This Week Was Great!

March 2, 2015

Dear Family & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Essa semana foi ótima! Jarbes estava na Igreja e está fazendo passos essenciais para tornar um membro fiel. A gente vai trabalhar bem esta semana que vem para achar novos pesquisadores.

Google Translation

This week was great! Jarbes was in church and making essential steps to become a faithful member. We will work well this week to find new investigators.

Thanks so much for the recipe! A sister here is going to try and make some. I think we can substitute for the ingredients that fault.

Well, I didn't get into BYU, but that's okay. Life is full of little disappointments. But at least I made it into Idaho. Maybe the Lord has another plan for me there.  Maybe they'll let me into Clown College like DJ in Full House. Or maybe I'll apply somewhere else! I've thought about Weber State or U of U and also, University of Oregon. Or maybe I'll just be a beach bummm....?...do you think I could grow dreadlocks? Or maybe I'll be a professional surfer for a living? It's a good thing you sent those mint Oreos. I'll be relying on their comforting powers during this interesting time. Haha, no one can frown with Oreos in their mouth! :)

Unfortunately, I have still not found a Nativity. I have tried but they only have statues of Maria. Fetching Catholics...But I'll look some more.

Dudes. I've turned into a genuine hippie! When I get home to Oregon, I'll fit right in. I've started using Vegetable-Based soap! I think it's Biodegradable, but I don't know yet.

It's interesting you shared that experience with me. Something similar happened. President Young came to the Cariacica Fast and Testimony meeting and he shared the experience he had of interviewing Joaquim. He also said that he visited recently with a Seventy and showed him a picture of the Legend Joaquim. He expressed his gratitude to me and another missionary. It was really weird. I would have preferred he didn't use my name. John 5:41 "I receive not honor from men." This is one of my favorite scriptures, so short and yet so true. Jesus Christ taught so well. There really was never a better teacher. And we learn much about Him and His Teaching Styles in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Guys, there's no point hiding how I feel. I am so HAPPY! :) "A mission is a trial and a test...it shows you the worst, yet, teaches you the best...", as Sister Tenney once taught me.

I really miss President Bell. I will never have a President who is equal to him. That might sound harsh. There might be many good men who are as righteous or just as him. But none will ever be the same.

Guys, "I have moved, and I've kept on movin'. Proved the points that I needed provin'. Lost the 'Friends' that I needed losin'. Found others on the way." I will be so different when we reunite. My goal has been and forever will be for you to not even recognize me when we are brought face to face. The nose might be the same, perhaps even the eyes, and crooked ears. But You will see something new.  If I saw myself through your eyes, perhaps I would be more generous.  I am glad the VHS brought you back in time.

"And remember the truth that once was spoken: 'To Love another person is to see the face of God.'"

Apologize for the literal application:

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as

for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:15

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve, whether the "glory of men" which your Zone Leaders served that were on the other side of the mountains, or the Assistants to the President in whose mission you dwell. But as for me and my District, we will serve The Lord.

We use Preach My Gospel.

I Love You All,

Élder Weaver

My New Companion Is Great! I'm Training Again.

November 17, 2014

Dear Family & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Muito Obrigado por sua ajuda e confiança em mim! Élder Barros é um ótimo missionário e ele está ajustando bem para a vida missionária. Ele ensina bem e com O Espírito Santo. Ele aplica muitos dos princípios que ele aprendeu no CTM.

Nós estamos ensinando Brenda e espero marcar a data do batismo dela por dia 29 de Novembro. Nós vamos achar e ensinar muitos novos pessoas esses dias.

Google Translation

Thank you very much for your help and trust in me! Elder Barros is a great missionary and he is adjusting well to the missionary life. He teaches well and with the Holy Spirit. He applies many of the principles he learned at the MTC.  We're teaching Brenda and hopefully mark the date of her baptism on 29 November. We'll find and teach many young people these days.

My new companion is great! He is from Recife. And he's brand new. I'm training again. We'll see if I get to stick with this one for the full 2 transfers or not! Hahaha. Elder Johnson taught me a lot, even if it was just one transfer that I trained him. Elder Ferreira went to Colatina, my last area and I know he'll like it there. Don't forget to let me tell you about Colatina.

