Hello from the big village of Kurgan!! That seems to be a famous joke that is told about this small city only two hours from the border of Kazakhstan. The city is spread along the flat landscape of the Siberian tundra. About every day we walk through areas that consist only of private homes, dirt roads, goats, old Russian cars, dogs. I have been getting used to watching where I step to not land in mud or anything that is worse.
I had to make a twenty hour travel to Yekaterinburg and back this past week for Zone Leader Council. We arrived late Monday night, around midnight to President's home to grab a quick bite and go to bed. The next day was yet again another ZLC which was great and full of opportunities to learn from each other and from the Holy Ghost. We discussed the need to be exactly obedient to the white hand book and the rules of the Area Presidency. We even discussed how we needed to keep the rule of companions sight and sound literally in our apartments too. I need to be 100% obedient in order to qualify for all the blessings which wait for me. We left Tuesday night and arrived midnight in Tyumen to grab the remaining hours of sleep that we had left until Elder E and I had to go back to Kurgan by midday in order to prepare the arrival of President R and the Area doctor to look at the clinics here and the services they provide.
Wednesday evening we stopped by a recent convert and a baptismal candidate who called us up my first week and stated that she didn't want to be baptized. We went to her private home and sat on a couple of logs in her yard. We began to teach the lesson until we heard a car pull up and a little kid came running in the gate asking us to carry a few things into the yard from outside the gate. It was the member's oldest son and his wasted wife. They came in and let us say we felt the need to stay and support the member from the drunk wife who at one time threw a brick through the window of the house. Everything was fine and we even taught the dad the first lesson and answered his questions on the book of Mormon and about our church. That night I felt down deep inside the pain for the little boy who is growing up amongst examples that aren't the best of the best. I know that there is great responsibility for parents to raise their children and I am eternally grateful for my wonderful parents and their examples that have allowed me to make the right choices and avoid pain and suffering that can come from inexperienced decisions towards sin. I love you mom and dad!! After this encounter it seemed that we were being guided by the Lord to discover more about our investigators and the problems they face to fix. We ran into our investigator on the street who was drunk after the elders a while back taught him the Word of Wisdom. He was with his girlfriend who was drunk too and was excited to see real Americans. we gave her a Book of Mormon and invited them on a lesson together later in the week, when they are not under the influence.
Thursday, we spent the day mostly with President R and the Area doctor stopping by several reputable clinics, including the world famous one located in my area. Doctor Illiazarov apparently during the nineties made a brace that corrects some of the most complicated deformations of the body due to the bone structure. This device requires pins to be driven into the bone and then like braces on your teeth adjusted to straighten or lengthen the bone. So if any of you are feeling short come on down to Kurgan and I will be your translator and in a few months you can be as tall as Shaq!
That evening we had a successful English Club. After English Club, a usual visitor was distressed about the situation her family was in moving that night into another room in the apartment building by the next morning. We were glad to accept the call of service and duty. We went into an older apartment complex and thank goodness this apartment was on the first floor. We moved out a heavy couch, arm chair, closet and table to the garbage in darkness. The pieces of furniture were falling apart and were wet and dirty. The mom was super grateful towards us and I bet it was weird to see a couple of guys in white shirts covered in filth helping this family out while everyone stood watching. President R was also quite baffled at the sight of us later that night.
Friday, we had Zone training after we had lunch together at the local restaurant here. I had a cow tongue salad with mayonnaise, mors, and pizza. It was a pretty good Italian restaurant. We had a good class relating all the information that was given to us from ZLC and had a good lesson on fighting against the feelings of fear, disappointment, and laziness. All of which are from the adversary. Our investigator whom we have committed to be baptized is considering the invitation but needs to act upon the answer that he has already received of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.
Conference was great!! I enjoyed Pres. Eyring's talk during Priesthood especially and invite those who have not watched conference to do so! Go with an open heart and willing mind to learn. I promise you will be enlightened to change something for the better. LOVE YOU ALL!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
October 1, 2012
This past week was a definite challenge to see all of our investigators and how they are progressing. We invited people to be baptized and to attend church as well. We have about three investigators that we wanted to accept baptismal commitments, but instead are all thinking about the decision right now as we speak. We met with one of our investigator's last night at D's place and had dinner. He is doing way better and seems that we are in the good graces of his girlfriend again! YEAH! It is difficult, however, to find out what exactly to teach him. He has been taught many of the lessons already, but President R spent some time with me and my companion over to a new member this past weekend about inviting our investigators parents in on the discussions. A lot of things happened this past week while going about doing the Lord's work.
