Sunday, November 29, 2009
November 28, 2009
Sounds like everyone had a good time, Thanksgiving for us here was a bit crazy as we have transfers next week, President was traveling in the interior, and we are shutting down several houses including our own.
Transfers are always a time of big changes but they are even more so these days outside of the usual transfer rush the church is upgrading the system we use here for just about everything, (You might even say it’s a mighty change of...system) we are shutting down and opening up various houses, my companion is getting transferred, 9 missionaries are leaving and about 12 are coming in, and president President Vecchi moving forward in faith, changing the way many things have been here on the mission. It’s something I've noticed about him, he is very much a man of action, of new ideas, ideas based on correct principles as he sees and feels in the moment, trusting that as things move along he will be led onto the right path that the Lord would have Him take. It’s something very cool about working closer with him is the opportunity to see how he works and to be able to learn from that. I see much of the "move forward in Faith" principle within him.
Elder C. is leaving which is a bummer for me, it has been a great time here with him, he has a great potential and has been another one of those companions that has inspired me and from whom I have learned alot. He will be close by though so I should get to see him every once in awhile. Elder W. will be my next comp. and I am also excited to work with him. I met him once or twice in zone conference and I remember Elder N. and I went to his area once to do a baptismal interview. So as you might guess I don't really know him, but from the little time I spent with him it seems he is a missionary of integrity and I look forward to learning and serving with him.
The package from the Relief society came today and brought me great "relief", getting something in the mail be it a package or letter is always an upper.
The Book of Mormon reading is coming along well and I'm really enjoying, one of the things I'm focusing on/looking for is principles I can apply better in my life to bring me closer to God. The idea came to me through one of the quotes (from Joseph Smith) we find in the introduction, that by abiding by the precepts contained in the Book of Mormon a man could get closer to God then through any other book. It has been a great experience though these days it’s sometimes crammed to keep up with the schedule with everything we've got going on around here.
We've worked in the area several nights this week and are currently working with an inactive guy William who has committed to go to church again on Sunday, we also started teaching his sister and one of her friends as well, though I fear his sister may make it harder for her friend to move forward. Juliana (her friend) seems to truly have a great interest in the church, (unlike William’s sister) but her personality isn't as strong so I fear that Tati (William’s sister) may keep her from visiting church. The member friend is what’s still missing, that helping hand from within. Without a doubt the best solution would be an activity as just going to someone’s house with the missionaries isn't the kind of atmosphere where you get to know each other etc. Bishop is thinking about starting up a mutual program I think and we will jump on that effort to see what we can do to help, it is of greater need now especially since seminary ended.
Well, I love and am thankful for you all, for the restored gospel, for my Savior, the opportunity to be here, the outdoors, friends and great examples, good music, camping, fishing, skateboarding, ultimate frisbee, snowboarding, water, service, the Spirit, the Scriptures, a Prophet on the earth today, experiences, the chance to learn and to still need to learn, the chance to repent, hard times, good companions, pocket knives, parents, siblings, Legos, letters from home and your support,
Until next time,
Elder Pettit
Sounds like everyone had a good time, Thanksgiving for us here was a bit crazy as we have transfers next week, President was traveling in the interior, and we are shutting down several houses including our own.
Transfers are always a time of big changes but they are even more so these days outside of the usual transfer rush the church is upgrading the system we use here for just about everything, (You might even say it’s a mighty change of...system) we are shutting down and opening up various houses, my companion is getting transferred, 9 missionaries are leaving and about 12 are coming in, and president President Vecchi moving forward in faith, changing the way many things have been here on the mission. It’s something I've noticed about him, he is very much a man of action, of new ideas, ideas based on correct principles as he sees and feels in the moment, trusting that as things move along he will be led onto the right path that the Lord would have Him take. It’s something very cool about working closer with him is the opportunity to see how he works and to be able to learn from that. I see much of the "move forward in Faith" principle within him.
Elder C. is leaving which is a bummer for me, it has been a great time here with him, he has a great potential and has been another one of those companions that has inspired me and from whom I have learned alot. He will be close by though so I should get to see him every once in awhile. Elder W. will be my next comp. and I am also excited to work with him. I met him once or twice in zone conference and I remember Elder N. and I went to his area once to do a baptismal interview. So as you might guess I don't really know him, but from the little time I spent with him it seems he is a missionary of integrity and I look forward to learning and serving with him.
