Daddy's gonna hug you soon!
Dear family,
Thank you so much for all of your prayers. Thank you so much for your packages and letters. Thank you so much for you testimonies, for taking care of each other. I don't know if I'll get another letter off next week, but I thought I would leave you with a short glimpse of my Sunday yesterday. Oh, and don't think the blogging joy has ended. I will have a post-mission life, and I'll still need to vent. Love you all.
I had to laugh yesterday. Even experienced missionaries can experience setbacks and heartbreaks. Our progressing investigator, who had wanted to get baptized on the 18th of June, started running the other direction. She texted us Sunday morning and said she wanted to start praying to Maria again, and that she didn't want to be baptized. I was heartbroken, and then invited to speak in Sacrament meeting 15 minutes before it started. I, of course wanted to sit around and feel sorry for myself, but accepted the opportunity, then a member criticized us for teaching the struggling investigator wrong, which didn't help my already bleeding heart. It was in this moment that the Lord made me strong. I was able to give an okay talk, and keep a smile, and then I just balled after Sacrament meeting was over. After we left the church, I just felt numb, but I prayed in my heart and felt that we could go to the investigator's house. It took all I had to go. I thought for sure she wouldn't let us in. She didn't answer her phone. Luckily, her grandma was outside and let us escort her in. She let us in and brought up her concerns. We asked if we could begin with a prayer. She finally let us pray, and her heart was softened. She let a few tears drop, and let herself calm down. She became more teachable, and we resolved together to start from the very foundations to help her gain a more firm testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. It will be a long road for her, but a necessary one. If she will trust in her Heavenly Father, she will receive a an unshakable testimony for herself. I love this work.
My Sacrament Talk:
My brothers and sisters, today I read in the Liahona from the words of Brother Kucinas. This was in commemoration of the Church's' being in Lithuania 15 years. I want to compare that to my little over 15 months in Lithuania. " To some, it may seem that much has been accomplished, to others, very little. I'm reminded of Zion's camp, when early Saints marched with the Prophet Joseph Smith, but seemed not to accomplish their goal. Later, Wilford Woodruff explained to a member who had criticized Zion's Camp. (paraphrasing) "We gained knowledge from Zion's Camp which we could not have gained in any other way." I feel much the same about my mission, that because of it, I have gained knowledge which I could not have gained in any other way. I feel that I have learned to better apply the Gospel in my life, more especially what we teach others. I have learned to appreciate most the last part of the Repentance section of this purple book we teach from. "The most important part of repentance is to recognize the Savior, that he atoned for your sins (and weaknesses.) Through the atonement, you can overcome bad habits weaknesses, and experience true change of heart." I know that this is true, that through Christ we really can overcome those weaknesses. I know that Jesus is the Living Christ. I know that he restored his gospel through Joseph Smith. I thank you for your examples and for the opportunity to serve among you. I want to close with a verse from 2 Ne 2: 24, But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Of this I testify... Amen
Sister Paul
June 18, 2011
Letter - June 6, 2011
Wow!
Yesterday, I attended the first ever mission-wide mission conference. Attending were Elder Lawrence, counselor in the Europe East Area 70, and President Clayton, of the Presidency of the 70 and their wives. Majority of the conference was question and answer.
The conference was so wonderful. The impact of this conference will far outlast the time of the conference itself.
I was impressed by the importance of prayer, and the accessibility of spiritual gifts to each and every one of us. I felt my testimony strengthened of the ministering of angels. I was taught how better to study. I was touched by Sister Clayton's example of kindness and gratitude. She and I had the opportunity to talk for a few minutes after the conference. I learn about the Savior as I interact with his servants. He hears the desires of our hearts and grants liberally and upbraids not. What a wonderful work this is. What a wonderful God we serve. He invites us all to know him. Thank you for your own examples. Thank you for your prayers.
