It's my last week at the MTC, and if I were to not grow another inch in the next 23 months (Yes, 23 - Czech missionaries get an extra month, apparently :D) then I will be very blessed indeed. Really, it's been that good. The spiritual growth, understanding, and preparation really arms those present in these halls to be able to accomplish anything asked of them in any context. I know hard days will come, and I know not everyone will want to hear or even like to hear. I won't share some of the experiences my teachers have had in the country, but it's safe to say that the Lord protects His servants from every kind of danger. Even so, it's what we are called to experience. But, all of us can take faith and hope in the fact that there IS a God in Heaven who loves us, that He DOES have a plan for us, and that ANYONE may receive this plan if they do as he asks. It's so great to be here! And, in the words of two sister missionaries who recently wrote us from Prague, "It's 30 billion times better here!" Wow, what a quote? 30 billion? I've met these sisters before, and they're not apt to use inaccurate language. I'm very excited.
This week was marked with devotionals, studies, prayers, fasting, and contact with a man who was ready to hear the Gospel. His name was Daniel, and he went to a nondenominational church. In calling for a lamb of God video (It's Easter and it's a popular request), I talked to him about the Book of Mormon, the Restoration, the Bible, and how it all fits together. He knew it was all true, practically bore testimony to me that it was true, and wanted to meet with missionaries, go to church, and find out more. He was so earnest and eager to learn more! What a contrast to the man the week before, who had "known" so much but wouldn't hear of my message? That difference of faith and humility is incredible!
I take off next Tuesday for Washington DC, whereupon I go to Vienna, and then Prague. About a 30 hour journey including layovers. I'm excited to go, though!
Good luck to you all! I pray for you always!
Brent
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Week 7 Winding down and preparing for Czech
Hello Friends and Family! The days here at the MTC are numbered. I get my flight plans this week, run through some review and last minute in-the-field training for health and language study, watch conference, and head out to deliver the Gospel to God's Chosen in the Czech Republic. How awesome is that? Less than two weeks at this point, and it couldn't come sooner. A few points of humor from this week that I thought everyone would enjoy. First, with the language: on sunday, Brother and Sister Vernon were with our district for their last district meeting. They have been reassigned at the MTC. Both of them had a wealth of knowledge, experience, and counsel for our district, and they are already sorely missed. Sister Vernon remarked during the meeting that she loves it when language missionaries use their languages to sing hymns or at other times when she's around. One of the Slovak Elder's started using a bit of Slovak (which, by the way, is really cool to hear since we understand it, among all the other languages in our district and zone - who knew Czech, Slovenian, Croatian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Slovak, and Polish were related?). Anyway, he used a bit of Slovak and my brain immediately switched into Czech. I was about to make a comment about the lesson, intending it to be in English, but it started coming out in Czech! Wow, it's been a long 8 weeks. Crazy! Either way, we all had a good laugh about it and it took me a few seconds to switch my mouth back over to English. Something like that happened during a teaching activity, where I was teaching about the Spirit World in Czech. It's so easy to just start talking in Czech; I'm always surprised and always very grateful for this blessing I have received from the Lord. I hear that a lot of you ascribe this capacity in the language to just "the way Brent is" or to some other working or talent of myself. I want you all to know, however, that anything that is good that any of us receive is directly through, because of, and from Christ, our Savior. My capacity in the language, I've found, is directly proportional to my relationship and position relative to Him. When I'm in the Book of Mormon regularly, when I'm applying myself dilligently to the Gospel and the Truth, that is when I have capacity with the language. I know that to be true, because two weeks ago we engaged ina very aggressive language study plan. Two, sometimes three, new grammar concepts per day, dozens of words memorized, review of cases and prepositions, all crammed into our already packed schedules. The gospel study sessions we had had before then were crowded out. All of us felt a marked difference in our capacity as teachers, students, and missionaries. This week we changed: we centered everything around God, His word, and especially upon fulfilling our call as missionaries, to Invite Others to Come Unto Christ. As we fulfilled our mission and took less priority in our language studies, we found that the Language came in great abundance. The struggles evaporated, the darkness of mind and spirit lifted, and light illuminated our hearts. The take home message for everyone from this is that if we take that act of faith, that act of centering everything on Him and what He has asked of us, everything else *will* fall into place. In chapter six of Preach my Gospel under the attribute of Hope, hope is defined as an --assurance-- that God will fulfill his promised blessings to us. Assurance, not a wish or intangible. Therefore, I *Hope* that you will center yourselves around Christ and then watch the blessings that come.
Of note, I've gained some weight in the last few weeks. I don't think I ever ate enough before my mission, because I feel sooooo good (gospel study 24/7 has something to do with it too, probably). The extra 15 pounds don't show anywhere, but I think it's funny how well you're fed here at the MTC. Future missionaries beware: Unless you intake about 4000 calories/day before you come here, you will wonder why they feed you so much. Meals are 4 hours apart here, and you can't help but get a lot. Either way, they really treat missionaries well here.