This past Wednesday, I went on splits with Elder H in Uralmash. We had good time out in the rain stopping by less active members of the church and being successful with a few that opened the doors to us!! That area has a ton of potential to work with part member families it seems. As we were walking we stopped some pretty interesting people. The first man that we stopped was a guy named J, that is a weird name by the way in Russian. He had no pupil in his
right eye and had a hard time focusing his gaze upon us as we talked with him about the purpose of life. He was super cool. He had a problem with his eye sight to the point where he can only see heat signatures! We found one of the X-MEN!! We ended up inviting him to a meeting and one other promising man that we met on the street later that afternoon. We were walking in an older part of the city with apartment buildings that were built during the second world war when a Gothic man came walking up and We both said hello to him. He was super excited for the fact that we stopped to talk to him. He was a strong believer in his orthodox faith and blessed us as we left along our way to have a few meetings at the church with some investigators. I learned a lot from Elder H as he testified boldly promising people blessings in the time of our contacting. We also learned that you cannot start making doubts abut a person on the street before you talk to them because that is putting limitations on the Lord. It was a good learning experience for me and we had a great time.
Our new member's son is investigating the church right now at the age of fourteen. We went with President R to meet with him and his dad. The son loves cross country skiing and cross country running according to this he has a billion medals and awards. He is a pretty awesome kid. We sat down and shared some banana bread with everyone and started to discuss the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit was super strong as the dad testified and as we pertained the lesson to him by comparing Jesus Christ to our coach in running the race of life. He was not read to answer our commitment to be baptized but said he will think about it. President was a good help on that lesson as well! (He is super awesome!) After the lesson V wanted to show us his new pet. He pulled out what looked like a small porcupine but was a hedgehog from his garden. It really had sharp spikes and he let the little creature curl up into a ball and held it with his hands. It was a sight to see. Later on the hedgehog escaped and ran into the corner but the house cat got a little too curious and got a bit hurt as well from the sharp spikes. Man that thing can growl too!!
We received transfer calls this past weekend as well and it looks like I may need to pull out my winter gear early this year as I go to Siberia to serve in Kurgan!! I am super excited. Back in a smaller town with only two companionship's. You can't get more epic than that, and neither can the weather out there. I will be serving with Elder E and will be the zone leader with Elder Y in Tyumen. I cannot wait to experience that , which the Lord has in store for me there. Love you all and be sure to enjoy the warm weather!!
Love,
Elder LeFevre
This past Wednesday, I went on splits with Elder H in Uralmash. We had good time out in the rain stopping by less active members of the church and being successful with a few that opened the doors to us!! That area has a ton of potential to work with part member families it seems. As we were walking we stopped some pretty interesting people. The first man that we stopped was a guy named J, that is a weird name by the way in Russian. He had no pupil in his
right eye and had a hard time focusing his gaze upon us as we talked with him about the purpose of life. He was super cool. He had a problem with his eye sight to the point where he can only see heat signatures! We found one of the X-MEN!! We ended up inviting him to a meeting and one other promising man that we met on the street later that afternoon. We were walking in an older part of the city with apartment buildings that were built during the second world war when a Gothic man came walking up and We both said hello to him. He was super excited for the fact that we stopped to talk to him. He was a strong believer in his orthodox faith and blessed us as we left along our way to have a few meetings at the church with some investigators. I learned a lot from Elder H as he testified boldly promising people blessings in the time of our contacting. We also learned that you cannot start making doubts abut a person on the street before you talk to them because that is putting limitations on the Lord. It was a good learning experience for me and we had a great time.
Our new member's son is investigating the church right now at the age of fourteen. We went with President R to meet with him and his dad. The son loves cross country skiing and cross country running according to this he has a billion medals and awards. He is a pretty awesome kid. We sat down and shared some banana bread with everyone and started to discuss the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit was super strong as the dad testified and as we pertained the lesson to him by comparing Jesus Christ to our coach in running the race of life. He was not read to answer our commitment to be baptized but said he will think about it. President was a good help on that lesson as well! (He is super awesome!) After the lesson V wanted to show us his new pet. He pulled out what looked like a small porcupine but was a hedgehog from his garden. It really had sharp spikes and he let the little creature curl up into a ball and held it with his hands. It was a sight to see. Later on the hedgehog escaped and ran into the corner but the house cat got a little too curious and got a bit hurt as well from the sharp spikes. Man that thing can growl too!!
