Veselé Vanoce, Všichni!
Another Christmas has come and gone. I remember this time last year looking at all the preparations for my mission, coming up with calendars and to-do lists and packing and so forth. Incredible to look at how far we've come in this last year. Some of us are one step closer to a college education, some are married, I know a few people that have started wearing name tags and speaking foreign languages. One of the amazing things about the our Heavenly Father's plan is that we are here to learn and grow. Learning and progressing will play a crucial role in our lives. Something I've learned about the kind of progress we seek to make in our lives, families, and education or work is that it's built up of goals and plans, hard work, vision, faith it can be accomplished, and seeing consequences as they continue to echo onward. For instance, I've started learning Czech on my mission. Who knows how many people I'll speak to in Czech over the coming year and through the end of my service? Who knows how I'll use it after my mission? I've thought about using it to perhaps translate projects I'm working on into Czech when I'm home. Maybe I'll meet Czechs in school and serve and bless them? Perhaps I'll find myself working and using Czech skills? It's kind of a fun, forward thinking activity. Another example is with a new convert. Sure, there's been a baptism now. What about ordinations to the priesthood? Lessons taught, service rendered, home teaching, member lessons, teaching friends and suddenly more baptisms from just that one? These other people just might follow suit. It occurred to both me and Elder Bown that Tomaš was going to get baptized and become a leader in the branch. We were teaching someone who would be someone's husband and dad in the future, a priesthood holder. Wow. All of a sudden my goals, plans, and vision becomes amplified and much more sharp, my goals much more important, and my success that much more rewarding.
But, how far does it go? Where does it end? That was a major theme of last transfer for me, was learning that when I do anything, I should extend my vision as far as I can, even into eternity. Really, in the end, the things that happen today and are meaningless tomorrow are not important. Maybe that's why Christ taught we shouldn't covet worldly possessions but love each other. The only things that really last are the things that are coupled to our families and relationships that last beyond death, the knowledge that we learn by the spirit so strongly we can't forget it, and the qualities of Christ we cultivate within ourselves, all of which stem from Love of God and Love of each other. Really, the great commandment in the law cannot be summed up more concisely or powerfully than loving others. And, the beauty of all this is that even though I can't love perfectly, I can't live perfectly, and I can't even make it through a day perfectly, I still know that it is possible. That's the hope that comes from our Savior. The whole point is that when we set up those goals for tomorrow, or next week, or next year, we can have perfect hope that, despite the fact that we won't be able to be perfect in what we set out to do, we can give our best to God and know that He will accept it and make up the difference. Although my best self and my best efforts don't add up to what is required by justice, He has taken the price, the guilt, and the difference upon himself and has paid the price.
I recently read an excellent book, I'd highly recommend it. It's about 80 pages long and it's called "Believing Christ." It focuses on some of these principles in a clearer and more detailed manner than I can, but I hope that as we look ahead to the new year we remember how and why we can change and become better, because in the end it's because of the Lord, the one who changes lives and makes it all better, who can turn chaos and disorder into our own personal Garden of Eden where we too walk and talk with God. I'm setting goals for this coming year based on broader goals I have set for myself in the past, goals that I desire to fulfill every day, week, month, and throughout next year, and I'd encourage you to do the same. Think about where you want to be next year. Establish a vision, see in your mind what you look like a year from now; this is the "why" of what you are doing. Then set goals in order to see that vision come to pass. These goals are finally woven together into plans, things you go out and do in order to fulfill your goals as the hours, days, and weeks go by. Soon, you will see results that will help you guide your goal setting and planning. Soon you will see your vision in front of you and you'll have reached your destination.
It's been very exciting moving forward this transfer and seeing the progress we're making. I will have more nuts and bolts of missionary work to talk about when I come back in 10 days. In the mean time, I'm very happy, healthy, had a fantastic Christmas, and I will see you in the new year. Love and miss you all, and look forward to hearing from you online and in the mail.
Thanks,
Elder Brent Anderson
( Starsi Brent will be emailing again on January 4, due to the holidays in the Czech Republic )
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Video of Brent and other Elders singing Silent Night
Here is the video of Brent and other Elders singing Silent Night in Czech. It was filmed on December 22, 2009.
Enjoy,
Starsi Brent's Dad
Enjoy,
Starsi Brent's Dad
Christmas video from Starsi Brent
Here is a link to a video on Facebook that was posted by our dear friend Eva in the Czech Republic. It has Brent and other Elders singing Silent Night in Czech and English. It was filmed on Dec. 22.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=215190824778&ref=mf
I am trying to download the video, so that I can post it here on the blog, but Facebook is giving me difficulties. If you don't have a Facebook account, sorry. I'll get it posted whenever I can get it.
Also, when I post the the letters from Brent, I add the title to the post. Brent doesn't have anything to do with it. I make them up based on the content of the email.
Veselé vánoce (Merry Christmas) from all of the Anderson's including Starsi Brent
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=215190824778&ref=mf
I am trying to download the video, so that I can post it here on the blog, but Facebook is giving me difficulties. If you don't have a Facebook account, sorry. I'll get it posted whenever I can get it.
Also, when I post the the letters from Brent, I add the title to the post. Brent doesn't have anything to do with it. I make them up based on the content of the email.
Veselé vánoce (Merry Christmas) from all of the Anderson's including Starsi Brent
Monday, December 21, 2009
Veselé vánoce (Merry Christmas in Czech) ( Week 1 in Olomouc, week 36 in Czech )
Hello Everybody!
So, it's Christmas time in the Czech Republic! It's been christmasy for the last few weeks, but the snowstorms hit and we're up to our ankles in light, fluffy, and really cold snow. I hear that European snow is supposed to be a lot wetter than we have it in Utah, but because it's been consistently minus 10 degrees all week it really hasn't mattered a whole lot - everything is just frozen. We went tracting the other day, and when we came back to the car (Yeah, we travel a lot here so they help us out by providing a car) the bottle of water I usually kicked getting in was really hard and frozen solid.
Olomouc is a pretty ancient city with a lot of history. Lots of wars, lots of kings and catholic bishops, lots of crazy stuff. Our church building is on one of the town squares, so it's in a very central and accessible location. Our apartment is pretty big and part of a larger multi-apartment home. There is a dog I call "Medved" (Bear) who lives on the stairs leading up to our apartment. He tried to bite me the first time I walked in the door. He more just slobbered on my hand and teethed on me, but he wasn't happy to see a new face walking up his staircase. Even still, things a great.
I'm serving here with Elder Hatch from Arizona. He's an excellent missionary and it's going to be really exciting getting to know him and learning from him. He's very effective at everything he does and is really disciplined. It's definitely rubbed off on me, as I've started exercising again this transfer.
We teach a ton of member lessons here thanks to a member named Lada. He basically comes with us wherever we go, and he has the most sterling testimony of the gospel. I actually met him before he was baptized in Ostrava, you can see him in some of my baptism pictures next to a taller missionary. He's shorter and has darker skin because he's from Romania. Amazing, amazing missionary.
We had a Christmas party on Saturday that 50 people came to and filled the chapel. Part of the program was a recounting of the Christmas story from the bible with live actors. It was really funny since missionaries played most of the parts and our accents didn't really fit in with everybody else.
So I hear Christmas is coming up this week. Everyone written in their gift requests to the Man in Red at the north pole? Turns out Czechs believe that baby Jesus delivers presents, not Santa Claus. Basically the same principle though. They celebrate Christmas on the 24th-26th and open presents on the 25th. I know that this year the most important thing to me is remembering why Christmas is important. It's been said that there wouldn't be Christmas without Easter, and it's true. I've mentioned this scripture a lot, but it sums up how I feel about Christmas and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
16 ¶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
This is my favorite scripture for a lot of reasons, but most importantly, because it explains why Christmas is important. Lets not forget why we even have a Christmas season - because we have a heavenly father who loves us, and he gave the best gift ever - the Gift of his Son.
I know I'm going to have a fantastic Christmas, and I hope you all do too. Enjoy the break, enjoy the family and friends, enjoy the food, and enjoy the meaning and the feeling. It's in those simple moments at home that I think the veil can get the thinnest. Just thinking about it makes me feel happy. Merry Christmas everyone, and I'll be emailing again in two weeks due to the holidays. Ask my parents how I'm doing on Thursday since they'll get to talk to me directly. :P In the mean time, have a great 2009 and you'll be hearing from me in 2010.
Thanks,
Elder Brent Anderson
So, it's Christmas time in the Czech Republic! It's been christmasy for the last few weeks, but the snowstorms hit and we're up to our ankles in light, fluffy, and really cold snow. I hear that European snow is supposed to be a lot wetter than we have it in Utah, but because it's been consistently minus 10 degrees all week it really hasn't mattered a whole lot - everything is just frozen. We went tracting the other day, and when we came back to the car (Yeah, we travel a lot here so they help us out by providing a car) the bottle of water I usually kicked getting in was really hard and frozen solid.
Olomouc is a pretty ancient city with a lot of history. Lots of wars, lots of kings and catholic bishops, lots of crazy stuff. Our church building is on one of the town squares, so it's in a very central and accessible location. Our apartment is pretty big and part of a larger multi-apartment home. There is a dog I call "Medved" (Bear) who lives on the stairs leading up to our apartment. He tried to bite me the first time I walked in the door. He more just slobbered on my hand and teethed on me, but he wasn't happy to see a new face walking up his staircase. Even still, things a great.
I'm serving here with Elder Hatch from Arizona. He's an excellent missionary and it's going to be really exciting getting to know him and learning from him. He's very effective at everything he does and is really disciplined. It's definitely rubbed off on me, as I've started exercising again this transfer.
We teach a ton of member lessons here thanks to a member named Lada. He basically comes with us wherever we go, and he has the most sterling testimony of the gospel. I actually met him before he was baptized in Ostrava, you can see him in some of my baptism pictures next to a taller missionary. He's shorter and has darker skin because he's from Romania. Amazing, amazing missionary.
We had a Christmas party on Saturday that 50 people came to and filled the chapel. Part of the program was a recounting of the Christmas story from the bible with live actors. It was really funny since missionaries played most of the parts and our accents didn't really fit in with everybody else.
So I hear Christmas is coming up this week. Everyone written in their gift requests to the Man in Red at the north pole? Turns out Czechs believe that baby Jesus delivers presents, not Santa Claus. Basically the same principle though. They celebrate Christmas on the 24th-26th and open presents on the 25th. I know that this year the most important thing to me is remembering why Christmas is important. It's been said that there wouldn't be Christmas without Easter, and it's true. I've mentioned this scripture a lot, but it sums up how I feel about Christmas and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
16 ¶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
This is my favorite scripture for a lot of reasons, but most importantly, because it explains why Christmas is important. Lets not forget why we even have a Christmas season - because we have a heavenly father who loves us, and he gave the best gift ever - the Gift of his Son.
I know I'm going to have a fantastic Christmas, and I hope you all do too. Enjoy the break, enjoy the family and friends, enjoy the food, and enjoy the meaning and the feeling. It's in those simple moments at home that I think the veil can get the thinnest. Just thinking about it makes me feel happy. Merry Christmas everyone, and I'll be emailing again in two weeks due to the holidays. Ask my parents how I'm doing on Thursday since they'll get to talk to me directly. :P In the mean time, have a great 2009 and you'll be hearing from me in 2010.
Thanks,
Elder Brent Anderson
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Transfers: What's this, I'm going to be a Zone Leader? ( Week 9 in Liberec, Week 35 in Czech )
Hello Everyone!
So, looking down at what's been going on this last week, I have to say my head is spinning. Monday was in Prague, as you all know. Tomaš had some work emergencies and was sick, but we had an opportunity to teach him about temples and about how things continue on after baptism. It's been interesting watching him progress. He's under a lot of opposition right now, and I'm hoping that despite transfers and changes, he'll be alright. I'm sure he will, but he's still got a bit of a way to go at the moment.
We started meeting with Soner again, and he's doing great. He's got questions about really basic things, and I think he's been looking into information about Christianity in general. While he doesn't have a baptismal date, he will make it alright. Of note, we found and taught to Pakistanis last week, too. They're interested in Christianity and what we believe, and actually accepted the book of Mormon based on our testimony. The feeling was very powerful as we talked about the love of God and how true religion practiced blesses lives. We'll be getting them copies of the book of Mormon in Urdu this next week.
Elder Bown is heading to Brno next transfer to serve with Elder Hadzik, a German, and elder Thompson, a recently followup-trained missionary. He'll be in a threesome because 12 missionaries are going home and only 3 are coming in, so the mission is growing young very very very quickly. We've seen a lot of miracles this transfer. We've both gone up a language level (there is a graded language learning system in the mission, I'm working on my 3rd and final language level now; elder bown got his first level, very hard to do your first transfer). We've had 2 baptismal dates, found another two people who will be getting baptismal dates, the girls from south Africa and Jan, the old catholic man who started praying. Although we didn't teach as many lessons as other transfers, I've seen marked progress and growth in myself and in Elder Bown. And, considering that we were opening up a new area and started with nothing, we saw things appear, thrive, and prosper very quickly.
As for me, I'm going to be serving as a Zone leader in Olomouc next transfer. Olomouc is on the Eastern side of the country, about 2 hours away from the border, between Ostrava and Brno. I'll be visiting Ostrava at least once next transfer, which will be amazing since I haven't been there for 4 months now. Crazy how time flies. A mission is divided into zones and districts. A zone consists of several districts, and each zone is directed by the mission president and his assistants personally. We'll be responsible for Zlin, Uherske Hradiste, Ostrava, and Olomouc itself (I think that's all of them...). It'll be fun and definitely a brand new kind of experience. In the mean time, it's packing, getting off some last minute letters and materials, teaching Exalia, one of the south Africans, Tomaš, two other older investigators, and Soner before hitting a bus tomorrow morning at seven and taking the 7 hour bus ride around the country. It's going to be fun.
Merry Christmas, everybody. I'm really happy to be here right now, I know that what we've done this transfer has been right and accepted, and in the end the most important thing is our service to others and our service to God. Try to find some way to give more of yourself this week to somebody else. Before we know it, it'll be another year and we'll be pushing ahead with new goals, new ideas, and new experiences.
Hope you all sleep well, have a great week, have good finals and tests, do well in school, are healthy, and have a very very very merry christmas.
Love,
Elder Brent Anderson
So, looking down at what's been going on this last week, I have to say my head is spinning. Monday was in Prague, as you all know. Tomaš had some work emergencies and was sick, but we had an opportunity to teach him about temples and about how things continue on after baptism. It's been interesting watching him progress. He's under a lot of opposition right now, and I'm hoping that despite transfers and changes, he'll be alright. I'm sure he will, but he's still got a bit of a way to go at the moment.
We started meeting with Soner again, and he's doing great. He's got questions about really basic things, and I think he's been looking into information about Christianity in general. While he doesn't have a baptismal date, he will make it alright. Of note, we found and taught to Pakistanis last week, too. They're interested in Christianity and what we believe, and actually accepted the book of Mormon based on our testimony. The feeling was very powerful as we talked about the love of God and how true religion practiced blesses lives. We'll be getting them copies of the book of Mormon in Urdu this next week.
Elder Bown is heading to Brno next transfer to serve with Elder Hadzik, a German, and elder Thompson, a recently followup-trained missionary. He'll be in a threesome because 12 missionaries are going home and only 3 are coming in, so the mission is growing young very very very quickly. We've seen a lot of miracles this transfer. We've both gone up a language level (there is a graded language learning system in the mission, I'm working on my 3rd and final language level now; elder bown got his first level, very hard to do your first transfer). We've had 2 baptismal dates, found another two people who will be getting baptismal dates, the girls from south Africa and Jan, the old catholic man who started praying. Although we didn't teach as many lessons as other transfers, I've seen marked progress and growth in myself and in Elder Bown. And, considering that we were opening up a new area and started with nothing, we saw things appear, thrive, and prosper very quickly.
As for me, I'm going to be serving as a Zone leader in Olomouc next transfer. Olomouc is on the Eastern side of the country, about 2 hours away from the border, between Ostrava and Brno. I'll be visiting Ostrava at least once next transfer, which will be amazing since I haven't been there for 4 months now. Crazy how time flies. A mission is divided into zones and districts. A zone consists of several districts, and each zone is directed by the mission president and his assistants personally. We'll be responsible for Zlin, Uherske Hradiste, Ostrava, and Olomouc itself (I think that's all of them...). It'll be fun and definitely a brand new kind of experience. In the mean time, it's packing, getting off some last minute letters and materials, teaching Exalia, one of the south Africans, Tomaš, two other older investigators, and Soner before hitting a bus tomorrow morning at seven and taking the 7 hour bus ride around the country. It's going to be fun.
