July 20, 2015
This past week we coordinated with a brother Lloyd in the Lewisville 2nd ward. He home teaches the Bethea family, whose 9 year old daughter Terin is not baptized. We set a baptismal date with her. Terin herself chose the date of August 8!!
The Voyles are progressing step by step. Their baptismal date is set for the second of November and they are sending out wedding invites too! The mission has yearly goals, and where we were previously a bit behind we are picking up, breaking past some goals. I feel happy.
I am excited to see y'all! I am satisfied with my mission, but I must remember that my missionary service to the Lord is not over. I have a lifetime yet to continue in enduring for the sake of my Savior. I love y'all.
Rejoice with y'all in the flesh soon!
-Elder Hunt
Monday, July 20, 2015
I am happy!
July 13, 2015
Well, I don't really have any questions about Japan. I do have many questions for y'all, getting to know you once more. I will love seeing Japan. It is a wonderful and rare opportunity that most people will never get to have.
I feel blessed, that the windows have opened up in heaven and poured out their abundance. The phrase "that there will not be room enough to receive it" painted the mental picture of how we receive all things from the Father, insomuch that we often miss the many miracles we recieve day to day, moment to moment. Even that the very fabric of the universe holds together and provides canvas for space and time and matter to be formed there on is miraculous.
It has been wonderful to me that Christ chose me to represent him full time for two years. I am happy.
Love ya!
-Elder Hunt
Well, I don't really have any questions about Japan. I do have many questions for y'all, getting to know you once more. I will love seeing Japan. It is a wonderful and rare opportunity that most people will never get to have.
I feel blessed, that the windows have opened up in heaven and poured out their abundance. The phrase "that there will not be room enough to receive it" painted the mental picture of how we receive all things from the Father, insomuch that we often miss the many miracles we recieve day to day, moment to moment. Even that the very fabric of the universe holds together and provides canvas for space and time and matter to be formed there on is miraculous.
It has been wonderful to me that Christ chose me to represent him full time for two years. I am happy.
Love ya!
-Elder Hunt
Happy Birthday 'Murica!
July 6, 2015
Hey y'all!
I am sitting here watching Elder Saxey play a card game with a little kid as I type this. Every week on p-day we come to the stake center to play basketball, volleyball and other games. It is great fun and a good way to unwind after a week, especially Sunday, most of which is spent in meetings. I love my mission!
The fourth was good. We originally had no real special plans but a less active family invited us over the day of for dinner of bratwursts and burgers! I am very grateful. In Coppell the 4th is celebrated similarly to RSM where everyone gathers together at the park for a fireworks show, they also had lots of food trucks and other fair booths. Happy birthday 'Murcia.
Frankly I love how late it stays light out in this the "season of light". It makes our job easier- even possible. In the winter times I loathed how it would be pitch black at 6:00pm and people would always say to us "don't y'all think it's a little late to be out?" Our response: "Sir, it's only 7:00!".
I am doing great. Thank you for all your prayers on my behalf, please know I pray for you.
Love ya!
-Elder Hunt
Hey y'all!
I am sitting here watching Elder Saxey play a card game with a little kid as I type this. Every week on p-day we come to the stake center to play basketball, volleyball and other games. It is great fun and a good way to unwind after a week, especially Sunday, most of which is spent in meetings. I love my mission!
The fourth was good. We originally had no real special plans but a less active family invited us over the day of for dinner of bratwursts and burgers! I am very grateful. In Coppell the 4th is celebrated similarly to RSM where everyone gathers together at the park for a fireworks show, they also had lots of food trucks and other fair booths. Happy birthday 'Murcia.
Frankly I love how late it stays light out in this the "season of light". It makes our job easier- even possible. In the winter times I loathed how it would be pitch black at 6:00pm and people would always say to us "don't y'all think it's a little late to be out?" Our response: "Sir, it's only 7:00!".
I am doing great. Thank you for all your prayers on my behalf, please know I pray for you.
Love ya!
-Elder Hunt
Tokyo Temple
June 29, 2015
Dear Family,
I have been really excited to visit the Tokyo temple with y'all. It is the first thing I would like to do with y'all when we reunite. Perhaps we can do some temple baptisms as our family if that is possible? I am glad you are doing well, honestly I can't wait to get to know you again. Emailing has never felt right, there is nothing to replace person-to-person contact.
