President & Sister Nilsen
“Help us stay strong. We don’t want a lighter load, we just want help to carry it.”
These were the words spoken by Paul, one of our newest Amish members in the closing prayer of Fast and Testimony meeting this past weekend. As you know, our six new members have been under intense persecution so it was doubly humbling to hear him express these words of faith. We might have expected him to ask that the burdens be taken from them but he didn’t, he just wanted help from above to increase his capacity to handle them. He expressed his feelings this way, “The more opposition I get, the more I know it’s true.” In the face of possible shunning in which they may lose their employees, their businesses, their extended family member’s friendship and support, their children’s schools, etc., they still press forward with their hands firmly on the iron rod.
What does it mean to increase in capacity? The word is Latin based and means “spacious.” We know from the scriptures that how we increase is “line upon line, precept upon precept.” As we increase in capacity, we are able to better contain the Spirit, exercise more faith and take the next step into the dark.
Does the Savior really understand our mortal capacity when he was so infinite? Yes, but some would argue that because he was the Only Begotten of the Father that he used super human powers while on earth so that he didn’t suffer like us and only suffered mentally in the Garden of Gethsemane, that he didn’t fully feel our mortality. The Doctrine and Covenants clarifies that he suffered “both body and spirit” which caused “even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore.” (D&C 19:18) Hebrews 2:16-17 also tell us that “ For verily he took on him not the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren.” Also in Hebrews 4:15, Paul tells us that Christ was, “touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” Jacob added his testimony that Jesus “suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh” (2 Nephi 9:5). Elder McCallister writes, “He was in all respects subject to every mortal failing experienced by the human family. Not once did he raise the shield of godhood in order to soften the blows. That he had godly powers did not make his suffering any less excruciating, any less poignant, or any less real. He took upon him infinite suffering but chose to defend with only mortal faculties with only one exception – his godhood was summoned to hold off unconsciousness and death that would otherwise overpower a mere mortal when he reached his threshold of pain. For the Savior there would be no such relief. His divinity would be called upon, not to immunize him from pain, but to enlarge the receptacle that would hold it. He simply brought a larger cup to hold the bitter drink.”
Unto Such Shall Ye Continue to Minister – Finding Through Former Investigators
During His visit to the Nephites the Savior in instructing His disciples about a prohibition regarding partaking of the sacrament taught about those who come among us and for whatever reason do not yet accept the Gospel message. His teachings on this occasion are applicable to finding through former investigators. He said: “…ye shall not cast him out from among you, but ye shall minister unto him and shall pray for him unto the Father, in my name; and if it so be that he repenteth and is baptized in my name, then shall ye receive him, and shall minster unto him of my flesh and blood. But if he repenteth not he shall not be numbered among my people… for behold I know my sheep, and they are numbered. Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out of your…places of worship, for unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full pur-
pose of heart, and I shall heal them, and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them.” (3 Nephi 18:30-32)
In Preach My Gospel (p. 166), we read about the importance of including former investigators in our finding efforts. “Former investigators are a valuable source for finding people to teach. There are many reasons why people stop investigating the Church. Reasons include missionaries being transferred, investigators going on vacation, missionaries stopping visits even though investigators are still expecting visits, and investigators believing that the missionaries have nothing new to teach them. Many former investigators say they would meet with missionaries again. Review your area book often to identify former investigators. Prayerfully reflect on the information in the area book concerning how the investigators first came in contact with the Church, what they have been taught, how they have responded, and why they quit investigating the gospel. If members have been involved in teaching and fellowshipping the former investigators, ask the members what they remember about the experience.
Based on this information, make plans to contact the investigators again. If someone you are teaching chooses to discontinue their investigation of the gospel, record information in the area book that will be helpful for the missionaries who will contact them in the future.”
Are you reaching out to former investigators in your finding efforts? Are you reviewing the area book? Are you checking with members on former investigators’ names and experiences which could lead you to those who will return, repent, come unto Christ with full purpose of heart and be healed, and to whom you will be the means of bringing salvation? Are you including relevant information on former investigators for the missionaries who follow you? Will you give inspired increased attention to finding, through former investigators, in accordance with these teachings? I know that if you will, there are those who will meet with you with hearts and minds which have been in additional preparation for hearing and accepting the word and the Word. I testify that the arms of the Good Shepherd continue to be extended to these dear brothers and sisters and to you in helping bring them unto Him and into
His fold.
