This Week is Over Already?!
Hello friends and family!
How is everyone doing? Hopefully good.
This last week was pretty good for me. I had to teach a gospel principles class in church yesterday. It was on Work and Personal Responsibility, something I have come/am coming to appreciate. "Work, Work, Work! There is no satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work!" -Ezra Taft Benson.
Here is a lot...because a lot has happened this week.
So for now some unique experiences!
(Spirituality may vary, depending on experience)
So we have a new district leader (I learned that his first name is Porter and he is from Snake River Idaho), and he is just about as big as I am. He's super cool. We also have the Zone Leaders in our district. That's only slightly intimidating, but I don't make apostate jokes nearly as much as my companion, so that's ok. ANYWAYS. So we were having our first district meeting with the new district when my companion and I noticed some random guy walking around the church. We left to go see what he was doing. I forgot his name, but I will always remember his appearance and life-style. He has a long grey beard down to his belly, and two teeth that make him look trollish when he smiles. (When I say "two teeth" I mean he literally has only two teeth) He lives out near Lake Mead (at least I think it was lake mead) in his tiny little car. It was rusty and was full of his stuff. The reason he was at the church was because he was looking for his medication. We pointed him in the right direction, Gave him a Jesus card, and bid him good luck. He was awesome. Suffice it to say, he is my Hero.
If you recall Kyle, the guy we're teaching...well he lives in a 55+ old folk home. After one of our lessons we went outside and met this sassy old black lady named Mary. She was funny. She appreciated us stopping and talking with her because apparently everyone in that apartment building is rude (I can testify to that for sure, some old people can yell surprisingly loud). She says that sometimes she tries to have conversations with people and she has to get in their face and say "Excuse me?! I was talkin' to you! HELLO?!"
She was nice! I think we're seeing her on Tuesday...
Here in the new side of Henderson, people are well off. Right now I am by far in the least ghetto part of the mission. People have fancy things, like doorbell-camera-speaker hybrids that they can yell at you through. That happened the other day! This guy started yelling at us through his doorbell, so we went to the next door in the apartment complex, and he was still yelling at us! We ignored him of course, but that was still a fun experience! Fancy new toys for us to proselyte through...
Monday was rough.
My companion got sick and we were told to rest for the day. For roughly..... 12 hours? I've been reading, sleeping, eating and reading some more.... We ran to a lesson (which canceled) and a dinner appointment, but other than that, my companion has been resting. I ate all the farmhouse cookies my family sent me (thanks mum and dad!), and at one point, I literally stared at the wall. One thing I have learned from this, is that oftentimes the Adversary tries to get you when you are by yourself. Granted, I wasn't physically by myself, but sometimes the most random downer thoughts enter in when you are by yourself. The best part about it is recognizing it, saying a prayer, reading scriptures, and getting it out of the way. Satan only has power if we let him have it. Get him out of the way so that the Holy Spirit can be there instead!
Here's another experience! I got in a car accident. I am imagining my moms wide eyes as she read this, but it's okay mom, it wasn't bad at all, I promise! We were getting a ride with a member and he bumped into another car, and it caused more stress with the member and the other kids car. He was like, 16, and a member from Oregon (the other person, not our driver). That took roughly an hour and a half of our day...but it all worked out!
So supposedly the worst drivers come from California and Utah. Well, I'm here to tell you that those are false. Nevada. Nevada has the worst drivers ever. It's madness out here on the roads. Turn signals don't exist, and apparently speed limits don't either. People also honk their horns a lot. Now that I Think about it, Utah and California are connected to Nevada somehow...coincidence?! Probably.
Okay, now for some more spiritual stuff. Kyle came to church again, and went with a member to the classes while we were doing stuff in another ward. Hooray for fellowship! We brought him to the ward Christmas party and I talked with him and I honestly started to feel like he was my friend. Kyle is so cool! We talked about some of his experiences in the Marines, steak and about the Ward! He met some more members and has been doing awesome! He listened to the scriptures for an hour the other day. Granted, he says it was a lot, but the fact that he did that filled me with joy. I'm excited to help him on his journey. What a privilege! We had to get rid of the couches in our apartment (Presidents orders) so we carried one of our couches out our apartment complex, and across the street to Kyle's apartment (he had only his bed at the time). So that was neat! I'm not as strong as the lumber mill days, but it was a good feeling, nonetheless.