I love you! Thank you for praying for me. Know that you are in mine.
-Elder Hunt
Dear Family,
I have been really excited to visit the Tokyo temple with y'all. It is the first thing I would like to do with y'all when we reunite. Perhaps we can do some temple baptisms as our family if that is possible? I am glad you are doing well, honestly I can't wait to get to know you again. Emailing has never felt right, there is nothing to replace person-to-person contact.
 |
| Tokyo Temple |
I love you! Thank you for praying for me. Know that you are in mine.
-Elder Hunt
Yaaaaaaah!
June 22, 2015
I love you guys!
I love my companions, they are so great, improving and progressing day by day week by week. I love my district, they are so obedient. I love the new missionaries, the young missionaries- they are so prepared so ready, and don't have any issues upon coming out. I love the old missionaries, they draw upon their experience to help others.
I love my savior, because he first loved me and served me. He has pulled me out of the mires of sin and darkness. He has blessed me with the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He has provided me a way that I might merit that gift at all times. I am thankful to God for all these, and I thank my Father that y'all are my family.
Love ya!
-Elder Hunt
I love you guys!
I love my companions, they are so great, improving and progressing day by day week by week. I love my district, they are so obedient. I love the new missionaries, the young missionaries- they are so prepared so ready, and don't have any issues upon coming out. I love the old missionaries, they draw upon their experience to help others.
I love my savior, because he first loved me and served me. He has pulled me out of the mires of sin and darkness. He has blessed me with the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He has provided me a way that I might merit that gift at all times. I am thankful to God for all these, and I thank my Father that y'all are my family.
Love ya!
-Elder Hunt
I love being with these two great Elders!
June 15, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
Much has come to pass. Tuesday, Elder Saxey and I came up for transfer
meeting. Neither of us were told to pack our bags- only show up. I suspected that we would be combined with another area- and become a threesome. Either Elder Anderson or Elder Garcia- but I didn't know which one. As it turned out we were placed with Elder Anderson, now making us three missionaries in the companionship.
We now cover Coppell first ward, Coppell second ward, and the Lewisville second ward. On top of that- the Lord has blessed us with a car! While driving we have a pretty smooth setup- Elder Saxey carries the Lewisville phone, Elder Anderson carries the Coppell phone and they make and receive calls while I drive us to and from appointments.
On Sunday we have three wards to attend back to back to back and overlapping in their meeting times so we plan on splitting up and going on member exchanges for church! There is much more new than this, however. We became disciples in the digital age, now beginning to use iPads and other technology.
Last Wednesday we had a meeting with President and Sister Taylor- they talked about how to use these technologies that the Lord has inspired for our benefit- to empower us rather than control us. To master it rather than become enslaved to it.
A few things from all this over past weeks is: before using an iPad or computer have a specific reason and purpose for using it, as well as the amount of time you will spend. As companions we all know each other's passcode and we audit each other's devices at least weekly, going through all the apps and storage to ensure complete transparency. Nothing is private, nothing is secret or isolated.
I love being with these two great Elders, we push each other to be better. I love serving the Lord in this capacity. I love that through Jesus Christ's atonement and infinite grace, I can be cleansed from sin that I may invite the Holy Spirit to abide with me. The Lord has never let such a plea go unanswered, and as long as I apply the principles of the Doctrine of Christ he always keeps his promise.
The Lord expounds this principle in D&C 42:14-17. He tells us that as we speak by the Spirit we will speak that which is pleasing to Him. I am thankful for how I and others are changed through this.
I love y'all!
-Elder Hunt
Dear Family and Friends,
Much has come to pass. Tuesday, Elder Saxey and I came up for transfer
meeting. Neither of us were told to pack our bags- only show up. I suspected that we would be combined with another area- and become a threesome. Either Elder Anderson or Elder Garcia- but I didn't know which one. As it turned out we were placed with Elder Anderson, now making us three missionaries in the companionship.
