Hey Family and Friends,
This week things have been
winding down, again. Transfers are coming up this week. We will be
getting the dodge call tonight (Monday, July 1, 2014). I am ready to
leave the Area but not the Cannock Ward. The Ward here has been really
good to me. I have many good memories made here in Cannock. But change
is all part of the work. We have been dropped by most of the people we
have been teaching this week. So we are starting again. It is fun
though.
We had Stake Conference this week and Elder
Donaldson spoke to us. He talked about the four groups that are making
there way to the tree of life. How two groups cling to the rod one
didn't even try and one held fast to it. But Elder Donaldson explained
the difference of the two. When you cling you hold tightly to the rod.
You can hang on with one or two hands, but you are still holding the rod
but are you really? You can hold on with one hand and half a foot in
both camps. When you hold fast you hold the rod like it is the last
chocolate bar on earth and it is yours. NO ONES IS GOING TO GET IT FROM
YOU. It is the whole work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
The other thing about clinging is that you don't move, you stay put.
You are happy with the work or level you are putting in. This new
lesson has changed the way I have been looking at life. There are
definitely some days that I just cling to the rod and there are other
days that I am holding fast and progressing forward. But other than
that it has been pretty cold over here. There have been three days this
week I could see my breath and had to wear a jacket and gloves. It is
crazy! Almost July and still wearing jackets.
Hold to the Rod with all your might!
Love Elder Nielsen
Showing posts with label Cannock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cannock. Show all posts
Monday, June 30, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Truly Converted
Hey all,
This week has been a pretty normal week. We have been teaching some new people and trying to find new ones. It is just the cycle of Missionary work that we are constantly trying to overcome. We find lots of people and then half of them don't want us to come back. Then we again get in with one or two of them and they don't want us to come back. Then there is an investigator that is willing and ready to hear everything we have to say. It is a ruthless cycle but we have gotten used to it.
The crazy thing this week with being a District Leader I have the opportunity to work with the other Elders in my Area. An exchange is where I am knocking and teaching with another Missionary in our Area other than my current companion. We are with the other Elders for about 24 hours. It seems as I look back in my planner that we have been mostly traveling. But anyway, I went with on splits with another Elder this week who is still pretty new to the mission. I took him to a lesson with some new people that we are teaching in our Area and I have never seen someones eyes get so big. When we finished our appointment, we walked out and the other Elder just said "Elder Nielsen, I didn't know what to do or say". It was a good lesson to learn for both of us. I had just assumed that he knew what to do and could read my mind like my current Companion. And the Elder I was with thought that he knew the lessons better than he did. It was pretty eye opening that is for sure.
Wednesday we had a Zone Conference. We got to hear from the Mission President, President Rasmussen. He talked to us about True Conversion. President Rasmussen pointed out something interesting as he spoke. We read out of Luke the Intercessory Prayer that Christ gave. Before he gives the prayer he talks to Simon Peter.
Luke 22
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
In verse 31 Christ says Simon. Simon was called Peter by Christ when he was first chosen as a disciple. Peter in Greek means rock. So he says Simon when you are converted strengthen thy brethren. He then says in 34 what he wants Simon to become. He calls him Peter or the rock. He wanted his faith to become unshakable so that when Christ is gone Peter can lead the Church. I have been thinking a lot about that because what does Christ want most from us? It is to be truly converted to become what He wants us to become and to be like Him. It is a hard process to follow but it will bring the most happiness. It might not bring us happiness now but in the long run the reward in Heaven will be worth more than anything that can be given down here on Earth.
That is my lesson for this week. I love this work and hope that we will all be Truly Converted.
Love Elder Nielsen
This week has been a pretty normal week. We have been teaching some new people and trying to find new ones. It is just the cycle of Missionary work that we are constantly trying to overcome. We find lots of people and then half of them don't want us to come back. Then we again get in with one or two of them and they don't want us to come back. Then there is an investigator that is willing and ready to hear everything we have to say. It is a ruthless cycle but we have gotten used to it.
The crazy thing this week with being a District Leader I have the opportunity to work with the other Elders in my Area. An exchange is where I am knocking and teaching with another Missionary in our Area other than my current companion. We are with the other Elders for about 24 hours. It seems as I look back in my planner that we have been mostly traveling. But anyway, I went with on splits with another Elder this week who is still pretty new to the mission. I took him to a lesson with some new people that we are teaching in our Area and I have never seen someones eyes get so big. When we finished our appointment, we walked out and the other Elder just said "Elder Nielsen, I didn't know what to do or say". It was a good lesson to learn for both of us. I had just assumed that he knew what to do and could read my mind like my current Companion. And the Elder I was with thought that he knew the lessons better than he did. It was pretty eye opening that is for sure.
Wednesday we had a Zone Conference. We got to hear from the Mission President, President Rasmussen. He talked to us about True Conversion. President Rasmussen pointed out something interesting as he spoke. We read out of Luke the Intercessory Prayer that Christ gave. Before he gives the prayer he talks to Simon Peter.
Luke 22
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
In verse 31 Christ says Simon. Simon was called Peter by Christ when he was first chosen as a disciple. Peter in Greek means rock. So he says Simon when you are converted strengthen thy brethren. He then says in 34 what he wants Simon to become. He calls him Peter or the rock. He wanted his faith to become unshakable so that when Christ is gone Peter can lead the Church. I have been thinking a lot about that because what does Christ want most from us? It is to be truly converted to become what He wants us to become and to be like Him. It is a hard process to follow but it will bring the most happiness. It might not bring us happiness now but in the long run the reward in Heaven will be worth more than anything that can be given down here on Earth.
That is my lesson for this week. I love this work and hope that we will all be Truly Converted.
Love Elder Nielsen
Monday, June 16, 2014
Trials of being a District Leader
Hello Friends and Family,
This week has been fun. As I have mentioned before, the weather can not make up its mind on what it wants to do. It rains then the sun is out then the rains some again and then it is very hot and humid. The nice thing is though is that we are starting to get busy preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ again. The work is going so well that it has gotten to the point where if it doesn't make it in the planner we don't go and get it done.
As I mentioned last week, I was made a District Leader for my current Area. Becoming District Leader in a sense is a honor. But for Elder Nielsen, who keeps to himself and just puts his head down and works, it more of a pain. The biggest trial with being a District Leader for me is probably working with the leaders above me. To report to them and then try and tell them why things went the way they did. Hours on the phone, getting asked why Missionaries are not doing well in their Area? Why their numbers aren't going up? I am asked many questions that I have to give an educated guess to. But on a positive note, I am excited and it should be fun. One great thing about being District Leader is that I have the opportunity to go on exchanges with all the Elders in the District. Last Monday we where racing around to teach two lessons. One at half six and the other at eight. We raced to the eight one and they said it was supposed to be at six. Whoops. But we got to reschedule which most of the time you don't get to do. We have also been doing lots of service the past week. We have helped a member move and then helped another one to get her house painted. We have been pealing wallpaper a couple times a week for an hour. I have told my companion that if my future wife wants wallpaper that he needs to talk her out of it. I have gotten the chance to go on my first exchange as a District Leader. It was fun. I had fun with an Elder from Samoa. In my new leadership position, I have come to the realization that "you lift where you stand". I have come to the conclusion that as long as I lift the Missionaries I am over then I have done a good job. If I help them change and become better I have been successful. I will also have the chance to work with the other Missionaries closer and learn from them as well. That will be great!
Our Stake here in Cannock has started a program called knock on every door. The goal is to knock every door in our Ward every couple of years. So as a Ward we go out and knock doors once a month and we had a big miracle. The last door we knocked one, we had a couple of people that where interested in the message we had to share with them. We went by their flat last week and they wanted to set up an appointment. So we had the opportunity to visit with them again this week. This experience has taught me that when we do what our Stake Presidency has asked, we are blessed.
I have been reading 3rd Nephi Book of Mormon this past week. It has been crazy to read about the people and events leading up to when Christ comes. How quick they were to return to the sin they had just left behind a couple of years ago. I have also been listening to the talk Beware of Pride By President Benson. As I was listening, I learned that we humans are a prideful people and it is a hard cycle to break. But we are blessed so much more when we humble ourselves and put our will in line with Gods.
I hope that you all have the opportunity to listen to and learn from the words from a great Prophet, President Benson. I know that he was a true Prophet and that President Monson is our true Prophet today. I love this work and the Gospel that I have the opportunity to share with others.
Thanks for all of the emails and letters! I love you all! Have a great week!
Love Elder Nielsen
This week has been fun. As I have mentioned before, the weather can not make up its mind on what it wants to do. It rains then the sun is out then the rains some again and then it is very hot and humid. The nice thing is though is that we are starting to get busy preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ again. The work is going so well that it has gotten to the point where if it doesn't make it in the planner we don't go and get it done.
As I mentioned last week, I was made a District Leader for my current Area. Becoming District Leader in a sense is a honor. But for Elder Nielsen, who keeps to himself and just puts his head down and works, it more of a pain. The biggest trial with being a District Leader for me is probably working with the leaders above me. To report to them and then try and tell them why things went the way they did. Hours on the phone, getting asked why Missionaries are not doing well in their Area? Why their numbers aren't going up? I am asked many questions that I have to give an educated guess to. But on a positive note, I am excited and it should be fun. One great thing about being District Leader is that I have the opportunity to go on exchanges with all the Elders in the District. Last Monday we where racing around to teach two lessons. One at half six and the other at eight. We raced to the eight one and they said it was supposed to be at six. Whoops. But we got to reschedule which most of the time you don't get to do. We have also been doing lots of service the past week. We have helped a member move and then helped another one to get her house painted. We have been pealing wallpaper a couple times a week for an hour. I have told my companion that if my future wife wants wallpaper that he needs to talk her out of it. I have gotten the chance to go on my first exchange as a District Leader. It was fun. I had fun with an Elder from Samoa. In my new leadership position, I have come to the realization that "you lift where you stand". I have come to the conclusion that as long as I lift the Missionaries I am over then I have done a good job. If I help them change and become better I have been successful. I will also have the chance to work with the other Missionaries closer and learn from them as well. That will be great!
Our Stake here in Cannock has started a program called knock on every door. The goal is to knock every door in our Ward every couple of years. So as a Ward we go out and knock doors once a month and we had a big miracle. The last door we knocked one, we had a couple of people that where interested in the message we had to share with them. We went by their flat last week and they wanted to set up an appointment. So we had the opportunity to visit with them again this week. This experience has taught me that when we do what our Stake Presidency has asked, we are blessed.