There is a less active family that is struggling with legal stuff and, lately they've been celebrating Hanukkah. Sooo we've been consistently stopping by since day 1, and we've finally gotten in there to teach. They still have testimonies of the Book of Mormon and the Prophets, but they'e had struggles with other members and their heritage, in reference to Judaism, but they want their son to be taught the lessons and be baptized! It has been an awesome experience meeting with them. I love that family a lot. They're super cool! Granted, the other day the mother said that she thought my companion was more wise and open, but I was pleased to receive the compliment, "You're more hard-line and firm". I like that steadfast feeling. One way I have noticed that I feel the spirit, is in an immovable and firm way. The spirit manifests to me through the adversity and the opposition I face, on occasion, that all things can be overcome through Christ, and one who has a testimony of the Gospel and the Book of Mormon is firmly ready to take on all challenges. That goes for everyone. Every single one of you can overcome all trials, difficulties and challenges, no matter what they may be or at what capacity.
Alma 26
12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.
I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and that it is Gods word. I know that by living by its precepts, as well as the Bibles, that you will be happy, and that nothing will be able to knock you down. I recently finished the Book of Mormon for the 3rd time, and have started reading it again. It is such a wonderful and Glorious book. There is Power in it, and if you have not read it, then please Do. If you have not read it recently, then please Do.
There are many blessings awaiting you as you put forth that effort. This is my Testimony.
I love you guys!
-Elder Moore
December 12th, 2017
ROUND 2
Hello friends and family!
I wrote this huge long email describing my many accounts and adventures I've had this last week, and I thought I sent it, but alas, it disappeared! Soooo here we go again!
Today is transfers! What happened with me and Elder Bybee? Nothing! We're sticking around here in Henderson. It's going to be a good transfer though! I have high hopes! I went on exchanges with my old MTC companion, Elder Lu! We were in his area. It's the Ghetto! Old Henderson is what we call it. I was a part of a lesson with a recent convert and her reactivated husband! They are so cool. It was refreshing because we have a similar taste in music...they both had Misfits tattoos, and it was a handy icebreaker! (Thanks Dustin!) It was a cool experience feeling the spirit amidst horror movie things, skulls, and a ouija board, things all over their home. They are a changed couple for sure though! Very good people.
This last week, we have been teaching this guy named Kyle! He is a Vietnam vet, gone hobo, gone investigator! He ordered a Bible and a Book of Mormon online, and so we've been meeting with him! He's funny! He sends us funny messages over Facebook. "Power to the Elders!" "What it be my dedicated youngins?" That kind of thing. He's basically the bearded hobo grandpa I've never had. He even came to church after only one lesson! We're excited to teach him, because we love him so much!
The other day we had the cops called on us. A nice gentleman at the door politely yelled at us to go away and that he was calling the cops! The officer himself who came up and talked to us was a member. We also learned that what we are doing as Missionaries is super duper legal! First amendment rights for the win!
Yesterday we were knocking up the neighborhood, finding people to teach when we met these two guys in their garage. They were receptive and one of them said he had a Book of Mormon and that he works for a Mormon boss. They were nice. They also said they were going all "Rastafarian" on us, if we didn't mind. Regardless to say, the more we talked the more receptive they became. Also, marijuana smells nasty. Hopefully they remember enough of our conversation to remember our return appointment! I've never been that close to weed before...either way, they were cool.
It hasn't felt like winter. 60 degrees doesn't feel like winter. Neither does 70! It depends on the day for the amount of heat there actually is, but a jacket is helpful at night. Thanks Mom!
Today I went to the store and decided to buy oatmeal instead of cereal. I've also been eating a lot of baked beans. I'm almost positive if the members didn't feed us so much, I'd be losing weight! I can't tell though....our scale is broken.
Those are the more fun parts of my week! The work is moving onwards! Our area is building! Baptisms are on their way!
I love you all! More importantly, our Heavenly Father loves you all! He wants us to be happy and for us to return home! I know this is true. He loves us all so much that he sacrificed his only Begotten Son to bring us into his Fold! What a Glorious future awaits us when we can stand before our Heavenly Father again!
Stay strong! Keep doing good!
-Elder Moore
PS here is a picture of me next to a mannequin. Name that movie Dad!
PPS P Day is on Tuesday again next week
Hello friends and family!
