Skip to main content

The Warmest December

Hello all you on the mailing list and blog followers!
 
I have a pretty good amount of time to write, and someone called me out on not really putting substance in my correspondence, so today you're getting the whole enchilada.
 
So, this last week we had a baptism with a really awesome person named Trung. He's a really great person, his family is from Vietnam, but he was born here in Australia. He's led a pretty crazy life, having a lot of fun, has a lot of great stories, but decided that fun wasn't really bringing him happiness, so when some missionaries asked him if he wanted to be baptized, he said yes! Because he's Vietnamese he was referred to us, and we began to teach him. We started slowly and went thorugh each of the lessons making sure that he understood what he was learning, and the commitments he would be making when he entered the waters of baptism. He committed to read the Book of Mormon each day, and for the most part, did read it. He really put in his best effort, and was able to get a confirmation of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. Elder Nguyen performed the baptism, and it was wonderful!
 
We're still patiently waiting for two of our investigators to get Sundays off. We're hopeful, but we'll see how it goes.
 
Last night we had a Stake Christmas Sacred Music Fireside. It was beautiful!!! I was particularly touched by a solo performance of Pie Jesu, and the closing number Dona Nobis Pachem. This week I will be performing a piece by Mozart for the Missionary Christmas Party "Laudate Dominum" It's technically challenging, it's above my range, but I am going to SMASH IT!!! If I can even make one person cry, I'll feel accomplished.
 
Other than that, it's been pretty normal nothing too exciting...
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
 
I love you all,
 
Elder Ryan

Popular posts from this blog

The happiest day so far this week! (9/16/13)

So this last week has been a week of overcoming, and I'm not ashamed to say that it hasn't been easy. I love my Heavenly Father, I love Jesus Christ, and I love the Holy Ghost. Without them, I would literally be nothing. I am not a perfect missionary, nor am I a perfect person, but I know through Christ's Atonement for us, I have received strength. Emails in the mission are always a plus. Letters are even better (but I don't expect people to waste money on postage).  At this time, I'd like to make a declaration of my faith. I don't really care if you don't agree, but it helps me to put it out there. I know that Jesus is the Christ; the anointed of God to come and cleanse us from our sins. I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father who knows us intimately, and we knew him before this life, and through a concerted effort, we can know him again. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know it, I know it, I know it! I know that Joseph Smith was a

I think I may have forgotten to write for a while... - 2/10/14

So, working in the mission office for the last few weeks has been an interesting experience. I've been able to use the skills that I've acquired from my previous work experience, and help out the mission in different ways. It's very interesting to see how the work in the mission field is affected by the decisions and things that happen through the mission office. When things run well in the mission office, things in the mission field are a lot more smooth in terms of operations. I have a lot of respect for all of the missionaries that serve in the mission offices worldwide, they do so much to make sure that we as missionaries have a pleasant mission experience. There is a lot of work that goes into flats, cars, supplies, transfers, zone conferences, visas, etc. I have a new respect. Much Love, Elder Ryan

Jesus wants me for a sunbeam!

One of the best ways I've found to get out of negativity, is to ignore it and move on to something more cheerful. Presently, it's the song, "Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam." It's such a simple song, without deep doctrinal content, but it brings such a spirit of peace to my mind. Sometimes that's what we need. A quite and peaceful distraction from the noise that's around us. Challenge for the week, look for quite moments to notice the beauty of God's creation. Sing a hymn or song that reminds you of your relationship with God. Read the Book of Mormon at least 5 minutes a day. You will find more enjoyment in life. :) Love, Elder Ryan