I have been reading 3rd Nephi Book of Mormon this past week. It has been crazy to read about the people and events leading up to when Christ comes. How quick they were to return to the sin they had just left behind a couple of years ago. I have also been listening to the talk Beware of Pride By President Benson. As I was listening, I learned that we humans are a prideful people and it is a hard cycle to break. But we are blessed so much more when we humble ourselves and put our will in line with Gods.
I hope that you all have the opportunity to listen to and learn from the words from a great Prophet, President Benson. I know that he was a true Prophet and that President Monson is our true Prophet today. I love this work and the Gospel that I have the opportunity to share with others.
Thanks for all of the emails and letters! I love you all! Have a great week!
Love Elder Nielsen
Monday, June 9, 2014
Rain and more Rain
Dear family and Friends,
It has been a crazy week this week. The weather has not wanted to be on our side all week. It has been sunny one day then raining the rest. On Wednesday it just rained all day. It wasn't to bad because we were in meetings all Wednesday. I was made District Leader last transfer hence the reason I am staying in Cannock for one more transfer for training. So, anyway, by the time we got home we both had soaked suits. But I woke up on Saturday and felt like I had fallen asleep in the Ticki Room at Disney Land. It was raining cats, dogs, and sheep. We also had a pretty impressive light show to go with it. The good thing was that we were painting a members house most of the morning so we didn't get wet. A really cool thing though that happened was we looked on our map and saw a road called Bishops Close. We have not been to this area so we decided to go and knock it. Out of the 20 houses that were there, we had 6 that wanted us to come back! So hopefully they will start to want to learn more. As I sit and type this email, another big rainstorm just finished. It rained horses this time. Ha.
This week as I was studding I came across something cool. We are always getting ask or told, "If there is a God why are there so many bad things happening in the world." I really dislike that question because it is just a cop out question. So we usually tell those that ask this question that we all have agency they can choose to do bad or good in the world. And we also talk about how many of the bad things in the Book of Mormon and Bible where stopped and not talked about. While reading I the Book of Mormon, I read in Helaman the real answer I would say. And it says this Helaman 3: 12 "And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him".
The Lord lets the bad things happen because people refuse to acknowledge him and learn about him. If more people would believe in God the bad things probably wouldn't be as worse. But there is the little tid bit of advice from over the pond.
Have a great week and may The Lord bless each of you in your efforts to acknowledge our Savior.
Love, Elder Nielsen.
It has been a crazy week this week. The weather has not wanted to be on our side all week. It has been sunny one day then raining the rest. On Wednesday it just rained all day. It wasn't to bad because we were in meetings all Wednesday. I was made District Leader last transfer hence the reason I am staying in Cannock for one more transfer for training. So, anyway, by the time we got home we both had soaked suits. But I woke up on Saturday and felt like I had fallen asleep in the Ticki Room at Disney Land. It was raining cats, dogs, and sheep. We also had a pretty impressive light show to go with it. The good thing was that we were painting a members house most of the morning so we didn't get wet. A really cool thing though that happened was we looked on our map and saw a road called Bishops Close. We have not been to this area so we decided to go and knock it. Out of the 20 houses that were there, we had 6 that wanted us to come back! So hopefully they will start to want to learn more. As I sit and type this email, another big rainstorm just finished. It rained horses this time. Ha.
This week as I was studding I came across something cool. We are always getting ask or told, "If there is a God why are there so many bad things happening in the world." I really dislike that question because it is just a cop out question. So we usually tell those that ask this question that we all have agency they can choose to do bad or good in the world. And we also talk about how many of the bad things in the Book of Mormon and Bible where stopped and not talked about. While reading I the Book of Mormon, I read in Helaman the real answer I would say. And it says this Helaman 3: 12 "And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him".
The Lord lets the bad things happen because people refuse to acknowledge him and learn about him. If more people would believe in God the bad things probably wouldn't be as worse. But there is the little tid bit of advice from over the pond.
Have a great week and may The Lord bless each of you in your efforts to acknowledge our Savior.
Love, Elder Nielsen.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Service and Waffles
Hey Family,
I had a pretty funny experience this week. We had a member who was running to Costco. He asked if I wanted anything. I told him that if he could get me some Krustez pancake mix that would be great. I have been longing for some pancakes or waffles. A member overheard our conversation and gave Elder Okamuro and I what was left of theirs because they don't use it. I went back to our flat all excited to make some waffles. I found a waffle iron in the flat and cleaned it up and got it ready. I made the batter and started to cook them. It smelled so good. I was really excited to start to eat them. My mouth was watering and I could just imagine how good they were going to taste. But to my surprise, the first waffle of the batch stuck to the waffle iron because it wasn't greased enough, and the other half was burnt. So on to round two. The next waffle came off of the waffle iron and I put butter on it. As the butter was melting, I realized that I was out of jam. So I decided to put peanut butter on it. With knife and fork in had, I sat down and looked at the waffle and my mouth started to water even more. The anticipation was killing me! I started to eat it and it was............ Disappointing. As I was chewing, I remembered that I don't really like waffles. The only waffles that are the best are made by my Grandpa Jerry. His are perfect with a little bit of crunch on the outside and soft in the middle. Maybe it is the love and care for us grand kids that makes them so good.
But on that note it has been a pretty good week. Last Monday we helped a member with his garden. That is why I didn't have much time. It was fun though. I got to work along side one of my best friends in the Ward. And this week has been lots of service. There is a member who is moving and asked for help moving the big stuff. It was like playing the Traffic Jam game where you have to get the red car out of the parking lot. We had to get there American fridge/freezer out the front door. We had to open both doors on the fridge and angle one in. Then straighten the fridge out and angle the other in. What a fun time. Good thing I have moved enough people on my Mission to be pretty good at getting big things out small doors.
As I have mentioned before, it is a never ending cycle of picking up the pieces and finding those that are ready to hear the good news of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Every time in my Mission that I start a new transfer all the people we had been teaching just drop. So we just have to find new people and try and salvage the ones who are still semi interested. We have been doing lots of finding this week. But that is what a Mission is all about. I have been reading The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood. It has been a very eye opening thing to read. But we talked about it in Priesthood. It is pretty cool to learn about it though. It has given me that little extra push to be a better person. And to try my best.
Have a great week and remember that the Lord loves each of us!
Love Elder Nielsen
I had a pretty funny experience this week. We had a member who was running to Costco. He asked if I wanted anything. I told him that if he could get me some Krustez pancake mix that would be great. I have been longing for some pancakes or waffles. A member overheard our conversation and gave Elder Okamuro and I what was left of theirs because they don't use it. I went back to our flat all excited to make some waffles. I found a waffle iron in the flat and cleaned it up and got it ready. I made the batter and started to cook them. It smelled so good. I was really excited to start to eat them. My mouth was watering and I could just imagine how good they were going to taste. But to my surprise, the first waffle of the batch stuck to the waffle iron because it wasn't greased enough, and the other half was burnt. So on to round two. The next waffle came off of the waffle iron and I put butter on it. As the butter was melting, I realized that I was out of jam. So I decided to put peanut butter on it. With knife and fork in had, I sat down and looked at the waffle and my mouth started to water even more. The anticipation was killing me! I started to eat it and it was............ Disappointing. As I was chewing, I remembered that I don't really like waffles. The only waffles that are the best are made by my Grandpa Jerry. His are perfect with a little bit of crunch on the outside and soft in the middle. Maybe it is the love and care for us grand kids that makes them so good.
But on that note it has been a pretty good week. Last Monday we helped a member with his garden. That is why I didn't have much time. It was fun though. I got to work along side one of my best friends in the Ward. And this week has been lots of service. There is a member who is moving and asked for help moving the big stuff. It was like playing the Traffic Jam game where you have to get the red car out of the parking lot. We had to get there American fridge/freezer out the front door. We had to open both doors on the fridge and angle one in. Then straighten the fridge out and angle the other in. What a fun time. Good thing I have moved enough people on my Mission to be pretty good at getting big things out small doors.
As I have mentioned before, it is a never ending cycle of picking up the pieces and finding those that are ready to hear the good news of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Every time in my Mission that I start a new transfer all the people we had been teaching just drop. So we just have to find new people and try and salvage the ones who are still semi interested. We have been doing lots of finding this week. But that is what a Mission is all about. I have been reading The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood. It has been a very eye opening thing to read. But we talked about it in Priesthood. It is pretty cool to learn about it though. It has given me that little extra push to be a better person. And to try my best.
Have a great week and remember that the Lord loves each of us!
Love Elder Nielsen
Monday, May 26, 2014
Six more weeks in Cannock
Dear Family,
Not much time today so I apologize in advance for the short blog.
This week has been a fun week. We have had some really hot weather during the week. I was looking forward to having a good weekend. But then it rained all weekend. It didn't just sprinkle it dumped. We where soaked so many times. On Saturday we where talking to people in town and I saw some clouds and looked at my companion and told him we need to go it is going to thunder and lighting. He really didn't believe me. So I let him lead the way. We where about fifteen minutes from the flat and the heavens opened. We had rivers running down the street. It looked like we had just jumped into the pool with all our stuff on.
The big news is that I am staying six more weeks in Cannock. The Ward is pretty happy but I am a little torn. It is time to move on to a new Area. I guess we will see what happens. But other than that it is just been a hectic week with the weather. Since it is so hot and rainy, people just don't want to sit and visit. So on hopefully we will have some great teaching this next week. The Lord knows when and where our next investigator will be, I just need to be patient and open to the promptings that are given to me.
Trust in the Lord!
Love, Elder Nielsen
Not much time today so I apologize in advance for the short blog.
This week has been a fun week. We have had some really hot weather during the week. I was looking forward to having a good weekend. But then it rained all weekend. It didn't just sprinkle it dumped. We where soaked so many times. On Saturday we where talking to people in town and I saw some clouds and looked at my companion and told him we need to go it is going to thunder and lighting. He really didn't believe me. So I let him lead the way. We where about fifteen minutes from the flat and the heavens opened. We had rivers running down the street. It looked like we had just jumped into the pool with all our stuff on.
The big news is that I am staying six more weeks in Cannock. The Ward is pretty happy but I am a little torn. It is time to move on to a new Area. I guess we will see what happens. But other than that it is just been a hectic week with the weather. Since it is so hot and rainy, people just don't want to sit and visit. So on hopefully we will have some great teaching this next week. The Lord knows when and where our next investigator will be, I just need to be patient and open to the promptings that are given to me.
