Its been another great week in Oakville!
We had a really great lesson with Margret, the investigator we've been working with. We talked about testimonies and then pointed out that she had one as well. It was neat. she said that she was coming to church. The weather was a little nasty so that may have prevented her from coming. Then on Sat. Christian Bankhead, the ones we use to live with, brought over one of his friends so that we could teach her. It went really really well. We taught a 1st lesson gave her a BoM and commited her to read and pray. She accepted and we have another appointment for next Sunday. We're really excited for her. Hopefully we'll be able to see both of them get baptized this or next month!
We had ZLC this past weekend. It was really intense with the two new zones. It was crazy trying to figure out all the new policies and what not, even the language between us was different. We now have to wear our suits to ALL of our dinner appointments. that means that we either have to run home and change before we eat or we have to tract/work in our suits all day (it was something the other mission did). There was a lot of heavy "council" about it but we decided to try it for a transfer and we're planning on bringing it back up next transfer. Pres Clark is also trying to see if, for next year, he can get permission to go up to Navuoo for the pagent! that'd be great except I'll be home before that happens (crazy to think about). He has a policy of "Work hard, play hard." It'll be good for the mission.
We also had our monthly meeting with the Stake Pres. and high councilor over missionary work. it was really good too. We are rolling out a new member program that we are going to try in the stake We're really excited for it.
Mom-yeah, Elder Jenkins and I are still together and we're doing good. Yes I got the package.
Dad-sounds like you all are busy and are enjoying all of it. Hopefully I'll finish the Book of Mormon again this week. I just started Ether. I just love that you are always learning and drawing closer to our Savior each time you pick it up.
Love you all and have a great week,
Elder Egan
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Good Week
Its been another great week in Oakville!
We had a really good lesson with one of our most progressing investigators this past Friday. We watched a movie about the prophet Joseph Smith and then extended a baptismal commitment. she said not yet but is definitley thinking about it. She's come to church the past three weeks. Other than her, we're doing a lot of tracting and trying to get the members more into Preach My Gospel. So far the member work is going pretty well and they're getting excited.
We just moved all our stuff this morning. The younger Bankheads have had Elders for about six months which is about normal time for a family to house the Elders here. The room we're in is a little smaller but we're excited to be there.
Dad-We do a lot more district things. Its hard to get the whole zone out and we're supposed to avoid gathering in large groups of missionaries, so doing district things are lot easier to pull off and handle.
Mom-Our meeting with Pres. Clark went really well. He is sorta a mix between Pres. Turley and Pres. Briggs. He also told us about a few changes that the church is making in the missionary program. We're not having any more zone conferences and we are only going to get interviewed once a quarter. They are also starting a three to four day leadership training thing once a quarter as well. we're not sure what that'll entail but we'll see. I got the envelope with the pics and stuff, it was great. They are probably holding anything else til after transfers. Ill send you my new address this week (hopefully)
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
We had a really good lesson with one of our most progressing investigators this past Friday. We watched a movie about the prophet Joseph Smith and then extended a baptismal commitment. she said not yet but is definitley thinking about it. She's come to church the past three weeks. Other than her, we're doing a lot of tracting and trying to get the members more into Preach My Gospel. So far the member work is going pretty well and they're getting excited.
We just moved all our stuff this morning. The younger Bankheads have had Elders for about six months which is about normal time for a family to house the Elders here. The room we're in is a little smaller but we're excited to be there.
Dad-We do a lot more district things. Its hard to get the whole zone out and we're supposed to avoid gathering in large groups of missionaries, so doing district things are lot easier to pull off and handle.
Mom-Our meeting with Pres. Clark went really well. He is sorta a mix between Pres. Turley and Pres. Briggs. He also told us about a few changes that the church is making in the missionary program. We're not having any more zone conferences and we are only going to get interviewed once a quarter. They are also starting a three to four day leadership training thing once a quarter as well. we're not sure what that'll entail but we'll see. I got the envelope with the pics and stuff, it was great. They are probably holding anything else til after transfers. Ill send you my new address this week (hopefully)
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Week of Faith and Humbling
Its been another great week in Oakville!
It was a week of faith and humbling from the Lord. We had a baptism scheduled for sat evening. and before that on friday we were to have a lesson with her to resolve some last concerns (I dont remember if I told you last week but she comes from a Muslim background and had a few questions about still believing in the Koran and "Alla"). Well, we show up sat. but her mom said that she was out with her dad. I was a little concerned thinking that maybe he was trying to "keep her a Muslim." So then sat rolls around and we still haven't heard anything from her. We finally get through at about 2 and she said that she wouldnt be able to make her baptism that evening. She was having family coming in from out of town and her mom wouldnt let her leave.
So in the meantime we had said many prayers in faith and went out and worked. As we are stressing about the bapitsm, we checked on a family that we'd tracted into last week and taught a really solid lesson and they were almost speechless when we talked about modern prophets and apostles! They didnt make it to church but we have high hopes for them (they have a little five year old, Johnathan, that just makes it that much better to teach). We still havent heard at this time about our baptism so we call Christian Bankhead (we live in his basement) to text her about it. He finally calls us back and tells us we're on. So we run home change and finish filling the font (there was a baptism earlier so the font was already mostly full). So we're all ready and everyone is there when we get a call from her saying that she can't make it. We tried to reschedule for sun, then tues, but couldnt and finally she said next sat. SO, we have a baptism this sat. and hopefully her younger sister will be ready by then too. Despite all that, we were reminded to put our trust in the Lord and that this is HIS work and not ours.
Anyway, there was a musical put on last night by the Navoo Pagent people. We were all invited to it. The play was alright, but the best part was probably seeing everyone. It was for all the St. Louis stakes so all of my old areas, except Columbia, were there. We also got to see Pres. and Sis. Briggs one last time before they leave on Thurs.
Mom-Sounds like dance festival was great. Do you get a break now? or are you already doing something else? Wow, Lauren's already home, thats crazy. Ryan should be getting back pretty soon now too, right? There was a missionary that just returned in our ward who just got done serving in Vegas, Elder Bronson, he said that he knew Jeff, not well just knew of him. Speaking of which, there is another kid who will be leaving for Vegas next week, Elder Dixson. and yes I called columbia and talked to them about it. It'll be taken care of.
Dad-yeah, we have a pair of sisters in the zone. one I served with in Chesterfield and the other one is sorta kinda new, she came out the transfer after I trained. I dont remember Sis. Plessingers cousins name. I may have met her, dont know though. There are lots of people that I dont know now.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
It was a week of faith and humbling from the Lord. We had a baptism scheduled for sat evening. and before that on friday we were to have a lesson with her to resolve some last concerns (I dont remember if I told you last week but she comes from a Muslim background and had a few questions about still believing in the Koran and "Alla"). Well, we show up sat. but her mom said that she was out with her dad. I was a little concerned thinking that maybe he was trying to "keep her a Muslim." So then sat rolls around and we still haven't heard anything from her. We finally get through at about 2 and she said that she wouldnt be able to make her baptism that evening. She was having family coming in from out of town and her mom wouldnt let her leave.
So in the meantime we had said many prayers in faith and went out and worked. As we are stressing about the bapitsm, we checked on a family that we'd tracted into last week and taught a really solid lesson and they were almost speechless when we talked about modern prophets and apostles! They didnt make it to church but we have high hopes for them (they have a little five year old, Johnathan, that just makes it that much better to teach). We still havent heard at this time about our baptism so we call Christian Bankhead (we live in his basement) to text her about it. He finally calls us back and tells us we're on. So we run home change and finish filling the font (there was a baptism earlier so the font was already mostly full). So we're all ready and everyone is there when we get a call from her saying that she can't make it. We tried to reschedule for sun, then tues, but couldnt and finally she said next sat. SO, we have a baptism this sat. and hopefully her younger sister will be ready by then too. Despite all that, we were reminded to put our trust in the Lord and that this is HIS work and not ours.