Sister Paul
Yesterday, I attended the first ever mission-wide mission conference. Attending were Elder Lawrence, counselor in the Europe East Area 70, and President Clayton, of the Presidency of the 70 and their wives. Majority of the conference was question and answer.
The conference was so wonderful. The impact of this conference will far outlast the time of the conference itself.
I was impressed by the importance of prayer, and the accessibility of spiritual gifts to each and every one of us. I felt my testimony strengthened of the ministering of angels. I was taught how better to study. I was touched by Sister Clayton's example of kindness and gratitude. She and I had the opportunity to talk for a few minutes after the conference. I learn about the Savior as I interact with his servants. He hears the desires of our hearts and grants liberally and upbraids not. What a wonderful work this is. What a wonderful God we serve. He invites us all to know him. Thank you for your own examples. Thank you for your prayers.
Sister Paul
May 30, 2011
Letter - May 30, 2011
Talking to Everyone...
Talking with everyone is so essential. Tuesday afternoon we went contacting in a neighborhood of homes. We stopped to talked to a couple of older men out working outside. One was interested to know more about what we are doing here, and asked for our information. The next day we were in a completely different part of our area, walking by a park to go harvest. We saw a couple playing badminton and I had the feeling, "Go and Harvest. Contact them when you get back." So, we harvested, and then headed home. We said hello, and they invited us to play. We told them we'd love to another time, got to know them, and invited them to an upcoming church activity. We exchanged information. When we called the first man we contacted two days previously, he was so excited. He said, "Hey! Do you know, you've already met my son!" What a wonderful blessing that the Lord leads us to families who are prepared.
Talking with everyone is so essential. Tuesday afternoon we went contacting in a neighborhood of homes. We stopped to talked to a couple of older men out working outside. One was interested to know more about what we are doing here, and asked for our information. The next day we were in a completely different part of our area, walking by a park to go harvest. We saw a couple playing badminton and I had the feeling, "Go and Harvest. Contact them when you get back." So, we harvested, and then headed home. We said hello, and they invited us to play. We told them we'd love to another time, got to know them, and invited them to an upcoming church activity. We exchanged information. When we called the first man we contacted two days previously, he was so excited. He said, "Hey! Do you know, you've already met my son!" What a wonderful blessing that the Lord leads us to families who are prepared.
May 24, 2011
Letter - May 23, 2011
A Beautiful Sunday
It was truly a beautiful Sunday yesterday. Our new convert Vitalij gave his first talk in Sacrament meeting. It was more or less his testimony, and his conversion story. I took a few notes so I could tell you more or less what he said. Even better, he received the Aaronic Priesthood during the priesthood hour.
Hello Brothers and Sisters. I want to testify that I know that God truly is. I know that he prepared me even years before I met the missionaries. He helped me to overcome habits. I remember the first day I walked into the church. As I neared the building, I hesitated, not knowing whether I wanted to go in. I almost changed my mind and walked-past, feeling that somehow going inside was going to change my life forever. When I entered, it felt warm and friendly. When the missionaries greeted me, I felt that I had known them for many years. My baptism day was very peaceful. I fell asleep without a blink that night, and woke up the next morning feeling peaceful. I know that this is God's true church. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
That's our Vitalij. Isn't he great? The Lord is preparing the hearts of the people of Lithuanija and of the Baltics. We have had many many baptisms this month. What a blessing.
Sister Paul
It was truly a beautiful Sunday yesterday. Our new convert Vitalij gave his first talk in Sacrament meeting. It was more or less his testimony, and his conversion story. I took a few notes so I could tell you more or less what he said. Even better, he received the Aaronic Priesthood during the priesthood hour.
