that... is a weird thing to type. and even weirder to think about.
This week went fantastic. Sunday the branch President wanted us to have a missionary sunday, and it went AMAZING!! I gave a talk, taught the adults Gospel essentials class, and also taught Relief Society. The spirit was so strong, especially because we were also fasting as a branch for missionary work to pick up. I have faith that it will. Maybe I will be gone, but it will pick up. if i can just prepare the field for harvesting, then I will be happy when future missionaries here harvest. We had NINE less active members at church on sunday and 5 investigators. We got 3 on baptismal date this week, 15th of December :) Happy birthday Jessie :) Elder Beacom and I are working really well together, so I am super happy about that.
I have no time this week, but I want you all to know that I love you very much. I have a testimony of the necessity of application of Gospel living. Faith without works is dead. Even a drunkard can say that he believes in Jesus Christ, but it is our actions and words and appearance which set us apart from the rest. We are, as Paul said, a "peculiar people". The greatest commandment is to first love God with everything that we are. Next, second only to loving our Almighty and Omnipotent God, is to love our neighbor. Make sure we have love within the family please. We are together eternally. When we learn to love celestially now, Heaven comes much closer. Love you all with all my heart. Please know that I really do have high expectations for our family because I am a witness of the blessings He has given us. they are uncountable, trust me, I will explain more when I see you all in 2 weeks. Go to the temple. Read your scriptures every day. Pray to the Lord and speak to your Father as you would speak to our Dad, Dale. Observe strictly the Sabbath day. And know that I love you forever. See you soon :)
With eternal love for you all, Conrad
An African Heart
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Third to Last..
(Received November 18)
Yeah, it is not registering with me either. In three weeks from today, I will be on a plane back to Idaho.
I have no time, but this week was really nice. Elder Beacom, my companion from South Africa, is AWESOME. He is my first white companion and we get along really well. He is alot like us boys, weird and dorky. But being around him has shown me that I have grown up a bit..... makes me feel kidna weird haha. But we are rockin and gettig TONS of new investigators. Soon we should have quite a few on baptismal date. Like, over 10. The Lord prospers the work when our faith is high and we work hard. I am seeing that that is true.
I am FLIPPIN excited for MoTab. What will be the game plan for that? Where will we stay? How long will we be down in Utah? How was Ben's brithday? Why have Ben and Dan fallen off the face of the Earth, never to email their Kenyan brother ever again?? ;)
We'll talk more family, shoot me some final emails. By the time I write again, I will have 2 weeks left. 14 days. Nashuhudia kwamba kazi hii ni kazi Yake, hata Yesu Kristo. Tukinaimani, na tukitumikia na bidii, Yesu atatupatia matunda. Anatupenda sana, na tunampenda pia, sindio? :) (I testify that this work is His work, even Jesus Christ. If we have faith, and if we serve with hard work, Jesus will give us fruits. He loves us so much, and we love him too, right?)
Love always, still Elder Schneider
Yeah, it is not registering with me either. In three weeks from today, I will be on a plane back to Idaho.
I have no time, but this week was really nice. Elder Beacom, my companion from South Africa, is AWESOME. He is my first white companion and we get along really well. He is alot like us boys, weird and dorky. But being around him has shown me that I have grown up a bit..... makes me feel kidna weird haha. But we are rockin and gettig TONS of new investigators. Soon we should have quite a few on baptismal date. Like, over 10. The Lord prospers the work when our faith is high and we work hard. I am seeing that that is true.
I am FLIPPIN excited for MoTab. What will be the game plan for that? Where will we stay? How long will we be down in Utah? How was Ben's brithday? Why have Ben and Dan fallen off the face of the Earth, never to email their Kenyan brother ever again?? ;)
We'll talk more family, shoot me some final emails. By the time I write again, I will have 2 weeks left. 14 days. Nashuhudia kwamba kazi hii ni kazi Yake, hata Yesu Kristo. Tukinaimani, na tukitumikia na bidii, Yesu atatupatia matunda. Anatupenda sana, na tunampenda pia, sindio? :) (I testify that this work is His work, even Jesus Christ. If we have faith, and if we serve with hard work, Jesus will give us fruits. He loves us so much, and we love him too, right?)
Love always, still Elder Schneider
It's..uh...STILL THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Clever title, eh?
Well this week wasn't quite as great as last week. I had my last zone conference! Crazy to think about that those are over.
