Monday, November 22, 2010

Just one of those days...

One of those INCREDIBLY AMAZING DAYS that is! Further details ahead....

Hej kära familj! So the other day I was thinking of a certain study
plan that I could do so that I could have a very strong testimony by
the time I get home (not trunky... not AT ALL). And this amazing idea
came to my head that I could study each of the principles from Preach
My Gospel in lessons 1-5. Turns out there are 42 of them. So I decided
to take one a week! So I looked at the calendar phone to see and there
are 42 WEEKS left in my mission! Super cool! So this week I have been
studying about "God is Our Loving Heavenly Father" and He truly is! It
seems like my testimony has been strengthened of just that topic this
week. Let me explain...
This Sunday was a miraculous day! The whole week had been tough,
certain investigators not keeping commitments, teach falling through,
it seemed like everything possible just wasn't going quite right. So I
fasted and prayed this sunday so that some type of miracle could
happen before this transfer ends and the Lord did his part (as usual)!
That morning 2 of our investigators said they couldn't come to church.
Li Chao and Henrik came but we were awaiting for one more to show up!
After the first hour, He texted us and told us that he was on his way!
His name is Vinold Harry, if you remember he was an investigator me
and Elder Stoddard found! We had taught him the restoration, asked us
what he needed to do once he felt the spirit, and we told him!
Baptism! After that he had to go back to India for the summer and
wouldn't be back until mid-november. It just so happens I'm still here
and he texts us when he is back and said he could come to church! He
came to church, had a good sunday school lesson about prayer, and
sacrament meeting was GREAT! Since we knew that Vinold and Allan (a
new convert from India) were both busy all the time we told them to
meet us right after church. Allan was ordained a priest and Vinold was
able to watch, after that we taught him about the Authority to lead
God's church restored HERE! Allan bore strong testimony to him how
baptism has changed his life. IT was awesome. So There we were, me,
elder nelson, Li, Allan, and Vinold. We challenged Vinold to baptism
and said no because he just wanted to take what was good out of each
religion and apply it. It turns out that our church is either
completely wrong or TRUE! In Revenge (soon to find out that is
wouldn't be) we told him (Vinold) to give us the closing prayer. He
kindly accepted. As he began his first sentences, he just stopped
praying. ... ... And then he said ... ... "I don't know what to say
Heavenly Father... I just feel so peaceful... so warm inside" .....
pause ..... Then he said a few more things and finished his prayer. We
looked at each other like what just happened? We had all felt the Holy
Ghost so strongly none of us could deny what we felt. So before we
left... I looked to Li and asked him... Li how do you feel right now?
HE said... "Yeah.. GREAT!" I looked at Allan and said how do you feel?
He said the same. Then We asked Vinold what he thought that was. HE
answered, "God?" We were then able to testify that Heavenly Father
wanted him not to just take information, but to embrace pure TRUTH.
And that Heavenly Father wanted them both (Li and Vinold) to be
baptized... THIS SATURDAY! So we challenged, Li, and he said "if I get
permission from President... YES!" Then we challened Vinold and he
said "Yes... what time?" After the lesson we ran to the Ward Mission
Leader he said "Ok..." Then tears came to his eyes. We then ran to the
Bishop and told him... and he approved. This thanksgiving what I am
most thankful for... is the Spirit of the Lord! Think about it,
everytime we feel comfort... the spirit! Everytime we get an answer to
our prayers? The Spirit. Everytime we bare heartfelt testimony of this
church and our Families. The Spirit can bring a Mighty change of Heart
to ANYONE!
The Lord Provides the miracle! We just have to identify it, And
respond QUICKLY to it's promptings!
Later that night we taught a family with 2 kids. We watched the
Restoration movie together and they were REALLY INTO it! After that we
asked the Dad (Nenad) to pray and he prayed, then we challenged the
family to all be baptized once they knew it was true. They all said
yes!
A lot about one day. But that was the climax and I loved that day! So
we have a busy week ahead of us to teach Vinold everything, be
interviewed and baptized by saturday. And Li to join him!

To all of those who haven't fasted for a while... outside of the
allotted time...
I suggest... "DO IT"!

I am thankful for my family. I know that God Really is Our Loving
Heavenly Father and through the Spirit, he will tell those that come
to him humbly to "Be Still and Know that He is God." And what a life
changing experience that can be!
This church is true. And Red will beat Blue (referring to this
upcoming weekend).
Love you all!

Äldste Webster
P.S. I will email ya'll next wednesday!

Monday, November 15, 2010

One year in Sweden!

Yep, you heard me right. As of tomorrow, the 16th of November I will have been in Sweden for a whole year! Crazy how fast time flies! Enough of that!
So it is incredibly unfortunate for the Utes just kinda not showing up to these games... I still think that a highlight of my life will forever the sugar bowl. I don't think I had ever been so (temporally) happy in my life! Anywho...