Session 12 of the Draper Temple Dedication was amazing. Hearing inspired messages from prophets, apostles, and authorities from the 70 was fantastic. Of note, Sister Carter (The blond sister in the pictures I sent home) saw her mother in the choir they had that session, making it more special for everyone. As the congregation participated in the dedication, watching 2000 missionaries, servants of the Lord, called by Him through prophets, welcoming and calling him down to the Earth to accept His house, one could not help but feel the power of the spirit confirming the event as truthful. It makes one wonder how anyone could regard this Dispensation as false or uninspired? Every scrap of it fits!
This actually reminds me of a call I took last night at the RC. A man called in, requesting a DVD to be delivered. Like most, he didn't realize that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is nicknamed "the mormons." Unlike most, however, he carried on a conversation with me about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A Jewish Messianic, this man essentially had the fulness of the gospel through diligent bible study. We understand that the Bible contains the fulness of the gospel on the very introduction to the Book of Mormon itself, so this is entirely conceivable. But, when I asked him about a few points of Christ's church, particularly the organization, the calling of apostles, the priesthood, temples, and Joseph Smith in particular, he was missing the mark. Particularly with Joseph Smith. His beliefs were close, but were missing the mark, entirely due to one thing: his belief of Joseph Smith. He said "Joseph Smith was a liar, a false man, a man who could not have been called of God, for who could be called of God and have a jail record like his?" He knew there needed to be a restoration, but he could not find it possible that Joseph Smith was the source of such. I immediately rebuked him with the words and accounts of the apostles, how Moses was cast from Pharoahs presence, how the prophets of old were stoned, imprisoned, and rejected. Bearing down in pure testimony, I realized the power that comes not from the words or tongues of men or of the learned (for he had great comprehension and understanding of the words of the Bible), but from the pure testimony of God's servants. He was speechless. I finished placing the order, expressed my gratitude for speaking with him and, hung up. That night, the entire experience permeated my thoughts. I could not concentrate on the declination of numbers lesson that we were having, because I was in the process of examining my testimony. It had not been shaken, however it occurred to me that if I'm asking people to have faith in this dispensation and in Christ, I'd better be willing to verify my own personal testimony. As I examined my testimony, I dismantled it down to the footings. I examined every brick, every speck of mortar, and found them all to be sound. No matter how you examine it, Jesus IS the Christ! He has a pattern that has been established from the beginning for all of his children. This pattern has always been revealed through prophets. Christ foretold of the apostasy, and he also foretold through prophets as old as Isaiah and perhaps even older that there would be a restoration! Isaiah even names this prophet, and his name is Joseph. Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration, did in fact see God the Father and His Son. He did translate the Book of Mormon as a testament of his divine calling as well as to provide a second witness of the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through Joseph, all things have been restored, and all that is asked is that we have a broken heart, a contrite spirit, that we love our neighbor, and that we ultimately love God. In doing these things, in seeking his word and the truth, we will find the pure joy and rest that all prophets have attested of. "For this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent."
Isn't it all so great? I love the plan, I love the Gospel, I love teaching it, I'm grateful that we all get to choose. I don't forget that everyone gets their chances to accept, and it's my job to invite them to come to Christ, to repent, and to be baptized. If they accept, beautiful. If not, It makes me sad.
My time is up this week, but I want you all to know that this week has been very powerful for me. The dedication, the testimony, the study, the realizations of truths both in study and through His living oracles. Jesus is the Christ, the Atonement is the great medium through which all things are set at one. Joseph was his prophet today. Angels to visit men, miracles are wrought, and we are the people with the vision! Good luck to you all!
Brent
Of note, I've gained some weight in the last few weeks. I don't think I ever ate enough before my mission, because I feel sooooo good (gospel study 24/7 has something to do with it too, probably). The extra 15 pounds don't show anywhere, but I think it's funny how well you're fed here at the MTC. Future missionaries beware: Unless you intake about 4000 calories/day before you come here, you will wonder why they feed you so much. Meals are 4 hours apart here, and you can't help but get a lot. Either way, they really treat missionaries well here.
Session 12 of the Draper Temple Dedication was amazing. Hearing inspired messages from prophets, apostles, and authorities from the 70 was fantastic. Of note, Sister Carter (The blond sister in the pictures I sent home) saw her mother in the choir they had that session, making it more special for everyone. As the congregation participated in the dedication, watching 2000 missionaries, servants of the Lord, called by Him through prophets, welcoming and calling him down to the Earth to accept His house, one could not help but feel the power of the spirit confirming the event as truthful. It makes one wonder how anyone could regard this Dispensation as false or uninspired? Every scrap of it fits!
