April 28, 2013

Godt dag!
Sorry about lateness. Busy stuff happening.

This week has had an interesting focus on service. We stopped by the
frivillige arbejde (details mentioned below), Scrubbed and cleaned the floor
of a member who's pregnant right now, and on several ocasions made cookies
for members who were having a tough time. (Did you know you can make
cookies WITHOUT brown sugar? Substitute... Syrup. Smell like syrup when they
come out of the oven too.) You just gotta time it right when you make them
so it doesn't cut into your working time.

We stopped by a man that has recently been coming back to church this week
with cookies, and quite frankly I love the guy. He was having sort of a
tough day, so we were glad to stop by. Since i got here in the Gladsaxe 1,
he's made steady improvement week to week.  You can see just how happy the
gospel is making his life. The ward has been helping him out as well,
giving him rides to church. (name withheld) went home teaching with him and
he just felt so privileged and happy to be helping. One of the members gave
him a old suit coat and he proudly wears it. You can just see the pure
happiness on his face when he's at church. He has a sharp testimony of the
word of wisdom because of his alcohol addiction for many years, and I think
that after stopping and following the word of wisdom, even over the course
of the past month or two, the Lord has been greatly and visibly blessing
his life. I think he is someone I'll always remember. Keep
staring

Other then that this week has simply been filled with stopping by less
actives and mulig investigators. Not much has occurred from that quite yet.
We did find one new investigator so that will be interesting to see where
that goes. I'm a little concerned that we weren't able to set up as good of
teaching/expectations basis as I'd have liked, but he still has potential
if we can still set up a good foundation. He knows a lot about the church
and has a really good view on it. He seemed to know a TON on Joseph Smith
himself. Just doesn't know if he can believe that Joseph really saw what he
did. Book of Mormon. Read it. Pray about it. You'll get an answer. He
talked so much that was all I was really able to get in before he was on to
the next subject. Really neat guy.

I have a testimony of the divinity of the book of Mormon and the power of
its words upon the soul. I had this event happened to me once before. One
day this week, I got depressed at my own weakness. I'm out on the Lords
errand, I should be better then this, talk to everybody without hesitation.
blablabla. Anyway, I was pretty depressed. There was a point where we were
going out to stop by a less active and we were waiting for the bus and I
had a dark cloud over my head. (Figuratively and literally. Later it
rained on us. But it was a light rain and I had a windbreaker so it was
ok.)  So i pulled out my Book of Mormon to read a bit, to ''escape'' into
the stories of the BOM. as i opened up Ether 12 (I'm nearly done with the
BOM in Danish!) and began to read it was an incredible sensation. I could
literally FEEL the sorrow drain out of me and the Spirit replace that
gloom. I could feel that peace in my soul again and that happiness that
comes from the scriptures. There is no doubt in my mind that the Book of
Mormon is the word of God. The rest of the evening was gone about in an
upbeat manner. Very thankful to the Lord for his Spirit.

I'm starting to understand the better way of contacting, of talking to
people other then ''Hej, vi komme fra jesu kristi kirke...''. Its more of a
friendly way, talking about their life and interests. We had this really
good conversation with a man in front of his house that was doing yard
work. After saying no thanks to our offer of helping out with it, we sorta
asked what the barrel of sand was for. He mentioned that it was for his
kids sandbox, so that was neat. We talked a little bit more and he revealed
that he actually knew where our church building was! If we can avoid
putting up the robotic face, they will take down their robotic face as
well. Its still very hard to do sometimes.

We didn't do much knocking this week. I don't know if that was a good thing
or a bad thing. That form of finding is slowly decreasing. Its not the
best way of finding of course, but perhaps we shouldn't forget it.

Oh, and Sunday was of great note, as least from our mission leader
coordination meeting. Our mission leader has been kicking into top gear.
He's having a special meeting/class every week or so and having certain
family s come and follow up and do the family mission plan. He's giving
certain assignments to the ward mission couples to visit less active people
once a week. He's having all the member missionarys pray for one of our
investigators so that they can progress. And coordination in having people
present to our appointments is going great. For the most part we can get
someone to every appointment, although I think Brother Rasmussen is getting
tired of being called out all the time. Gotta find someone new. Or make
appointments where we can get someone else present. Church was just a
spiritual high. I just love going every week. There is just so much love
and connection in the ward, its great to see!