Hello Brothers and Sisters. I want to testify that I know that God truly is. I know that he prepared me even years before I met the missionaries. He helped me to overcome habits. I remember the first day I walked into the church. As I neared the building, I hesitated, not knowing whether I wanted to go in. I almost changed my mind and walked-past, feeling that somehow going inside was going to change my life forever. When I entered, it felt warm and friendly. When the missionaries greeted me, I felt that I had known them for many years. My baptism day was very peaceful. I fell asleep without a blink that night, and woke up the next morning feeling peaceful. I know that this is God's true church. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
That's our Vitalij. Isn't he great? The Lord is preparing the hearts of the people of Lithuanija and of the Baltics. We have had many many baptisms this month. What a blessing.
Sister Paul
May 6, 2011
Letter - May 2, 2011
The Field is White
Sorry last week's letter cut off suddenly. It probably didn't' make a whole lot of sense. I don't know where the last paragraph went. Anyway, I want everyone to know that my cold is gone, and the weather is nice and cold here once again. I guess I can be grateful that it's not hot.
This past weekend was very special for Sister Jansen and I. We saw two of our investigators baptized. The first was Julija. She's 12. Her mom was baptized about a month ago, and seeing her mother take this step of faith softened her heart as well. She was so so happy. It's a pity her mom wasn't there, because her little brother had the flu. We missionaries put on a dessert buffet of different varieties of a Lithuanian dessert called "log." It's basically a log of frozen chocolate with assorted candy-bars mixed in. When it's set up, it's thinly sliced and it looks like the center-cut of a log.
The other investigator's name is Loretta. She's got a cute 4 year old daughter, is a dance teacher, and loves health food (she even gave me a carton of wheat-grass for Easter!) It was really cool that she got up and bore her testimony on Sunday, and then right after a branch-member who is one of her former students also was able to share her testimony. She is a former investigator of our trainers, who we just happened to call one night three months ago. It was awesome to see that sometimes people just need a little more time. It gives me hope for people I have previously taught.
We hope to see another investigator, Vitalij baptized this Saturday. He's the first investigator that I've taught from beginning to end on my mission. (Loretta and Julija were taught by members of our district after we found them.) Our work here in Vilnius is being incredibly blessed. The whole mission is wondering what is going on in Vilnius because there have been so many miracles. I feel like this scripture is the theme of my mission right now: Jacob 4:7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weaknesses that we may know that it is by his grace and his great condescensions unto the children of men that we may have power to do these things.
I love the Baltic people. I know that the Lord loves each one of these people SO much. There's a lot of missionary work that goes into this area, and from the outside, it may seem like there's very little result. I struggled with similar feelings for a long time. However, I would not trade places with any missionary in the world because I know without a doubt that every member of the Church here (as anywhere) is by miracle. I've gained a glimpse of how, "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." I have gained a new appreciation for the phrase, "If it wasn't hard, it wouldn't be worth it."
Love you all, hope things are going well for you. Thank you for your prayers and concern and letters. They mean the world to me.
Sister Paul
Sorry last week's letter cut off suddenly. It probably didn't' make a whole lot of sense. I don't know where the last paragraph went. Anyway, I want everyone to know that my cold is gone, and the weather is nice and cold here once again. I guess I can be grateful that it's not hot.
This past weekend was very special for Sister Jansen and I. We saw two of our investigators baptized. The first was Julija. She's 12. Her mom was baptized about a month ago, and seeing her mother take this step of faith softened her heart as well. She was so so happy. It's a pity her mom wasn't there, because her little brother had the flu. We missionaries put on a dessert buffet of different varieties of a Lithuanian dessert called "log." It's basically a log of frozen chocolate with assorted candy-bars mixed in. When it's set up, it's thinly sliced and it looks like the center-cut of a log.
The other investigator's name is Loretta. She's got a cute 4 year old daughter, is a dance teacher, and loves health food (she even gave me a carton of wheat-grass for Easter!) It was really cool that she got up and bore her testimony on Sunday, and then right after a branch-member who is one of her former students also was able to share her testimony. She is a former investigator of our trainers, who we just happened to call one night three months ago. It was awesome to see that sometimes people just need a little more time. It gives me hope for people I have previously taught.