We received transfer calls this past weekend as well and it looks like I may need to pull out my winter gear early this year as I go to Siberia to serve in Kurgan!! I am super excited. Back in a smaller town with only two companionship's. You can't get more epic than that, and neither can the weather out there. I will be serving with Elder E and will be the zone leader with Elder Y in Tyumen. I cannot wait to experience that , which the Lord has in store for me there. Love you all and be sure to enjoy the warm weather!!
Love,
Elder LeFevre
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Sept 24, 2012
It seems that you always come across one of those kind of weeks every transfer. Everything was tough from getting out of bed in almost pitch black light outside to meetings canceling then rescheduling. However, we went about doing our best and meeting the goals that we set last planning session. We have been keeping at double digit meetings for all the weeks in this transfer and it feels awesome! The Lord is definitely blessing us as we go out and do our duty.
One of the miracles happened last Monday night after we talked to a man in the transport van and set a meeting with him to discussion about gospel. He wanted to meet at the bus stop and from there we went right across the street and taught him the first lesson after we chowed down a sandwich. He was interested in why we devoted so much of our life to be on a mission and if we can help him instill the
good goals and desires that drive us into the kids that he teaches about goals and so forth. We were super excited to here this and agreed to do it free of charge. This then about took him back in shock at the fact that we basically share our testimonies for free. He regathered his thoughts and made it a point to read the book of Mormon and learn more about our church. We are going to extend the baptismal date for sure. Another one of our recent new investigators met with us last week and we extended him the baptismal commitment and explained the the blessings of doing so. He was not thinking that we would remember to ask him about it again after he gave us the response that he needed to think about it. He explained that he need to tell a few of his clergy members about the decision if he feels that it is right to change religions. He felt responsible to let them know. I called him the other day and I relied on the Spirit to guide my thoughts in what to say and to do to help him. I shared a few scriptures about weaknesses being made strong through Jesus Christ and how the Atonement covers EVERYTHING!! We are trying to keep in touch be giving him something to read and follow up on it. This experiences and many like it have given me insight on how we can help many people around us more than just physically, but mentally and spiritually.
Contacting had to be the funnest thing as usual! I love to talk to people and see what conversations you can get into. We had a very successful day the other day as we went contacting for a four hour
period and got two numbers. We even walked and talked longer than twenty minutes along the street after the initial contact and conversation. This man was from the village out side Chelyabinsk and
only knew that the Russian Orthodox church was existent. Crazy to think about being caught up inside that bubble!
We actually got another meeting with our long time investigator, stuck in the crossroads, he is trying to make time to meet us and to think about baptism, which may lead into the result of him making a
few big decisions!! We talked about the blessing of the gospel with our testimonies and share a few verses form King Benjamin and talked about the need to enter int a covenant with God to receive the blessings and help needed to overcome in the end of ends the trials and obstacles of life which beat upon us from day to day. I relayed much to our lessons this week through my studies on the Atonement of our Savior and how that is such a key principle in understanding who we are and what we need to do in order to bless our life and the lives of others as we go about living the teachings of the Savior in our lives. I am super excited for this week and to get one baptismal date, PLEASE! I would be so happy! I already am happy but ten times more happy! Love you all and keep safe! (Virtual hug!)
Elder LeFevre
One of the miracles happened last Monday night after we talked to a man in the transport van and set a meeting with him to discussion about gospel. He wanted to meet at the bus stop and from there we went right across the street and taught him the first lesson after we chowed down a sandwich. He was interested in why we devoted so much of our life to be on a mission and if we can help him instill the
good goals and desires that drive us into the kids that he teaches about goals and so forth. We were super excited to here this and agreed to do it free of charge. This then about took him back in shock at the fact that we basically share our testimonies for free. He regathered his thoughts and made it a point to read the book of Mormon and learn more about our church. We are going to extend the baptismal date for sure. Another one of our recent new investigators met with us last week and we extended him the baptismal commitment and explained the the blessings of doing so. He was not thinking that we would remember to ask him about it again after he gave us the response that he needed to think about it. He explained that he need to tell a few of his clergy members about the decision if he feels that it is right to change religions. He felt responsible to let them know. I called him the other day and I relied on the Spirit to guide my thoughts in what to say and to do to help him. I shared a few scriptures about weaknesses being made strong through Jesus Christ and how the Atonement covers EVERYTHING!! We are trying to keep in touch be giving him something to read and follow up on it. This experiences and many like it have given me insight on how we can help many people around us more than just physically, but mentally and spiritually.