Anyway, there was a musical put on last night by the Navoo Pagent people. We were all invited to it. The play was alright, but the best part was probably seeing everyone. It was for all the St. Louis stakes so all of my old areas, except Columbia, were there. We also got to see Pres. and Sis. Briggs one last time before they leave on Thurs.
Mom-Sounds like dance festival was great. Do you get a break now? or are you already doing something else? Wow, Lauren's already home, thats crazy. Ryan should be getting back pretty soon now too, right? There was a missionary that just returned in our ward who just got done serving in Vegas, Elder Bronson, he said that he knew Jeff, not well just knew of him. Speaking of which, there is another kid who will be leaving for Vegas next week, Elder Dixson. and yes I called columbia and talked to them about it. It'll be taken care of.
Dad-yeah, we have a pair of sisters in the zone. one I served with in Chesterfield and the other one is sorta kinda new, she came out the transfer after I trained. I dont remember Sis. Plessingers cousins name. I may have met her, dont know though. There are lots of people that I dont know now.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Hot and Humid
Its been another great week in Oakville!
It was a vey fun week where we were able to hit the road and teach a lot of people. Not much has come from it yet but we have some great potentials. We have a baptism this week, that we are really looking forward to. She's the 18 year old, I don't remember if I told you about her or not. But anyway she and her 14 year old sister both went to youth conference this past weekend and really liked it. We are wanting to baptize her sister as well but we havent brought it up yet. We are planning on doing it tomorrow at our next appointment. We also taught another one of our progressing investigators on Sat. Last week we had set it up to meet and teach her at the church (we haven't been able to get her to come yet, so we thought that if we showed her around she'd be more willing to come). Well anyway, I mentioned that youth conference was last weekend too. We didn't realize that, until the stake pres. texted us while we were at another appointment and told us that she had got there early and that the youth conference dance was there! Well, we rush over there and as soon as I open the doors to the church this loud booming was going on! So our plan didn't go quite like we wanted but we took her into some of the stake offices, where it was a little quieter, and taught our lesson. It turns out that she was really glad that the building was loud and crazy because the kids were off the streets. And although she didn't come on Sunday, it was still a really good lesson.
We were on Team ups with some other elders this week, I went with Elder Westfall in his area and that night a member came to work with us. Funny part of it was that his younger brother was in the MTC the same time that Elder Westfall and I were there. His younger brother was actually our "Zone leader" in the MTC and we knew him pretty well. It was really neat to find out how he was doing.
Today, we're going downtown to go to the City Museum. From what I hear its a big playground with tunnels and crazy stuff to just mess around. We're going with four other elders so that'll be fun.
Mom-I'll call Columbia and ask about the letter. I have a birthday card for Josh, its been sitting on my desk for about a week now. Ill try to get it off today, just so you know that I didn't forget.
Dad-The summer is definitly starting. The heat alone isn't too bad but the humidity just kills you. Luckily enough people around here practice what they preach and are wonderfull Christians and give us water and stuff, even it they shut the door on us. We got our car back too, still not fixed, but right now we'll take it. I was just talking to Pres. Briggs about how we can always do more and whatever we do isnt good enough. That is why his council to relax and live life was so great. All we can do is the best we can and then through the Atonement everything else will fall into place.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
It was a vey fun week where we were able to hit the road and teach a lot of people. Not much has come from it yet but we have some great potentials. We have a baptism this week, that we are really looking forward to. She's the 18 year old, I don't remember if I told you about her or not. But anyway she and her 14 year old sister both went to youth conference this past weekend and really liked it. We are wanting to baptize her sister as well but we havent brought it up yet. We are planning on doing it tomorrow at our next appointment. We also taught another one of our progressing investigators on Sat. Last week we had set it up to meet and teach her at the church (we haven't been able to get her to come yet, so we thought that if we showed her around she'd be more willing to come). Well anyway, I mentioned that youth conference was last weekend too. We didn't realize that, until the stake pres. texted us while we were at another appointment and told us that she had got there early and that the youth conference dance was there! Well, we rush over there and as soon as I open the doors to the church this loud booming was going on! So our plan didn't go quite like we wanted but we took her into some of the stake offices, where it was a little quieter, and taught our lesson. It turns out that she was really glad that the building was loud and crazy because the kids were off the streets. And although she didn't come on Sunday, it was still a really good lesson.
We were on Team ups with some other elders this week, I went with Elder Westfall in his area and that night a member came to work with us. Funny part of it was that his younger brother was in the MTC the same time that Elder Westfall and I were there. His younger brother was actually our "Zone leader" in the MTC and we knew him pretty well. It was really neat to find out how he was doing.
Today, we're going downtown to go to the City Museum. From what I hear its a big playground with tunnels and crazy stuff to just mess around. We're going with four other elders so that'll be fun.
Mom-I'll call Columbia and ask about the letter. I have a birthday card for Josh, its been sitting on my desk for about a week now. Ill try to get it off today, just so you know that I didn't forget.
Dad-The summer is definitly starting. The heat alone isn't too bad but the humidity just kills you. Luckily enough people around here practice what they preach and are wonderfull Christians and give us water and stuff, even it they shut the door on us. We got our car back too, still not fixed, but right now we'll take it. I was just talking to Pres. Briggs about how we can always do more and whatever we do isnt good enough. That is why his council to relax and live life was so great. All we can do is the best we can and then through the Atonement everything else will fall into place.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Adjusting to a New Area
Its been another great week in Oakville!
We had a fun week. I finally got to meet the rest of our investigators this week. Its nice to finally put a face to the name and know who I'm talking about. Our car was leaking for about a week and we were not sure what it was. We couldn't smell anything but we thought that it was gas because we were having to fill up really fast. Anyway, the other day Elder Jenkins decides to "taste" it. We were right. So we take it into the dealership, it is still under warrenty, but they weren't very helpful or friendly. The guys I talked to said that the shop was closed and pretty much told us to leave. So we call the roadside assistance people and they tell us to just drop it off at the dealership and that they'll take care of it. We drive to another dealer and drop it off. However, we had no way to get back home. Finally some other Elders answered and picked us up. Then we get a call today from the dealership and they tell me that they couldnt find anything! I told them what was wrong with it again and they said that they'd take another look. So to make a long story shorter, we haven't had a car all weekend and are having to bum rides from the Bankheads. Only problem is, that tonight is FHE and we have multiple appointments and a funeral to be at. Oh well, it'll all work out.
The people we're teaching are great and we re-set a baptismal date with a young women the other day for the 26th. She is Bosnian/gypsy. There are a lot of Bosnian/gypsy people here. She also has a younger sister that we are trying to teach more regularly. We're also teaching an older lady who is very smart and accepts the Book of Mormon and everything but has an old family tradition of following the beliefs of a church but never joining. We're making a lot of headway though and will hopefully be setting a date in the near future.
Zone Conference is on Wed. It'll be the Brigg's last one. They leave on the first and the Clarks come in right after them. We had our last interviews this past week. In it he told me to "relax and live life." We were talking about not dwelling on what we could've done but looking forward. He mentioned how he can discipline a missionary sternly but then afterwards still consider him for leadership, not looking at the past. It was great advice.
Mom-Droping off those picture of Elder Adams wasnt weird at all. Its fun when that happens. When I was with Elder Nelson there was a family who were going to Bosie and they went to lunch with his family. It made his week.
