Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
As I Reflect on the Past 2 Years.....
Its been another great week in Fayette!
I thought about just leaving it at that and saying "I'll see you in a few days" but I figured that these emails are probably more consistant and detailed than my journal is for the most part so I'll write again.
We had a really good day yesterday at church. John came again! He is doing really well. He told us this last week that he wants to be baptized!! So they're going to shoot for the end of the month probably. He also has this little lake on his property and so he took us out fishing. We are going back today to spend most the day out there fishing and just relaxing. We had a good lesson with Dilbert. We also saw a few people in the branch last night and got some pics with them. Its a great branch and I'll miss them. All our other investigators are doing well.
Mom-So....yeah, transfers are on Wed (like normal) and then all the returning missionaries go to the Temple with the Clarks and I think the Assistants. They also take us to dinner and Ted Drews. From what I hear we also spend some time in St. Louis. Then we have our final interview with Pres. and leave in the morning. As for the rest of the week...I don't know.
Dad-hopefully some more conversations about the church will help him, thats great!
So I guess in closing as I reflect on the past two years and all that has happened I can say without hesitation that the Lord literally has his hand in this work. As I put my tag on this morning I realized that I will only be able to do that for a few more days. How easy it is to stand as a witness of Christ with that little black tag. I may not be soggy from being in the font every weekend but I can say with Ammon that I glory in the Lord and "by His hand I have worked many mighty miracles in this land for which I will praise His name forever." I testify that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lords true church. That the Book of Mormon is true and that we are lead by a living prophet and twelve living apostles today. I testify of the power and reality of the Priesthood by which miracles are performed, for I have seen it.
I'll see you soon,
Love,
Elder Egan
Monday, April 25, 2011
See You Next Week!!!
Its been another great week in Fayette!!
So as you might have heard there have been some really bad storms going though Missouri. All we got was an awesome thunderstorm (we heard thunder from about 7-9am one morning)!! However, 30 miles south of us was hit by a tornado and St. Louis was hit pretty bad too. We heard on Sat that the airport was hit hard and that it was closed until further notice. Well that didn't sit very well with me, not knowing a whole lot about it, so I got on the phone. I talked to our District and Zone leaders (I knew they didn't know anything, but for the sake of going up the chain I did it) then I texted the AP's and after not hearing anything from them, texted Pres. Clark. Well he didn't respond until late that night after we'd gone to bed, but I woke up to read it. I had asked if our flights were going to be affected and he said "Yeah, you'll have to extend another month." But as I kept reading he was just kidding and said that we problably wouldn't be affected. I was pretty shocked though when I first read it, but it was really funny afterwards.
Anyway, yesterday was good. We had a good Easter Service and were able to get a lot done. We saw our friend in jail (we go there usually 3 times a week) and then we taught a new investigator that Elder McKinney found while we were doing service at the Food Pantry a few weeks ago. He talked to her a little about what we do and she finally got a hold of us and wanted to learn more. Our lesson went really good. Our other investigators are doing well too. John came to church! He could only stay for sacrament because of a family gathering. It was really good though because Fayette is about 20 min the opposite way that he needed to go! We weren't able to teach him this week because of scheduling problems but we will this week. Everyone else is making progress.
We had a meeting in St. Louis this past Thursday. I only stayed for the first half (they talked about nutrition) and then sat with another Elder who was recovering from surgery in the mission home for the second half. Pres. thought that since I was going home it wasn't as important for me to be at the meeting as it was for the other Elders. I saw Elder Westfall though. That was fun. I was also able to see a lot of other Elders that I haven't seen for a while. So all in all it was a fun trip.
Mom-yes I got all my things, thank you. I'll send the card home after we get home (if I dont forget by then, haha). Since you'll follow my airport rules I guess it won't be to difficult to follow yours:) I have one more box I'm going to send out too.
Dad-Make sure you get feeling better.