This week started out pretty well! We were able to teach Li Chao but he still hadn't recieved a letter from the area presidency about him getting baptized... so we are just waiting on them! The next day we had Zone Sharpening! IT was super cool because the night before Jönköping stayed at our apartment... consisting of Me, Elder Nelson, Stoddard, AND Barlow. All three of which have been my companions. So it was a Webster bashing fest that night! Sharpeing was amazing! President taught about recieving revelation through the Book of Mormon. Which was pretty amazing because the thursday before I had given a district meeting purely about the Book of Mormon! Inspiration? Anyways... the Assisstants talked about using the Media to obtain referrals. Missionary work really has reached a new level. They showed us a good way. The Mormon Messages on the website has a little share button in the corner. So you show them the mormon messages and then you ask them... How did you like that video? Do you have any friends that would e interested in seeing this? And so if they tell you a name you might not get a referral, but it is a good way to follow up by asking... "Hey! did so and so like the video you put on your facebook?" Or something like that. It was a good sharpening because it allowed us to think outside the box a little. The next day I left my two Sons (Nelson and Stoddard) here in Borås to do some work while Elder Barlow and I headed to Leadership Training in Göteborg. This time it was combined with Malmö Zone so who did I get to see? Elder WINEGAR! It was a good time to be reminded of the good old days when he was in Jönköping. We had a little break in the middle of the meeting so we were able to play some CRUD at the pool table! Let the traditions carry on! So that was just super fun! During the training President gave a really good analogy comparing your district to a Rope Team while climbing a hill. The Leader sometimes has to break trail and make sure the ground is safe where he is stepping. Also we are to make sure that everyone in our district is tied on to the Rope (Unity). HE also shared a scripture out of the Bible which talked about if someone blows the trumpet with an awkward sound, who will be there to prepare for battle (something like that). Meaning if the leader isn't there or setting a bad example, very rarely will you find an elder who will be a good example. So we also talked about what we could do to make this Holiday Season a special time for the districts and wards which they are in. Instead of a time where it will just drag along. So we thought of some good ideas and activities that we could put into action so the members and the missionaries can have a fast pace Holiday!
This week we have been helping the Ward move out of our building and into a school because it will be remodeled so at least from now until April of Next year, Borås will be meeting in a School!
One day we were tracting, and we ran into this kid whose name is Marcus (Sweden). He is 17 and is in Borås for Hockey School! He has grown up in the Swedish Church so he is very believing. This guy was different than most Swedes because he was super accepting rather than skeptical. We met him last night and he told us that if he knew the Book of Mormon was true, he would be baptized! The ward plays Innebandy every Saturday so we are super excited to get him involved with the ward and have him show us up!
The other day we had a super cool tender mercy. We went to this brand new area where we had never tracted before. As we started from the top of the apartment building, the Swedish Elderly people sure did have their way with us. Meaning we couldn't get a word past Hej! in our approaches. But, as the lord always does, he gave us a man who is married with 2 kids. He had heard about the Mormons before but was willing to hear what we really have to say. He is Swedish too! Ya know... the longer I am on my mission, the more I begin to see that EVERY Soul is Great in the sight of God. But I don't know if it's just me, but a certain peace comes to my soul when we find a Swedish Family who is willing to listen. There is HOPE! So that was a good night. Recently our investigators have just STOPPED answering their phones. But God is Faithful, and despite the discouragement, he blesses us with some others who he has prepared!
The other day we were at our ward mission leader's house where he had us try Pickled Haring dipped in this Mustard Sauce. It was a first time for Elder Nelson, and it was a pleasant reminder for me that that is definitely not one of my favorites! But "Pröva med allt" as they say here. Meaning "Try everything".

I Love this Country, I love this people, my companion, and the challenges that make me grow! IT's all part of life, it's all part of the plan, it's just up to us to have our Attitude determine our Altitude! This is the work of the Almighty, and I am thankful to be a part of it!

Love,
Äldste Webster


Monday, November 8, 2010

Ouch, Eye of Faith!

