December 25th, 2018

Christmas time

Merry Christmas everybody

This email probably won't be too long because I'm going to talk to my family today.
I am in Henderson again. What part of Henderson? My new area borders my first area from a year ago. So I can see my first area from here. However, the homes and apartments are bigger here. We also border the richest area in the mission. They have some big houses....

My New Companion Elder McKee is cool. He was Elder Spataro's companion before Elder Spataro got transferred over to me... but they were in the bottom of the Grand Canyon on a Native American reservation. So, quite the contrast.

We basically have the best mission. To quote my new companion he said "We have ghetto. Then we have really ghetto. Then we have sketch. We have rich. Then We have really rich. Then We have Mike Tyson's house. We also have the middle of no where. And also the Grand Canyon."
It is a pretty diverse mission.

For Christmas this year, I am going to Skype my family, play basketball with my new district, and then get back to work. Missionary Life is the best!

Concerning Christs Birth, the Prophet Samuel in the Book of Mormon prophesied.
Helaman 14
5 And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.
6 And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven.
7 And it shall come to pass that ye shall all be amazed, and wonder, insomuch that ye shall fall to the earth.
8 And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life.

The Lord Jesus Christ was indeed born, and not only this, but He fulfilled His mission. And because He fulfilled His mission, we can be redeemed from our Sins and our Downfalls. Because of Him we can return home and be with our families forever. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift that our Father in Heaven has given to us, so we should not be afraid to help others receive such a gift into their own lives. I know that He lives and will return again someday.

-Elder Moore


Elder Moore was able to Skype with his family on Christmas Day. It was fun to see him and speak to him. We know he is doing the Lord's work and we are very proud of him.

December 18th, 2018

Transferred

Hello Friends and Family!

We got transfer calls last night.
I'm headed back to Henderson! I will be serving in the Paseo Verde and Arroyo Grande wards. My new companion is Elder McKee. It is the richest zone in the mission. Elder McKee was companions with Elder Spataro at the bottom of the Grand Canyon before he got transferred to this area. Elder Spataro is also leaving, and will be serving in the same zone. Our trainee, Elder Nielsen is staying and is getting follow-up trained by my previous companion Elder Picinich. Look at all the connections!

So all of that being said, these last few days we had a few funny experiences.
We went to an apartment complex that we visit down the street. While we were there we went to go visit a family we have been trying to teach. When we got there we were greeted by a drunk guy who offered us booze. We declined (a few times) and then he proceeded to tell us that he Raps for God. So he shared a rap song about God with us, drunkenly, in the middle of this complex. It was actually pretty good. And then he sung us a song. He raps better than he sings. Anyways, we decided to stop by another day, hopefully when people were sober.

So then the next day we were headed back to that complex and another guy started following us on the way to this complex. At first he was cussing us out, but then he transitioned into rapping at us. So he followed us around this complex and loudly cussed us out/rapped at us. We ignored him but it was.... funny. He was probably drunk too.

Oh here is something I didn't mention last time. We are teaching a part-member family and things were going pretty good. The husband wants to make God a priority, and his non member wife wants to join the church and also get closer to God. Well, two weeks ago there was a bit of a domestic dispute, and so the wife ended up in Jail. Luckily, she got out of jail and will be coming to church again on Sunday! And then Elder Nielsen and Elder Picinich will teach her again!
So... that happened.

Our Neighbors had a party or were yelling at each other from about 11 o clock to 3 in the morning. It was loud. I think someone either jumped out of a window, or got thrown out. Either way, something hit the ground and someone was yelling. It was tough to sleep!

I decided to tell you about all the random funny/wacky stuff that happens because I will be back in safe and sound Henderson again. Not as wild, but maybe I'll still meet crazy people. They exist... everywhere.

It was fun to train in a three-pack for 5 weeks, but alas now I am the companion to the district leader in the richest part of the mission. I am going to have a good time! It will be fun and I am excited to be back in Henderson.

Recently we have been sharing a video called "Ask of God" that shows Joseph Smith's first vision. If there is anything that I know that is true, it is the Prophetic calling of Joseph Smith. I know he was a prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of Jesus Christs Gospel. The Lord speaks to all people and has called a Prophet today to lead and guide His church and His children. I know that by line of Authority starting at the Savior that Russel M. Nelson is the Prophet of God today.

The Church is True, the Book is Blue, and Moroni is still on the Ball.