We now cover Coppell first ward, Coppell second ward, and the Lewisville second ward. On top of that- the Lord has blessed us with a car! While driving we have a pretty smooth setup- Elder Saxey carries the Lewisville phone, Elder Anderson carries the Coppell phone and they make and receive calls while I drive us to and from appointments.
On Sunday we have three wards to attend back to back to back and overlapping in their meeting times so we plan on splitting up and going on member exchanges for church! There is much more new than this, however. We became disciples in the digital age, now beginning to use iPads and other technology.
Last Wednesday we had a meeting with President and Sister Taylor- they talked about how to use these technologies that the Lord has inspired for our benefit- to empower us rather than control us. To master it rather than become enslaved to it.
A few things from all this over past weeks is: before using an iPad or computer have a specific reason and purpose for using it, as well as the amount of time you will spend. As companions we all know each other's passcode and we audit each other's devices at least weekly, going through all the apps and storage to ensure complete transparency. Nothing is private, nothing is secret or isolated.
I love being with these two great Elders, we push each other to be better. I love serving the Lord in this capacity. I love that through Jesus Christ's atonement and infinite grace, I can be cleansed from sin that I may invite the Holy Spirit to abide with me. The Lord has never let such a plea go unanswered, and as long as I apply the principles of the Doctrine of Christ he always keeps his promise.
The Lord expounds this principle in D&C 42:14-17. He tells us that as we speak by the Spirit we will speak that which is pleasing to Him. I am thankful for how I and others are changed through this.
I love y'all!
-Elder Hunt
Sunday, June 14, 2015
New Companions!
June 8, 2015
Hola!
So I found out today that one of my previous companions had to go home. He had some health issues that couldn't be treated out here. Today we got transfer calls, neither Elder Saxey nor I am being moved out of Lewisville 2nd ward yet we were asked to come to transfer meeting tomorrow. We suspect we will be combined with another area in the zone and be in a trio (three companions, us plus another elder) for the next 6 weeks. We will find out tomorrow.
The whole mission is downsizing, with many missionaries leaving during the past three months and the next three months. A spanish speaking companionship that lived just down the street that we work closely with is in the same boat as us.
A week ago we had a whole-mission training. The brethren have determined that our mission will use ipads in our proselyting efforts so we had training not about using the ipads, but on the gospel - living obediently, using technology to empower us and not control us. It was an excellent training given by Elder Nielson of the Seventy and Elder Wells.
After the training, we had a mission-wide 5k run. I was just hoping to do decently given how little training I had been able to do. I ended up doing fine, Elder Sorensen, Elder Witkowski (two of my previous companions!) and I ran in a pack for a while till Elder Sorensen pulled ahead, Elder Witkowski fell a bit behind and I was left to chase Elder Sorensen, who finished a bit ahead of me. We did exceedingly well and I was pleased enough with how I ran (though by Trabuco Hills XC standards we were still awfully slow). It has been warming up here in Dallas. The constant rains and storms have ceased and we now enjoy slowly climbing temperatures, this week rising from low 90s to mid to high 90s, not quite hitting that 100 mark yet.
Hola!
So I found out today that one of my previous companions had to go home. He had some health issues that couldn't be treated out here. Today we got transfer calls, neither Elder Saxey nor I am being moved out of Lewisville 2nd ward yet we were asked to come to transfer meeting tomorrow. We suspect we will be combined with another area in the zone and be in a trio (three companions, us plus another elder) for the next 6 weeks. We will find out tomorrow.
 |
| This is Graham with Elder Saxey on the left and Elder Anderson in the middle. This is the new three some! |
A week ago we had a whole-mission training. The brethren have determined that our mission will use ipads in our proselyting efforts so we had training not about using the ipads, but on the gospel - living obediently, using technology to empower us and not control us. It was an excellent training given by Elder Nielson of the Seventy and Elder Wells.
After the training, we had a mission-wide 5k run. I was just hoping to do decently given how little training I had been able to do. I ended up doing fine, Elder Sorensen, Elder Witkowski (two of my previous companions!) and I ran in a pack for a while till Elder Sorensen pulled ahead, Elder Witkowski fell a bit behind and I was left to chase Elder Sorensen, who finished a bit ahead of me. We did exceedingly well and I was pleased enough with how I ran (though by Trabuco Hills XC standards we were still awfully slow). It has been warming up here in Dallas. The constant rains and storms have ceased and we now enjoy slowly climbing temperatures, this week rising from low 90s to mid to high 90s, not quite hitting that 100 mark yet.
