Elder Austin Weaver: 4. Elder Evans

Showing posts with label 4. Elder Evans. Show all posts

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Kansas Mission Pictures

Elder Weaver - Walking the Streets of Kansas

Elder Weaver & Elder Evans

Elder Weaver, Brother Maxwell, Elder Evans

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Elder Nash of the Seventy Meeting Was So Inspiring

November 11, 2013

Re: Basta dizer ola!

Dear Family & Friends,

That is so excellent to hear about Brother Sadler and Brother Kahn. I am sad to see Brother Sadler leave, but I know he's close by. Yes! Alex, I've been writing him. I hope to hear from him in Uruguay soon! Ha ha, yeah the plaque,...I don't care, as long as it's up there before I show up, I don't mind. Family night with Ryken sounds way fun. I am so pleased with Allison's decision to further her education. She will do so great. I will definitely remember Nani in my prayers.

Elder Nash's meeting was so inspiring. He is from Lynnwood, Washington actually. I got to shake his hand and talk with him briefly. He gave all of the Elders hugs :) and I took sooooo many notes. He did a lot of training on visits and following up. He and President Bell both stressed The Book of Mormon. They said it would not cut it to just know or believe The Book is true. We must have a deep and abiding testimony of its divinity. He exhorted us to study the "Questions of the Soul" section of Preach My Gospel, so a lot of my personal study time has been dedicated to that. You could tell he loves us. He said, "That's ridiculous! How can I Love you when all I did was shake your hand? But, when I met each of you I received bits of insight and revelation concerning each of you, and I love all of you!" It was an amazing meeting. He said when he starts a new assignment he used to wonder, "Can I love these people as much as the people in Lynnwood or some of my other assignments. But with each opportunity to serve he finds that he does develop that same love for each group of people he has been called to serve.

Today was a roller coaster. Elder Evans and I packed up and left. There were 3 other Visa waiters going to Brazil. I Love Elder Evans! I have learned so much from him. My goal before I go to Brazil is to be happy to serve there, but very very very sad to leave, so sad that I cry. I want to come to Love this area and these people to the point that it brings me to tears. And guess what? Because I would be companion-less for 2 days since transfers aren't until Wednesday, I am a temporary companion with Elder Holbrook. I pick up my new companion, Elder Johnson, on Wednesday, and guess what? I'm TRAINING!!! He's brand new. I am so excited and nervous but I hope to do the best I can. Elder Holbrook is going to another area this transfer, but for the next 2 days I'll be in Bel-Aire. I Love Wellington! I Love Being a Missionary! God Lives. I know Him. I am working on getting to know Him better.

That is excellent that Sister Sharon met Trevor. Elder Evans tells me so much about that guy.

I Love Y'all! Fique suave!

Com Amor no Lar,

Elder Weaver

Monday, November 4, 2013

I Can Not Believe It Is November Already

November 4, 2013

RE: I Can Not Believe It Is November Already

Dear Family & Friends,

Yea, I got a sweater at Wal-Mart. In fact Elder Evans and I now have dual sweaters :) Comp-Unity, Matching Status! Also, Elder Holbrook let me take an extra jacket from my last area, so I am set! I cannot believe it is November already, nice.

Y'all would Love the members we live with. The Brundages are so nice. Brother Brundage had a son serve in Holland and he lived with members for a while there, so that is why they house missionaries now. Brother Brundage is also the mayor of Argonia and he owns a shop in the basement that services those "items" that Dad recently picked up. He would probably like it down there. That's hilarious that you only got 3 trick or treaters. Peace and quiet this year and sadly, no, we did not have a baptism this week because Katy has still not been to church. (They have to come at least 2 Sundays before their baptism). Hopefully that will change. That reminds me,

Sister Mocks was so fun. Like I stated in the letter. Also, we listened to the Mormon Music Channel together, and "Homeward Bound" came on. Elder Evans and I totally jammed out. He's been keeping his Visa a secret. Only myself and Elders Chun and Arend know. Funny thing about Elder Chun, he came the transfer after me, and Elder Holbrook and I had to "watch" him while he waited for his new companion. He refers to Elder Holbrook as his "Daycare Daddy!"