Other random stuff seen this week. A park full of big bunny statues. Kinda
creepy and we couldn't help singing ''the bunny song'' from veggie tales.
;-)

April 22, 2013

This week was great, and just a little bit on the weird side. Felt really long as well. Feels like it was forever since last writing. We had a great zone conference about our divine potential. D&C 138:53 and 56. Check it out, then think missionary work. It amplifies our my understanding of my divine purpose, and potential.. For some reason, there has been a lot focusing on that in my mind lately. Lots of general conference talks, and lots of other talks and lots of study stuff. I wonder if its what the Lord wants emphasized right now? How we are all sons and daughters of God. Also about the rest of the training, Æ. Berry and I have been doing a lot of thinking about creative ways to do missionary work, and ways that we can serve the members and simply show them we love them. I feel like that's been on my mind lately and it would be a fantastic help to do. To serve and find in creative ways. Just gotta figure out how to apply our talents into that. Maybe play soccer. Æ. Berrys pretty talented at that. We had a less active appointment this week. From what we could tell, she'd been offended, hadn't come to church and lost her testimony. She was very kind to us, but when we gave her a spiritual thought about Joseph Smith, she sorta shot it down, saying that all churches have good in them. True. BUT, Æ. Berry later mentioned that her issue of testimony seemed to rest in the authority part. So we emphasized the Book of Mormon, gave her one, (she didn't have one anymore.) and left with a prayer. I really just sorta wonder sometimes what can we do? We can offer it in the best possible way, and I even asked to remember why she joined the church in the first place. I just... really hope something good with kick some of these people into gear. We had 2 member present lessons in one day! With a returned mini missionary with us. He's a pretty good teacher. He has the points down. And he's Danish so that helps on the clearly explaining the points part. The people we ended up teaching weren't exactly the most positive, but I guess that's ok. Both just seemed to be nice and respectful to hear us out. The other was morely just curious. We'll probably try and stop by again. Are there keys to some people's hearts? Once again, the Lord knows, and all we need to do is ask then try and listen to understand the answer and trust him. I guess that the highlight of the week is the baptism! Yay! I guess you could count that as my first. But for some reason, it doesn't feel hugely monumental for me. I know it is, but it was something that was just one of the things we are called out here to do. Find, teach and baptize. That, and the fact I just sorta swooped in and finished the job. Sorta like a kill-steal, except its more one the lines of eternal salvation. So... Salvation-steal? We were very lucky that the Assistants were at the church early that morning to check it out because it was way dirty. So they cleaned it out for us and we got over to help fill it up. We thought it would only take 1 or so hours. They usually take 3+. So we ended up dumping buckets of water, filled up from the storage room to catch up. First time for everything I guess. I suppose that it's bigger event for the girls and family rather then for us. The blessings of taking upon Christ name as the first key to eternal salvation. Fantastic. Now we just need to get on the teaching the after lessons and help the mom get to the temple. Never in my mission have we gotten that far in the lessons, so it'll be completely new to me teaching them. Not a clue how to do it. I guess we'll figure it out though. Also, a neat teaching experience occurred after the meeting. During the meeting the Bishop noted to me that there were some people present that were not members and encouraged me to go and talk to them. I should have realized that the best place to sit was next to the non-members. After the meeting, I did go and talk to them (her) and the bishop jumped in and helped the conversation a lot directing it directly to the good feelings and the holy ghost. The lady just kept saying how good she felt during it, how special it was. Later, I was able to tell her about the Book of Mormon and give it to her as a gift, and she seemed interested. Maybe that will turn into a referral! On Friday, after weekly planning, we went and made cookies for a recently less active, (Divorce. Having hard time. Needs time to figure things out.) I thought that was fun, and simple. Perhaps its by small and simple things that great things come to pass. Perhaps cookies can fulfill that need we're looking for. But we're going to need some more ideas then just cookies, cause that might get old really fast. It goes back to that creativity serving. Maybe I'll draw little comics of the members to cheer them up. Who knows? I was reading Ether 2 the other day (getting close to finishing in Danish!) and how when the Brother of Jared brings the Lord the issue of light, the Lord flatly asks, ''what do you want me to do about it?'' and in a sense ''figure it out yourself. Be creative'' And so I've got the feeling he's doing that to me... Fun things we got to see this week. A legit black cauldron in a backyard, like a witch would use. Or a horned king from a Disney Movie. It's Æ. Berrys favorite. We also found a metal ping pong table on a hill, very randomly placed. We played on it. It was great. We also discovered a 4 man ping pong table. Now THAT could get interesting. Found some boulders that were shaped into a massive snake. Went into a store strictly about Disney. Saw some statues that were underwater. Oh yeah, and there was that one MIME on the gågade... He was shaving his face. Oh and went into the Lego store. Saw a Death Star Lego set with over 3000 pieces. We later mentioned it to our mission leader, and he laughed and his wife said that he had had his eye one it for a long time. Its an interesting thing, but a LOT of the older Danes here LOVE legos. I think Dad would fit right in. Bought a little StormTrooper Lego man. I'm really enjoying being companions with Æ. Berry. His and I's prayers have grown to be powerful at times. If anything, they are stronger then I've seen in a long time. (praying out loud helps a lot. Plus I learned a lot from Æ. Berrys prayers and testimony. He can be an incredible missionary.) We're getting tighter and tighter on being obedient. It's been helping I think. The spiritual channels are being opened up and cleared out of gunk. Very nice! But one thing is clear. I'm still happy and still hopeful that things will continue to roll forward. This is the Lords work. Things ARE moving forth, and I'm excited to be apart of it. Continual thanks for all that you do. Our mission had 5 baptisms last Saturday and only more are on the way! MVH Ældste T. Christensen