Whew...
Well, that's a bit of what's going on. Hope y'all are staying strong.
I love you.
I love you.
-Elder Hunt
Remembering Him
June 1, 2015
Hey,
Just wanted to say that I'm doing well. The weather is warming up here too!
Hey,
Just wanted to say that I'm doing well. The weather is warming up here too!
I was reading in Mosiah chapter 1 where King Benjamin is teaching his sons. In verses 4 and 5 he talks about how the scriptures were used to remind the parents of the commandments of the Lord, so that they can continue to keep them and teach them to their children. In chapter 18 of 3rd Nephi, the Lord gives the sacrament so that the Nephites might always remember Him. So much of what the Lord gives us helps us to not be distracted and remember him. I am glad to say that the Voyles are doing well, I feel because of this principle. I had some concerns but the Lord came through.
Love y'all!
-Elder Hunt
Eternal Family
May 25, 2015
Hello!
This week has been rather swell, if I can use that word. We continue to be pummeled by storm and rain. We no longer pay any heed to flood warnings.
One of our families came to church this past Sunday and we were blessed with an excellent sacrament meeting with speakers who taught with power and meaning, inviting the spirit to join the congregation. We shall see how the Wells family will commit and keep commitments from now- I have good hope for them.
Two other people also came to church to hear Sister Hurley speak and she did an excellent job indeed. With the Voyles, we are seeing much opposition and it is hard to see them struggle somewhat. Something I have noticed is that even when members of the church who are followers of Christ fall back to old ways, they reap the consequences - and such are always bitter. When people choose to not progress, they can either realise the error of their way and repent or they can deceive themselves into thinking they are fine and happy.
I pray y'all continue to be blessed. Soon we will be reunited. I am so glad to have y'all for eternal family!
Hello!
This week has been rather swell, if I can use that word. We continue to be pummeled by storm and rain. We no longer pay any heed to flood warnings.
One of our families came to church this past Sunday and we were blessed with an excellent sacrament meeting with speakers who taught with power and meaning, inviting the spirit to join the congregation. We shall see how the Wells family will commit and keep commitments from now- I have good hope for them.
Two other people also came to church to hear Sister Hurley speak and she did an excellent job indeed. With the Voyles, we are seeing much opposition and it is hard to see them struggle somewhat. Something I have noticed is that even when members of the church who are followers of Christ fall back to old ways, they reap the consequences - and such are always bitter. When people choose to not progress, they can either realise the error of their way and repent or they can deceive themselves into thinking they are fine and happy.
I pray y'all continue to be blessed. Soon we will be reunited. I am so glad to have y'all for eternal family!
-Elder Hunt
Around the World
May 18, 2015
That's so cool that y'all are so much closer to our family in Australia- I really feel like our family is from around the world. (We enjoyed a visit from Shane's Aunt and Uncle who are from Australia.) Lots of people react quite surprised to hear I'll be returning to Tokyo, Japan after my mission. I was thinking about how y'all would skype our distant family from the states- and we can use that technology to converse from thousands of miles away! It is amazing how blessed we are in these days with all the tools the Lord has given us to bring to pass righteousness.
Hey Y'all!
We, too, had stake conference yesterday. It was well attended with some very good speakers. Thanks for sending the pictures of Brandon. If the other three guys he was with sum up the size of most kids in the area then Brandon is gigantic!
Love ya!
-Elder Hunt
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Amazing!
May 4, 2015
Hey Y'all!
Transfers have had things switched around. Over half of our zone was transferred out! However, Elder Lindquist was sent to Carrolton- the area next to Lewisville! He is with another missionary who has been out 3 months so they are quite the pair!! I am with an Elder Saxey, who has been out six months. He will probably be my last companion- I have only 3 months left now so the members have begun to give me grief about it.
Kieth and Catherine are amazing us- we taught the law of tithing and the law of the fast and they accepted it outright. Now they are seeing opportunities for new jobs and new promotions. Elder Saxey was sick for a few day with strep throat. Because of this I went on a few exchanges with the priests from the ward. It was great and something I plan on doing more of.