-Elder Moore

December 11th, 2018

Hey hey hey

Hello Friends and Family

This weeks email is going to be short. Our preparation day is short today because we had a Christmas social yesterday and so we basically just have time to go shopping.
Except for the fact that my district has a temple trip today so I am shopping and going to the Temple and then going back to work. So that is why this email is shorter.

I have a testimony that the Lord is in the details of our lives. In a recent zone conference President Youngblood mentioned how the Lord is in the details and he shared a few stories. I remember writing down notes to pay attention and notice the details. Well, I prayed to see the little things throughout the week. There were a few things that happened like being taken to a 5 Guys burger joint and seeing that the fries were harvested from St. Anthony. I also remember seeing little things here and there such as Snow on the mountains, receiving a bag of bacon from the ward Christmas party, talking to a street punk who likes the Ramones and the Misfits... little things that would only really speak to Elder Moore. No other missionary in this mission would have little connections like that. So... I definitely know that the Lord is in the details. The smaller things are more evidence of a loving God than the anything big.

I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and that this is His church.

-Elder Moore

Elder Moore visited a Five Guys restaurant with a member family
and his companions and discovered the potatoes were from
 his hometown, St. Anthony, Idaho!

December 4th, 2018

Strings of Fate

Hello Friends and Family!

For no particular reason, I wanted to share a scripture first. Thinking about trials and daily difficulties.

Mosiah 24
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

Last week was rough. It was great by the end. I learned a lot! I learned how to fix spokes on a bike, how to battle sickness, and how to organize a Baptism while the font was double booked... it was fun. Not earth shattering, but it was good. I learned a lot. Life is good!

We had a Baptism on Saturday! It was another part-member family. I think the Lord is trying to teach me to work with kids better because it was another kid. He is hilarious. His name is Kekoa. His mom is Navajo, and they are a super faithful family. But because of certain life events and challenges, he never got Baptized when he was 8, so the mom reached out to us and we taught him. He is a funny kid. He was a lot of fun to teach!

It has been colder lately. It doesn't get above 65 anymore. We've been in the 40s and 50s. I actually wear my sweatshirt now....

I have a picture of me knocking on a wooden plank. It's in front of a door too... that's because when people move out of apartments, they have to plank up the doors and windows. They do it to keep squatters out. There are a lot of squatters in this area. They are generally nice when I've talked to them. Most people steal furniture or the copper in houses. Or they do drugs inside.... either way.

We had a Christmas party in the ward. The lady who lives in the trailer park came to it and she actually worked and helped out the relief society. They loved her help and she is fellowshipped like crazy now. She even went out of her way to make all three of us hot chocolate at the party to bring to us. It was nice.

Elder Spataro was once on the phone with a member because we were coordinating some lessons, and it was taking too long, so Elder Nielsen and myself took a surprise picture.

Transfers are in two weeks already. It's a short transfer because of Christmas...

If you can't tell from the pictures, we are having fun... but busy. Life is good.
I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. It has changed my life and my perspective on life. Every difficulty and every challenge is an opportunity to be strengthened by the Savior and to rise to a new level. Every rejection is a learning opportunity and every accepting person is a blessing. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. It is rich with Doctrine. This life is the time to prepare to meet God (Alma 34:32). Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the World. I know that He will guide us Home with our Families. God be Thanked for the amazing blessings of the Gospel.

I hope you all have a great week!
-Elder Moore

November 27th, 2018

Wax on the Bratwursts

Hello friends and family

I feel like I just emailed y'all not too long ago, but that's just fine with me.
A lot can happen in half a week.

Well, I got even more sick. And so did Elder Spataro. And Elder Nielsen. We are all sick. We have plenty of drugs to help us get over it, but it still isn't pleasant. I've been coughing and sneezing all morning, but I think I am getting better. I've been taking night meds that knock me out too, so that's fun. Sleeping is great!

We met this guy Javier who is reading the Book of Mormon and came to church. He was funny because he was so nervous. He was red-faced the whole time and sweating profusely. He seemed to enjoy it... but it was funny. The members noticed too. We ended up referring him to Spanish, so hopefully he doesn't freak out with the Spanish Elders.

My birthday was on Friday by the way. I guess I am 20 years old now. To celebrate my birthday, I bought a pack of bratwursts and I cooked all of them. Just for me (my companions didn't want them, but I probably wasn't going to share anyways). My companions put candles in my bratwursts and sang to me. Well, I had to scrape off the melted wax, but I must say... bratwursts are amazing. Especially when filled with cheddar cheese. Good times... good times indeed.