April 15, 2013

Hej! Busy busy week in Ballerup! Transfers once again kick off once again, but thankfully I'm keeping my feet planted. I'm with Æ. Berry now whose only one group ahead of me, and we basically ended up taking the work of two areas and combining it into one. It leaves for a particularly full week. Kinda like doubling the amount of work. I sorta feel greedy because suddenly we have lots of good things all to ourselves and have anything to share, except spiritual experiences. That and we've got 2 baptisms lined up for this Saturday. Two young girls of a previously less active mother. (now active :)) It'll be a good day. We actually taught them the last two commandments this week and I think it went ok. They understood the Word of Wisdom fine, and the pictures we made helped. Law of Chasity went... alright... as well as it could have I guess. I've taught the law of Chasity less then a handful of times on my mission and on top of that we needed to tailor it to a 11 and 9 year old... Can't exactly start using big grown up language if you get what I mean. We sorta struggled past the language barrier, but thankfully the member helped us teach in a very clear manner so it ended up going well. We talked with them on Søndag and it seems like the mom is really excited. They liked seeing the Dåb program. Also in church, the primary went up to sing a song and one of the girls went up and sang as well! So integration into the church I think is going great. There were actually lots of really good things that happened to us this week. Tirsdag was a particular jump. We found 2 new investigators, Æ. McDonnell and I and I feel like one of them has huge potential. There is actually an interesting story about how we caught him at home. Definitely a guided by the Lord experience.So we had an appointment to meet with a less active, but sadly she forgot and burned us. So with some extra time on our hands we stopped by some people in the area. One of them is a young guy and has never been home. But lo and behold this time he was! He let us right in and we talked a little bit. According to him has read about half the book of Mormon since we last gave it to him about 2 months ago! He said he didn't understand the ''bible'' language so much, but the fact he presses on is a inspiration to me! We went through a first lesson and gave a soft dåb invite and he said yes! His potential is there. Now all we need is to continue to meet these people. We've been getting much better at setting another appointments at the end of the lesson and its been paying off. Often it sets up our next week for us. He was sick sadly for our next appointment, but he texted us and told us so at least he has us in mind. Here's another neat experience. We were on the train down to the office to drop off the District Leader binder and randomly on the S Tog, a man asked us if we were the missionary s. We said yea, and soon started up a conversation about how he'd been to church about 4 years ago and had been taught by the missionary s. He really seemed to like us and so we traded numbers and he said once he moved into his new apartment, (Which we offered to help move) we could meet up! People are coming out of nowhere! Its really exciting. One of the biggest final notes of this week was our appointment with one of our new progressing friends. (still not sure on the last name... :p) After konfirmering the appointment the night before, we showed up, sat down, talked a little bit, and started teach Frelseplanen. Only got about halfway when the conversation started turning toward Faith. He was really open and said he had a quote. He told us not to think he was unserious or anything and then brought up a Winne the Pooh quote, how Pooh Bear says ''Something