Dad-I was reading in the war chapters of Alma and it mentioned that even with all the wars and contention among the people, it said how happy they were. It was interesting to think about how dispite their/our hardships we can still be "happy."
Anyway, we will be moving at the end of the month (we're actually going to Bro Bankhead's parents, the Bankheads, haha). I think it'll be on July 2 or something, just a heads up.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
We had a fun week. I finally got to meet the rest of our investigators this week. Its nice to finally put a face to the name and know who I'm talking about. Our car was leaking for about a week and we were not sure what it was. We couldn't smell anything but we thought that it was gas because we were having to fill up really fast. Anyway, the other day Elder Jenkins decides to "taste" it. We were right. So we take it into the dealership, it is still under warrenty, but they weren't very helpful or friendly. The guys I talked to said that the shop was closed and pretty much told us to leave. So we call the roadside assistance people and they tell us to just drop it off at the dealership and that they'll take care of it. We drive to another dealer and drop it off. However, we had no way to get back home. Finally some other Elders answered and picked us up. Then we get a call today from the dealership and they tell me that they couldnt find anything! I told them what was wrong with it again and they said that they'd take another look. So to make a long story shorter, we haven't had a car all weekend and are having to bum rides from the Bankheads. Only problem is, that tonight is FHE and we have multiple appointments and a funeral to be at. Oh well, it'll all work out.
The people we're teaching are great and we re-set a baptismal date with a young women the other day for the 26th. She is Bosnian/gypsy. There are a lot of Bosnian/gypsy people here. She also has a younger sister that we are trying to teach more regularly. We're also teaching an older lady who is very smart and accepts the Book of Mormon and everything but has an old family tradition of following the beliefs of a church but never joining. We're making a lot of headway though and will hopefully be setting a date in the near future.
Zone Conference is on Wed. It'll be the Brigg's last one. They leave on the first and the Clarks come in right after them. We had our last interviews this past week. In it he told me to "relax and live life." We were talking about not dwelling on what we could've done but looking forward. He mentioned how he can discipline a missionary sternly but then afterwards still consider him for leadership, not looking at the past. It was great advice.
Mom-Droping off those picture of Elder Adams wasnt weird at all. Its fun when that happens. When I was with Elder Nelson there was a family who were going to Bosie and they went to lunch with his family. It made his week.
Dad-I was reading in the war chapters of Alma and it mentioned that even with all the wars and contention among the people, it said how happy they were. It was interesting to think about how dispite their/our hardships we can still be "happy."
Anyway, we will be moving at the end of the month (we're actually going to Bro Bankhead's parents, the Bankheads, haha). I think it'll be on July 2 or something, just a heads up.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Oakville
Its been another great week in Oakville!
We've been running around all week. Our area was split in two, so there are four of us in the ward, and we've been trying to find them places to live, and get them all situated. But after a full weekend we were able to settle down. On Friday, we had our last Zone Leader Council with Pres. Briggs. It was really good and we were able to discuss a lot of things going on. Then when we got home we started to do our zone planning. About half way through it though, we got a call from Pres. Briggs. He said that there was a big scouting thing going on at Forest Park (I think its the biggest park in the country, even bigger than the one in NY) and that he needed all the Elders in the zone to be there to volunteer. You can imagine the pain that caused. Everyone having to cancel appointments and so on. After a lot of stressing and worrying about it though it went really well and everyone got there.
So Oakville is a lot like Chesterfield. We live with the Bankheads. They have three sons, Christian (18), and Samuel and Spencer (15, twins). Bro. Bankhead is an Orthodontist and has 6+ offices. Needless to say, we live in a really nice place. Christian is really neat though, he comes down and hangs with us when we're home.
Since the area got split, all of the people that were being taught in the ward are on the other side of our line. So we are going to be doing a lot of finding, luckily I've been doing that for 13 months. You'd think that by now I'd be good at it or something, guess not. The other two elders in our ward are great though. Elder Ipsen has been a Zone Leader for about a year before he came here and his companion, Elder Hendricks, is fresh from the MTC. They're both great though and fun to serve around.
Dad-there are ten companionships in the Zone, so a little smaller than Columbia. Geography wise, we are really small. most of the areas are 20ish minutes away so not too much driving.
Josh-sounds like a lot of fun and a good way to end the year.
Anyway love you lots,
Elder Egan
We've been running around all week. Our area was split in two, so there are four of us in the ward, and we've been trying to find them places to live, and get them all situated. But after a full weekend we were able to settle down. On Friday, we had our last Zone Leader Council with Pres. Briggs. It was really good and we were able to discuss a lot of things going on. Then when we got home we started to do our zone planning. About half way through it though, we got a call from Pres. Briggs. He said that there was a big scouting thing going on at Forest Park (I think its the biggest park in the country, even bigger than the one in NY) and that he needed all the Elders in the zone to be there to volunteer. You can imagine the pain that caused. Everyone having to cancel appointments and so on. After a lot of stressing and worrying about it though it went really well and everyone got there.
So Oakville is a lot like Chesterfield. We live with the Bankheads. They have three sons, Christian (18), and Samuel and Spencer (15, twins). Bro. Bankhead is an Orthodontist and has 6+ offices. Needless to say, we live in a really nice place. Christian is really neat though, he comes down and hangs with us when we're home.
Since the area got split, all of the people that were being taught in the ward are on the other side of our line. So we are going to be doing a lot of finding, luckily I've been doing that for 13 months. You'd think that by now I'd be good at it or something, guess not. The other two elders in our ward are great though. Elder Ipsen has been a Zone Leader for about a year before he came here and his companion, Elder Hendricks, is fresh from the MTC. They're both great though and fun to serve around.
Dad-there are ten companionships in the Zone, so a little smaller than Columbia. Geography wise, we are really small. most of the areas are 20ish minutes away so not too much driving.
Josh-sounds like a lot of fun and a good way to end the year.
Anyway love you lots,
Elder Egan
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Transfer Day
Some pictures we received recently
It was another great week in Columbia!
Transfer calls came. I'm headed back to St. Louis. I'll be in the south stake this time though. I'll be serving with Elder Jenkins. (He was my District Leader when I first came out. What's even funnier is that he was Elder Hoggs companion at that time). I'm really sad to leave here though. I was pretty upset when the call came because I didnt feel that my work was done here. I didn't sleep very well sunday night because of it. So in the morning I called and talked to Pres. Briggs about it. He told me that he was planning to leave me here for another transfer but there was a situation that came up in the south zone and was impressed that that's where I needed to go. After talking with him I felt much better about it and am looking forward to it, sorta. It'll be a new experience for sure.
Other than that our week was all over the place. We had to get new tires on the car which took a lot of time. Then over the weekend the AC in our appartment went out. Of course the landlord isn't in the office over the weekend so we have to endure it. It was 85+ in there. Then someone finally came on Monday. But they fixed everything but the AC! We were not in a good mood. Then when they did fix it, it took another day or so to finally cool off. We're still alive though.
Mom-yeah, Sis. Rider was in my district. I don't know what she's talking about though. Elder Nelson and I would always play the piano, while they were in the back laughing at us. But yeah, Elder Nelson is also from that same area. They knew each other in High School. Then along with that Elder Hogg is from that area too. I've had alot of companions from the Boise area. On of our recent converts was wanting to know how to get the Church History Books. I tried finding them but couldn't. How do you get them?
Dad-Ive been thinking alot about teaching with power and authority lately. Then on Sunday there was a talk about preisthood power and how it is service. Then I started rephrasing my thoughts to teaching with service and authority. I've been meaning to study more on it but my studies have been interupted lately with the transfer. I just thought that it was an interesting way of looking at it.