We also have a Baptism coming up this Saturday. It was another part-member family, but with some unique circumstances. Basically one of the kids in the ward turned 9 and so we got to teach him the Gospel and the commandments so he could be Baptized. Good times. I'll tell you more about it next week.

We also had a pretty awesome experience recently. There is one lady we are working with that lives in a trailer park, and she has been in a tough spot. She is finally away from a pretty bad former life but she has been wanting direction from God. One night, in the dark of her trailer she was praying to God asking him, even pleading, for some guidance. She was literally crying and begging for direction in her life when she heard a knock at her little trailer door. As you probably guessed, it was us. She has been thanking us ever since, because now she knows that God is looking out for her.  I'll continue telling you more about this lady another time though... suffice it to say, she is progressing in the Gospel and gaining a stronger testimony of Jesus Christ.

Well, that is all for now. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and that whoever exercise faith unto repentance and follows Jesus Christ will be happy in this life and prepared to meet God in the next.

-Elder Moore

November 22nd, 2018

Triple Combination

Hello friends and family!

It's Thanksgiving! You probably knew that though. Today we luckily have our preparation day, so we can chillax, clean, do some shopping, and hopefully take a nap. Also, tomorrow is my birthday. Elder Nielson, the missionary me and Elder Spataro are training, is so nice. He already got me a gift for my birthday! He got me sick. Elder Spataro got sick too. So, we're all sick!

Elder Nielson is a cool missionary. He is from Maryland. He has bike problems. His first week in the mission field has been a challenge. Sick, bike problems, new to mission life... but he keeps on trucking. It's been fun!

I learned that this transfer is only 5 weeks because of Christmas next month. The missionaries going home would have gone home on Christmas day, but now they will go home a week before to be with their families. So this will be a fast transfer...

I wish I had more pictures to share. But I usually don't take pictures.

I recently finished reading through the Book of Mormon again. That means I am starting from the beginning soon. I study it every day, but I also just like to read from it every day. The more I read the Book of Mormon, the more my testimony of the Restoration and the Gospel of Jesus Christ grows. The Book of Mormon is Rich with Doctrine. Elder Spataro studies a lot out of the Bible, and so we compare notes and we have learned how much they compliment each other. Even the untraditional Christian things that we learned from modern revelation, such as the Three Kingdoms of Glory, and Baptisms for the Dead, are found not in the Book of Mormon, but in the Bible. (1 Corinthians 15:29 and 40-41) However, the Book of Mormon explains and expounds Doctrines that simply aren't spelled out for us in the Bible. For example, in Matthew 3 we read that Christ was Baptized to fulfill all righteousness. What does that mean? In 2 Nephi 31, we learn that Christ was Baptized as our perfect example, and He did it to fulfill all the commandments that the Father has given. He did it to be Exactly and Deeply obedient to the commandments. Even though He was perfect and lived a sinless life. He fulfilled all righteousness. I have learned much these past few months. The mission is flying by, but every passing day brings a host of exciting challenges and testimony building experiences. Suffice it to say, the Mission is good.

Mosiah 4
9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving! I am going to clean and shop and take a nap before I go out to Proselyte. Have a great week! (Tuesday Is p-day again next week)

-Elder Moore

November 13th, 2017

Transfers

Hello Friends and Family

Well transfers happened. Me and my companion got thrown a curve ball, but an exciting one. We are staying together in the same area, but we are getting a third companion... and we are both training him. So, Elder Spataro and I are trainers now. This will be interesting for sure, especially since I have never trained before...

We had a lot of funny things happen this week. We were tracting way passed what most people would consider polite, and we knocked on a man's door. He stepped out onto the balcony, and with the utmost urgency and disdain I think I have ever heard in my life, the man let forth a river of profanity in which I will never forget. Please allow me to quote him... "This is terrible. This is very bad. I can't believe you would do this. Shoo! Go away!"

I made sure not to add exclamation points at the end of the other sentences because it was so... flat. It was super hilarious, and I had a very hard time not laughing at this guy while he was telling us to leave. But... in such a... lame way. It was pretty funny, so now Elder Spataro and I will sometimes look at each other and say "This is very bad. This Is terrible. I can't believe you would do this."

We had a lot of good first lessons this week with some cool people. It's been fun!

We got a ride from one of our district councils from the Assistants to the President. That was fun. Especially since they both are only a month or two older than I am, mission timewise. It's weird to be considered older in the mission. I don't recognize the mission anymore though. All these new faces keep coming in!

