Short week, short email

Sorry about not emailing on Monday but we had the chance to go to the temple today which was amazing.  We also got to do a little shopping and I got a couple ties and a pair of pants.  I couldn't find any short sleeve shirts; not sure why, maybe I just didn't look hard enough.  This is going to be really short because we ran out of time with all the traveling we did today.  We had a super good week with zone conference and the temple.  We also are teaching a new investigator and she would be considered a "golden investigator"  She is super awesome and has two little kids that are amazing.  We also found out Elder Iglinski will be training and that I’m getting transferred. I don't know where yet though.  Sorry about the short email, next week will be better I promise I only had time to email home and the mission president today.

 

 

Love Elder Visser

Catching up on the things back home

So I had the chance to call home yesterday and it was really cool.  The hour we had to call flew by and seemed like only ten minutes.  It was nice to catch up and hear whats going on back home but now I need to re-focus on missionary work.  This Tuesday we are having zone conference which is once every three month so were really excited about that.  Going to zone conference always refuels the fire you have more than ever so that's nice.  I just received an email that was kinda sad...I had to submit two new passport pictures for my visa on Tuesday and I got an email saying they will take 60 day minimum to process. They did however say they might send someone to the consulate so they can talk in person and try to speed things up so there is a little hope.  We have been teaching a lady from South Africa who just moved here.  She read a lot of the Book of Mormon but it was very confusing to her.  We figured it is because English is her second language.  So when we drove the pictures up to the mission office we figured we would see if they had an Afrikaans Book of Mormon and surprisingly they did!  That was an answer to our prayers and we were able to give it to her and she was so happy and excited to have it.  We talked to her a few days later and she told us it makes a ton more sense now and it's a lot easier to read and understand.  I've learned a ton of patience since being out and that you need to keep trying and doing what you are supposed to.  If you are doing the right thing that it is Gods will.

Love Elder Visser 

It's crazy sometimes how things happen

This week has been really good. I got to go on an exchange and spent a day in a bike area which is always fun. I feel like I have been really spoiled being in a car area. Yesterday after our meeting in the morning we saw a set of Elders from another Ward talking to a man on the couch in the foyer. Later that day they called us and said the man is from Africa and has a Book of Mormon and just wanted to learn more about the church. He happens to live only like a minute away which is in our area. We stopped by his house or his brother’s house because I think he is only visiting for a month but we dropped off the restoration pamphlet. We called to let him know when church is held and he said he would come to church next Sunday and talk with us. It's crazy sometimes how things happen and how your prayers get answered. I know that Heavenly Father heard our prayers and knows us personally. I’m so grateful for the gospel in my life and the happiness it brings me and now for the opportunity to share that happiness with others.
Love Elder Visser

Aloha!

 Elder Sherwood - He is related to Nalene Farnsworth

Taking off the training wheels

This week has been really good and productive.  I completed my 12 week training two weeks ago which means we leave the house and hour earlier.  It has been great so  far and we have been able to do a little bit of tracting here and there and have found several new people that are interested in learning more about our church.  Sunday went well also, we had an investigator show up who we have done service for a couple times.  She is from South Africa and is a super nice lady.  She promised us she would come and she did and it was a really good sacrament meeting because there was a sister leaving on a mission so the talks were great and there was a special musical number too.  This Saturday we are having a baptism for someone who has been taught for years and that is super exciting and were so happy for him and the steps he has taken to be ready and prepared.  Im short on time today and I apologize but ill definitely write some more next week and send some pictures home.

Love Elder Visser

Easter Thoughts

Easter week was really awesome and just like conference I have never really appreciated it as much as I have since being on my mission. I spent the whole Easter week reading about his life death and resurrection every morning for my personal studies. We were really excited for church because they were doing musical numbers and it was going to be really special. We also figured we could get a lot of people to come to church as well because even lazy Catholics make it on Easter. We didn't have any investigators show up which was heartbreaking and some would even say unsuccessful. I felt very unsuccessful at first until I started to look for the things to be grateful for. We had a less active show up who hasn't been to church for ten plus years and when he left said you will definitely be seeing more of me here. We also had someone who you might call an investigator come. She has been taught in the past but here dad doesn't allow the missionaries to teach her or come to church. She would be baptized already, she's just basically waiting to turn 18. The fact that she was there at church though was pretty awesome and that was the first time she has ever been and the first time her dad allowed her to go. Even though it may not have seemed like we had that much success there were still miracles that happened. If you take the time you can always find something good from every situation. You don't always measure success off of numbers but off whether you are being obedient and doing all you can. I’ll being emailing home on Tuesday next week because were going to the temple which will be really exciting.