Anyway
love you lots,
Elder Egan
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Another Busy Week
Its been another great week in Columbia!
We had another busy week, but this time, unlike most others, we were actually busy working our own area. We went tracting just about every day and talked to lots of people. It was fun getting out again. We had a really good lesson last night. The bishops daughter is dating a nonmember, so they invited us to "drop by" last night when he was over. We taught the "cups" lesson last night which teach the first and third lessons. The spirit was really strong there and both Elder Hogg and I testified strongly of the truthfulness of what we'd taught. It was a great way to end the night.
Transfers are this coming Sunday, not sure what'll happen. I'm hoping for one more though.
Mom-yes I got the money, thanks. Tell Gideon and Trevor congrats for me.
Dad-sounds like conference was good there too.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
We had another busy week, but this time, unlike most others, we were actually busy working our own area. We went tracting just about every day and talked to lots of people. It was fun getting out again. We had a really good lesson last night. The bishops daughter is dating a nonmember, so they invited us to "drop by" last night when he was over. We taught the "cups" lesson last night which teach the first and third lessons. The spirit was really strong there and both Elder Hogg and I testified strongly of the truthfulness of what we'd taught. It was a great way to end the night.
Transfers are this coming Sunday, not sure what'll happen. I'm hoping for one more though.
Mom-yes I got the money, thanks. Tell Gideon and Trevor congrats for me.
Dad-sounds like conference was good there too.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
Friday, May 21, 2010
Great Conference Weekend
Recent Zone leader Conference
One year mark burning shirt and tie April 29,2010
Its been another great week in Columbia!
This weekend was one of the best ever. Elder Richard G. Scott was in town to reorganize the Stake Presidency. There was a YSA fireside Friday night that we were invited to. It was a question and answer session. Obviously there were a lot of questions on dating and what not (knowledge that I can store away for now) but good advice all together. Afterwards he shook everyones hand. He is suprisingly really short but when he looked into my eyes it was full of warmth and love, it was really a great thing. Then on Sat we went to the adult session. Once again it was a very powerful experience. He spoke a lot about his wife, who died 15 years ago on the day. It was very touching. Sunday was probably the longest one but well worth it all. After announcing the new Stake Presidency and when everyone was done talking (both the stake pres, Pres. Houseman and the 1st counciler, Pres. Mingus are in our ward. Pres. Mingus was the stake high councilmen over missionary work, so we met with him every week, and we are teaching a couple in the Pres. Housemans home) Elder Scott bore a very powerful testimony of the reality and divinity of Christ. In brief he said, "I can testify of Christ because I KNOW Him." He bore testimony in every session but Sundays just hit it home. Elder Lawerence of the 2nd quorm of 70 was also there. He gave just as good insights and remarks. He talked about how we dont have to go to the Holy Land to walk where Jesus walked, speaking about how we need to go to the Temple as often as we can. I thought it was a great reminder that the Temple is truly the Lords house.
Other than that we had another crazy busy week. We were on team ups with the Jeff City Elders again on Thursday (they live about an hour south of us) when we get a phone call from the assistants telling us that we need to be in St. Louis on Friday! We were really tired with all the driving and not being able to be home for more that a couple hours. We got alot of good council from Pres. Briggs and we talked a little about the change in Mission Pres. and Mission boundaries. It'll be an interesting July, thats for sure.
Mom-no the flash floods haven't really hit. We did get some amazing thunder storms. I'd live out here just for that reason alone. Its been wet all week but nothing too bad.
Dad-that's too bad to hear about Lyle. Is his wife still going to live there or are they going to sell the house?
Anyway,
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
I'm confused!! I thought I was in Missouri???
One year mark burning shirt and tie April 29,2010
Its been another great week in Columbia!
This weekend was one of the best ever. Elder Richard G. Scott was in town to reorganize the Stake Presidency. There was a YSA fireside Friday night that we were invited to. It was a question and answer session. Obviously there were a lot of questions on dating and what not (knowledge that I can store away for now) but good advice all together. Afterwards he shook everyones hand. He is suprisingly really short but when he looked into my eyes it was full of warmth and love, it was really a great thing. Then on Sat we went to the adult session. Once again it was a very powerful experience. He spoke a lot about his wife, who died 15 years ago on the day. It was very touching. Sunday was probably the longest one but well worth it all. After announcing the new Stake Presidency and when everyone was done talking (both the stake pres, Pres. Houseman and the 1st counciler, Pres. Mingus are in our ward. Pres. Mingus was the stake high councilmen over missionary work, so we met with him every week, and we are teaching a couple in the Pres. Housemans home) Elder Scott bore a very powerful testimony of the reality and divinity of Christ. In brief he said, "I can testify of Christ because I KNOW Him." He bore testimony in every session but Sundays just hit it home. Elder Lawerence of the 2nd quorm of 70 was also there. He gave just as good insights and remarks. He talked about how we dont have to go to the Holy Land to walk where Jesus walked, speaking about how we need to go to the Temple as often as we can. I thought it was a great reminder that the Temple is truly the Lords house.
Other than that we had another crazy busy week. We were on team ups with the Jeff City Elders again on Thursday (they live about an hour south of us) when we get a phone call from the assistants telling us that we need to be in St. Louis on Friday! We were really tired with all the driving and not being able to be home for more that a couple hours. We got alot of good council from Pres. Briggs and we talked a little about the change in Mission Pres. and Mission boundaries. It'll be an interesting July, thats for sure.
Mom-no the flash floods haven't really hit. We did get some amazing thunder storms. I'd live out here just for that reason alone. Its been wet all week but nothing too bad.
Dad-that's too bad to hear about Lyle. Is his wife still going to live there or are they going to sell the house?
Anyway,
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
I'm confused!! I thought I was in Missouri???
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Busy Week....But Not Much Happening
Its been another great week in Columbia!
We were in St. Louis for most of the week. We had transfers on Wed. so we drove up tues night. Then we stayed the night again Wed because we had a meeting at the mission home Thurs. That went most of the day and so we didn't get back home til about five or six on Thursday. Then friday we had to plan most of the day. With all that, we didn't get too much work done. It was good nonetheless. Thing is, Elder Hogg got food poisoning in his last area and hasn't been able to eat much since. We're excited about this new transfer though.
Then we had a meeting with all the District leaders last night. It went well. And we came up with some good ideas on how to help the zone out.
Mom-yes I got the packages and every thing was in one peice. Thanks. The weather has been really wet. A lot of the roads have been flooded. It's all good now though. Don't worry about the backpack. It's not worth the hassle.
Dad-I'm not really training my comp. he's been out longer than me. All I have to do is show him the ropes of being a zone leader. Nothing too much different than normal, just more meetings.
Anyway, not too much happened this week.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
We were in St. Louis for most of the week. We had transfers on Wed. so we drove up tues night. Then we stayed the night again Wed because we had a meeting at the mission home Thurs. That went most of the day and so we didn't get back home til about five or six on Thursday. Then friday we had to plan most of the day. With all that, we didn't get too much work done. It was good nonetheless. Thing is, Elder Hogg got food poisoning in his last area and hasn't been able to eat much since. We're excited about this new transfer though.
Then we had a meeting with all the District leaders last night. It went well. And we came up with some good ideas on how to help the zone out.
Mom-yes I got the packages and every thing was in one peice. Thanks. The weather has been really wet. A lot of the roads have been flooded. It's all good now though. Don't worry about the backpack. It's not worth the hassle.
Dad-I'm not really training my comp. he's been out longer than me. All I have to do is show him the ropes of being a zone leader. Nothing too much different than normal, just more meetings.
Anyway, not too much happened this week.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Blistered Fingers and Butcher Knives
Its been another great week in Columbia! Great and crazy and really stressful.