We hope to see another investigator, Vitalij baptized this Saturday. He's the first investigator that I've taught from beginning to end on my mission. (Loretta and Julija were taught by members of our district after we found them.) Our work here in Vilnius is being incredibly blessed. The whole mission is wondering what is going on in Vilnius because there have been so many miracles. I feel like this scripture is the theme of my mission right now: Jacob 4:7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weaknesses that we may know that it is by his grace and his great condescensions unto the children of men that we may have power to do these things.
I love the Baltic people. I know that the Lord loves each one of these people SO much. There's a lot of missionary work that goes into this area, and from the outside, it may seem like there's very little result. I struggled with similar feelings for a long time. However, I would not trade places with any missionary in the world because I know without a doubt that every member of the Church here (as anywhere) is by miracle. I've gained a glimpse of how, "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." I have gained a new appreciation for the phrase, "If it wasn't hard, it wouldn't be worth it."
Love you all, hope things are going well for you. Thank you for your prayers and concern and letters. They mean the world to me.
Sister Paul
April 25, 2011
Letter - April 25, 2011
He is Risen! Happy Easter!
It's been a great week. I really enjoyed the opportunity to take the sacrament, to start over, and to rely on the enabling power of the atonement. I was able to sit next to a wonderful new convert, her name is Vida. She received the gift of the Holy Ghost, and then we began to sing the sacrament hymn, "I Know that My Redeemer Lives." I was surprised to look over and see tears of joy just streaming down her face. I was so happy just to share this Easter Sunday with her. One Elder also spoke and shared a wonderful testimony of the Savior. I am so grateful for the examples and testimonies of all the members here. They strengthen me so much.
I feel that a mission is a great gift to me, that I am learning a lot. Most of all, I'm learning to follow the spirit "Liahona" and build faith. Today I read first Nephi 16 and really enjoyed Nephi's account of how the Lord brought him understanding. It was a hard week for me physically as I have been down with a cold, but I was also able to receive a priesthood blessing of healing which contained some of the most inspired counsel I have ever heard. I feel that I have gained a better understanding of who God is. This new understanding will affect the way I live my life every day.
1 Nephi 16:29 And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.
Because Nephi's family gained a new understanding of the nature of God, they also felt that it was an important time to "tarry for a space." Though I will still do plenty of missionary work for the rest of my mission, I want to serve with more forethought, so that I can know where we need to be and when. Had the family not tarried for awhile, they would have missed enjoying the last of Ishmael's time here on Earth. I miss so many blessings when I am too busy and too rushed to feel the spirit. Listening is a spiritual skill. Hurrying is not among the Christ-like attributes.
1 Nephi 16:33 And it came to pass that we did again take our journey, traveling nearly the same course as in the beginning; and after we had traveled for the space of many days we did pitch our tents again, that we might tarry for the space of a time.
It's been a great week. I really enjoyed the opportunity to take the sacrament, to start over, and to rely on the enabling power of the atonement. I was able to sit next to a wonderful new convert, her name is Vida. She received the gift of the Holy Ghost, and then we began to sing the sacrament hymn, "I Know that My Redeemer Lives." I was surprised to look over and see tears of joy just streaming down her face. I was so happy just to share this Easter Sunday with her. One Elder also spoke and shared a wonderful testimony of the Savior. I am so grateful for the examples and testimonies of all the members here. They strengthen me so much.
I feel that a mission is a great gift to me, that I am learning a lot. Most of all, I'm learning to follow the spirit "Liahona" and build faith. Today I read first Nephi 16 and really enjoyed Nephi's account of how the Lord brought him understanding. It was a hard week for me physically as I have been down with a cold, but I was also able to receive a priesthood blessing of healing which contained some of the most inspired counsel I have ever heard. I feel that I have gained a better understanding of who God is. This new understanding will affect the way I live my life every day.