It's also finally cooling down. We are in the late 50s to late 60s as far as temperature goes. So... I broke out my sweater. Biking downhill with a cold front blowing in the opposite direction can be... chilling. I think the summer made me less... acclimated to the cold. I can only imagine what Idaho feels like right now.

Here is a scripture:

Mosiah 16
7 And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.
8 But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.
9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death

I read that recently, and it is true and good. Jesus Christ is the light, and the Truth of His life and Work will never be darkened.

That will be all for now. Talk to y'all later!!!

-Elder Moore

PS: P day is on Thanksgiving next week, so you will not hear from me until then


A Note From The Blogger: If you would like to send Elder Moore a letter or package for Christmas, the mission deadline to ensure that he receives it for the holiday is December 14th.  All packages/letters must be received on or before that date in order for it to be distributed to him in time for Christmas! 

Address for Christmas Mail: Nevada Las Vegas Mission
                                                      Attn: Elder S. Porter Moore
                                                      9270 S Maryland Pkwy
                                                      Las Vegas, NV 89123

November 6th, 2018

Good Times

Hello Friends and Family

This last week was pretty good. We had some cool things happen and are busy as usual.

Halloween night was the most spiritual thing I think I have witnessed. Our mission was invited by the Temple Presidency to attend the temple on Halloween night. We have to go in early on the holiday anyways, and most people don't go through the temple on Halloween, so it worked out. Well... it was spiritual. I have never seen so many people in the same room cry. So many memories and so many experiences were remembered in the Temple. My three companions who are still in the mission were all there too. The one word that I kept hearing repeated in my head over and over was Love. All of us are out here because of Love. Love of the Gospel, Love of the Savior, Love of our Families... all of it. I am almost tearing up even just writing about it. I will never forget what I saw that day.

Last week we also went on a Nature walk. Here is a picture of it. I forgot if I mentioned it last week, but it was fun. Water does exist outside of pipes in Las Vegas apparently.

I cooked Bacon yesterday. It was delicious.

Believe it or not, Transfers are coming up in a week already. Crazy right? Who knows what will happen. Time flies.

Every morning, my companion and I jump rope for exercise. It's fun. Also, ever since we have been feeding ourselves, I have lost about 4-5 pounds just from eating less the last few weeks. Maybe if I cut out the bacon I would lose more, but who would do that?

I will not lie, this last week has flown by and so I am not 100% sure all the stuff that we did. Either way, just know that it was good. And busy.

I know that God loves His children and that every hardship in our life is for us to learn, grow, and remember who we are as Children of God. I know that The Book of Mormon is the word of God and that Russel M Nelson is His prophet on the Earth today.

-Elder Moore

October 30th, 2018

Murklz


Hey friends and family, how is it going?

I named this email "murklz" because it means miracles. We had an awesome thing happen to us yesterday...

But first let me tell you about the Baptism we had. I added a picture. It's funny because those kids are actually super cool and super funny but they look quiet and reserved in the picture. Anyways, they are Harlyquin (yes, like the comic book character) and Julian. They are super good kids. Their dad is a member of the church and they were a lot of fun to teach. One of the reasons I like these kids is because they requested that only their family a few close friends show up for their baptism, so not too many people. I appreciate that. Less people=less phone calls for us.

My companion also decided to crash on some grass. Grass is hard to find over here in the desert. He didn't notice that I took the picture, but I showed him later...

I will be attending an ARP (Addiction Recovery Program) meeting today with someone we are teaching. That will be fun.

Tomorrow for Halloween, the Temple President and Mission President coordinated so that most of our Mission will be in the Las Vegas Temple tomorrow evening. It's mostly because we don't proselyte on Halloween after 6, and nobody goes to the Temple on Halloween. So it worked out perfectly so that most of the mission will be going to the temple tomorrow night! I'm excited. I love going to the Temple.

A few days ago we got a referral from somebody who recently moved to Las Vegas. A husband and wife came here for work, but they ended up not getting any and are homeless for a time. We met them at the chapel because the wife's friend requested that they meet with us. We had a lesson in the chapel after showing them around. We shared the story of Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel. They were saying phrases like "I just want to learn the truth of what God wants for me" and "This is answering questions I have had for years. It's answering questions that I didn't even know I had". It was amazing. They were brought to tears by the end and they wanted to come to church and be Baptized, only after the first lesson. They said they were going to read the Book of Mormon immediately. We learned about their backgrounds and what churches they grew up in and all the questions they had were answered in a span of 20 minutes. The spirit was strong and they are truly one of the coolest miracles I have had on the mission. I feel like Alma...
Alma 32:6
...he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word.