The package from the Relief society came today and brought me great "relief", getting something in the mail be it a package or letter is always an upper.
The Book of Mormon reading is coming along well and I'm really enjoying, one of the things I'm focusing on/looking for is principles I can apply better in my life to bring me closer to God. The idea came to me through one of the quotes (from Joseph Smith) we find in the introduction, that by abiding by the precepts contained in the Book of Mormon a man could get closer to God then through any other book. It has been a great experience though these days it’s sometimes crammed to keep up with the schedule with everything we've got going on around here.
We've worked in the area several nights this week and are currently working with an inactive guy William who has committed to go to church again on Sunday, we also started teaching his sister and one of her friends as well, though I fear his sister may make it harder for her friend to move forward. Juliana (her friend) seems to truly have a great interest in the church, (unlike William’s sister) but her personality isn't as strong so I fear that Tati (William’s sister) may keep her from visiting church. The member friend is what’s still missing, that helping hand from within. Without a doubt the best solution would be an activity as just going to someone’s house with the missionaries isn't the kind of atmosphere where you get to know each other etc. Bishop is thinking about starting up a mutual program I think and we will jump on that effort to see what we can do to help, it is of greater need now especially since seminary ended.
Well, I love and am thankful for you all, for the restored gospel, for my Savior, the opportunity to be here, the outdoors, friends and great examples, good music, camping, fishing, skateboarding, ultimate frisbee, snowboarding, water, service, the Spirit, the Scriptures, a Prophet on the earth today, experiences, the chance to learn and to still need to learn, the chance to repent, hard times, good companions, pocket knives, parents, siblings, Legos, letters from home and your support,
Until next time,
Elder Pettit
Saturday, November 14, 2009
November 14, 2009
Week passed by pretty quickly on our end of things here as well, just thought I ought to start off correcting the previously stated 8 months and pass it on to the correct amount of time being more or less 11 months. (just to clear up the confusion)
Highlights from this week... it’s been crazy as usual, but I think the new house contract for the staff is about set, though there are still a few small issues dealing with future repairs on the house that are being discussed. I'm really enjoying being with Elder C., he is a great missionary and a great friend. (BTW, are we related to any Hydes?) This week (as of yesterday) we've decided to leave. everyday at 6 to go work in the field, regardless of whether or not we have a lot to do, trusting that the Lord will bless us with enough time to get done that which we need to as we work diligently in our callings. Study time has been pretty good as well, and in addition to gaining a stronger testimony of the importance of studying the gospel, I have clearly seen again the strength gained against temptation as we do so. As I think of your thought (Mom) on the happiness brought about in the Christmas season through the service that people give, I have gained a testimony that service and focusing on helping others also brings added strength against Satan's temptations.
In district meeting we talked about planning and making goals and about our purpose here on the mission, which could be generally stated as fortifying the Kingdom of God in each area that we pass through. A question I think even those who aren't serving "missions" in this same sense I think would also benefit from thinking on the answer to this question, "What am I doing to help God in His work in my family ward, stake, neighborhood etc.?"
I know that Jesus Christ is our Saviour, that the Bible and the Book of Mormon contain the words of their prophets and that by following their counsel we can have greater peace and comfort in knowing that our lives are in accordance with God's will and that we receive strength beyond our own in standing against Satan's temptations. In the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Love,
Elder Pettit
Week passed by pretty quickly on our end of things here as well, just thought I ought to start off correcting the previously stated 8 months and pass it on to the correct amount of time being more or less 11 months. (just to clear up the confusion)
Highlights from this week... it’s been crazy as usual, but I think the new house contract for the staff is about set, though there are still a few small issues dealing with future repairs on the house that are being discussed. I'm really enjoying being with Elder C., he is a great missionary and a great friend. (BTW, are we related to any Hydes?) This week (as of yesterday) we've decided to leave. everyday at 6 to go work in the field, regardless of whether or not we have a lot to do, trusting that the Lord will bless us with enough time to get done that which we need to as we work diligently in our callings. Study time has been pretty good as well, and in addition to gaining a stronger testimony of the importance of studying the gospel, I have clearly seen again the strength gained against temptation as we do so. As I think of your thought (Mom) on the happiness brought about in the Christmas season through the service that people give, I have gained a testimony that service and focusing on helping others also brings added strength against Satan's temptations.