Contacting had to be the funnest thing as usual! I love to talk to people and see what conversations you can get into. We had a very successful day the other day as we went contacting for a four hour
period and got two numbers. We even walked and talked longer than twenty minutes along the street after the initial contact and conversation. This man was from the village out side Chelyabinsk and
only knew that the Russian Orthodox church was existent. Crazy to think about being caught up inside that bubble!
We actually got another meeting with our long time investigator, stuck in the crossroads, he is trying to make time to meet us and to think about baptism, which may lead into the result of him making a
few big decisions!! We talked about the blessing of the gospel with our testimonies and share a few verses form King Benjamin and talked about the need to enter int a covenant with God to receive the blessings and help needed to overcome in the end of ends the trials and obstacles of life which beat upon us from day to day. I relayed much to our lessons this week through my studies on the Atonement of our Savior and how that is such a key principle in understanding who we are and what we need to do in order to bless our life and the lives of others as we go about living the teachings of the Savior in our lives. I am super excited for this week and to get one baptismal date, PLEASE! I would be so happy! I already am happy but ten times more happy! Love you all and keep safe! (Virtual hug!)
Elder LeFevre
Sept 17, 2012
Epic week came about us this last week here in the Yekaterinburg Zone!
After our chores and internet we went straight back home to get changed out to play some football in the rain. We invited members and non members to come to the activity but only us and one of the other companionship's showed up. We ended up throwing the ball around and having a ton of college orientation groups come over and asking about who we were. Just by our appearance we stand out as Americans it seems. on the way there I was holding a football in my hands and a man turned to me and asked if I played rugby. I told him the only time I played rugby was on my knees with friends back home in high school. He laughed and was puzzled and recognized the slight American accent that I have. This guy was golden. We had a short conversation on the ride to the grove in the middle of the city about the church and then swapped numbers. The Lord puts many opportunities in our path when we obey with exactness. It was a good day and we ended it with a meeting with the man that wants to quit smoking but have decided to drop him as an investigator due to his behavior on lessons and not keeping any commitments that we give him. Unfortunately we had to conclude to such actions but there are many prepared souls out there to talk to.
We got a call from a new member to meet with his friend a second time this past week and teach him the Restoration in full. he kept his reading assignment and prays often due to his current faith. He is a really neat guy who at one time taught physics in the college around his house and has been searching for truth for a long time. It was a tough lesson after he contradicted a few of our principles that we were teaching and I felt like the referee between everyone in that room who were trying to take shots at each others faith. We quickly ended that meeting and went contacting. Lately, we have been talking to a ton of people during our contacting "power hours" and have received many blessing from that. We called up and down lists about everyday this week in order to get return appointments with them. Later that night we went on a fun little excursion to the town about an hour outside the city and there met with a member and his son who is now also a new investigator at us. The dad who was baptized this last June is really good at scaring me and on the lesson I did not feel confident but he is a really genuine member and awesome. I forgot to say the famous line at the end of our lesson, "in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." He just about died laughing because he said that it was not allowed to forget such a simple phrase. Our relationship is ten times better now! ha-ha
This day had to be the funnest day of my week. I went on splits with Elder P in for the day. We had fun the whole day just doing the Lord's work and stopping by less actives was super hilarious. We were coming upon this big apartment building's entrance and there stood a pretty girl at the door who took a look at us and allowed us in. We ran inside and into to the elevator double checking the information on the ward list. Once we reached the floor we came to the outer door which led to the individual apartments and rang the door bell. We awaited for someone to come out and greet us.
There was commotion on the other side and at the same moment the girl was opening the door the elevator door opened up to our left and out came the girl. Apparently the stop by was that girl and
her friend who lived there as well. We just were sweating and communicated with them as fast as possible and set the return appointment. As the day came to a close our meetings had canceled on us and we took a look at our goals to have three meetings and knew that despite the rain we needed to go out and go contacting like crazy! So we did. My hands were freezing and we were soaking wet. You should have seen us buying treats for tea and everyone just looking at two joyful missionaries who gave out three books of Mormon in an hour. Accomplishment!
The rest of the week was fantastic! We met with President to talk about transfers and make area changes yet again to meet the qualifications of Yekat to meet its full potential. I am sorry this is short but we got a ton to do today and many more stories I can tell but I got time after my mission to tell a bunch to you all. I love you all and have a great week.