It was humbling for me. They are an amazing little family. The Lord is working His work on His people too. I know that the Lord still works mighty miracles today. Because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Thanks for everything

Love you bye
-Elder Moore

October 23rd, 2018

Fun fun fun

Dear Friends and Family

It has been a good week!
We have had some super solid lessons with some really cool people. We have been working hard. I go to bed early now, for the most part. We had a lot of random difficulties emerge this week, but the whole time I could only think that it was just minor things that will help us gain experience.

I also fixed our dryer that broke. I had to take the back off and get the knob fixed that gets the dryer moving... It was fun.
I also had to fix a few flat tires, and also fix dinner a few times. We made cranberry chicken, pasta, and rice with chicken. I actually cooked the chicken for that one. We pretty much feed ourselves anymore, but I like it. I also got my hands on some venison from a member.

I have recently been re-reading the general conference talks. They are super good! I definitely sustain the church leaders. The Lord is hastening His work and is preparing us for His return some day.

I sat in a chair and it had some weird sticky stuff on it that stained one of my shirts. It was gross.

We are having another Baptism today. More kids. They are in the other ward we cover, but their story is similar to the last Baptism. Single parent member with some awesome kids. I'll get pictures for my next email.

My companion lost his wallet. That was a bummer. But we got everything figured out I believe. Based on where we lost it... It is gone. Some homeless person or someone probably took it wherever it was dropped at.

I was asked recently if I could ever see myself living in Las Vegas. At first I thought definitely no, but if it was just me and I was just working or something, I could actually see it. I am big and chillax and so nobody would really mess with me in the ghetto parts. They tend to just leave us be as missionaries. Maybe it would be different without the nametags... but I think I'd be okay. I don't mind the craziness.

I weighed myself the other day, and unless the scale is wrong, I think I have lost weight since we started feeding ourselves. Not a whole lot, maybe just a few pounds, but enough for me to notice. We get enough to eat, but we also aren't obligated to stuff ourselves to please the members. It's... nice. Portion control is more likely when we have only so much to eat.

Something a bit more spiritual I have been thinking about is how I pray. I have been trying to ask Heavenly Father to strengthen me and change me to be able to face my own challenges and burdens rather than asking Him to make my problems go away. It has made me feel... good. I'm actually happier since I have started doing that. This is mortality so obviously we have problems and challenges, and quite frankly, they don't really just go away. However I firmly believe we can be changed and be strengthened to overcome them. I know that this is part of the plan. Repentance is change. Trials and tribulations require us to be tested and strained, but this leads to being strengthened. And of course this strength comes from Faith in Jesus Christ. This is one of the most central points of Doctrine. Almost everything is predicated on our Faith. Before we repent, we must have Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ as well as His ability to strengthen and heal us. We take the Sacrament every weekend because of our Faith in Jesus Christ and in remembrance of that sacrifice. We make covenants in the waters of Baptism and onwards in the House of The Lord because of our Faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel. There is a scripture or two I wanted to share that goes along with this...
Alma and his brethren are strengthened in the Lord
Mosiah 24
15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

Alma had a lot of Faith!

And of course Philippians 4
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I think I shared that one recently in a previous email, but it is worth sharing again.

I can definitely testify of the power of Christ and His atoning sacrifice. I have been strengthened to do certain things as a missionary that over a year again I would never have thought I could do. The Lord is Real and He will strengthen you in your trials and struggles. I know this to be true.

Well, that is all for now. Thanks for all the love and support!
-Elder Moore

October 16th, 2018

Chicken and Potatoes

Hey Friends and Family

This week was good. Elder Spataro is super chill and he is a hard worker. We get along great because of how laid back we are.

Since the dinner change happened I have learned how to make Cranberry Chicken and Barbeque chicken in the crockpot. Both are super good. Cranberry Chicken plus potatoes that have soaked up the cranberry and French dressing mix are also super duper good together. I enjoy cooking with a crockpot. It is so easy. We mostly just have chicken and potatoes but hopefully we will get something new to try. We also made and ate Adobo chicken, which is also good.

We have been busy. We had one day that was full of scheduled appointments. Most of them fell through, but it was almost fun to bike around and just jump from appointment to appointment. We met a lot of nice people too.

I went on exchanges with my district leader Elder Draper again. That was good. He interviewed someone in our area so they can get Baptized. Well, it was actually 2 people. More kids. I'll send more details next week when it happens.