Trust in the Lord!
Love, Elder Nielsen
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Hurray for Israel
Hey Family,
This week has been one of the best/worse most stressful most rewarding week of my Mission that is for sure. It was a really good week because we had Ingrid and most of her children get baptized! I had the opportunity to baptize one of her twin boys and my companion Elder Omokora baptized the other one. We then had another Missionary that is serving in Cannock baptize one of the daughters and a recent convert that I have worked with baptized the other two family members. It was a really good thing. Our Ward Mission Leader was saying the names while we where getting in the font. He said we will now witness the baptism of so and so. And as soon as I said the prayer and dunked the youngest twin the Spirit just hit everyone. There were very few dry eyes during the baptism. It says in the First Presidency message in Preach My Gospel "that more joy and happiness awaits you then you have ever experienced". I have experienced that joy! There are very few things that can even come close to the joy that was felt that day. On Sunday Ingrid and her children were confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was pretty short considering five confirmations were taking place. I had the opportunity to confirm the other twin boy that my companion baptized.
The reason it was the best/worse week was the baptism made it the best. The reason it was worse was that nothing went right. We couldn't teach Ingrid and her family at all this week. Hence why we where stressing out. Satan works hard with people investigating the Church and the Missionaries work hard against Satan. So we were calling her every day sometimes twice a day to make sure they were still doing the things they needed to be ready to be baptized. It has been the highlight of my mission so far. It has strengthened my testimony of the Gospel.
Have a great week!
Love Elder Nielsen
The whole family and Elders.
This week has been one of the best/worse most stressful most rewarding week of my Mission that is for sure. It was a really good week because we had Ingrid and most of her children get baptized! I had the opportunity to baptize one of her twin boys and my companion Elder Omokora baptized the other one. We then had another Missionary that is serving in Cannock baptize one of the daughters and a recent convert that I have worked with baptized the other two family members. It was a really good thing. Our Ward Mission Leader was saying the names while we where getting in the font. He said we will now witness the baptism of so and so. And as soon as I said the prayer and dunked the youngest twin the Spirit just hit everyone. There were very few dry eyes during the baptism. It says in the First Presidency message in Preach My Gospel "that more joy and happiness awaits you then you have ever experienced". I have experienced that joy! There are very few things that can even come close to the joy that was felt that day. On Sunday Ingrid and her children were confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was pretty short considering five confirmations were taking place. I had the opportunity to confirm the other twin boy that my companion baptized.
The reason it was the best/worse week was the baptism made it the best. The reason it was worse was that nothing went right. We couldn't teach Ingrid and her family at all this week. Hence why we where stressing out. Satan works hard with people investigating the Church and the Missionaries work hard against Satan. So we were calling her every day sometimes twice a day to make sure they were still doing the things they needed to be ready to be baptized. It has been the highlight of my mission so far. It has strengthened my testimony of the Gospel.
Have a great week!
Love Elder Nielsen
 |
| Elder Nielsen and Tieman |
 |
| Elder Nielsen and Tieman |
 |
| Elder Omokora |
 |
| Ingrid, a ward member and Ingrid's daughter |
The whole family and Elders.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers that have been a big part of my life.
It was so nice to Skype home on Mother's Day! The best part is more of just it is nice to see the family and to see how much my younger siblings have grown and changed. I was talking to Elder Omokaro about it. Email is enough really but Skype is nice because you get to talk and don't have to wait for a week to hear back from them.
Elder Omokaro's family isn't very big, I think three or four. But he is 21. It is nice to have an older companion instead of a young one. So we are having a great time together and working hard to Hasten the Lord's Work here in Cannock.
This week has been a crazy one. The weather over here could not make up its mind. It is almost as Bipolar as Idaho. We have had really strong wind this week. It has been a pro and a con. The pro is that going down the hills on our bikes we didn't have to use our brakes the wind stopped us. The con was going back up that same hill.
We have been working this week finding and also teaching Ingrid and her family. We have had some really good lessons with them. They are scheduled to be baptized this weekend. I am stressing a little bit. It is pretty quick to be baptized four weeks after the Elders started to teach you. But it just shows that the Lord is preparing people to hear the message of the Gospel. We found a new investigator this week. He is a pretty cool guy. It will take a week or two to see how interested he really is. He asked one of the golden questions though. We where teaching the restoration and talking about how God has called a Prophet in every dispensation of time. He then stopped us and said," Lads, If God has called a Prophet in every time period why don't we have one now?" We just smiled and said we will get there. We then talked about the first vision and Thomas S. Monson. He was blown out of the water. He kept saying why hasn't anyone told me about a prophet on the earth. Wouldn't it be big news? We have something so precious do we realize how precious it is? We talked about the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth right now in Gospel Principals. One of the recent converts said something that made me think, "If this is the true Church Satan would do anything and everything he could to keep people away. Look at all the anti and negative things that are said about the Church."
That is part of his testimony of why this is true. I have been thinking about that and how true it is. That is why we have Missionaries. To spread the good news of there is a Prophet on the earth. That is why Missionaries are always being tested and tempted. We are constantly battling against principalities and Satan.
The Lord is with us. This is His work. With His help we can not and will not Fail.
Love Elder Nielsen
It was so nice to Skype home on Mother's Day! The best part is more of just it is nice to see the family and to see how much my younger siblings have grown and changed. I was talking to Elder Omokaro about it. Email is enough really but Skype is nice because you get to talk and don't have to wait for a week to hear back from them.
Elder Omokaro's family isn't very big, I think three or four. But he is 21. It is nice to have an older companion instead of a young one. So we are having a great time together and working hard to Hasten the Lord's Work here in Cannock.
This week has been a crazy one. The weather over here could not make up its mind. It is almost as Bipolar as Idaho. We have had really strong wind this week. It has been a pro and a con. The pro is that going down the hills on our bikes we didn't have to use our brakes the wind stopped us. The con was going back up that same hill.
We have been working this week finding and also teaching Ingrid and her family. We have had some really good lessons with them. They are scheduled to be baptized this weekend. I am stressing a little bit. It is pretty quick to be baptized four weeks after the Elders started to teach you. But it just shows that the Lord is preparing people to hear the message of the Gospel. We found a new investigator this week. He is a pretty cool guy. It will take a week or two to see how interested he really is. He asked one of the golden questions though. We where teaching the restoration and talking about how God has called a Prophet in every dispensation of time. He then stopped us and said," Lads, If God has called a Prophet in every time period why don't we have one now?" We just smiled and said we will get there. We then talked about the first vision and Thomas S. Monson. He was blown out of the water. He kept saying why hasn't anyone told me about a prophet on the earth. Wouldn't it be big news? We have something so precious do we realize how precious it is? We talked about the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth right now in Gospel Principals. One of the recent converts said something that made me think, "If this is the true Church Satan would do anything and everything he could to keep people away. Look at all the anti and negative things that are said about the Church."
That is part of his testimony of why this is true. I have been thinking about that and how true it is. That is why we have Missionaries. To spread the good news of there is a Prophet on the earth. That is why Missionaries are always being tested and tempted. We are constantly battling against principalities and Satan.
The Lord is with us. This is His work. With His help we can not and will not Fail.
Love Elder Nielsen
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| Elder Nielsen showing off his new clothes. Cannock, England May 2014 |
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| Elder Omokaro and Elder Nielsen Cannock, England May 2014 |
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Learning Patience
Hey Family and Friends,
This week has been a great week. We had Interviews with the Mission President. It is always nice to talk to him. My interviews with him are pretty good. This meeting was more of just a chit chat because I went in not too long ago to talk to him. I had a two hour meeting with him about a month ago when I was struggling with my former companion. He is a great man and we have a special relationship. He has helped me out a ton that is for sure. But I got to talk to his wife and she asked me for advice on how I lost so much weight? I replied to her, I lost it. I just told her with the all the walking and biking we do the weight has just fallen off. It wasn't something I expected to be talking about with the Mission President's wife, but it was a fun chat.
We have been running around Cannock like a chicken with its head cut off. With teaching Ingrid and Graham and Maxine we are busy which is fantastic! We have also had return appointments with lots of new investigators. We haven't gotten a new one in a while though. Most of the people either forget or just say sorry lads I felt bad for you and said yes. It is pretty frustrating but we are getting closer to finding the one.
I have been thinking a lot about my Mission so far as I only have a little under a year left. Thinking about all I have learned and done. But I have been going back through my journal. Yes, Elder Nielsen does keep a journal. I have not missed a day in almost a year of writing in my journal. So while I was reading past entries, I saw how much I have changed over the year. My knowledge and testimony definitely have. I was reading a entry from the fifth of May 2014. I was at the MTC in Provo, Utah. I entered on May 1, 2014. Due to VISA issues, I went to the Provo MTC instead of flying straight to the England MTC. I realized how little patience I had a year ago. My VISA wasn't coming and all I wanted to do was go out and work. It was a hard lesson to learn and I am still learning patience on a daily basis.
The exciting news is that Ingrid and her family are on track to be baptized on the sixteenth of May. It is getting close that is for sure. One cool thing is how quick she and her children are learning the Gospel. They have been asking some really deep questions. They asked a question in our last lesson that I didn't know how to answer so I looked at Elder Omokaro and he looked at me. We then looked at the member we brought with us and he gave us the "your on your own with that one". It wasn't that we didn't know the answer, it was explaining it simply enough that they could understand. They are doing really good though. Teaching someone who is so prepared has really helped me strengthen my testimony. One way is that I am studying the lessons more and trying to help them get answers to their questions. But the other thing that has strengthened my testimony is how receptive they are to the Spirit. Almost all the kids had an answer within the first week of us teaching them. I am so glad to be a part of this work. To help bring the children on God home.
Have a great week!
Love Elder Nielsen
This week has been a great week. We had Interviews with the Mission President. It is always nice to talk to him. My interviews with him are pretty good. This meeting was more of just a chit chat because I went in not too long ago to talk to him. I had a two hour meeting with him about a month ago when I was struggling with my former companion. He is a great man and we have a special relationship. He has helped me out a ton that is for sure. But I got to talk to his wife and she asked me for advice on how I lost so much weight? I replied to her, I lost it. I just told her with the all the walking and biking we do the weight has just fallen off. It wasn't something I expected to be talking about with the Mission President's wife, but it was a fun chat.