In district meeting we talked about planning and making goals and about our purpose here on the mission, which could be generally stated as fortifying the Kingdom of God in each area that we pass through. A question I think even those who aren't serving "missions" in this same sense I think would also benefit from thinking on the answer to this question, "What am I doing to help God in His work in my family ward, stake, neighborhood etc.?"
I know that Jesus Christ is our Saviour, that the Bible and the Book of Mormon contain the words of their prophets and that by following their counsel we can have greater peace and comfort in knowing that our lives are in accordance with God's will and that we receive strength beyond our own in standing against Satan's temptations. In the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Love,
Elder Pettit
Sunday, November 8, 2009
November 5, 2009
Progress on the Mission Mansion is slow, but moving, and I'm learning a lot in the process, I think before the mission I was very apt to let people walk over me, or at least around me, (I don't think that makes much sense so let me explain) If someone would do something that they were comfortable with before the mission, even if it made me uncomfortable I would let it go, bear through it/deal with it, or just leave and make way. Here on the mission we can't just let people do that, we are here on the mission to help them make changes in their lives, to warn them of the effects of sin. Life in the office brings a different application into play as well, if I just let people have their way in deciding the rent, or cost of repairs to a house, the church could lose a ton of money because I didn't have the courage to say/do something, or take the initiative to negotiate. Granted there is a limit to that end of saving money, others have to make a living, but I am learning to "stick to my guns" a bit on things as well as to make decisions that affect more than just myself, I'm grateful for the Lord's patience and willingness to let me learn here.
We haven't taught Rita (the house owner of the mission mansion) anymore yet, it’s even a rare moment when we come out of the office before 9 these days with everything that’s going on but the Lord has blessed Elder Cook and I this week in opportunities to spread the gospel. We were taking a taxi to (or from) the bus station to grab tickets for missionaries leaving the counsel here in Salvador and we met a man named Ribeiro. After talking a bit about little things and his family, we got on the topic of religion and he spoke of his experiences with a couple other churches, and I felt to speak of how leaders in the Church of Jesus Christ don't get money but rather how the tithing funds and fast offerings are completely voluntary and are used for the paying of bills, building of temples and chapels, printing materials for the church etc. After which he really opened up and wanted to hear a lot more about the church, to the point where even after we got to the mission office he stopped the car and kept talking to us, then we got his address and he his wife and two little girls will get a visit hopefully tomorrow (they live in the other mission's area).
I also received great news from the sister missionaries in Eunápolis, (a small town in the interior here) a lady Elder S. and I got to baptize had met with the Sisters in Eunápolis and went to teach her mom. (who I might have told you about a long while ago, a Glacia's mom was in Porto Seguro one time when we were teaching her daughter, she really opened up to us even though by her 1s appearance it seemed she might have rejected us had we knocked on her door) Glacieas 4 nephews/nieces ended up being baptized and her mom and dad are planning on getting married and as I understand what they said is that, "The 1st church they would baptize in would be the Church of Jesus Christ". It's a great feeling when I hear about someone I taught not just still going to church, but helping their families and friends find fruit of the gospel and the way to eternal life.
"You can't count the number of apples in a single seed."
Thanks for the verses and insights on faith, I thought it very well put the way you said that "faith really gives us the right to the power we need to accomplish what is required of us." A very true statement and it brings to mind an interesting thought. As I pray there have been times when I'll ask for something and a thought comes to mind, are you doing your part? Are you putting in the effort according to correct principles? I feel that as we can answer yes to that sort of question that we are truly going forth in faith and then miracles can happen in greater abundance in our lives.
I know that God lives, I know that this is His work, that he leads us to those He would have us lift along our way, even in things as simple as deciding to wear prosylyting clothes on P-day when you might have been thinking of doing otherwise, and as a result a lady comes up to you and talks to you about her son who has fallen away from the church, (standing a few people in front of you in the line to the cash register) who we will be visiting today or tomorrow. I know it is important for each one of us to be attentive to the feelings and thoughts that God will put in our heart as we live worthily of His trust. I think of that general conference talk awhile back about angels in our lives, and how perhaps the number of prayers we have answered may amount to something, but that the number of prayers we answer may be of far greater value. This my testimony I leave with you all in the name of Jesus Christ Amém.