I think I've mentioned this before, but I really Love our Ward Mission Leader, Acassio. He is THE MAN. Ward Council was good yesterday, many new leadership callings were extended and Bishop is way animated.

REALLY?!?!?!, now the wait. OH BYU I LOVE YOU! I really hope I get in! :)

Thank you for all of your HELP :) and for giving birth to me and raising me.

I'm glad you guys got to reunite in the 'Zona! Aunt Sandi always sends me the funniest cards and pictures! I Love her. She needs to meet my old investigator, Sister Harris. They are a lot alike! She calls herself "a nut".

I hope you get the work you are looking for. It's funny you should use that word, because I was reading in Alma 12 today about how our life is a probationary period. Hang in there, it'll all work out.

I can't wait to spend an Oregon Winter with all of you.  I am so glad we have a temple so close to us. The people here have to travel about 12 hours or more to São Paulo in order to reach the Temple in Campina. It's a beautiful structure. I'll go inside someday.

If you ever get a chance to watch the Church video "Between Heaven And Earth" you should! Sister Romney talks about how the temple is like our light in the neighborhood! My planner has the Kansas City Missouri Temple as a cover!

We had a chance to hear from a Seventy, Elder Mazzagardi. He shared his conversion story with us. He also told us how the Lord doesn't just forgive our sins, but He actually has the power to take the sin from us and He puts its weight upon Himself because of His marvelous forgiveness and Love for us.

Thank You for your thoughts from our Beloved President Uchtdorf who onetime said he was afraid to speak English, but is now blessing the lives of millions the world over in his effort to share his testimony. He is a good example of not being afraid to share light.

I have been thinking a lot about y'all.

Every step we conquering go.

Rest on. You deserve it. And send my Love to as much as you can.

One Day It Will All Come Together,

Love,

Élder Weaver

D&C 130:2

I Hope Your Anniversary Was Special

October 20, 2014

Dear Family & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Essa semana foi ótima! Sérgio e Vanilda estavam na Igreja. Também Andrea e Rebecca foram. Eles tem muito potencial ser batizados essa semana ainda. Vamos fazer tudo para ajudar eles e também Gezieu ser batizados. 

Google Translation

This week was great! Sergio and Vanilda were in church. Also Andrea and Rebecca were. They have so much potential to be baptized this week yet. Let's do everything to help them and Gezieu also be baptized.

I'm glad to hear about your flowers!!! I can believe it! I hope your Anniversary was special. I'm glad their Christmas will be white. I have a goal for a White Christmas. Not in snow, but I would Love to see more people dressed in white to enter the eternal shores. It is funny. Ashley will be freezing and I will be boiling just like Dad and Uncle Aaron.

Yeah, there are a few internet cafés. Libraries aren't really a thing here, so we have to pay for computer time.

I don't know why, but the Zone Leaders didn't have my letter from Pierce but I will call Elder Garcia about it later. I did however receive another letter from my Beloved Sister Harris vesting one of her many wigs. She said she likes the new missionaries. Elder Holbrook is in the office now, so he gets to see her often. I hope she gets baptized this transfer if she has not been already.

That's so good to hear about Jason! I heard he moved to Southern Oregon. Rafael liked Jason a lot.

Yeah, I'm really not sure what it is. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that people are more prepared to receive the gospel, and so because of that many missionaries think they can lower the baptismal standards in order to maximize the number of baptismal services held every transfer. There are other things as well, but I feel like this new president will clean things up. At least, I sure hope so.

I am sorry to hear that about Sean. Yeah, the first day I got here a missionary told me, "Look at the white handbook! It bends!" Qualifications for Baptism are treated more like "Suggestions for Baptism" Here. Preach My Gospel is more of a "good idea" than a manual for how the Lord's Kingdom is to be established and brought to His Children. Rules are seen as restrictions by many people. It is sad. One day, maybe, I will have the courage to tell you the whole tale. But for now I will say, "As for me and my house. We will serve the Lord."

I believe I did make an oath when I entered the MTC.

Yes. President Bell is a Utan. I believe he and President Young are from Salt Lake. But I don't think they knew each other.