Anyways, one more email...see you next week
Love,
Elder Egan
So as you might have heard there have been some really bad storms going though Missouri. All we got was an awesome thunderstorm (we heard thunder from about 7-9am one morning)!! However, 30 miles south of us was hit by a tornado and St. Louis was hit pretty bad too. We heard on Sat that the airport was hit hard and that it was closed until further notice. Well that didn't sit very well with me, not knowing a whole lot about it, so I got on the phone. I talked to our District and Zone leaders (I knew they didn't know anything, but for the sake of going up the chain I did it) then I texted the AP's and after not hearing anything from them, texted Pres. Clark. Well he didn't respond until late that night after we'd gone to bed, but I woke up to read it. I had asked if our flights were going to be affected and he said "Yeah, you'll have to extend another month." But as I kept reading he was just kidding and said that we problably wouldn't be affected. I was pretty shocked though when I first read it, but it was really funny afterwards.
Anyway, yesterday was good. We had a good Easter Service and were able to get a lot done. We saw our friend in jail (we go there usually 3 times a week) and then we taught a new investigator that Elder McKinney found while we were doing service at the Food Pantry a few weeks ago. He talked to her a little about what we do and she finally got a hold of us and wanted to learn more. Our lesson went really good. Our other investigators are doing well too. John came to church! He could only stay for sacrament because of a family gathering. It was really good though because Fayette is about 20 min the opposite way that he needed to go! We weren't able to teach him this week because of scheduling problems but we will this week. Everyone else is making progress.
We had a meeting in St. Louis this past Thursday. I only stayed for the first half (they talked about nutrition) and then sat with another Elder who was recovering from surgery in the mission home for the second half. Pres. thought that since I was going home it wasn't as important for me to be at the meeting as it was for the other Elders. I saw Elder Westfall though. That was fun. I was also able to see a lot of other Elders that I haven't seen for a while. So all in all it was a fun trip.
Mom-yes I got all my things, thank you. I'll send the card home after we get home (if I dont forget by then, haha). Since you'll follow my airport rules I guess it won't be to difficult to follow yours:) I have one more box I'm going to send out too.
Dad-Make sure you get feeling better.
Anyways, one more email...see you next week
Love,
Elder Egan
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Making Progress in the Community
Its been another great week in Fayette!!
We had an investigator at church this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was our branch mission leaders friend, John. We've been teaching him for about two weeks now. This last week we started teaching the plan of salvation. He loved it. We only got through the first half though because of all the questions. I guess he has been taught by other sets of Elders, but has never showed too much interest about it until now. Our mission leader, Bro. Harrison, already thinks he has a testimony (and thats a big deal coming from Bro. Harrison) and he is all over the Book of Mormon readings that we give him. When we go over this next wed we are going to try and set a date for the 30th! Maybe I'll be able to get one more before I leave, what a tender mercy that'd be. We had another lesson with a lady that we've been teaching since we got here. She told us that she wants to be baptized and asked if she could before I left. She won't be ready in time but it was nice to hear.
There has been a lot happening. We helped in a community trash pick up in Boonville and were able to make a huge impact with a lot of people. A lady actually just sat down next to me for a min. and she said that she saw us out there. A little history about Boonville and the surounding area. The Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation that is now Doctrine and Covenants 61 while on the Missouri River fairly close to us. It is where they saw "the destroyer riding in power upon the face of the waters." Well, the church has never really done well in this area and the community has always put up a lot of resistance. The church has tried about 4 or 5 times to start a branch in Boonville, but it has always been met with hostility (another reason we meet up in Fayette). So we're really excited about the respect that we've been getting and the community involvement.
Mom-Wow! lots has happened this week. Thats good that the prom went well. Do I have a room to come back to? haha. Speaking of coming home I am going to lay down some rules at the airport. 1) no posters, signs, ballons, or anything like that. 2) See number 1. haha.
Dad-how long did the T's serve? It seems like I remember them leaving.
Anyway, have a good week.