Progress on the Mission Mansion is slow, but moving, and I'm learning a lot in the process, I think before the mission I was very apt to let people walk over me, or at least around me, (I don't think that makes much sense so let me explain) If someone would do something that they were comfortable with before the mission, even if it made me uncomfortable I would let it go, bear through it/deal with it, or just leave and make way. Here on the mission we can't just let people do that, we are here on the mission to help them make changes in their lives, to warn them of the effects of sin. Life in the office brings a different application into play as well, if I just let people have their way in deciding the rent, or cost of repairs to a house, the church could lose a ton of money because I didn't have the courage to say/do something, or take the initiative to negotiate. Granted there is a limit to that end of saving money, others have to make a living, but I am learning to "stick to my guns" a bit on things as well as to make decisions that affect more than just myself, I'm grateful for the Lord's patience and willingness to let me learn here.
We haven't taught Rita (the house owner of the mission mansion) anymore yet, it’s even a rare moment when we come out of the office before 9 these days with everything that’s going on but the Lord has blessed Elder Cook and I this week in opportunities to spread the gospel. We were taking a taxi to (or from) the bus station to grab tickets for missionaries leaving the counsel here in Salvador and we met a man named Ribeiro. After talking a bit about little things and his family, we got on the topic of religion and he spoke of his experiences with a couple other churches, and I felt to speak of how leaders in the Church of Jesus Christ don't get money but rather how the tithing funds and fast offerings are completely voluntary and are used for the paying of bills, building of temples and chapels, printing materials for the church etc. After which he really opened up and wanted to hear a lot more about the church, to the point where even after we got to the mission office he stopped the car and kept talking to us, then we got his address and he his wife and two little girls will get a visit hopefully tomorrow (they live in the other mission's area).
I also received great news from the sister missionaries in Eunápolis, (a small town in the interior here) a lady Elder S. and I got to baptize had met with the Sisters in Eunápolis and went to teach her mom. (who I might have told you about a long while ago, a Glacia's mom was in Porto Seguro one time when we were teaching her daughter, she really opened up to us even though by her 1s appearance it seemed she might have rejected us had we knocked on her door) Glacieas 4 nephews/nieces ended up being baptized and her mom and dad are planning on getting married and as I understand what they said is that, "The 1st church they would baptize in would be the Church of Jesus Christ". It's a great feeling when I hear about someone I taught not just still going to church, but helping their families and friends find fruit of the gospel and the way to eternal life.
"You can't count the number of apples in a single seed."
Thanks for the verses and insights on faith, I thought it very well put the way you said that "faith really gives us the right to the power we need to accomplish what is required of us." A very true statement and it brings to mind an interesting thought. As I pray there have been times when I'll ask for something and a thought comes to mind, are you doing your part? Are you putting in the effort according to correct principles? I feel that as we can answer yes to that sort of question that we are truly going forth in faith and then miracles can happen in greater abundance in our lives.
I know that God lives, I know that this is His work, that he leads us to those He would have us lift along our way, even in things as simple as deciding to wear prosylyting clothes on P-day when you might have been thinking of doing otherwise, and as a result a lady comes up to you and talks to you about her son who has fallen away from the church, (standing a few people in front of you in the line to the cash register) who we will be visiting today or tomorrow. I know it is important for each one of us to be attentive to the feelings and thoughts that God will put in our heart as we live worthily of His trust. I think of that general conference talk awhile back about angels in our lives, and how perhaps the number of prayers we have answered may amount to something, but that the number of prayers we answer may be of far greater value. This my testimony I leave with you all in the name of Jesus Christ Amém.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Oct. 31, 2009
We were blessed to find a great house for the staff this past week, 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms, right across the street from president’s house, great neighbors, and 5 min from the office and maybe ten from the hospital. This new place will be the "mission hotel" for those arriving, those leaving, as well as those who are sick and are receiving treatment. In the down times though, Elder Cook and I will get a little spilled with a spacious mansion to our own. Also as a cool side note, the owner is now interested in the church, and our last pass through the house ended up turning into a little discussion about the plan of salvation. She'll probably be one of the easiest investigators to follow up with, seeing as she lives on the ground floor below us.
Elder C. is an amazing missionary and we've really connected in this short period of time we've already been together. Interestingly enough we seem to share a lot of experiences and attitudes, I really have to say he reminds me of me. We are going to finish combining with the elders quorum here on Sunday to do splits with them and help in reactivation of the (probably) several hundred inactive members in the ward. I'm really looking forward to doing missionary work again especially with a companion like Elder C.
