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.
April 25, 2011
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.
March 21, 2011
Letter - March 21, 2011
Blossoms Everywhere
Special thanks for your letters. I have many true friends in the St. George 4th Ward. Your testimonies lift me even more than you can know.
What a blessing. We were able to have a lesson with member participation and a woman named Nijole. Then she and the member came to church on their own. Yay! We love members! We love members!
Wow. This week we had three lessons with member participation. Members make such a wonderful difference. They have a special ability to relate to our investigators. They can often share personal experiences which help.
We had a miracle 3-new-investigator night. After a lesson, we had a really short of time left to harvest. We relied on the spirit to know whether to harvest where we were or somewhere else. We felt that we should harvest near our home. We don't often to this because we know that most buildings have been knocked fairly recently, but we were let right into the first door we knocked. There was a nice elderly couple and a grand daughter who let us come in and visit. We were able to testify simply and in unity of the restoration. How great is our call.
Our progressing investigators right now are Egle, Nijole, and Rasa. We have been able to start having member presents with each of them. Truly this is the Lord's work. As the spirit has touched them (especially through prayer and church attendance) they are starting to have an increased desire to courageously follow the example of Jesus Christ.
There will be a baptism this Saturday of a woman I contacted back in September. We hope that all three of our investigators will be able to attend. It was a great week, and our work was blessed by the teaching and training we received while attending the Sisters' Conference in Riga.
Special thanks for your letters. I have many true friends in the St. George 4th Ward. Your testimonies lift me even more than you can know.
What a blessing. We were able to have a lesson with member participation and a woman named Nijole. Then she and the member came to church on their own. Yay! We love members! We love members!
Wow. This week we had three lessons with member participation. Members make such a wonderful difference. They have a special ability to relate to our investigators. They can often share personal experiences which help.
We had a miracle 3-new-investigator night. After a lesson, we had a really short of time left to harvest. We relied on the spirit to know whether to harvest where we were or somewhere else. We felt that we should harvest near our home. We don't often to this because we know that most buildings have been knocked fairly recently, but we were let right into the first door we knocked. There was a nice elderly couple and a grand daughter who let us come in and visit. We were able to testify simply and in unity of the restoration. How great is our call.
Our progressing investigators right now are Egle, Nijole, and Rasa. We have been able to start having member presents with each of them. Truly this is the Lord's work. As the spirit has touched them (especially through prayer and church attendance) they are starting to have an increased desire to courageously follow the example of Jesus Christ.
There will be a baptism this Saturday of a woman I contacted back in September. We hope that all three of our investigators will be able to attend. It was a great week, and our work was blessed by the teaching and training we received while attending the Sisters' Conference in Riga.
March 13, 2011
Letter - March 7, 2011
OH Boy!
My heart swells with gratitude as I approach my year mark in the field. It will be next Monday, March 15. I'll also be heading to a Sisters' Conference, so I don't know if I'll be emailing next week. Gratitude has become an increasing important part of my life and of my mission the longer I serve. Gratitude, as President Monson talked about in October General Conference, brings wholeness to life. Gratitude kind of checks my ever-increasing desire for excellence.
Yesterday was an especially fun day in church. I got to lead the 2nd hour gospel principles discussion. It was a real test of my language skills. I'm really just getting a hang of some of the simpler grammar principles of this language. By grace, and with a lot of smiles and help from the class, we were able to have a romping gospel discussion, have a great balance of input from the class members. I really really enjoy when things "get a little out of hand," in other words, the class-members were excited and commenting.
We have met a great investigator, his name is Vitali, and he is from English Class. In English, we invited our investigators to ask questions they want to know about us in English during the next class period. He followed the commitment, came with a list of questions, and even asked for a Book of Mormon. The next week, he was taught a first lesson, attended the baptism following hour, and then came to the full three hours of church the next day. It doesn't stop there. He's coming to family home evening tonight. He has seen something different in us, and he's willing to know more. That's a miracle!