After our chores and internet we went straight back home to get changed out to play some football in the rain. We invited members and non members to come to the activity but only us and one of the other companionship's showed up. We ended up throwing the ball around and having a ton of college orientation groups come over and asking about who we were. Just by our appearance we stand out as Americans it seems. on the way there I was holding a football in my hands and a man turned to me and asked if I played rugby. I told him the only time I played rugby was on my knees with friends back home in high school. He laughed and was puzzled and recognized the slight American accent that I have. This guy was golden. We had a short conversation on the ride to the grove in the middle of the city about the church and then swapped numbers. The Lord puts many opportunities in our path when we obey with exactness. It was a good day and we ended it with a meeting with the man that wants to quit smoking but have decided to drop him as an investigator due to his behavior on lessons and not keeping any commitments that we give him. Unfortunately we had to conclude to such actions but there are many prepared souls out there to talk to.
We got a call from a new member to meet with his friend a second time this past week and teach him the Restoration in full. he kept his reading assignment and prays often due to his current faith. He is a really neat guy who at one time taught physics in the college around his house and has been searching for truth for a long time. It was a tough lesson after he contradicted a few of our principles that we were teaching and I felt like the referee between everyone in that room who were trying to take shots at each others faith. We quickly ended that meeting and went contacting. Lately, we have been talking to a ton of people during our contacting "power hours" and have received many blessing from that. We called up and down lists about everyday this week in order to get return appointments with them. Later that night we went on a fun little excursion to the town about an hour outside the city and there met with a member and his son who is now also a new investigator at us. The dad who was baptized this last June is really good at scaring me and on the lesson I did not feel confident but he is a really genuine member and awesome. I forgot to say the famous line at the end of our lesson, "in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." He just about died laughing because he said that it was not allowed to forget such a simple phrase. Our relationship is ten times better now! ha-ha
This day had to be the funnest day of my week. I went on splits with Elder P in for the day. We had fun the whole day just doing the Lord's work and stopping by less actives was super hilarious. We were coming upon this big apartment building's entrance and there stood a pretty girl at the door who took a look at us and allowed us in. We ran inside and into to the elevator double checking the information on the ward list. Once we reached the floor we came to the outer door which led to the individual apartments and rang the door bell. We awaited for someone to come out and greet us.
There was commotion on the other side and at the same moment the girl was opening the door the elevator door opened up to our left and out came the girl. Apparently the stop by was that girl and
her friend who lived there as well. We just were sweating and communicated with them as fast as possible and set the return appointment. As the day came to a close our meetings had canceled on us and we took a look at our goals to have three meetings and knew that despite the rain we needed to go out and go contacting like crazy! So we did. My hands were freezing and we were soaking wet. You should have seen us buying treats for tea and everyone just looking at two joyful missionaries who gave out three books of Mormon in an hour. Accomplishment!
The rest of the week was fantastic! We met with President to talk about transfers and make area changes yet again to meet the qualifications of Yekat to meet its full potential. I am sorry this is short but we got a ton to do today and many more stories I can tell but I got time after my mission to tell a bunch to you all. I love you all and have a great week.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Sept 10, 2012
It is preperation day yet again!? This just proves that your mission goes by way too fast! The end of this last week has been great in going out and representing the Lord in every way possible. When the Spirit is burning within you, nothing can stop you from sharing your testimony. One of the things I have started to change is getting up at 5:45 to get in extra language study and doing the P90x program at 6:30am in the morning as well. Today was only the first day of changing up my routine but I believe that I will get a hold of it soon enough. haha Making changes and perfecting ourselves requires us to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically in order to reach your full potential.
We have been teaching one man here in Yekaterinburg for the past few weeks in order to get him ready to be baptized this upcoming Saturday. He has not smoked for about a week and wants to be baptized. Now we are just getting him to understand the ordinance within itself and grasp the concept of 'enduring to the end.' The theme of "enduring to the end," has rung within my thoughts for the past few days after I sent my last email full of vigor and enthusiasm for the work that I am participating in. I realized that maybe we need to do some muscle confusions for the natural man inside us in order to allow the light of the gospel grow within us. We have many opportunites to do so in our lives through scriptures study and prayer we can find the methods to align ourselves with the will of God. This takes quite a bit of humility and requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Of course, this does not mean you are weak or passive, but that we are good listeners and learners. We need to be teachable in order to hear the still small voice from the Holy Ghost teestify to us of things that we need to do. Everyday here in the mission field I get many promptings to do something good. By listening to that prompting, I have been talking to wonderful people on the streets, at meetings and on trasnport. I haven't allowed anything to hold me back. The man with his baptismal date coming up has recognized the need to be baptized, but it will mean nothing to him if he is not willing to continue to live by the commandments and teachings of our Savior.