James J. Chrisman,
Counselor, Ohio Columbus Mission Presidency
Welcome to our New Missionaries!
Elder Kalten Browning
Caldwell, Idaho
Elder Zachary Cobabe
Redding, California
Elder Stephen DuBose
Saratoga Springs, Utah
Elder Robert Henke
Aztec, New Mexico
Elder Mckay Horsley
Logan, Utah
Elder Rizek Housari
Surprise, Arizona
Elder Jared Johnson
Lehi, Utah
Elder Jason Johnson
Mill Valley, California
Elder Daniel Maher
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Elder Renzo Moreno
Lima, Peru
Elder Westlee Orton
Apoka, Florida
Elder Joseph Smith
Placerville, California
Sister Alina Twitchell
Henderson, Nevada
Elder Tyler Twogood
Kaysville, Utah
Elder Adam Whitmer
Yuma, Arizona
Elder Davis Wright
Bountiful, Utah
Do You Want a Hippo in Your House?
Let's see, 24 months in the mission, that means at least 400+ meals with members and/or investigators and some missionaries, also known as ADULTS, still don't know to put their napkins on their laps at the start of a meal! This is embarassing and I have noticed this recently at farewell dinners for returning missionaries. Please pay attention to your manners. You represent the Lord at all times, and in all things and in all places.
Here are some refresher tips for good manners that will make the Savior, us, and your parents proud!
* Always offer to help get the meal on the table
* Wait for the host and hostess to sit before you begin eating
* Napkin on your lap - always!
* Elbows off the table
* No speaking with food in your mouth
*If someone asks you to pass some food, don't take some then pass it, always pass first, after you may ask for it to come
back to you.
* Don't take the largest portions of anything
* Never take seconds unless you are offered
* Offer to help clear and do the dishes, or just jump in and do it!
* Specifically thank the cook
* Leave a sticky note of thanks, you can make this in advance and be sure to place it somewhere they will find it that day.
Represent!
Love, Sister Nilsen
REMEMBER the OHIO COLUMBUS MISSION STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Areas of Focus
1. We are 100% obedient all the time.
2. We are ALWAYS FINDING.
3. We SERVE the members and EARN their
referrals.
4. We INVITE all new investigators during the first lesson
to pray, read the Book of Mormon, attend church, and be
baptized. (We strongly encourage informal chapel tours.)
5. We ACHIEVE our goals through faith, prayer, fasting
and exceptionally hard and smart work.
Weekly Companionship Goals
1. We have 80% + “member present” for lessons after the
first discussion.
2. We find 3 or more new investigators each week. We
always have 15-20 part-member or less-active families/
individuals we are serving.
3. We have at least two investigators at church each week
focused on the Ordinance of the Sacrament.
4. We teach 20+ lessons a week.
5. We complete at least one short service project per week,
preferably serving our Bishops and Ward Mission Lead-
ers and others under their direction. We build trust and
earn their referrals.
6. We achieve all of our morning schedules —- 100% per
Week—the foundation of our day. This includes role
playing for the members and investigators that we teach.
Weekly/Monthly Companionship Goal
Baptize one person or family every week/month!