We have been running around Cannock like a chicken with its head cut off. With teaching Ingrid and Graham and Maxine we are busy which is fantastic! We have also had return appointments with lots of new investigators. We haven't gotten a new one in a while though. Most of the people either forget or just say sorry lads I felt bad for you and said yes. It is pretty frustrating but we are getting closer to finding the one.
I have been thinking a lot about my Mission so far as I only have a little under a year left. Thinking about all I have learned and done. But I have been going back through my journal. Yes, Elder Nielsen does keep a journal. I have not missed a day in almost a year of writing in my journal. So while I was reading past entries, I saw how much I have changed over the year. My knowledge and testimony definitely have. I was reading a entry from the fifth of May 2014. I was at the MTC in Provo, Utah. I entered on May 1, 2014. Due to VISA issues, I went to the Provo MTC instead of flying straight to the England MTC. I realized how little patience I had a year ago. My VISA wasn't coming and all I wanted to do was go out and work. It was a hard lesson to learn and I am still learning patience on a daily basis.
The exciting news is that Ingrid and her family are on track to be baptized on the sixteenth of May. It is getting close that is for sure. One cool thing is how quick she and her children are learning the Gospel. They have been asking some really deep questions. They asked a question in our last lesson that I didn't know how to answer so I looked at Elder Omokaro and he looked at me. We then looked at the member we brought with us and he gave us the "your on your own with that one". It wasn't that we didn't know the answer, it was explaining it simply enough that they could understand. They are doing really good though. Teaching someone who is so prepared has really helped me strengthen my testimony. One way is that I am studying the lessons more and trying to help them get answers to their questions. But the other thing that has strengthened my testimony is how receptive they are to the Spirit. Almost all the kids had an answer within the first week of us teaching them. I am so glad to be a part of this work. To help bring the children on God home.
Have a great week!
Love Elder Nielsen
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Hump Day!
Hey,
I can't believe it has been a year. It doesn't feel like it. When I was with the companions I didn't get along with the time seemed to dragged on. But it feels really good to be at this point in my Mission. I think the highs of the year have been the experiences that I have had, for example going to Midnight Mass, hanging out with the members, and making many new life long friends. I don't think that I have really had any real lows on my Mission that I can remember. It seems like the high moments have made me forget the low moments.
My companion and I have been talking about spiritual witnesses. There is a Ward member who is always saying that she has visions. When I first heard that I laughed and was like ya right. But we took her teaching a few nights ago and she talked about how she couldn't read that well and that Heavenly Father played the Book of Mormon like a movie for her one night in her dreams. I thought about that and how I have had experiences that I can't explain how it happened. I thought back to when I got hit by the car in December 2013. There were too many little things that happened just right before and when the car actually hit me to not be a miracle. I can't explain exactly what I mean but it is just like all the spiritual experiences I have had. I can't explain them. It is like telling someone who has never tasted salt what it tastes like. But all these things are for my good and I am grateful for them.
Well on to the past week. We have been teaching Ingrid and her family. She is the former investigator that showed up to the Easter BBQ. We visited with her Monday after she had come to Church on Easter Sunday. She said that after Church all her children that had gone to Church said they wanted to be baptized. So we went over to her place and taught them and they are all on a baptismal date for the 17th of May! It was a crazy day. To get them ready for that date we have been working with them three times a week. Her kids are really smart and are asking questions that are really deep. I was surprised how quick the kids are picking things up and then going deeper than what we teach. We spend about ten minuets teaching and 50 minutes answering questions that come from what we have taught. It is really cool to see someone who has investigated the Gospel before want to be taught again and see how prepared and ready they are when they choose to investigate again. We taught them the Ten Commandments this past Sunday after Church and they were worried that they wouldn't be ready for the date of May 17th. The next thing I know I open my mouth and told them that as a servant of Jesus Christ that if they do the things we ask them to do they will be ready. After I said that I looked at my companion and he just looked at me with a surprised look on his face. The Spirit was really strong at that moment and I have never done that before nor have I ever been prompted to do that.
We still have been teaching Graham and Maxine. They are still doing well. Maxine said this week that she is ready to be baptized she is just waiting for Graham. So we will see how he takes that. The other cool thing is that we taught Tash also with Graham and Maxine this past week and she said the closing prayer and said "help us to get an answer to whether the Book of Mormon is true or help us recognize the answer we have already gotten". Hopefully they start to recognize the answers they have already gotten.
I know this Gospel is true I have had too my Spiritual experiences that I can not deny it. I can't explain exactly how I know it is true but I know it is true. I know that others can get the same experiences that I have had if they put in the work that is needed and have faith. God is always reaching out to us. It is us that don't reach back. "Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: it might have been." Live with no regrets so that when we all return to God and account for the time we had on this Earth we to make this quote true.
Have a great week.
Love, Elder Nielsen
I can't believe it has been a year. It doesn't feel like it. When I was with the companions I didn't get along with the time seemed to dragged on. But it feels really good to be at this point in my Mission. I think the highs of the year have been the experiences that I have had, for example going to Midnight Mass, hanging out with the members, and making many new life long friends. I don't think that I have really had any real lows on my Mission that I can remember. It seems like the high moments have made me forget the low moments.
My companion and I have been talking about spiritual witnesses. There is a Ward member who is always saying that she has visions. When I first heard that I laughed and was like ya right. But we took her teaching a few nights ago and she talked about how she couldn't read that well and that Heavenly Father played the Book of Mormon like a movie for her one night in her dreams. I thought about that and how I have had experiences that I can't explain how it happened. I thought back to when I got hit by the car in December 2013. There were too many little things that happened just right before and when the car actually hit me to not be a miracle. I can't explain exactly what I mean but it is just like all the spiritual experiences I have had. I can't explain them. It is like telling someone who has never tasted salt what it tastes like. But all these things are for my good and I am grateful for them.
Well on to the past week. We have been teaching Ingrid and her family. She is the former investigator that showed up to the Easter BBQ. We visited with her Monday after she had come to Church on Easter Sunday. She said that after Church all her children that had gone to Church said they wanted to be baptized. So we went over to her place and taught them and they are all on a baptismal date for the 17th of May! It was a crazy day. To get them ready for that date we have been working with them three times a week. Her kids are really smart and are asking questions that are really deep. I was surprised how quick the kids are picking things up and then going deeper than what we teach. We spend about ten minuets teaching and 50 minutes answering questions that come from what we have taught. It is really cool to see someone who has investigated the Gospel before want to be taught again and see how prepared and ready they are when they choose to investigate again. We taught them the Ten Commandments this past Sunday after Church and they were worried that they wouldn't be ready for the date of May 17th. The next thing I know I open my mouth and told them that as a servant of Jesus Christ that if they do the things we ask them to do they will be ready. After I said that I looked at my companion and he just looked at me with a surprised look on his face. The Spirit was really strong at that moment and I have never done that before nor have I ever been prompted to do that.
We still have been teaching Graham and Maxine. They are still doing well. Maxine said this week that she is ready to be baptized she is just waiting for Graham. So we will see how he takes that. The other cool thing is that we taught Tash also with Graham and Maxine this past week and she said the closing prayer and said "help us to get an answer to whether the Book of Mormon is true or help us recognize the answer we have already gotten". Hopefully they start to recognize the answers they have already gotten.
I know this Gospel is true I have had too my Spiritual experiences that I can not deny it. I can't explain exactly how I know it is true but I know it is true. I know that others can get the same experiences that I have had if they put in the work that is needed and have faith. God is always reaching out to us. It is us that don't reach back. "Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: it might have been." Live with no regrets so that when we all return to God and account for the time we had on this Earth we to make this quote true.
Have a great week.
Love, Elder Nielsen
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Miracles of Hard Work
Hello,
This week has been a good one. We had to email on Tuesday because of a Bank holiday. Every public building is closed on the Bank holidays and since we email at the Library, we were out of luck. Monday was a regular prep day after transfers. We spent most of the day getting Elder Thurgood ready to leave and with the Bank holiday and many businesses being closed, not much went on.
On Tuesday Elder Thurgood and I went and taught Graham and Maxine. We had a pretty good lesson, nothing earth shaking.
Wednesday I dropped Elder Thurgood off at the Mission home and picked up my new companion. His name is Elder Omokaro. He is from Ireland but born in Nigeria. He has not been out on his Mission long, I think about four and a half months. But we hit it off pretty quick which is good. We are having a great time together. I can diffidently tell how the work goes better when companions get along. Elder Omokaro hasn't even been in Cannock a whole week and we already have six new investigators and things are just moving way fast.
So on Thursday we had meetings and Friday we helped a member most of the day clean out her house and box things up. We also taught Graham and Maxine and had a pretty good lesson. Graham asked me to sit back and let Elder Omokaro answer the questions that Graham had. So I sat back and listened to the stream of questions that Graham asked Elder Omokaro. After he had asked all his questions, he said that he just wanted to see what Elder Omokaro's answers would be. See if we were on the same page so to speak. It was a good lesson.
Saturday we had a Ward Easter BBQ. It was really good and fun. We had about an hour bike ride to get to the Area. The BBQ took place in what is known as the Chase. It is a massive forest area that is protected. So a very nice bike ride through it. Lots of members showed up and a couple of our investigators. The one really cool thing that happened is that a former investigator showed up. We started to talk to her and she said she was coming to Church tomorrow because of it being Easter Sunday and all. I thought ya right you have said that before and not shown up. But lo and behold she showed up! I nearly ate my tie! She brought four of her six kids with her and then she dropped the bomb and told us that she wanted to be taught again and baptized! So we set up a lesson with her for Monday night. Monday rolled around and I was sure that we would show up to her home and no one would be there. But to my surprise, she was home and we started to talk to her and she said that her kids wanted to be baptized too. She had not talked them into it, they had just felt the Spirit at Church and want to be baptized. We ended the evening having a really good lesson with them.
Many miracles are happening quickly. The Lord is hastening his work and field is ripe to harvest. I am looking forward to the week ahead and the many miracles and trials that I need to experience. I have enjoyed this Easter season for the opportunity to remember the Resurrection of Christ. The free gift that is given to all. And the chance He gave me to enter in by the gate to Eternal Life. This is all Because of Him!
Love, Elder Nielsen
This week has been a good one. We had to email on Tuesday because of a Bank holiday. Every public building is closed on the Bank holidays and since we email at the Library, we were out of luck. Monday was a regular prep day after transfers. We spent most of the day getting Elder Thurgood ready to leave and with the Bank holiday and many businesses being closed, not much went on.