Love,
Elder Egan
We had an investigator at church this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was our branch mission leaders friend, John. We've been teaching him for about two weeks now. This last week we started teaching the plan of salvation. He loved it. We only got through the first half though because of all the questions. I guess he has been taught by other sets of Elders, but has never showed too much interest about it until now. Our mission leader, Bro. Harrison, already thinks he has a testimony (and thats a big deal coming from Bro. Harrison) and he is all over the Book of Mormon readings that we give him. When we go over this next wed we are going to try and set a date for the 30th! Maybe I'll be able to get one more before I leave, what a tender mercy that'd be. We had another lesson with a lady that we've been teaching since we got here. She told us that she wants to be baptized and asked if she could before I left. She won't be ready in time but it was nice to hear.
There has been a lot happening. We helped in a community trash pick up in Boonville and were able to make a huge impact with a lot of people. A lady actually just sat down next to me for a min. and she said that she saw us out there. A little history about Boonville and the surounding area. The Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation that is now Doctrine and Covenants 61 while on the Missouri River fairly close to us. It is where they saw "the destroyer riding in power upon the face of the waters." Well, the church has never really done well in this area and the community has always put up a lot of resistance. The church has tried about 4 or 5 times to start a branch in Boonville, but it has always been met with hostility (another reason we meet up in Fayette). So we're really excited about the respect that we've been getting and the community involvement.
Mom-Wow! lots has happened this week. Thats good that the prom went well. Do I have a room to come back to? haha. Speaking of coming home I am going to lay down some rules at the airport. 1) no posters, signs, ballons, or anything like that. 2) See number 1. haha.
Dad-how long did the T's serve? It seems like I remember them leaving.
Anyway, have a good week.
Love,
Elder Egan
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Last Zone Conference
Its been another great week in Fayette!
We've been able to meet a lot of new people lately. We've been trying this different finding idea, all we do is sit on main street and wave/talk to people. We've actually had a suprising amount of success. We met a few less actives that we've been trying to meet that just walked up to us, and the people in town are starting to recognize us. We figured we can either knock on doors for a couple of hours and maybe talk to two are three people or we can wave to at least half the town plus some on main street. It's actually kinda fun too, just watching people.
We made contact again with a few investigators that we haven't seen/talked to in a few weeks. One of them was Dilbert. We asked him if he'd been smoking and he said "I gave you all my tabaco and my pipe. How could I?" We just said that we wanted to make sure he hadn't got more or used someone elses. He wasn't able to make it to church, but he is doing well. We are teaching 4 or 5 others and they are doing well too. We went to one appointment and I ended up putting up blinds for her while Elder McKinney played his guitar. We also started teaching someone new, John. He is a friend of our Branch Mission Leader.
Mom-Yes it was my last zone conference this past week. It was really good. We learned more about repentance and the steps of it. No, they didn't do the departing testimonies (which is alright with me). Thats great that you were able to see the Westfalls. I've served with or around Elder Westfall for almost all of my mission except these last four months. I'm not even sure I know where he is serving right now. Yes, I got my flight itinerary. They are jokingly called our "trunkie papers." I had forgoten about them and so when Elder McKinney brought it in from the mailbox, it took me by suprise. I already sent some stuff home, mainly books, binders, random stuff like that. I'll probably send a few more with my big coats and what not. Everything else I'll either just pack up or throw away.
Dad-I keep waiting for them to announce the Vancouver WA temple every General Conference. That way it will be closer than 45 min. I was let down again, but maybe in October, haha. As I've been reading the old testament I've really begun to appreciate it so much more. I've found that even Christ himself, used and quoted often from the scriptures. When Elder Bednar was here he said something along the lines that "there is power in the precision of scriptural language" and that is reinforced so often, especially as I read through Isaiah.
Anyway, have another great week (Oh and by the way, you'll only get three more emails from me, haha)
Love,
Elder Egan
We've been able to meet a lot of new people lately. We've been trying this different finding idea, all we do is sit on main street and wave/talk to people. We've actually had a suprising amount of success. We met a few less actives that we've been trying to meet that just walked up to us, and the people in town are starting to recognize us. We figured we can either knock on doors for a couple of hours and maybe talk to two are three people or we can wave to at least half the town plus some on main street. It's actually kinda fun too, just watching people.