Elder Saxey is from Seattle, Washington area. He actually lived in a town called Forks- I didn't know it but apparently that is the town the Twilight series is set in. I am very happy to have him as a companion- he is one of those people that often turns outward and serves others rather than the self.
My family thank you for writing me, thank you for you pictures and words of encouragement. Please know I love you and pray for you often.
Hey Y'all!
Transfers have had things switched around. Over half of our zone was transferred out! However, Elder Lindquist was sent to Carrolton- the area next to Lewisville! He is with another missionary who has been out 3 months so they are quite the pair!! I am with an Elder Saxey, who has been out six months. He will probably be my last companion- I have only 3 months left now so the members have begun to give me grief about it.
Kieth and Catherine are amazing us- we taught the law of tithing and the law of the fast and they accepted it outright. Now they are seeing opportunities for new jobs and new promotions. Elder Saxey was sick for a few day with strep throat. Because of this I went on a few exchanges with the priests from the ward. It was great and something I plan on doing more of.
Elder Saxey is from Seattle, Washington area. He actually lived in a town called Forks- I didn't know it but apparently that is the town the Twilight series is set in. I am very happy to have him as a companion- he is one of those people that often turns outward and serves others rather than the self.
Love ya!
-Elder Hunt
Friday, April 24, 2015
Missions are great!
Hey Y'all!
We had the Vern family over again to church yesterday. They really loved it. Please keep praying for them- that they will have a desire to change for Christ and commit to follow him.
I really want to send y'all some good pictures. I have many but I can't find a wifi network that isn't locked with a password. We have been holding our breath in anticipation of transfers coming up- we don't know what will happen.
I love how much clarity and strength the Gospel of Christ has brought into my life. The Holy Ghost sharpens our minds so that we can penetrate the knots of confusion, deception, and misinformation - getting to the center of subjects many struggle with. Is there a God? Does he have a plan for me? What will happen to me when I die? What will happen to my family when they die? I know that God exists and desires for us to follow his plan for us. As we do so we secure the future of us and our families. I love you guys, there is much to catch up on and much to tell and relate to y'all. Missions are great!
We had the Vern family over again to church yesterday. They really loved it. Please keep praying for them- that they will have a desire to change for Christ and commit to follow him.
I really want to send y'all some good pictures. I have many but I can't find a wifi network that isn't locked with a password. We have been holding our breath in anticipation of transfers coming up- we don't know what will happen.
I love how much clarity and strength the Gospel of Christ has brought into my life. The Holy Ghost sharpens our minds so that we can penetrate the knots of confusion, deception, and misinformation - getting to the center of subjects many struggle with. Is there a God? Does he have a plan for me? What will happen to me when I die? What will happen to my family when they die? I know that God exists and desires for us to follow his plan for us. As we do so we secure the future of us and our families. I love you guys, there is much to catch up on and much to tell and relate to y'all. Missions are great!
Love y'all!
-Elder Hunt
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Alelujah!
April 13, 2015
Y'all have commented in your e-mails to me that you pray often for Elder Lindquist, I and the people we are teaching. Thank you for doing that. Those prayers work! Yesterday a family we are teaching attended church for the first time - Kieth, Catherine, Trinity and Cody! They enjoyed it, even with the un-culturally long church meetings us Mormons have.
They invited us over for dinner afterward too. It has been a very long time since I have had investigators at church. It is exciting and uplifting to work with this family. They have been reading the Book of Mormon, praying, coming to know God's will for them through the Spirit.
I am so blessed to be here at this time, enjoying being a part of our Father in Heaven's work and glory. I have always marveled at how God could do it all himself, it would be easier if he did not involve us. We make mistakes, we sin, we are not perfect in this work. Yet he allows us the chance to help in his work and in the process we grow and we become more like him. The whole purpose of this work is for us. Our progression is the purpose of this work.
The great plan, the creation and fall of man, the sacrifice of His Son and subsequent resurrection, all things that exist are given to us by God to help us improve ourselves. Without all He has done, improving ourselves is impossible. I love him for it. I love y'all too, thank you for your prayers of faith. Thank you for your constant support that flows without ceasing. I love you.
