Contacting "Formers"

שלום משפחה וחברים ( Hello Family and Friends),

          WHOA what a week!!! It’s good to get back into the habit of hard work and being more obedient. We had a successful week this week. There is so much to tell... I guess the only way that I can express the work is thru “Missionary Weekly”.  I said “MISSIONARY WEEKLY”!!!.... that's better. lol

 Missionary Weekly!!!!

Welcome to “Missionary Weekly” where we see the work of the Lord on earth today… President Interviews, what did President Weston have to say to the Elders in Paradise? Then... Contacting “Formers”, a great way to help with missionary work. Read all this and more on “Missionary Weekly”.

 01/22/13 - So this day was one of the sloooooow days of the week. We went out to contact a few of the older investigators and I mean that quite literally OLD investigators.  That made up most of our day.  Oh, I was also nervous for interviews the next day.

 01/23/13 - Interviews... they actually went very well!!! In the interviews, President Weston told me he wanted me to be District Leader and have that experience as well as training.  So, I'm kind of freaking out right now. Lol  I want to at least train before I come home, so hopefully that will happen!!! Then the rest of the day we did service.  We also had a lesson with Kyle.  We decided to start over with him and teach from the beginning.  It was a little rough at first, but it eventually smoothed out.  We also had a surprise lesson with Victoria later that night.  She asked us to answer questions on Homosexuality.  Why... why do we have to answer those types of questions?  Oh, well we did that and had a good rest of the night.

 01/24/13 – Today we contacted “Formers” as well as taught other investigators. We picked up Bob, the guy who said that he wouldn't get baptized unless Romney won.  He had a change of heart on that issue and so we started meeting with him again. We did have a lesson with a “Former” investigator, and we realized why he was a “Former”.  It’s because he asks really deep questions.  We are hoping that Brother Titus (the member that lets us skype from his home) can help him. He is a real scripture buff or deep doctrine kind of guy.  If that doesn't help then we will just have to drop him.  Later we had a lesson with an excommunicated member, who will be getting baptized on the 2nd of February.  He's been coming to church every Sunday for the past year and a half.  He is a really cool guy. 

 01/25/13 – We did “Former” investigator contacting all day. Yeah. We actually had a lot of success doing that. We picked up 2 new investigators.  One investigator is actually a part member family. The two daughters are not baptized, one is 17 and the other is 13. The mom is less active, but they are a great family.  We are going to teach them and bring them to Church.

 01/26/13 - Breakfast with the Montgomery’s, service aaaalllllll day long with lessons as well.  Whoo hoo!!!

 01/27/13 – Sunday, that one day, when a teacher makes you teach because they are sick… Yep we taught Gospel Principles on Sunday and we taught so well.  I shared that one story you shared with me Mom. It was the story of when I was little and you were driving while it was snowing and icy.  You were prompted to pull over and the car behind us spun out and just missed hitting us. I remember you telling me that story. Oh, we also both bore our testimonies during Sacrament. I was really inspired by one of our members that has a really tough time with big crowds... like, I mean BIG problems, so she gave me courage to go up there and share my testimony.  It felt great!

WHOA, what a long “Missionary weekly”. That's all for this week, join us next week when... we see how a former member rejoins the fold, as well as, how the work is moving on!!!!

          WELCOME TO THE BEST GAME SHOW ON EARTH... OR AT LEAST ON YOUR COMPUTER...THAT PROBABLY YOU DON"T EVEN CARE ABOUT

... IT"S .....Q & A CORNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Q1.   How is Victoria doing?  How are all your investigators?  How many lessons this week?  Are you feeling like the work is going well?

A1.  Victoria is doing very well.  She needs to get baptized DANG IT!!!! Why does she have to get married!!!!  Oh and I found out from her/her boyfriend that they are going to make a Jurassic Park 4.... pretty cool.  All of our investigators are doing okay, but could be better.  We taught 18 lessons this week. Oh yeah, it’s coming along BIG time.

 Q2.   Dad wanted to know where you got the books?  Especially the Joseph Smith book?  It has lots of highlighting and marking in it.  I will store your Christmas stockings with our others.  You could probably send lots of things home that you don't use daily.  I promise not to lose anything this time. 

A2.  Wait, Dad doesn't like the book I sent. jk  I got it from a member for FREEEEEEEEEE. I thought you might like it since I can't read it out here. lol You won’t lose it like my SD card? lol jk Dad I still love you a lot!!!!! I'll put hearts on here to prove it too!!!  