Love Elder Visser

What is our "load" we carry?

This week has been pretty crazy but good crazy.  To start off we had "transfer doctrine" where we find out if we stay or go and both me and my companion will be staying in Trophy Club for another 6 weeks! I’m very happy and excited because we have been making a ton of progress and I know with another 6 weeks we will be able to make a lot of good things happen.  I also went on two exchanges this week and was able to spend time in the district leaders area then a few days later was able to lead my area with the zone leader.  I'm still not a big fan of exchanges but I always learn so much when I go on them.  One cool experience we had was with a man who has had 3 baptismal interviews and passed them but just got drunk right after them.  We have been going by him recently to just let him know we still love him and want to help him.  Just this last week he thought he had a seizure from drinking too much and promised to never drink again.  We sat down and had  a lesson with him and we were able to set a new baptismal date with him.  Like the load of wood on the truck from conference, this was his load.  It took him until then to realize everything.  Sometimes the loads we are given are hard but we can always learn something from them.  I know with another 6 weeks we will be able to do a lot of great things!

Love Elder Visser

Conference report and other good stuff

Conference was amazing and I was able to watch one session in my sweats in sister sperry's house who we live with. Conference weekend was really special!  It was great to hear from the Prophet and his Apostles.  When I first started watching it the first thought that came into my head was how much I took it for granted in the past.  To me it was a day I got to stay home and lay down on the couch while we watched it.  I would be on my phone or Ipod and to be honest my thoughts were not on the conference.  This conference however I was totally focused and it made such a difference.  I was able to personally apply at least one thing that every person talked about to my life.  Some I had to really listen for but as I opened my ears and heart I was able to receive personal revelation.  I watched the Saturday afternoon session at the stake center and me and my companion were the only ones there.  The other sessions we were at less active members houses which was a good experience.  We called one of our investigators to see if she would be able to make the 3 o'clock session to find out she just got back from the 11 o'clock one.  She forgot it started at 11 and went at 12:30.  She got there just in time to hear two hymns and the prophet speak. We even found out that she walked all the way there in the rain.  I was so happy to hear she enjoyed it and was glad that she went even though we didn't have the chance to see her there.  One thing that really stood out to me is how much they emphasized faith.  Faith overpowers your fears.  We have one week left in the transfer and should be figure out the details on whether we stay or go.  Things are going really good here and Im doing my best and working hard.

Love Elder Visser

Great things are happening here

This week has flown by and honestly the past five weeks have flown by too it's crazy.  We went on exchanges with the zone leaders this week and that was really fun.  The zone leaders are always really good example and I’m always able to learn a lot from them in just a matter of 24 hours.  My thoughts blur together sometimes but I don't think I’ve told this story.  We taught a senior in high school about a week ago in a members house who is also in one of her classes.  We had a really good lesson but she told us her parent's are very protective and very catholic.  She has even mentioned that she has a lot of Mormon friends and her parents told her that she better not convert.  Anyways we had a good lesson than a few nights latter we get a text from her saying she talked with her parents and they were totally receptive and they think LDS people are very nice.  So we planned to meet with her again.  That to me is a miracle and blessing no doubt.  She came to church Sunday and had a lot of friends and had a great time and it was really nice to see that.  We also had two farewell talks on sunday and Elder Iglniski and I gave the 5th Sunday lesson to the youth about missionary work so this last sunday was really really good.  There's about 65 active youth in this ward too which is crazy. Only two more weeks left in the transfer and great things are happening here.

Love Elder Visser

 

Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure!

I’m very much looking forward to general conference. I know it is a lot different when you're a missionary and I can't wait for it. This last Sunday we didn't have anyone show up which was very sad but I know we did everything we could. We either called or stopped by all of our investigators so we did our best. We were also able to do service for Pat's wife the other day and help get her yard cleaned up a little which felt really good. Also because of that service there neighbor asked where we were from which lead to a good conversation and possible interest. The other cool experience we had this week was when one of the Priest from the church had a friend who was interested in the Mormon church. He invited her over and we were able to sit down with her and teach the first lesson and answer a lot of her question's. She asked a very personal question about a death in her family and we were able to share a little about the plan of salvation and the spirit was really strong there and an awesome experience for everyone. Everything is still going really well and I'm very happy here in Texas serving my mission. I need to start taking more pictures so hopefully I’ll have some to send home next week.
 Love Elder Visser

 

 Tulips bloom on Temple Square during the April 2013 general conference. 

The 184th Annual General Conference of the Church is April 5 and 6, 2014.

click on link above for more information 

It's a triple birthday type of day!