I don't have enough fingers to count the times that my companion and I have had to state our purpose as missionaries to investigators. Doing so as quickly as possible opens up the doors to revelation for that person and to us in order to teach him needed principles. That is why it has been hard for a few people in our teaching pool to progress. Another investigator is going through a tough time in his life . Pray for him please! That was a testament to me that alcohol is really stupid and that was the cause of all of it. Him and his girlfriend consider us as friends and we are trying to get him to understand the need to be baptized with authority from God in order to receive repentance. We are baptized unto repentance!
I don't have enough fingers to count the times that my companion and I have had to state our purpose as missionaries to investigators. Doing so as quickly as possible opens up the doors to revelation for that person and to us in order to teach him needed principles. That is why it has been hard for a few people in our teaching pool to progress. Another investigator is going through a tough time in his life . Pray for him please! That was a testament to me that alcohol is really stupid and that was the cause of all of it. Him and his girlfriend consider us as friends and we are trying to get him to understand the need to be baptized with authority from God in order to receive repentance. We are baptized unto repentance!
I want to bear testimony that God loves every one of you. No matter the pain, sorrow, or guilt that we feel; we need to realize that it can be taken all away thanks to the EVERLASTING ATONEMENT! What a great gift. We must understand it and apply it to be on the path to receive all the blessings that our Heavenly Father has for each and everyone of us! Love you all.
Elder LeFevre
Sept 5, 2012
I feel so full of the Spirit everyday here in Russia. It doesn't matter where we are, we can always feel the love that comes from our Heavenly Father as we obey his voice. I have been learning about obedience every day of my mission it seems and how big of a law it is in the eternal aspect of things. After leaving Chelyabinsk, it has taken me a while to get a grasp upon where I am at in my mission and how I am anticipating in this amazing work. I love the calling that I have and the responsibility it brings as I stretch myself beyond measure to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible when exercising faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. This past week was the second week of this transfer and an opportunity to get a good start on accomplishing the goal that was set in our mission of 91 baptisms by the end of this year. As of now we have 52 baptisms to go and four months left. I found myself in the "rut" of things this last transfer and have been praying to receive answers on my prayers of what I need to do in order to keep developing talents in the language, teaching, and leadership qualities. Many things have changed in my attitude toward the work and in my relationship with my Heavenly Father. Many events in the past week were catalysts in the process of this mighty "change of heart" inside me and it started with bringing some light into my understanding.
This past week my companion and I having been working to get ten new investigators and two baptisms by the end of this transfer, however realized that we can do things better and have been aligning ourselves to live everything exactly obedient. I remember the three points of advice Uncle Clark gave to me after being set apart was, "OBEDIENCE, OBEDIENCE, OBEDIENCE!" The great thing about this advice is that it has a very eternal role and is first law in heaven. My companion and I are far from perfect, but we got a hold of ourselves and realized that every lesson we had in the past transfer could have been better and they could have been closer to baptism. Every meeting this past week has focused upon helping them keep their commitments and coming closer to baptism or dropped in order to find the elect. There are plenty of people to talk to. As the week approached to an end we had the privilege of meeting President and Sister Lawrence from the area presidency on Sunday 2nd of September at a special district conference. Chelyabinsk took a bus ride early that morning to come to the meeting at ten in the morning which consisted only of new members and investigators. The room was full. It was great to see the two investigators who had received baptism in my time of teaching them there and being reunited with smiles and words of gratitude. I cannot express the feeling of joy and love I felt as I saw one of them get the Melcesidic Priesthood and to know that the recent member is passing the sacrament. These are testaments to me of hard work, faith and obedience. These three principles are in our mission scripture and I assure you that I will be incorporating them every day of my life. The influence of the Holy Ghost was strengthened in those meetings listening to words of wisdom and truth from the Comforter. Little did I know that this was the beginning in order to prepare me to receive my answer to my prayers recently about, How can I keep myself progressing and become the man that I want to become at the end of my mission?"