We made contact again with a few investigators that we haven't seen/talked to in a few weeks. One of them was Dilbert. We asked him if he'd been smoking and he said "I gave you all my tabaco and my pipe. How could I?" We just said that we wanted to make sure he hadn't got more or used someone elses. He wasn't able to make it to church, but he is doing well. We are teaching 4 or 5 others and they are doing well too. We went to one appointment and I ended up putting up blinds for her while Elder McKinney played his guitar. We also started teaching someone new, John. He is a friend of our Branch Mission Leader.
Mom-Yes it was my last zone conference this past week. It was really good. We learned more about repentance and the steps of it. No, they didn't do the departing testimonies (which is alright with me). Thats great that you were able to see the Westfalls. I've served with or around Elder Westfall for almost all of my mission except these last four months. I'm not even sure I know where he is serving right now. Yes, I got my flight itinerary. They are jokingly called our "trunkie papers." I had forgoten about them and so when Elder McKinney brought it in from the mailbox, it took me by suprise. I already sent some stuff home, mainly books, binders, random stuff like that. I'll probably send a few more with my big coats and what not. Everything else I'll either just pack up or throw away.
Dad-I keep waiting for them to announce the Vancouver WA temple every General Conference. That way it will be closer than 45 min. I was let down again, but maybe in October, haha. As I've been reading the old testament I've really begun to appreciate it so much more. I've found that even Christ himself, used and quoted often from the scriptures. When Elder Bednar was here he said something along the lines that "there is power in the precision of scriptural language" and that is reinforced so often, especially as I read through Isaiah.
Anyway, have another great week (Oh and by the way, you'll only get three more emails from me, haha)
Love,
Elder Egan
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Conference was Great!!
Its been another great week in Fayette!!
All I have to say about Conference is WOW!! That was great. We got a ride down to Columbia Sat. morning and we spent the weekend with the Zone Leaders. After the Priesthood Session we all just sat quietly in the car taking it all in. There was so much council and guidance given in all the sessions that I am looking forward to being able to go through it again to get the most out of it. I liked Elder Robbins talk too. Another thing that really stuck out to me was "You shouldnt let a day go by without acting on a spiritual prompting" (something like that anyway,I dont remember who said it either, I'll have to check my notes later). There was lots of food-for-thought that I've been trying to digest.
Other than that, at the begining of the week we went on exchanges with our DL. While I was in their area, we stopped by and saw Hollie Spencer, the lady I baptized last year. It was great to see her. She had gone through the Temple a few weeks before too! It was a nice start to the week. We also got a referral from our branch mission leader. We went over there with him and it went really well. We weren't able to teach a lesson but we gained his trust and he invited us back anytime. We have another appointment with him tomorrow.
President Clark also aproved Elder McKinney to get his guitar sent to him. He got it this week and so he's been playing it a lot on his free time. I picked it up this morning and was messing around with it, I've forgotten how difficult it is to learn a new instrument, not knowing even the basics of it.
We're really looking forward to this coming week. We have lots of things set up and zone conference towards the end of the week, so we're really excited.
Mom-We were having really nice weather too! We were up to 88 on Sat!! it was sooooo nice. Then we had a massive lightening storm last night (the real kind that we dont get out west, something that I'll miss) and then this morning was cloudy and a little cold. Did you know that all those people were going to be at conference? Or was it a suprise? Thats funny about Josh and Allison, tell him not to get lost, haha, thats one thing hopefully he won't follow my example in. I recognize the other girls name but I cant remember a face. After all this time there are lots of faces I cant remember sadly.
Dad-I might have said this last week but I don't remember. When we were at the Temple last week, there was a deaf lady going through too. I learn and retain much better when I can read things rather than just hear them. So i was really greatful for that. I remember going throught the Manti temple before we left and the spirit that was there.