This actually reminds me of a call I took last night at the RC. A man called in, requesting a DVD to be delivered. Like most, he didn't realize that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is nicknamed "the mormons." Unlike most, however, he carried on a conversation with me about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A Jewish Messianic, this man essentially had the fulness of the gospel through diligent bible study. We understand that the Bible contains the fulness of the gospel on the very introduction to the Book of Mormon itself, so this is entirely conceivable. But, when I asked him about a few points of Christ's church, particularly the organization, the calling of apostles, the priesthood, temples, and Joseph Smith in particular, he was missing the mark. Particularly with Joseph Smith. His beliefs were close, but were missing the mark, entirely due to one thing: his belief of Joseph Smith. He said "Joseph Smith was a liar, a false man, a man who could not have been called of God, for who could be called of God and have a jail record like his?" He knew there needed to be a restoration, but he could not find it possible that Joseph Smith was the source of such. I immediately rebuked him with the words and accounts of the apostles, how Moses was cast from Pharoahs presence, how the prophets of old were stoned, imprisoned, and rejected. Bearing down in pure testimony, I realized the power that comes not from the words or tongues of men or of the learned (for he had great comprehension and understanding of the words of the Bible), but from the pure testimony of God's servants. He was speechless. I finished placing the order, expressed my gratitude for speaking with him and, hung up. That night, the entire experience permeated my thoughts. I could not concentrate on the declination of numbers lesson that we were having, because I was in the process of examining my testimony. It had not been shaken, however it occurred to me that if I'm asking people to have faith in this dispensation and in Christ, I'd better be willing to verify my own personal testimony. As I examined my testimony, I dismantled it down to the footings. I examined every brick, every speck of mortar, and found them all to be sound. No matter how you examine it, Jesus IS the Christ! He has a pattern that has been established from the beginning for all of his children. This pattern has always been revealed through prophets. Christ foretold of the apostasy, and he also foretold through prophets as old as Isaiah and perhaps even older that there would be a restoration! Isaiah even names this prophet, and his name is Joseph. Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration, did in fact see God the Father and His Son. He did translate the Book of Mormon as a testament of his divine calling as well as to provide a second witness of the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through Joseph, all things have been restored, and all that is asked is that we have a broken heart, a contrite spirit, that we love our neighbor, and that we ultimately love God. In doing these things, in seeking his word and the truth, we will find the pure joy and rest that all prophets have attested of. "For this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent."
Isn't it all so great? I love the plan, I love the Gospel, I love teaching it, I'm grateful that we all get to choose. I don't forget that everyone gets their chances to accept, and it's my job to invite them to come to Christ, to repent, and to be baptized. If they accept, beautiful. If not, It makes me sad.
My time is up this week, but I want you all to know that this week has been very powerful for me. The dedication, the testimony, the study, the realizations of truths both in study and through His living oracles. Jesus is the Christ, the Atonement is the great medium through which all things are set at one. Joseph was his prophet today. Angels to visit men, miracles are wrought, and we are the people with the vision! Good luck to you all!
Brent
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Book of Starší Anderson - Chapter 6 (Week 6 at the MTC)
And it came to pass that in the commencement of the Sixth Week of Starší Anderson's Missionary Service, for behold he had been called to serve the people in the Republic of the Czechs for a period of 24 months, behold it came to pass that he received little to no mail the first few days of his week. Nevertheless, he continued in his studies, prayers, and learning of the language. Indeed, his growth was unanticipated, and spanned from his understanding of Czech, his appreciation for the Gospel, a development of a sure testimony of the Book of Mormon and of the Restored Gospel throuhg Joseph Smith, and, in particular, a killer good volleyball serve. Verily, Starší Anderson strove to grow in favor with God, Men, and volleyball.
And it came to pass that on the commencement of the 12th day of the 3rd Month of the year 2009, behold Starší Anderson, his companion Starší Nestman, and the one called "solo", being interpreted as Sister Reese, went forth to the TRC, a place of learning, a place of refinement, and a place of sheer terror for the unprepared. Nevertheless, the Czechs had studied long and hard that week, seeking the enlightement of the lord in the language of the Spirit, in the language of Czech, and in the preparation of a really good lesson. And it came to pass that the trio entered the TRC (being, interpreted by means of the MTC glossary guide, as the "Teaching Resource Center", ofttimes referred to as a TA or, being translated, a "Teaching Appointment"), they did so with boldness. Verily, through their preparations they had obtained great power and authority over the language of the Czechs, insofar as they could discuss food, drink, and a few points of the first lesson of Preach my Gospel. And thus they embarked, discussing the gospel in a simulated fashion with two men, formerly missionaries of our Lord themselves, who had gained for themselves a fluency in the Czech tongue. The missionaries proceeded to disucss all manner of foods, drinks, ingredients, and restaurant menu items with the "investigators." And it came to pass that, as they discussed, they referred frequently to the word of the lord, insofar as the Word could be likened unto a recipe, for these "investigators" had a keen interest in the meat that proceedeth out of the mouth of the oven as well as the Lord. Thus it was taught by the three Czech missionaries how the Plan of Salvation was like unto a recipe, and the words were well received. And verily, the missionaries did teach by the spirit, teaching principles of our Heavenly Father, even God the Father, and princples of the Restoration through Joseph Smith, including that first vision in this dispensation of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ, and the manner of prayer which we use to communicate with our Father. For behold, the missionaries had received great blessings of the Lord pertaining to declaring his word in the language of the Czechs and, through their preparations, prayers, fasting, and labors, they had mastery over the language. Verily, their lesson was entirely in Czech, and the word was well received by those who were taught.