Merry Christmas, everybody. I'm really happy to be here right now, I know that what we've done this transfer has been right and accepted, and in the end the most important thing is our service to others and our service to God. Try to find some way to give more of yourself this week to somebody else. Before we know it, it'll be another year and we'll be pushing ahead with new goals, new ideas, and new experiences.
Hope you all sleep well, have a great week, have good finals and tests, do well in school, are healthy, and have a very very very merry christmas.
Love,
Elder Brent Anderson
Monday, December 14, 2009
Short message from Starsi Brent
Brent sent this earlier today. They were in Prague today singing in one of the Cathedrals and didn't get back to their area until it was too late to send a longer email post. Hopefully, he can send something tomorrow. He is being transferred to Olomouc, which is near to Ostrava, his first area. He will be a new Zone leader there. Exciting times for our favorite missionary.
Have a great day,
Starsi Brent's dad
" Just wanted to let you know that we were late getting into Liberec after the concert. I'll be writing President Slovaček and then replying to everything else I can until I get kicked out. I will email a bit tomorrow too if I can get approval. Otherwise, have a good one.
By the way, they're sending me to Olomouc back in Moravia. I'll be a zone leader. "
Starsi Brent Anderson
Have a great day,
Starsi Brent's dad
" Just wanted to let you know that we were late getting into Liberec after the concert. I'll be writing President Slovaček and then replying to everything else I can until I get kicked out. I will email a bit tomorrow too if I can get approval. Otherwise, have a good one.
By the way, they're sending me to Olomouc back in Moravia. I'll be a zone leader. "
Starsi Brent Anderson
Monday, December 7, 2009
Intensity and success ( Week 8 in Liberec, week 34 in Czech )
Hello Everybody!
So, this last week was pretty intense. We've picked up 4 new investigators: a baptist, his atheist friend who hasn't been convinced by his baptist friend yet, and two women from south africa who are studying here. I'm doing great and couldn't be better. Elder Bown has been having a harder week, still pressing through the language, finding the confidence to perform a lot of the hard parts of missionary work, and discovering the need for faith in the accomplishment of moving mountains. Faith is such an important thing. Faith is the principle that causes huge things to happen, things like missionary work, successful families, businesses, nations, you name it. It all starts with faith. While I don't have it, I hear that Lectures on Faith is pretty good when it comes to talking about faith.
So, Tomas our baptismal date is getting geared up for baptism but...probably not this weekend. If he gets his answer in the next day or so and we teach him the rest of what he needs, then he will be. But, in the mean time, we're looking at sometime in january after the holidays. Even still, he's a borec (That's czech for Stud) and we're happy to be teaching him.
So, a few items by way of announcement. We went to Prague today for P-Day and spent time seeing the sights, talking to people, taking pictures, and riding the metro. Good, solid P-Day. It was a great vylet (trip/excursion) for sure.
Christmas is coming down in a few weeks and, as part of it, there are going to be a series of Concerts in prague in the Cathedral of St. Mikulaš. They invite groups like the Prague Symphony Orchestra or travelling choirs from around the world, and this year on the 14th of December at 2 PM they will be featuring the LDS Missionary Choir composed of missionaries serving in the Czech republic. Including myself. Yes friends, we're going to be singing in Prague in a Cathedral on the old town square the songs of Christmas. I hope you all have a merry christmas too, but I'm getting one of my presents a week or so early.
And, in addition to that, it's already been 9 weeks since the last transfer. When I write you again in a week, you'll be hearing about the new assignments we'll be having. It's been crazy watching Elder Bown learn and grow in the last 9 weeks. And I'm starting to feel really really old as a missionary, even if I've still got over a year to go. 1/3 of the mission will be going home in the next 3 months, so chances are pretty good that I won't be getting an older companion anymore. Time will tell.
In the mean time, I hope you all have a safe, happy, and spirit filled christmas. Good luck to you all, I'm doing well and love you all.
Thanks,
Elder Brent Anderson
So, this last week was pretty intense. We've picked up 4 new investigators: a baptist, his atheist friend who hasn't been convinced by his baptist friend yet, and two women from south africa who are studying here. I'm doing great and couldn't be better. Elder Bown has been having a harder week, still pressing through the language, finding the confidence to perform a lot of the hard parts of missionary work, and discovering the need for faith in the accomplishment of moving mountains. Faith is such an important thing. Faith is the principle that causes huge things to happen, things like missionary work, successful families, businesses, nations, you name it. It all starts with faith. While I don't have it, I hear that Lectures on Faith is pretty good when it comes to talking about faith.
So, Tomas our baptismal date is getting geared up for baptism but...probably not this weekend. If he gets his answer in the next day or so and we teach him the rest of what he needs, then he will be. But, in the mean time, we're looking at sometime in january after the holidays. Even still, he's a borec (That's czech for Stud) and we're happy to be teaching him.
So, a few items by way of announcement. We went to Prague today for P-Day and spent time seeing the sights, talking to people, taking pictures, and riding the metro. Good, solid P-Day. It was a great vylet (trip/excursion) for sure.
Christmas is coming down in a few weeks and, as part of it, there are going to be a series of Concerts in prague in the Cathedral of St. Mikulaš. They invite groups like the Prague Symphony Orchestra or travelling choirs from around the world, and this year on the 14th of December at 2 PM they will be featuring the LDS Missionary Choir composed of missionaries serving in the Czech republic. Including myself. Yes friends, we're going to be singing in Prague in a Cathedral on the old town square the songs of Christmas. I hope you all have a merry christmas too, but I'm getting one of my presents a week or so early.
And, in addition to that, it's already been 9 weeks since the last transfer. When I write you again in a week, you'll be hearing about the new assignments we'll be having. It's been crazy watching Elder Bown learn and grow in the last 9 weeks. And I'm starting to feel really really old as a missionary, even if I've still got over a year to go. 1/3 of the mission will be going home in the next 3 months, so chances are pretty good that I won't be getting an older companion anymore. Time will tell.
In the mean time, I hope you all have a safe, happy, and spirit filled christmas. Good luck to you all, I'm doing well and love you all.
Thanks,
Elder Brent Anderson
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thanksgiving Exhaustion ( Week 7 in Liberec, week 33 in Czech )
Hello everyone,
It's been a pretty intense week. Let's go through this in order so I don't get confused. Monday: P-Day was short because, as a mission, we met our goals to teach 400 member lessons, 1200 other lessons, find 270 new investigators, and speak 7000 hours of SOL in 3 weeks. Amazing how much football can rally a group of people, isn't it? :P No, our motives were still pure, but the objective of getting together as a mission and having a common goal really made it possible (BTW - huge lesson to be learned from that concept of having a common goal and achieving it; That's kind of why the Gospel is important, since it contains the goals that last longer than just a lifetime). So, we hit the streets on Monday and started talking and working. Elder Bown rose to the challenge of starting contacts, making phone calls, heading out planning, and otherwise taking a stab at being a senior companion for a few days. The shocking thing was, it was a relief for a few hours, and then it became a bit of a burden. It's incredible what happens when you destabilize the balance in a companionship. All of a sudden, you start getting really tired and your overall effectiveness drops significantly. But, Elder Bown needed the experiences, so we pressed on. Tuesday rolled in, similar experience. The neat part was we had a member lesson with Tomaš talking about obedience and the sabbath. President Branda, the branch president here, bore powerful testimony of his conversion and the events leading to it, and Tomaš and President Branda connected really well. From there, we hit wenesday - a really really really long day. Contacting didn't work out very well, we were both really tired, and just plain burned out. I think we all know how that goes when energy just gets expended and our drive forward needs a recharge. We spent the night on the floor in the other area since it's closer to the train station. After waking up at 5, we realized that we didn't have our P-Day shoes for our trip to prague. Even though our bags were packed, we ran all the way home and then had to catch a 10 minute tram ride to the bus station to make it on time. We arrived in Prague, and it was a blast. Football, thanksgiving dinner. We sang some songs, and then got ready to hit the streets of Prague for the evening. Singing with all the missionaries on the streets and contacting Pražaks really helped fire us back up again. We regrouped and split up, going to different parts of Prague for street contacting, and I just have to say: I really hope I get to serve in Prague over christmas at some point - Everything was lit up, there were fires and street stands with czech foods cooking, people singing, music playing: a complete 180 from what I was seeing in Liberec. We had several very successful contacts, exchanged numbers with a few people and set up some meetings for the Prague missionaries, and you'll never guess what we decided to do for dinner.
There's a burger king in Prague. I love Czech food, but seeing a real american hamburger just about brought us all to tears. It was a pretty inspiring sight, with the shredded iceburg lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and a thin slice of beef with american (not czech, there is a difference) ketchup. Needless to say, it was a thanksgiving to be remembered.
So, we spent the night with the office elders on the couch, got up and got ready for the day, and went to Zone Conference. I wouldn't say this was my favorite zone conference, since the July conference was very powerful and inspirational. But, the testimonies and the messages about christmas, about the work, and the progress we're making was incredible. Some of the departing missionary testimonies were so powerful there wasn't a dry eye on the room. They passed out new recipe books for all the missionaries, too, so I'm not worried about having a shortage of food ideas anymore. :D
We headed home and, that night, we had a lot of preparation for a trip we were going on the next day. We spent the evening working with members, giving a blessing, and trying out the new christmas message we'll be sharing. Rather, the old message, because it's about christ, but the materials we'll be using are new. Unfortunately, I left my keys in the other elder's apartment, and the other elder's left their keys with the member. Which was a 30 minute bus ride away. So, the night ended up being spent travelling by bus and sleeping again at the other elder's apartment (We did get to bed on time though, if we hadn't been there then we'd have been up really late). Saturday, we planned and contacted a bit, sunday Tomaš came to church and we talked more about baptism. We're not sure if he'll be making the 12th of December, but he's definitely going to make it in the next month or so. We're really happy about all the progress he's making, he's a really neat man to teach. I was reading in Alma the other day about King Lamoni, and it hit me that we were basically teaching a king Lamoni. Elder Bown and I haven't decided who gets to be Ammon though.
Apart from being absolutely exhausted, we're doing well and we're all ready for the christmas season. If all goes well, we'll be shooting off a few christmas cards to you all with love from us here in Liberec.
And now for something completely different, a few thoughts on Christmas. If you've read the first few chapters of Luke, you're familliar with the story of Christ's birth. I'd encourage you to read it and then consider the message that underlies the coming of the Savior to the earth and the mission he fulfilled, the message found in John 3:16-17.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
This happens to be my favorite scripture, because it encompasses everything which is important in the Gospel. Principles of justice, mercy, the law, our relationship to God our Father and His Son Jesus Christ, and the means by which man may find the joy which "surpasseth all understanding." I've seen that joy transform the lives of people who claim to come from the most atheist nation on earth, and the changes are incredible. There is greater light, hope, happiness, love, and meaning in the lives of those who seek for and apply the truths of the Gospel. All things good in life, all lasting joy comes from this source. So, as we prepare for meetings with friends and family, dinners, parties, gift exchanges, and christmas break, I'd encourage you all to seek ways to give something to Him to whom the holiday was created. Serve someone, find a way to give yourself more into His care, bless the life of someone in need. Try to live part of the life He lived. It will change your life as you approach Him.
Thanks everyone for your love, support, letters, and encouragement. The work of the Lord is this work. He is the head of this Church, and I know that He lives. I hope you all have a fantastic few weeks leading up to Christmas, and that you take advantage of opportunites to serve in the meantime. I love and miss you all, and look forward to writing you about this up and coming week.
Thanks,
Elder Brent Anderson
It's been a pretty intense week. Let's go through this in order so I don't get confused. Monday: P-Day was short because, as a mission, we met our goals to teach 400 member lessons, 1200 other lessons, find 270 new investigators, and speak 7000 hours of SOL in 3 weeks. Amazing how much football can rally a group of people, isn't it? :P No, our motives were still pure, but the objective of getting together as a mission and having a common goal really made it possible (BTW - huge lesson to be learned from that concept of having a common goal and achieving it; That's kind of why the Gospel is important, since it contains the goals that last longer than just a lifetime). So, we hit the streets on Monday and started talking and working. Elder Bown rose to the challenge of starting contacts, making phone calls, heading out planning, and otherwise taking a stab at being a senior companion for a few days. The shocking thing was, it was a relief for a few hours, and then it became a bit of a burden. It's incredible what happens when you destabilize the balance in a companionship. All of a sudden, you start getting really tired and your overall effectiveness drops significantly. But, Elder Bown needed the experiences, so we pressed on. Tuesday rolled in, similar experience. The neat part was we had a member lesson with Tomaš talking about obedience and the sabbath. President Branda, the branch president here, bore powerful testimony of his conversion and the events leading to it, and Tomaš and President Branda connected really well. From there, we hit wenesday - a really really really long day. Contacting didn't work out very well, we were both really tired, and just plain burned out. I think we all know how that goes when energy just gets expended and our drive forward needs a recharge. We spent the night on the floor in the other area since it's closer to the train station. After waking up at 5, we realized that we didn't have our P-Day shoes for our trip to prague. Even though our bags were packed, we ran all the way home and then had to catch a 10 minute tram ride to the bus station to make it on time. We arrived in Prague, and it was a blast. Football, thanksgiving dinner. We sang some songs, and then got ready to hit the streets of Prague for the evening. Singing with all the missionaries on the streets and contacting Pražaks really helped fire us back up again. We regrouped and split up, going to different parts of Prague for street contacting, and I just have to say: I really hope I get to serve in Prague over christmas at some point - Everything was lit up, there were fires and street stands with czech foods cooking, people singing, music playing: a complete 180 from what I was seeing in Liberec. We had several very successful contacts, exchanged numbers with a few people and set up some meetings for the Prague missionaries, and you'll never guess what we decided to do for dinner.
There's a burger king in Prague. I love Czech food, but seeing a real american hamburger just about brought us all to tears. It was a pretty inspiring sight, with the shredded iceburg lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and a thin slice of beef with american (not czech, there is a difference) ketchup. Needless to say, it was a thanksgiving to be remembered.
So, we spent the night with the office elders on the couch, got up and got ready for the day, and went to Zone Conference. I wouldn't say this was my favorite zone conference, since the July conference was very powerful and inspirational. But, the testimonies and the messages about christmas, about the work, and the progress we're making was incredible. Some of the departing missionary testimonies were so powerful there wasn't a dry eye on the room. They passed out new recipe books for all the missionaries, too, so I'm not worried about having a shortage of food ideas anymore. :D
We headed home and, that night, we had a lot of preparation for a trip we were going on the next day. We spent the evening working with members, giving a blessing, and trying out the new christmas message we'll be sharing. Rather, the old message, because it's about christ, but the materials we'll be using are new. Unfortunately, I left my keys in the other elder's apartment, and the other elder's left their keys with the member. Which was a 30 minute bus ride away. So, the night ended up being spent travelling by bus and sleeping again at the other elder's apartment (We did get to bed on time though, if we hadn't been there then we'd have been up really late). Saturday, we planned and contacted a bit, sunday Tomaš came to church and we talked more about baptism. We're not sure if he'll be making the 12th of December, but he's definitely going to make it in the next month or so. We're really happy about all the progress he's making, he's a really neat man to teach. I was reading in Alma the other day about King Lamoni, and it hit me that we were basically teaching a king Lamoni. Elder Bown and I haven't decided who gets to be Ammon though.
Apart from being absolutely exhausted, we're doing well and we're all ready for the christmas season. If all goes well, we'll be shooting off a few christmas cards to you all with love from us here in Liberec.
And now for something completely different, a few thoughts on Christmas. If you've read the first few chapters of Luke, you're familliar with the story of Christ's birth. I'd encourage you to read it and then consider the message that underlies the coming of the Savior to the earth and the mission he fulfilled, the message found in John 3:16-17.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
This happens to be my favorite scripture, because it encompasses everything which is important in the Gospel. Principles of justice, mercy, the law, our relationship to God our Father and His Son Jesus Christ, and the means by which man may find the joy which "surpasseth all understanding." I've seen that joy transform the lives of people who claim to come from the most atheist nation on earth, and the changes are incredible. There is greater light, hope, happiness, love, and meaning in the lives of those who seek for and apply the truths of the Gospel. All things good in life, all lasting joy comes from this source. So, as we prepare for meetings with friends and family, dinners, parties, gift exchanges, and christmas break, I'd encourage you all to seek ways to give something to Him to whom the holiday was created. Serve someone, find a way to give yourself more into His care, bless the life of someone in need. Try to live part of the life He lived. It will change your life as you approach Him.
Thanks everyone for your love, support, letters, and encouragement. The work of the Lord is this work. He is the head of this Church, and I know that He lives. I hope you all have a fantastic few weeks leading up to Christmas, and that you take advantage of opportunites to serve in the meantime. I love and miss you all, and look forward to writing you about this up and coming week.
Thanks,
Elder Brent Anderson
Monday, November 23, 2009
Record breaking week ( Week 6 in Liberec, Week 32 in Czech )
Hello Everyone!