Anyway, have fun in Utah and travel safe.
Love,
Elder Egan
All I have to say about Conference is WOW!! That was great. We got a ride down to Columbia Sat. morning and we spent the weekend with the Zone Leaders. After the Priesthood Session we all just sat quietly in the car taking it all in. There was so much council and guidance given in all the sessions that I am looking forward to being able to go through it again to get the most out of it. I liked Elder Robbins talk too. Another thing that really stuck out to me was "You shouldnt let a day go by without acting on a spiritual prompting" (something like that anyway,I dont remember who said it either, I'll have to check my notes later). There was lots of food-for-thought that I've been trying to digest.
Other than that, at the begining of the week we went on exchanges with our DL. While I was in their area, we stopped by and saw Hollie Spencer, the lady I baptized last year. It was great to see her. She had gone through the Temple a few weeks before too! It was a nice start to the week. We also got a referral from our branch mission leader. We went over there with him and it went really well. We weren't able to teach a lesson but we gained his trust and he invited us back anytime. We have another appointment with him tomorrow.
President Clark also aproved Elder McKinney to get his guitar sent to him. He got it this week and so he's been playing it a lot on his free time. I picked it up this morning and was messing around with it, I've forgotten how difficult it is to learn a new instrument, not knowing even the basics of it.
We're really looking forward to this coming week. We have lots of things set up and zone conference towards the end of the week, so we're really excited.
Mom-We were having really nice weather too! We were up to 88 on Sat!! it was sooooo nice. Then we had a massive lightening storm last night (the real kind that we dont get out west, something that I'll miss) and then this morning was cloudy and a little cold. Did you know that all those people were going to be at conference? Or was it a suprise? Thats funny about Josh and Allison, tell him not to get lost, haha, thats one thing hopefully he won't follow my example in. I recognize the other girls name but I cant remember a face. After all this time there are lots of faces I cant remember sadly.
Dad-I might have said this last week but I don't remember. When we were at the Temple last week, there was a deaf lady going through too. I learn and retain much better when I can read things rather than just hear them. So i was really greatful for that. I remember going throught the Manti temple before we left and the spirit that was there.
Anyway, have fun in Utah and travel safe.
Love,
Elder Egan
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Verdict Is..........
Its been another great week in Fayette!
Well transfer calls came and the verdict is.....................I'll be finishing out my mission in Fayette!!!! Elder McKinney is staying too so that'll be nice. It's crazy even thinking that this is my last transfer. All through Primary and Young Men it leads up to/gets you excited for your mission. Well, now that its just about over...I'm not entirely sure what to think.
Anyway, we had some really good lessons this week. We finally got in to see some of our "long timers." About a month ago we had a lesson with Dilbert where he told us that he was going to quit smoking on March 15. Well, we went over on the 15th (not on purpose) and remembered that he had told us that. He started giving us excuses for why he couldn't do it today and this is where it gets good. He had been watching the Finding Faith in Christ DVD and was talking to us about how great faith was and how it was better than meds sometimes. Well, when he started telling us that he couldn't quit smoking, we reminded him about what he had just told us about faith. We said "Dilbert do you have faith in Jesus Christ?" and then "do you have faith to quit smoking?" He just sat there for a minute and then handed Elder McKinney his tabacco! Then he got up and handed us his pipe!!! It was really neat.
Then as we were driving to our next appointment we got a call from the Assistants. They were in a meeting with Pres. Clark and they were thinking about closing the Fayette area. So I talked with them for a little bit and told them how well it was doing and it just needed some more time. Well I got an email from Pres. Clark today saying that we saved the area. They were going to close it until they called and talked to us. He did say though that he expected baptisms if we wanted the area to stay open, so in other words, no pressure.
Mom-Yeah we're working out the driving stuff. Elder Mckinney isn't insured by the church right now, so we have to go to St. Louis so he can work all that out with the office. As for me, I was just planning on taking care of it (renewing my license) when I get home. Less to deal with.