I am so sad to hear about our dear Utes. Why they blew it? no idea. But on the other hand Emma got baptized! I am super excited to hear about that! Congrats to Emma! I love you!
This last week has been difficult with our "progressing" investigators but I know without a doubt that after the tribulation, comes the blessings... always has been that way always will be that way!
We started out last P-day by going to a YSA family night in our ward becuase a girl who has been investigating the church Ina (from Norway) for a while was there so we wanted to know whats up. It was a good time because we role played Ward Council together and it really actually was a great activity because it made them realize that the Ward has to make so many decisions and is much more effective when someone raises their hand and says "I'll take care of it". The future is bright for Sweden!
The following day we were able to visit with Elvis Kika Tumba (a recent convert from Congo) but instead he arranged to bring 3 friends with him instead! 1 from Algeria and 2 from Armenia (Ivan, Jacob and Ando). Super cool! I love the special missionary spirit the recent converts have when they have "tasted of the fruit" and desire others to taste of it! They had so many questions and the spirit was strong because the desire of the missionaries, the member, and the investigators was ALL there! Later in the week we tought the 2 from Armenia (Jacob and Ando) and they said that they would be baptized if they knew the Book of Mormon was true! What a great promise that is that they make because ANYONE who reads and sincerely prays about the Book of Mormon WILL recieve an answer! So the future is bright! Li chao (from China), who was supposed to be baptized this coming saturday, grandmother passed away this week so he just felt like he couldn't do it. He is also waiting to see if he will be safe back at home with his family being communist. But he KNOWS the Book of Mormon is true and that God is there and has a plan for his children (especially for him grandmother at this time). Colette (Recent convert from Ivory Coast) was able to meet with us, possibly the last time, and we taught her out of Moroni 6. And what parts were essential for her as she retuns back home by the end of the month.We were able to help Joseph (recent convert from Nigeria) know how to pass the sacrament so he would be ready next sunday. Henrik (from Sweden) is doing good, he has a minor case of Autism so it's really difficult for him to stay on topic. He had agreed to be baptized and knows the Book of Mormon is the Word of God. But we have to get him to stop doing A LOT of things before he is baptized. So we both agree that he wouldn't be ready for the 13th. I was able to go on exchanges with Alingsås this week and Elder Youd (another new missionary in Elder Nelson's group) stayed with me in Borås. His area hasn't been seeing that much success, but we taught Jacob and Ando and when they both agreed to be baptized, he left the teach a super happy boy! The next morning before we were going to switch back we went contacting. Not much success until just 5 minutes before his bus left we ran into a Lady... named ZELIA (does that sound familiar?!?!) from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil! So I AUTOMATICALLY switched to portuguese and the Lord helped me to find the words to say and she gave us her number and said she also had another brazilian friend who would be interested! Immediately after, I rehearsed the chorus to O creatures of our God and King. Halleluia! So that was great! This week was difficult because we had a lot of potential investigators to meet but most of them fell through. But I am mainly focusing on the blessings from this week! We had found this other lady from Iran (Somaye) who doesn't like Religion at all, but told us that when we mentioned about the promise of the Book of Mormon "a convincing power came to her heart". We had asked her about God and she just believed in communication to God in her way. But she was willing to see if that same convincing power would touch her as she read the Book of Mormon! Sounds like a plan!
Last but not least, CHURCH was a miracle. Henrik, Jacob, Ando, and Ivan all came to church. The members took great care of them and loved it. We got to teach the Yound Women in our ward that day. Our theme was being a missionary during Christmas! Just getting them all excited for the season! We watched the movie Joy to the World! It was a great lesson. We talked about how Christmas is an amazing time because them and their friends all have a common ground during christmas. The Yound Women leader got up and bore her testimony about how strong the spirit prompted her to show that movie to her friends during this season! Super cool! This is going to be an amazing Christmas season! Joseph passed the sacrament with the help of another man in the ward from Nigeria! I was so proud (in a good way) of him! Elvis Kika Tumba was ordained to a teacher with Joseph in the Circle! Now that was an amazing experience. Bottom line, this week has been so rough but it's when we focus on the Tender Mercies that we really begin to see how much Love God has for ALL of him children! He really does desire that there be "No empty chairs" but it's up to his children to choose the Savior! This is His Work, the Book of Mormon brings miracles and changes lives, and the last verses in 1 Nephi 1 really is true! Once again, I Stand All Amazed!

Jag ÄLSKAR ER!

Äldste Webster

P.S. Zone Sharpening tomorrow about revelation through the Book of Mormon! Super sweet! I will also see Elder Winegar on Wednesday for a leadership meeting! Afterwards will be interviews with President Anderson. EXCITING!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Pictures from August - October 2010 ~ Two transfers!

We got some fun new pictures of the little Aldste! They start back in August with the transfer of Aldste Bush leaving, and Adam training Aldste Stoddard. Then Aldste Stoddard leaves and his new greenie, Aldste Nelson comes to the mission! Great stuff!
Bye Aldste Bush!

Random name tags... we'll have to get the story from him when he gets home?!
Atta boy! Ironing the tie... while it's still on!! Funny Aldste!

Their new converts!


BAPTISMS!!!

