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.
Countdown Clock
Make your own Countdown Clocks
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
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
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
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
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
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
A sound understanding...
Some times in life we realize that we are completely wrong. This is a lesson learned multiple times. Especially as a missionary and dealing with stubborn companions. But the best part is having a companion that understands the process of growth and the building of ones character. Elder Barr and I have had some really good fights lately. Sorry to say that I almost lost my patient with him. Luckily though he had the phone so I couldnt call President and ask for an Emergency Transfer(ET). We worked through it and kinda fixed the problems. The thing I realized is that I expect too much from others sometimes. I am able to perform to a level that he cannot in some areas. He is able to perform to a level incomparable to me as well. So I cannot expect him to be a morning AND evening person as I fully am. Sure people get tired. Since I usually do not, its difficult for to understand why he does. But the Good Lord has opened my eyes due to my prayers and helped me see that his best is his best. It may not be my best but its his best. Thats all the Lord requires and thats all I can require as well.
In better news, a man that I found and taught in Ahoskie named Ralph Hewitt is getting the plunge on December 13th! We found him almost a year ago come January. How incredible is that? That is right before transfers too so if we get an investigator, we can go! What a marvelous blessing it would be to see him get baptized. A man that I knew as a greenie, getting baptized while im still out here in my prime of my mission! The Lord knows me and that I wanted to see him baptized. I sure am. There are reasons why he is getting baptized now and not earlier. The current missionaries told me and I respect that. But he still said that he loved listening and learning from us. Also the friendships that he developed. I too am grateful for that.
Well its 35 degrees and Elder Malone is loving every moment! It actually "snowed" yesterday too! Like 12 flakes but hey, 12 is better than, what is it yall have? like 80 degrees. Oh yeah go East Coast!
We met an amazinly prepared lady on sat evening. Her name is Sheri and she loves the Lord. She has seen way more than I ever thought someone could and she still has faith that its part of a plan for her. Plus, she is looking forward with faith for the next trial to come! We invited her to Enrichment last night and she was soo ready to go! But her car was not quite fixed so she had to cancel. We could have gotten her a ride but when we went by to have her follow us, she was gone. :( Super Sad day. but we did get the Aguiar girls to go. The mom and her daughter. they had a nice time. The daughter in general found good friends and wants to come back! So hopefully she can get involved in mutual.
I love the church. get em once and they are as good as gold!
God Bless us all.
Elder Malone
p.s. yes even Obama
In better news, a man that I found and taught in Ahoskie named Ralph Hewitt is getting the plunge on December 13th! We found him almost a year ago come January. How incredible is that? That is right before transfers too so if we get an investigator, we can go! What a marvelous blessing it would be to see him get baptized. A man that I knew as a greenie, getting baptized while im still out here in my prime of my mission! The Lord knows me and that I wanted to see him baptized. I sure am. There are reasons why he is getting baptized now and not earlier. The current missionaries told me and I respect that. But he still said that he loved listening and learning from us. Also the friendships that he developed. I too am grateful for that.
Well its 35 degrees and Elder Malone is loving every moment! It actually "snowed" yesterday too! Like 12 flakes but hey, 12 is better than, what is it yall have? like 80 degrees. Oh yeah go East Coast!
We met an amazinly prepared lady on sat evening. Her name is Sheri and she loves the Lord. She has seen way more than I ever thought someone could and she still has faith that its part of a plan for her. Plus, she is looking forward with faith for the next trial to come! We invited her to Enrichment last night and she was soo ready to go! But her car was not quite fixed so she had to cancel. We could have gotten her a ride but when we went by to have her follow us, she was gone. :( Super Sad day. but we did get the Aguiar girls to go. The mom and her daughter. they had a nice time. The daughter in general found good friends and wants to come back! So hopefully she can get involved in mutual.
I love the church. get em once and they are as good as gold!
God Bless us all.
Elder Malone
p.s. yes even Obama
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Ok so it's really Chesapeake....
Howdy do?