I wrote this huge long email describing my many accounts and adventures I've had this last week, and I thought I sent it, but alas, it disappeared! Soooo here we go again!
Today is transfers! What happened with me and Elder Bybee? Nothing! We're sticking around here in Henderson. It's going to be a good transfer though! I have high hopes! I went on exchanges with my old MTC companion, Elder Lu! We were in his area. It's the Ghetto! Old Henderson is what we call it. I was a part of a lesson with a recent convert and her reactivated husband! They are so cool. It was refreshing because we have a similar taste in music...they both had Misfits tattoos, and it was a handy icebreaker! (Thanks Dustin!) It was a cool experience feeling the spirit amidst horror movie things, skulls, and a ouija board, things all over their home. They are a changed couple for sure though! Very good people.
This last week, we have been teaching this guy named Kyle! He is a Vietnam vet, gone hobo, gone investigator! He ordered a Bible and a Book of Mormon online, and so we've been meeting with him! He's funny! He sends us funny messages over Facebook. "Power to the Elders!" "What it be my dedicated youngins?" That kind of thing. He's basically the bearded hobo grandpa I've never had. He even came to church after only one lesson! We're excited to teach him, because we love him so much!
The other day we had the cops called on us. A nice gentleman at the door politely yelled at us to go away and that he was calling the cops! The officer himself who came up and talked to us was a member. We also learned that what we are doing as Missionaries is super duper legal! First amendment rights for the win!
Yesterday we were knocking up the neighborhood, finding people to teach when we met these two guys in their garage. They were receptive and one of them said he had a Book of Mormon and that he works for a Mormon boss. They were nice. They also said they were going all "Rastafarian" on us, if we didn't mind. Regardless to say, the more we talked the more receptive they became. Also, marijuana smells nasty. Hopefully they remember enough of our conversation to remember our return appointment! I've never been that close to weed before...either way, they were cool.
It hasn't felt like winter. 60 degrees doesn't feel like winter. Neither does 70! It depends on the day for the amount of heat there actually is, but a jacket is helpful at night. Thanks Mom!
Today I went to the store and decided to buy oatmeal instead of cereal. I've also been eating a lot of baked beans. I'm almost positive if the members didn't feed us so much, I'd be losing weight! I can't tell though....our scale is broken.
Those are the more fun parts of my week! The work is moving onwards! Our area is building! Baptisms are on their way!
I love you all! More importantly, our Heavenly Father loves you all! He wants us to be happy and for us to return home! I know this is true. He loves us all so much that he sacrificed his only Begotten Son to bring us into his Fold! What a Glorious future awaits us when we can stand before our Heavenly Father again!
Stay strong! Keep doing good!
-Elder Moore
PS here is a picture of me next to a mannequin. Name that movie Dad!
PPS P Day is on Tuesday again next week
December 6th, 2017
...a late letter
Hello friends and Family!
My apologies for my late email. I learned on Sunday night that our preparation day was on Wednesday instead of Monday this week, so that is why this is here on Wednesday rather than any other day. Oh! And next week p-day is on Tuesday, just so you know. So here we go!
I've officially been out on my Mission for 3 months now. Only 21 more to go! It has honestly flown by. We end up staying so busy and have a lot to do, but it is good. I have enjoyed the past few days. So now for a few stories that happened.
So here in Henderson, there is a church that does a food drive. The church itself is called "Our Saviors Lutheran Church". We help them on Tuesdays, unloading trucks of food and storing them for the rest of the week for the drive. I'm pretty sure that I mentioned it a few times already, but this last time we went there, I had the opportunity to take something home with me...they let me take a side of ribs. And if I'm not mistaken, the section of beef one would call "rib-eyes" come from said side of ribs. There is 10 pounds of beef in our freezer as we speak. My companion had a recipe for beef stroganoff that we made for our district, so that was neat. It made my day, honestly. It was indeed a Blessing!
More spiritual and awesome story now though...so the reason p-day was on Wednesday was because we had a mission tour. We had Elder Clark of the seventy come down and "inspect our mission". So for all of Tuesday we were being trained by a general authority on how to better do missionary work. But, it gets better...each companionship had to prepare a short lesson of repentance using the Book of Mormon for...something.