It has actually been getting chilly. The weather is ranging from about 60 degrees to the late 70s. Until today. The High is supposed to only be 73 and the low is 48. I may have to break out my sweater.

Sorry for no pictures. We have been busy all week. Next time I may have a picture or 2 to send....

The more and more I serve on the mission the more I realize how amazing the Gospel is. I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of my favorite lines from General Conference was from the talk by Neil L Andersen. In it he said "This is mortality".  Life is tough. Life is hard. But the Gospel changes us to be able to overcome our problems and challenges. I remember growing up how I used to view the Gospel as a way to make the burdens go away or make the challenges disappear. I have found in my missionary experience that more often than not, our problems and burdens do not just magically disappear or evaporate like they were never there. Rather I see myself changing and being strengthened and lifted up in order to more easily bare the burdens of life. I truly believe that we are strengthened by Christ and made stronger than our foes and our challenges. It is true like this scripture says...
Philippians 4
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

That is all for now. I hope y'all have a good week!

-Elder Moore

October 9th, 2018

Wait... How long is church?

Hello friends and family!

What a wonderful week it has been...
I got a new companion, Elder Spataro, from Seattle Washington, we had General Conference, which is always good, and we recently had a nice mission change.
Well last week I mentioned that I don't know anything about my new companion. Well... now I do. He just came from the Peach Springs and Havasupai area, which is the most coveted area in our mission. It is two native American reservations. Peach Springs is off of route 66. Radiator springs from cars was actually loosely based off of it (to give you an idea of its seclusion). The Havasupai reservation is in the Grand Canyon. So they hike every week to switch off where they go. But because of the dangers at night time, the missionaries go in at 6 o clock every night. He was telling me a lot of crazy cool stuff from there. It sounds like a lot of fun. The one part that was kind of flattering was that roughly 4 or 5 missionaries who served in that area all thought I was going there or am going there soon. I would love to go there, obviously. Fry bread and hiking... sounds good to me.

Elder Spataro loves this area already though. We went knocking doors in a weekly apartment complex. We met... an apostle, a psychic, and a Satanist all in a row. It was... hilarious. We had a great laugh afterwards. Weekly places are full of interesting people.

Elder Spataro and I are both super duper chill so we get along just fine. He has had experience as a Zone Leader and a District Leader, but for some reason he is now a grunt missionary with me. He has been out a month and a half longer than me. He luckily knows how to cook a few things.

Which reminds me. We had a new announcement in our mission. From now on Member meals are only allowed if the members have someone for us to teach present at the meal. Weekends are the only exception. So everybody in the mission was given a crockpot and some simple meal plans. I am stoked, I want to learn how to cook some stuff. In peach springs/Havasupai, they do not have member meals, so Elder Spataro knows how to cook a few things. I know how to turn on the crockpot, so that is good.

General Conference was good. The new church times will be cool. I'm pretty sure I could see my parents shouting for joy over that announcement. I like it a lot. When President Nelson spoke about the name of the church it made a lot of sense to me. This is Christs Church. I felt the spirit strongly confirm that this was the will of the Lord. I am not a Mormon. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.

I also just remembered that I have not taken any pictures again. Whoops.

It is finally down in the 80s and 70s. Fall finally came. It has been a little cloudy too. It feels nice.

At transfers I saw Elder Ficklin, one of my previous companions. I learned that many of the people I helped to teach in my last area got Baptized. That was good to hear. Sometimes we don't see the end result of our actions, but trust in the Lord that all things will work out through the Savior. They will.

Keeping General Conference in mind, here is a scripture...

Jacob 4
10 Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.
11 Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself in the flesh.

Christ has died and risen again so that we can return to the Father with our families. Families truly can be together forever, and it is through Jesus Christ, the Lord, The Master, The Great Mediator, and the Savior of the World that these things are made possible. The more I work and the more experience I gain the more I know this grand truth. I know that My Redeemer Lives.

I hope you all have a great week!

-Elder Moore

October 2nd, 2018

Transfers Happened Again

Transfers are happening

Elder Picinich is outa here. He is off to Henderson. I will be here with an Elder Spataro. He is coming from Peach Springs and the Havasupai reservation in the Grand Canyon. So... from the wilds to the wilds hahaha
I don't know anything about him.