will show.'' and we all sorta expounded upon that. (Love Winnie the Pooh. Couldn't be more inspirational to bring that up!) Our member present was so great in bearing testimony all the time and I was really happy to add my testimony to his about the church. I'm very glad Æ. Berry and I were working as a team because he remembered to ask for a return appointment, and I remembered to invite him to baptism. His schedule was very tied up next week sadly, but he'll be coming to church, (maybe with his son) and I'll make sure to follow up a day or two before! So that's looking good. On Lørdag, Æ. Berry and I did some service for some members, who are moving. It was such a weird change of pace. We Americans are just like ''Ok! Get the big moving van! Throw it all in! Lets move!'' but these Danes were just way casual. We showed up and a lot of stuff just wasn't quite packed yet. But regardless, I think it helped build member relations. Then later we went and helped another member who asked us to help clean us after a wedding reception. That was actually sorta fun getting cake, but our help really wasn't needed. Thats the second wedding reception this month we've been invited to as the missionarys to help with. Everyone just seems to be jumping that boat. But regardless it's a win for the eternal marriage! In my own personal growth and spiritual thoughts this week, I've been studying about love, and how I can apply it better in my life. An interesting thought also occurred to me the other day in church. We were sitting there in Elders Quorum and the teacher asked us to share how certain aspects of the gospel bless our lives. So Æ. Berry and I start talking and as we talked a interesting thought was said. When we pray, the Lord ALWAYS answers our prayers, but usually never in the way we expect. Always in a better way. Often through other experiences. I feel there are some answers that won't come to you on your knees. The answer might come from a friend, from a scripture or even another experience. I love the thought that answers to prays will come though EXPERIENCES. Couldn't give an example but the thought intrigues me. Prayer is still the most important, and we must ask in order to receive. But the timing and way are always calculated to bless the most. So thats a super interesting thought to me. The companionship is going just great. I've basically known Æ. Berry since the start of my mission while he was in Randers. The apartment feels a little empty but I think that helps us focus on doing some things. Not letting hygge conversations distract us. I can almost feel as I tighten my routine into greater obedience, (for that is my goal.) I can feel all the gunk, fatigue or the spiritual influence interference being un-clogged and cleared out. Its a refreshing feeling and helps my mind feel clean and clear. Truly a manifestation of the blessings from the Lord with obedience. I'm excited to hear all the news going on in the mission. Things are really getting rolling now. I'm excited to see how it all unfolds. :) Speaking of unfolding, our mission is beginning to see great blessings throughout the land. There are 23 baptismal dates and 9 of them are in the month of April! This is the highest its been as far back as anyone can remember! (Except probably when they baptized people by the boatloads here in the 1800's...) As my mission President quoted, *''This is just a beginning of what the Lord has in store as He hastens His work. This is truly His work and no unhallowed hand will stop it.''*¨ The Danish mission is gearing up and rolling the ball. Better watch out you South American Missions. The 2nd Harvest is here. Thanks for all you do and your constant support and guidance and testimony! MVH? Ældste T. Christensen