Happy Birthday! Hope you have an awesome day and that you enjoyed going to St. George.  Im excited to hear all about it.  It's also my mission presidents birthday today too believe it or not.

We have had an amazing week and have had the most successful one since I have been here in Texas.  We were able to teach a lot of less active and part member families which are always the best.  There are two experiences that stick out that have happened this week.  First is the we are teaching someone who has a date for the 22nd which will be moved to the 29th.  Anyways we taught him the word of wisdom a few weeks back and he had absolutely no  desire to quite.  He said he likes the nicotine and he does not mind the money and basically had no reason to live the word of wisdom.  We went back to teach him this last Tuesday and he brought up on his own how he really wants to quite smoking and knows he will be able to by his baptism date.  I tell that story because to me it was a miracle and also an answer to our prayers.  It was amazing to see how the holy ghost changed his heart and how he was willing to keep the commandment so he can get baptized.  We also went by Pat's wife last night to see how she was doing and we learned that Pat had to have another surgery and was taken from rehab back to the hospital.  She was so exhausted and tired and worn out.  We simply asked if we could do anything for her and offered meals and service and we told her that we love her and care about her and Pat and that we have been praying for them.  She started to cry and thanked us for everything we have done.  Even though we did not teach a lesson it was still a very spiritual experience and we did what the savior would do.  We helped comfort her and gave her some peace and hope.  I love being a missionary and even though there are tough times the good times will always outweigh the bad.  I know this church is the one that was on the earth when Jesus lived and that the Book of Mormon is the word of god.  Thanks for everyone's letters and emails and support I really appreciate it!

Love Elder Visser

A successful week

So another week has gone by here in Texas. The first couple days were really stressful and I felt a ton of pressure since my companion Elder Iglinski didnt know the area at all.  That being said though we probably had one of the most successful weeks since I have been here.  It was amazing to see how we were able to stay busy the whole time and things just really worked out.  Like I said I was pretty nervous but along with lots of prayers and good planing the lord definitely blessed us this week.  There were a ton of people that we came in contact with that we haven't been able to see for quite some time and also a bunch of new investigators that we were able to share a lesson with and give a copy of the Book of Mormon.  We have taught this one lady a couple times just on her door step and we asked about her reading the Book of Mormon has been going and her response was she hasn't had the chance because her daughter took and was reading it.  It was so awesome to hear that and we were able to meet her and she was a really sweet girl with a lot of potential.  Times like that is what makes missionary work so great and I know that that was because the lord has prepared her to hear our message.  I love all the people here in Trophy Club and love being able to serve the lord every single day.

Love Elder Visser

What's with the weather!

Texas weather is crazy!  Saturday it got all the way up to 87 then on Sunday it dropped to the low 20's and we had a small ice storm but it was big enough for the Bishop to cancel the last two hours of church which was really weird.  We also taught a less active family on Sunday who used to live in Plainfield!  They used to live off of Van Dyke street so pretty  close, its crazy how stuff like that happens.

This week has been crazy and it's been transfer week and we were pretty certain that we would both be staying to finish my 12 week training.  We got the call today and my trainer Elder Griggs is leaving to go to Waco and I’ll be staying in Trophy Club for at least the next 6 weeks. It was a huge shock and I don’t know how I feel about it right now.  I’m a little nervous not going to lie since I’ll lead the area for a little while until my new companion gets to know the streets and all of our investigators.  I do know that our mission President prayed about this and it was revelation and for a reason.  At first I was a little angry but I know that there is a very specific reason why. We also went on exchanges again and I stayed in the area.  We had a really successful day and at night we stopped by the Jones's to see how Pat was doing and talk with them.  He is still in the hospital and is doing a little bit better.  We were able to share some scriptures and talk a lot about the gospel.  There was a lady there who was helping out the wife and we were able to teach her a little and share our testimonies with them.  It was a great experience to be with them and help those who stand in need of comfort.

I have been out for 6 weeks in Texas and time flies when you are working hard and being obedient.  Thanks for all the support and I’ll keep you updated on my life as best as I can.

Love Elder Visser

Another exchange

Hey so were back on schedule with emailing and everything.  Some things I forgot to tell you last week was we went golfing for P-day which was extremely fun.  Two priests who work at the course got us on for free and it was about 75 degrees perfect for that.  Me and elder Grigg didn’t do to bad but the priests were pretty horrible but it was still really fun.  We also had stake conference a couple weeks ago and they split the stake which was a big deal.