We took district pictures. I also got the picture at the Baptism. That is Manny and Kelly. They are funny kids, but spiritual. I had the opportunity to Confirm them on Sunday.
Actually we had a 3rd Baptism technically, but that... was strange. Apparently some Sister Missionaries got permission to teach a young married women in our ward for some reason. Which was weird because they were the Young Single Adult sister missionaries... and the woman was married. We were confused. I didn't have pictures from that because we did not know who she was. Oh well.

We also saw a nasty spider.

So as you can see from the district pictures we took, I made a face in the last serious one. Plus my Companion and I are wearing our funeral ties. It is my favorite tie. The sisters in our district wanted to stand and make us sit down, because apparently the opposite is usually what people do. I don't really remember.

One picture is of the sun casting a shadow across the sky behind a nasty thunderhead that was rolling in. It was supposed to rain but... It has not.

I also got a low quality picture of the strip and the ghetto bird flying overhead.

My companion Elder Picinich gave me a nice compliment. He told me that he wouldn't mind being companions with me again, and that I showed him to how to work hard and still have fun. I still stand by the motto "work hard and Play hard". Honestly it is best to give everything your all, You will have better memories, and will be more satisfied. That includes work, play, relationships, and eating food. (I have No shame on that last one.)

I am going to be spending Halloween in this Area too. That will be fun. People... do not go trick or treating here I guess. Understandably so.

We have some good things lined up for this next six weeks. My hope is to Baptize a few more people before I leave. Well... It is already planned out for a few weeks into October. I believe the third week, but we shall see.

I was reading in Mosiah this morning in chapter 4 and 5. They are good chapters. A couple of verses stuck out to me.
Mosiah 5
12 I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.
13 For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?

I was thinking about that this morning. When we keep God's commandments and do His will, we become His servants. We are doing His will according to His desires (which requires us to be meek and humble before the Lord). By doing so, we become more like Him and at the last day it will be seen and known that we indeed are His servants simply because we do His will. If a servant does not do the will of his master, then he is not really a servant, and must follow some other master. I Do know that if we follow the Lord and Keep His commandments we will not only be counted as His servants, but also counted as a good and righteous person. I know also that we will be Happy and shall receive a great abundance of lasting Joy that will continue with us into the eternities.

Have a great week y'all!
- Elder Moore

September 25th, 2018

Yo

Hey Friends and Family!

We are having a Baptism today. It is cool to have a Baptism on a p-day. They are a members kids who have not been to church in some time... until we got them with the wars boundary changes a while back. Manny and Kelly. I will probably send pictures. They are funny kids. I loved teaching them, simply because of how funny they are. I wish I could remember some of their quotes. But anyways, they are getting Baptized! It has been a while since I have seen the baptism of people I got to teach, but it will be good! They asked me to confirm them on Sunday too.

The time is flying again. It is almost October already! I remember last October, I was in Henderson with my trainer. Crazy right? Transfers are next week as well! I have a hunch at what is going to happen. But... We shall see.

We saw the ghetto bird every single day this week. The police have been busy! For the sake of not worrying my parents, I won't tell you about the stuff that has been happening, but suffice it to say... Las Vegas is exciting. The more I serve here, the more I realize how I can't see myself serving anywhere else. I can't imagine being anywhere less exciting or more crazy and fun than Las Vegas. We meet sooo many crazy and cool people. It's a blast!

We tracted a bit this week. We don't always tract, but when we do... it is fun. We found an apartment complex that we didn't see on the map! Missionaries had not been there for a while so we tracted out literally 2/3s of the place in about 2 hours. It was so much fun!

It is finally cooling down out here. We are in the mid to upper 90s. It feels nice!

I recently did something that I have never really done that changed my perspective greatly. My companion and I had a rough day this or last week, and instead of dwelling on everything bad, I made an effort to point out and think about all of the blessings we had. It worked. My day was actually pretty good. I would recommend this practice to everyone. Once I made a conscious effort to think of the blessings in my life, then I realized that the day wasn't that bad at all. Y'all should try it.

I don't know why... but I decided to sleep on the floor this week. I am on day 3 or 4 of just... sleeping on the floor. It has actually helped me sleep throughout the night oddly enough.

So I don't have a lot of pictures again...

But the two that I do have includes a stop sign with some weird weed growing all the way through it. And the other picture is something my companion did at a subway we stopped at for dinner. This is how you know if comps have been together for a bit, when they appeal to their companions humor type.

Man I wish I had more to say this week. I am going on exchanges again this week I think. I will be going with Elder Neve in their area. They have half the strip in their area, so that will be cool (not that we can go there, but it is bound to be more ghetto than my current area). Elder Neve and I have been in the same district since my 2nd area. So we already get along and know each other. This will be fun!