Converts Taught by
Jim Elders Joiner, Pali & Breshears
Ronald Scott Elders Ramsey,Jensen,Floyd, &Hales
James Elders Joiner, Pali & Breshears
Othello Elders Paterson, Osienzanek,Maughan, & Jackson
Michael Elders Richardson & Bell
Crystal Elders Richardson & Bell
Nic Sisters Kay, Brignone, Gibson,& Rogerson
Stan Sisters Tilby & Brignone
Ramona Sisters Tilby, Brignone, & Fletcher
Dennis Elders Iverson & Beck
Mariah Elders Iverson & Holgreen
Jorinda Sisters Blackham & Tueller
Gabe Sisters Tilby, Fletcher, Brignone,& Richardson
Hailey Elders Cummings & Kujanpaa
Isha Elders Richards & Christensen
Chance Elders Gardner, Poulsen, & Long
Quay Elders Gardner, Poulsen & Long
Brandon Elders Whiting & VanWagoner
Malcolm Elders Bodily & Walker
Carlos Elders Luna & Neilson
Rosario Elders Luna & Neilson
Hazel Elders Parry, Nitz, & Maughan
Abena Paulette Elders Price, Holbrook, Harris, &Stewart
Conner Elders Bowden & Nygren
Alyssia Elders Bowden & Nygren
Kyle Sisters Richardson & Webb
Scott Elders N. Anderson, Scribner, &Rasmussen
Zachary Elders N. Anderson, Scribner &Rasmussen
Bobby Sisters Kimball, Li, Blackham, &Fletcher
James Elders Bowden & Nygren
Lisa Elders Bowden & Nygren
Traci Renee Elders Vea, Reddish, & Cummings
Ovian Elders Vea, Reddish, & Cummings
David Elders Vea & Reddish
Alex Elders Pearson, Giles &Elder & Sister Hammarstrom
Nick Elders Pearson & Giles
Ann Elizabeth Elders Hansen, Graff, &Floyd
Lauren Elders Hansen, Graff, & Floyd
Marcia Sisters Va’asille, Webb, Dycus& Finefeuiaki
Deniz Elders Radford & Olson
Josh Sisters Finefeuiaki, Dycus, Webb& Va’asille
Braelynn Sisters Finefeuiaki, Dycus, Webb& Va’asille
Alex Elders Galliher, Floyd, & Hawkins
Note: Baptisms are not listed here until the paperwork is received in the office. Thus, some July and August baptisms are actually listedhere and some August baptisms will be listed in the next issue. --
SPANISH MESSAGE
Esta conferencia de zona que tuvimos hablamos de las maneras en las que estamos teniendo éxito en la misión. Una de las maneras mas prominentes a nosotros fue la diligencia. Predicad Mi Evangelio dice “La diligencia en las labores misionales es una expresión de su amor por el Señor y por su obra.” Amamos a nuestro Señor! Y nuestro propósito es llevar a cabo su obra, y eso requiere la diligencia.
Entonces os preguntamos como podréis desarrollar vuestra diligencia? En Alma 37:6-7 dice “Ahora bien, tal vez pienses que esto es locura de mi parte; mas he aquí, te digo que por medio de cosas pequeñas y sencillas se realizan grandes cosas; y en muchos casos, los pequeños medios confunden a los sabios. Y el Señor Dios se vale de medios para realizar sus grandes y eternos designios; y por medios muy pequeños el Señor confunde a los sabios y realiza la salvación de muchas almas.” Entonces por medio de las cosas pequeñas tales como la obediencia, los estudios, y el hacer ejercicios podemos realizar grandes cosas!
Elderes sabemos que nuestro Dios bendice a sus siervos diligentes. Vayamos entonces a trabajar diligentemente en la viña del Señor!
Elder Hales y Elder Ragan
Testimonies of Departing Missionaries
Let it be known to this mission and the world that I
have a personal witness of the divinity of this work! I
am not perfect. I DO, HAVE, and WILL make mis-
takes but one thing is certain that forgiveness is real. I
know I serve the Lord of the Heavens and Earth. He
is my Master and Commander. I fight on His side and
I will win for His side which is a guaranteed VIC-
TORY.
Have fun with the work and teach with Confidence.
I love my mission. I love President and Sister Nilsen.
I love all my missionary companions and friends. Use
the Book of Mormon. Testify of Prophets. Build
those knee calluses. NEVER be discouraged. In the
name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“The” Elder Michael Anderson
We have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gos-
pel of Jesus Christ. He stands at the head of this
church. We love the Lord and as we have served our
brothers and sisters here in this part of the Lord's vine-
yard our testimonies have grown along with those we
have taught and shared the gospel with. The Book of
Mormon is true and contains the answers we seek to
the problems in life. The scriptures can be like a lan-
tern to light our way if we will study them and apply
the things we learn. Our growth depends on us apply-
ing what we learn. We are forever changed by our
service in this mission and our love of the Lord has
increased through the blessings we have received. It
is all true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Elder and Sister Dugger
From the Kitchen!
Bircher's Muesli
1/2 big container of Quaker Rolled Oats
1 large container of strawberry yogurt
apples, diced
oranges, peeled and diced
1 can of diced pineapple (not crushed)
1 can of fruit cocktail
(You can choose whatever fruits you are in the mood for)
In large bowl, mix all yogurt and fruits together. Add canned fruits, including juice. Then add rolled oats until you reach thick consistency - almost like peanut butter. This will last a few days, repeat often.
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