As for this week it went really well.  I was able to go on another exchange since my companion is district leader.  This time I stayed in the area so I was in control of everything and I was pretty nervous at first but everything went good and we had a really successful day.  One lesson in particular that stood out was when we taught a guy named David.  He lives in the trailer park homes and doesnt have much when it comes to worldly things but he is very humble and is grateful for the things he does have.  We taught him the first lesson and invited him to be baptized and he said yes and  was very excited.  He came to church this Sunday and enjoy every part of it.  He told us it was like he found the missing puzzle piece in his life.  That was my first investigator that showed up and it was a really awesome experience.  We are going to continue to teach him and prepare him for the baptism and its really exciting.  We have to help him overcome some addictions which will be tough but I know he will be able to do it.  I know Jesus lives and knows all of our trials and what were going through.  It has been amazing to help people understand the Atonement and see it change peoples lives.  I love serving the people in Fort Worth Texas and being on my mission.

Thanks for all your support and love

Love Elder Visser

An awesome week

I have had a really awesome week.  Well every week on my mission is really awesome.  I had an exchange with Elder Chain which means we were companions for a whole day.  It was a little scary since both of us had only been in the field for about three weeks.  It went really well though and we were able to teach a couple investigators and hand out a couple Books of Mormon.  There were some rough times but it was a really good learning experience.  I also got to go on an exchange with the zone leaders this same week.  That morning we got to teach someone named kevin who was interested in the church and also has a alcohol addiction. We had a super good lesson with him and even though that was the first time I met him I really wanted him to make the right choices and to be happy.  At the end of the lesson we invited him to kneel down with us and ask god for help to overcome his addiction.  He did and his prayer was so sincere and powerful it was amazing.  It was so cool to be able to see the change in him and I can’t wait for him to see the effects of the atonement in his life.

Sorry if this letter wasnt that good but I hope you liked it.  Let everyone know that I love them and I appreciate all the letters and emails that I’m getting and I’m sorry if it takes me a while to respond. I do appreciate it though and they all make me really happy. Thanks for all your love and support

Elder Visser

 

PS  Let Grandma and Grandpa know I got their cards and letters along with Aunties and the Hauwillers.  I’m going to try and write them all back I’m just really limited on time.  I’ll send pictures next week when I have more time.  I’ve gotten to take a little more so I have some to send for once. 

This week has been good and the time is flying by.....

I got your letters and appreciate them. Im going to try and answer your questions before I get into my week.  I’m pretty sure Aaron shoveled the drive way I asked him to look out and help out so I’m pretty sure it was him.  I haven’t cooked anything big yet, we don’t have dinners every night but I’ll just make Raman noodles or a bagel or a PB and J sandwich.  I’ve wore my short sleeve shirts but usually under my sweater which I’m grateful I brought because it gets pretty cold some day.  Thats crazy to hear about that Clarks but really cool and exciting.  Trophy Club is really wealthy and look up Southlake which is even wealthier.  We also have Marshall Creek which is trailer parks and thats where most of our investigators are.  Also Glen Beck lives not even twenty minutes away which is pretty cool.  We got a brand new 2014 Corolla which is really nice and a huge blessing when it gets cold.

This week has been really good and the time has been flying by.  Its harder to teach some investigators because they are single ladies and were not in a trio anymore.  The Ward has been really good and coming out with us though and thats been a huge blessing.  We were able to hand out several Books of Mormon this week and one day it was really nice out and were able to teach several lessons just at the door.  We planned to help this older gentleman and lady paint this week and they were going to feed us and we were going to teach them a lesson and I was super excited for that.  When the day came we walked over there and no one was home and it was really disappointing.  We went back a day later to find out Pat Jones the guy had a pretty bad stroke.  It was sad and made me physically sad.  They were so interested in hearing the gospel and it hurt me to hear what happened.  We have not been able to go see him but I’m eager to see how he is doing.  We have been teaching a less active member who says he has come a long ways since we have been visiting with him.  It isn’t always about baptisms I’ve learned and if we can help this man change his life and go to the temple one day it will be just as good.  As for Sunday we had a lot of people promise to come to church and we were really excited but not a single person came.  I was a little disappointed and frustrated at the time.  Then I remember that we did everything we could and not to get sad about things that aren't in our control.  As long as we work our hardest and do our part the Lord will do the rest.  Ive come to love so many people here and I’m doing my best and working hard.  Thanks for all of your prayers and support!

Love Elder Visser

Thanks for the email I always appreciate them.  Im glad to hear my Sunday school teachers are doing well.  They really are awesome and very humble, I miss being in their class every Sunday.  I would enjoy being able to get a hamburger or a package with snacks, its always nice to have things to snack on. I dont know which address you have but just in case its 16 Greenleaf Dr., Fort Worth TX, 76262.  That is Sister Sperry’s address where we live.  I got Melisa and Johns letter and was  very happy to get it.  I’m going to try and do my best to write a couple letters today.  P-day is the only day we have to write letters.