1 Nephi 16:29 And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.
Because Nephi's family gained a new understanding of the nature of God, they also felt that it was an important time to "tarry for a space." Though I will still do plenty of missionary work for the rest of my mission, I want to serve with more forethought, so that I can know where we need to be and when. Had the family not tarried for awhile, they would have missed enjoying the last of Ishmael's time here on Earth. I miss so many blessings when I am too busy and too rushed to feel the spirit. Listening is a spiritual skill. Hurrying is not among the Christ-like attributes.
1 Nephi 16:33 And it came to pass that we did again take our journey, traveling nearly the same course as in the beginning; and after we had traveled for the space of many days we did pitch our tents again, that we might tarry for the space of a time.
April 12, 2011
Letter - April 11, 2011
April Showers
Dear Everyone,
Can you believe how the time has flown? I’m sorry for being so terribly silent through emails. I have seen miracles happen here in Vilnius lately. We have three investigators who have set dates to be baptized. That’s unheard of. Each of the companionships here in Vilnius are doing equally well. I attribute it the blessings first to The Lord, but also to the faith of the members, who fasted in March for the missionary work of this area. The weather has been rainy, sometimes icy, and sometimes sunny, but always changing it's mind a couple times a day.
It was a spiritual feast to enjoy General Conference this week. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be serving in the mission field right now. I am hopeful as ever that we will continue to find humble men and women who wish to follow Jesus Christ. I am so blessed to hear from a living prophet and apostles. How wonderful that this year is the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible as well as the 75th anniversary of the Church welfare program. I hope to finish a faithful mission, to serve with every last bit of strength I have. I still lack courage sometimes (I know, hard to believe.) In some ways, I’m striving to get back some of that trainee fire that I had to talk to more people. I’m doing better missionary work than I’ve ever done, and there’s still a long way to go.
We will see one of our investigators baptized with two others on the 30th of May. He, along with two others, will be the first convert baptisms in the Vilnius Branch in about a year. The members here are so wonderful I can hardly stand it. They are some of the most giving people I know.
The investigators’ name is Vitalij. He started coming to English Class a few months ago. One lesson we invited all our students to come with questions about us which they would like us to answer. Rarely if ever do our students actually take us up on the offer, but he did. We were able to answer his questions to the class and give a simple testimony before showing, yes, the Restoration film. A week later, he asked for a Book of Mormon, and attended a baptismal service held that day. He read the entire book in a couple weeks, and accepts every commandment we teach him. He is humble and good. He said the Book of Mormon was pretty hard for him to understand the first time, so we taught him to pray for understanding. He says he can feel the spirit helping him to understand, especially since this second time through he’s reading in Lithuanian rather than Russian. I can hardly believe it. I can hardly believe how happy he is to receive the gospel. Hearing so many ‘no’s on my mission, as I’m sure everyone does, has just helped me to value all the more those ‘yesses.’
Jesus Christ is our Savior. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is His Church. Thomas S. Monson is His prophet. This is His work. I Love you all.
Sister Paul
You will complete your full-time missionary service here in the Baltic Mission on Friday, 24 June 2011 and return home. Further details and information relating to your departure will come to you in a few weeks.
You have answered the invitation of the Savior to follow Him. The principle He taught His disciples applies to you as well: “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” You have had your hands on the plow as you have been diligently serving. Keep your hands there and your attention fixed on the task at hand.
In fact, now is the time to lift your focus and diligence up one more notch. The Lord has work for you to do. The salvation of His children, who are your brothers and sisters, is depending on you. I have several suggestions to help you finish strong.
1. Keep the missionary schedule exactly.
2. Set daily and weekly goals and accomplish them—set goals for proselyting, study, and Christ-like attributes.
3. Keep diligently studying your mission language.
4. Keep your departure date to yourself.
5. Invite your companion (and district members) to never mention or discuss your departure—focus on today and talk about your investigators and how to accomplish your goals.