So, I'm afraid that in the face of all the work we've done this week, I've not thought a whole lot about any particular experiences to be shared that would be of interest or constructive to send home. The velvet revolution anniversary was on Tuesday and, despite tons of posters and things about it, Tuesday arrived and Czechs burst into traditional Czech celebrating: They all stayed at home and enjoyed time reading, napping, and doing things with their families. No parties in the streets, no banners or fireworks (Well, I think there were fireworks, but I didn't see any parties related to such festivities). They did project pictures of the revolution on the walls of a mall for a few hours, but that was about it. Even still, 20 years of Czech Republic!
In other news, Soner is taking a break from investigating so he can get his passport in order. I can handle that, since if he were deported we'd be 100% investigatorless, and he still has interest. So, we'll see how this goes. In the mean time, he's been a great blessing to us and especially to elder bown. Tomaš is moving along just fine, we're heading into commandments with him tonight, helping him understand what we need to avoid or repent of to come closer to God. He's a really neat man, and we are very blessed to have him in our responsibility.
We broke records last week, primarily. The last three weeks have been tallied so the mission can determine if we're good enough to take a thanksgiving day before zone conference. And, turns out that we do! Our zone broke an all time mission record by finding at least 3 new investigators this week per companionship across the zone. To my knowledge, that adds up to almost 30 new investigators in just our zone. Pretty neat! We taught a ton of lessons, member lessons, and spoke a lot of Czech. Elder bown is starting on a new leg of missionary work today with what's being dubbed "Lord Bown Week." He's playing the senior companion until Saturday, so he's responsible for the phone, he's teaching more, making sure we're planned properly, and he will be buying our bus tickets to Prague for thanksgiving and the turkey bowl football game. Oh, we're excited.
Thanks everyone for your support, your letters, your pictures, and everything else. I love hearing from you all, and I'm looking forward to getting some mail on Friday so I can send you all Christmas replies. :D
Have a great week!
Elder Brent Anderson
So, I'm afraid that in the face of all the work we've done this week, I've not thought a whole lot about any particular experiences to be shared that would be of interest or constructive to send home. The velvet revolution anniversary was on Tuesday and, despite tons of posters and things about it, Tuesday arrived and Czechs burst into traditional Czech celebrating: They all stayed at home and enjoyed time reading, napping, and doing things with their families. No parties in the streets, no banners or fireworks (Well, I think there were fireworks, but I didn't see any parties related to such festivities). They did project pictures of the revolution on the walls of a mall for a few hours, but that was about it. Even still, 20 years of Czech Republic!
In other news, Soner is taking a break from investigating so he can get his passport in order. I can handle that, since if he were deported we'd be 100% investigatorless, and he still has interest. So, we'll see how this goes. In the mean time, he's been a great blessing to us and especially to elder bown. Tomaš is moving along just fine, we're heading into commandments with him tonight, helping him understand what we need to avoid or repent of to come closer to God. He's a really neat man, and we are very blessed to have him in our responsibility.
We broke records last week, primarily. The last three weeks have been tallied so the mission can determine if we're good enough to take a thanksgiving day before zone conference. And, turns out that we do! Our zone broke an all time mission record by finding at least 3 new investigators this week per companionship across the zone. To my knowledge, that adds up to almost 30 new investigators in just our zone. Pretty neat! We taught a ton of lessons, member lessons, and spoke a lot of Czech. Elder bown is starting on a new leg of missionary work today with what's being dubbed "Lord Bown Week." He's playing the senior companion until Saturday, so he's responsible for the phone, he's teaching more, making sure we're planned properly, and he will be buying our bus tickets to Prague for thanksgiving and the turkey bowl football game. Oh, we're excited.
Thanks everyone for your support, your letters, your pictures, and everything else. I love hearing from you all, and I'm looking forward to getting some mail on Friday so I can send you all Christmas replies. :D
Have a great week!
Elder Brent Anderson
Monday, November 16, 2009
Powerful Week ( Week 5 in Liberec, Week 31 in Czech )
Hello everyone,
It's been a very powerful week here in Liberec South. It's really incredible to me how much we've been working, how many miracles we've seen, and how I've grown personally. We'll go with news and then some thoughts I've had recently.
This week was full of all kinds of craziness. We had interviews on tuesday with President Slovaček (Yes, I passed :P) and we talked about how well we're doing as well as how we can improve. President is amazing. He is an incredible example to me. He brought mail and packages, however nothing for me (yet :P). Not a lot of meeting last week. Actually, very very few happened. It was rather dissapointing. In the end, I knew that it was all right (We'll talk about that in a second). We were kicked out tracting too (Pretty funny - the apartments here are all inside of huge buildings, so you have to get inside the building in order to knock on any doors. That in and of itself is usually pretty funny. Reminds me of my former life as a secret agent....) And on top of that, our man from Turkey, Soner, the one that wants to be baptized, hasn't been seen for a week. He seems to have just vanished! We'll get an occaisional call with him, but meetings have dropped off to zero last week and we're worried he may not make it.
Then, the silver lining of the weekend hit. But, as with every silver lining, we had a major cloud to burst through first. Not much interest, no one wanted to talk or they'd forget they had appointments and not come, or set up for this week now. We did find a neat kid from Armenia that wants to meet with us and his family, so we'll see how that goes (his name is "Žok", as in some crazy french pronunciation of "jeaques" - I swear french is just cheating at scrabble). Then, we hit the magical 5/6 week mark of the training transfer. Everybody has one, and Elder Bown hit his mark. It's the critical time when the language is really really frustrating, the training hard, the work intense, and you start feeling the heat and the pressure. After a long talk and some teaching about the atonement and the power of the savior in our lives, we came out on the other side absolutely fired up and ready to tackle this coming week. So powerful. I really can't do it justice in a quick letter home like this. It was the most powerful moment of my mission up until now, and I can say once again that I know that the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ changes lives. It's changed mine, it's changed struggling missionaries, I'm watching it transform Tomaš, and if any of you want to know what it's like to see the hand of God turn you into something greater than yourself, then try it and go find someone who can teach you about it. I'd recommend the missionaries, but most members of the Church know what I'm talking about. The power of the atonement is what ends up powering missionary work in the end. You can't do it by yourself, you can't do it for goals or for anything except for Love of others, love of God, and the Atonement.
We had a critical meeting with Tomaš on Saturday during all of this wherein we discussed these same things. Tomaš is a great example to me, because he knows what and how and why to come to God. He first wanted faith, then he prayed and is still praying, and he's reading to understand what prophets have taught about God in the past. He came to this meeting wanting to know how to repent. So, we taught him more about faith, how it's like a seed (Alma 32). He loved it, and now refers to that seed when he feels the spirit every time. We taught him about the atonement from Alma 34 and then into prayer from Alma 34. He loved it, and sees how and why we need a redeemer. We taught about the gospel again, addressing baptism and extended a date to him for the 12th of December! He accepted it, as well as an invitation to church. He left that night, grinning, ful of the spirit. He came on sunday, listened to the messages (I had one about home teaching), and loved it. He liked it so much, he wants to come "next time we have that meeting." I don't know if we told him it's every week.
In the end, this week was amazing and very powerful. We're watching first hand the power of the atonement change lives, and I want you all to know that I know that He lives. I've never met him personally, but I'm looking forward to that day, and in the mean time I'm going to do everything I can and know how to do in order to bless the lives of others with the light that comes when we come unto him and follow His example. Why does it all matter? What is it that makes it all so meaningful? It's those moments in those quiet chambers of our souls that are beyond the things that are happening right now, or tomorrow, or next week, and where the deepest feelings and thoughts and emotions we struggle to express begin to find expression in love, mercy, devotion, service, sacrifice, life, and light. When we feel the darkness of confusion or the weight of sin pulling on us, the transgression of laws we understand only in simple terms like children rather than in some Godly form of calculus, as it were, and when we reach out to Him in prayer for that healing love which "surpasseth all understanding," it's in those moments that I've found the strongest, most brilliant testimony forged. I'm convinced that life without faith in the Lord leads to inhuman existence, to thoughts that man isn't much more than an animal and that the rest of what we do here really doesn't matter, so why bother? We'll just eat, drink, and be merry. Ethics, morals, quality of life, happiness, joy, and love all come from one source. Now, I can say that, and it could be trite, but it's true - and the only way for you to find out it is true is to try it for yourself. Find out what relationship you have with heaven, with the Savior and His Father. It will surprise you.
I love you all. I pray you may all find greater light and hope in your lives. At all times may we seek to become more like Him and to accept of His mercy.
Elder Brent Anderson
It's been a very powerful week here in Liberec South. It's really incredible to me how much we've been working, how many miracles we've seen, and how I've grown personally. We'll go with news and then some thoughts I've had recently.
This week was full of all kinds of craziness. We had interviews on tuesday with President Slovaček (Yes, I passed :P) and we talked about how well we're doing as well as how we can improve. President is amazing. He is an incredible example to me. He brought mail and packages, however nothing for me (yet :P). Not a lot of meeting last week. Actually, very very few happened. It was rather dissapointing. In the end, I knew that it was all right (We'll talk about that in a second). We were kicked out tracting too (Pretty funny - the apartments here are all inside of huge buildings, so you have to get inside the building in order to knock on any doors. That in and of itself is usually pretty funny. Reminds me of my former life as a secret agent....) And on top of that, our man from Turkey, Soner, the one that wants to be baptized, hasn't been seen for a week. He seems to have just vanished! We'll get an occaisional call with him, but meetings have dropped off to zero last week and we're worried he may not make it.
Then, the silver lining of the weekend hit. But, as with every silver lining, we had a major cloud to burst through first. Not much interest, no one wanted to talk or they'd forget they had appointments and not come, or set up for this week now. We did find a neat kid from Armenia that wants to meet with us and his family, so we'll see how that goes (his name is "Žok", as in some crazy french pronunciation of "jeaques" - I swear french is just cheating at scrabble). Then, we hit the magical 5/6 week mark of the training transfer. Everybody has one, and Elder Bown hit his mark. It's the critical time when the language is really really frustrating, the training hard, the work intense, and you start feeling the heat and the pressure. After a long talk and some teaching about the atonement and the power of the savior in our lives, we came out on the other side absolutely fired up and ready to tackle this coming week. So powerful. I really can't do it justice in a quick letter home like this. It was the most powerful moment of my mission up until now, and I can say once again that I know that the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ changes lives. It's changed mine, it's changed struggling missionaries, I'm watching it transform Tomaš, and if any of you want to know what it's like to see the hand of God turn you into something greater than yourself, then try it and go find someone who can teach you about it. I'd recommend the missionaries, but most members of the Church know what I'm talking about. The power of the atonement is what ends up powering missionary work in the end. You can't do it by yourself, you can't do it for goals or for anything except for Love of others, love of God, and the Atonement.
We had a critical meeting with Tomaš on Saturday during all of this wherein we discussed these same things. Tomaš is a great example to me, because he knows what and how and why to come to God. He first wanted faith, then he prayed and is still praying, and he's reading to understand what prophets have taught about God in the past. He came to this meeting wanting to know how to repent. So, we taught him more about faith, how it's like a seed (Alma 32). He loved it, and now refers to that seed when he feels the spirit every time. We taught him about the atonement from Alma 34 and then into prayer from Alma 34. He loved it, and sees how and why we need a redeemer. We taught about the gospel again, addressing baptism and extended a date to him for the 12th of December! He accepted it, as well as an invitation to church. He left that night, grinning, ful of the spirit. He came on sunday, listened to the messages (I had one about home teaching), and loved it. He liked it so much, he wants to come "next time we have that meeting." I don't know if we told him it's every week.
In the end, this week was amazing and very powerful. We're watching first hand the power of the atonement change lives, and I want you all to know that I know that He lives. I've never met him personally, but I'm looking forward to that day, and in the mean time I'm going to do everything I can and know how to do in order to bless the lives of others with the light that comes when we come unto him and follow His example. Why does it all matter? What is it that makes it all so meaningful? It's those moments in those quiet chambers of our souls that are beyond the things that are happening right now, or tomorrow, or next week, and where the deepest feelings and thoughts and emotions we struggle to express begin to find expression in love, mercy, devotion, service, sacrifice, life, and light. When we feel the darkness of confusion or the weight of sin pulling on us, the transgression of laws we understand only in simple terms like children rather than in some Godly form of calculus, as it were, and when we reach out to Him in prayer for that healing love which "surpasseth all understanding," it's in those moments that I've found the strongest, most brilliant testimony forged. I'm convinced that life without faith in the Lord leads to inhuman existence, to thoughts that man isn't much more than an animal and that the rest of what we do here really doesn't matter, so why bother? We'll just eat, drink, and be merry. Ethics, morals, quality of life, happiness, joy, and love all come from one source. Now, I can say that, and it could be trite, but it's true - and the only way for you to find out it is true is to try it for yourself. Find out what relationship you have with heaven, with the Savior and His Father. It will surprise you.
I love you all. I pray you may all find greater light and hope in your lives. At all times may we seek to become more like Him and to accept of His mercy.
Elder Brent Anderson
Monday, November 9, 2009
You mean there is a God? (Week 4 in Liberec, week 30 in Czech)
Hello Everyone!
So, this week was good, somewhat like other weeks of missionary work, but also full of miracles. Really exciting. That man, Tomaš Matoušek, that we found last week on Sunday is really progressing fast. We had a meeting with him on Tuesday, and when we taught him about using prayer from our own words, from our hearts, it blew him away. "Wow - you mean I can actually use my own words and talk to god?" It was very humbling when, after we asked him to pray on the end of our meeting, he asked if he could do it maybe next time so he can try it on his own first. After a second, he asked "Oh, does that mean I don't have faith if I won't try it now?" He's so keenly interested in discovering his relationship to his Heavenly Father and in communicating with him, in developing that faith, that he thinks about our lessons almost all the time between them. We taught about Joseph Smith, the book of mormon, and he's been reading from the beginning. We'll be applying scriptures from the book of mormon soon and using passages to teach him not only doctrines, but how to use and love the scriptures. I love the scriptures. There's always something new to learn. I heard that was the mark of good literature, that it yields to you more and more the more you experience in life and the more you study it. Well, I guess the scriptures fit that description perfectly.
Soner isn't doing as well as I'd hope, but he's honest in intentions and desires. He doesn't know how to read German and, although he understands, his memory of things learned in German isn't particularly good. Since we don't have any turkish materials, we're having to develop plans with members and rather elaborate lessons using tons of scriptures that he'll have in his turkish book of mormon in order to teach principles. If it comes down to it, we'll go looking for someone who speaks Czech or English as well as Turkish, and then have a translator to make this happen. But, in the mean time, he's progessing and he prayed for the first time with us on Thursday.
We've started a family home evening program every friday and it's already started to change the life of a family being taught by the other elders. A single parent family that didn't believe in God, the feeling of the spirit when we sing about eternal families and about our heavenly father has influenced them to believe that God may exist, and they are starting to see changes in their own relationships for the better. The Gospel brings light, life, and happiness wherever it is applied, and I can say that because I'm seeing it first hand change the lives of people who have been taught that there is no God and that we're all just one big accident, that we should make a ton of money and that's it. Oh, how much more there is to life than just the things that last for a while and are gone. I know for certain that the message of the restoration and of the Gospel of Christ empowers us with the vision of eternity sufficient to give us purpose in every righteous, worthy activity. What a blessing!
I love you all, I pray for you all, and I hope you're all being taken care of just as much as we are out here. We'll be having another zone conference in about 2 weeks, so if you're planning on writing letters or anything and you want them to get here before December, you've got a few weeks to get that done. I'll be getting mail tomorrow, so you can expect some snail mail (or, as I like to think of it, pigeon-carrier mail since it's sometimes about that fast) in a couple weeks or so.
Otherwise, have a great week and I'll tell you all about the adventures of Elder Anderson in our next episode. You can expect some things about new investigators, a new baptismal date (:D that'll be two in two weeks!), and, if all goes well, a family!
Thanks,
Elder Anderson
So, this week was good, somewhat like other weeks of missionary work, but also full of miracles. Really exciting. That man, Tomaš Matoušek, that we found last week on Sunday is really progressing fast. We had a meeting with him on Tuesday, and when we taught him about using prayer from our own words, from our hearts, it blew him away. "Wow - you mean I can actually use my own words and talk to god?" It was very humbling when, after we asked him to pray on the end of our meeting, he asked if he could do it maybe next time so he can try it on his own first. After a second, he asked "Oh, does that mean I don't have faith if I won't try it now?" He's so keenly interested in discovering his relationship to his Heavenly Father and in communicating with him, in developing that faith, that he thinks about our lessons almost all the time between them. We taught about Joseph Smith, the book of mormon, and he's been reading from the beginning. We'll be applying scriptures from the book of mormon soon and using passages to teach him not only doctrines, but how to use and love the scriptures. I love the scriptures. There's always something new to learn. I heard that was the mark of good literature, that it yields to you more and more the more you experience in life and the more you study it. Well, I guess the scriptures fit that description perfectly.