On Tuesday Elder Thurgood and I went and taught Graham and Maxine. We had a pretty good lesson, nothing earth shaking.
Wednesday I dropped Elder Thurgood off at the Mission home and picked up my new companion. His name is Elder Omokaro. He is from Ireland but born in Nigeria. He has not been out on his Mission long, I think about four and a half months. But we hit it off pretty quick which is good. We are having a great time together. I can diffidently tell how the work goes better when companions get along. Elder Omokaro hasn't even been in Cannock a whole week and we already have six new investigators and things are just moving way fast.
So on Thursday we had meetings and Friday we helped a member most of the day clean out her house and box things up. We also taught Graham and Maxine and had a pretty good lesson. Graham asked me to sit back and let Elder Omokaro answer the questions that Graham had. So I sat back and listened to the stream of questions that Graham asked Elder Omokaro. After he had asked all his questions, he said that he just wanted to see what Elder Omokaro's answers would be. See if we were on the same page so to speak. It was a good lesson.
Saturday we had a Ward Easter BBQ. It was really good and fun. We had about an hour bike ride to get to the Area. The BBQ took place in what is known as the Chase. It is a massive forest area that is protected. So a very nice bike ride through it. Lots of members showed up and a couple of our investigators. The one really cool thing that happened is that a former investigator showed up. We started to talk to her and she said she was coming to Church tomorrow because of it being Easter Sunday and all. I thought ya right you have said that before and not shown up. But lo and behold she showed up! I nearly ate my tie! She brought four of her six kids with her and then she dropped the bomb and told us that she wanted to be taught again and baptized! So we set up a lesson with her for Monday night. Monday rolled around and I was sure that we would show up to her home and no one would be there. But to my surprise, she was home and we started to talk to her and she said that her kids wanted to be baptized too. She had not talked them into it, they had just felt the Spirit at Church and want to be baptized. We ended the evening having a really good lesson with them.
Many miracles are happening quickly. The Lord is hastening his work and field is ripe to harvest. I am looking forward to the week ahead and the many miracles and trials that I need to experience. I have enjoyed this Easter season for the opportunity to remember the Resurrection of Christ. The free gift that is given to all. And the chance He gave me to enter in by the gate to Eternal Life. This is all Because of Him!
Love, Elder Nielsen
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| This is a picture of the forest on our way to the Easter BBQ. |
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| Another picture of the forest by the BBQ. |
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| Not the most flattering picture of Elder Nielsen, but I was manning the grill and didn't want my white shirt to get dirty so this is the apron that the Ward Mission Leader Bro. Wilcox presented me with. I am not sure that the apron helped much but the kids and Ward members sure got a kick out of it. |
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| This picture is of the yard of a member that I helped out by mowing the lawn for them. A bit smaller than what I am used to back home, but it was good to get out and smell the fresh cut grass and just think about the wonders of our World created by our Savior. |
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Tender Mercy
Hey All,
This week has been a fun one. I made sweet and sour tofu for dinner one night this week. It was pretty good if I do say so myself. It has a interesting texture that is for sure. But enough of the food I ate I could go on for a couple of hours.
The biggest success we had this week is that we found out what is holding Graham back. We taught Graham and Maxine this week. We had two really good lessons with them. As I mentioned last week, Graham had said that our preaching was different than the other Christian Religions. I had to wait until the following Tuesday to ask what he meant by that. He told us that it is that we read from the Book of Mormon and quote from the Bible. That was it. So this appointment, we switched our teaching and used the Bible to back up the Book of Mormon. I have gotten a good relationship with Graham and Maxine and they are starting to ask more questions which is good and starting to open up more. Elder Thurgood and I found out that Graham doesn't know God. He has never had a personal relationship with him and finds it hard to pray to him. My jaw dropped! I realized I had assumed that Graham had a personal relationship with God because he knows so much about religion. But they are coming along great. Hopefully everything will work out and they can be baptized soon. They are pretty much already members because they defend the Church and invite there friends to learn about it.
We have another investigator that we are currently teaching and his name is John. We got a list of new people that have moved into the Ward and guess whose name is at the top of that list. You guessed it right, John. We had been teaching him for about a month before we got the new list of members that needed to be visited. So we will see if he is a less active member or not when we see him next. As a Mission here in Birmingham England, we have been changing the way we have been teaching. One element that we changed is how we read the scriptures with investigators. We used to just leave a Chapter from the Book of Mormon and hope they read it. We are now asking them to think of a question and then we will give them a Chapter to read to receive an answer. We ask them to write down the answer they get and then pray about it. As a Zone we decided that the best way to testify of this new teaching was to use this activity ourselves. So we did it. It was crazy! I prayed and asked my question for a Chapter to read from the Book of Mormon. And I got it answered in about five minuets. The prompting was so strong and clear about which Chapter to read. It was crazy! It has helped me to have an even stronger testimony of prayer.
My favorite people this week have been the Ward Mission Leader and a member named Lee. Our Stake in the Cannock Area wants to knock on every door in the boundaries. So once a month we go out as a Ward and knock on doors. This week I went with Lee who has the same personality as me, sometimes serious with a little bit of fun and humor. Since I have been struggling with Satan affecting my attitude, I guess that I needed someone to talk to and just ended up unloading everything that has been going on with me and my companion. Lee gave me a simple answer to my trials. He told me to get a priesthood blessing. So I thought about it and decided to get one on Sunday after Church. I asked the Ward Mission Leader and one of the other Elders in our Ward to come and give me a blessing. Since my Companion and I were at odds, I left him out of the loop. But the Ward Mission leader gave the blessing. I have never had a blessing like that. I have never cried that much ether. I guess it just shows how much I needed a Priesthood blessing. He quoted some lines from my patriarchal blessing. He said that my trails will end soon, great power is going to come through my priesthood, and my name is going to be praised on the other side and there are many on the other side that are helping me more than I know. It was crazy because after the blessing he kind of stepped back and said I have never given a Missionary a blessing before and that he was shocked at what was coming out of his mouth. I have never felt anything like that ever. I was floating on cloud nine for the rest of the day. It was diffidently a Tender Mercy and testimony building experience for me. I encourage all to take the opportunity to receive a Priesthood Blessing even when you don't think that you need it.
I am so blessed to be able to stay here in Cannock for another transfer. Elder Thurgood was transferred this week and my new companion is from Ireland. Maybe I will have and Irish/English accent by the end of this transfer. Ha Ha
I love this Gospel and Because of Him I am who I am! Enjoy your Easter Day.
Love, Elder Nielsen
This week has been a fun one. I made sweet and sour tofu for dinner one night this week. It was pretty good if I do say so myself. It has a interesting texture that is for sure. But enough of the food I ate I could go on for a couple of hours.
The biggest success we had this week is that we found out what is holding Graham back. We taught Graham and Maxine this week. We had two really good lessons with them. As I mentioned last week, Graham had said that our preaching was different than the other Christian Religions. I had to wait until the following Tuesday to ask what he meant by that. He told us that it is that we read from the Book of Mormon and quote from the Bible. That was it. So this appointment, we switched our teaching and used the Bible to back up the Book of Mormon. I have gotten a good relationship with Graham and Maxine and they are starting to ask more questions which is good and starting to open up more. Elder Thurgood and I found out that Graham doesn't know God. He has never had a personal relationship with him and finds it hard to pray to him. My jaw dropped! I realized I had assumed that Graham had a personal relationship with God because he knows so much about religion. But they are coming along great. Hopefully everything will work out and they can be baptized soon. They are pretty much already members because they defend the Church and invite there friends to learn about it.
We have another investigator that we are currently teaching and his name is John. We got a list of new people that have moved into the Ward and guess whose name is at the top of that list. You guessed it right, John. We had been teaching him for about a month before we got the new list of members that needed to be visited. So we will see if he is a less active member or not when we see him next. As a Mission here in Birmingham England, we have been changing the way we have been teaching. One element that we changed is how we read the scriptures with investigators. We used to just leave a Chapter from the Book of Mormon and hope they read it. We are now asking them to think of a question and then we will give them a Chapter to read to receive an answer. We ask them to write down the answer they get and then pray about it. As a Zone we decided that the best way to testify of this new teaching was to use this activity ourselves. So we did it. It was crazy! I prayed and asked my question for a Chapter to read from the Book of Mormon. And I got it answered in about five minuets. The prompting was so strong and clear about which Chapter to read. It was crazy! It has helped me to have an even stronger testimony of prayer.
My favorite people this week have been the Ward Mission Leader and a member named Lee. Our Stake in the Cannock Area wants to knock on every door in the boundaries. So once a month we go out as a Ward and knock on doors. This week I went with Lee who has the same personality as me, sometimes serious with a little bit of fun and humor. Since I have been struggling with Satan affecting my attitude, I guess that I needed someone to talk to and just ended up unloading everything that has been going on with me and my companion. Lee gave me a simple answer to my trials. He told me to get a priesthood blessing. So I thought about it and decided to get one on Sunday after Church. I asked the Ward Mission Leader and one of the other Elders in our Ward to come and give me a blessing. Since my Companion and I were at odds, I left him out of the loop. But the Ward Mission leader gave the blessing. I have never had a blessing like that. I have never cried that much ether. I guess it just shows how much I needed a Priesthood blessing. He quoted some lines from my patriarchal blessing. He said that my trails will end soon, great power is going to come through my priesthood, and my name is going to be praised on the other side and there are many on the other side that are helping me more than I know. It was crazy because after the blessing he kind of stepped back and said I have never given a Missionary a blessing before and that he was shocked at what was coming out of his mouth. I have never felt anything like that ever. I was floating on cloud nine for the rest of the day. It was diffidently a Tender Mercy and testimony building experience for me. I encourage all to take the opportunity to receive a Priesthood Blessing even when you don't think that you need it.
I am so blessed to be able to stay here in Cannock for another transfer. Elder Thurgood was transferred this week and my new companion is from Ireland. Maybe I will have and Irish/English accent by the end of this transfer. Ha Ha
I love this Gospel and Because of Him I am who I am! Enjoy your Easter Day.