Remember that family that I told you about? His name was James and his wife is Julie. We taught them the Restoration on Sunday and AH! Amazing lesson for sure. Everything went perfect, and they were excited when we finished the lesson. So much so they are asking us to come multiple times per week. This Thursday we are committing them to baptism, so I will let you know how that goes. 5 of them :) This Gospel is TRUE, kabisa.
We also have some good potential investigators as well, so we'll see how all that goes. I don't have much time, that's why I am being short. But as for school, I haven't even thought to ponder about it. I don't know, the whole idea of what's gonna happen there kinda makes me tired to think about. I will try and fit time to ponder on it this week if all the other responsibilities are taken care of. But I am pretty sure I will be coming home for a while. It is true that I would be rushing things if I jumped into it so quickly. Why don't we say that that is my decision for now. Come home. Get things sorted and then get down to business. I mean school... man i'm so flippin hungry right now.
Well I started a branch choir and they aren't half bad! None are severely tone deaf, so we have good things ahead!! I wrote an arrangment for "Redeemer of Israel", and it is pretty simple but cool. I will make a copy of it before I let Sister Anderson, who is my pianist for this, takes it. We are planning to sing at the dedication or opening of the new chapel that was built here :) history in the making.
I wrote an email to the mission and thanked them for their friendship and love and everything while I was an assistant, and many of them wrote back some touching things! I love these Elders and Sisters so much. I feel like I have made a difference. In my mission, I know I have done the will of the Lord so far. His Spirit has confirmed that to me, and that is the best blessing I could ask for. I simply need to push harder for these 4 weeks and the Lord will accept my service, I know it.
Ben, HAPPY FLIPPIN BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll write more in a personal email. :)
Love you all to death. Miss you guys, for real. But time is short :)
Love always, Conrad
Well this week wasn't quite as great as last week. I had my last zone conference! Crazy to think about that those are over.
Remember that family that I told you about? His name was James and his wife is Julie. We taught them the Restoration on Sunday and AH! Amazing lesson for sure. Everything went perfect, and they were excited when we finished the lesson. So much so they are asking us to come multiple times per week. This Thursday we are committing them to baptism, so I will let you know how that goes. 5 of them :) This Gospel is TRUE, kabisa.
We also have some good potential investigators as well, so we'll see how all that goes. I don't have much time, that's why I am being short. But as for school, I haven't even thought to ponder about it. I don't know, the whole idea of what's gonna happen there kinda makes me tired to think about. I will try and fit time to ponder on it this week if all the other responsibilities are taken care of. But I am pretty sure I will be coming home for a while. It is true that I would be rushing things if I jumped into it so quickly. Why don't we say that that is my decision for now. Come home. Get things sorted and then get down to business. I mean school... man i'm so flippin hungry right now.
Well I started a branch choir and they aren't half bad! None are severely tone deaf, so we have good things ahead!! I wrote an arrangment for "Redeemer of Israel", and it is pretty simple but cool. I will make a copy of it before I let Sister Anderson, who is my pianist for this, takes it. We are planning to sing at the dedication or opening of the new chapel that was built here :) history in the making.
I wrote an email to the mission and thanked them for their friendship and love and everything while I was an assistant, and many of them wrote back some touching things! I love these Elders and Sisters so much. I feel like I have made a difference. In my mission, I know I have done the will of the Lord so far. His Spirit has confirmed that to me, and that is the best blessing I could ask for. I simply need to push harder for these 4 weeks and the Lord will accept my service, I know it.
Ben, HAPPY FLIPPIN BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll write more in a personal email. :)
Love you all to death. Miss you guys, for real. But time is short :)
Love always, Conrad
From Conrad's Dad....Can't wait to watch Major Payne with you!!!
PREACHIN IS MY BIDNESS LADIESSS..AND BID--NESS--IS--GOOOOOOOD!!!
IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy mackerel says it all. So, without further ado, "Holy mackerel."
I'M BACK IN BUSINESS BABY!!!!!! WOOOO!!!!!!!! and i am LOVING being out in the field again. It feels absolutely wonderful. I have the Spirit with me all the time, and when I don't I know exactly what I need to do or repent for to get Him back. Being close to President Hicken has been the best thing for my life and mission. I will be eternally grateful for President Hicken. I love him so much.