Soner isn't doing as well as I'd hope, but he's honest in intentions and desires. He doesn't know how to read German and, although he understands, his memory of things learned in German isn't particularly good. Since we don't have any turkish materials, we're having to develop plans with members and rather elaborate lessons using tons of scriptures that he'll have in his turkish book of mormon in order to teach principles. If it comes down to it, we'll go looking for someone who speaks Czech or English as well as Turkish, and then have a translator to make this happen. But, in the mean time, he's progessing and he prayed for the first time with us on Thursday.
We've started a family home evening program every friday and it's already started to change the life of a family being taught by the other elders. A single parent family that didn't believe in God, the feeling of the spirit when we sing about eternal families and about our heavenly father has influenced them to believe that God may exist, and they are starting to see changes in their own relationships for the better. The Gospel brings light, life, and happiness wherever it is applied, and I can say that because I'm seeing it first hand change the lives of people who have been taught that there is no God and that we're all just one big accident, that we should make a ton of money and that's it. Oh, how much more there is to life than just the things that last for a while and are gone. I know for certain that the message of the restoration and of the Gospel of Christ empowers us with the vision of eternity sufficient to give us purpose in every righteous, worthy activity. What a blessing!
I love you all, I pray for you all, and I hope you're all being taken care of just as much as we are out here. We'll be having another zone conference in about 2 weeks, so if you're planning on writing letters or anything and you want them to get here before December, you've got a few weeks to get that done. I'll be getting mail tomorrow, so you can expect some snail mail (or, as I like to think of it, pigeon-carrier mail since it's sometimes about that fast) in a couple weeks or so.
Otherwise, have a great week and I'll tell you all about the adventures of Elder Anderson in our next episode. You can expect some things about new investigators, a new baptismal date (:D that'll be two in two weeks!), and, if all goes well, a family!
Thanks,
Elder Anderson
Monday, November 2, 2009
Blog a Blog Blog ( Week 3 in Liberec, week 29 in Czech )
Hello Everyone!
It's been a really great week. We had zone conference on Friday, and it feels like christmas came early! We got tracting logs, family home evening kits (I've been wanting one of those for a long time), and the office elders whipped out a really slick system for reporting progress in the mission. It's cool because it integrates across the entire mission, so graphs update live as the mission updates itself. It's aimed at helping us set more effective goals each transfer and then working to fulfill those goals. I couldn't have programmed something better. ;)
Weather report for the week: It's been freezing, floating around 4 degrees C with 20 km/h winds running down off the mountains. And, it's humid. But, we're happy and healthy, so don't worry about that. I've added scarves to my wardrobe selections, so we're starting to move up from just the splash of color on a tie as we hit the christmas season. Maybe I'll look into sweaters and argyle socks sometime, but I really don't care - as long as it keeps the wind out. Elder Bown, surprisingly, has had a harder time. I actually feel really great when it's cold, but he's been feeling it cut to the bones lately. It could be because of something I haven't shared with you all yet. He's...vegetarian! We've been cooking w/o meat for a while now, and I'll add it onto my food as a garnish afterwards. I'm making do alright, an it's stretching us to higher vistas in cooking as a mission. I just worry for the day when a member dishes up anything Czech (they always use meat) in front of him. We'll see what happens in the coming weeks. In the mean time, salads are popular here in Liberec.
Baptisms are too! We extended a baptismal commitment to Soner, the Turkish German, last week. He's living a lot of the commandments already, and we'll be getting him involved with members soon enough so that he can start building that testimony that is so critical to true conversion. Baptism doesn't mean anything unless there is pure intent behind it. Otherwise, you can get the same effects by going swimming. Not a whole lot otherwise.
In addition to that, we went finding last night (after watching the priesthood session from Conference - Elder Uchtdorf is such an excellent example for everyone) and the first man we had a conversation with said he too has been feeling the push of a divine hand but hasn't known what to do. He knows us as missionaries, somewhat, and we are going to teach him tonight. He's also well established with expectations, knowing that one of the consequences of learning with us will be baptism. Stay tuned for the next two weeks of exciting progress with him!
Otherwise, I'm really happy and healthy. I'm learning a lot, my companion is too (he crashes every night, it's kind of funny how hard he's getting pushed), and we're both seeing miracles coming from the hand of the Lord.
In working here, it's becoming clearer and clearer how much of the work is our part and how much is His. Really, we just need to provide a working context for Him through which he gets his business done. We aren't here doing things for ourselves or for anyone else, for that matter. We're here for Him, and doing what he wants done. He knows who needs teaching, he knows how and why. I think it extends beyond to "real life" in that when we are doing the things that the Lord has in mind, when we are 100% aligned with his will and act on it 100% diligently, then the blessings come and they come in large measure. That is where the 100% rate of progress appears. That's a high percentage!
Good luck as we head into a new month! I'm really glad you're all doing well at home and that you're all doing so well with school, work, and the other mix of things going in life. I'm excited to see what happens in the coming days and weeks, and hope you are too! Keep praying for the missionaries - we feel it in very real, direct ways, and I hope you all get a feel for what's going on out here through these quick letters home. It's all true, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Elder Brent Anderson
It's been a really great week. We had zone conference on Friday, and it feels like christmas came early! We got tracting logs, family home evening kits (I've been wanting one of those for a long time), and the office elders whipped out a really slick system for reporting progress in the mission. It's cool because it integrates across the entire mission, so graphs update live as the mission updates itself. It's aimed at helping us set more effective goals each transfer and then working to fulfill those goals. I couldn't have programmed something better. ;)
Weather report for the week: It's been freezing, floating around 4 degrees C with 20 km/h winds running down off the mountains. And, it's humid. But, we're happy and healthy, so don't worry about that. I've added scarves to my wardrobe selections, so we're starting to move up from just the splash of color on a tie as we hit the christmas season. Maybe I'll look into sweaters and argyle socks sometime, but I really don't care - as long as it keeps the wind out. Elder Bown, surprisingly, has had a harder time. I actually feel really great when it's cold, but he's been feeling it cut to the bones lately. It could be because of something I haven't shared with you all yet. He's...vegetarian! We've been cooking w/o meat for a while now, and I'll add it onto my food as a garnish afterwards. I'm making do alright, an it's stretching us to higher vistas in cooking as a mission. I just worry for the day when a member dishes up anything Czech (they always use meat) in front of him. We'll see what happens in the coming weeks. In the mean time, salads are popular here in Liberec.
Baptisms are too! We extended a baptismal commitment to Soner, the Turkish German, last week. He's living a lot of the commandments already, and we'll be getting him involved with members soon enough so that he can start building that testimony that is so critical to true conversion. Baptism doesn't mean anything unless there is pure intent behind it. Otherwise, you can get the same effects by going swimming. Not a whole lot otherwise.
In addition to that, we went finding last night (after watching the priesthood session from Conference - Elder Uchtdorf is such an excellent example for everyone) and the first man we had a conversation with said he too has been feeling the push of a divine hand but hasn't known what to do. He knows us as missionaries, somewhat, and we are going to teach him tonight. He's also well established with expectations, knowing that one of the consequences of learning with us will be baptism. Stay tuned for the next two weeks of exciting progress with him!
Otherwise, I'm really happy and healthy. I'm learning a lot, my companion is too (he crashes every night, it's kind of funny how hard he's getting pushed), and we're both seeing miracles coming from the hand of the Lord.
In working here, it's becoming clearer and clearer how much of the work is our part and how much is His. Really, we just need to provide a working context for Him through which he gets his business done. We aren't here doing things for ourselves or for anyone else, for that matter. We're here for Him, and doing what he wants done. He knows who needs teaching, he knows how and why. I think it extends beyond to "real life" in that when we are doing the things that the Lord has in mind, when we are 100% aligned with his will and act on it 100% diligently, then the blessings come and they come in large measure. That is where the 100% rate of progress appears. That's a high percentage!
Good luck as we head into a new month! I'm really glad you're all doing well at home and that you're all doing so well with school, work, and the other mix of things going in life. I'm excited to see what happens in the coming days and weeks, and hope you are too! Keep praying for the missionaries - we feel it in very real, direct ways, and I hope you all get a feel for what's going on out here through these quick letters home. It's all true, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Elder Brent Anderson
Monday, October 26, 2009
Package mailing information
This is important information. We had some difficulty with 1 of Brent's packages and it took a long time to resolve it.
Brent's dad
Subject: Package Information for the Czech, Prague Mission
Hello Parents of Missionaries in the Czech, Prague Mission,
We’ve had some difficulties with a few packages as of recently. In an attempt to ensure that your missionaries receive your packages, we’re going to ask that you do a few things to help us.
Firstly, remember that when you address your packages, make sure you put the church’s name on the top line. Here is an example.
Církev Ježíše Krista Svatých posledních dnů -Church’s name
Starší/Sestra [Missionary’s name] -Missionary’s name
Milady Horákové 85/95 -Street Address
170 00 Praha 7 – Holešovice -Postal Code
Česká Republika – Evropa -Country
If your missionary’s name is on the top of the address and if a problem arises with the package, the mission office is not allowed to receive the package in behalf of your missionary.
Also, another difficulty, which we have recently faced, is incomplete or incorrect customs declarations. Be careful to indicate if you are sending items of value on the declarations form. It will make it more likely to be inspected; however, if an item of value isn’t declared and the package is x-rayed and inspected anyways. The package may be retained until your missionary can go to the customs office in Prague. Missionaries won’t be able to be brought into Prague just to go to the Custom’s Office to retrieve a package. It would be too expensive and take too much time.
We would also ask you to e-mail us information concerning your packages so we can identify if there will be a problem early on. You can e-mail us at misijnikancelar@gmail.com. As we handle a lot of e-mails, we ask you to subject these e-mails as follows so we can identify these e-mails quickly. “Package Information – [Shipped date] – [Recipient’s name].” We ask that you include the tracking number of the package (which is in the form of two letters, nine numbers, and two letters,) when it was shipped, and when you expect it to be delivered here. This will help us to keep track of incoming packages during the Christmas Season.
We want your missionaries to receive your packages and will do everything we can to see that this happens. If you can also forward this e-mail to anyone who may be interested in mailing packages to your missionaries as well, we would appreciate it.
Brent's dad
Subject: Package Information for the Czech, Prague Mission
Hello Parents of Missionaries in the Czech, Prague Mission,
We’ve had some difficulties with a few packages as of recently. In an attempt to ensure that your missionaries receive your packages, we’re going to ask that you do a few things to help us.
Firstly, remember that when you address your packages, make sure you put the church’s name on the top line. Here is an example.
Církev Ježíše Krista Svatých posledních dnů -Church’s name
Starší/Sestra [Missionary’s name] -Missionary’s name
Milady Horákové 85/95 -Street Address
170 00 Praha 7 – Holešovice -Postal Code
Česká Republika – Evropa -Country
If your missionary’s name is on the top of the address and if a problem arises with the package, the mission office is not allowed to receive the package in behalf of your missionary.
Also, another difficulty, which we have recently faced, is incomplete or incorrect customs declarations. Be careful to indicate if you are sending items of value on the declarations form. It will make it more likely to be inspected; however, if an item of value isn’t declared and the package is x-rayed and inspected anyways. The package may be retained until your missionary can go to the customs office in Prague. Missionaries won’t be able to be brought into Prague just to go to the Custom’s Office to retrieve a package. It would be too expensive and take too much time.
We would also ask you to e-mail us information concerning your packages so we can identify if there will be a problem early on. You can e-mail us at misijnikancelar@gmail.com. As we handle a lot of e-mails, we ask you to subject these e-mails as follows so we can identify these e-mails quickly. “Package Information – [Shipped date] – [Recipient’s name].” We ask that you include the tracking number of the package (which is in the form of two letters, nine numbers, and two letters,) when it was shipped, and when you expect it to be delivered here. This will help us to keep track of incoming packages during the Christmas Season.
We want your missionaries to receive your packages and will do everything we can to see that this happens. If you can also forward this e-mail to anyone who may be interested in mailing packages to your missionaries as well, we would appreciate it.
I'm so glad I learned German in school, but now Turkish too? ( Week 2 in Liberec, week 28 in Czech )
Hello Everyone,
So I'm really excited to report that this, our first full working week in the area, we've been practically inundated with success. Tons of great contacts, referrals, lessons, new investigators, and we've already hit standards (56 hours/week) on speaking Czech, even though Elder Bown has been here for a week and a half. Crazy! We've got two families on the plan for this evening, a man from Germany who only speaks German and Turkish that we'll be starting to teach in German (Danke Schoen, Herr Knoblaugh - I'm brushing up on my German gospel terms with Elder Bown, so we'll see how this goes; largely, German is his playing field because when I go to speak German only Czech comes out. It's really hard!), and several other contacts, former investigators, and current investigators that we'll be working with in the coming weeks. Really, the area feels like it's getting warmed up and healthy very quickly, and it's not taking any undue sacrifice or suffering to make it happen. We've been spending a lot of time on the streets and in apartment buildings talking with people, but it's coming together very well and very effectively.
As for a weather report, the snow has melted off (mostly), it's been foggy, but almost always above freezing. We're expecting it to take another plunge in the next week or so, but for now we're doing alright. We also moved into our newly furbished apartment on Thursday, so I've got my own bed again after about 2 weeks of living out of a suitcase (our last week in Třebíč we spent all over the place: I was on a Bus, in Prague, and then on the Floor for the rest of it - welcome to the glamorous world of missionary work :D). Our apartment is still not quite ready yet, as the insulation around the windows is being finished over the next few weeks and months, a few paint jobs are on hold, and we need some rugs or something, but we're happy and it's clean and rather homey.
It's interesting looking at how the Lord directs our lives and how it's our job to live correct principles and do what we know is right. In coming to Liberec, we've been trying very hard to be 100% aligned with what the Lord wants from us, and we're seeing the success from that represented by the surge in progress and activity in our area, the lessons taught, the people that were brought to us, and all these German speakers that are giving Elder Bown plenty of time to practice teaching largely on his own. I'm convinced that our absolute happiness depends on us living righteous principles, principles that unify us with Heaven which then enable the Lord to prepare events and environments around us that will promote life and growth in ways that we can't imagine. We've been asked to set at least one baptismal date by the end of this week. Although that will take considerable faith and prayer, I know it will be possible and I'll let you all know how it goes next week.
I have a quick story about a man we talked with about faith and why it's important. We stopped an older man on the street and we explained about faith and things. He went into a classic reply about how Communism destroyed the faith of people here and that materialism is the thing that people believe in. We proceeded to bear powerful testimony about True Faith, that faith does not mean that one simply leans on an invisible God who tells fairy tells and who, like a wealthy grandfather, dotes on his children at their every whim and wish. Faith is not a crutch for the weak to lean on, although it can be. Faith in the True and Living God extends also the understanding that true discipleship has a price that must be paid in trials and, as Joseph Smith put it, the "[wrenching] of your very heartstrings." God doesn't want us to simply grow fat and happy from things that we want. He wants us to give ourselves to Him so He can make us something better, something godly. This does not mean that we cannot fulfill our personal dreams and wishes, that we can't be mountain climbing enthusiasts or professional wake boarders, that we can't pursue what we want or that we are to sacrifice ourselves as martyrs. Rather, we are to profit from it immeasurably and become great through Him. We told this Man that Faith enables us to become great and that true faith does not mean that you don't have faith in yourself and that you need something to rely on. True faith means that you are so self-aware and so self-confident, that you are able to give your entire self to Him in exchange for His Glory. Really, the only ones who know that faith means seeing the complete picture of what it means to be human, both the bitter and the sweet experiences, and are able to prize that which is good because they know the infinite difference.
We told this man about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, that there is evidence you can touch and read and think about and feel and experience. He was definitely changed after our encounter. Although he declined our invitation to discover how he could change his life, we did commit him to read it and to consider it's message.
It's great being here. I love it, and I'm afraid that the time between P-day's is shrinking. Last transfer felt like less than a week, and this transfer feels like a matter of a few hours so far. It's all getting compressed together, and it's terrifying but exciting. I'm excited to see what the next week brings us, and I'm already excited to share with you all the success that we can see coming over the horizon. Good luck, and may the Lord bless you all this week. Try being better, loving more, seeing just a bit further than the things around you. The message of the Gospel is that the only important things last forever, and I hope that we all, including myself, learn to treat our most valuable possessions, the relationships we have with each other and with our Heavenly Father, as the priceless parts of our lives.