6. Invite your family to not discuss post mission plans in their emails—ask them to help you focus on serving with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.
7. If you have educational deadlines or to-do’s, get them done on preparation day and forget them.
8. Mentally avoid making plans or thinking about your home-coming. Focus all those thoughts to a month or two beyond your departure date and keep your thoughts vague. This keeps you from dwelling or getting caught up in events beyond your mission.
Dear Everyone,
Can you believe how the time has flown? I’m sorry for being so terribly silent through emails. I have seen miracles happen here in Vilnius lately. We have three investigators who have set dates to be baptized. That’s unheard of. Each of the companionships here in Vilnius are doing equally well. I attribute it the blessings first to The Lord, but also to the faith of the members, who fasted in March for the missionary work of this area. The weather has been rainy, sometimes icy, and sometimes sunny, but always changing it's mind a couple times a day.
It was a spiritual feast to enjoy General Conference this week. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be serving in the mission field right now. I am hopeful as ever that we will continue to find humble men and women who wish to follow Jesus Christ. I am so blessed to hear from a living prophet and apostles. How wonderful that this year is the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible as well as the 75th anniversary of the Church welfare program. I hope to finish a faithful mission, to serve with every last bit of strength I have. I still lack courage sometimes (I know, hard to believe.) In some ways, I’m striving to get back some of that trainee fire that I had to talk to more people. I’m doing better missionary work than I’ve ever done, and there’s still a long way to go.
We will see one of our investigators baptized with two others on the 30th of May. He, along with two others, will be the first convert baptisms in the Vilnius Branch in about a year. The members here are so wonderful I can hardly stand it. They are some of the most giving people I know.
The investigators’ name is Vitalij. He started coming to English Class a few months ago. One lesson we invited all our students to come with questions about us which they would like us to answer. Rarely if ever do our students actually take us up on the offer, but he did. We were able to answer his questions to the class and give a simple testimony before showing, yes, the Restoration film. A week later, he asked for a Book of Mormon, and attended a baptismal service held that day. He read the entire book in a couple weeks, and accepts every commandment we teach him. He is humble and good. He said the Book of Mormon was pretty hard for him to understand the first time, so we taught him to pray for understanding. He says he can feel the spirit helping him to understand, especially since this second time through he’s reading in Lithuanian rather than Russian. I can hardly believe it. I can hardly believe how happy he is to receive the gospel. Hearing so many ‘no’s on my mission, as I’m sure everyone does, has just helped me to value all the more those ‘yesses.’
Jesus Christ is our Savior. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is His Church. Thomas S. Monson is His prophet. This is His work. I Love you all.
Sister Paul
You will complete your full-time missionary service here in the Baltic Mission on Friday, 24 June 2011 and return home. Further details and information relating to your departure will come to you in a few weeks.
You have answered the invitation of the Savior to follow Him. The principle He taught His disciples applies to you as well: “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” You have had your hands on the plow as you have been diligently serving. Keep your hands there and your attention fixed on the task at hand.
In fact, now is the time to lift your focus and diligence up one more notch. The Lord has work for you to do. The salvation of His children, who are your brothers and sisters, is depending on you. I have several suggestions to help you finish strong.
1. Keep the missionary schedule exactly.
2. Set daily and weekly goals and accomplish them—set goals for proselyting, study, and Christ-like attributes.
3. Keep diligently studying your mission language.
4. Keep your departure date to yourself.
5. Invite your companion (and district members) to never mention or discuss your departure—focus on today and talk about your investigators and how to accomplish your goals.
6. Invite your family to not discuss post mission plans in their emails—ask them to help you focus on serving with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.
7. If you have educational deadlines or to-do’s, get them done on preparation day and forget them.
8. Mentally avoid making plans or thinking about your home-coming. Focus all those thoughts to a month or two beyond your departure date and keep your thoughts vague. This keeps you from dwelling or getting caught up in events beyond your mission.
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