Love, Elder Nielsen
Friday, April 11, 2014
Gratitude
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| My western meal. Tacos with a Root Beer. We had dinner with a member that just returned from the States what a treat. |
Hey Family,
This week has been a pretty disappointing week to say the least. We had lots of lessons set up but by the time we looked back at the week we only had two out of the seven we had planned follow through. But there is a reason for everything and we need not let Satan get us down. I have been reading my patriarchal blessing ( What is a Patriarchal Blessing) a lot lately and realized that there is a part that talks about Satan. That He will strive to bring discouragement, depression, and disillusionment into my life. Recently, I have been hit by all three of these this transfer. I have never prayed so much in my life though to get over these feelings. It has been crazy how hard Satan has been working lately on me but with the help of my Mission President and great Ward members, and lots of prayers from family and friends, life is good. My mom had told me in her last letter that she had awakened in the very early hours of the morning (3:00 am) for the past week and felt that she should pray for me. It is funny how she was prompted because seven hours away at that exact time, I was kneeling pouring out my soul to my Heavenly Father. I am grateful that she listened to the promptings of the Spirit and know that her prayers along with mine helped me throughout those rough days. I love you mom.
We had a really good lesson with Graham and Maxine this past week. We taught them about Prophets on Tuesday and how we have the opportunity to listen to our living Prophet this past weekend. It was a really good lesson. The crazy thing was that Maxine started to say something then all of the sudden she said, "I know Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God". The look on my face must have just been a Kodak moment! Graham looked at her and asked how? She basically said "I have done the things that the Elders asked me to do". But we also found out what is holding Graham back about the Gospel and it is that we preach different than the other religions that use the bible. Unfortunately we didn't have time to answer his question on Tuesday so we will get to it on Friday or next week.
Friday we had another lesson with them and Tash was able to attend. We took our Ward Mission Leader's wife with us to help with Graham and Maxine's children. It was crazy how different the lesson was because she was there helping out. The best thing that happened is that one of Graham and Maxine's kids that sits in on the lessons said the closing prayer. It was amazing the words that were spoken. Right from the heart.
Saturday and Sunday was General Conference. I loved Conference so much! It was a spiritual one but also fun. We had the whole Zone at the Stake Center so it was nice to just "hang" out with some of my friends. The two things that have stood out to me are from President Uchtdorf talk Grateful in Any Circumstances. He said "Gratitude is the catalyst for all Christ-like attributes". How true is that! Christ was grateful in all situations he was in. Never once complained or said something mean. The second one was "we will have all eternity to think about this life". That struck me because I have been thinking about my time in school before my Mission. The regrets that I should have applied myself more and what not. It would be hard to sit there for eternity thinking "I should of done that different". I am so happy that I had the chance to sit down at the Prophet's feet and listen to his council. I can't wait to study the words which where said when we get them in print through the Ensign and Liahona magazines. I know the words that were spoken to be true. Let us all press on in hastening His work.
Be happy, serve with a happy heart and love everyone!
Elder Nielsen
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Attitude Reflects Altitude
Dear Family and Friends,
This week has been another fun and interesting one.
Last week my mom asked if there were any Sister Missionaries in our Area and if they were "cute", or do I not look at them? My reply to that questions comes from a talk given by Hyrum W. Smith titled "Why 1820". This address was given at Ricks College a long time ago. "I am to serve God and to stay focused, but if I didn't look around I was crazy".
On Tuesday we taught Graham and Maxine. Their friend Tash wasn't able to attend so we did a lesson on the fly instead of the "Restoration". We decided to read with them out of the of The Book of Mormon. We read 3 Nephi 11 "Jesus Christ did show himself unto the people of Nephi, as the multitude were gathered together in the land Bountiful, and did minister unto them; and on this wise did he show himself unto them." As we were reading this chapter, Graham had a question about ten verses in. He asked why the people had to hear the voice of God three times before they understood the voice. I have thought about that lots. And I told him that most of the time the Spirit prompts us a ton. It isn't until we are ready to hear, listen and obey that we understand. There is a difference between hear and listen. I can hear the Spirit say, Elder Nielsen, go knock on that door. But as soon as I push it off or don't do it the thought comes again. When I choose to listen and obey to that prompting, I then understand why. It amazes me that Graham has lots of good questions and he and Maxine are moving along really good.
Wednesday we had a meeting at the Mission Home in Birmingham. The topic was attitude. I have always had a struggle with attitude no matter what it is but I was a little shocked because the Zone I am in is doing the best they have ever done so why is the Mission President talking about attitude? It was because we are doing really good in our Zone. President told us that if we as Missionaries would be happy and let it show we could be doing even better! I have learned a saying out here from a Missionary friend. It is Attitude reflects Altitude. The better your attitude is the better the work is going to be because you expect more and want to do more.
Friday we taught Graham and Maxine again and their friend Tash was able to join us again. We taught the Restoration and it went over really well. We asked Tash if she could come on Tuesday and Friday evenings to visit with us and what she told us shocked me. She is fifteen and on Tuesdays she goes to a three hour bible study at her Church. Heck when I was fifteen I couldn't sit for three hours let alone read the old Testament for that period of time. I think she will do very well.
My family recently for Spring Break attended as many Temples (5) in Utah as they could and did Baptism for the Dead with my younger brothers. I must say that I am a little bit jealous. One thing that I have noticed while being on my Mission is how much peace attending the Temple brings into my life. I took it for granted before my Mission. I now realize how important it was for me as I attended weekly with my friends as we awaited our time to leave. I think the fact that I can't go because of distance to the Temple makes me realize how much it is needed in our lives. So I say to you, go often to feel peace and renew your Spirit.
I hope that everyone has a chance to watch General Conference. I am excited to sit and learn at the feet of the Prophet and to learn how I can be a better member of His Church.
Be happy, serve with a happy heart and love everyone.
Love Elder Nielsen
This week has been another fun and interesting one.
Last week my mom asked if there were any Sister Missionaries in our Area and if they were "cute", or do I not look at them? My reply to that questions comes from a talk given by Hyrum W. Smith titled "Why 1820". This address was given at Ricks College a long time ago. "I am to serve God and to stay focused, but if I didn't look around I was crazy".
On Tuesday we taught Graham and Maxine. Their friend Tash wasn't able to attend so we did a lesson on the fly instead of the "Restoration". We decided to read with them out of the of The Book of Mormon. We read 3 Nephi 11 "Jesus Christ did show himself unto the people of Nephi, as the multitude were gathered together in the land Bountiful, and did minister unto them; and on this wise did he show himself unto them." As we were reading this chapter, Graham had a question about ten verses in. He asked why the people had to hear the voice of God three times before they understood the voice. I have thought about that lots. And I told him that most of the time the Spirit prompts us a ton. It isn't until we are ready to hear, listen and obey that we understand. There is a difference between hear and listen. I can hear the Spirit say, Elder Nielsen, go knock on that door. But as soon as I push it off or don't do it the thought comes again. When I choose to listen and obey to that prompting, I then understand why. It amazes me that Graham has lots of good questions and he and Maxine are moving along really good.
Wednesday we had a meeting at the Mission Home in Birmingham. The topic was attitude. I have always had a struggle with attitude no matter what it is but I was a little shocked because the Zone I am in is doing the best they have ever done so why is the Mission President talking about attitude? It was because we are doing really good in our Zone. President told us that if we as Missionaries would be happy and let it show we could be doing even better! I have learned a saying out here from a Missionary friend. It is Attitude reflects Altitude. The better your attitude is the better the work is going to be because you expect more and want to do more.
Friday we taught Graham and Maxine again and their friend Tash was able to join us again. We taught the Restoration and it went over really well. We asked Tash if she could come on Tuesday and Friday evenings to visit with us and what she told us shocked me. She is fifteen and on Tuesdays she goes to a three hour bible study at her Church. Heck when I was fifteen I couldn't sit for three hours let alone read the old Testament for that period of time. I think she will do very well.
My family recently for Spring Break attended as many Temples (5) in Utah as they could and did Baptism for the Dead with my younger brothers. I must say that I am a little bit jealous. One thing that I have noticed while being on my Mission is how much peace attending the Temple brings into my life. I took it for granted before my Mission. I now realize how important it was for me as I attended weekly with my friends as we awaited our time to leave. I think the fact that I can't go because of distance to the Temple makes me realize how much it is needed in our lives. So I say to you, go often to feel peace and renew your Spirit.
I hope that everyone has a chance to watch General Conference. I am excited to sit and learn at the feet of the Prophet and to learn how I can be a better member of His Church.
Be happy, serve with a happy heart and love everyone.
Love Elder Nielsen
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Thank you for the Words that touched my Heart
Hey Family and Friends,
This week has been a good one. We have been busy which is good and things are starting to pick up and move since the transfer. We taught Graham and Maxine and there family twice this week. We have been trying to teach people twice a week so that they fill the Spirit more often. So we were teaching Maxine and Graham this past week and felt that we needed to extended a baptismal date to them. Elder Thurgood and I thought that April 12, 2014 would be a good date and we proposed this date to them. The crazy thing is that they did not accept or decline the date, so we are still in limbo regarding baptism. A really cool thing happened when Elder Thurgood and I went to their home for teaching the second time during the week. Graham and Maxine brought two of their friends who had been asking them questions about what we believe and the Gospel. Graham and Maxine answered the questions as best as they could but then invited them to meet with us. So we show up to teach and there are two extra people listening and participating. How cool is that!! Tash, who is one of Graham and Maxine's friends, had lots of questions and then at the end of the lesson we asked if anyone would say the prayer and Tash gladly volunteered to say it. She said something very interesting and something that as a Missionary you love to hear. She said "thank you for the the words that have touched my heart". I was touched by the Spirit and so excited to hear these words that I had puddles of tears in my eyes. We are going back to teach the Restoration again because of our new friends and investigators and also because Graham and Maxine are always running around taking care of their many children so they each know about half of the Restoration. I think it will take them a longer time to investigate but hopefully they will come unto Christ through the waters of Baptism.
I have been reading the General Conference talks from 1972 and it is cool to see the prophecies that are coming to pass about our day that are being fulfilled! It is interesting how the prophets and apostles have been preparing people for the hastening of the work almost forty years ago. I am excited to hear from our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson and the Apostles in the coming week and look forward to being instructed at their feet in how I can be a better Disciple of Christ.
Be happy, Serve with a Happy Heart and Love Everyone.
Have a great week.