Starší Brent Anderson
So I'm really excited to report that this, our first full working week in the area, we've been practically inundated with success. Tons of great contacts, referrals, lessons, new investigators, and we've already hit standards (56 hours/week) on speaking Czech, even though Elder Bown has been here for a week and a half. Crazy! We've got two families on the plan for this evening, a man from Germany who only speaks German and Turkish that we'll be starting to teach in German (Danke Schoen, Herr Knoblaugh - I'm brushing up on my German gospel terms with Elder Bown, so we'll see how this goes; largely, German is his playing field because when I go to speak German only Czech comes out. It's really hard!), and several other contacts, former investigators, and current investigators that we'll be working with in the coming weeks. Really, the area feels like it's getting warmed up and healthy very quickly, and it's not taking any undue sacrifice or suffering to make it happen. We've been spending a lot of time on the streets and in apartment buildings talking with people, but it's coming together very well and very effectively.
As for a weather report, the snow has melted off (mostly), it's been foggy, but almost always above freezing. We're expecting it to take another plunge in the next week or so, but for now we're doing alright. We also moved into our newly furbished apartment on Thursday, so I've got my own bed again after about 2 weeks of living out of a suitcase (our last week in Třebíč we spent all over the place: I was on a Bus, in Prague, and then on the Floor for the rest of it - welcome to the glamorous world of missionary work :D). Our apartment is still not quite ready yet, as the insulation around the windows is being finished over the next few weeks and months, a few paint jobs are on hold, and we need some rugs or something, but we're happy and it's clean and rather homey.
It's interesting looking at how the Lord directs our lives and how it's our job to live correct principles and do what we know is right. In coming to Liberec, we've been trying very hard to be 100% aligned with what the Lord wants from us, and we're seeing the success from that represented by the surge in progress and activity in our area, the lessons taught, the people that were brought to us, and all these German speakers that are giving Elder Bown plenty of time to practice teaching largely on his own. I'm convinced that our absolute happiness depends on us living righteous principles, principles that unify us with Heaven which then enable the Lord to prepare events and environments around us that will promote life and growth in ways that we can't imagine. We've been asked to set at least one baptismal date by the end of this week. Although that will take considerable faith and prayer, I know it will be possible and I'll let you all know how it goes next week.
I have a quick story about a man we talked with about faith and why it's important. We stopped an older man on the street and we explained about faith and things. He went into a classic reply about how Communism destroyed the faith of people here and that materialism is the thing that people believe in. We proceeded to bear powerful testimony about True Faith, that faith does not mean that one simply leans on an invisible God who tells fairy tells and who, like a wealthy grandfather, dotes on his children at their every whim and wish. Faith is not a crutch for the weak to lean on, although it can be. Faith in the True and Living God extends also the understanding that true discipleship has a price that must be paid in trials and, as Joseph Smith put it, the "[wrenching] of your very heartstrings." God doesn't want us to simply grow fat and happy from things that we want. He wants us to give ourselves to Him so He can make us something better, something godly. This does not mean that we cannot fulfill our personal dreams and wishes, that we can't be mountain climbing enthusiasts or professional wake boarders, that we can't pursue what we want or that we are to sacrifice ourselves as martyrs. Rather, we are to profit from it immeasurably and become great through Him. We told this Man that Faith enables us to become great and that true faith does not mean that you don't have faith in yourself and that you need something to rely on. True faith means that you are so self-aware and so self-confident, that you are able to give your entire self to Him in exchange for His Glory. Really, the only ones who know that faith means seeing the complete picture of what it means to be human, both the bitter and the sweet experiences, and are able to prize that which is good because they know the infinite difference.
We told this man about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, that there is evidence you can touch and read and think about and feel and experience. He was definitely changed after our encounter. Although he declined our invitation to discover how he could change his life, we did commit him to read it and to consider it's message.
It's great being here. I love it, and I'm afraid that the time between P-day's is shrinking. Last transfer felt like less than a week, and this transfer feels like a matter of a few hours so far. It's all getting compressed together, and it's terrifying but exciting. I'm excited to see what the next week brings us, and I'm already excited to share with you all the success that we can see coming over the horizon. Good luck, and may the Lord bless you all this week. Try being better, loving more, seeing just a bit further than the things around you. The message of the Gospel is that the only important things last forever, and I hope that we all, including myself, learn to treat our most valuable possessions, the relationships we have with each other and with our Heavenly Father, as the priceless parts of our lives.
Starší Brent Anderson
Monday, October 19, 2009
New horizons, with winter approaching ( Week 1 in Liberec, week 27 in Czech )
Hello Everyone!
It's been a rather interesting week here in Liberec. I'll start off from Tuesday and let you know what's been going on.
Tuesday: I was mostly packed, and we had a ton of lessons. Taught english, tied up loose ends, and started emotionally preparing myself to pick up a new greenie. We had a small party (Elder Lance from Jihlava was alone since his companion, Elder Hicken, had to go to prague early for office training) and got everything packed. 4:30 arrives, and I started getting myself ready and out the door with the other two elders for my bus at 6:00. It was cold, but not too bad. It had snowed a little on Tuesday, but nothing significant. I watched the sun come up on the Czech plains and then we started winding up towards Prague. Mountain passes turned into snowy mountain passes full of traffic, and the bus started to get delayed. We made it safely to Florenc in Prague where I hopped off, grabbed my stowed luggage, and started heading towards the metro. The subway in Prague is just fun to ride and handle, but you can imagine how much more fun it gets trying to take care of your life in three small suitcases. Pretty exciting, hauling luggage up and down stairs. I remember it was harder earlier, so my hard-core exercise routine (aka. a couple of push-ups and a set of situps followed by some reps lifting weights) has started paying off. Imagine me dressed in my overcoat, suit coat, and my normal missionary garb, strong-arming two full suitcases with a carryon under my arm and a backpack full of books, running up and down staircases to catch metro stops and you'll get the idea. I was exhausted. I showed up for the trainer meeting just in time, but to my dismay half of the group was visa waiting for a day and would be arriving at 3 on Wednesday. So, I got to serve in Prague for a day! We spent the day helping people to stop smoking, teaching the restoration, and singing primary songs with families, all the while running around Prague, popping out of the metro, hopping on buses, using trams, running across namestis. It was really intense, and I had a blast serving with my temporary companion, Elder Johnson (He was actually a clothes model before his mission, so I picked up a few style tips while there :P). I spent the night with him and then we headed back to the building in the morning to pick up our missionaries. I'd reserved bus tickets for 3 and was ready to pick up and move out again. So, we got to the building, and I ran into Elder Osborn - one of the waiting missionaries. Yes, THE Elder Osborn, the one I went to high school with, saw around college, marched with American Fork with, and took math classes with. He's in the Czech Republic, Czech Speaking. Pretty darn sweet. It was good to see him. We had our meeting with the President and his wife and assignments were made. "Let's start with Elder Anderson - Elder Anderson will be serving up in the cold land of Liberec with.....Elder Bown!" I tackled my greenie with a hug, and we got plenty of great pictures.
So, Elder Bown is an American who was raised in Geneva, Switzerland, and that's where he calls "home." He speaks English, German, and French fluently, and has a really good attitude trying to learn and speak Czech because of it. It's really exciting having another German speaker around (turns out that Elder Weser, one of the other elders in Liberec, speaks German fluently because his dad is German, so we're tearing up the German work here as well as Czech). He's really enthusiastic, has high hopes and high expectations, and is ready to work. He's also willing to put up with a lot, as you'll see in a minute.
So, we had lunch, got to know each other a bit (he studied at BYU and wants to be a dentist, likes swimming, and loves reading), and caught our bus from the other end of Prague after another round of "run around Prague with luggage". The bus trip was comfortable, but when we approached Liberec we landed in a blizzard, with everything coated in about a foot and a half of white stuff. Lots of snow and slush. Elder Young, the district leader, and elder Weser were both waiting for us and helped us get to our apartment in Liberec South. After getting lost for a while, we hauled our luggage to the top of an apartment building to our new home. I didn't think to much of it at the time, but I noticed that some of the fixtures were taken apart and a few paint cans were on the floor. But, we had an English class to teach at 5, so we ran out the door and back into the center. After English, we had district meeting, set goals (I'll be earning my next language level this transfer along with the rest of the district), and headed home to unpack. We got lost again, finally found our apartment, and headed up to the top of the building. As we walked in, elder Bown sat down to relax for a second, but I quickly assessed the situation. Paint cans...ladders...missing fixtures...and work clothes. The apartment wasn't ready yet and was under construction still! Furniture was disassembled, paint was drying, and it was overall unlivable. A few phone calls to the office and some quick decisions later, and we were headed back out the door with soaking wet luggage into the snow to make it back to the other elder's apartment. We're still staying there now, actually, living out of our luggage, with Elder Bown sleeping on the couch and me curled up on a warm spot on the floor on a pad made of old blankets (they heat the buildings here with hot water, and I think the pipes bend where I'm set up, so it's nice). It's kind of fun, really, and we're really unified as a district already. Unfortunately, some of my books and most of my letters got soaked in the deluge, but most everything was salvageable and we're high and dry again. The snow is starting to melt off, but it's certainly looking to be an interesting "fall" into winter.
We've already started contacting, met the members (the branch here is great), and Elder Bown is hard at work on mastering the language. He's doing a great job already, and is doing most of the speaking when we start our contacts now. We're setting up to meet our investigators and to get contact with some of our potential investigators, and it's looking to be a very exciting, successful transfer. Of note, we went tracting Friday night as a district (which was a blast), and Elder Bown got his first "The police are waiting for you downstairs" being-yelled at experience. He handled it well (of course, no one was waiting downstairs), and we found a new family, an older woman, and one of our English students there. Overall, we're being taken care of by the lord, and we are looking ahead to some great successes this transfer.
I'm sending off mail today, including some birthday cards and letter replies. They were supposed to go out last week, but unfortunately packing took a slightly higher priority. In the mean time, I hope you all have a great week and I look forward to telling you about our coming successes this week. I did get to see Sunday conference on Saturday, and my favorites were easily Elders Holland, Nelson, and especially Elder Christofferson. Really good talk on moral agency, really sad how people just don't understand themselves or their environment to realize that everything does point back to a God in heaven. But, I guess it's my job to help people open there eyes to that and what that means to them personally.
Love and miss you all,
Elder Brent Anderson
It's been a rather interesting week here in Liberec. I'll start off from Tuesday and let you know what's been going on.
Tuesday: I was mostly packed, and we had a ton of lessons. Taught english, tied up loose ends, and started emotionally preparing myself to pick up a new greenie. We had a small party (Elder Lance from Jihlava was alone since his companion, Elder Hicken, had to go to prague early for office training) and got everything packed. 4:30 arrives, and I started getting myself ready and out the door with the other two elders for my bus at 6:00. It was cold, but not too bad. It had snowed a little on Tuesday, but nothing significant. I watched the sun come up on the Czech plains and then we started winding up towards Prague. Mountain passes turned into snowy mountain passes full of traffic, and the bus started to get delayed. We made it safely to Florenc in Prague where I hopped off, grabbed my stowed luggage, and started heading towards the metro. The subway in Prague is just fun to ride and handle, but you can imagine how much more fun it gets trying to take care of your life in three small suitcases. Pretty exciting, hauling luggage up and down stairs. I remember it was harder earlier, so my hard-core exercise routine (aka. a couple of push-ups and a set of situps followed by some reps lifting weights) has started paying off. Imagine me dressed in my overcoat, suit coat, and my normal missionary garb, strong-arming two full suitcases with a carryon under my arm and a backpack full of books, running up and down staircases to catch metro stops and you'll get the idea. I was exhausted. I showed up for the trainer meeting just in time, but to my dismay half of the group was visa waiting for a day and would be arriving at 3 on Wednesday. So, I got to serve in Prague for a day! We spent the day helping people to stop smoking, teaching the restoration, and singing primary songs with families, all the while running around Prague, popping out of the metro, hopping on buses, using trams, running across namestis. It was really intense, and I had a blast serving with my temporary companion, Elder Johnson (He was actually a clothes model before his mission, so I picked up a few style tips while there :P). I spent the night with him and then we headed back to the building in the morning to pick up our missionaries. I'd reserved bus tickets for 3 and was ready to pick up and move out again. So, we got to the building, and I ran into Elder Osborn - one of the waiting missionaries. Yes, THE Elder Osborn, the one I went to high school with, saw around college, marched with American Fork with, and took math classes with. He's in the Czech Republic, Czech Speaking. Pretty darn sweet. It was good to see him. We had our meeting with the President and his wife and assignments were made. "Let's start with Elder Anderson - Elder Anderson will be serving up in the cold land of Liberec with.....Elder Bown!" I tackled my greenie with a hug, and we got plenty of great pictures.
So, Elder Bown is an American who was raised in Geneva, Switzerland, and that's where he calls "home." He speaks English, German, and French fluently, and has a really good attitude trying to learn and speak Czech because of it. It's really exciting having another German speaker around (turns out that Elder Weser, one of the other elders in Liberec, speaks German fluently because his dad is German, so we're tearing up the German work here as well as Czech). He's really enthusiastic, has high hopes and high expectations, and is ready to work. He's also willing to put up with a lot, as you'll see in a minute.
So, we had lunch, got to know each other a bit (he studied at BYU and wants to be a dentist, likes swimming, and loves reading), and caught our bus from the other end of Prague after another round of "run around Prague with luggage". The bus trip was comfortable, but when we approached Liberec we landed in a blizzard, with everything coated in about a foot and a half of white stuff. Lots of snow and slush. Elder Young, the district leader, and elder Weser were both waiting for us and helped us get to our apartment in Liberec South. After getting lost for a while, we hauled our luggage to the top of an apartment building to our new home. I didn't think to much of it at the time, but I noticed that some of the fixtures were taken apart and a few paint cans were on the floor. But, we had an English class to teach at 5, so we ran out the door and back into the center. After English, we had district meeting, set goals (I'll be earning my next language level this transfer along with the rest of the district), and headed home to unpack. We got lost again, finally found our apartment, and headed up to the top of the building. As we walked in, elder Bown sat down to relax for a second, but I quickly assessed the situation. Paint cans...ladders...missing fixtures...and work clothes. The apartment wasn't ready yet and was under construction still! Furniture was disassembled, paint was drying, and it was overall unlivable. A few phone calls to the office and some quick decisions later, and we were headed back out the door with soaking wet luggage into the snow to make it back to the other elder's apartment. We're still staying there now, actually, living out of our luggage, with Elder Bown sleeping on the couch and me curled up on a warm spot on the floor on a pad made of old blankets (they heat the buildings here with hot water, and I think the pipes bend where I'm set up, so it's nice). It's kind of fun, really, and we're really unified as a district already. Unfortunately, some of my books and most of my letters got soaked in the deluge, but most everything was salvageable and we're high and dry again. The snow is starting to melt off, but it's certainly looking to be an interesting "fall" into winter.
We've already started contacting, met the members (the branch here is great), and Elder Bown is hard at work on mastering the language. He's doing a great job already, and is doing most of the speaking when we start our contacts now. We're setting up to meet our investigators and to get contact with some of our potential investigators, and it's looking to be a very exciting, successful transfer. Of note, we went tracting Friday night as a district (which was a blast), and Elder Bown got his first "The police are waiting for you downstairs" being-yelled at experience. He handled it well (of course, no one was waiting downstairs), and we found a new family, an older woman, and one of our English students there. Overall, we're being taken care of by the lord, and we are looking ahead to some great successes this transfer.
I'm sending off mail today, including some birthday cards and letter replies. They were supposed to go out last week, but unfortunately packing took a slightly higher priority. In the mean time, I hope you all have a great week and I look forward to telling you about our coming successes this week. I did get to see Sunday conference on Saturday, and my favorites were easily Elders Holland, Nelson, and especially Elder Christofferson. Really good talk on moral agency, really sad how people just don't understand themselves or their environment to realize that everything does point back to a God in heaven. But, I guess it's my job to help people open there eyes to that and what that means to them personally.
Love and miss you all,
Elder Brent Anderson
Monday, October 12, 2009
Post updated
Sorry for the additional post. I mistakenly put the wrong timeline on the post title. It is now corrected.
Brent's occasionally muddled dad
Brent's occasionally muddled dad
Excitement, Fear and Trepidation ( Week 8 in Třebíč, Week 26 in Czech )
Hello Everyone!
I have a few items of business. First, I was shocked to hear about the American Fork High School band bus accident. My heart goes out to the Christenson family and to everyone involved in the miracle called the AF Band Program. I had the opportunity to work with Ms. Christenson, and she was a fantastic teacher and mentor for the flute students as well as the band as a whole.
On a happier note, we have transfers coming soon. Actually, this week. Today is technically the first day of the transfer, and we just received our new assignments, as well as some phone calls. That dreaded phone call, that brief ring, the recognition that President Slováček is on the line, and then the request. "How are you doing Elder?" "Well, I'm doing fine president" (Half-truth: You know that something is coming, so your heart is in your throat! You know it will be right, but the unexpected is always exciting and unnerving!) "That's good to hear. I've been praying long and hard about this assignment, and I've decided to send you to Liberec. You'll be opening a new area, and I need you to do your best to get the work moving as soon as possible. It's really cold up there in the winter, more so than elsewhere in the country, so be sure to bring your woollens." Elder anderson sighs "Whew! That doesn't sound too bad. Winter weather is my favorite. "And in addition to that," (Sudden tensing)
"We'd like you to blind in with a new missionary. (Blinding in means opening a new area from scratch) Will you train for us?"