Q3.  Have you finished reading the Book of Mormon?  I am so not even close yet.  I know your challenge was ending in February sometime, right?  What message did you hear in Church today?

A3. Ha ha ha ha ha I haven’t finished it yet. I've fallen sooooo far behind that it's not even funny...well ok, it’s a little funny. Let’s see... the message I heard many times today is… the Church is true... pretty much that was the theme.  

Q4.   It's snowing tonight.  We are supposed to get lots of it.  We had an ice storm the other day, it was crazy.  The school parking lot was like a skating rink.  There were tons of wrecks and people falling and getting hurt.  Glad that is over.  How is the weather there?  Are you enjoying the warmer temps?  Have you had lots of rain?  We will have to go back to California after you get home to visit all the places you have served.

A4.  WHAT!!???!!? I WANT SNOW!!!! The weather is warm.  I kind of enjoy the warm weather, but not a whole lot of rain. 

Q5.  Was a prayer answered this past week?  What did you learn this past week?  What is something new you learned about Elder Himmer?  What is Elder Himmer's first name?  What can I send to you both that would make your day?

A5. Yes, our prayer for more investigators. I learned to never give up on people. We both know Nathan Densley. Nathan is Chris Himmer's cousin. Send us snow or... whatever is good. 

Q6.   Can you tell me something about this past week that might make us laugh or cry?  Share a journaling story, something that you would write about in your journal.

A6. Elder Himmer dancing to my CD would make you laugh. Ha ha ha ha, that was funny. It was sad, to have people tell us to go away.

Well that's all for now.  I love all of you. I'm sorry you had a bad headache Martin.  Get better bud. I love all you Elder Morris fans too!!!!

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Safety and peace, God bless and if you sneeze during this email bless your face ગુડબાય (Guḍabāya), baik, Undang Auf Wiedersehen! Requesta de pache (rest in peace), Molto Bene, الوداع, Alsons y, bonum devium, 再見 (Zàijiàn), Arrivederci!, zbogom, Nasvidenje, ವಿದಾಯ (Vidāya) अलविदा (Alavidā), pożegnanie, Hwyl fawr, kwaheri,tạm biệt, sudie, Tot ziens, elveda, smell ya later, Noice, Nofo a, Until next time this is Elder Morris in Paradise singing out, Peace on!!!! Do do do do do do email

http://mormon.org/me/5JFZ/NathanMorris check it out!!!!

New Companion - Elder Himmer

ສະບາຍດີຄອບຄົວແລະຫມູ່ເພື່ອນ (sabaidi khobkhua lae mupheuon) 

          Welcome back to the greatest BLOG/E-Mail of ALL TIME... at least for missionary standards.... ha ha ha. This week was a rocky one at first, but all first weeks of transfers are rocky. lol!!! Lets see... hmmmm what were all the other emails missing that I should put on here?  Could it be my Mom's favorite part of the emails!!!! MISSIONARY WEEKLY!!!!! Yes, “Missionary Weekly” is returning to the most popular Missionary channel of all time. Lets check it out, shall we?

Missionary Weekly!!!

          Welcome to “Missionary Weekly” where we check the future Cougars on Campus... I mean the Laborers in the vineyard.  Today, we see that Elder Miller is leaving to go to Nevada City.  How is Elder Morris going to do without him? Then we see how his new companion helps him keep his cool under pressure. Last but not least Victoria Hunt, what will become of her and baptism? All this and more on the “Missionary weekly”!!!!

 01/15/13 – Miller is gone, YEAH??!!  Wait, what do I do now? Well, as you all know, we had transfers.  My new companion is from Riverton, Utah.  He played football and baseball in High School, but we all know that West Jordan is better than Riverton. lol  It was a good first day.

 01/16/13 – Today we spent doing introductions to members, investigators and others as well. We did have a lesson with Victoria this day and we talked on the law of chastity, because she is not yet married, but lives with her boyfriend.  He is a member of the church, so we decided to lay down the "Law" on what they have to do.  Of course, they were planning on getting married, but not for a while (like in November).  Yeah, I'm going be home by then, so we are going to work with her and see what we can do to get her closer to baptism. 

 01/17/13 – Today was the first district meeting for this transfer.  At least I'm not the District Leader! WHOO HOO!!! I’m sure I become district leader soon enough though.  Don't worry MOM!!!

 01/18/13 – We did weekly planning for the first time I've been here in Paradise!! Sad huh?  We did get it done!!!!! So success!!!!