I Love our District so much. I know exactly what you mean about hearing other's testimonies just at the right time. When I was in the MTC, I picked up a notebook where I record notes from meetings and other spiritual thoughts, I call them my "small plates". Never fear, we always have things we could improve on. It is not too late.

If you wish to have a habit of holding family scripture, you may still do so. Thank you for all of the times where we DID. I hope I can pass that on to my new family as well. That is a comforting thought. Whenever I am worried because I am inadequate or whatever I am reminded that this is not my work, but the Lord's. He does all the "heavy lifting" as one of my missionary leaders once put it. We are just his hands, like you said.

I have been working like mad to try and get the area down for when I have to take over, or, take the lead I guess in following the Spirit in this Wellington Ward. Our Ward covers most of Sumner and Harper Counties. So, we got a lot of ground to cover. But we're going to find, we're going to teach, and we're going to baptize. That's what we do in this mission, and that's what I'm going to do. Tell Allison everything will be all right. Tudo Bem! She can make it in to BYU-I.

I'm excited to find my new companion. And I'm joyful to hear from Elder Nash of the Seventy as he tours the Mission. Perseverar Ate O FIM!

ETHER 12 (especially verse 4) - Elder Evans and I have been relying on Faith (fe) a lot lately. After sharing this scripture that Sister Mock showed and read with us, and felt the Spirit that it brought, Lancy, Mario, and Christy all accepted the invitation to be baptized and on a specific date!

Miracles happen AFTER we exercise our faith.

I Love You All!

Elder Weaver

Letter To The President

November 4, 2013

RE: Letter To The President

Presidente Bell,

Sheryl and Forrest came to Church! They stayed for the first two hours. Sheryl said the service was nice, but she felt that the meeting was not energetic enough for her. We are working to help her realize we do many fun things in the Church and more importantly the Spirit does not speak to us through booming speakers, but in a still, small voice. Forrest seemed to enjoy himself and they both participated in our Gospel Principles class we teach.

Elder Chun and I participated in a companionship exchange. With him, we followed up on Mario's resolve to quit smoking preparatory to his baptism. He said he's been smoking less and he even came up with the solution that from now on, whenever he gets the urge to smoke he is going to start doing push-ups!

During Halloween we had dinner with Sister Mock and attached pass-along cards to the candy she passed out. Our extended MML included watching most of the District 2, which seemed to motivate her and all of us in our missionary efforts.

We had an interesting experience this last night in Anthony. On our way to see Alvin and Katy, we both received the strong prompting that we needed to leave and return home to Argonia to finish our proselyting there. We do not really know why, but we followed the Spirit. We hope to see Lancy later tonight to re-teach him the missionary lessons (since it has been about 2 years since he has been taught most of the lessons) in preparation for his baptism on December 7th!

Our District also had a very inspired District meeting this week. I am so grateful for Elder Arend and the time he takes to spiritually prepare for training our District. Elder Evans and I are both excited for Zone Conference with Elder Nash this Wednesday and we are working on spiritually preparing for that event. Also, Elder Evans and I have been and will continue working hard to prepare for myself and the area for his departure to Brazil. It is so great to be a missionary in the great Kansas Wichita Mission!

Te Amo,

Elder Weaver

Letter To The President

November 4, 2013

RE: Letter To The President

Presidente Bell,

Te Amo,

Elder Weaver

Letter To The President

November 4, 2013

RE: Letter To The President

Presidente Bell,

Te Amo,

Elder Weaver

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Elder Evans Got His VISA!

October 28, 2013

RE: Elder Evans Got His VISA

Thanks So much. Guess what? Elder Evans got his VISA!!! He leaves Nov 11^th. President Bell just called and also here is an email I just got from Elder Reinhardt:

OK! I'm soo glad that it wasn't real! I'd probably have to change my slacks...but hey! Got the VISA!!!!!!! Flying out of South Dakota on Monday at 6:45AM. The word from the Mission President is that Brazil is only going through 100 Visas a month. There are no new calls for missionaries to go to Brazil. Natives will still serve, but we will be some of the last that will still be getting to go. Hope to see you all soon.

