I just had the chance to go back and read all the letters I need to respond to. Some of them are from over a month ago! Man, I can't believe I've been out that long, almost two months now.
So much has happened. Not just on my end either it sounds like. It's weird to see the difference of what's going on there since I've been home to now. It's reassuring. I'm glad to hear Rachel warmed up to you haha. Well, It's so good to hear all about you, it makes me laugh, and smile.
Since I am usually so short on time with my emails, I'll try to pack in as much stories and information as I can. You asked how Kirtland was and how my flight went. First off, my flight was good. The first one I was able to relax, read for most of it, look out the window, talk to the elders, eat some pretzels. Overall it wasn't too bad. I got a little warm inside from the descent, but not bad. Then we had to run. The terminal we were supposed to be at was as far away as possible, so we barely made it in time, and we really were running most of the way. There was one part of the airport with neon all over the walls like lightning, dimly lit with soft almost eerie music playing. But we made it to our plane, which was less than half the size of the other one. We were taking off from Detroit, so pretty much we went up and right back down over Lake Erie. That was really cool to see, although for the most part I was looking straight ahead and trying to get the nonexistant air to work. After about 20 minutes we landed in Cleveland. President took us to his house where we were given a lot of information and papers, of which I am still trying to sort out. Then he handed out the mail.
The next day was Kirtland. Let me tell ya, there is a lot about Kirtland I never knew. The first stop was the Kirtland temple. Still it stands, as it was nearly 200 years ago, beautiful and bright. We were able to take pictures of the outside, so I snapped a couple. I'll figure out a way to get them to you. Inside we met with a representative from the Community of Christ church who owns the temple, and C Anderson, the man general authorities turn to whenever they have a question about Kirtland. At first I thought that was kind of funny, but after that day, there is so much going on with Kirtland now. They showed us the Priesthood rooms, where the quorums were instructed. The pews and stand are still the same as they were back then. Very little restoration has needed to be done. From there we went upstairs even further, to the upper rooms of the temple where the ordinances were established and where both the Savior and the Father stood at least four different times. We read several of the revelations received there, and sadly I didn't write them down. We headed downstairs to the general assembly area, and like at the dedication (sec109) we sang the Spirit of God. Somehow I ended up leading the music. Standing in front of the pew where Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias and Elijah stood, I looked up and saw the two huge windows, as the sun poured in. It was amazing. One day we'll have to go and visit, mom. I want to take you all there. I've heard there will be a big conference around Christmas time where we go to Kirtland and sing and other great stuff. After that we headed over to the Newel K Whitney store. In the store, C Anderson told us about all the prophecies of Kirtland. He pointed out that Kirtland is one of the places to be built up before the second coming. The first promise was SLC, which has had and is having its time. Missouri and Jerusalem are to come. But Kirtland's time is now. The work here is making leaps and bounds. Most of the areas around Cleveland are baptizing weekly. New Castle, my area, is coming along, but I'll go more into that in a bit. After learning about all these prophecies that are now being fulfilled, we went into the School of the Prophets. As President told us of the revelations had in that room, read the stories of that room, he left us to commit ourselves.
I love it out here, this work is so exciting. Already I have seen a change in these people. The last couple days have seen my first baptismal commits. We have two investigators who decided to make this huge step. We are working with about six other families, some of them are pretty close. The members are starting to help us out more, coming out to teach with us and even visiting the investigators on their own. We are fed almost every night by less actives. So many of them have said they don't come to church because they didn't think anyone cared. We are teaching them about the blessings the temple brings. Temples are something that not many people understand around here. Only a handful of the active members have ever been, and most of those have only gone once. It is such a great thing to teach a family that has avoided church for 10 years, that they can be sealed to their wife/mom who has long since passed away. There is an investigator, one that has committed to baptism, whose brother is seeing the difference in her. He told us the first time we met him he didn't believe in God, or at least he didn't think he cared. But last night she told us, with tears in her eyes that her brother was asking questions and even said that he believed in Christ. And how much greater a blessing it was to tell her that as she is baptized, and as she lives her life, her brother will grow to have that same desire, as well as the rest of her family.
That is why I am out here. To declare repentance to the people, so that they might have joy, happiness and peace in this life and in the life to come.
So I guess that's it for now, I'm going to go make some more stories to tell you for next time. Tell Melissa thanks for the package, those cookies didn't last long at all.
Love,
Elder Newey
10/24/2011
10/17/11 #2
So I really did try to write you last week, but the computer shut off
before I could hit send. Instead I wrote you a nice long letter, so
you should get that sometime this week.
Here's last weeks letter, I'll go answer your questions in a minute.
Hey Mom! I only have a quick minute today, but I wanted to say I love You!
Sounds like you guys have had a house full, I don't see that too
often. There is one family we teach, they are mostly less active, but
they love the elders. They always feed us. The grandpas motto is
that if we leave hungry its not because there wasn't food, and let me
tell ya, they stick to that.
Tell Melissa thanks for the package, the cookies are all gone though.
It was really nice to get that note from her, and Taylor, and the
picture from Michael, that was neat.