Suddenly, Elder Anderson freaks out. The words of Elder Perry at Mission Conference return to his mind. "The most vital missionary in the formula is the trainer. If they do well, the mission does well. If they don't do well, however..." Elder Anderson abrupts the thought, as he knows the consequences of poor training are terrible indeed.
"Well, if you think I'm up to it president, then I know I can."
The phone call concluded shortly thereafter, and Elder Anderson starts thinking about his bag packing, his trip to prague, and his new work with a new greenie. It's interesting, because I've had some thoughts about both Liberec and new missionaries for the last month, but I thought that it was just pre-transfer fears. Turns out I was right, and that I'll be heading into the beautiful Czech christmas season with a new missionary, a new area, and a new responsibility. As always, I feel your prayers, but if you could turn up the volume so He can hear that much better, I'd appreciate it. I have no idea how I'm going to do this. At risk of sounding silly, 1 Nephi 3:7 comes to mind, but I still have no idea how this is going to go down. Here we go!
In interest of packing time and the oncoming craziness of getting my life stuffed into two suitcases again, I'm going to share some thoughts from a letter home recently. I hope this will help you in your realization of your place in our father's plan as well as what it means for us.
Something neat I realized last week is that there is a deeper motivation to the plan of salvation than what we sometimes consider. For instance, if we understand the plan of salvation to be all about us doing what God wants because God wants it, about going to the celestial kingdom because God says so, then we aren't quite seeing the big picture still. I was having a rather rough day (because I asked for it in prayer - warning: if you ask for God to help you take a step, he'll take off the training wheels and give you a good push so that you can go, fall, and get his help again; it works every time :P) and was feeling incredible sorrow for things. It was in a godly way, not in a self pity sense. So many people without the gospel, so many people who just aren't getting it, my own state of weakness and the need for the atonement. We really are like the handcart pioneers, trapped in coves of snow, and not even of our own effort. We then had a lesson with a woman who is very confused and very catholic. We addressed praying and the Lord's prayer as a model prayer, not The prayer to be recited. When I mentioned that something we should do when praying is forgive others, she freaked out. "NO! No! I will not forgive people who have done..." and then she listed all these things she's bitter for. She went off! I just sat there and watched her in her place as she stunted her spiritual growth. And, of course, nothing I could do would make a difference. We're meeting with her again, but she was so bitter that I could barely stand it. Magnified by my emotional state, I started wondering: Why does it matter? Is it worth it? Seems like going to heaven just means an infinity of problems and suffering, and infinity of taking care of children you may never see again. Is it worth it?
In the midst of all this thinking and feeling, I felt the spirit nudge me. This entire experience was directed by the spirit, and I knew I'd be alright, but it was still hard to consider the hard facts. Is everything I'm doing worth it? And then the spirit suggested this: That's not the right question. The correct question that builds everything from the ground up is "What do I want?" What is it that I, as an agent, want? Do I want the telestial kingdom? Terestrial glory? Do I want to spend my life doing something else? I could? Why not? And then I realized something I already knew, but as an even broader principle. "Ask and ye shall receive. Seek and ye shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you." God gives us exactly what we want. If I child honestly wanted coal for christmas, would a parent bother him with a shiny new bike? Thus, the question is "What do I want, because if it's what I want, then I will get it and I will pay whatever price is asked." Then, the greatest miracle of all happens. We realize that the only way to do that is by giving God the one thing he doesn't have. He doesn't have our agency. We are free agents unto ourselves to choose light or darkness, but the greatest miracle happens when exact opposites are playing out upon us, pulling equally and oppositely on us, and we take our one grain of agency that we possess, place it on the scales, and say "I will be a child of one of these. I choose God!" And the scales of that choice tip, even though your agency is just a grain of sand. I'm doing this because I want it, and no other force in the universe can change that!
That's precisely what the savior did. "I'll do this, because thou hast given me this cup. If there is another one, I'll take it, but I love you, and I choose to take my personal grain of agency, the one thing that is uniquely mine (since God owns all the gold and land and planets and stars anyway), and I'll give it to you." Perhaps our own worship of God takes on a new meaning at this point. Worship was defined by Elder McConkie as emulation. As we are like God, we worship him. But when we emulate him and we give him the gift of ourselves, our agency, our commitment to not be a free agent like a free post high school athlete but to sign a contract, as it were, and to put ourselves on His terms for His rewards, we are doing it because We want to. Otherwise, we can do a mountain of good in the lives around us, but it won't do anything for us. We will not change if we don't give up what is ours, even if we are moving mountains. Perhaps that is why faith moves mountains, hope survives death, but Charity lasts for eternity and, if you don't have it, then the other two don't matter. An army of men can move a mountain, and everyone will get resurrected, but who gets to live for eternity? Only those who give everything, themselves, for it.
Well, I'm terrified, but excited. It's going to be a very very exciting, challenging, and adventure filled transfer. I'm so excited I can barely sit in my chair!
Good luck everyone, I hope you have just as much fun this week choosing what you want as I am. :)
Elder Brent Anderson
I have a few items of business. First, I was shocked to hear about the American Fork High School band bus accident. My heart goes out to the Christenson family and to everyone involved in the miracle called the AF Band Program. I had the opportunity to work with Ms. Christenson, and she was a fantastic teacher and mentor for the flute students as well as the band as a whole.
On a happier note, we have transfers coming soon. Actually, this week. Today is technically the first day of the transfer, and we just received our new assignments, as well as some phone calls. That dreaded phone call, that brief ring, the recognition that President Slováček is on the line, and then the request. "How are you doing Elder?" "Well, I'm doing fine president" (Half-truth: You know that something is coming, so your heart is in your throat! You know it will be right, but the unexpected is always exciting and unnerving!) "That's good to hear. I've been praying long and hard about this assignment, and I've decided to send you to Liberec. You'll be opening a new area, and I need you to do your best to get the work moving as soon as possible. It's really cold up there in the winter, more so than elsewhere in the country, so be sure to bring your woollens." Elder anderson sighs "Whew! That doesn't sound too bad. Winter weather is my favorite. "And in addition to that," (Sudden tensing)
"We'd like you to blind in with a new missionary. (Blinding in means opening a new area from scratch) Will you train for us?"
Suddenly, Elder Anderson freaks out. The words of Elder Perry at Mission Conference return to his mind. "The most vital missionary in the formula is the trainer. If they do well, the mission does well. If they don't do well, however..." Elder Anderson abrupts the thought, as he knows the consequences of poor training are terrible indeed.
"Well, if you think I'm up to it president, then I know I can."
The phone call concluded shortly thereafter, and Elder Anderson starts thinking about his bag packing, his trip to prague, and his new work with a new greenie. It's interesting, because I've had some thoughts about both Liberec and new missionaries for the last month, but I thought that it was just pre-transfer fears. Turns out I was right, and that I'll be heading into the beautiful Czech christmas season with a new missionary, a new area, and a new responsibility. As always, I feel your prayers, but if you could turn up the volume so He can hear that much better, I'd appreciate it. I have no idea how I'm going to do this. At risk of sounding silly, 1 Nephi 3:7 comes to mind, but I still have no idea how this is going to go down. Here we go!
In interest of packing time and the oncoming craziness of getting my life stuffed into two suitcases again, I'm going to share some thoughts from a letter home recently. I hope this will help you in your realization of your place in our father's plan as well as what it means for us.
Something neat I realized last week is that there is a deeper motivation to the plan of salvation than what we sometimes consider. For instance, if we understand the plan of salvation to be all about us doing what God wants because God wants it, about going to the celestial kingdom because God says so, then we aren't quite seeing the big picture still. I was having a rather rough day (because I asked for it in prayer - warning: if you ask for God to help you take a step, he'll take off the training wheels and give you a good push so that you can go, fall, and get his help again; it works every time :P) and was feeling incredible sorrow for things. It was in a godly way, not in a self pity sense. So many people without the gospel, so many people who just aren't getting it, my own state of weakness and the need for the atonement. We really are like the handcart pioneers, trapped in coves of snow, and not even of our own effort. We then had a lesson with a woman who is very confused and very catholic. We addressed praying and the Lord's prayer as a model prayer, not The prayer to be recited. When I mentioned that something we should do when praying is forgive others, she freaked out. "NO! No! I will not forgive people who have done..." and then she listed all these things she's bitter for. She went off! I just sat there and watched her in her place as she stunted her spiritual growth. And, of course, nothing I could do would make a difference. We're meeting with her again, but she was so bitter that I could barely stand it. Magnified by my emotional state, I started wondering: Why does it matter? Is it worth it? Seems like going to heaven just means an infinity of problems and suffering, and infinity of taking care of children you may never see again. Is it worth it?
In the midst of all this thinking and feeling, I felt the spirit nudge me. This entire experience was directed by the spirit, and I knew I'd be alright, but it was still hard to consider the hard facts. Is everything I'm doing worth it? And then the spirit suggested this: That's not the right question. The correct question that builds everything from the ground up is "What do I want?" What is it that I, as an agent, want? Do I want the telestial kingdom? Terestrial glory? Do I want to spend my life doing something else? I could? Why not? And then I realized something I already knew, but as an even broader principle. "Ask and ye shall receive. Seek and ye shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you." God gives us exactly what we want. If I child honestly wanted coal for christmas, would a parent bother him with a shiny new bike? Thus, the question is "What do I want, because if it's what I want, then I will get it and I will pay whatever price is asked." Then, the greatest miracle of all happens. We realize that the only way to do that is by giving God the one thing he doesn't have. He doesn't have our agency. We are free agents unto ourselves to choose light or darkness, but the greatest miracle happens when exact opposites are playing out upon us, pulling equally and oppositely on us, and we take our one grain of agency that we possess, place it on the scales, and say "I will be a child of one of these. I choose God!" And the scales of that choice tip, even though your agency is just a grain of sand. I'm doing this because I want it, and no other force in the universe can change that!
That's precisely what the savior did. "I'll do this, because thou hast given me this cup. If there is another one, I'll take it, but I love you, and I choose to take my personal grain of agency, the one thing that is uniquely mine (since God owns all the gold and land and planets and stars anyway), and I'll give it to you." Perhaps our own worship of God takes on a new meaning at this point. Worship was defined by Elder McConkie as emulation. As we are like God, we worship him. But when we emulate him and we give him the gift of ourselves, our agency, our commitment to not be a free agent like a free post high school athlete but to sign a contract, as it were, and to put ourselves on His terms for His rewards, we are doing it because We want to. Otherwise, we can do a mountain of good in the lives around us, but it won't do anything for us. We will not change if we don't give up what is ours, even if we are moving mountains. Perhaps that is why faith moves mountains, hope survives death, but Charity lasts for eternity and, if you don't have it, then the other two don't matter. An army of men can move a mountain, and everyone will get resurrected, but who gets to live for eternity? Only those who give everything, themselves, for it.
Well, I'm terrified, but excited. It's going to be a very very exciting, challenging, and adventure filled transfer. I'm so excited I can barely sit in my chair!
Good luck everyone, I hope you have just as much fun this week choosing what you want as I am. :)
Elder Brent Anderson
Monday, October 5, 2009
A few photos for your viewing pleasure
Sorry for the delay in posting these photos. I was on a business trip last week and didn't have the means to do it. Enjoy, Starší Brent's dad
Starší Brent
Starší Machado
Beautiful view
Stuffed peppers for lunch
Trebic street
Czech Book of Mormon
Czech Book of Mormon title page
Czech Autumn ( Week 7 in Třebíč, Week 25 in Czech )
Hello Everyone,
We welcome you to the 35th weekly general letter of Elder Anderson of the Czech Prague Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This letter is provided as a public service for all of you who aren't here to try and help you keep catch a glimpse of what's going on here in the Czech Republic. What an exciting place to be right now! I've got some very important news for you all. While President Monson was announcing the next 5 temples (bringing the church to a total of 151 operating or in-progress temples), we were celebrating over here. Last week, actually with the baptisms in Jihlava two Saturdays ago, the baptismal total for the year 2009 crested 100. This represents over 300% growth since 2007 with 29 baptisms, and 69 baptisms in 2008. With the Lord's help, we are presently on track to finish the next 3 months of the year and crest to another doubling of statistics with at least 138 baptisms. How exciting! And how exciting to consider that, of those 100, I've been blessed with 3 people I've personally taught, another 2 that I've known and helped more indirectly, Iva this weekend, and several others who are also scheduled for the coming weekend. How remarkable!
I've been thinking about what I'd like to write home about this week, and I keep coming back to an experience we had on Wednesday. As it is an involved and in-depth experience, I will refer you to an excerpt from my report to President Slováček this week.
"We had an interesting experience on Wednesday, president, wherein both Elder Machado and I were on the same spiritual/mental page all day long. I'd say something; he'd say "I was just thinking about that." He'd suggest something, and I would have already decided we needed to do it too. Rewinding to last Wednesday, we were set up to go out finding for several hours to try and fill in our teaching pool. The rest of our week's schedule was rather full already and we knew our finding time would be crucial to our success for the rest of the week. We went out, looking for a man we had contacted the week before and who we know takes a certain bus at a time of day. After waiting for a few minutes, we both felt impressed to take a path we usually take when contacting where there are many people on their way to and from the naměstí . He wasn't there either, and no one was interested in our contacting. A little bruised from the seemingly pointless path, we both knew we were there for a reason, so we started making a circuit around that area. Nothing. Then, we both felt inspired to go visit the librarian, a former investigator. We headed up to the library (with no successful contacts along the way). As we looked around the corner, we saw that she wasn't working that day and that a stranger was sitting in her desk. As we thought about the experience, we started heading up the street again, looking for anybody to contact. No one was there. We finally got to talk to a lady for about 15 seconds (a record that day), before she said she had to go to work and that "maybe next time" we could talk. Our hour of finding had expired and we had a schedule to keep, so we started on our way home. We passed a man who looked somewhat homeless, wearing a sweater and carrying a hip backpack. I thought he was too far out of the way to contact, but Elder Machado considered it. Because homeless people are generally neither the best kingdom builders nor investigators, he decided to skip the man. But then he felt overpoweringly guilty and, as he told me how he felt, we determined to go back and find him. We turned back and, with some searching, found the man and contacted him. 30 minutes and one new investigator later, the man had heard the message of the restoration and had a spark of hope in his otherwise worn countenance. He told us how he had once been rescued by an indescribable light when drowning as a child, something he said he'd never shared with anyone before. Finally, he decided to come to church on Sunday. Sunday arrived, and he didn't come, but Elder Machado felt we'd find him again. After church, we went out finding. No one was there, literally. The streets were empty, except for one man about 300 feet from us down another street. When Elder Machado saw him, he said "I'll bet you $1000 that's him!" We hurried to catch up and, of course, it was. He had wanted to come to church, but his bus didn't come in on time and he didn't make it into town until 11. His return bus home didn't come for several hours, so he was just taking a walk. We brought him to the building, he expressed his desire to get the Book of Mormon and read it, we discussed the Book of Mormon in detail, and he again got lit up by the message and teachings. We're set up to teach him again today, and I'm excited. He knows he's investigating, and he was found under spiritual guidance and influence- twice! I'm excited to see what potential this man has in the kingdom, even if he looked like he was homeless. I suppose that our judgement of others must always be done in righteousness and by the power of the spirit. Otherwise, we could be shorting ourselves on powerful, faith building experiences."
How remarkable that the Lord would orchestrate everything, even the people that wouldn't talk to us, so we could find "the one." We have an appointment with this man, Františkék, at 3 today, perhaps around the time that you'll all be reading this. It's really been a fantastic week this week, one that's led me to a lot of reflection on my own relationship with the Savior. Out of all of the things that I could be doing with my mission, be it learning a language or baptizing others, memorizing scriptures, and being a leader, the most important thing for me personally is coming to know my Savior. That relationship with him, really the relationships that we have in general, are the only things that last and have any duration. Everything else is temporary, but our relationships and knowledge of Him can have an influence that lasts a lifetime. Elder McConkie once remarked that pure worship is emulation, that when we emulate God we are worshipping him in the truest, purest sense. Since we don't pray to Christ, since he is our mediator but sometimes seems to be a more accessory role to our divine relationships, could it be that the other side of the conversation begins when we try to emulate Him? Perhaps that entire chapter of Preach My Gospel, chapter 6 on Christ-like Attributes, is there for a reason - because without being like Him, without emulating His example, it is quite impossible to deliver His message, be a conduit for His light and influence. Truly, we cannot come to know Him until we can see Him in ourselves. I pray that over the coming weeks and months that I may be more suited and adapted to becoming like Him instead of trying to hang onto myself. When it comes down to it, the Lord isn't interested in our tithing or in the real estate of all those temples. He owns it all anyway. That piece of ourselves that is uniquely ours, our agency, is the only thing we can offer to him. Perhaps in our sacrifice of self to Him for His cause, The Cause, and in our efforts to emulate His example, that is how we perfectly worship Him and become more of what He wants of us. Perhaps that is the way that all things may be ordered in our lives despite the chaos that we see around us.