As for the week in missionary work it has been going really well.  We lost Elder Mayer, he got transferred to somewhere else in Fort Worth.  So its just me and Elder Griggs now.  It kinda stinks but will be good for me when it comes to teaching.  We also teach several single ladies so when we were in a trio it was very easy to teach them but now we are required to get a Priest or someone else to go on splits with us.  On Friday I went on my first exchange which I was pretty nervous about but it went really well.  I went to a biking part so I was able to ride a bike the whole day and lucky it was pretty nice out that day.  It was very tiring and by the end of the day I was very worn out.  We didn’t have that much success to be honest but none the less we put forth effort and were working hard.  There will be some days like that but I know not to let it get me discouraged.  We are teaching several people and they will always let us in and love to talk.  We are teaching an older lady named rosie who almost never leaves her house.  We have been teaching her for a while and she knows the truth it is just a matter of getting baptized now.  We also visit a less active named Crow who reminds me a lot like Andrew White which is funny but I find it really easy to talk to him and we got him to come to church on Sunday which is awesome.

It has been very cold the past couple of days with warnings of snow and ice storms.  With the wind it gets bitter cold and really painful.  I’m thankful to have a car thats for sure.  Things are going really well here though and we get fed a good amount of the time for dinner.  Did you get a text message from Sister Weaver last Monday?  Thats the bishops wife and we go over there every monday for dinner.  I forgot to bring my camera and will have to send pictures next week.  I haven’t been taking that many but will try to take more.

Hopefully I got to say everything I wanted to and I’ll be looking forward to your letters. I’ll be keeping up the hard work!

Love Elder Visser

Alright so i feel like there is a ton to talk about so I'll  try to say all i can remember.  Our plane ended up being delayed like two hours due to weather but when we finally got to Texas President Ames was waiting for us.  Him and his wife are some of the nicest people.  When we landed we went straight to the mission home to have a bbq dinner which was super good and we had a testimony meeting and that was really awesome.  Then we went to the church to do interviews then to the AP's apartment to sleep the first night. There was a bunch of us there but it all worked out.  Then we got up early and went to the church to meet our new companions.

 I'm in a trio and i definitely am loving it.  the first day it was a little awkward teaching with three of us but it has for sure gotten better.  Being the new guy ive had to say a ton of prayers and I've even given a few blessings which have been great.  So far i love it in texas and I'm beginning to love the people that we are teaching.  We are in the trophy club ward which covers some really really nice houses but also has some trailer park homes.  We do most of our teaching in the trailer park.  We have taught a bunch of lessons and I've invited people to be baptized which has been a great opportunity.  We have one set for feb 19 and i cant wait for that day.

We stay at a members home its a single women whos older named sister sperry and she is super nice.  She took us out to cheddars the first day i was here and we just got done getting chinese food which she bought us she is such a nice lady.  Kinda a crazy story we went to get food and i had a cart full and i was about to pay when the lady behind me offered to pay for everything because she knew who we were and she appreciated what we do.  It was so nice of her i was definitely very grateful.

The weather here is really crazy the first couple of days it was windy and bitter cold, but the last two days have been beautiful in the high 60's so i cant complain.  We have restrictions on our miles so we have spent a couple of days just walking everywhere which took a toll on my legs but nothing to bad especially compared to brazil.  Elder maybe who isnt my trainer is actually going to the same exact mission im going to which is really awesome.  He has his visa and could potentially leave any day.  The Trio is nice and takes a lot of pressure off me being the new missionary and I'm able to learn so much from them so fast.

I hope i got everything i wanted to say, i havent had time to think or write down what i was going to say like in the MTC. but i do love it here and am working my hardest and trying my best

Tell everyone back home im doing great and that i love them!

Elder Visser

Elder Visser has Arrived!!!

 A letter from the Mission President and his wife -

Sister Ames and I want you to know that your missionary has arrived safely in Texas.

We look forward to serving together in accomplishing the Lord’s work.  We hope you

enjoy the attached picture of your missionary as well as knowing that the missionaries

are in good hands here as they are in the Lord’s service.

Your missionary’s assignment will be in Trophy Club, TX .  He will be serving with Elder Grigg & Elder Mayer. 

Their address is:

16 Greenleaf Dr.

Trophy Club, TX   76262

Your missionary will email on Monday which is their preparation day.  They are always

happy to hear from you as well.  Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

President & Sister Ames