My heart swells with gratitude as I approach my year mark in the field. It will be next Monday, March 15. I'll also be heading to a Sisters' Conference, so I don't know if I'll be emailing next week. Gratitude has become an increasing important part of my life and of my mission the longer I serve. Gratitude, as President Monson talked about in October General Conference, brings wholeness to life. Gratitude kind of checks my ever-increasing desire for excellence.
Yesterday was an especially fun day in church. I got to lead the 2nd hour gospel principles discussion. It was a real test of my language skills. I'm really just getting a hang of some of the simpler grammar principles of this language. By grace, and with a lot of smiles and help from the class, we were able to have a romping gospel discussion, have a great balance of input from the class members. I really really enjoy when things "get a little out of hand," in other words, the class-members were excited and commenting.
We have met a great investigator, his name is Vitali, and he is from English Class. In English, we invited our investigators to ask questions they want to know about us in English during the next class period. He followed the commitment, came with a list of questions, and even asked for a Book of Mormon. The next week, he was taught a first lesson, attended the baptism following hour, and then came to the full three hours of church the next day. It doesn't stop there. He's coming to family home evening tonight. He has seen something different in us, and he's willing to know more. That's a miracle!
February 10, 2011
Letter - February 7, 2011
Gediminas Castle - Vilnius, Lithuania
So...Lithuanian
Today, we visited Gediminas Castle. It's right in the Center of Vilnius, and is the national symbol of Lithuania. We saw pictures of Lithuania before it was dedicated, how desert-like the land was. We were amazed. The country was dedicated for missionary work next to the Castle. In the dedication prayer, the land was blessed with rain. Now, the country is drenched many months of the year.
Fun Fact: Lithuania is the first country to have it's national anthem sung simultaneously around the world.
Fun Fact: Google The Baltic Way sometime. We read about how there was a human chain going through all three countries of our mission in demonstration of solidarity against the Soviet union. PUIKU!
Missionary Work: We currently have three women that we hope will come and bring their families to sacrament meeting. The first, her name is Rasa, and she has two children and a husband. The second is Jurgita, she has a son. We are hoping to have a member present with Jurgita and a member named Audrys. Unfortunately Jurgita's son has been ill so it's going to be really hard to find time to meet. The third is Nijole. Nijole, who feels that she should be baptized, but has doubts about how her acquaintances would react. She doesn't know if she can explain her choice well, and consequently wonders if it would be a wise choice at all. Again, we need to work hard to find answers in her behalf.
We live in a wonderful age. We're seeing many prophecies come to pass. Last week, we visited with man named Giedrus. He showed us a picture which reminded me of an Isaiah scripture. It was him standing on a tractor. It was a huge soviet-looking thing. Then we saw a picture from another angle, and could see that it was just a tank with the tracks taken off and wheels put on in place.
This is Isaiah 2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Won't that be a wonderful day, when all our tanks look like his? So, this man is such a character. He also served us tomato juice. Sister Alldredge and I kindly accepted it and gave it a taste and thanked him. "You're welcome, my sister says it's good for your heart. " He remarks as he raises the bottle, chugs, and puts it back in the fridge. The juice didn't look so appetizing after that.
Love,
Sister Paul
January 31, 2011
Letter - January 31, 2011
The Fruits of our Labors...
I figure that nothing could be better than a blog entry, which is also a letter to my sister.
Dear Carli,
ARGh! Hello Mee Beauty! I just felt like saying hi in a pirate voice. I'm not going to have a ton of time to write everyone, seeing as how I got lost from my companion on the bus this morning, but know that I love you, and I'm trying hard to be a good missionary.
You know, it's great to be a missionary and to see the positive effect we have on many. Last week, we had just finished closing a lesson kneeling in prayer with a wonderful mom and her young son. Right after the prayer, Pearla, their little Yorkie dog, came and sat on my lap, and, in her excitement, left me a present. She just couldn't contain herself, and gave me a nice wet-spot to wash before we went to our next lesson. I love seeing missionary work in action.
Love,
Sister Paul
I figure that nothing could be better than a blog entry, which is also a letter to my sister.