Maybe my thoughtfulness today is prompted by the date. It's been 8 months since I started my mission now, 8 out of the full 25 we are blessed with here in the Czech Republic (yes, 25 - we're some of the lucky ones :D ). As I approach the next 1/3 of my mission, I have to say that if it were only 8 months, it would be enough. I've seen enough miracles in the lives of others to justify these eight months, and I'm very grateful for the remaining difference. 17 months is not much time, but it's His time and I'm privileged enough to get to use it for Him in His stead.
I hope you all enjoyed Conference and that you're enjoying the change in the weather as much as I am. It's getting colder over here, and it feels great. Enjoy your week, everyone. Next week I'll have details about District Conference with Elder Kerr as well as Iva's baptism. I love and miss you all, and look forward to what this week has for everyone.
Elder Brent Anderson
We welcome you to the 35th weekly general letter of Elder Anderson of the Czech Prague Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This letter is provided as a public service for all of you who aren't here to try and help you keep catch a glimpse of what's going on here in the Czech Republic. What an exciting place to be right now! I've got some very important news for you all. While President Monson was announcing the next 5 temples (bringing the church to a total of 151 operating or in-progress temples), we were celebrating over here. Last week, actually with the baptisms in Jihlava two Saturdays ago, the baptismal total for the year 2009 crested 100. This represents over 300% growth since 2007 with 29 baptisms, and 69 baptisms in 2008. With the Lord's help, we are presently on track to finish the next 3 months of the year and crest to another doubling of statistics with at least 138 baptisms. How exciting! And how exciting to consider that, of those 100, I've been blessed with 3 people I've personally taught, another 2 that I've known and helped more indirectly, Iva this weekend, and several others who are also scheduled for the coming weekend. How remarkable!
I've been thinking about what I'd like to write home about this week, and I keep coming back to an experience we had on Wednesday. As it is an involved and in-depth experience, I will refer you to an excerpt from my report to President Slováček this week.
"We had an interesting experience on Wednesday, president, wherein both Elder Machado and I were on the same spiritual/mental page all day long. I'd say something; he'd say "I was just thinking about that." He'd suggest something, and I would have already decided we needed to do it too. Rewinding to last Wednesday, we were set up to go out finding for several hours to try and fill in our teaching pool. The rest of our week's schedule was rather full already and we knew our finding time would be crucial to our success for the rest of the week. We went out, looking for a man we had contacted the week before and who we know takes a certain bus at a time of day. After waiting for a few minutes, we both felt impressed to take a path we usually take when contacting where there are many people on their way to and from the naměstí . He wasn't there either, and no one was interested in our contacting. A little bruised from the seemingly pointless path, we both knew we were there for a reason, so we started making a circuit around that area. Nothing. Then, we both felt inspired to go visit the librarian, a former investigator. We headed up to the library (with no successful contacts along the way). As we looked around the corner, we saw that she wasn't working that day and that a stranger was sitting in her desk. As we thought about the experience, we started heading up the street again, looking for anybody to contact. No one was there. We finally got to talk to a lady for about 15 seconds (a record that day), before she said she had to go to work and that "maybe next time" we could talk. Our hour of finding had expired and we had a schedule to keep, so we started on our way home. We passed a man who looked somewhat homeless, wearing a sweater and carrying a hip backpack. I thought he was too far out of the way to contact, but Elder Machado considered it. Because homeless people are generally neither the best kingdom builders nor investigators, he decided to skip the man. But then he felt overpoweringly guilty and, as he told me how he felt, we determined to go back and find him. We turned back and, with some searching, found the man and contacted him. 30 minutes and one new investigator later, the man had heard the message of the restoration and had a spark of hope in his otherwise worn countenance. He told us how he had once been rescued by an indescribable light when drowning as a child, something he said he'd never shared with anyone before. Finally, he decided to come to church on Sunday. Sunday arrived, and he didn't come, but Elder Machado felt we'd find him again. After church, we went out finding. No one was there, literally. The streets were empty, except for one man about 300 feet from us down another street. When Elder Machado saw him, he said "I'll bet you $1000 that's him!" We hurried to catch up and, of course, it was. He had wanted to come to church, but his bus didn't come in on time and he didn't make it into town until 11. His return bus home didn't come for several hours, so he was just taking a walk. We brought him to the building, he expressed his desire to get the Book of Mormon and read it, we discussed the Book of Mormon in detail, and he again got lit up by the message and teachings. We're set up to teach him again today, and I'm excited. He knows he's investigating, and he was found under spiritual guidance and influence- twice! I'm excited to see what potential this man has in the kingdom, even if he looked like he was homeless. I suppose that our judgement of others must always be done in righteousness and by the power of the spirit. Otherwise, we could be shorting ourselves on powerful, faith building experiences."
How remarkable that the Lord would orchestrate everything, even the people that wouldn't talk to us, so we could find "the one." We have an appointment with this man, Františkék, at 3 today, perhaps around the time that you'll all be reading this. It's really been a fantastic week this week, one that's led me to a lot of reflection on my own relationship with the Savior. Out of all of the things that I could be doing with my mission, be it learning a language or baptizing others, memorizing scriptures, and being a leader, the most important thing for me personally is coming to know my Savior. That relationship with him, really the relationships that we have in general, are the only things that last and have any duration. Everything else is temporary, but our relationships and knowledge of Him can have an influence that lasts a lifetime. Elder McConkie once remarked that pure worship is emulation, that when we emulate God we are worshipping him in the truest, purest sense. Since we don't pray to Christ, since he is our mediator but sometimes seems to be a more accessory role to our divine relationships, could it be that the other side of the conversation begins when we try to emulate Him? Perhaps that entire chapter of Preach My Gospel, chapter 6 on Christ-like Attributes, is there for a reason - because without being like Him, without emulating His example, it is quite impossible to deliver His message, be a conduit for His light and influence. Truly, we cannot come to know Him until we can see Him in ourselves. I pray that over the coming weeks and months that I may be more suited and adapted to becoming like Him instead of trying to hang onto myself. When it comes down to it, the Lord isn't interested in our tithing or in the real estate of all those temples. He owns it all anyway. That piece of ourselves that is uniquely ours, our agency, is the only thing we can offer to him. Perhaps in our sacrifice of self to Him for His cause, The Cause, and in our efforts to emulate His example, that is how we perfectly worship Him and become more of what He wants of us. Perhaps that is the way that all things may be ordered in our lives despite the chaos that we see around us.
Maybe my thoughtfulness today is prompted by the date. It's been 8 months since I started my mission now, 8 out of the full 25 we are blessed with here in the Czech Republic (yes, 25 - we're some of the lucky ones :D ). As I approach the next 1/3 of my mission, I have to say that if it were only 8 months, it would be enough. I've seen enough miracles in the lives of others to justify these eight months, and I'm very grateful for the remaining difference. 17 months is not much time, but it's His time and I'm privileged enough to get to use it for Him in His stead.
I hope you all enjoyed Conference and that you're enjoying the change in the weather as much as I am. It's getting colder over here, and it feels great. Enjoy your week, everyone. Next week I'll have details about District Conference with Elder Kerr as well as Iva's baptism. I love and miss you all, and look forward to what this week has for everyone.
Elder Brent Anderson
Monday, September 28, 2009
More Photos coming
I'll post more photos tonight. I'm in Texas and don't have great internet access where I am working. Brent sent quite a few and I need to find the best pictures to post. Brent's dad
Batting 1.000 ( Week 6 in Třebíč, Week 24 in Czech )
( Sorry for the Baseball metaphor, and 1.000 is the correct format.:)
Hey Everyone,
Regrettably the time has wound long today and I don't have a ton of time for longer letters home. So, here are the highlights without all the wordiness.
We found a man on Monday (We batted 1000 - no one said "no") who said Nephi was his hero and are meeting with him this week on Wednesday. Golden!
We taught about Prophets to a woman named Iveta who, when we introduced what God does in the past with prophets and dispensations, got incredibly excited. "Is there a prophet today? Who is he! I want to know!" She also nearly jumped out of her seat when we taught the plan of salvation lesson. So excited to hear about the truth, even if she's studied with other churches for years and been a Catholic her entire life. She's also read all of 1st nephi.
We went to a family baptism in Jihlava on Saturday. A mother and three children baptized! Iva came and felt the spirit, too, and she knows know how her actions and obedience will make or break her progress and covenant with God.
We taught Miloš again on Sunday and he is now praying about baptism. He's also read all the way to Alma in a week. Sweet!
A couple randomly showed up to english along with 2 new youth, bringing the total number of youth to 11.
The pope came to Brno on Sunday, and when one of our Catholic investigators asked "why doesn't Christ reveal himself to the pope?" the door was opened wide for us to teach more principles of the restoration.
I sent home a ton of photos that should be posted soon, if not already.
We're happy, healthy, and I discovered something about Prophets, Seers, and Revelators last week of note that works well into this conference weekend (you are all so lucky to have conference this week, we have to wait). Imagine a novel. A prophet is someone who flips ahead, reads about what's going to happen, and then tells people about it. A revelator is someone who picks up the book, looks as the typeface, the paper, the binding, and the plot structure and mechanics, and then tells us about it (like when an apostle teaches about doctrines of the kingdom and how to apply them). A seer is the storyteller - perhaps that's why stories are so appealing to us, it helps us envision what things could be like in the future - the "why" of what we do. I hope you all have a great week. We're doing fine here in Trebic and are excited for what this week will bring (we started prototyping our weeks in pencil on Friday, and we have 17 lessons on the plan plus any tracting and contacting we'll be doing. If all goes well, this will be a record breaking week.
I'll be more careful with writing next week so you get a full letter. Otherwise, have a great week!
Elder Brent Anderson
Hey Everyone,
Regrettably the time has wound long today and I don't have a ton of time for longer letters home. So, here are the highlights without all the wordiness.
We found a man on Monday (We batted 1000 - no one said "no") who said Nephi was his hero and are meeting with him this week on Wednesday. Golden!
We taught about Prophets to a woman named Iveta who, when we introduced what God does in the past with prophets and dispensations, got incredibly excited. "Is there a prophet today? Who is he! I want to know!" She also nearly jumped out of her seat when we taught the plan of salvation lesson. So excited to hear about the truth, even if she's studied with other churches for years and been a Catholic her entire life. She's also read all of 1st nephi.
We went to a family baptism in Jihlava on Saturday. A mother and three children baptized! Iva came and felt the spirit, too, and she knows know how her actions and obedience will make or break her progress and covenant with God.
We taught Miloš again on Sunday and he is now praying about baptism. He's also read all the way to Alma in a week. Sweet!
A couple randomly showed up to english along with 2 new youth, bringing the total number of youth to 11.
The pope came to Brno on Sunday, and when one of our Catholic investigators asked "why doesn't Christ reveal himself to the pope?" the door was opened wide for us to teach more principles of the restoration.
I sent home a ton of photos that should be posted soon, if not already.
We're happy, healthy, and I discovered something about Prophets, Seers, and Revelators last week of note that works well into this conference weekend (you are all so lucky to have conference this week, we have to wait). Imagine a novel. A prophet is someone who flips ahead, reads about what's going to happen, and then tells people about it. A revelator is someone who picks up the book, looks as the typeface, the paper, the binding, and the plot structure and mechanics, and then tells us about it (like when an apostle teaches about doctrines of the kingdom and how to apply them). A seer is the storyteller - perhaps that's why stories are so appealing to us, it helps us envision what things could be like in the future - the "why" of what we do. I hope you all have a great week. We're doing fine here in Trebic and are excited for what this week will bring (we started prototyping our weeks in pencil on Friday, and we have 17 lessons on the plan plus any tracting and contacting we'll be doing. If all goes well, this will be a record breaking week.
I'll be more careful with writing next week so you get a full letter. Otherwise, have a great week!
Elder Brent Anderson
Monday, September 21, 2009
Challenges and growth ( Week 5 in Třebíč, Week 23 in Czech )
It's been an interesting week here in Třebíč. I do have to say thank you to everyone sending letters and sorry at the same time - we aren't having Zone Conference this month so mail is delayed. They did make up for it by sending a shipment to all the districts, and apparently the last two months worth of mail or so has backed up. In the words of Elder Hicken from Jihlava (where they sent everything), "You have a metric tonne of mail here, Elder." So, thanks! But, on the other hand, I've not had any letters to shoot replies from, since many of you are now going to school I don't have current addresses (yet), so my replies are still coming. Once we get mail tomorrow things will start getting worked out over the next couple of P-Days. So, sorry about not getting replies out like I used to with regularity. Rest assured, however, that there are letters coming soon and you've not been forgotten. :)
In other news, last week was markedly more difficult than weeks in the past. Recently, the Lord has been blessing us with a lot of contacts, investigators, potentials, lessons, member interest, and progress. It's been exciting to watch and enjoyable to behold. During last week, we had an interesting experience. Independently of each other, we prayed to be prepared for a new wave of progress and growth, even if it meant getting trials. I have a testimony for you all that, if you ask the Lord for things, he'll definitely send them. And, if it's a trial, he will probably not be afraid to express-ship it. Last week from Wednesday through Friday, we were working with a limited supply of the Spirit. We knew what was going on, but we didn't know what to do other than keep going, so we did. We were blessed for it, but we both saw our rougher selves start to come out with the lack of divine support. It became a lot easier to get frustrated and impatient. Planning took forever. Teaching lessons was good, but little progress was made even on that front. Members were all tied up in personal problems and unable to help teach. Overall, a very draining couple of days. Saturday arrived, and we saw how the lack of Spirit we had experienced had made it so hard to do the work that our weekly statistics were abysmal compared to the earlier weeks. Progress was made, Iva is starting to look and act like a future baptism, but for us personally the price was much higher than usual, and for a lot less. But, the weekend came and went, we spiritually recharged, and we're ready to hit the ground again this week, helping to invite others to come unto Christ one step of service at a time.
I do have to say that last week I had nothing short of a revelation regarding how limited my scripture study program is. Elder Machado mentioned that Elder Bruce R. McConkie came to a point in his studies where he decided to write an entire personal commentary on the standard canon of the church. Verse by verse, chapter by chapter, he annotated and broke down what he read under the influence of the spirit. In the end, he threw out his notes because he was just trying to get the message of the scriptures into his head, but I personally became interested in that method and started looking at doing my own verse by verse breakdown. I've studied a couple chapters of scripture last week, from 1 nephi 20 to 2 Nephi 2, and my scriptures probably weigh another pound from the ink I added. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that scripture study is a lot like any other study, in school, work, or elsewhere, and if you sit down to process and outline chapters from a textbook in school, the same thing should apply in scripture study. I'm learning so much right now, it's almost ridiculous. I suppose that the Lord makes up the difference to us somehow; the week was hard, but my study program completely hit a new level last week, and that will probably last. If you're interested in improving your own scripture study, I would highly recommend getting a book of lined paper and, as you read prayerfully, write down what you think about and what you discover. It will make a huge difference in the output of your studies, even if they are nothing more than a few minutes.
Good luck everyone! I sometimes wonder if I should be praying all the time for everyone back home since all of you seem to be focusing your prayers on me. I hope these letters make up that difference in exchange, but, then again, I'm sure that He is blessing you all for your support of all the missionaries out in the field. I miss you all, and hope your week is full of blessings. I'm confident that mine will be as well.
Thanks,
Elder Brent Anderson
In other news, last week was markedly more difficult than weeks in the past. Recently, the Lord has been blessing us with a lot of contacts, investigators, potentials, lessons, member interest, and progress. It's been exciting to watch and enjoyable to behold. During last week, we had an interesting experience. Independently of each other, we prayed to be prepared for a new wave of progress and growth, even if it meant getting trials. I have a testimony for you all that, if you ask the Lord for things, he'll definitely send them. And, if it's a trial, he will probably not be afraid to express-ship it. Last week from Wednesday through Friday, we were working with a limited supply of the Spirit. We knew what was going on, but we didn't know what to do other than keep going, so we did. We were blessed for it, but we both saw our rougher selves start to come out with the lack of divine support. It became a lot easier to get frustrated and impatient. Planning took forever. Teaching lessons was good, but little progress was made even on that front. Members were all tied up in personal problems and unable to help teach. Overall, a very draining couple of days. Saturday arrived, and we saw how the lack of Spirit we had experienced had made it so hard to do the work that our weekly statistics were abysmal compared to the earlier weeks. Progress was made, Iva is starting to look and act like a future baptism, but for us personally the price was much higher than usual, and for a lot less. But, the weekend came and went, we spiritually recharged, and we're ready to hit the ground again this week, helping to invite others to come unto Christ one step of service at a time.