And it came to pass that on the morrow, the missionaries, being filled with the spirit, were excited and enthusiastic to embark upon the coming week, and planned out the remainder of their grammar lessons for the coming week and a half. With a rigourous schedule of dozens of prepositions, cases, two or three new grammar concepts each day, and teaching 100% Czech twice a day, the missionaries set forth to be absolutely prepared in all things for the day when they would receive their travel plans in a week or so and then be off to the Czech Republic on the 6th of April, the morrow of the Conference General of the Church.
And it came to pass that during the evening of that friday, that the Branch President came and visited with his missionaries, and brought them glad tidings. For behold, a new house of the Lord had been erected in the land of Draper. And it came to pass that he brought glad tidings of the dedication of this holy structure, erected as a place of worship for the faithful of the Son of God, for all missionaries worthy of a temple recommend, that is to say, all missionaries, presently at the MTC would be granted place at a dedicatory ceremony that following sunday. Indeed, the MTC would become and extension of that Holy convocation, and all missionaries would be permitted to attend. And it came to pass that the district rejoiced with exceedingly great gladness, and there broke forth a bounty of celebratory brownies, and chocolates, and cookies, and all manner of unhealthy but highly savory and satisfying sweets, all of which were savored by the district and by the district president himself.
And Starší Anderson dwelt in his room.
And It came to pass that the Elders and Sister went forth on the morrow, studying the word of the Lord in all manner of tongues, with all manner of good books, particularly treasuring up the words of Preach My Gospel Chapter Six, and of LDS.org, and it's wonderous cross-referencing capacities, to which Starší Anderson made use of often. And it came to pass that their study journals filled to the brim, with paper and sticky notes filling the pages of their binders with the word of the lord, with means of teaching, of receiving the spirit, and of declaring the truth of the word abroad.
And it came to pass that some days passed, and the elders went up into the Temple, and enjoyed it very much. For to learn and to serve is what all men are called to do in this life, either through wickedness or good works. And through their works, and their struggles, and their labors, and their faith, all things were made manifest as truth before them. For behold, the spirit was well with them this week.
And it came to pass that Starší Anderson and his bretheren (And sisteren) received word that his own Brother, yeah the Brother of his childhood, who was the firstborn son of his parents, had found favor in the sight of God as well as in the sight of a fine and virtuous woman, whose name was Laura. And it came to pass that a date of engagement had been declared abroad by the happy couple. And the rejoicing and excitement of the missionaries was full, and was even further accented with another flowing of brownies and other sweets that probably should be burned off on the treadmill tomorrow. Nevertheless, it was well received news, well received good tidings.
And it came to pass that Starší Anderson spoke to the people who were abroad in babylon by the means of LDS.org, saying in his own tongue (rather than in the tongue of those past whose words were now contained in the holy scriptures):
"My friends, I'm doing well. Really really really really well. I'm also certain that, through recording our positive experiences in their sweetness, we will be able to endure the struggles of live. I know that the mission field is going to be a drastic change from the life of the MTC. But, because of our faithfulness, obedience, and dilligence, we know that we can have the Spirit of the Lord within us always. Therefore, I have no fear for the future, and I'm incredibly fortunate and blessed to be a missionary in this day. Miracles are wrought every day here, and of them all I am most grateful for witnessing the Atonement play a major role in each of our lives as it sets us "at one" with all things from which we are separated. I testify that I know that Jesus Is the Christ, that Joseph was called of our God to bring the Gospel to this day, and that through prayer and study, with the faith to receive answers, we will receive them. Indeed, this is all that is asked of us: faith and some effort. Through these simplest of means, all miracles may be accomplished.
I do miss you all terribly, but the joy I've found in serving others and seeing the son or daughter of God within those I teach eclipses the joy I've found before, and I know we may all find that same happiness. You're in my prayers, and I look forward to seeing and hearing from you again.