So to begin. I'll be staying here for probably another three months. I'll be training a new Zone Leader, Elder Hogg (yes you pronounce the "O"). He was in St. Charles when I was in St. Peters, so he's been on team ups with me. Second, there was this family that we started teaching a few months ago. Well anyway they are in the midst of a divorce and so she moved out. Then he went off the deep end and moved in with his crazy sister. Well they have been harassing her and really making her life miserable filing crazy law suits and what not. Well the other day, they started harassing us as well. Obviously we aren't answering but they leave us nasty messages. If you'll remember though, Pres. Laton in the mission presidency is one of the best lawyers in the state and really high up in the government, we talked to him about it and told us what to do. Its a whole lot more complicated but thats the run down, oh yeah, now he's on the run from the cops. Anyway prayers are always helpful.
We've been on a bunch more team ups this past week trying to get to everyone before the transfer ended. We've also done service just about everyday this week. I have seven blisters on my hands three of which are all around my left thumb. It took a while to get use to them all but as long as I don't get any more, I should be fine. During all that I edged someones entire yard with a butcher knife. The edger stoped working and she really wanted it done, so I did it.
Mom-I sent the thing about my bag along with Nicks letter. I'll resend it though today I dont have it with me right now. Then if you could have them send it to the Tia's that'd be best. Tell Tyson congrats thats really exciting. As for my birthday....maybe a new tie, hehe. As for my ipod. if you cant figure it out dont worry about it.
Dad-just remember not to let Josh drive with mom (if you know whats best for both of them).
Oh man. I almost forgot. some of our members, the Palmers, were having a late easter party with their family and neighbors. Turns out that Bro. Palmers family grew up in Vancouver. His mom's sister was Marline Archer. She said that she grew up with all your sisters. She also married Kipp Poyfair and now lives in Colorado. Then Bro. Palmers mom said that she graduated in 64 from Hudsons Bay. I couldnt remember if you went there or not before your senior year. She recongized your name when I mentioned it. Of course by now I've forgot her first name but oh well. She also mentioned that she knew Marvin and Alberta Egan that lived there too. Those names didnt sound familiar so I thought I'd swing them by you.
Josh-good job on everything. Don't let all this affect your grades now.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
So to begin. I'll be staying here for probably another three months. I'll be training a new Zone Leader, Elder Hogg (yes you pronounce the "O"). He was in St. Charles when I was in St. Peters, so he's been on team ups with me. Second, there was this family that we started teaching a few months ago. Well anyway they are in the midst of a divorce and so she moved out. Then he went off the deep end and moved in with his crazy sister. Well they have been harassing her and really making her life miserable filing crazy law suits and what not. Well the other day, they started harassing us as well. Obviously we aren't answering but they leave us nasty messages. If you'll remember though, Pres. Laton in the mission presidency is one of the best lawyers in the state and really high up in the government, we talked to him about it and told us what to do. Its a whole lot more complicated but thats the run down, oh yeah, now he's on the run from the cops. Anyway prayers are always helpful.
We've been on a bunch more team ups this past week trying to get to everyone before the transfer ended. We've also done service just about everyday this week. I have seven blisters on my hands three of which are all around my left thumb. It took a while to get use to them all but as long as I don't get any more, I should be fine. During all that I edged someones entire yard with a butcher knife. The edger stoped working and she really wanted it done, so I did it.
Mom-I sent the thing about my bag along with Nicks letter. I'll resend it though today I dont have it with me right now. Then if you could have them send it to the Tia's that'd be best. Tell Tyson congrats thats really exciting. As for my birthday....maybe a new tie, hehe. As for my ipod. if you cant figure it out dont worry about it.
Dad-just remember not to let Josh drive with mom (if you know whats best for both of them).
Oh man. I almost forgot. some of our members, the Palmers, were having a late easter party with their family and neighbors. Turns out that Bro. Palmers family grew up in Vancouver. His mom's sister was Marline Archer. She said that she grew up with all your sisters. She also married Kipp Poyfair and now lives in Colorado. Then Bro. Palmers mom said that she graduated in 64 from Hudsons Bay. I couldnt remember if you went there or not before your senior year. She recongized your name when I mentioned it. Of course by now I've forgot her first name but oh well. She also mentioned that she knew Marvin and Alberta Egan that lived there too. Those names didnt sound familiar so I thought I'd swing them by you.
Josh-good job on everything. Don't let all this affect your grades now.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Teamups, Football and Investigators......
Its been another great week in Columbia!
Our week was crazy. Like I mentioned last week, we had two team ups at the beginning of last week. One with one of the District Leaders and the other was with the Assistants. You learn so much when you get to work with other missionaries all on different levels. While with one of the Assistants, we were talking about prayer and got a lot of good insights about not praying in vain and how prayer, like baptism, is an outward expression of our inward commitment to God, just something to think about.
Saturday was a fun day. We woke up and went and played football at the university with a bunch of people, members, nonmembers, and missionaries. it was a lot of fun. Then we went and taught a lesson to our Korean investigator. We went and did yard work for our recent convert, Hollie. We were cutting and raking the yard. It was a lot of fun, even though I got burned and multiple blisters. That evening Pres. and Sis. Briggs were up here in Columbia for a spanish fireside. We took our Brazilian investigator with us. It went really well. After Pres. Briggs was done we were talking with some of the members and found a family that was from Brazil and some others that served in Portugees speaking missions.
Mom- I've got enough contacts right now. I'll double check for next week though just to make sure.
Dad-thats great about the temple. It doesnt look like we'll be able to make it this transfer. I was so use to being right next to the temple in Chesterfield that it was easy to take it for granted. But now being so far away, it is truly a blessing to be able to go.
Josh-make sure that between everything that your doing you make sure to take time and read your scriptures.
Well, transfers are next week. We're not sure whats going to happen. Anything and everything is possible right now, so we'll see.
Love,
Elder Egan
Our week was crazy. Like I mentioned last week, we had two team ups at the beginning of last week. One with one of the District Leaders and the other was with the Assistants. You learn so much when you get to work with other missionaries all on different levels. While with one of the Assistants, we were talking about prayer and got a lot of good insights about not praying in vain and how prayer, like baptism, is an outward expression of our inward commitment to God, just something to think about.
Saturday was a fun day. We woke up and went and played football at the university with a bunch of people, members, nonmembers, and missionaries. it was a lot of fun. Then we went and taught a lesson to our Korean investigator. We went and did yard work for our recent convert, Hollie. We were cutting and raking the yard. It was a lot of fun, even though I got burned and multiple blisters. That evening Pres. and Sis. Briggs were up here in Columbia for a spanish fireside. We took our Brazilian investigator with us. It went really well. After Pres. Briggs was done we were talking with some of the members and found a family that was from Brazil and some others that served in Portugees speaking missions.
Mom- I've got enough contacts right now. I'll double check for next week though just to make sure.
Dad-thats great about the temple. It doesnt look like we'll be able to make it this transfer. I was so use to being right next to the temple in Chesterfield that it was easy to take it for granted. But now being so far away, it is truly a blessing to be able to go.
Josh-make sure that between everything that your doing you make sure to take time and read your scriptures.
Well, transfers are next week. We're not sure whats going to happen. Anything and everything is possible right now, so we'll see.
Love,
Elder Egan
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Miracles Always Happen
Its been another great week in Columbia!
Conference was great like always. We watched it at the Ti'as. Their great people and do so much for us. It was also Elder Taylors birthday yesterday, so we celebrated that there too. On top of all that, we were under tornado warnings last night. The rain and lightening were awesome. We were driving to go take numbers and I could hardly see the road, it was raining so hard. We saw some people walking in it, so we pulled over and gave them our umbrella. The rest of our week went really well too. We found some new people to teach and tracted quite a bit.