Dad-I just love how the Lord takes care of everything when we are fulfilling our callings. Its a great blessing of the Restored Church.
Have another great week, I'll see you in 45 days (not that I'm counting)
Love,
Elder Egan
Well transfer calls came and the verdict is.....................I'll be finishing out my mission in Fayette!!!! Elder McKinney is staying too so that'll be nice. It's crazy even thinking that this is my last transfer. All through Primary and Young Men it leads up to/gets you excited for your mission. Well, now that its just about over...I'm not entirely sure what to think.
Anyway, we had some really good lessons this week. We finally got in to see some of our "long timers." About a month ago we had a lesson with Dilbert where he told us that he was going to quit smoking on March 15. Well, we went over on the 15th (not on purpose) and remembered that he had told us that. He started giving us excuses for why he couldn't do it today and this is where it gets good. He had been watching the Finding Faith in Christ DVD and was talking to us about how great faith was and how it was better than meds sometimes. Well, when he started telling us that he couldn't quit smoking, we reminded him about what he had just told us about faith. We said "Dilbert do you have faith in Jesus Christ?" and then "do you have faith to quit smoking?" He just sat there for a minute and then handed Elder McKinney his tabacco! Then he got up and handed us his pipe!!! It was really neat.
Then as we were driving to our next appointment we got a call from the Assistants. They were in a meeting with Pres. Clark and they were thinking about closing the Fayette area. So I talked with them for a little bit and told them how well it was doing and it just needed some more time. Well I got an email from Pres. Clark today saying that we saved the area. They were going to close it until they called and talked to us. He did say though that he expected baptisms if we wanted the area to stay open, so in other words, no pressure.
Mom-Yeah we're working out the driving stuff. Elder Mckinney isn't insured by the church right now, so we have to go to St. Louis so he can work all that out with the office. As for me, I was just planning on taking care of it (renewing my license) when I get home. Less to deal with.
Dad-I just love how the Lord takes care of everything when we are fulfilling our callings. Its a great blessing of the Restored Church.
Have another great week, I'll see you in 45 days (not that I'm counting)
Love,
Elder Egan
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Sun and Snow???
Its been another great week in Fayette!
We have been having wonderful weather!! We were even up in the 70's earlier in the week. It was great! However, when we went to bed last night it had started snowing again!!!!! And its still going today!
We had a really good week though. We went to a lesson and after the prayer she said that she had some questions for us. We were really excited about it until we learned where her questions had come from. She was doing some reasearch and found a thing on the church that PBS did. Well as you can imagine it wasn't favorable at all. It was in response to the Prop 8 thing in Cali. Well, luckily for us she realized that it was full of misinformation, but she still had questions from it. So we had a fun time talking about all that kind of stuff. The lesson went well though and we've met a few times since. She wants to be baptized and is making the needed changes.
We have also been working with a part member family. The grandma is less active and she has two of her grandkids living with her. We taught them the plan of salvation last time and it went really well. The boy asked for a copy of the Book of Mormon and then asked how he could go on a mission. We gladly told him.
Other than that, we've been doing a lot of finding. We came across this lady who told us that she didn't like the Book of Mormon because it didn't mention Christ. I testified that it did and then read 2 Ne 25:26 to her. Her face was priceless. It went from "your wrong and I'm lying" to "Oh man you caught me."
Mom- Even though I got my recomend renewed I couldnt go if I wanted because the temple is closed for the next week or two for cleaning. It feels like I haven't been there forever. Hopefully soon though. Transfer calls come on Sat. so if we are going to St. Louis for that, we'll probably do a session while we're there.
Dad-someone just asked me about a scripture in Matt 11. Its a great chapter. I've been reading Isaiah lately in my Old Testament reading. I'm working really hard to understand it so its taking me much longer than normal. I really liked what it said in the bible dictionary about it though. It said something like "the best way to understand it is to gain a better understanding of the Book Of Mormon." it was a great insight.