Well things are going here in good ol Virginia. OK so its not really in Deep Creek. There is an actual place called Deep Creek. But its in Chesapeake. Our area covers both Chesapeake and Portsmouth (pronounced port-smith) don't ask me why. but either way its a good little area. the people are great. they will either talk to you or close the door so normal for VA i think. The members are really really helping out alot not just with meals, actually that is the slowest part of it all. but they are more than willing to go on exchanges and have us over for a AMI. they are all working with families to bring into their home for us to teach. so that is good news there.
We actually had a really neat experience with a family named the Jackson's. There are about 5 people total. 2 adults, 5yr old twin girls and a baby named Eleazar. so only two people up for baptism but in 3 years Brother Jackson can baptize his own kids! they don't have a date yet but they did come to the last session of conference. the mom was kinda preoccupied some with the kids. but they all fell asleep! so they got the watch it. with that talk on marriage, brother Jackson was on the edge of his seat with eyes wide open! not even blinking. i watched him. it was incredible! plus he said afterwards that it gave him a lot to ponder and think about..."meditate on" so that's good. we are going over for a brunch on Thursday... tomorrow. we hope to answer their questions they are having. he has done some pretty good study with both the BOM and Bible. so good news there.
Lewis did not come to conference so he doesn't have a baptismal date anymore. but he is not moving to Newport News like i thought he was so we can still teach him. he is looking for a place to stay and he is having a hard time. he is getting kicked out of his apt suddenly because of his crazy ex. so we are doing our best to stay with him. he said he wanted to call us a few nights back but thought midnight was too late. he really needed to talk to someone. he also felt like he should read his BOM but felt like he was too frustrated to focus. so he just talked his problems out to a tree off his back patio. :) he is a trip. We are also teaching a bunch of people. nothing too solid with them so I wont report on them just yet. but your prayers and the prayers of these members are helping. thank you soo much.
Today we are headed off to Neptune Beach to play some football. now that Oct conference has happened, we can go to the beach. which also means coats back on full time unless it gets over 70 degrees. but its alright. i think i have climatized because i don't sweat all the time like i use to. and being in a car is nicer with the coat.
Its interesting though to see how peoples idea of religion runs. they all think that a prophet is any person moved by the Spirit. and once we say no, they get offended because half their family is "prophets" so its soft treading grounds there. but we do just fine. they also don't like the idea of having someone tell them what to do and think. they believe its a personal thing with God that we supposed to have. we tell them it is very personal with God, but He has called a man on this earth. then they bring up how mans is corruptible. that's why they follow God. its a mess. but we are slowly but surely helping the chosen find the right path. i know we are. its amazing how the Lord works. taking both Elders out and putting in two fresh ones. it helps us because we are probably tracting where they just tracted. and sure enough we find people. miracles happen daily.
Elder Barr is a great guy. he tries my patience 24/7 but its a resistance work out. the Lord sees how far He can push me. until i crack. and so far, 1 year later I'm still not cracking. I KNOW that if He really wanted to, He COULD make me crack. but i don't think He will. at least not now. i can see my last transfer out here, Him doing something like that. Just to show me my final point. He will get a kick out of it and I will too. I love the Lord. we have a pretty good relationship.
Just for y'alls info-mation. in exactly 1 year and 1 days from now, i will be at the temple in Washington and then going back to the mission home to meet whoever wants to meet me there. crazy huh? who would have thought that this is really my mission? and its half over! it's really odd but I'm loving it just the same. haha i don't know if reality has really actually set in yet that it is my mission. once i go home it will seem so surreal that i actually did serve one. and that my mission stories are happening now. its just crazy to me. well thanks for the prayers and love and support.
love to all y'all,
Love Elder Malone
Well things are going here in good ol Virginia. OK so its not really in Deep Creek. There is an actual place called Deep Creek. But its in Chesapeake. Our area covers both Chesapeake and Portsmouth (pronounced port-smith) don't ask me why. but either way its a good little area. the people are great. they will either talk to you or close the door so normal for VA i think. The members are really really helping out alot not just with meals, actually that is the slowest part of it all. but they are more than willing to go on exchanges and have us over for a AMI. they are all working with families to bring into their home for us to teach. so that is good news there.