 01/19/13 - Service with Papa T (Titus) today.  We were helping with putting Christmas stuff away and putting up Shelves in his garage.  We did some tracting as well.  Of course there is opposition in all things!!! We had a person tell us, "You are saved by Grace... GOD AND JESUS ARE THE SAME PERSON!!!!"  Those might be good journal entries, right?  We did gain a new investigator from that conversation that seems promising. Wish us luck.

 01/20/13 – Sunday, was pretty good.  We were asked to show up at one of the youth classes.  The teacher wanted us to discuss how to talk about God/Heavenly Father with others.  That was fun. We got them to try a practice teach session with each other.  They seemed to really enjoy it.

That's all for “Missionary Weekly” and now for the oldest game show known to missionaries, Q & A CORNER!!!!!!!!

 Q1.   How was your Sabbath day?  Did you have any opportunities to teach?  What was the message you heard and needed to hear at Church?

A1. It was pretty good.  In Elders Quorum we talked about Baptism and the Holy Ghost from the Lorenzo Snow manual.  For more Information please read “Missionary weekly”.  Well, I guess we were in Mosiah 1, talking about the desires of our hearts towards baptism and that was the message I needed to hear.

Q2.   How are your investigators?  Especially how is Victoria doing?  Have you set a date for her Baptism?  I know she needs to have all the lessons first.  Are you listening to the spirit as you bring her along in the gospel?  What did you learn from her this week?  How is Elder Himmer doing with the lessons?

A2.  The investigators are doing fine.  For information about Victoria see “Missionary Weekly”.  Yeah, I'm doing my best to listen and follow the spirit.  Elder Himmer is doing well with lessons and all aspects of his mission.

Q3.   How are you doing with the driving?  Are you getting more confident with that responsibility?  How are you both doing health wise?  Have you done something to serve your companion this past week?  What would you both enjoy getting in the mail?  Tell us more about Elder Himmer.  Where is he from?  How long has he been in the field?  What things/ hobbies does he like or do?  What does he like to do on P-day?  Does he get support from home?

A3.   My driving is a little better and our car has more kick than a Corolla. Yeah, I’m feeling more comfortable; I’m getting there. Yeah, I made I made Elder Himmer lunch a few times this past week as service to him.  We love to get money in the mail. jk Anything really is good in the mail.  Elder Himmer, is a really hard worker.  He is from Riverton, Utah and he's been in the field six months. He likes football, baseball and basketball.   OK, I feel like I'm being interrogated or something with all these questions. Jk  Let skip to the next one.

Q4.   How is the weather?  We have been cold, cold, cold, but it is getting warmer.  The high was 19 today. lol  We should be in the 20s tomorrow.  I’m jealous of your 50s and 60s.  Enjoy that warm weather while you can. 

A4. It is nice hear. It’s warm and cool rather than cold and cold.

Q5.   Bishop wants Dad or I to talk on Feb 10th about how you are doing?  What would you like to share with the ward?  Did you want us to tell them anything special?  Did you send Grandma T a Birthday card?  That was this past Saturday.  We didn't go but put a letter in a scrapbook the ward made for her.  I forgot to ask if you ever got a letter from the Stake Presidency at Christmas?  Just curious cause they asked me for your address.

A5. How about TALOFA!!!! lol  Well I guess, share the scripture “Be Thou an Example of the Believers”, you never know who is watching.  Always be that disciple of Christ, and don't worry about people judging you, because if worry then you are judging them first.  Always try to start a conversation with someone about what we believe and always invite investigators and Missionaries to dinner.  Most importantly keep giving the missionaries referrals. I know that's what helps us the most are those member referrals. Oh, and don't give up on people, you are always planting seeds in their hearts and they'll want to learn more at some point.  Also Happy Birthday Grandma T!!!!  I don’t recall getting a letter or card from the Stake Presidency.  Please let them know I am doing well.

Q6.   Well, here is the usual question.  What was the best part of this past week?  What was the sad part of this past week?  What made you laugh this past week?  What was your favorite moment of this past week?  How many lessons did you teach?  What made you nervous this past week?

A6.  The best part was getting back to working hard.   The sad part was the number of miles we used.  Everything makes me laugh. My favorite moment was being able to pick up new investigators!!!!! Let's see, we taught only 9 lessons, but first weeks are always the toughest. Me being a Senior Companion did make me a little nervous this past week. lol

         Well, I guess that is all for now.  Oh, Martin Congrats on getting the statistics grade up to a B- bro.  Way to work hard!!!! Well, you know the tune!!!!