Anyway have another great week.
Love,
Elder Egan
We have been having wonderful weather!! We were even up in the 70's earlier in the week. It was great! However, when we went to bed last night it had started snowing again!!!!! And its still going today!
We had a really good week though. We went to a lesson and after the prayer she said that she had some questions for us. We were really excited about it until we learned where her questions had come from. She was doing some reasearch and found a thing on the church that PBS did. Well as you can imagine it wasn't favorable at all. It was in response to the Prop 8 thing in Cali. Well, luckily for us she realized that it was full of misinformation, but she still had questions from it. So we had a fun time talking about all that kind of stuff. The lesson went well though and we've met a few times since. She wants to be baptized and is making the needed changes.
We have also been working with a part member family. The grandma is less active and she has two of her grandkids living with her. We taught them the plan of salvation last time and it went really well. The boy asked for a copy of the Book of Mormon and then asked how he could go on a mission. We gladly told him.
Other than that, we've been doing a lot of finding. We came across this lady who told us that she didn't like the Book of Mormon because it didn't mention Christ. I testified that it did and then read 2 Ne 25:26 to her. Her face was priceless. It went from "your wrong and I'm lying" to "Oh man you caught me."
Mom- Even though I got my recomend renewed I couldnt go if I wanted because the temple is closed for the next week or two for cleaning. It feels like I haven't been there forever. Hopefully soon though. Transfer calls come on Sat. so if we are going to St. Louis for that, we'll probably do a session while we're there.
Dad-someone just asked me about a scripture in Matt 11. Its a great chapter. I've been reading Isaiah lately in my Old Testament reading. I'm working really hard to understand it so its taking me much longer than normal. I really liked what it said in the bible dictionary about it though. It said something like "the best way to understand it is to gain a better understanding of the Book Of Mormon." it was a great insight.
Anyway have another great week.
Love,
Elder Egan
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Temple, Teaching and Trust
Yesterday we had stake conference. The only stake conferences that I've been to have all been in the Columbia stake. It was a broadcast from Salt Lake. Bishop Burton, Sis. Mary Cook, Elder Cook (no relation), and Pres. Eyring spoke. It was all about getting back to the basics. I really liked what Pres. Eyring had to say. He talked about becoming perfect. Being perfect in tithing and scripture study. He then ended with how we can be perfect at attending the Temple. Elder Cook talked a little about the History of the church in the different states where the broadcast was being seen. He talked about how they had to raise their kids in a small area of the church in California and how the church leaders counciled them to strengthen zion where they were at. He said that it is easy for the youth to live the gospel, even when they are the only members, when they are taught correct principles and make their choices early. It was also nice because I got to see many people from the Smithton Ridge ward.
We also had interviews with Pres. Clark this past week. It was really needed because my Temple Recomend Expires at the end of the month. So we were able to get that taken care of.
We also had some really good lessons this week. One was with a lady that we've been seeing for a while. We hadn't started really "teaching" her yet but we were able to finally sit down and have a really good lesson with her. She is really excited to continue learning. We invited her to stake conference and told her that she could hear the prophet and she got really excited. She even went over to her moms, who is a less active, and was talking to her about it. Well last night, we stopped by her moms and had a really good lesson with her mom! The spirit was really strong and she accepted an invitation to come back to church. We were also able to make some progress with another partmember family. The grandma is a member and she is raising her granddaughter. Well, the granddaughter has never had religion in her life and has lately started going to another church. Well that church is known for preaching Anti-mormon and telling their people that we are going to hell. Well, she didnt like them telling her that her grandma is going to hell so it kinda turned her away from their teachings. She still goes for the social aspect, but we were able to really talk to her about the nature of God and the Holy Ghost.
The members are really starting to help us out in different ways too. They trust us and are excited for us, which is in itself a big help.
Mom-you just couldn't let aunt Debi out do you could you?
Dad-It seems that you were always a clerk of one kind or another growing up, so this new calling fits well. Elder McKinney is doing well. I think he is getting worn out of being in such a small area, but its growing on him at the same time.