Ate-mais!

I love you all! The Lord's Tender Mercies Are Over All The Earth!

Amor,

Elder Weaver

I Got My Care Package Today!

October 28, 2013

RE: Letter to home

Ola, Mamae! :) (Love the tie graphic)

Sounds like you had fun with the missionaries and friends. Also, thank you for your care package. I got it today, but I haven't opened it yet. Ha-ha, Attica was there, tiny, but there. Elder Evans and I began to wonder if we hadn't gone back in time. We met a nice man named Marvin who was married to a member. We hope to go back to teach him sometime. We cover a lot of towns like that: Wellington, Argonia, Milan, Attica, Anthony, Harper, Caldwell, Oxford, Honeywell, South Haven, and Bell Plane, to name a few. Yeah, we cover a pretty wide area. We are allotted 1,750 miles to drive each month...and it still comes close.

Sunday School is all right; we only teach it if certain people (recent converts, investigators, etc.) are at Church. We probably get about 30-40 people at Church each Sunday. We have more on the records, but sooo many are less active or moved. Bishop gave us a mondo-ward directory the other day. He has us keep that puppy under lock-and-key. We know people's ages, if they have eligible but un-baptized children, ordinations in the priesthood, and if they have been endowed or not. It's so nice having super specific records.

Yes, we eat very well :) That's quite the goal! We had a goal as a District to find 6 new investigators and I believe we reached it.

I am so glad to hear Ashley has accepted that call to serve. She will do great in the Ward and as a full-time missionary.

That is a testing experience you had at work. That is something I have been thinking a lot about lately. How people twist and misunderstand things all of the time. This last Conference restated a lot of the Truths that never change. Elder Evans and I were studying in the Bible Dictionary the other day, and under Baptism it talks a little bit about how whenever the Gospel has been on the earth in its fullness, the covenants of baptism, and others we take upon ourselves including the Sealing are not new inventions, but are ordinances that have been known and Given of God anciently. I Love that scripture in Alma. Jesus The Christ is also something that has brought me closer to my Savior. I studied 2 Nephi 2 this morning. I Love verse 8:

“Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, ^asave it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who ^blayeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the^{cresurrection} of the dead, being the first that should rise.”

You are a wonderful missionary! :) Speaking of the resurrection, one talk that Elder Evans and I burnt on a CD that we listen to a lot is called "Sunday Will Come" by Joseph B. Wirthlin. If you haven't heard it in a while, I highly recommend it. It has brought so much peace to my soul! We have prophets. They are men of God. Thank you for helping me understand and appreciate the sanctity and divinity of womanhood and virtue. I hope I always make you happy that I am your son. Because I am so happy that you are my Mom! :)

Elder Evans and I get to spend Halloween and probably Thanksgiving with Sister Mock because she always feeds us on Thursdays. She is a nice older lady. We can't go out and proselyte at night, so we will probably study with her and play scripture jeopardy, or put puzzles together or something. I hope Your Halloween is fun, too! :)

Amor,

Elder Weaver

Letter To The President Week of October 28, 2013

October 28, 2013

RE: Letter to the president

Oi Presidente!

Elder Evans and I had a week of Miracles. Our Zone Leaders, Elders Johnson and Sutherland challenged us to invite all of our investigators to baptism by the end of the week. We were not sure how we would do it, but as a result, we got 4 people on date for baptism! Now we are down to 3 because Katy still has not been to Church, but we hope to put her back on date when we can see her again. Lancy, Mario, and Christy are the others we have on date. The Law of Chastity will be an issue with Mario and Christy until they are either married or separated but we suggested the 30th of November and they asked us if they could be baptized on the 29th instead to which we agreed. Lancy is on date for December 7th. The Spirit prompted us to allot him some time to overcome his addictions to smoking and drinking coffee. With each of these investigators Elder Evans and I felt prompted to share scriptures from Ether 12. After a brief lesson on Faith, and receiving witnesses or blessings after the trial of our faith, they all agreed to be baptized. Lancy told us "We need a plan of action!" So he agreed to read more from The Book of Mormon while attending Church as often as possible. He also agreed to be taught the remainder of doctrinal points from Preach My Gospel that was missing from his Teaching Record. We also had a stellar member-present lesson with Richard and invited him to be baptized again. He said he would when he comes to know that our message is true. Richard and Bonnie both came to Church! Also, our friend Troy came. Troy is not exactly an investigator, but he is someone who lives in Argonia who we do a lot of service for. He has hit some hard times, but he enjoys visits from us. We testify much of The Book of Mormon and the divinity of our work, but he does not want to compromise the faith of his youth. We are working to help him understand we are doing our best to build the faith he already has in Christ. We received other miracles in Planning and Finding. Truly this is The Lord's work. I also love our District. Elder Arend leads our District in Love, and whenever I feel inadequate or need help in some way, my District always provides it when I need it most. I Love it here!