Please wish Nani a happy Birthday from me, and I'll try to send something in (Late) but hopefully it will arrive.

I hope Cathy finds something she loves and please tell her how much I love her.

I did get the email from Annette and I Loved the pictures. I am glad the boys got to go to the homeland. I hope Hawaii was everything they hoped. And I hope Jessica gets the answers she needs. I have some of my own I need. I hope she receives the support of our family with following whatever answer the Lord sends to her.

Christmas sounds fun for all of you! I am so excited for all of you!!! Tell Allison I wish her well!

Mom, you already are a missionary! You know how to talk with anyone! Which is what missionary work is all about. The gospel will flow more freely from people like you who show a genuine concern for others whom we may not even know that well. My companion does a really good job of that.

Thank you for that pioneer message. Mr. Emerson may not have been a member of the church, but I think he was an inspired man.

Mother I Love You.

I wish I could write more.

But I send the rest of my emails to Heavenly Father in prayer and ask that He carry them forth to all of you,

With All The Love

From Your Tiny Son,

Élder Weaver

Transfer To Vitoria

December 18, 2013

Hi Family & Friends,

We did not get an email from Austin this week, but even better....he called and we were able to chat for a bit while he was on a long layover in Atlanta.  He flew from Atlanta tonight to Sao Paulo and then from there, he took another flight to Vitoria.  He sounded awesome and so excited to get down there.  He is sure going to miss his last mission president.  It was cute, he said President Bell said when he was driving him to the airport, he felt like he was taking his own son to the airport for his mission.  Very sweet!  He was traveling with a small group, which I am thrilled about and seemed to be in very good spirits.  What a joy it has been to hear of his experiences thus far.  He was supposed to get down there on Tuesday morning, but one great thing...we get to talk with him once again on Christmas hopefully.  I hope he will have connections to do Skype, Face Time or something like that.  

Missionary work is awesome and it continues to go forth everywhere!

Kristin Weaver (Momma)

December 9, 2013 Letter To President Bell

Letter to President Bell:

President Bell,

This week was fantastic! We did not get in to see Shay as we planned. She cancelled due to an appointment she had in Topeka, but we hope to see her this week. Mario and Christy read the Introduction pages of The Book of Mormon with us. They committed to finish the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith on their own. Richard showed more interest than I have ever seen with him when we restarted The Book of Mormon with him and Bonnie as well. Lancy is still on date for Noche Blanca, however he still has the flu, so we will try him in a couple of days hopefully. We are working on starting a scripture study class in Harper County. We appreciate all of your advice and help regarding the work here. Elder Johnson is still on track with his lessons. He plans on passing off lesson 2 with Elder Kempter on Friday after District Meeting.

I am so glad I have the opportunity to serve in the Great Kansas Wichita Mission! I have loved every day here, and I promise to serve as best I can the rest of this week. Thank you for your kindness. You and Sister Bell were one of the great reasons I was reassigned to Kansas. I Love You!

Com Amor,

Elder Weaver

The President's Report

December 2, 2013

RE: The President’s Report

President Bell,

We had a great week! We found 3 new investigators. Shay was a referral from the Goulds, a less-active family. They all came to church this Sunday, which we were very excited about. Shay wanted to learn about the Plan of Salvation, so we taught that lesson to her first, and we will finish teaching that on Saturday.

We put Lancy back on date for the 24th, Noche Blanca. He has been trimming down his smoking and he says coffee is no longer part of his diet. We will teach lesson 4 in more depth to prepare him for baptism and we look forward to seeing him progress.

Mario and Christy invited us over after Thanksgiving. They were also celebrating the birthday of a child they lost. They released balloons with birthday wishes on them into the air, and they asked us to offer a prayer that they would make it to him safely. We were honored to do so. Much of Christy's family was in town as well and we were able to offer some insight into the church while we ate and talked with them. We concluded by sharing a Thanksgiving message centered around President Monson's talk "I Will Not Fail Thee, Nor Forsake Thee." We were not able to put them back on date, but hope to do so this week.

We also finished up the new member lessons for Nathan who we also helped move. He'll be in the Great Bend Ward. We called his new Bishop to make sure he is welcomed there.