Elder Nielsen
This week has been a good one. We have been busy which is good and things are starting to pick up and move since the transfer. We taught Graham and Maxine and there family twice this week. We have been trying to teach people twice a week so that they fill the Spirit more often. So we were teaching Maxine and Graham this past week and felt that we needed to extended a baptismal date to them. Elder Thurgood and I thought that April 12, 2014 would be a good date and we proposed this date to them. The crazy thing is that they did not accept or decline the date, so we are still in limbo regarding baptism. A really cool thing happened when Elder Thurgood and I went to their home for teaching the second time during the week. Graham and Maxine brought two of their friends who had been asking them questions about what we believe and the Gospel. Graham and Maxine answered the questions as best as they could but then invited them to meet with us. So we show up to teach and there are two extra people listening and participating. How cool is that!! Tash, who is one of Graham and Maxine's friends, had lots of questions and then at the end of the lesson we asked if anyone would say the prayer and Tash gladly volunteered to say it. She said something very interesting and something that as a Missionary you love to hear. She said "thank you for the the words that have touched my heart". I was touched by the Spirit and so excited to hear these words that I had puddles of tears in my eyes. We are going back to teach the Restoration again because of our new friends and investigators and also because Graham and Maxine are always running around taking care of their many children so they each know about half of the Restoration. I think it will take them a longer time to investigate but hopefully they will come unto Christ through the waters of Baptism.
I have been reading the General Conference talks from 1972 and it is cool to see the prophecies that are coming to pass about our day that are being fulfilled! It is interesting how the prophets and apostles have been preparing people for the hastening of the work almost forty years ago. I am excited to hear from our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson and the Apostles in the coming week and look forward to being instructed at their feet in how I can be a better Disciple of Christ.
Be happy, Serve with a Happy Heart and Love Everyone.
Have a great week.
Elder Nielsen
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Patience
This week has been a long, crazy week. Elder Thurgood and I are adjusting to as companions. There is always an adjustment period when new companions get together. We are all different in our teaching styles, cleanliness, mannerisms, etc., so it will be interesting. I am senior companion now which isn't new to me since with a few of my past companions, I had to be senior companion even though my companion had been out longer. But due to so circumstances, I got the job. I have really enjoyed most of my companions. They taught me how to relax and have fun, but also to work.
The members in the Cannock Ward are really nice and I am enjoying my time here in Cannock. This is by far my favorite Ward. I love working with the Young Single Adults. It helps me relax and let the fun Elder Nielsen come to the surface once in a while and I have developed some great friends among them. We are all about the same age so it is fun to meet them weekly.
We have been running around trying to get things sorted and back up and running. As soon as transfers hit it seems like the work just stops and then you get to revive it and then transfer hits again and the work just stops again. It is a vicious cycle. I had a really cool experience this week. We had Zone Conference at the Mission Home in Birmingham. We had the opportunity to hear from Elder Teixeira. He is the president of the European area and is from Portugal. He is a very nice man and man oh man can he teach with power! He started out speaking to us by explaining "Patience" to us. He used the Latin root and what the Portuguese word for "Patience" means. So in a nut shell it means to suffer but at the same time to move on. Elder Teixeira also talked about how most people think that "patience" is just pressing the pause button and sitting in the corner just waiting for everything to end and pass over. Or that can also be the fast foreword button and we just want it to end. But patience is letting things play on and work it out. It is hard because I know for me I just want to press pause and let it pass over. But we have to face it! The night is darkest before the dawn. He talked about how things might get worse before they get better but to trust that things will get better.
The sad news for the week is that Graham and Maxine couldn't come to Church this week. I was waiting for them as long as I could outside the Chapel, but then had to run and play the piano in Sacrament Meeting. As I sat and played, I quietly hoped that they would walk in but their attendance was not in the cards that day. We talked to them Sunday night and Graham got called into work. They really seemed disappointed. They want to come but Graham's work always seems to need him. Hopefully things will start to work out. The couple that walked into Church about a month or so ago got baptized on Saturday. It was really cool to be a witness of their baptism. I did not really get to teach them much because they were technically not in our Area. But Elder Bass and I were the missionaries who initially meet them in the hall at Church and got the ball rolling. The cool thing is that I did get the opportunity to teach them the Gospel Principals. So I helped in a very small way. I can testify that the Spirit at their baptism was really strong. The other really cool thing that I got to witness was to see their son, who is a faithful member, baptize his father and step mom. I am blessed to have been a witness of this great step in their lives.
It has been a good week full of ups and downs. But with prayer, hard work and obedience, things will start to look up. Remember that "the night is darkest before the dawn" we just need to have patience and press on! Love you all and this Gospel!
Love Elder Nielsen
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| Elder Bass & Elder Nielsen, Cannock, England 3/11/14 |
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| SNOW!!! in Cannock, England. This Utah/Idaho boy has not seen snow in almost a year. Only rain, lots and lots of rain. Elder Bass and I went nuts and had a great snowball fight. |
Thursday, March 13, 2014
New Companion and Blessing of Serving with Former Companions
Hey all,
Well, Maxine and Graham have not been able to make it to Church yet. Graham had to work and his boss wanted a weeks notice for days off. So he has scheduled next week off for sure!
As you heard last week, Elder Bass went home and I have a new companion. His name is Elder Thurgood and is from Nampa, Idaho and has been out for about six months, so still pretty young in the Mission. We get along alright so far.
Some great news is that the older couple that walked into Church about a month ago are getting baptized this coming Saturday! Wow, when we are prepared as well as the investigators, things move quickly. So that is exciting!
It has been a pretty busy week with transfers and getting everything sorted. Monday Elder Bass and I went and had lunch with the young single adults from the Ward down in Walsall which was really fun to be around some people around our age. Then the rest of Monday was spent getting Elder Bass packed up and hanging with Elder Bass as he said goodbye to members. It was a long day.
Then Tuesday I had to run with Elder Bass to the Mission home and pick up a temporary companion for the night. My temporary companion and I came back and taught a lesson. Then Wednesday was the big day. I went back to Birmingham to the Mission home and met up with Elder Thurgood. It was hard to see Elder Bass go home, but it is all good. It got me thinking about all the Elders that I have served with since I have been in England and three out of the six companions I have had went home last week. So I am down to just two still in the Mission which means that I am becoming one of the older Missionaries if you call 20 old! Ha Ha. It has been hard to see them go home but I have learned so much from them that I will use the rest of my life.
So this week we taught Graham and Maxine. We taught them the Ten Commandments. The on to teaching about the Word of Wisdom Doctrine & Covenants on Friday. It was a scary lesson. It is the lesson that can either make or break an investigator. But the lesson went really well and Elder Thurgood and I were happy. We have been taking members with us to teach and sometimes taking a member is a little scary but it is also good to take someone that had been through the same things as the investigator and how he/she gave up these temptations. It was really good! It has been a challenging week but one full of good things. We introduced the new Mission Plan to the members in our Ward and it went over really well. Hopefully with us all on the same page, it will all work out. I know the Mission Plan will work but it is going to be a lot of work for the members.
I love these crazy, fast weeks with lots of ups and downs. It keeps me on my toes preparing and studying about the Gospel that I love. I testify of Jesus Christ and know that He loves me! I love my family for the love and support that they give to me. Have a fantastic week!
Love, Elder Nielsen
Well, Maxine and Graham have not been able to make it to Church yet. Graham had to work and his boss wanted a weeks notice for days off. So he has scheduled next week off for sure!
As you heard last week, Elder Bass went home and I have a new companion. His name is Elder Thurgood and is from Nampa, Idaho and has been out for about six months, so still pretty young in the Mission. We get along alright so far.
Some great news is that the older couple that walked into Church about a month ago are getting baptized this coming Saturday! Wow, when we are prepared as well as the investigators, things move quickly. So that is exciting!
It has been a pretty busy week with transfers and getting everything sorted. Monday Elder Bass and I went and had lunch with the young single adults from the Ward down in Walsall which was really fun to be around some people around our age. Then the rest of Monday was spent getting Elder Bass packed up and hanging with Elder Bass as he said goodbye to members. It was a long day.
Then Tuesday I had to run with Elder Bass to the Mission home and pick up a temporary companion for the night. My temporary companion and I came back and taught a lesson. Then Wednesday was the big day. I went back to Birmingham to the Mission home and met up with Elder Thurgood. It was hard to see Elder Bass go home, but it is all good. It got me thinking about all the Elders that I have served with since I have been in England and three out of the six companions I have had went home last week. So I am down to just two still in the Mission which means that I am becoming one of the older Missionaries if you call 20 old! Ha Ha. It has been hard to see them go home but I have learned so much from them that I will use the rest of my life.
So this week we taught Graham and Maxine. We taught them the Ten Commandments. The on to teaching about the Word of Wisdom Doctrine & Covenants on Friday. It was a scary lesson. It is the lesson that can either make or break an investigator. But the lesson went really well and Elder Thurgood and I were happy. We have been taking members with us to teach and sometimes taking a member is a little scary but it is also good to take someone that had been through the same things as the investigator and how he/she gave up these temptations. It was really good! It has been a challenging week but one full of good things. We introduced the new Mission Plan to the members in our Ward and it went over really well. Hopefully with us all on the same page, it will all work out. I know the Mission Plan will work but it is going to be a lot of work for the members.
I love these crazy, fast weeks with lots of ups and downs. It keeps me on my toes preparing and studying about the Gospel that I love. I testify of Jesus Christ and know that He loves me! I love my family for the love and support that they give to me. Have a fantastic week!
Love, Elder Nielsen
Monday, March 3, 2014
March 3, 2014
Dear Friends and Family,
It has been another great week in Cannock, England. The parents of the large family that we have been teaching are Graham and Maxine and things have been going well. I was talking to the Mission President last week and apparently the Area Seventy has been asking many questions about Cannock because of how many baptisms have been performed in this Area recently. Talk about pressure! It is good though, it just means we can't stop. We need to "Put our Shoulder to the Wheel, and Push Along".
Transfers are coming up and my companion, Elder Bass, is going home. He has finished his Mission. It has been great serving with him and I have learned tons from him. So I will be getting a new companion later in the week.
The weather here in England has been crazy. It has been really cold and raining most of January and February. I am ready for some sun and warmer weather without rain, as I am sure that all of you in the States would like. The sun on my face always makes me happy and puts a little spring in my step and a little song in my head to hum!
This past weekend I lost a dear friend of mine. He was a great man who helped me through the rough times of High School by taking me fishing or out shooting and just talking. He was a practical joker and I have learned a lot from him. I will miss him dearly but I know that he has been called to do a much greater work than he did here on Earth, I will miss my friend but I have comfort that I will see him again. I know this to be true and am comforted by the knowledge that I have of the resurrection and the plan of salvation.
