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

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

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

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.

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

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!

"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

Uncertain Confirmations....

Well transfer calls are in and I'm staying in the Deepy Creeky. My new companion is Elder Lagace. (La-goss-e) He is a cool kid from what i have heard and know about him. I Believe he came out like 4.5 months ago. So not too old of a guy but should be good if they want me with him. Elder Barr is not happy and he is heading off the south side of Richmond over by my first area. he also wanted to have me ask if y'all know anybody that is into anime. its Japanese animation. like Pokemon stuff. he is really into it and wants to talk to some people about it. So if anyone you know is into it and wants to distract a missionary with it then please write to britian@myldsmail.net. Alright i asked it. He keeps trying to buy shirts and what not from Hot Topic and sees nothing wrong with walking into that store. Yeah i can't even look at that store without getting this terrible feeling let alone walk in. He needs to learn to focus on missionary work. I'm glad he is going to be going somewhere where he can grow. Its been a tough 2 transfers with him. I'm not sure if I have seen the blessings yet but one day. I hope. if not then oh well. I hope he at least had fun.

Ralph's baptism went really well! He was excited to see me and Elder Hall there. He was there with me in Ahoskie teaching Ralph. It was odd to see the Ahoskie members again. they were nice to see which was a good change. We did not leave on the best of notes. Long story. But things are good now. Don't worry i got a baptism picture with him so we are safe.

Well we have two main gatores right now.
Sherri- we "soft committed" them for baptism. We did not set a specific date but we did ask them, "if you found all this to be true, (BOM, Joseph Smith, the LDS Church) would you be baptized into the church?" she said yes! so that is good news. they plan on coming to church next next week. they are going out of town for vacation for Christmas.
Cornelius- super great guy. He says his testimony grows in leaps and bounds every time we go over. We have an appt today so pray for luck. We talked abut baptism with him last time briefly. he was bordering it years ago but didn't. So we explained the authority and he liked it. So we shall see today. we are hoping to set him for next month!

Its soo odd to think that in 2009, i will smell AZ air once more. I do not like that idea very much at all. I hope to move back home once I've spent sufficient amounts of time in AZ. my future home probably lies in VA. sorry to disappoint anyone. But I'm looking forward to calls. Well kinda, ill try to be excited about them. they are distracting. so no me gusta but ill do them because we are supposed to. We can get 40 total minutes each to both families! 10 min increase! So lets keep obedient and stick to that ok? OK. i WILL hang up on anyone who tries to keep me over my limit. I fear God more than mom. I hope to call to mom and Mike's house at about 10am y'alls time. then dad and Jacque's house about 40 mins. afterward. so go where you want. but equal time among sisters means 5 mins each. so fight it out and talk on the 25th. :)
love to all y'all
Elder Malone
p.s. thank you sooooo much for everyone's packages and letters gifts and pictures. as well as support and testimonies. I look forward to writing back to almost everyone. if not this week then next.

The Lord's will be done...

Our main family, the Kings, are sure enough moving to PA on the 8th if i did not already mention it. They were supposed to come to church this past Sunday and next and then would be qualified for baptism into the Lord's Church. We actually got special permission from the President himself for it. Sure enough, the morning comes and a call comes saying that things were not going to work out for them to come to church. It was tough to handle but we know that things are better this way. They can now be taught and baptized in Lancaster where they will be needed. we are not so rushed to teach them and and they are less-stressed. But man, they were soo close.AND Amy, the mom, asked me to baptize her! My first baptism! Stolen by Lancaster Elders. Nevertheless, the Lord's will be done...

We are still coming along well with all our other investigators. Not too many leads yet, but i realize that I am more of a sower and not a reaper. Which is nice, because I dont like to be grimm. Pun intended. So I do my part in the field of reaping and planting seeds for future Elders/ Sisters. I know its what Im supposed to do. There is a reason why I struggle with teaching.

Great news! My Zone Leader Elder Hess, the man, got special permission for me to attend Raplh Hewitts baptism! Normally you have to have an investigator to go. But they said whether or not I have one, i can go! I was soo happy when I found that out. Apparently, Ralph actually emailed me and told me to find someone or else. :) I didnt get the email (mysteriously) but i can go!So I will try to bring a guy named Vincent Brown who is just like Ralph. But im really excited. Its the 13th! And thus we see how Elder Malone is a sower and not a reaper. I was to find him and not to baptize him. Plus the Lord in His infinte wisdom and kindness has set it up for me to be here...the area right next to Ralph's, for the baptism! The Lord's will be done...

I know that Elder Barr has a good heart. Its His wisdom that Im with him. Its the Lord's blessing for this companion that I get to see Ralph baptized. I love the Lord. I hope yall do too.

Continue to seek His blessings everyday.
Elder Malone

Miracles Among Miracles...

Well to be to the point ponder on that topic. We were out of miles last month for the last half almost. So as Elder Barr complained about it we biked all month. Well, if we were not biking, then we would not have met a girl named Ashley who we stopped along the way to talk to. She told us to go see her mom just a few streets over. So we did. She was not home, so we tried a few times later. We not only made contact with her mom Amy, but also her friend Sherri. Both women are incredibly faithful and very much aware of God in their lives. Amy was actually moving to Lancaster, PA this Sat. But sure enough, for some reason, she is not leaving now till the 8th! So she told us that she will attend church and her whole family too! They are about 5 people strong...possibly more too. and Sherri is coming as well with her son. Amy actually recieved some anti literature a few days after we taught her and she didnt believe it. So she asked us about it and we explained it. Sure enough. testimony strengthened we moved on. She actually convinced her husband that we are not bad and now he is hogging a BOM. We had to give them another one so she could read it! Miracles among miracles.

Karen as well is totally awesome. She only has to take down her Catholic decorating plates and she will become a member. No doubt in my mind. We stopped by to return her tupperware that she gave us food in and she mentioned how she was having some really tough times in the family. Her husband is deployed and all. So we talked to her about how the BOM can answer the great questons of the soul. then we left her with some scriptures to read and pray about. She plans on doing it this weekend once things settle down. We actually went by again the next night by mistake and she invited us right in. Sure enough as we left and realized that we meant to go to Karen Dayton, a member not Karen the investigator we laughed about it. She then said, well God knew that I needed you tonight. We just saw her the last night! WOW.. is all i really had to say. Who knew but God. Miracles among Miracles.

There are thousands more I can say, but right now i thank you for your prayers. Miracles occur and continue to sweeten the work.
Much love to all yall. Elder Malone