Every lesson we have taught so far, including Sunday ones where they asked me to speak, I can feel the Spirit working through me. The Spirit has even given me discernment to peoples feelings and thoughts. I'm not even joking. I was teaching something in Elder's Quorum about being an ensign to the nations. The Spirit was with me, as the Lord so graciously grants me when I ask, and i was prompted to mention what they were thinking and feeling. they even affirmed that it was indeed what they were feeling and thinking. It was a very special experience. I know what the Spirit feels like and how He speaks to me now. I will definitely continue to hone my sensitivity to His voice, but I have to thank my God for how good He has been to me. He loves me so much, and obviously you too. He is so good to us. The blessings just never stop coming. I never want to stop serving, and it's going to absolutely break my heart to leave my mission. Among the countless blessings, i am happy that I have just been able to be an instrument in His hands.
We even found a BIG family in just these 4 days since I came! They WANT to learn about why there are so many churches and how we can know the right one!! They, in essence, ASKED for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ!!! That is no coincidence. We are meeting them again next Sunday to discuss the restoration. We will commit them to baptism as well, all 10 or so of them. Speaking as you brother and son, I am honestly overwhelmed and I cry when I ponder on the fact that the Lord will use us to do His work. He doesn't need to! He could do it Himself! but He lets us grow and receive the blessings from His work. That He would allow me to serve Him here in Kenya is overwhelming. I love the Lord so much. He is my friend and Savior.
We are heading off to an appointment now, but thanks a billion for the package, I got it and I have been enjoying it with my companions. that shirt is AWESOME JESSIE!!!!!! People have offered to trade, buy, and steal it already!!! But all three offers were denied. It's special to me :)
And MOTAB!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE AND LITERALLY A PRAYER ANSWERED!!!!!!!!! I can't wait!!!! i'm bummed that the whole family can't come, but we can still be in Utah together for some time. That idea, of a road trip and small vacation together melts my heart :)
I hope you know I love you all with all my heart and more. I am willingly obedient and I love the Lord and His Gospel. This Church is true. Please let me know how each of you are doing. I want to hear from you as my mission is nearing an end. Love you all :)
Love always,
Conrad
I'M BACK IN BUSINESS BABY!!!!!! WOOOO!!!!!!!! and i am LOVING being out in the field again. It feels absolutely wonderful. I have the Spirit with me all the time, and when I don't I know exactly what I need to do or repent for to get Him back. Being close to President Hicken has been the best thing for my life and mission. I will be eternally grateful for President Hicken. I love him so much.
Every lesson we have taught so far, including Sunday ones where they asked me to speak, I can feel the Spirit working through me. The Spirit has even given me discernment to peoples feelings and thoughts. I'm not even joking. I was teaching something in Elder's Quorum about being an ensign to the nations. The Spirit was with me, as the Lord so graciously grants me when I ask, and i was prompted to mention what they were thinking and feeling. they even affirmed that it was indeed what they were feeling and thinking. It was a very special experience. I know what the Spirit feels like and how He speaks to me now. I will definitely continue to hone my sensitivity to His voice, but I have to thank my God for how good He has been to me. He loves me so much, and obviously you too. He is so good to us. The blessings just never stop coming. I never want to stop serving, and it's going to absolutely break my heart to leave my mission. Among the countless blessings, i am happy that I have just been able to be an instrument in His hands.
We even found a BIG family in just these 4 days since I came! They WANT to learn about why there are so many churches and how we can know the right one!! They, in essence, ASKED for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ!!! That is no coincidence. We are meeting them again next Sunday to discuss the restoration. We will commit them to baptism as well, all 10 or so of them. Speaking as you brother and son, I am honestly overwhelmed and I cry when I ponder on the fact that the Lord will use us to do His work. He doesn't need to! He could do it Himself! but He lets us grow and receive the blessings from His work. That He would allow me to serve Him here in Kenya is overwhelming. I love the Lord so much. He is my friend and Savior.
We are heading off to an appointment now, but thanks a billion for the package, I got it and I have been enjoying it with my companions. that shirt is AWESOME JESSIE!!!!!! People have offered to trade, buy, and steal it already!!! But all three offers were denied. It's special to me :)
And MOTAB!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE AND LITERALLY A PRAYER ANSWERED!!!!!!!!! I can't wait!!!! i'm bummed that the whole family can't come, but we can still be in Utah together for some time. That idea, of a road trip and small vacation together melts my heart :)
I hope you know I love you all with all my heart and more. I am willingly obedient and I love the Lord and His Gospel. This Church is true. Please let me know how each of you are doing. I want to hear from you as my mission is nearing an end. Love you all :)
Love always,
Conrad
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