This Mission has been the hardest but the most rewarding thing that I have ever done. Everyday, I know that as I do my best the Lord will bless me and it is all worth it!
Have a great week!
Love Elder Nielsen
It has been another great week in Cannock, England. The parents of the large family that we have been teaching are Graham and Maxine and things have been going well. I was talking to the Mission President last week and apparently the Area Seventy has been asking many questions about Cannock because of how many baptisms have been performed in this Area recently. Talk about pressure! It is good though, it just means we can't stop. We need to "Put our Shoulder to the Wheel, and Push Along".
Transfers are coming up and my companion, Elder Bass, is going home. He has finished his Mission. It has been great serving with him and I have learned tons from him. So I will be getting a new companion later in the week.
The weather here in England has been crazy. It has been really cold and raining most of January and February. I am ready for some sun and warmer weather without rain, as I am sure that all of you in the States would like. The sun on my face always makes me happy and puts a little spring in my step and a little song in my head to hum!
This past weekend I lost a dear friend of mine. He was a great man who helped me through the rough times of High School by taking me fishing or out shooting and just talking. He was a practical joker and I have learned a lot from him. I will miss him dearly but I know that he has been called to do a much greater work than he did here on Earth, I will miss my friend but I have comfort that I will see him again. I know this to be true and am comforted by the knowledge that I have of the resurrection and the plan of salvation.
This Mission has been the hardest but the most rewarding thing that I have ever done. Everyday, I know that as I do my best the Lord will bless me and it is all worth it!
Have a great week!
Love Elder Nielsen
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
Dear Family,
Another busy week in Cannock, England. This week has been a good one. We have been working hard to find new people still. But the family of 14 is doing great. We have taught them four times and hopefully they will be at Church on Sunday. We were worried that they were going to drop us so we prayed as to what we needed to do. And we had the thought to take a member of the Cannock Ward with us. So we invited the Ward Mission Leader, Bro. Wilcox, and had an amazing lesson. I have found that members make or break teaching appointments. They can invite the Spirit in a way that Missionaries just can't. It was just great! We invited them to be baptized and all the ones who are over 8 said yes. So fingers crossed and lots of praying for them! They haven't made it to Church, BUT they said that this coming Sunday they will most likely make it because the husband (Graham) doesn't work. I don't know how many are boys and girls but the ages range from 17 weeks old to 14 years that live at home then they have an 18 year old and I don't know about the rest. Elder Bass and I haven't even met the whole family yet. The little kids are in bed when we come.
I have been asked to introduce the new Stake Mission plan to the Ward. They are reemphasizing a plan which has worked so well in the past that it has split Stakes in 2 years over here. So the goal is that they will split the Ward I am currently serving in 2 years and create another Ward. But as I have been working on presenting it I have been thinking about the scripture that talks about having a Pearl of Great Price and selling everything to get it. It is like the Gospel, we give everything to get it but nothing to share it.
It is crazy what can happen out in the Mission Field. The Cannock Ward is ready for new converts and the Lord can see that and is blessing the Ward with them. It is simply amazing!
I would like to thank all the people who sent me Christmas cards and packages. I have been trying to write a thank you note to you but no time. I got a Nike shoe box full of stuff too. Thanks to who sent that as well.
May the Lord bless you all!
Elder Nielsen
Another busy week in Cannock, England. This week has been a good one. We have been working hard to find new people still. But the family of 14 is doing great. We have taught them four times and hopefully they will be at Church on Sunday. We were worried that they were going to drop us so we prayed as to what we needed to do. And we had the thought to take a member of the Cannock Ward with us. So we invited the Ward Mission Leader, Bro. Wilcox, and had an amazing lesson. I have found that members make or break teaching appointments. They can invite the Spirit in a way that Missionaries just can't. It was just great! We invited them to be baptized and all the ones who are over 8 said yes. So fingers crossed and lots of praying for them! They haven't made it to Church, BUT they said that this coming Sunday they will most likely make it because the husband (Graham) doesn't work. I don't know how many are boys and girls but the ages range from 17 weeks old to 14 years that live at home then they have an 18 year old and I don't know about the rest. Elder Bass and I haven't even met the whole family yet. The little kids are in bed when we come.
I have been asked to introduce the new Stake Mission plan to the Ward. They are reemphasizing a plan which has worked so well in the past that it has split Stakes in 2 years over here. So the goal is that they will split the Ward I am currently serving in 2 years and create another Ward. But as I have been working on presenting it I have been thinking about the scripture that talks about having a Pearl of Great Price and selling everything to get it. It is like the Gospel, we give everything to get it but nothing to share it.
It is crazy what can happen out in the Mission Field. The Cannock Ward is ready for new converts and the Lord can see that and is blessing the Ward with them. It is simply amazing!
I would like to thank all the people who sent me Christmas cards and packages. I have been trying to write a thank you note to you but no time. I got a Nike shoe box full of stuff too. Thanks to who sent that as well.
May the Lord bless you all!
Elder Nielsen
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Happenings in Cannock, England
Hey All,
I missed last week due to lots of traveling, general business and not much time. So here is an update of my adventures from the past week.
Monday we had a Zone p-day at the Mission Home in Birmingham and we got back very late so there was not time to email on Monday. I am sure that my mom was wondering what was going on because I did not even get a short email to her saying I would email on Tuesday. But we had a fun day. I think that the most exciting thing that happened on Monday was that I got separated from my Elder Bass my companion at the Train Station. We travel threw Birmingham New Street which is a massive station with like 30 platforms (reminds me of a scene out of Harry Potter) and it was rush hour. My companion jumped on the train and I didn't make it because it was to full. But luckily I was with some other Elders trying to get on the same train, they did not make the train either. So it worked out in the end. I was not completely alone, which was good.
The last few weeks have been a busy. We have been working hard to find people to teach and we saw many miracles during our passing this week. We started to teach the massive family with all the children that I spoke about a few weeks ago. And the great news is that after the first lesson we were able to set up a time to come back in the same week! The best thing is that during the second lesson they told us that we could come back anytime we wanted. So fingers crossed and lots of praying that all goes well and they will bring their family to church this coming week. It has been really cool because the first lesson we taught them it was just the mother, father and one child. Then as went back for the second lesson, another child came in and sat down to listen. Hopefully by the end of the week we will be able to have all the children and the parents listening about the Gospel and the plan of happiness that we have to share with them.
Valentines day was actually pretty fun. Elder Bass and I went to the other Elders flat and had "happy singles awareness day and we signed up for this great Mission" party. It was pretty fun. We all chipped in some money and made dinner. We had a great time with lots of stories and laughter.
Elder Bass and I have seen some pretty cool things this week with the teaching of a new family and such. The coolest happened on Sunday. We where in Sunday School and the Bishop pulls us out. He said there are two investigators in the hall. So we thought it was someone that we had invited to come. As we rounded the corner, to our surprise, it was not one of the investigators that we had invited by an older couple visiting with a couple of members. So they had just walked in the meeting house and said "our son is a member in Leeds and we are thinking of joining your Church". It can't get any better than that, so we visited with them for a bit and then sat with them during Sacrament Meeting. I have never felt the Spirit so strong in a meeting as it was at that time. The speakers completely changed their talks because they felt impressed that their talks needed to be different. After Sacrament Meeting the couple told us they were just thinking about joining before but after a spiritual confirmation, now they are sure they want to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. I have a strong testimony that if the Ward is prepared to receive new people the Lord will bring them in. Whether these people come with the Missionaries or they just walk into the building.
As long as we are obedient and prepared, the Lord will provide miracles for us all! I know this to be true! Have a great week.
Love to you all, Elder Nielsen
I missed last week due to lots of traveling, general business and not much time. So here is an update of my adventures from the past week.
Monday we had a Zone p-day at the Mission Home in Birmingham and we got back very late so there was not time to email on Monday. I am sure that my mom was wondering what was going on because I did not even get a short email to her saying I would email on Tuesday. But we had a fun day. I think that the most exciting thing that happened on Monday was that I got separated from my Elder Bass my companion at the Train Station. We travel threw Birmingham New Street which is a massive station with like 30 platforms (reminds me of a scene out of Harry Potter) and it was rush hour. My companion jumped on the train and I didn't make it because it was to full. But luckily I was with some other Elders trying to get on the same train, they did not make the train either. So it worked out in the end. I was not completely alone, which was good.
The last few weeks have been a busy. We have been working hard to find people to teach and we saw many miracles during our passing this week. We started to teach the massive family with all the children that I spoke about a few weeks ago. And the great news is that after the first lesson we were able to set up a time to come back in the same week! The best thing is that during the second lesson they told us that we could come back anytime we wanted. So fingers crossed and lots of praying that all goes well and they will bring their family to church this coming week. It has been really cool because the first lesson we taught them it was just the mother, father and one child. Then as went back for the second lesson, another child came in and sat down to listen. Hopefully by the end of the week we will be able to have all the children and the parents listening about the Gospel and the plan of happiness that we have to share with them.
Valentines day was actually pretty fun. Elder Bass and I went to the other Elders flat and had "happy singles awareness day and we signed up for this great Mission" party. It was pretty fun. We all chipped in some money and made dinner. We had a great time with lots of stories and laughter.
Elder Bass and I have seen some pretty cool things this week with the teaching of a new family and such. The coolest happened on Sunday. We where in Sunday School and the Bishop pulls us out. He said there are two investigators in the hall. So we thought it was someone that we had invited to come. As we rounded the corner, to our surprise, it was not one of the investigators that we had invited by an older couple visiting with a couple of members. So they had just walked in the meeting house and said "our son is a member in Leeds and we are thinking of joining your Church". It can't get any better than that, so we visited with them for a bit and then sat with them during Sacrament Meeting. I have never felt the Spirit so strong in a meeting as it was at that time. The speakers completely changed their talks because they felt impressed that their talks needed to be different. After Sacrament Meeting the couple told us they were just thinking about joining before but after a spiritual confirmation, now they are sure they want to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. I have a strong testimony that if the Ward is prepared to receive new people the Lord will bring them in. Whether these people come with the Missionaries or they just walk into the building.
As long as we are obedient and prepared, the Lord will provide miracles for us all! I know this to be true! Have a great week.
Love to you all, Elder Nielsen
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