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Safety and peace, God bless and if you sneeze during this email bless your face ગુડબાય (Guḍabāya), baik, Undang Auf Wiedersehen! Requesta de pache (rest in peace), Molto Bene, الوداع, Alsons y, bonum devium, 再見 (Zàijiàn), Arrivederci!, zbogom, Nasvidenje, ವಿದಾಯ (Vidāya) अलविदा (Alavidā), pożegnanie, Hwyl fawr, kwaheri,tạm biệt, sudie, Tot ziens, elveda, smell ya later, Noice, Nofo a, Until next time this is Elder Morris in Paradise singing out, Peace on!!!! do do do do do do email.

http://mormon.org/me/5JFZ/NathanMorris

Check it Out!!!!

A "Best Two Years" Moment

Hey Family and Friends

 What a crazy week!!! We had an amazing “Spiritual” experience with our new investigator. It was like a "Best Two Years" moment. We committed her to Baptism on the first lesson. Oh, I also have a quick announcement; this transfer will be a 5-week transfer rather than the usual 6 weeks. It was amazing this week.  I better do the Q&A Corner.  

 Q1.  Are you transferring this week?  How about Elder Miller?  It seems you have been in Paradise quite awhile.  I posted a picture of you and Elder Spjute on my facebook page.  Wouldn't it be fun if you two became companions? 

A1. Nope I'm not getting transferred but Elder Miller is getting transferred. He is going to Nevada City, my old stomping grounds. He is going to love it. Yeah, either I will get transferred next time or I'll stay one more transfer here in Paradise.

Q2.   How was Church?  Did any of your investigators come to Church?  How many lessons this week?  Have you made any new contacts?  Are you getting referrals from your ward members?  I hope it has been a productive week.

A2. Church was great, Elder Miller was saying goodbye to everyone and in GD class we talked a little bit about the Plan of Salvation.

Q3.   Dad wanted to know if you have had opportunities to use Liken Movies in any of your discussions or your experience of being in a movie to help teach a lesson?  Would you like any of the Liken CDs?  Did you have a special teaching experience this past week?

A3. I haven’t really used or talked about the Liken Movies, but I did find a member that has a few of the Movies. I already have some Liken CDs; you sent them to me about a year ago.  The only special teaching experience was with Victoria, which was the “Best Two Years” moment I wrote about earlier. lol  I gave the “First Vision” lesson to her and the Spirit was so strong that Elder Miller was prompted to give her the “Baptismal Commitment”. She said yes.  So, we have another Baptism on the way.

Q4.   Do you know Craig T. Hall?  He lives in the Fontaine Claire Ward.  He got married this past Thursday.  I was just curious.  Did you get the package I sent and the letter?  Are you needing information or wanting news of anyone particular?  We are all fine and nothing really exciting to report.

A4. Yeah, Holy Cow everyone I know is now getting married, what the Heck? Yes, I got the package today.  I LOVE IT!  My new companion, Elder Himmer and I were listening to “Lead Kindly Light”, today.  The Play list CD is tight too!!! Thank you.

Q5.  How are you doing physically?  Is there a lot of flu going around there?  We have had a lot.  How are you doing financially?  I try to keep track of your debit account.  I also heard that your mission is changing banks so don't forget to withdraw your cash before they close the original accounts.  Be wise and thrifty with your money.  Let us know if we can help?

A5. I'm doing well, just trying to workout and stay fit.  We have had a little bit of the flu going around, but we are fine.  Elder Miller got me to try these Essential Oils and they really work.  One time I burned the back of my throat and Elder Miller gave me some lemon oils.  Within three days my throat was better!!! Things are going well here. I still have money on the gift card Elder Miller’s mom gave me, so I think I'll be fine, for a while at least.

Q6.   What was the best part of this past week?  What was the worst part of this past week?  What made you laugh this past week?  What did you learn this past week?  Are you writing in your journal?  If you need an idea for your journal ask yourself one of the above questions for your journal entry.  You could also write your "Missionary Weekly" in your journal.  Please send that because we love "Missionary Weekly".  What may seem small and unimportant to you is fun for us to read and we find all of it important!

A6. The “Best Two Years” moment was the best part, of course. There weren’t really any “worst” parts.  It was a pretty good week. I laughed when Elder Miller started to pack before transfer calls came.  It was also funny seeing how much stuff he had. lol.  I learned that study is very important. I’m not writing in my journal as much as I should, BUT for my last 7 months out I will be writing in it as much as I can!!! That is so true about what’s important to others, so I can't disappoint my audience, which I guess I already have because this email is coming in late.  I will do better and that is a promise.