I do have to say that last week I had nothing short of a revelation regarding how limited my scripture study program is. Elder Machado mentioned that Elder Bruce R. McConkie came to a point in his studies where he decided to write an entire personal commentary on the standard canon of the church. Verse by verse, chapter by chapter, he annotated and broke down what he read under the influence of the spirit. In the end, he threw out his notes because he was just trying to get the message of the scriptures into his head, but I personally became interested in that method and started looking at doing my own verse by verse breakdown. I've studied a couple chapters of scripture last week, from 1 nephi 20 to 2 Nephi 2, and my scriptures probably weigh another pound from the ink I added. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that scripture study is a lot like any other study, in school, work, or elsewhere, and if you sit down to process and outline chapters from a textbook in school, the same thing should apply in scripture study. I'm learning so much right now, it's almost ridiculous. I suppose that the Lord makes up the difference to us somehow; the week was hard, but my study program completely hit a new level last week, and that will probably last. If you're interested in improving your own scripture study, I would highly recommend getting a book of lined paper and, as you read prayerfully, write down what you think about and what you discover. It will make a huge difference in the output of your studies, even if they are nothing more than a few minutes.
Good luck everyone! I sometimes wonder if I should be praying all the time for everyone back home since all of you seem to be focusing your prayers on me. I hope these letters make up that difference in exchange, but, then again, I'm sure that He is blessing you all for your support of all the missionaries out in the field. I miss you all, and hope your week is full of blessings. I'm confident that mine will be as well.
Thanks,
Elder Brent Anderson
Monday, September 14, 2009
Autobiography ( Week 4 in Třebíč, Week 22 in Czech )
On September 14th, 1989, on a quiet floor in the maternity ward of the Logan, Utah regional hospital, Brent John Anderson was born to Kathy and Brian Anderson. One thing led to another, and, on September 14th, 2009, Elder Anderson found himself in a missionary size bed wearing tie dye pajama bottoms and a fluffy white t-shirt, looking at the clock, had only one thing to say:
"What on earth happened????"
Yes, friends, it's been 20 years. Kind of exciting, kind of scary. It's also kind of ironic that I'll be putting my last journal entry in my current mission journal tonight, effectively closing another chapter as I also approach the close of the first 1/3 of my mission and open up on a new frontier of possibilities. This week has been a type of that, I think, in that we spent all of 1 hour finding new investigators this week but found 3, taught 4 member lessons, a slough of other lessons, received referrals, met our 70 hours of Czech speaking goal once again, and continued keeping Iva on the path towards baptism. Pretty remarkable.
I do have a few things to say about this morning before I dive into anything else that happened this week, though. As I found myself in that missionary size bed wearing my usual P-J's, I also noticed that a draft had sucked a few strange, round objects into the room that weren't in our apartment before. At least, they were, but they had been sitting on Elder Machado's desk in a big manila envelope marked "Shhh...it's a surprise for elder Anderson!" Yes, it's true: Our apartment was full of large blue balloons and a sign on the wall saying "Happy Birthday, Gordo - Love Lizzie and Miranda" hung on the wall. I suppose in my haste to pray and get into bed, I'd somehow fallen asleep while Elder Machado got the apartment in order for some surprise birthday greetings! To those of you unfamiliar with what happened last year, you can visit my dormant Facebook page and look for pictures of two girls sitting on my couch at 3 in the morning amidst a sea of blue balloons, just about to leave the mess for me to wake up to. Obviously, as a missionary it wouldn't work out very well for foreign female friends from home to sneak into our apartment and leave piles of balloons. So, they hired Elder Machado to help out. Thanks you two - you're the best!
Otherwise, it's been a great day and a great start to a great week, one that will be even better than the last. I hope you all understand that, although I seem rather enthusiastic as I write these letters home, things really are that good here. I don't make up any of the stories or how I feel about them. God has blessed us all beyond measure, and it only takes a few quiet moments of pondering to consider that, ultimately, God's gift of life to us and the fruits that we receive from it, be it new investigators, bottled fruit for food storage, good grades and success in school, or even surprise wake up calls as balloons come drifting into your bedroom, all should inspire us to love others more and to try and fulfill the vision of our divine potential within us along the way. We are all really blessed beyond measure, even in a world that is confused and searching for some stay of balance.
Thanks to you all for your support, your letters, and your prayers. You too make a difference in the work the Lord is performing through his missionaries. Good luck this week!
Thanks,
Elder Anderson
"What on earth happened????"
Yes, friends, it's been 20 years. Kind of exciting, kind of scary. It's also kind of ironic that I'll be putting my last journal entry in my current mission journal tonight, effectively closing another chapter as I also approach the close of the first 1/3 of my mission and open up on a new frontier of possibilities. This week has been a type of that, I think, in that we spent all of 1 hour finding new investigators this week but found 3, taught 4 member lessons, a slough of other lessons, received referrals, met our 70 hours of Czech speaking goal once again, and continued keeping Iva on the path towards baptism. Pretty remarkable.
I do have a few things to say about this morning before I dive into anything else that happened this week, though. As I found myself in that missionary size bed wearing my usual P-J's, I also noticed that a draft had sucked a few strange, round objects into the room that weren't in our apartment before. At least, they were, but they had been sitting on Elder Machado's desk in a big manila envelope marked "Shhh...it's a surprise for elder Anderson!" Yes, it's true: Our apartment was full of large blue balloons and a sign on the wall saying "Happy Birthday, Gordo - Love Lizzie and Miranda" hung on the wall. I suppose in my haste to pray and get into bed, I'd somehow fallen asleep while Elder Machado got the apartment in order for some surprise birthday greetings! To those of you unfamiliar with what happened last year, you can visit my dormant Facebook page and look for pictures of two girls sitting on my couch at 3 in the morning amidst a sea of blue balloons, just about to leave the mess for me to wake up to. Obviously, as a missionary it wouldn't work out very well for foreign female friends from home to sneak into our apartment and leave piles of balloons. So, they hired Elder Machado to help out. Thanks you two - you're the best!
Otherwise, it's been a great day and a great start to a great week, one that will be even better than the last. I hope you all understand that, although I seem rather enthusiastic as I write these letters home, things really are that good here. I don't make up any of the stories or how I feel about them. God has blessed us all beyond measure, and it only takes a few quiet moments of pondering to consider that, ultimately, God's gift of life to us and the fruits that we receive from it, be it new investigators, bottled fruit for food storage, good grades and success in school, or even surprise wake up calls as balloons come drifting into your bedroom, all should inspire us to love others more and to try and fulfill the vision of our divine potential within us along the way. We are all really blessed beyond measure, even in a world that is confused and searching for some stay of balance.
Thanks to you all for your support, your letters, and your prayers. You too make a difference in the work the Lord is performing through his missionaries. Good luck this week!
Thanks,
Elder Anderson
Monday, September 7, 2009
A Baptism and other great things (Week 3 in Třebíč, Week 21 in Czech)
Hey Everyone,
Hope you've all had as great a week as I have - It's been a really good one in comparison to some of those other, decently good and on-the-whole rather great weeks. This week is probably going down as one of the best yet, right up there with the last week of last transfer when we had that music program, found 5 investigators, and found a man who got BAPTIZED over the weekend. Yeah - a man Elder Smith and I found named Daniel (we found him on the 7th or something, last month) entered the waters of Baptism on Saturday. He is my first investigator to get baptized that I was involved in finding from the beginning. It was great working with him last transfer, as he loves to read and took not only the Book of Mormon, but a Liahona, all our lesson pamphlets, the testimony of Joseph Smith, and a Church information brochure. He's now preparing to receive the priesthood. Oh, how wonderfully exciting!
This week was really great here in Trebic, too, but it all happened over the weekend. We had taught some lessons, helped Iva (she's preparing for baptism) with reviewing more of the doctrine and so forth, found an investigator (Actually, we found a new investigator on Tuesday too who had been requested by her priest to stop investigating and return everything; she did, but when we found her again after being prompted to talk to her personally, she wanted to meet immediately and she's very excited to have her Book of Mormon back), but were nowhere near our lesson goals and finding goals. We still needed a new investigator and 3 member lessons, all of which are very hard to do. As we planned, we were stuck. We had no ideas on how to accomplish these things, since members need advance notice and investigators take time, which we didn't have since our weekend was already planned completely. So, we got on our knees. It's an interesting, telling the Lord how you've tried your hardest but, somehow, it didn't add up. But, if he can calm seas, organize worlds, and level mountains, we knew he could organize our plans to help us meet the needs of our area. We concluded our prayer, and started making a few calls. About 10 minutes later, 2 member lessons, one being taught with a less active man that Elder Machado has seen once in the last 3 months, were set up. That meeting with the less active man brought in two new investigators, and the family already knows him personally (In fact, they were so happy to have us over, that the wife started giving us all this food and things and is excited for us to come back). The member had a chance to share his testimony, which always helps us to become stronger and remember who we are and what we know. The second member lesson was completely spirit driven. It would take too long to expound on, but Honza, a 19 year old kid who speaks American (When I heard his accent, I almost started crying, it was so good - He even knows what "Mickey - D's" is) has an iPhone (another plus). His phone's background is two penguins talking to each other, one of them wearing a crash helmet. The caption: "We're all gonna die, but I've got a helmet." We used that to expound on the plan of salvation, along with his personal love of flying airplanes to illustrate the need for instructions, steps, a plan, and the necessity of a savior (helmet). Sure, we are all going to crash now and then - but if you've got the Savior on your side, then your helmet is impenetrable (Paul wasn't the only one who thought about armor and the gospel).
I guess something else happened on Thursday, too. We went on exchanges with the elders in Jihlava. This means that I get to spend 4 hours of my week on trains since my companion is the district leader and is responsible for spending time in the other area. That morning, I woke up with a feeling of dread. I knew that, although it would all work out, I was in for a loooong day. And it was. Our trip to Jihlava was fine, but on the way back we missed our train. So, we contacted for an hour in Jihlava. Then, we went to catch our next train. It was mislabeled, and started taking us towards Plzen. We didn't have a ticket for that line, either, so we got kicked off at the next stop (thank goodness). Then we waited for another train back to Jihlava, where we caught the next train back to Trebic. An hour and a half later (They were doing work on a bridge), we pulled in, and got to work. We needed to make up for lost time, so we started hitting the streets. That night, we batted 1000: every person we talked to had interest and either sat down with us so we could teach a lesson, gave us their number, and one became a new investigator. One man was even a reporter and we're getting the details ironed out for having a newspaper article run here. Woo hoo!
On Saturday, we spent the entire day in Brno (basically) with Iva for a baptism. Unfortunately, the man being baptized didn't make it (We're not sure what happened still, since he had been meeting with the elders almost every day for the last three weeks). But, the program still happened without the baptism, and it answered a lot of Iva's questions. In all, she walked away more prepared for her new baptismal date - October the 10th! While we were there, she told us that she felt the 10th was her first answer but, because of fear and doubt, she told us the 31st of October. She's now scheduled for this transfer, and we've moved our teaching schedule into higher gear to accommodate the welcome change.
All in all, we're very excited. I'm getting a lot of pictures of this beautiful city and the surrounding area. We visited Telc today, probably the most Czech town I've seen thus far. Painted plaster, relief's on buildings, a castle and basilica hooked together, and we also spent time with Jarda from Jihlava who is both a member, a soon-to-be Wisconsin missionary, and Mr. Czech Republic. Pretty neat.
Well, I really really honestly do hope that you are all doing great back home. We have been very blessed this week with everything we've been working on, and I want you all to know that everything that's going on here does not originate from me personally. I'm the one responsible to get it done, but in the end the Lord is the one who gets our lives in order. As His servant, I just do the foot work.
Good luck this week!
Elder Brent Anderson
Hope you've all had as great a week as I have - It's been a really good one in comparison to some of those other, decently good and on-the-whole rather great weeks. This week is probably going down as one of the best yet, right up there with the last week of last transfer when we had that music program, found 5 investigators, and found a man who got BAPTIZED over the weekend. Yeah - a man Elder Smith and I found named Daniel (we found him on the 7th or something, last month) entered the waters of Baptism on Saturday. He is my first investigator to get baptized that I was involved in finding from the beginning. It was great working with him last transfer, as he loves to read and took not only the Book of Mormon, but a Liahona, all our lesson pamphlets, the testimony of Joseph Smith, and a Church information brochure. He's now preparing to receive the priesthood. Oh, how wonderfully exciting!
This week was really great here in Trebic, too, but it all happened over the weekend. We had taught some lessons, helped Iva (she's preparing for baptism) with reviewing more of the doctrine and so forth, found an investigator (Actually, we found a new investigator on Tuesday too who had been requested by her priest to stop investigating and return everything; she did, but when we found her again after being prompted to talk to her personally, she wanted to meet immediately and she's very excited to have her Book of Mormon back), but were nowhere near our lesson goals and finding goals. We still needed a new investigator and 3 member lessons, all of which are very hard to do. As we planned, we were stuck. We had no ideas on how to accomplish these things, since members need advance notice and investigators take time, which we didn't have since our weekend was already planned completely. So, we got on our knees. It's an interesting, telling the Lord how you've tried your hardest but, somehow, it didn't add up. But, if he can calm seas, organize worlds, and level mountains, we knew he could organize our plans to help us meet the needs of our area. We concluded our prayer, and started making a few calls. About 10 minutes later, 2 member lessons, one being taught with a less active man that Elder Machado has seen once in the last 3 months, were set up. That meeting with the less active man brought in two new investigators, and the family already knows him personally (In fact, they were so happy to have us over, that the wife started giving us all this food and things and is excited for us to come back). The member had a chance to share his testimony, which always helps us to become stronger and remember who we are and what we know. The second member lesson was completely spirit driven. It would take too long to expound on, but Honza, a 19 year old kid who speaks American (When I heard his accent, I almost started crying, it was so good - He even knows what "Mickey - D's" is) has an iPhone (another plus). His phone's background is two penguins talking to each other, one of them wearing a crash helmet. The caption: "We're all gonna die, but I've got a helmet." We used that to expound on the plan of salvation, along with his personal love of flying airplanes to illustrate the need for instructions, steps, a plan, and the necessity of a savior (helmet). Sure, we are all going to crash now and then - but if you've got the Savior on your side, then your helmet is impenetrable (Paul wasn't the only one who thought about armor and the gospel).
I guess something else happened on Thursday, too. We went on exchanges with the elders in Jihlava. This means that I get to spend 4 hours of my week on trains since my companion is the district leader and is responsible for spending time in the other area. That morning, I woke up with a feeling of dread. I knew that, although it would all work out, I was in for a loooong day. And it was. Our trip to Jihlava was fine, but on the way back we missed our train. So, we contacted for an hour in Jihlava. Then, we went to catch our next train. It was mislabeled, and started taking us towards Plzen. We didn't have a ticket for that line, either, so we got kicked off at the next stop (thank goodness). Then we waited for another train back to Jihlava, where we caught the next train back to Trebic. An hour and a half later (They were doing work on a bridge), we pulled in, and got to work. We needed to make up for lost time, so we started hitting the streets. That night, we batted 1000: every person we talked to had interest and either sat down with us so we could teach a lesson, gave us their number, and one became a new investigator. One man was even a reporter and we're getting the details ironed out for having a newspaper article run here. Woo hoo!
On Saturday, we spent the entire day in Brno (basically) with Iva for a baptism. Unfortunately, the man being baptized didn't make it (We're not sure what happened still, since he had been meeting with the elders almost every day for the last three weeks). But, the program still happened without the baptism, and it answered a lot of Iva's questions. In all, she walked away more prepared for her new baptismal date - October the 10th! While we were there, she told us that she felt the 10th was her first answer but, because of fear and doubt, she told us the 31st of October. She's now scheduled for this transfer, and we've moved our teaching schedule into higher gear to accommodate the welcome change.
All in all, we're very excited. I'm getting a lot of pictures of this beautiful city and the surrounding area. We visited Telc today, probably the most Czech town I've seen thus far. Painted plaster, relief's on buildings, a castle and basilica hooked together, and we also spent time with Jarda from Jihlava who is both a member, a soon-to-be Wisconsin missionary, and Mr. Czech Republic. Pretty neat.
Well, I really really honestly do hope that you are all doing great back home. We have been very blessed this week with everything we've been working on, and I want you all to know that everything that's going on here does not originate from me personally. I'm the one responsible to get it done, but in the end the Lord is the one who gets our lives in order. As His servant, I just do the foot work.
Good luck this week!
Elder Brent Anderson
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