Anyway, have another great week.
Love,
Elder Egan
We also had interviews with Pres. Clark this past week. It was really needed because my Temple Recomend Expires at the end of the month. So we were able to get that taken care of.
We also had some really good lessons this week. One was with a lady that we've been seeing for a while. We hadn't started really "teaching" her yet but we were able to finally sit down and have a really good lesson with her. She is really excited to continue learning. We invited her to stake conference and told her that she could hear the prophet and she got really excited. She even went over to her moms, who is a less active, and was talking to her about it. Well last night, we stopped by her moms and had a really good lesson with her mom! The spirit was really strong and she accepted an invitation to come back to church. We were also able to make some progress with another partmember family. The grandma is a member and she is raising her granddaughter. Well, the granddaughter has never had religion in her life and has lately started going to another church. Well that church is known for preaching Anti-mormon and telling their people that we are going to hell. Well, she didnt like them telling her that her grandma is going to hell so it kinda turned her away from their teachings. She still goes for the social aspect, but we were able to really talk to her about the nature of God and the Holy Ghost.
The members are really starting to help us out in different ways too. They trust us and are excited for us, which is in itself a big help.
Mom-you just couldn't let aunt Debi out do you could you?
Dad-It seems that you were always a clerk of one kind or another growing up, so this new calling fits well. Elder McKinney is doing well. I think he is getting worn out of being in such a small area, but its growing on him at the same time.
Anyway, have another great week.
Love,
Elder Egan
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Crazy Weather!!
Its been another great week in Fayette!
Its been a crazy week here, I'm pretty sure I've experienced every kind of weather in the past week. We started off really warm and enjoyable. Then we got more snow (just as the last of it had melted) then last night we were under a tornado warning (the tornado just turned out to be a bad storm. nothing big, but it was fun).
Other than that, we had exchanges with our district leader this week and then we had a zone meeting saturday evening. It was really good. Our investigators are doing well. Making progress like normal. We were dropped by a guy that we've been working with named Steve. He is still excited about the church and what it teaches, but his wife didn't like how he just kinda rushed into it.
Mom-yeah, Columbia is about 30-40 min for some of the members to drive to, but for others its over an hour. We did just have a family move in. They really helped out our numbers. Without them we would only have had 23 people there yesterday but with them and their eight kids it put us up to 33! So when everyone comes that usually does, we might be pushing 40 people each week! Ashlee is married?! thats crazy. if you get a chance tell her congrats for me. I'm good and can't think of anything I need.
Dad-I bet getting up that early brought back some good memories, haha. We're trying to find a ride to the temple, but with only a handful of people, and such a long distance, its much more difficult than usual.
Anyway, have a good week.
Love,
Elder Egan
Its been a crazy week here, I'm pretty sure I've experienced every kind of weather in the past week. We started off really warm and enjoyable. Then we got more snow (just as the last of it had melted) then last night we were under a tornado warning (the tornado just turned out to be a bad storm. nothing big, but it was fun).
Other than that, we had exchanges with our district leader this week and then we had a zone meeting saturday evening. It was really good. Our investigators are doing well. Making progress like normal. We were dropped by a guy that we've been working with named Steve. He is still excited about the church and what it teaches, but his wife didn't like how he just kinda rushed into it.
Mom-yeah, Columbia is about 30-40 min for some of the members to drive to, but for others its over an hour. We did just have a family move in. They really helped out our numbers. Without them we would only have had 23 people there yesterday but with them and their eight kids it put us up to 33! So when everyone comes that usually does, we might be pushing 40 people each week! Ashlee is married?! thats crazy. if you get a chance tell her congrats for me. I'm good and can't think of anything I need.
Dad-I bet getting up that early brought back some good memories, haha. We're trying to find a ride to the temple, but with only a handful of people, and such a long distance, its much more difficult than usual.
Anyway, have a good week.
Love,
Elder Egan
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