Oh, and by the way, our stake president was called to be an area 70, Michael J. Reall. We heard his name and just looked at each other. Funny thing was, is that we were supposed to have a stake meeting on Thurs. We showed up but no one was there. So we gave him a call and left a message. He calls us back later that night and tells us that he was in Salt Lake for some kind of meeting and apoligized and we didnt get the message. Needless to say that there is lots of excitement about it and who the new stake president will be.
We've got two team ups this week. one with the Columbia ward elders, and then the Assistants will be down towards the end of the week. I always look forward to team ups. You get to learn alot and miracles always happen.
So just my luck. I took off my suit last night only to find a huge whole under the back pocket. So I'll be needing some new ones for my black suit. Anyway, I was thinking the other day about how my one year is up this month and couldn't believe how quick it's gone and was wondering where all the time went.
Anyway,
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
Conference was great like always. We watched it at the Ti'as. Their great people and do so much for us. It was also Elder Taylors birthday yesterday, so we celebrated that there too. On top of all that, we were under tornado warnings last night. The rain and lightening were awesome. We were driving to go take numbers and I could hardly see the road, it was raining so hard. We saw some people walking in it, so we pulled over and gave them our umbrella. The rest of our week went really well too. We found some new people to teach and tracted quite a bit.
Oh, and by the way, our stake president was called to be an area 70, Michael J. Reall. We heard his name and just looked at each other. Funny thing was, is that we were supposed to have a stake meeting on Thurs. We showed up but no one was there. So we gave him a call and left a message. He calls us back later that night and tells us that he was in Salt Lake for some kind of meeting and apoligized and we didnt get the message. Needless to say that there is lots of excitement about it and who the new stake president will be.
We've got two team ups this week. one with the Columbia ward elders, and then the Assistants will be down towards the end of the week. I always look forward to team ups. You get to learn alot and miracles always happen.
So just my luck. I took off my suit last night only to find a huge whole under the back pocket. So I'll be needing some new ones for my black suit. Anyway, I was thinking the other day about how my one year is up this month and couldn't believe how quick it's gone and was wondering where all the time went.
Anyway,
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Tender Mercies
Its been another great week in Columbia!
We had team ups with the Jefferson City Elders again this week. They needed a baptismal interview, so we went up for that and our team up. The new Elder up there is great. His name is Elder Horlacher, from Vegas. He is just a really great missionary and Elder Westfall and him are getting a lot done.
We also had Zone Conference on Friday. It went really good and since then the Zone has been on fire. We've just about doubled our baptism dates and our numbers were really good. Elder Taylor and I had a little bit of a slow week, but good nonetheless. Last night some members invited their friends over for dinner and then we had a lesson with the dad after. It went really good, he is really open and wants to learn. His kids also were intrested.
In order to save miles we decided to ride bikes/get rides two days a week and park the car. Its been really nice for most of the week too. So on Tues we were riding down a narrow road and a car came up behind us. We switched lanes really quick to let him pass. I saw the truck go by and I started getting back into our lane. I didnt see the trailer that he was pulling though. His wheel well was sticking out a foot or so and ran right into me. I flew into the air a good three of four feet before I hit the ground. I'm fine, but it scraped me up just a little (talk about tender mercies). It was all fun though. We finished riding to our appointment and taught a good lesson. But then on the way home my gears weren't working right so we had to call for a ride home.
Dad-There are 22 Elders in the Zone and 4 districts.
Mom-don't have too much fun on spring break.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
We had team ups with the Jefferson City Elders again this week. They needed a baptismal interview, so we went up for that and our team up. The new Elder up there is great. His name is Elder Horlacher, from Vegas. He is just a really great missionary and Elder Westfall and him are getting a lot done.
We also had Zone Conference on Friday. It went really good and since then the Zone has been on fire. We've just about doubled our baptism dates and our numbers were really good. Elder Taylor and I had a little bit of a slow week, but good nonetheless. Last night some members invited their friends over for dinner and then we had a lesson with the dad after. It went really good, he is really open and wants to learn. His kids also were intrested.
In order to save miles we decided to ride bikes/get rides two days a week and park the car. Its been really nice for most of the week too. So on Tues we were riding down a narrow road and a car came up behind us. We switched lanes really quick to let him pass. I saw the truck go by and I started getting back into our lane. I didnt see the trailer that he was pulling though. His wheel well was sticking out a foot or so and ran right into me. I flew into the air a good three of four feet before I hit the ground. I'm fine, but it scraped me up just a little (talk about tender mercies). It was all fun though. We finished riding to our appointment and taught a good lesson. But then on the way home my gears weren't working right so we had to call for a ride home.
Dad-There are 22 Elders in the Zone and 4 districts.
Mom-don't have too much fun on spring break.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Brother Egan and Elder Egan............
Its been another great week in Columbia!
Its been really crazy though. On Monday we went to our appointment with the Brazilian and his wife. Bro. Egan came along. It went really good. Were going back over today with Bro. Egan and we've been thinking about maybe setting a baptismal date. Only if the Spirit is right obviously. Then on Tuesday we went to a district meeting in Moberly and had a few appointments throughout the evening. Elder Taylor wasn't feeling too well, so we took it kinda easy. Then on Wed. we went to some more district meetings here in Columbia but then Elder Taylor couldn't keep working so we came in. I had some nice studies and learned a lot, but by the end of the day I was ready to get out of there. Thursday we were back out working. We had interviews with Pres. Briggs in the morning. He is such a great man and is really in tune to the Spirit. We are really lucky to have him, even for such a short time. Afterwards we went to help out some other missionaries who were having trouble with his bike, then had appointments for the rest of the evening. We ate dinner with a family who had some of their kids friends over, so after we ate we went into the back and played baseball. It felt great to play, even the little that we did. The weather was perfect for it too, that is until Saturday. We were in the high 60's Thurs and Fri, but on Sat we woke up to a couple inches of snow. It's finally almost gone, but it wasn't fun. Then on Sat. we taught a Korean lady. We took a sister from our ward who is also from Korea ,which helped out a lot.
Mom-yeah, we get the Ensign. Its great everything that's going on. It made my day.
Dad-Sounds like there's alot happening for when I get back, haha. Isn't Gene Moultrie the Patriarch too? Thats fun though. Hey, I talked with Bro. Egan and I'll hopefully be getting that stuff to him tonight, If I remember. Could you also type up my line of authority for me? I have it written out, but it would be nice to have it typed up and if you made it small enough (4x3ish), I could put it in my white handbook along with my ministrial certificate. and if you could take my patriarical blessing and shrink it down for me and send me another copy that'd be great too.
Well anyway, hope all is going good.
Love,
Elder Egan
Its been really crazy though. On Monday we went to our appointment with the Brazilian and his wife. Bro. Egan came along. It went really good. Were going back over today with Bro. Egan and we've been thinking about maybe setting a baptismal date. Only if the Spirit is right obviously. Then on Tuesday we went to a district meeting in Moberly and had a few appointments throughout the evening. Elder Taylor wasn't feeling too well, so we took it kinda easy. Then on Wed. we went to some more district meetings here in Columbia but then Elder Taylor couldn't keep working so we came in. I had some nice studies and learned a lot, but by the end of the day I was ready to get out of there. Thursday we were back out working. We had interviews with Pres. Briggs in the morning. He is such a great man and is really in tune to the Spirit. We are really lucky to have him, even for such a short time. Afterwards we went to help out some other missionaries who were having trouble with his bike, then had appointments for the rest of the evening. We ate dinner with a family who had some of their kids friends over, so after we ate we went into the back and played baseball. It felt great to play, even the little that we did. The weather was perfect for it too, that is until Saturday. We were in the high 60's Thurs and Fri, but on Sat we woke up to a couple inches of snow. It's finally almost gone, but it wasn't fun. Then on Sat. we taught a Korean lady. We took a sister from our ward who is also from Korea ,which helped out a lot.