Monday morning I came prepared to discuss on Zone Leader Council the goal of 91 baptisms with Pres. and Sister Rust, Pres. and Sis. Lawrence and all my brethren. Once we finished business, we opened discussion with President Lawrence suggesting many topics that we wanted to receive council and answers on in order to train and help our missionaries. We had many topics on the board and Elder B picked the first topic of discussion with 91 baptisms. It is the third quarter in a football game for us and we needed the help of our Heavenly Father to guide us through this. We all gathered on our knees and prayed to receive inspiration on how to accomplish this goal before the end of the year. We devised a four step system in which we will bring the powers of heaven to accomplish the task ahead. 1) Prayer/Fasting- This Friday, every missionary will fast in our mission to seek inspiration to find the 91, things which we can improve in obedience, and our personal sacrifice to the Lord in order to achieve all of our goals. 2) The sacrifice- I am a firm believer in personal sacrifice in order to grow, learn and achieve. I have many things in my mind right now which I can give up or do better and I am excited in finding out what the Lord wants me to do. 3) GO BOLD and do not put limitations on the Lord- I will be exercising faith in fulfilling my promises and living the higher law. Satan cannot bind my tongue! 4) I will participate in three baptisms by the end of the year. So be expecting pictures!! :) The Spirit was very strong and it was indescribable as we ended feeling the flame with in us burn with light of knowledge and truth to spread to our missionaries and to people everywhere. I had an interview with one of the coolest members of the Quorum of the Seventy and of course our awesome Mission President. They both inspire me very much to be the best I can and to internalize everything I learn here on my mission.
Tuesday, was an amazing Zone Conference with the pleasure of President Lawrence and Sis Lawrence presiding. We were taught by Sis. Lawrence on the subject of our calling and about our lineage. She knows the scriptures really well and can tell you any reference to back up her comments and lessons. My mind was melting with how much information I was given regarding the scriptures and our calling as missionaries. The Spirit was presiding the whole meeting and before we went down to lunch we were asked to present the idea and revelation received from our Zone Leader Council to the missionaries in our zone. Elder S and I just wanted to put on Braveheart paint and yell and grunt like men. Elder S led the presentation with the details and his testimony, and then we went down the line confirming what we received is true and we will be committed to the work. My hand clenched in a fist as I was shaking with so much love and excitement for everyone that I would come into contact with. The mission came on board with us and yesterday was an amazing start to a new slate as we all make changes in repentance and sacrifice to bring the blessings of heaven upon us in this mission. I don’t ask you all to join in the fastbecause that is against the rules, but I ask that you keep praying for me as I pray for every one of you! I love you all and the amazing influence you have had in my life. Help us pray for miracles in achieving our goal of 91 baptisms because I want you to be involved in my work. Your prayers are a great strength to me and to all the missionaries here. Good luck with school and know that obedience is the key to freedom.
This past week my companion and I having been working to get ten new investigators and two baptisms by the end of this transfer, however realized that we can do things better and have been aligning ourselves to live everything exactly obedient. I remember the three points of advice Uncle Clark gave to me after being set apart was, "OBEDIENCE, OBEDIENCE, OBEDIENCE!" The great thing about this advice is that it has a very eternal role and is first law in heaven. My companion and I are far from perfect, but we got a hold of ourselves and realized that every lesson we had in the past transfer could have been better and they could have been closer to baptism. Every meeting this past week has focused upon helping them keep their commitments and coming closer to baptism or dropped in order to find the elect. There are plenty of people to talk to. As the week approached to an end we had the privilege of meeting President and Sister Lawrence from the area presidency on Sunday 2nd of September at a special district conference. Chelyabinsk took a bus ride early that morning to come to the meeting at ten in the morning which consisted only of new members and investigators. The room was full. It was great to see the two investigators who had received baptism in my time of teaching them there and being reunited with smiles and words of gratitude. I cannot express the feeling of joy and love I felt as I saw one of them get the Melcesidic Priesthood and to know that the recent member is passing the sacrament. These are testaments to me of hard work, faith and obedience. These three principles are in our mission scripture and I assure you that I will be incorporating them every day of my life. The influence of the Holy Ghost was strengthened in those meetings listening to words of wisdom and truth from the Comforter. Little did I know that this was the beginning in order to prepare me to receive my answer to my prayers recently about, How can I keep myself progressing and become the man that I want to become at the end of my mission?"