Our other new investigators are Chris and Justin who came to us as a referral from Mormon.org. We invited them to our ward Christmas activities, and we look forward to their progression.

I am so grateful to be a missionary in The Great Kansas Wichita Mission and in the world! I look forward to meeting with you soon.

Te Amo!

Elder Weaver

Weekly Letter To President

November 25, 2013

RE: Weekly Letter To President:

President Bell,

It's great to be a missionary! One major highlight this week was Elder Johnson and I found Alvin and Katy. They were not in Anthony. I had a feeling they might have moved to Alvin's house in Bluff City because I knew he was working on it. We had no idea where he might be, but we prayed to be led to find him. It took us a while to find Bluff City in the first place (it's one of the smaller towns we cover). We started walking down the road on the way to a less-active member's house, on the way we saw an old building and Elder Johnson said, "I'll bet he lives there." We walk up, and I recognize Alvin's dog.  We knock on the door. No answer. "Alvin!" He comes to the door and then leaves. We get worried, but then he walks around the back of the house and says, "You found me!" We had a good visit with him and Katy was asleep, but we count it a miracle that we found them at all. Like Ether 6:4 says, we 'commended' ourselves to God and He took care of the rest.

We went over the first half of the baptismal interview questions with Lancy. He does not know if he is willing to live the Law of Chastity, but he still wants to be baptized. We hope to teach that Law more fully so the Spirit may prompt him that this is a commandment that will bless his life.

Elder Johnson is coming along in the 12-week program and will hopefully get his first lesson passed of with me this week.

One of our biggest focuses was finding this week. We met some new potential’s and weeded through the area book. We hope to visit more less-active members next week.

I Love being in Kansas and wherever the Lord wants me!

Thank You for all you do.

Love,

Elder Weaver

Weekly Letter To The President

November 18, 2013

President Bell,

This week was crazy! Transfer weeks usually are. I was glad to be Elder Holbrook's companion once again. What a great missionary. I think Elder Johnson is adjusting well. He and I have been working on his 12-week. He has not yet invited someone to baptism. A lot of our investigators were not home, but I hope to help provide him with ample opportunity to pass off that application in proselyting this week.

Alvin and Katy are still nowhere to be found, but we'll keep stopping by. Lancy has been sick and we have not had a chance to see him. Mario and Christy was also working during the days we were in Wellington. We were able to teach Dave in Caldwell all of Lesson one and he accepted the invitation to read and pray about The Book of Mormon. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. We visited many less-actives including Sister Noland and the Slaughters in Harper. We have also been helping the Bishop locate names on the roster who may or may not still live in our ward. Elder Johnson has many good ideas for working with the Ward leadership and other members. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve here in this ward and as a trainer.

Love,

Elder Weaver

Weekly Mission President's Letter

November 11, 2013

RE: Weekly Mission President’s Letter

Presidente Bell!

It was great seeing you this morning. I hope Elder Evans got off well. This week has been tremendous. Much of our focus was placed on Less-Active members. We visited The Rossmillers who had a pretty terrible week, but they seemed to feel better after we shared Ether 6:5 and talked about overcoming the storms of life with them. We also visited Joey, who fell away from the church shortly after his youth years. We gave him a copy of The Book of Mormon to him since it had been so long since he's read it. We feel that he may be gay and asked the ward council to be sensitive as they visit Joey. We found much potential this week. On the downside, Jared dropped us because his mother said she did not approve of him meeting with us anymore. We told him to keep reading The Book of Mormon and call us if things change. I feel like the area is definitely being prepared for more work. A few people got dropped and others are coming out of the woodwork. Sheryl and Forrest did not come to church but we had a quick lesson with them. We are going to teach them in a member’s home for our next lesson so they can feel the Spirit and be less distracted than they would be in their own home. I am excited and nervous to train Elder Johnson. I am so grateful I get to spend 2 days in Bel-Aire with Elder Holbrook. I am so grateful Elder Evans and I were companions. He helped me become a better missionary. I am so glad to have met Elder Nash. I will reflect upon the notes I took from that meeting often. I am so glad to be here. Thank you for being so marvelous.

Te Amo,

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

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

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