Starší Brent Anderson
And it came to pass that on the commencement of the 12th day of the 3rd Month of the year 2009, behold Starší Anderson, his companion Starší Nestman, and the one called "solo", being interpreted as Sister Reese, went forth to the TRC, a place of learning, a place of refinement, and a place of sheer terror for the unprepared. Nevertheless, the Czechs had studied long and hard that week, seeking the enlightement of the lord in the language of the Spirit, in the language of Czech, and in the preparation of a really good lesson. And it came to pass that the trio entered the TRC (being, interpreted by means of the MTC glossary guide, as the "Teaching Resource Center", ofttimes referred to as a TA or, being translated, a "Teaching Appointment"), they did so with boldness. Verily, through their preparations they had obtained great power and authority over the language of the Czechs, insofar as they could discuss food, drink, and a few points of the first lesson of Preach my Gospel. And thus they embarked, discussing the gospel in a simulated fashion with two men, formerly missionaries of our Lord themselves, who had gained for themselves a fluency in the Czech tongue. The missionaries proceeded to disucss all manner of foods, drinks, ingredients, and restaurant menu items with the "investigators." And it came to pass that, as they discussed, they referred frequently to the word of the lord, insofar as the Word could be likened unto a recipe, for these "investigators" had a keen interest in the meat that proceedeth out of the mouth of the oven as well as the Lord. Thus it was taught by the three Czech missionaries how the Plan of Salvation was like unto a recipe, and the words were well received. And verily, the missionaries did teach by the spirit, teaching principles of our Heavenly Father, even God the Father, and princples of the Restoration through Joseph Smith, including that first vision in this dispensation of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ, and the manner of prayer which we use to communicate with our Father. For behold, the missionaries had received great blessings of the Lord pertaining to declaring his word in the language of the Czechs and, through their preparations, prayers, fasting, and labors, they had mastery over the language. Verily, their lesson was entirely in Czech, and the word was well received by those who were taught.
And it came to pass that on the morrow, the missionaries, being filled with the spirit, were excited and enthusiastic to embark upon the coming week, and planned out the remainder of their grammar lessons for the coming week and a half. With a rigourous schedule of dozens of prepositions, cases, two or three new grammar concepts each day, and teaching 100% Czech twice a day, the missionaries set forth to be absolutely prepared in all things for the day when they would receive their travel plans in a week or so and then be off to the Czech Republic on the 6th of April, the morrow of the Conference General of the Church.
And it came to pass that during the evening of that friday, that the Branch President came and visited with his missionaries, and brought them glad tidings. For behold, a new house of the Lord had been erected in the land of Draper. And it came to pass that he brought glad tidings of the dedication of this holy structure, erected as a place of worship for the faithful of the Son of God, for all missionaries worthy of a temple recommend, that is to say, all missionaries, presently at the MTC would be granted place at a dedicatory ceremony that following sunday. Indeed, the MTC would become and extension of that Holy convocation, and all missionaries would be permitted to attend. And it came to pass that the district rejoiced with exceedingly great gladness, and there broke forth a bounty of celebratory brownies, and chocolates, and cookies, and all manner of unhealthy but highly savory and satisfying sweets, all of which were savored by the district and by the district president himself.
And Starší Anderson dwelt in his room.
And It came to pass that the Elders and Sister went forth on the morrow, studying the word of the Lord in all manner of tongues, with all manner of good books, particularly treasuring up the words of Preach My Gospel Chapter Six, and of LDS.org, and it's wonderous cross-referencing capacities, to which Starší Anderson made use of often. And it came to pass that their study journals filled to the brim, with paper and sticky notes filling the pages of their binders with the word of the lord, with means of teaching, of receiving the spirit, and of declaring the truth of the word abroad.
And it came to pass that some days passed, and the elders went up into the Temple, and enjoyed it very much. For to learn and to serve is what all men are called to do in this life, either through wickedness or good works. And through their works, and their struggles, and their labors, and their faith, all things were made manifest as truth before them. For behold, the spirit was well with them this week.
And it came to pass that Starší Anderson and his bretheren (And sisteren) received word that his own Brother, yeah the Brother of his childhood, who was the firstborn son of his parents, had found favor in the sight of God as well as in the sight of a fine and virtuous woman, whose name was Laura. And it came to pass that a date of engagement had been declared abroad by the happy couple. And the rejoicing and excitement of the missionaries was full, and was even further accented with another flowing of brownies and other sweets that probably should be burned off on the treadmill tomorrow. Nevertheless, it was well received news, well received good tidings.
And it came to pass that Starší Anderson spoke to the people who were abroad in babylon by the means of LDS.org, saying in his own tongue (rather than in the tongue of those past whose words were now contained in the holy scriptures):
"My friends, I'm doing well. Really really really really well. I'm also certain that, through recording our positive experiences in their sweetness, we will be able to endure the struggles of live. I know that the mission field is going to be a drastic change from the life of the MTC. But, because of our faithfulness, obedience, and dilligence, we know that we can have the Spirit of the Lord within us always. Therefore, I have no fear for the future, and I'm incredibly fortunate and blessed to be a missionary in this day. Miracles are wrought every day here, and of them all I am most grateful for witnessing the Atonement play a major role in each of our lives as it sets us "at one" with all things from which we are separated. I testify that I know that Jesus Is the Christ, that Joseph was called of our God to bring the Gospel to this day, and that through prayer and study, with the faith to receive answers, we will receive them. Indeed, this is all that is asked of us: faith and some effort. Through these simplest of means, all miracles may be accomplished.
