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