General Conference is coming up soon isn't it? In a week or two? I'm excited! It will be good!

Here is a scripture that I believe I'd pertinent to this upcoming General Conference

Jacob 4

10 Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.

Our Heavenly Father is way smarter than we are... so trust in Him, and His will, and His timing! He has a Plan for all of us.

Hope y'all have a good week!

-Elder Moore

September 18th, 2018

Da Gospel

Hello

Every is getting faster and faster. It is pretty weird how fast the days are going by. It is all blurry, but in a good way. In about a week, we are having a Baptism. It has been a while since I got to see the Baptism of people that I taught. I have had the privilege to teach many people, but I've been transferred out before they actually get in the font. Of course, it is for them and the Lord, but It has been a while since I got to witness one. Months actually. But... next week we will have one.

I have been going to bed early. Because I am very tired. 

We got a car ride from someone yesterday who just wanted to show one of their friends a ghetto part of Vegas. So they came to our area haha!

I have the best mission ever. People always say that, but I met a guy on the street who gave me a peace sign, and gave me the crazy eye the other day. I met a guy yesterday who wanted us to walk out in the street with him and give "communion to a homeless man". Some of the homeless people out here we see regularly. They are pretty chill, but like to be left alone mostly. They mainly collect cans to get money for at recycling places. Since Las Vegas floods in certain times of the year (monsoon season) there are flood-ways and stuff. Homeless people live down there. It's cooler down there so they sometimes will set up tents or tarps and sleep there at night. The only problem is if it floods. Sometimes there stuff gets washed out. 

I went on exchanges with my district leader Elder Draper this week. He is from Logan Utah. For breakfast we ate bacon and I found some bratwursts in the fridge. So... I fried them in bacon grease. It was... not as good as it sounds. But it was still good, because Bratwursts Are Divine.

I found another shut down house. It got boarded up. Squatters are a real problem here. 

We saw a lot of cops this week. We were talking to this woman at a weekly place and the ghetto bird circled overhead (it was getting dark mind you) and it shined it's light on us while we talked with her, and it scared her off. It was pretty funny. However, usually if the ghetto bird is right overhead, something bad is happening nearby. Plus we had talked to this lady before and were just checking up and setting a return appointment and stuff too.

I'm sorry that I don't have many pictures again. I have been busy... doing missionary work. Actually speaking of pictures, a lady showed up to church. One of her friends recommended she investigate the church, so she showed up on Sunday. She was... dressed like a Vegas girl, let's just say that. But in order to prove to her friend that she went to church, she took a selfie with us. So, technically I got my picture taken, but I don't have it.

We have been busy running around all over the place. Many lessons. The wards have been giving us people to go visit, so that is nice. Plenty of work to be done. 

I am still reading the Book of Mormon every day. I am in Alma. And not just Alma, but I am in the war chapters. I read recently about Captain Moroni and how he was fortifying the Land against the oncoming Lamanite armies. I think one of my favorite parts was....

Alma 49

3 Behold, I said that the city of Ammonihah had been rebuilt. I say unto you, yea, that it was in part rebuilt; and because the Lamanites had destroyed it once because of the iniquity of the people, they supposed that it would again become an easy prey for them.

4 But behold, how great was their disappointment; for behold, the Nephites had dug up a ridge of earth round about them, which was so high that the Lamanites could not cast their stones and their arrows at them that they might take effect, neither could they come upon them save it was by their place of entrance.

There is a certain comparison we can make here. Just replace Lamanites with Satan. We all have something that may have been a weakness in our past. Or perhaps there is something we need to work on now. Maybe it is something we need to repent of, are repenting of, or have repented of. Satan knows our weaknesses, he is watching us and waiting to find out what they are so he can work on them and get us to sin. But imagine now through repentance and making some good sturdy plans, that whatever that weakness is, Satan shows up and gets defeated. I think in a similar way to the city of Ammonihah, that we should fortify our weakest parts. Fortify our weakest cities. Make it so when those temptations come they get wrecked because we have fortified ourselves against the adversary. Most of us know what we have to work on... So fortify yourselves. Read your scriptures, say your prayers, go to church, serve your neighbors, keep the commandments... Fortify yourselves. Imagine Satan on that day when he goes about doing his mischief and he shows up to tempt but you are prepared. How great will be his disappointment because he can have no hold on us.

I know that if we fortify ourselves against the adversary, we will be unbeatable.

Talk to y'all next week

-Elder Moore