The 60 referrals will be going to the missionaries in Amaralina, it’s technically their area and they could really do some good with them there.
Elder L. (who was sick) went home this past week, it was a sad moment as we walked out the door to grab a taxi for the airport, then leaving him at the gate knowing I very well may not see him before I leave for home. Oh, and mom you can relax, I'm fine :p, he wasn't contagious when he was on the antibiotics. (Not to mention I’ve already been vaccinated and I'm in the Lord's service)
his treatment could take up to a year, during which if he picked up even the common cold from someone on the street he could die. So, for they decided to send him home for a period of time.
Well, congrats to all who contributed to the soon to be (if not already) completed 2000 piece puzzle. Speaking of pieces, President Vecchi just came back from a conference where all the Mission Presidents of Brazil went to hear from Elder Scott and some area authorities and he shared a cool analogy with us that was given at the conference. Imagine a man, who has a bunch of parts to a really nice car in front of him, (Mercedes, something or other) within this mass of car parts, the man finds the carburetor, likes the look of it, shines it up, puts it in a nice place and spends much time examining it and taking joy in it's beauty. Is the man happy with it? Of course, but imagine how much more joy he could have if took those parts, put them all together and had the whole car before him? How much greater could his joy be. This can be applied in many different ways to many different things, but at the moment Elder Scott was speaking about learning of and writing down that which we receive concerning the "parts" of the "gospel Mercedes" we have available to us in these the last days. None of the general authorities came to the knowledge and spirituality they have today without effort. Just like becoming professional at playing an instrument or any sport, we have to spend the time working in accordance with true principles to achieve the goals and heights we wish to attain.
I know that God and Jesus Christ our Savior do to and am grateful for their love and patience, in the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Elder Pettit
We were blessed to find a great house for the staff this past week, 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms, right across the street from president’s house, great neighbors, and 5 min from the office and maybe ten from the hospital. This new place will be the "mission hotel" for those arriving, those leaving, as well as those who are sick and are receiving treatment. In the down times though, Elder Cook and I will get a little spilled with a spacious mansion to our own. Also as a cool side note, the owner is now interested in the church, and our last pass through the house ended up turning into a little discussion about the plan of salvation. She'll probably be one of the easiest investigators to follow up with, seeing as she lives on the ground floor below us.
Elder C. is an amazing missionary and we've really connected in this short period of time we've already been together. Interestingly enough we seem to share a lot of experiences and attitudes, I really have to say he reminds me of me. We are going to finish combining with the elders quorum here on Sunday to do splits with them and help in reactivation of the (probably) several hundred inactive members in the ward. I'm really looking forward to doing missionary work again especially with a companion like Elder C.
The 60 referrals will be going to the missionaries in Amaralina, it’s technically their area and they could really do some good with them there.
Elder L. (who was sick) went home this past week, it was a sad moment as we walked out the door to grab a taxi for the airport, then leaving him at the gate knowing I very well may not see him before I leave for home. Oh, and mom you can relax, I'm fine :p, he wasn't contagious when he was on the antibiotics. (Not to mention I’ve already been vaccinated and I'm in the Lord's service)
his treatment could take up to a year, during which if he picked up even the common cold from someone on the street he could die. So, for they decided to send him home for a period of time.
Well, congrats to all who contributed to the soon to be (if not already) completed 2000 piece puzzle. Speaking of pieces, President Vecchi just came back from a conference where all the Mission Presidents of Brazil went to hear from Elder Scott and some area authorities and he shared a cool analogy with us that was given at the conference. Imagine a man, who has a bunch of parts to a really nice car in front of him, (Mercedes, something or other) within this mass of car parts, the man finds the carburetor, likes the look of it, shines it up, puts it in a nice place and spends much time examining it and taking joy in it's beauty. Is the man happy with it? Of course, but imagine how much more joy he could have if took those parts, put them all together and had the whole car before him? How much greater could his joy be. This can be applied in many different ways to many different things, but at the moment Elder Scott was speaking about learning of and writing down that which we receive concerning the "parts" of the "gospel Mercedes" we have available to us in these the last days. None of the general authorities came to the knowledge and spirituality they have today without effort. Just like becoming professional at playing an instrument or any sport, we have to spend the time working in accordance with true principles to achieve the goals and heights we wish to attain.
I know that God and Jesus Christ our Savior do to and am grateful for their love and patience, in the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Elder Pettit
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