The work is going good, the found around five new families to teach
this week, now we just need to figure out how to keep them all
interested and baptized. They are all great people. The branch is
really starting to come around too. We've done some work with the
Branch President, and have started getting a few more members to come
teach with us. We even have dinner appointments every night this
week, its great! There are great things happening here, the Spirit is
really working on this area. Including us, already I've learned so
much, and can see a lot more I have to learn. I love it though, every
minute of it.
I hope grandma does make it there, that would be good. I still need
to write them back. I think I tore off half their address though.
Thank you by the way for your letter, I should have a chance next week
to get back to you on that.
One cool story real quick before I'm kicked off. There is a family
that has been taught by missionaries for over a year now. A single
mother and her two little kids. Well the mom has a pretty hard time
with all the things she is trying to overcome, but really wants to
change. She came to church and her son was able to be part of the
primary program. He loved every minute of it. He didn't know what
the words were, but we still stood and grinned, and came in when he
could. Each time we would shake hands he would thumb wrestle. A week
or so ago this kid walks around his street with his Book of Mormon,
reading to kids and teaching what he knew of Christ. He even made a
name tag that said "Elder Brian" He decided it was too hard though
because nobody wanted to listen. We gave him a candy bar anyway.
We're excited because we get to start teaching him the lessons because
he turns 8 on Thanksgiving.
Love, Elder Tanner Newey
before I could hit send. Instead I wrote you a nice long letter, so
you should get that sometime this week.
Here's last weeks letter, I'll go answer your questions in a minute.
Hey Mom! I only have a quick minute today, but I wanted to say I love You!
Sounds like you guys have had a house full, I don't see that too
often. There is one family we teach, they are mostly less active, but
they love the elders. They always feed us. The grandpas motto is
that if we leave hungry its not because there wasn't food, and let me
tell ya, they stick to that.
Tell Melissa thanks for the package, the cookies are all gone though.
It was really nice to get that note from her, and Taylor, and the
picture from Michael, that was neat.
The work is going good, the found around five new families to teach
this week, now we just need to figure out how to keep them all
interested and baptized. They are all great people. The branch is
really starting to come around too. We've done some work with the
Branch President, and have started getting a few more members to come
teach with us. We even have dinner appointments every night this
week, its great! There are great things happening here, the Spirit is
really working on this area. Including us, already I've learned so
much, and can see a lot more I have to learn. I love it though, every
minute of it.
I hope grandma does make it there, that would be good. I still need
to write them back. I think I tore off half their address though.
Thank you by the way for your letter, I should have a chance next week
to get back to you on that.
One cool story real quick before I'm kicked off. There is a family
that has been taught by missionaries for over a year now. A single
mother and her two little kids. Well the mom has a pretty hard time
with all the things she is trying to overcome, but really wants to
change. She came to church and her son was able to be part of the
primary program. He loved every minute of it. He didn't know what
the words were, but we still stood and grinned, and came in when he
could. Each time we would shake hands he would thumb wrestle. A week
or so ago this kid walks around his street with his Book of Mormon,
reading to kids and teaching what he knew of Christ. He even made a
name tag that said "Elder Brian" He decided it was too hard though
because nobody wanted to listen. We gave him a candy bar anyway.
We're excited because we get to start teaching him the lessons because
he turns 8 on Thanksgiving.
Love, Elder Tanner Newey
10/17/11
Sorry I missed you guys last week, I tried but the computer didn't
want to cooperate.
So I'm doing great! We actually got two investigators to commit to
baptism this weekend. Great things are happening, we just have to
convince the members to keep the momentum going. There are a couple
more families we are teaching and they should commit here soon. Its
been a lot of fun, and I am loving every minute of it. Sadly the
library rarely has open computers, so I only have a minute, I have an
appointment in ten minutes. We are so busy, working with
investigators and less active members. Its great though.
Elder Newey
want to cooperate.
So I'm doing great! We actually got two investigators to commit to
baptism this weekend. Great things are happening, we just have to
convince the members to keep the momentum going. There are a couple
more families we are teaching and they should commit here soon. Its
been a lot of fun, and I am loving every minute of it. Sadly the
library rarely has open computers, so I only have a minute, I have an
appointment in ten minutes. We are so busy, working with
investigators and less active members. Its great though.
Elder Newey
10/10/2011
10/03/2011
Hey Dad!
I'm doing great! I have to admit though, it was a little different to be sitting in a little branch watching the little screen next to a guy with earrings for priesthood session. Its ok though because he will be baptized soon. Anyway, yeah I thought about you guys a lot too as I watched conference. Kinda weird, but every time they mentioned missionaries I knew you were all thinking of me. They were great sessions though, there were a lot of powerful talks.
I'm glad you got the pictures. That lady is great. She is from Mexico, and talks really fast. She is the Ward Mission Leaders mom and is very grandmotherly. She says she has to send pictures to all the mothers of their missionaries. She was pretty excited to hear back. and here I thought I wouldn't have to mow lawns any more for two years.