I do miss you all terribly, but the joy I've found in serving others and seeing the son or daughter of God within those I teach eclipses the joy I've found before, and I know we may all find that same happiness. You're in my prayers, and I look forward to seeing and hearing from you again.
Starší Brent Anderson
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Week 5 at the MTC (Glorious Learning and Understanding)
Hello Everyone!
It's been an exciting and moving week for me, and I hope it's been as exciting for you as well! My computer crashed and I lost half of this letter, so we'll see if I can get through everything in the next nine minutes of time I've got to write.
For starters, last Tuesday, Yoshihiko Kikuchi of the Seventy visited the MTC. Among other things, there were two things that really struck me to the core. First, I talk waaaay to fast. To speak slowly and deliberately brings with it great power and intensity. Even if you have a great capacity for rhretoric or speech, it pales in comparison to short, simple, deliberate, spiritual statements. Very very true. Try speed reading the first vision (JSH 1:16-17) and then read it slowly. Very different experiences.
Second, I discovered that the gift of tongues manifests itself in more ways than one. Classically, to have this gift is to be able to speak with limited to know exposure to the language you are speaking, being done through the Holy Ghost. This is something that certainly is prevalent in my experience at the MTC and in other times of my life. But, I have discovered a second part to this magnificent gift: If you use another language to teach, it doesn't matter how poorly you may speak. If it is your best, you can deliver the message of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ with the same power and intensity as a native. Elder Kikuchi demonstrated this indirectly, because he spoke with a thick accent and with words and phrases that were none to elegant or refined by English grammar book standards. But, the words he spoke were heartfelt, delivered by the Holy Ghost, and brought with them incredible power. If you ever teach, do so through the spirit. I testify that I know that you can teach with incredible power and intensity no matter the language, if you have testimony, the spirit, and are doing all you can to prepare yourself for that teaching experience.
Thursday rolled around, and we went to the TRC to teach Hana. This went rather well, but there was one thing that struck me to the core: she didn't pray to know what we had taught was true. I was absolutely depressed for the next day or so. I was shocked at my reaction! Why should I feel this way? I have done nothing wrong? No, it was not that I had failed, but that she hadn't tried, and the magnitude of our message is such that to take it for granted is to disregard it entirely. I never want to feel like that again, but I know that that feeling is what Elder Holland refers to as being "devastated" when those you teach don't receive what you say completely.
The rest of the week has been rather great. I can teach for 45 minutes in czech from the Book of Mormon, the vocabulary and principles come faster and faster each day, and I'm overall very humbled that the Lord has blessed me in these ways so effectively.
Some questions have come to me regarding my district. I'll speak specifically on Sister Reese, the sister going to the Czech Republic. She's from Mapleton and is absolutely hilarious. Great attitude, great language skills, and she teaches with great power and authority. Sometimes she gets frustrated with the sheer volume of material we have to learn, as we all do, but she overcomes it because she knows who she is, not only as a daughter of God, but also as a called and set apart missionary. It's great being a missionary! I love it, and I could do it forever!
I hope all is well at home. I miss you all terribly, and it's hard to not be distracted with home. But I know that Jesus is the Christ and truth has been restored, and I get to share it!
Brent
It's been an exciting and moving week for me, and I hope it's been as exciting for you as well! My computer crashed and I lost half of this letter, so we'll see if I can get through everything in the next nine minutes of time I've got to write.
For starters, last Tuesday, Yoshihiko Kikuchi of the Seventy visited the MTC. Among other things, there were two things that really struck me to the core. First, I talk waaaay to fast. To speak slowly and deliberately brings with it great power and intensity. Even if you have a great capacity for rhretoric or speech, it pales in comparison to short, simple, deliberate, spiritual statements. Very very true. Try speed reading the first vision (JSH 1:16-17) and then read it slowly. Very different experiences.
Second, I discovered that the gift of tongues manifests itself in more ways than one. Classically, to have this gift is to be able to speak with limited to know exposure to the language you are speaking, being done through the Holy Ghost. This is something that certainly is prevalent in my experience at the MTC and in other times of my life. But, I have discovered a second part to this magnificent gift: If you use another language to teach, it doesn't matter how poorly you may speak. If it is your best, you can deliver the message of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ with the same power and intensity as a native. Elder Kikuchi demonstrated this indirectly, because he spoke with a thick accent and with words and phrases that were none to elegant or refined by English grammar book standards. But, the words he spoke were heartfelt, delivered by the Holy Ghost, and brought with them incredible power. If you ever teach, do so through the spirit. I testify that I know that you can teach with incredible power and intensity no matter the language, if you have testimony, the spirit, and are doing all you can to prepare yourself for that teaching experience.
Thursday rolled around, and we went to the TRC to teach Hana. This went rather well, but there was one thing that struck me to the core: she didn't pray to know what we had taught was true. I was absolutely depressed for the next day or so. I was shocked at my reaction! Why should I feel this way? I have done nothing wrong? No, it was not that I had failed, but that she hadn't tried, and the magnitude of our message is such that to take it for granted is to disregard it entirely. I never want to feel like that again, but I know that that feeling is what Elder Holland refers to as being "devastated" when those you teach don't receive what you say completely.