Thanks for everything!

Te Amo,

Elder Weaver

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Saying Ola

October 21, 2013

Dear Family & Friends,

Eu Te Amo, Muito, Sempre! Thank you for your lovely email. I am glad to hear you got to have a ladies' day out and everything is going well! Family History is the best!

We found out recently in Zone Council meeting that in this mission they will be rotating Zones throughout the mission to attend The Temple! I hope I get to go before I head down to Brazil. If not, then it's all right because it will be the will of The Lord. Some missionaries may get to go multiple times (depending on where they serve and if they get transferred) and some may not go at all, but at least this way some missionaries get to go. The House of The Lord is a Heaven on Earth.

I am glad to hear that you are rising the youth in ways of righteousness. There are so many youth today who are missing that strength in their lives. Elder Evans and I got to speak on Sunday about gathering the lost sheep. The high councilman, Brother Barber, who is over missionary work, spoke as well. Elder Evans said that one day he will return and hopes to see the whole chapel full. I would like the Wellington ward to have that day come too. We learned so much this week, (See my letter to the mission president.)

That is so sweet you got to hear from that Brazilian missionary and that the Batemans get to see their son!

Awwwww, thanks, Mom :) My Boy, Owl City! Brother Barber quoted one of the Prophets I think in his talk he mentioned how this life is not the real world, but the Celestial Kingdom is the real world. I thought of the song "The Real World" by Owl City. I Love that scripture, and that song. Till he returns, or calls us home, here in the power of Christ we'll stand. I am reminded of Moroni 10:32-33.

I hope your week is as good as mine has been or even better. I Love you all so much! Please send my Love to the Family.

Tudo Bem,

Elder Weaver

Letter To President Bell

October 21, 2013

RE: Letter To President Bell

President Bell,

We had 2 investigators at CHURCH!!! This has not happened during my service in Wellington thus far. Needless to say we were so excited to see Lancy and Kyle at Church.

Also, our Zone Leader Elder Johnson challenged us to get 2 member present lessons by the end of the week and we got 3! Brother Durbin (a recent convert) helped us teach Katy the first half of lesson 2 along with keeping the Sabbath Day holy and the Word of Wisdom. She committed to live both. She is still on date for November 9th. We discovered that the reason she has not been able to attend church is she does not want to go without Alvin who has been working. Alvin also expressed to us that he has hypertension and gets nervous in front of large groups of people. We encouraged him to come and he could sit in the foyer if that helped and he could attend our Sunday School class we teach which usually has few members (also, telling him our Ward has few numbers anyway and is not a very large group of people seemed to reassure him).

Last night we had an excellent member-present lesson with Richard and Bonnie teaching them about eternal families. The Brundages agreed to come with us and testified about how being sealed in the Temple for all eternity has blessed their lives. Richard agreed to attend church with us this Sunday. He also said he read the Introduction and first 2 or so pages of The Book of Mormon. Both of those are things he has never done since I have been here in Wellington.

We also did some service this week, helping Sister Goodenough (an active member) move. Also we helped the Rossmillers (a less-active family) move their daughter into a new house. We also saw Lydia (a less-active member) who agreed to let us return for more service next week.

Elder Arend and I went on a companion exchange, which went fantastic. Paul (a potential who is nearly impossible to catch at home) let us in for a quick discussion and we prayed with him. Also, we got a return appointment from Jared (another potential).