We actually had a really neat experience with a family named the Jackson's. There are about 5 people total. 2 adults, 5yr old twin girls and a baby named Eleazar. so only two people up for baptism but in 3 years Brother Jackson can baptize his own kids! they don't have a date yet but they did come to the last session of conference. the mom was kinda preoccupied some with the kids. but they all fell asleep! so they got the watch it. with that talk on marriage, brother Jackson was on the edge of his seat with eyes wide open! not even blinking. i watched him. it was incredible! plus he said afterwards that it gave him a lot to ponder and think about..."meditate on" so that's good. we are going over for a brunch on Thursday... tomorrow. we hope to answer their questions they are having. he has done some pretty good study with both the BOM and Bible. so good news there.
Lewis did not come to conference so he doesn't have a baptismal date anymore. but he is not moving to Newport News like i thought he was so we can still teach him. he is looking for a place to stay and he is having a hard time. he is getting kicked out of his apt suddenly because of his crazy ex. so we are doing our best to stay with him. he said he wanted to call us a few nights back but thought midnight was too late. he really needed to talk to someone. he also felt like he should read his BOM but felt like he was too frustrated to focus. so he just talked his problems out to a tree off his back patio. :) he is a trip. We are also teaching a bunch of people. nothing too solid with them so I wont report on them just yet. but your prayers and the prayers of these members are helping. thank you soo much.
Today we are headed off to Neptune Beach to play some football. now that Oct conference has happened, we can go to the beach. which also means coats back on full time unless it gets over 70 degrees. but its alright. i think i have climatized because i don't sweat all the time like i use to. and being in a car is nicer with the coat.
Its interesting though to see how peoples idea of religion runs. they all think that a prophet is any person moved by the Spirit. and once we say no, they get offended because half their family is "prophets" so its soft treading grounds there. but we do just fine. they also don't like the idea of having someone tell them what to do and think. they believe its a personal thing with God that we supposed to have. we tell them it is very personal with God, but He has called a man on this earth. then they bring up how mans is corruptible. that's why they follow God. its a mess. but we are slowly but surely helping the chosen find the right path. i know we are. its amazing how the Lord works. taking both Elders out and putting in two fresh ones. it helps us because we are probably tracting where they just tracted. and sure enough we find people. miracles happen daily.
Elder Barr is a great guy. he tries my patience 24/7 but its a resistance work out. the Lord sees how far He can push me. until i crack. and so far, 1 year later I'm still not cracking. I KNOW that if He really wanted to, He COULD make me crack. but i don't think He will. at least not now. i can see my last transfer out here, Him doing something like that. Just to show me my final point. He will get a kick out of it and I will too. I love the Lord. we have a pretty good relationship.
Just for y'alls info-mation. in exactly 1 year and 1 days from now, i will be at the temple in Washington and then going back to the mission home to meet whoever wants to meet me there. crazy huh? who would have thought that this is really my mission? and its half over! it's really odd but I'm loving it just the same. haha i don't know if reality has really actually set in yet that it is my mission. once i go home it will seem so surreal that i actually did serve one. and that my mission stories are happening now. its just crazy to me. well thanks for the prayers and love and support.
love to all y'all,
Love Elder Malone
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Shamrock Garden? TRANSFERRED!!!!
Well here is the big news. They are "shotgunning" Glen Allen meaning everyone will die. :( ...No it means that they are pulling all missionaries out and putting brand new ones in. should be fun. it helps to mix things up and get some new blood in there. two people who don't know the area go in without a bias or anything. it seems to be really beneficial. I am going down to Deep Creek,VA which is in the same area as Portsmouth,VA. i believe I'll be in a car too but I'm not quite sure yet. I have driven through it and been to the building there. It's a nice area. i hope it will prove to be beneficial. I'm actually getting shotgunned in to it. So me and Elder Barr, my new comp will have to learn everything from scratch but it should be a fun time.