The rest of the week has been rather great. I can teach for 45 minutes in czech from the Book of Mormon, the vocabulary and principles come faster and faster each day, and I'm overall very humbled that the Lord has blessed me in these ways so effectively.
Some questions have come to me regarding my district. I'll speak specifically on Sister Reese, the sister going to the Czech Republic. She's from Mapleton and is absolutely hilarious. Great attitude, great language skills, and she teaches with great power and authority. Sometimes she gets frustrated with the sheer volume of material we have to learn, as we all do, but she overcomes it because she knows who she is, not only as a daughter of God, but also as a called and set apart missionary. It's great being a missionary! I love it, and I could do it forever!
I hope all is well at home. I miss you all terribly, and it's hard to not be distracted with home. But I know that Jesus is the Christ and truth has been restored, and I get to share it!
Brent
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Week 3 at the MTC (Onward and Upward)
Greetings Everyone!
This week marks roughly my halfway point of being in the MTC. Not that anyone else is counting, but I certainly am. There are great things to be done here at the MTC, but I'm so ready to hit the field and dig into the real work.
This week has been great, much like last week. I've been rather sick with a combination cold/flu/something that's kept me awake at night and put me through two boxes of tissues and some cold meds. But, despite the opposing circumstances, all of which have been very significant since it's hard to study without sleeping because you can't really breathe very well, I want you all to know that by being committed to the service you are engaged in, you will be blessed. I know I have - I haven't stopped working and studying, and the blessings I have reaped have been incredible. When it says in the scriptures that magnifying priesthood callings will bring the renewing of the body, it's not kidding. Otherwise this week wouldn't have been worth writing about to anybody. So, let's begin.
I'll start off with the man I've talked to in the RC on the phone about the gospel. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to speak with him since, but I did get to leave a message with him and will be calling him back on wednesday. I leave my testimony with him every time I call, and I know that he will be blessed if he'll exercise his fath. I know that because I've had that same experience. It's incredible how our personal experiences can remind us of things we see in others.
Now for the fun parts. First off, over the last few days I've had little to no resistance in speaking jen Cesky. Nada. As necessary, I can break out sentences to describe things both about the gospel and about what's going on. There are many things to learn yet, but each grammar principle we cover opens up new doors of communication. As far as the grammar cases go, I don't have them memorized yet, but from hearing, practicing, and reading the charts, and with promptings from the Spirit, when I trust myself in what I'm saying I come out alright. There are many areas to improve in still, but I'm confident that next week when we sit down to teach about the Restoration in Czech it will be without too much difficulty. I'm already prepping for that lesson, and have the First Vision story down in Czech by heart. I like it more in Czech than english, because the words like "exceedingly" and "This is my beloved son" come across much better ("Przhevyshuyicy" and "Toto yay moy milovany syn!", phoenetically spelled-ish) in my opinion. Nejoblibenjeshi slova for sure. :P
The last lesson we taught at the TRC was great. The language portion went well, and when it came down to teach we were well prepared to talk about pre-earth life and why we're here on earth. The girl from the Czech Republic listened attentively, and all present seemed to learn and grow from what we had to say. I was exceptionally excited when not only did everyone accept a challenge to read and pray about the book of mormon (reading 3 Ne 27, specifically), but when Hana asked about what happens after death. She was genuinely curious, too! It was so cool, and I just got incredibly excited. "We've only got five minutes, but I promise next week we'll have something ready for you!" Ahh! It's so great to be a missionary. I could do this forever! Even when things get hard and I get spat on or thrown rocks at or have doors slammed in my face, or whatever happens, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that what I'm out teaching people is absolutely true! I know it, and I'm so excited to help everyone around me realize that it's true to, to "Call them to a rememberance" of the things they used to know. That's what's so great, is that everyone already accepted this plan and the Truth - we just need to remind them of their decision and help them make commitments here in faith. So great to be here!
My companion and I continue to learn and grow from each other. We've all given a few blessings to each other for different reasons, and on sunday we'll be teaching our district as well as a member of the mission presidency. I'm extremely excited to teach, and love it when I get chances to do so. I think that's the selfish part about this work, for me, is that I've always gotten a great excitement from teaching anything I know to be true, and when I sit down and help to empower people with my testimony and with the spirit,, it's that same excitement times 100. Hmmmm...So great! Màm Rad MTC!
Apart from those experiences, the language, and everything else, things have been remarkably well. I still love getting letters from people! If my family hasn't posted my address to my blog yet, I hope they do soon. Our district is amazing - I actually asked the Branch President about that in an interview with I had with him on sunday, because we all feel we've been incredibly blessed with the people in our district. Any MTC district with worthy missionaries will be made of the finest stuff, but I know that our district is of peculiar testimony and faith. Being with them always makes me happy, and it will be sad to leave them all behind when the time comes to fly in two weeks. Even so, that will be when the real adventures begin.