Gifts from Aldste Stoddard... or maybe it's TO Aldste Stoddard?!
Matching ties! Father and son...
On the bus and transfer for Aldste Stoddard!


Bye Aldste Stoddard!

Hello new greenie... Aldste Nelson! And YES.. they are related! Isn't that crazy!

Clocks Back!

Goddag kära familj!
Congrats to the Utes for being #5! Super cool! I'm looking forward to the results of the TCU game that would be super intense! But someone will be going through the gate leading to eternal life that day so I would say thats more important! Give Emma a BIG uncle Adam hug for me! I am very proud of her!
Well this last saturday night we turned our clocks back an hour so we got an extra hour of sleep sunday morning so that was superb! But lets get to the business of investigators! We have met a man from Lebanon, his name is Yassine. He has had a tough start to his life. He had been put into prison and tortured, rejected by his family, and since he's been out he has moved all around Europe, written 3 books on religion, and just a very intelligent man. He told us that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attracted him because of how central families are in our church. So we explained to him why that was and gave him a Book of Mormon to find out for himself. He said that he would! Daniel from Indonesia has been having problems with smoking but recently has began to LOVE the Book of Mormon, he told us how the story with Nephi and his brothers was a lot like his story. From that he knew that it was true. Because he said that we challenged him to baptism on November 27th and he accepted to work towards that date as a goal. Tuesday night was something very special! We were able to get all 6 recent converts (except one who is living with her sister in another area for now) and Li and Michelle (Both Chinese) to come to our Ward Mission Leader's house. Here we had a member named Arnold Ahlström talk about the Book of Mormon. That man can teach with POWER! It was amazing. He talked about the Book of Mormon being the only true book on this Earth, the Holy Ghost and how to recognize it, and about China. The spirit was so strong and really did touch every person that was there. A couple of days later we met with Michelle and asked her how it went. She said that the spirit touched her so strongly, so we committed her to baptism for the 13th of November. She said that she would but would have to ask her parents first. We agreed. We then met with Li and asked him if he would be baptized on the same day and he had agreed. Following up, Michelle had asked her parents and they were against any sort of thing that would change the Chinese culture, so she let that get to her head and said she would not be baptized. Sad day. Since the missionaries have been meeting her for a while we decided to ask her if she knew that God existed if she would be baptized and she said no. But promised us she would read sincerely and pray. But since our expectations and hers don't align, we said goodbye. The next day we met with Henrik from SWEDEN and talked about baptism and tat eerything that we say relies on the truth of the Book of Mormon, and he told us that he believes the Book of Mormon is the word of God. So we challenged him to baptism on the 13th of November but he told us that he feels its too early but was willing to go for it! We teach him in this little common area in his apartment where he shares with other students. A student named Minh from Vietnam came up to us and asked us what we were talking about with him and we told him and he was interested. A couple of days later we taught him literally from scratch and focused on Baptism. He told us that he would want to be baptized to be clean from his sins. But we told him to read in the Book of Mormon. because he was going to be out of town for a week. He said can I take this book with me on the airplane? We said ABSOLUTELY! So he told us he would read and pray. He gave us an amazing sincere prayer at the end. Saturday we met with our bishop and was actually able to put into practice what one of my district meetings was about. How can I help attitude for the bishop. So we did that and he told us that he wanted us to keep baptizing and said that he would need help in his yard before the winter comes. So we'll see what kind of fruits that will bring!
This Sunday was pretty exciting. Henrik, Li, Rajish (allan's friend) and a guy we found on the street came to church! It was really exciting. We have recently received some Headsets for our new converts and our investigators who speak English! What a blessing that was. Because we didn't have to speak that loud. But just into a mic! We were able to bring Li to a member dinner after church and he loved it! After the dinner we had an appointment with a woman from Cosovo. She has three children who mean the world to her. So we asked her what her children mean to her. Then compared the same Loving care to her Heavenly Father and how he wants all of his family to return to him. So we taught her the Restoration and how through a prophet, we have received the authority to be with our families forever. She loved it and told us that she WANTED to read the Book of Mormon. After her we were excited to finally meet with this student from India, but he wasn't home. We waited by the bus stop and up came another student from India, so we talked to him and got on the bus with him and because he was christian he wanted to know more. He thought that a modern day prophet sounded good. So he said he was interested and will be meeting him on Wednesday!

The Work is moving forward. Heavenly Father really helped my testimony this week that even though some investigators fall through the cracks, there will ALWAYS be someone else ready to hear the message of the restored gospel! And that's our job, to remain worthy to be guided by the spirit to find those people then to have the Faith to Open your mouth!

We will be going into Göteborg today to play some basketball with my district so that will be super fun! Sorry this is a very long letter. I will be going now!

Jag älskar er! Ha det gött!

Äldste Webster