Mom-yeah, we get the Ensign. Its great everything that's going on. It made my day.
Dad-Sounds like there's alot happening for when I get back, haha. Isn't Gene Moultrie the Patriarch too? Thats fun though. Hey, I talked with Bro. Egan and I'll hopefully be getting that stuff to him tonight, If I remember. Could you also type up my line of authority for me? I have it written out, but it would be nice to have it typed up and if you made it small enough (4x3ish), I could put it in my white handbook along with my ministrial certificate. and if you could take my patriarical blessing and shrink it down for me and send me another copy that'd be great too.
Well anyway, hope all is going good.
Love,
Elder Egan
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Gospel Is True
Its been another great week in Columbia!
We had a really great week this past week! On Tuesday we got a media referal for a couple, Moises and Julia. We went to go visit them and taught Moises. He is from Brazil but speaks pretty good English. Then we set up a return appointment with him and his wife. We went back on Thursday and taught them both and watched the Restoration DVD. It went really well. She had some great questions that have to deal with the creation and who "we" and "us" are in the creation story in Genesis. She said that no one has been able to give her a satisfactory answer. We promised that we could and set up another time (today). Bro. Egan is coming with us (he served his mission in Brazil) so that'll be really fun. Then ealier in the week, we were tracting and found another new investigator from Korea. We went over again on Sat and taught her. She has a pretty crazy religious background. She attends the Baptist church, studies the Bible at the Lutheran church, but has a hard time believing in God and Christ, and to top it all off, now she is meeting with us. Problem is though, that she doesn't speak English very well. We think there is a Korean in our ward, so we're going to call her and see if she can come with us this week.
On Thursday we drove to St. Louis for Zone Leader Council (ZLC) on Friday. Its always a great experience and the spirit is always strong there. We stayed over with the McCords (Elder Taylor was one of the first missionaries to live with them) and then went and saw James and MacKenzie (Elder Taylor first got the missionaries in their door and I was one of the ones to see her baptized). It was great to be there and see them still strong in the gospel. She was joking how she will have to drag him into the Celestial Kingdom, haha. Anyway, this transfer is going to be really good. We have three new missionaries to the zone and one straight from the MTC.
Mom-tell Jared hi for me. Yes I got the pants and they were the right ones, thanks. My birthday? When have I ever known what I wanted. Maybe a few ties? or a CD or two (or you could just put it on my ipod. Pres Briggs said they're OK. If you do, I'd need my speakers and some kind of car jack).
Dad-sounds like you've got a lot on your plate. Have fun for me and get some pics. I'll talk to Bro. Egan tonight while he's with us to see what he's got.
Josh-good luck on everything. Sounds like your super activity will be lots of fun.
Anyway, this transfer the mission is working on becoming a divine companionship. Its based off a training from Elder Holland during a mission president seminar. He talks about the ultimate divine companionship of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Then he goes on to say how the Holy Ghost needs to be the Senior companion in our companionships. Its really good and a great thing to work on.
I forgot about this experience that happened.
We went to see an investigator that we have. She wants to be baptized but is living with the father of two of her children. He isn't a very good guy and her and her family are in a poor situation. So, we go over to teach her and she is having a really bad day because of some things that have been going on. Her kids are very undisciplined and unrespectful (the oldest is eight). And on this particuar day there was not a good spirit in the home. We were there for a while trying to help (we did a little) but we left really up tight and contentious. Then we went to our dinner appointment with Sis. Honovi So we go over there (Hollie, Jerry, Grandma Edie, and a nonmember were there too) and right as we come in, Jerry brings us some water. The spirit that was there was so amazing. To see the difference between a home were the spirit is in abundance and a home where it isn't even present, is night and day.
The gospel is true,
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
We had a really great week this past week! On Tuesday we got a media referal for a couple, Moises and Julia. We went to go visit them and taught Moises. He is from Brazil but speaks pretty good English. Then we set up a return appointment with him and his wife. We went back on Thursday and taught them both and watched the Restoration DVD. It went really well. She had some great questions that have to deal with the creation and who "we" and "us" are in the creation story in Genesis. She said that no one has been able to give her a satisfactory answer. We promised that we could and set up another time (today). Bro. Egan is coming with us (he served his mission in Brazil) so that'll be really fun. Then ealier in the week, we were tracting and found another new investigator from Korea. We went over again on Sat and taught her. She has a pretty crazy religious background. She attends the Baptist church, studies the Bible at the Lutheran church, but has a hard time believing in God and Christ, and to top it all off, now she is meeting with us. Problem is though, that she doesn't speak English very well. We think there is a Korean in our ward, so we're going to call her and see if she can come with us this week.
On Thursday we drove to St. Louis for Zone Leader Council (ZLC) on Friday. Its always a great experience and the spirit is always strong there. We stayed over with the McCords (Elder Taylor was one of the first missionaries to live with them) and then went and saw James and MacKenzie (Elder Taylor first got the missionaries in their door and I was one of the ones to see her baptized). It was great to be there and see them still strong in the gospel. She was joking how she will have to drag him into the Celestial Kingdom, haha. Anyway, this transfer is going to be really good. We have three new missionaries to the zone and one straight from the MTC.
Mom-tell Jared hi for me. Yes I got the pants and they were the right ones, thanks. My birthday? When have I ever known what I wanted. Maybe a few ties? or a CD or two (or you could just put it on my ipod. Pres Briggs said they're OK. If you do, I'd need my speakers and some kind of car jack).
Dad-sounds like you've got a lot on your plate. Have fun for me and get some pics. I'll talk to Bro. Egan tonight while he's with us to see what he's got.
Josh-good luck on everything. Sounds like your super activity will be lots of fun.
Anyway, this transfer the mission is working on becoming a divine companionship. Its based off a training from Elder Holland during a mission president seminar. He talks about the ultimate divine companionship of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Then he goes on to say how the Holy Ghost needs to be the Senior companion in our companionships. Its really good and a great thing to work on.
I forgot about this experience that happened.
We went to see an investigator that we have. She wants to be baptized but is living with the father of two of her children. He isn't a very good guy and her and her family are in a poor situation. So, we go over to teach her and she is having a really bad day because of some things that have been going on. Her kids are very undisciplined and unrespectful (the oldest is eight). And on this particuar day there was not a good spirit in the home. We were there for a while trying to help (we did a little) but we left really up tight and contentious. Then we went to our dinner appointment with Sis. Honovi So we go over there (Hollie, Jerry, Grandma Edie, and a nonmember were there too) and right as we come in, Jerry brings us some water. The spirit that was there was so amazing. To see the difference between a home were the spirit is in abundance and a home where it isn't even present, is night and day.
The gospel is true,
Love you lots,
Elder Egan
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Big Smile on My Face
Its been another great week in Columbia!
Transfers were last night. Elder Taylor and I will be staying together. It will probably be his last transfer here. He's been here going on seven and a half months and he goes home in June. I'm glad he's staying though because I'm not ready to take over quite yet. There are only a few changes happening in the zone. Elder Westfall is going to train again and Elder Lefler is coming to Columbia. He is the only Elder from my MTC district that I haven't served around yet, so I'm pretty excited.