Also I'm not a DL anymore which I'm OK with... too much time spent on other things. i would rather focus more on the work and the area. not so much calling people and helping them. Don't get me wrong. i love helping others. but i kinda feel like lately I'm slipping in helping others instead of myself. "he that loseth his life shall gain it" right? well "the Lord helps those who help themselves" so it's time to help myself i guess. Elder Holley is going to Newport News so pretty close to me which is good because he is driving me up the wall! So its sad that I'm leaving but I'm excited to go to the promised land!
oh my new address if y'all care to write is :
1306 Shamrock Garden Ct.
Deep Creek, VA 23323
yeah kinda fruity but hey I'm Irish so no worries.
Not too much to say really. Things have kinda been dying to be honest. A lot of our investigators have been avoiding us. even though we have been finding a TON of new ones it's sad that the old ones were soo close. Tom and Lisa have disappeared. and Anne is still struggling with her arm but she said the nicest things about me. she is a sweet old cranky lady. she knows it too. :)
Well as far as the mission goes, there are going to be some sister TAs. but no Elder TAs (yet) i hope they bust them out soon. its been almost a year since it ended. but actually President is changing things up a lot. i haven't heard about it before it so its intense. the Assistants are working in their own area and not the office. they will work with trainers and greenies for a few days when they first get in and then let them loose in their own areas. so like tomorrow, Thursday, the trainers and greenies go to somewhere i don't know where. but on Friday and sat, they will be with the assistants and learn all about PMG. just get it hammered into them. and then come Sunday they will all turn back to their areas and finish the transfer there. A lot of people who were ZLs or Dl are getting "demoted" but its all good. it gives more people a chance at leadership. and luckily you cant mess up too much in mission leadership. unless your an asst or president. but that's about all for right now. any questions?
sorry its short and not informative. i am sick right now which stinks. i have a temp and probably a sinus infection or something. i don't know but it sucketh. so I'm going to go to a local pharmacy and get something called bucklies.which is actually a cure for the common cold developed by a Canadian pharmacist. so go figure. the slogan is, tastes terrible, works great. so I'm all kinds of excited about this. :)
tell people i said hi and let me know about stuff.
Love,
Elder Malone
Also I'm not a DL anymore which I'm OK with... too much time spent on other things. i would rather focus more on the work and the area. not so much calling people and helping them. Don't get me wrong. i love helping others. but i kinda feel like lately I'm slipping in helping others instead of myself. "he that loseth his life shall gain it" right? well "the Lord helps those who help themselves" so it's time to help myself i guess. Elder Holley is going to Newport News so pretty close to me which is good because he is driving me up the wall! So its sad that I'm leaving but I'm excited to go to the promised land!
oh my new address if y'all care to write is :
1306 Shamrock Garden Ct.
Deep Creek, VA 23323
yeah kinda fruity but hey I'm Irish so no worries.
Not too much to say really. Things have kinda been dying to be honest. A lot of our investigators have been avoiding us. even though we have been finding a TON of new ones it's sad that the old ones were soo close. Tom and Lisa have disappeared. and Anne is still struggling with her arm but she said the nicest things about me. she is a sweet old cranky lady. she knows it too. :)
Well as far as the mission goes, there are going to be some sister TAs. but no Elder TAs (yet) i hope they bust them out soon. its been almost a year since it ended. but actually President is changing things up a lot. i haven't heard about it before it so its intense. the Assistants are working in their own area and not the office. they will work with trainers and greenies for a few days when they first get in and then let them loose in their own areas. so like tomorrow, Thursday, the trainers and greenies go to somewhere i don't know where. but on Friday and sat, they will be with the assistants and learn all about PMG. just get it hammered into them. and then come Sunday they will all turn back to their areas and finish the transfer there. A lot of people who were ZLs or Dl are getting "demoted" but its all good. it gives more people a chance at leadership. and luckily you cant mess up too much in mission leadership. unless your an asst or president. but that's about all for right now. any questions?
sorry its short and not informative. i am sick right now which stinks. i have a temp and probably a sinus infection or something. i don't know but it sucketh. so I'm going to go to a local pharmacy and get something called bucklies.which is actually a cure for the common cold developed by a Canadian pharmacist. so go figure. the slogan is, tastes terrible, works great. so I'm all kinds of excited about this. :)
tell people i said hi and let me know about stuff.
Love,
Elder Malone
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