I realized after my last letter I haven't told you much about the stuff that really matters. So here goes. Since I've been here we have had around seven investigators who could be ready for baptism at any minute, if all goes right. Unfortunately not everything does, but that's ok. Right now there are three who are pretty solid. I mentioned earlier about the guy in earrings. We really have only taught one lesson, we've spent two other visits just answering questions though. He is living with a less active and she wants a temple marriage. During one visit he asked us how soon he can be baptized. I almost fell out of my chair. I didn't though because their six year old son was throwing books at me.
Then there is A. The mission office called early last week with a referral. She had been taught by the missionaries in Virginia and just moved into my area to attend college. He left off with saying, "they say she has been taught most of the lessons and is pretty much ready for baptism." We were pretty stoked. We called her up right away and set up an appointment for Saturday before conference. (Which by the way doesn't start till 12, which means priesthood session didn't get over till 10, do you know how late that is?!) So we stop in and just planned on asking her questions about where she is at and what she knows. As we talk, the conversation of course comes around to baptism. So I posed the question, and she agreed to be baptized. Now remember, this was the first time we had ever met her, so we were pretty excited, especially when she agreed to come to the session of conference right then.
These are two of the investigators, I'll try to start sharing more of these stories. It is truly amazing though, to see each and every day how the Lord has prepared these people, and how he has prepared me.
Thank you for teaching me how to work. I wish everyone had the same push you gave me to do better. That one thing helps out a lot. It is sad to see some of the missionaries who honestly don't know how to work hard, because they never had to. I am so grateful to know President won't have to worry about me because of what you have taught me.
Love,
Elder Tanner Newey
I'm doing great! I have to admit though, it was a little different to be sitting in a little branch watching the little screen next to a guy with earrings for priesthood session. Its ok though because he will be baptized soon. Anyway, yeah I thought about you guys a lot too as I watched conference. Kinda weird, but every time they mentioned missionaries I knew you were all thinking of me. They were great sessions though, there were a lot of powerful talks.
I'm glad you got the pictures. That lady is great. She is from Mexico, and talks really fast. She is the Ward Mission Leaders mom and is very grandmotherly. She says she has to send pictures to all the mothers of their missionaries. She was pretty excited to hear back. and here I thought I wouldn't have to mow lawns any more for two years.
I realized after my last letter I haven't told you much about the stuff that really matters. So here goes. Since I've been here we have had around seven investigators who could be ready for baptism at any minute, if all goes right. Unfortunately not everything does, but that's ok. Right now there are three who are pretty solid. I mentioned earlier about the guy in earrings. We really have only taught one lesson, we've spent two other visits just answering questions though. He is living with a less active and she wants a temple marriage. During one visit he asked us how soon he can be baptized. I almost fell out of my chair. I didn't though because their six year old son was throwing books at me.
Then there is A. The mission office called early last week with a referral. She had been taught by the missionaries in Virginia and just moved into my area to attend college. He left off with saying, "they say she has been taught most of the lessons and is pretty much ready for baptism." We were pretty stoked. We called her up right away and set up an appointment for Saturday before conference. (Which by the way doesn't start till 12, which means priesthood session didn't get over till 10, do you know how late that is?!) So we stop in and just planned on asking her questions about where she is at and what she knows. As we talk, the conversation of course comes around to baptism. So I posed the question, and she agreed to be baptized. Now remember, this was the first time we had ever met her, so we were pretty excited, especially when she agreed to come to the session of conference right then.
These are two of the investigators, I'll try to start sharing more of these stories. It is truly amazing though, to see each and every day how the Lord has prepared these people, and how he has prepared me.
Thank you for teaching me how to work. I wish everyone had the same push you gave me to do better. That one thing helps out a lot. It is sad to see some of the missionaries who honestly don't know how to work hard, because they never had to. I am so grateful to know President won't have to worry about me because of what you have taught me.
Love,
Elder Tanner Newey
10/02/2011
09/27/11
I got your letters the other day from you and Dad, that was nice. Unfortunately they are in PA and I'm in a library in Youngstown Ohio. That is also in answer to your question, we have to fight our way in to the computers here at the library.
I did know about the fireworks, apparently there is the nations biggest firework factory or most prominent or something, I was going to tell Jacob eventually. As far as food guys I have already eaten out more than ever before, but just when we have a lot of meetings. I'm working in a branch (it will be a ward soon!! hopefully) so we don't get fed a ton, but usually twice a week. There are about four boxes of ramen though in the apartment, haven't broken into it yet. I can't believe you didn't make dinner, no way I would have let you go that long.
Tell Rylee I loved her letter, and I will write back as soon as I can. That's great with Dad's calling, can't say I'm surprised though. Congratulations with the house, hopefully it works out. I'm glad you got to go with some people in the ward to the broadcast. We were trying to figure out how to get an investigator to it, but it never happened. Its so weird working with a little branch. We are trying to get more help and get more members to be part of the work. Its funny how sometimes it feels like pulling teeth. While at the same time there are those few we are worried of burning out with too many appointments.
Well, sadly it is time to go, sorry this is late, we had a big tri zone awesome day at the Johnson farm yesterday, so this got bumped a day. I will talk to you all again next week.
Love,
Elder Tanner Newey
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)