Monday morning I came prepared to discuss on Zone Leader Council the goal of 91 baptisms with Pres. and Sister Rust, Pres. and Sis. Lawrence and all my brethren. Once we finished business, we opened discussion with President Lawrence suggesting many topics that we wanted to receive council and answers on in order to train and help our missionaries. We had many topics on the board and Elder B picked the first topic of discussion with 91 baptisms. It is the third quarter in a football game for us and we needed the help of our Heavenly Father to guide us through this. We all gathered on our knees and prayed to receive inspiration on how to accomplish this goal before the end of the year. We devised a four step system in which we will bring the powers of heaven to accomplish the task ahead. 1) Prayer/Fasting- This Friday, every missionary will fast in our mission to seek inspiration to find the 91, things which we can improve in obedience, and our personal sacrifice to the Lord in order to achieve all of our goals. 2) The sacrifice- I am a firm believer in personal sacrifice in order to grow, learn and achieve. I have many things in my mind right now which I can give up or do better and I am excited in finding out what the Lord wants me to do. 3) GO BOLD and do not put limitations on the Lord- I will be exercising faith in fulfilling my promises and living the higher law. Satan cannot bind my tongue! 4) I will participate in three baptisms by the end of the year. So be expecting pictures!! :) The Spirit was very strong and it was indescribable as we ended feeling the flame with in us burn with light of knowledge and truth to spread to our missionaries and to people everywhere. I had an interview with one of the coolest members of the Quorum of the Seventy and of course our awesome Mission President. They both inspire me very much to be the best I can and to internalize everything I learn here on my mission.
Tuesday, was an amazing Zone Conference with the pleasure of President Lawrence and Sis Lawrence presiding. We were taught by Sis. Lawrence on the subject of our calling and about our lineage. She knows the scriptures really well and can tell you any reference to back up her comments and lessons. My mind was melting with how much information I was given regarding the scriptures and our calling as missionaries. The Spirit was presiding the whole meeting and before we went down to lunch we were asked to present the idea and revelation received from our Zone Leader Council to the missionaries in our zone. Elder S and I just wanted to put on Braveheart paint and yell and grunt like men. Elder S led the presentation with the details and his testimony, and then we went down the line confirming what we received is true and we will be committed to the work. My hand clenched in a fist as I was shaking with so much love and excitement for everyone that I would come into contact with. The mission came on board with us and yesterday was an amazing start to a new slate as we all make changes in repentance and sacrifice to bring the blessings of heaven upon us in this mission. I don’t ask you all to join in the fastbecause that is against the rules, but I ask that you keep praying for me as I pray for every one of you! I love you all and the amazing influence you have had in my life. Help us pray for miracles in achieving our goal of 91 baptisms because I want you to be involved in my work. Your prayers are a great strength to me and to all the missionaries here. Good luck with school and know that obedience is the key to freedom.
Love Elder LeFevre
Monday, August 27, 2012
August 27, 2012
This past week was buckling down to get the job done and have fun while doing so. This past Monday, was super fun. Elder S and I decided to go play some american football out in the grove here in the city to attract some people to play with us. We started out there about five in the afternoon with just the missionaries and a few members playing with us to make a total of 8 people. After about a half of an hour, we invited some body builders that are there every monday. At first, they said no but during a break for some water they came over to us and started to talk with us. One of them spoke english and wanted to learn how to play football. We invited two of them into our group to join and play. In the end we had the whole group of bodybuilders trying to play a weird game of rugby/footbal mix. It was super fun!!
Tuesday rolled around and we met with some old investigators that may be showing some progress now that we had given them a break and others are falling off the map due to no progress. Then later last week we invited our awesome friends in the ward to play some card games with our investigators form the park and gave them a tour of the church and the first lesson. It was turning out to be a good week and these two guys that we found are legit.
This past week was just lined up with fun activities and having a good time doing the work of the Lord as always! :) We had a picnic with our investigator. It was totally fun and we had a cool rainbow appear too. We bought a ton of food and filled up on KBAC and juice while playing games. We visited a member's house on friday and taught a lesson and helped organize everything after the fridge broke there. It was just in time to stop by. We even taught alesson to a nonmember who was there visiting.
This past week was just lined up with fun activities and having a good time doing the work of the Lord as always! :) We had a picnic with our investigator. It was totally fun and we had a cool rainbow appear too. We bought a ton of food and filled up on KBAC and juice while playing games. We visited a member's house on friday and taught a lesson and helped organize everything after the fridge broke there. It was just in time to stop by. We even taught alesson to a nonmember who was there visiting.
Friday was zone class with the new zone and we got some fire in this zone thanks to all the great missionaries we have. I am excited to see the activities that we have planned work out and get the branch involved on it as well. Things are moving forward here in Yekateringburg and we set a baptismal date with an investigator. I love you all.
Love Elder LeFevre
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