Dear Carli,
ARGh! Hello Mee Beauty! I just felt like saying hi in a pirate voice. I'm not going to have a ton of time to write everyone, seeing as how I got lost from my companion on the bus this morning, but know that I love you, and I'm trying hard to be a good missionary.
You know, it's great to be a missionary and to see the positive effect we have on many. Last week, we had just finished closing a lesson kneeling in prayer with a wonderful mom and her young son. Right after the prayer, Pearla, their little Yorkie dog, came and sat on my lap, and, in her excitement, left me a present. She just couldn't contain herself, and gave me a nice wet-spot to wash before we went to our next lesson. I love seeing missionary work in action.
Love,
Sister Paul
January 10, 2011
Letter - January 10, 2011
Last year went much too quickly. I want a refund.
Sister Alldredge and I are enjoying our reading of the Book of Mormon. We're on a schedule with the rest of the mission, and are studying specifically for references of the Christ-like attributes of Faith and Charity. I find myself craving this reading and find the words coming back to me throughout the course of the day. I echo my Mission President's words, that these attributes must have been a huge focus in the life of Lehi's family. These attributes have a lot of richness which I had previously overlooked. I have a lot to do in terms of developing faith and charity.
We're happy to report that we have an investigator with a set baptismal date. We're so excited to help Zosana make this step in her life to repent and be baptized. Zosana is 73, and is a single mom. Her son's name is Donatas, and he is autistic. She lives in very humble circumstances but is still very giving. We also had a wonderful lesson with a woman named Rasa today. She has two children, and she's very wonderful and sincere. She had her first lesson with two Russian-speaking Sisters a week ago, and today it was all four of us with her and her young daughter. It will be better to teach her in Lithuanian since it's her birth language. It could have been a potentially confusing lesson, with four missionaries, but it turned out fantastic. The spirit was there as we each testified and asked her inspired questions.
We feel the Lord has really blessed us to be able to teach a lot this past week, and to meet many who are interested in meeting this coming week. What a wonderful privilege it is to keep knocking, keep asking, and keep seeking. I feel Lehi's invitation is as much for me as for his sons. This is 2 Ne 1:21. And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be amen, and be determined in bone mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity;
I hope I'm the kind of missionary that the Lord can trust with those who are seeking. Thank you for all your prayers and the wonderful Christmas gifts. It means the world to me. I love you all.
Sister Paul
Sister Alldredge and I are enjoying our reading of the Book of Mormon. We're on a schedule with the rest of the mission, and are studying specifically for references of the Christ-like attributes of Faith and Charity. I find myself craving this reading and find the words coming back to me throughout the course of the day. I echo my Mission President's words, that these attributes must have been a huge focus in the life of Lehi's family. These attributes have a lot of richness which I had previously overlooked. I have a lot to do in terms of developing faith and charity.
We're happy to report that we have an investigator with a set baptismal date. We're so excited to help Zosana make this step in her life to repent and be baptized. Zosana is 73, and is a single mom. Her son's name is Donatas, and he is autistic. She lives in very humble circumstances but is still very giving. We also had a wonderful lesson with a woman named Rasa today. She has two children, and she's very wonderful and sincere. She had her first lesson with two Russian-speaking Sisters a week ago, and today it was all four of us with her and her young daughter. It will be better to teach her in Lithuanian since it's her birth language. It could have been a potentially confusing lesson, with four missionaries, but it turned out fantastic. The spirit was there as we each testified and asked her inspired questions.
We feel the Lord has really blessed us to be able to teach a lot this past week, and to meet many who are interested in meeting this coming week. What a wonderful privilege it is to keep knocking, keep asking, and keep seeking. I feel Lehi's invitation is as much for me as for his sons. This is 2 Ne 1:21. And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be amen, and be determined in bone mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity;
I hope I'm the kind of missionary that the Lord can trust with those who are seeking. Thank you for all your prayers and the wonderful Christmas gifts. It means the world to me. I love you all.
Sister Paul
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