         Well, I better mention my new Companion. His Name is Elder Himmer and he is from Riverton, Utah.  GO UTAH!!! I mean the state not the school. I am now Senior Companion and I am now in charge of driving around, yeah. Well, I hope this email will satisfy the needs of my audience and family.  More will be on the way, WOOT WOOT!!! Well, got to go, love ya!!!!

Safety and peace, God bless and if you sneeze during this email bless your face ગુડબાય (Guḍabāya), baik, Undang Auf Wiedersehen! Requesta de pache (rest in peace), Molto Bene, الوداع, Alsons y, bonum devium, 再見 (Zàijiàn), Arrivederci!, zbogom, Nasvidenje, ವಿದಾಯ (Vidāya) अलविदा (Alavidā), pożegnanie, Hwyl fawr, kwaheri,tạm biệt, sudie, Tot ziens, elveda, smell ya later, Noice, Nofo a.  Until next time, this is Elder Morris in Paradise singing out, Peace on!!!! Do do do do do do email!

http://mormon.org/me/5JFZ/NathanMorris    Check it Out!!!!

Q&A Corner

Hello Family and Friends,                            1/7/13

 Ok, Today will be a quick one so we will head to Q&A Corner!!!!!

 Q1.   How many lessons this week?  Did you have any break thru investigators attend Church?  What was the personal message for you at Church on Sunday?  I decided I need to work on the "Essentials" like reading my scriptures daily!

A1.  We taught about 19 or 20... .one of the two. No new investigators at Church as of yet, but things will soon turn up and boom!!!! A lot of people shared their testimonies dedicated to us, funny enough.

Q2.   What has the weather been like in California?  It has been COOOOLD here.  Today, it was 17 and that was warm compared to the past week.  We had indoor days all week at school.  You know how kids are they don't wear coats and sometimes not even jackets!  Hope you are staying warm and healthy.  How are you both feeling?

A2.  Pretty Sunny, and Pretty. Lol It was warm too. Yeah, we've been well.

Q3.   Martin wants to know what is the most important thing he needs to know to prepare for a mission?  He got a mini Preach My Gospel for Christmas.  What can he do now to help him be more ready to serve a mission?  I think the new curriculum for Youth is going to make a big difference.  They have to rely on the spirit much more than they ever did before.

A3. Work on study habits, prayer habits, strict obedience and always look for the good in everyone. Relying on the spirit is definitely the most important thing to learn.

Q4.   What was the best part of this past week?  What was the biggest struggle or trial this past week?  What did you find the most joy in or that made you smile?  Who touched you this week and inspired you?  Who was your personal hero this week?

A4. Best part was going to Church. Worst part of this week was getting called “lazy”. lol.  Hanging out with John Millward and his family was fun and made me smile. The members inspired me especially John's dad. John Millward was definitely my hero this week.

Q5.   What are you going to do today?  What do you do that you feel is fun and relaxing too?  What is Elder Miller's favorite down time activity?  What is an interest that you both share?  Do you have to compromise sometimes when it comes to p-day activities?  What did you do to serve Elder Miller this week?  Did he do something extra nice for you?

A5.  Today we are just hanging out.  I enjoy reading my scriptures, playing basketball, playing disc golf, and Clue.  Elder Miller likes sleep and writing letters. We both like “Halo”, knives, fishing, girls, and working out. Yes,  sometimes we have to compromise since there isn’t a lot of time. We served each other by cleaning the apartment. Yeah... he helped that’s what he did nice for me.  lol  Just kidding, let's see he gave me a remote control helicopter.

         That all folks for this week.... bye 

Safety and peace, God bless and if you sneeze during this email bless your face ગુડબાય (Guḍabāya), baik, Undang Auf Wiedersehen! Requesta de pache (rest in peace), Molto Bene, الوداع, Alsons y, bonum devium, 再見 (Zàijiàn), Arrivederci!, zbogom, Nasvidenje, ವಿದಾಯ (Vidāya) अलविदा (Alavidā), pożegnanie, Hwyl fawr, kwaheri,tạm biệt, sudie, Tot ziens, elveda, smell ya later, Noice, Nofo a, Until next time this is Elder Morris in Paradise singing out, Peace on!!!! Do do do do do do email.

http://mormon.org/me/5JFZ/NathanMorris    Check it Out!!!!