to see them come and progress and then slip backwards? Tough questions that one must ask themselves. Can they overcome the obstacles of faith and temptation and be baptized, receiving that Gift that will ultimately make the biggest difference in their lives? Or should they not come to know the Light because it will be rejected once received, putting them more into condemnation. What would you do?
Fortunately, we have a Savior who suffered for this very reason. Freedom to choose. He knew that millions would reject His Gospel. Still He suffered. He knew that thousands would backslide once received into the faith. Still He suffered. Let us all go forth and help those we know come closer to Him by receiving His Light. That is how this world will save itself. That is how Zion will be established. That is how we can gain a fullness of joy.
I love you all and hope for the best.
Love Elder Malone
p.s. i ate pickled pigs feet last night. it was awesome!
Well the reason why i titled the email the way I did is because we have been having people to church. Sherri and her son Zach came on the 4th. But not the 11th. Taylor and her Mom came on the 11th. So with all these blessings must come more opposition. If the Church is true, the why wouldn't there be opposition? Why would Satan let them come and be baptized and he just not care? He does, that's why Sherri missed two appointments in a row and now has food poisoning maybe not making tonight. So I ask again, are the blessings wanted? Wouldn't it just be easier to struggle and wish to overcome it, hoping for some help, than it would be to see them come and progress and then slip backwards? Tough questions that one must ask themselves. Can they overcome the obstacles of faith and temptation and be baptized, receiving that Gift that will ultimately make the biggest difference in their lives? Or should they not come to know the Light because it will be rejected once received, putting them more into condemnation. What would you do?
Fortunately, we have a Savior who suffered for this very reason. Freedom to choose. He knew that millions would reject His Gospel. Still He suffered. He knew that thousands would backslide once received into the faith. Still He suffered. Let us all go forth and help those we know come closer to Him by receiving His Light. That is how this world will save itself. That is how Zion will be established. That is how we can gain a fullness of joy.
I love you all and hope for the best.
Love Elder Malone
p.s. i ate pickled pigs feet last night. it was awesome!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
"2009 a time to refine!"
Those are the words of my mission president. Doesn't sound too hopeful does it? Especially because in my recent interview, he said that there is a lot of opposition headed our way in this year. But he smiled about it because he then said, "which means there is going to be a lot of good come our way." I agree. Opposition is a great thing. Not in the midst of it, but think of the blessings that comes from growing in the gospel. and helping others grow in the gospel as well.
We talked about ways to improve the work in Deep Creek so that was a sign that I'm probably staying next transfer. Which is fine by me, I love this area. There is a lot of work to do. He said that the missionary shooting will open a lot of doors for a lot of people to share the gospel. So we will be doing a lot of member work to get things going. Also will all yall, you have a son on a mission! Use the missionary fire and talk to people about it. Invite friends over for church or to hear the missionaries. Guaranteed there are people prepared to receive you. didn't think about that one did you? We just read it in the PMG this morning. Chp 9 in the "Go About Doing Good" section.Look it up.
Well one of the biggest blessings of them all is Sherri Kirby and her son Zach. THEY CAME TO CHURCH! Guess what too?! She was babysitting her grandbabies last weekend and told her daughter she was taking all the kids to church. Well, her daughter refused so Sherri said, "OK, then come home on Sunday morning, because I'm going to church!" So she did and Sherri and Zach came to church! Zach is 10 so that's two! Set in stone. well kinda, but she loved it. She stayed for all 3 meetings, signed up for the ward 40 day fast and also signed up to help take an elderly sister to the doctor! ON her first Sunday! If that isn't golden I don't know what is! Such a blessing from the Lord to have that. It really upped the missionary Spirit soo much. People are still talking about her and how friendly she was and how much they liked her. Its incredible. All that from the opposition we face everyday. I KNOW it. No doubt.
I'M excited for the New Year of refining and opposition. I'm experiencing a lot myself as I see myself questioning things in the church. Its all been just little social issues lately, but it does take a toll on you sometimes. So I just pray and ask for support or talk to Elder Lagace about it. It gets resolved and I do my best to not let it get to me. But there is only so much you can take right? Well I'm working on it, no worries.
Thanks for the love and support that's always received. I hope all is well on the home front. We just got cut 50 more miles which is a crock. So we are biking more, which I don't mind, but its one of those irking things that make me wonder sometimes. The nitty gritty details get in the way and make missionary work that much harder to handle. But the Lord has provided ways for us to be happy. And I'm currently applying those.
Love to all y'all,
Elder Malone
We talked about ways to improve the work in Deep Creek so that was a sign that I'm probably staying next transfer. Which is fine by me, I love this area. There is a lot of work to do. He said that the missionary shooting will open a lot of doors for a lot of people to share the gospel. So we will be doing a lot of member work to get things going. Also will all yall, you have a son on a mission! Use the missionary fire and talk to people about it. Invite friends over for church or to hear the missionaries. Guaranteed there are people prepared to receive you. didn't think about that one did you? We just read it in the PMG this morning. Chp 9 in the "Go About Doing Good" section.Look it up.
Well one of the biggest blessings of them all is Sherri Kirby and her son Zach. THEY CAME TO CHURCH! Guess what too?! She was babysitting her grandbabies last weekend and told her daughter she was taking all the kids to church. Well, her daughter refused so Sherri said, "OK, then come home on Sunday morning, because I'm going to church!" So she did and Sherri and Zach came to church! Zach is 10 so that's two! Set in stone. well kinda, but she loved it. She stayed for all 3 meetings, signed up for the ward 40 day fast and also signed up to help take an elderly sister to the doctor! ON her first Sunday! If that isn't golden I don't know what is! Such a blessing from the Lord to have that. It really upped the missionary Spirit soo much. People are still talking about her and how friendly she was and how much they liked her. Its incredible. All that from the opposition we face everyday. I KNOW it. No doubt.
I'M excited for the New Year of refining and opposition. I'm experiencing a lot myself as I see myself questioning things in the church. Its all been just little social issues lately, but it does take a toll on you sometimes. So I just pray and ask for support or talk to Elder Lagace about it. It gets resolved and I do my best to not let it get to me. But there is only so much you can take right? Well I'm working on it, no worries.
Thanks for the love and support that's always received. I hope all is well on the home front. We just got cut 50 more miles which is a crock. So we are biking more, which I don't mind, but its one of those irking things that make me wonder sometimes. The nitty gritty details get in the way and make missionary work that much harder to handle. But the Lord has provided ways for us to be happy. And I'm currently applying those.
Love to all y'all,
Elder Malone
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