Elder Evans and I went to Attica this week, which was a place neither of us had been. We met a man named Marvin who had been married to a member before she passed away; he said he loved Church services. He would like to return, but says he does not want to make the far drive to Wellington. We are working on that.

Overall we saw many tiny miracles in planning, finding, and teaching that would never have been possible without the Spirit of the Lord. This is truly His Work. I am so glad to be here.

Com Amor,

Elder Weaver

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

October 14, 2013 Hello Monday!

ALOHA Family & Friends,

I feel bad I missed Grandma and Grandpa's Birthdays! I am glad you got my letter though. I know your efforts to participate in Family History will be added to you and will not come out vain. When you go to the Temple it will be so neat to find family names to do work for.

I cannot believe we've hit the apex of October almost. The harvest is great and the laborers are few.

In one of the Stake Conferences I attended recently, the hymn "We Are

Sowing" was sung. It applied to Kansas and missionary work so well. The

Temple President and Matron for this Temple District (Oklahoma City) were at those meetings and President and Sister Bell as well. I know I've said this before, but I Love President Bell, he is a stud, a wizard, and a star fighter. He told me the other day, "I probably shouldn't have favorites, but you are one of my favorites,” that made me feel good. He told me he would be sad when I left for Brazil. I hope I can be worthy of those compliments. Sister Bell likewise said how she knows that she is not our Mother, but that she appreciates that our parents let us be put on loan for them. No one could ever replace my parents, but I'm glad the Lord placed them in my path to guide me and Love me on my journey.

I'm also excited to hear you got to Return to Sun River. I think that would be a lovely spot for another reunion. Hope that is fun!

Jessica emailed me and told me all she has left is the Stake President's recommendation. Sounds like she is so ready to serve. I am glad each of members, full times, and us has taken on the name of Christ, and am set-apart from the world. Whether by full-time calling, or baptism, or both, we are committed to serve The Master.

I am fortunate to have begun my study of Jesus The Christ. I have learned so much just from the first 80 pages or so I have read. I am glad you found strength from the scriptures. I loved the article you sent me. I don't currently subscribe to Church News. They give us the Ensign, but you don't need to order that for me because we are approved to use Lds.org on P-Day, which has articles from Church News in it. I appreciate it so much though.

Let me know what I can DO for You. I Love what was quoted in Conference about His yoke being easy, and His burden being light. We can truly learn of Him.

I am so grateful for your closing remarks; I will do my best to remain faithful. I send Love Your way and the families eternally. Keep up the stellar job!

Teu Filho,

Elder Weaver

October 14, 2013 Weekly Report to President Bell

President Bell,

This week we found 2 new investigators:

Sheryl and Forrest. They live next to a potential we had tried visiting but were not home. We had a lesson with them the day after we met them. A stellar lesson 1! They seemed touched by the Restoration. Sheryl has many questions about religion in general and we hope to answer them and help her find the answers as best we can. They both accepted the challenge to read and pray about The Book of Mormon. They did not make it to church but we will help them attend next week.

Alvin and Katy: Katy had to babysit her nephews all week and did not get a chance to read any more, but she promised to this week, and wants to meet with us again on Thursday. Alvin found work, which is great news, and hopefully they can come out to church as a result of that.

Richard has been making little to no progress and we are worried he does not have a desire to know of the Church's truthfulness.

Lancy: has still not been able to come to church (like all our investigators) but we plan on teaching him more about the Sabbath day since that was missing from his Teaching Record and we hope to see him later tonight to read the account of Ammon and King Lamoni since we thought it may be helpful to give him a deeper witness that God helps those who exercise faith in Him.

Those have been our main focuses lately. We keep trying to see Brenda, but we feel there is some trepidation she has in meeting with us, namely her brother being a devout Methodist minister, but we are doing everything we can to help her feel the Spirit so she can have a desire to meet with us and learn more.

Everything else is going great. The Lord has truly been good to us. We Love You!

Obrigado,

Elder Weaver

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Pics From The Mission

October 7, 2013

These pics are from our last Zone Meeting. I'm going to miss Elder Stopper, but on the plus side we have Sister Beus in our District now who is a VISA waiter for Brazil, tambem!