We were on team ups with the Jefferson City Elders this week. We got there for P-Day and left on Tues. But since it's the capital, we took a tour of the capital building. Best part was, is that Pres. Layton (in the mission presidency) works for the Attorney General. The Gov. of Missouri is the old Attorney General and is close to Pres. Layton. So...we got a "VIP" tour. We took the elevator up as high as we could, and walked up a ton of steps. At the top was a really little door. On the other side we realized that we were standing on top of the capital building looking out on the city. It was really neat. Then Pres. Layton took us to his office and the Supreme Court building and took a tour of that. It was a lot of fun and I just had a big smile on my face the whole time, haha.
We've been working with a lady who has gone through a lot in her life. She knows the church is true and wants to be baptized but she is living with her boyfriend. She would have already left but he is the dad of two of her kids. For a long time we were trying to push a separation but it wasn't happening because she would have just gone from one bad situation to another. Then we switched our approach to just having her pray every night with her kids and reading the scriptures, and she has been. Her boyfriend doesnt speak much english and has not been really supportive. But on Sat we were teaching her about temples and he came in at the end and listened for a while. We've also been able to carry on small conversations with him, when before he would barely say hi.
We've also been working with another family. He was excomunicated as a teenager, has a son who is a member, and was just recently remarried. Orignially we were working with him but then we met with his wife this week and she told us how much she loves the church and whatnot. Then she asked "Im not saying I will or anything, but if I would ever want to join your chruch would I have to be rebaptized?" It was amazing. Elder Taylor taught again how the Savior established a church, the apostacy, and restoration. We're seeing them two times a week now to help them out.
Mom-Im still a size 32, despite my eating habits. I also had to buy something from Deseret Book for my scriptures. If anything comes out your way just send it on. It should come to me though.
Dad-I can't believe its already time for conference again. It seems like just yesterday we had it. We can't wait though. It's an amazing opportunity to listen to all the council. While we were in the capital there was a painting of the starting of the Pony Express (since it started out here).
The weather is great out here sunny and warm for the most part. Hope you are having the same.
Love,
Elder Egan
Transfers were last night. Elder Taylor and I will be staying together. It will probably be his last transfer here. He's been here going on seven and a half months and he goes home in June. I'm glad he's staying though because I'm not ready to take over quite yet. There are only a few changes happening in the zone. Elder Westfall is going to train again and Elder Lefler is coming to Columbia. He is the only Elder from my MTC district that I haven't served around yet, so I'm pretty excited.
We were on team ups with the Jefferson City Elders this week. We got there for P-Day and left on Tues. But since it's the capital, we took a tour of the capital building. Best part was, is that Pres. Layton (in the mission presidency) works for the Attorney General. The Gov. of Missouri is the old Attorney General and is close to Pres. Layton. So...we got a "VIP" tour. We took the elevator up as high as we could, and walked up a ton of steps. At the top was a really little door. On the other side we realized that we were standing on top of the capital building looking out on the city. It was really neat. Then Pres. Layton took us to his office and the Supreme Court building and took a tour of that. It was a lot of fun and I just had a big smile on my face the whole time, haha.
We've been working with a lady who has gone through a lot in her life. She knows the church is true and wants to be baptized but she is living with her boyfriend. She would have already left but he is the dad of two of her kids. For a long time we were trying to push a separation but it wasn't happening because she would have just gone from one bad situation to another. Then we switched our approach to just having her pray every night with her kids and reading the scriptures, and she has been. Her boyfriend doesnt speak much english and has not been really supportive. But on Sat we were teaching her about temples and he came in at the end and listened for a while. We've also been able to carry on small conversations with him, when before he would barely say hi.
We've also been working with another family. He was excomunicated as a teenager, has a son who is a member, and was just recently remarried. Orignially we were working with him but then we met with his wife this week and she told us how much she loves the church and whatnot. Then she asked "Im not saying I will or anything, but if I would ever want to join your chruch would I have to be rebaptized?" It was amazing. Elder Taylor taught again how the Savior established a church, the apostacy, and restoration. We're seeing them two times a week now to help them out.
Mom-Im still a size 32, despite my eating habits. I also had to buy something from Deseret Book for my scriptures. If anything comes out your way just send it on. It should come to me though.
Dad-I can't believe its already time for conference again. It seems like just yesterday we had it. We can't wait though. It's an amazing opportunity to listen to all the council. While we were in the capital there was a painting of the starting of the Pony Express (since it started out here).
The weather is great out here sunny and warm for the most part. Hope you are having the same.
Love,
Elder Egan
Friday, March 5, 2010
Time Flies!!
It's been another great week in Columbia!
The baptism went really well. A little scary at first though. We'd forgot to get Jerry a ride to his own baptism, ha ha. We had a really long nite on Friday. We drove to St. Louis to go to the Temple. We did baptisms with some of our recent converts and the youth. Elder Taylor and I were the wittnesses, it was alot of fun and much needed. Our session started late because there was another ward in there, lucky me though because it turned out to be the St. Peters Ward, so I went in and said hi to everyone. It was great to see everyone again.
At Jerry's baptism both his parents came and so did 2 of his friends. We're hoping to start teaching his friends, they live a few houses up, and give his parents phone number to the other Elders.
Sunday was good for me too, except for the fact that we were up at five and didn't go to bed until around one. It was a long day. Other than that it's been a pretty normal week. Transfers are next week, we're not sure what's going to happen. Elder Taylor only has 3 months left and has been a zone leader for 6 months, usually the time to be released, we'll see though.
Mom- Yes I got the package, thanks. Do you think you could send me some new blue suit pants? I wore a hole under the back pocket and I don't think they can be fixed. It's been pretty nice here the past couple days, it was even above 40 for a little bit.
Dad- Sounds like you're staying busy. I haven't been able to talk to Brother Egan much, he's a news reporter and is really busy and on top of that they are changing the ward boundaries and he's changing wards early this month. I'll keep trying though.
Anyway, hope y'all is gonna have a good week.
Love,
Elder Egan
PS I just realized that I've been out 10 months today, wow! Time flies.
The baptism went really well. A little scary at first though. We'd forgot to get Jerry a ride to his own baptism, ha ha. We had a really long nite on Friday. We drove to St. Louis to go to the Temple. We did baptisms with some of our recent converts and the youth. Elder Taylor and I were the wittnesses, it was alot of fun and much needed. Our session started late because there was another ward in there, lucky me though because it turned out to be the St. Peters Ward, so I went in and said hi to everyone. It was great to see everyone again.
At Jerry's baptism both his parents came and so did 2 of his friends. We're hoping to start teaching his friends, they live a few houses up, and give his parents phone number to the other Elders.
Sunday was good for me too, except for the fact that we were up at five and didn't go to bed until around one. It was a long day. Other than that it's been a pretty normal week. Transfers are next week, we're not sure what's going to happen. Elder Taylor only has 3 months left and has been a zone leader for 6 months, usually the time to be released, we'll see though.
Mom- Yes I got the package, thanks. Do you think you could send me some new blue suit pants? I wore a hole under the back pocket and I don't think they can be fixed. It's been pretty nice here the past couple days, it was even above 40 for a little bit.
Dad- Sounds like you're staying busy. I haven't been able to talk to Brother Egan much, he's a news reporter and is really busy and on top of that they are changing the ward boundaries and he's changing wards early this month. I'll keep trying though.
Anyway, hope y'all is gonna have a good week.
Love,
Elder Egan
PS I just realized that I've been out 10 months today, wow! Time flies.
Monday, March 1, 2010
The McCords
This is a picture of the family Jon lived with in his last area....The McCords, and Elder Falkner. I will copy his most recent letter soon, but blogger won't let me copy and paste for some reason, so I'll type it up when I have time:)
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