I hope all is going well at home! You're all in my prayers, and I know that you'll all be blessed as you follow our Savior and strive to become more like him. As one of his servant's upon the Earth, I testify that I Know that Jesus is the Christ, that Truth has been restored, and that by coming unto him in faith we can all discover for ourselves the supreme joy and happiness that comes through dedicated service to our Lord, Master, and Redeemer.
With Love,
Starsi Anderson
This week marks roughly my halfway point of being in the MTC. Not that anyone else is counting, but I certainly am. There are great things to be done here at the MTC, but I'm so ready to hit the field and dig into the real work.
This week has been great, much like last week. I've been rather sick with a combination cold/flu/something that's kept me awake at night and put me through two boxes of tissues and some cold meds. But, despite the opposing circumstances, all of which have been very significant since it's hard to study without sleeping because you can't really breathe very well, I want you all to know that by being committed to the service you are engaged in, you will be blessed. I know I have - I haven't stopped working and studying, and the blessings I have reaped have been incredible. When it says in the scriptures that magnifying priesthood callings will bring the renewing of the body, it's not kidding. Otherwise this week wouldn't have been worth writing about to anybody. So, let's begin.
I'll start off with the man I've talked to in the RC on the phone about the gospel. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to speak with him since, but I did get to leave a message with him and will be calling him back on wednesday. I leave my testimony with him every time I call, and I know that he will be blessed if he'll exercise his fath. I know that because I've had that same experience. It's incredible how our personal experiences can remind us of things we see in others.
Now for the fun parts. First off, over the last few days I've had little to no resistance in speaking jen Cesky. Nada. As necessary, I can break out sentences to describe things both about the gospel and about what's going on. There are many things to learn yet, but each grammar principle we cover opens up new doors of communication. As far as the grammar cases go, I don't have them memorized yet, but from hearing, practicing, and reading the charts, and with promptings from the Spirit, when I trust myself in what I'm saying I come out alright. There are many areas to improve in still, but I'm confident that next week when we sit down to teach about the Restoration in Czech it will be without too much difficulty. I'm already prepping for that lesson, and have the First Vision story down in Czech by heart. I like it more in Czech than english, because the words like "exceedingly" and "This is my beloved son" come across much better ("Przhevyshuyicy" and "Toto yay moy milovany syn!", phoenetically spelled-ish) in my opinion. Nejoblibenjeshi slova for sure. :P
The last lesson we taught at the TRC was great. The language portion went well, and when it came down to teach we were well prepared to talk about pre-earth life and why we're here on earth. The girl from the Czech Republic listened attentively, and all present seemed to learn and grow from what we had to say. I was exceptionally excited when not only did everyone accept a challenge to read and pray about the book of mormon (reading 3 Ne 27, specifically), but when Hana asked about what happens after death. She was genuinely curious, too! It was so cool, and I just got incredibly excited. "We've only got five minutes, but I promise next week we'll have something ready for you!" Ahh! It's so great to be a missionary. I could do this forever! Even when things get hard and I get spat on or thrown rocks at or have doors slammed in my face, or whatever happens, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that what I'm out teaching people is absolutely true! I know it, and I'm so excited to help everyone around me realize that it's true to, to "Call them to a rememberance" of the things they used to know. That's what's so great, is that everyone already accepted this plan and the Truth - we just need to remind them of their decision and help them make commitments here in faith. So great to be here!
My companion and I continue to learn and grow from each other. We've all given a few blessings to each other for different reasons, and on sunday we'll be teaching our district as well as a member of the mission presidency. I'm extremely excited to teach, and love it when I get chances to do so. I think that's the selfish part about this work, for me, is that I've always gotten a great excitement from teaching anything I know to be true, and when I sit down and help to empower people with my testimony and with the spirit,, it's that same excitement times 100. Hmmmm...So great! Màm Rad MTC!
Apart from those experiences, the language, and everything else, things have been remarkably well. I still love getting letters from people! If my family hasn't posted my address to my blog yet, I hope they do soon. Our district is amazing - I actually asked the Branch President about that in an interview with I had with him on sunday, because we all feel we've been incredibly blessed with the people in our district. Any MTC district with worthy missionaries will be made of the finest stuff, but I know that our district is of peculiar testimony and faith. Being with them always makes me happy, and it will be sad to leave them all behind when the time comes to fly in two weeks. Even so, that will be when the real adventures begin.
I hope all is going well at home! You're all in my prayers, and I know that you'll all be blessed as you follow our Savior and strive to become more like him. As one of his servant's upon the Earth, I testify that I Know that Jesus is the Christ, that Truth has been restored, and that by coming unto him in faith we can all discover for ourselves the supreme joy and happiness that comes through dedicated service to our Lord, Master, and Redeemer.
With Love,
Starsi Anderson
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