What ended up happening is some of the companionships were going to "role play" teaching Elder Clark and his wife as if they were investigators. Only a few were selected to do so. Me and my companion were the first...that's right, I got to teach a general authority about repentance in front of 3 zones. My trainer was super nervous, as was I. I don't exactly remember what I said though. All I remember was that afterwards, some of the missionaries in my district told us we "represented well" and I even had one Elder tell us that I acted more like the senior companion in the lesson than my trainer! It made my day. Once my nerves settled....
So, it has been an interesting week. We've been finding some really cool people to teach, and my training is a week away from being complete. My trainer says I've come a long way. There is a good chance that I will stay here in Henderson and get a new companion, but we'll see.
It's actually been chilly here in Vegas too. It got down to the 50's the other day in the mid afternoon. Most people we met thought I was crazy, but I enjoyed it....it was a well needed change from the heat.
It has been such a blessing to be out here to serve the people. I love the people we meet and I am loving the area. I am not a city person, that is for sure....but I am finding the more I work here, the more I enjoy it (even if it is more populated!) The Lord loves all of us, His children, no matter where we are at, physically, and spiritually. He loves us so much that he sent His Son to die for us. I know that we can repent of all things. The atonement of Christ is INFINITE. That means there is nothing too small nor too big that cannot be forgiven or repented of. I know that our Heavenly Father Loves us, and wants us to be happy, for this time, and for all eternity! I know that families can be together FOREVER. I love you all, and wish you all the best of luck!
God Speed, my friends
-Elder Moore
Hello friends and Family!
My apologies for my late email. I learned on Sunday night that our preparation day was on Wednesday instead of Monday this week, so that is why this is here on Wednesday rather than any other day. Oh! And next week p-day is on Tuesday, just so you know. So here we go!
I've officially been out on my Mission for 3 months now. Only 21 more to go! It has honestly flown by. We end up staying so busy and have a lot to do, but it is good. I have enjoyed the past few days. So now for a few stories that happened.
So here in Henderson, there is a church that does a food drive. The church itself is called "Our Saviors Lutheran Church". We help them on Tuesdays, unloading trucks of food and storing them for the rest of the week for the drive. I'm pretty sure that I mentioned it a few times already, but this last time we went there, I had the opportunity to take something home with me...they let me take a side of ribs. And if I'm not mistaken, the section of beef one would call "rib-eyes" come from said side of ribs. There is 10 pounds of beef in our freezer as we speak. My companion had a recipe for beef stroganoff that we made for our district, so that was neat. It made my day, honestly. It was indeed a Blessing!
More spiritual and awesome story now though...so the reason p-day was on Wednesday was because we had a mission tour. We had Elder Clark of the seventy come down and "inspect our mission". So for all of Tuesday we were being trained by a general authority on how to better do missionary work. But, it gets better...each companionship had to prepare a short lesson of repentance using the Book of Mormon for...something.
What ended up happening is some of the companionships were going to "role play" teaching Elder Clark and his wife as if they were investigators. Only a few were selected to do so. Me and my companion were the first...that's right, I got to teach a general authority about repentance in front of 3 zones. My trainer was super nervous, as was I. I don't exactly remember what I said though. All I remember was that afterwards, some of the missionaries in my district told us we "represented well" and I even had one Elder tell us that I acted more like the senior companion in the lesson than my trainer! It made my day. Once my nerves settled....
So, it has been an interesting week. We've been finding some really cool people to teach, and my training is a week away from being complete. My trainer says I've come a long way. There is a good chance that I will stay here in Henderson and get a new companion, but we'll see.
It's actually been chilly here in Vegas too. It got down to the 50's the other day in the mid afternoon. Most people we met thought I was crazy, but I enjoyed it....it was a well needed change from the heat.
It has been such a blessing to be out here to serve the people. I love the people we meet and I am loving the area. I am not a city person, that is for sure....but I am finding the more I work here, the more I enjoy it (even if it is more populated!) The Lord loves all of us, His children, no matter where we are at, physically, and spiritually. He loves us so much that he sent His Son to die for us. I know that we can repent of all things. The atonement of Christ is INFINITE. That means there is nothing too small nor too big that cannot be forgiven or repented of. I know that our Heavenly Father Loves us, and wants us to be happy, for this time, and for all eternity! I know that families can be together FOREVER. I love you all, and wish you all the best of luck!
God Speed, my friends
-Elder Moore
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