-Elder Hunt
Waaahooo!
April 6, 2015
Hello!
I really enjoyed listening to General Conference. I was inspired to see that rather than wishing and hoping for different circumstances, I can be grateful for all I have been blessed with. I can rejoice in all that my God has blessed me to accomplish.
Bishop Gerald Causee spoke yesterday of how all the prophets of old looked forward to today with great anticipation. They anticipated the many countries the gospel would be preached in, the many temples that would be built, the many members all across the world, and the many missionaries out serving. Just like the Nephites who saw the sign of Christ's birth and only four years later reverted back to their old ways, no longer amazed at a sign or wonder from heaven, I realized I take all the success the Lord has blessed me with on my mission for granted.
Bishop Causee invited us to never tire of discovery and rediscovery of the gospel. In other words- never take the gospel for granted. We have such great opportunities for joy in this life and eternal life in the world to come. We have clarity and understanding on so many topics confusing to the world. We enjoy an eternal perspective that allows us to choose to look unto Christ and find happiness in our hope in his divine atonement.
We enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost, a great gift that allows us to be prompted at all time and in all places to do God's will. We have the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ and all He has done for us. This book is filled with truth and learning that will help us if we receive and apply it. Kevin Pearson invited us to study the Book of Mormon every day, every day, every day. He promised that we would be granted strength to endure through dificult times.
I know that as we pray honestly and sincerly to our Father in Heaven, read diligently from the Book of Mormon, and obey his commandments so that the adversary has no power over us; we will have strength to endure. Simply going to church each week will not be enough. We must take this gospel into our hearts. We must live it individually, and in our family circles. I love y'all and y'all are in my prayers.
Got to go y'all,
Please know I love you.
-E Hunt
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Powerful Lessons
March 30, 2015
Dear Family & Friends,
We have had quite a week. Two main things have happened.
First- we had an amazing training on planning and teaching. They had all the mission leadership go down to meet with two men from the missionary department who taught a new method of teaching/finding to us from the twelve. Apparently the bretheren really want missionaries to teach shorter, more powerful lessons and do less talking. We will go through and present a pamphlet asking questions, inviting people to read text boxes or paragraphs and have them do all the thinking and talking. We basically don't get in the Spirit's way of teaching and testifying. This isn't a complete overhaul of missionary work but is a new tool in our toolbox we can use to find and gather the elect. We have already seen an increase in receptiveness and others feeling the Spirit as we do this.
Second - Unfortunately we have hit some roadbumps with the people we are teaching. Our dificulty is helping them to attend church. We had three families who said they would come yet not one person showed. So that is where we are at.
I love you guys. Have an awesome week!
Love,
Elder Graham Hunt
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Long, Tall Elders
March 23, 2015
Hello All!
As we had transfers this past week, Elder Sorensen was sent to Idabel, Oaklahoma. I am now with an Elder Lindquist. He is very young in the mission. Having played basketball in highschool- he is quite the shot. I hope to learn and improve by learning a few things from him. He is the same height as me- we are both about 6'4 or 6'5ish so the drawback is that people can get kinda intimidated. Talking with ward members in the halls of church yesterday, I felt some people were. The good thing is he is about the same weight too, so we aren't too much Elder altogether!
I love you guys, I hope yall continue to do well!
-Elder Hunt
Hello All!
As we had transfers this past week, Elder Sorensen was sent to Idabel, Oaklahoma. I am now with an Elder Lindquist. He is very young in the mission. Having played basketball in highschool- he is quite the shot. I hope to learn and improve by learning a few things from him. He is the same height as me- we are both about 6'4 or 6'5ish so the drawback is that people can get kinda intimidated. Talking with ward members in the halls of church yesterday, I felt some people were. The good thing is he is about the same weight too, so we aren't too much Elder altogether!
I love you guys, I hope yall continue to do well!
-Elder Hunt
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Transforming Power
March 16, 2015
Hello!
So this past week we found two new people to teach!
The first is Ken. Elder Sorensen was looking through former investigators and he felt prompted to call one person on it. It was Ken who he called. Ken had been meeting with the missionaries a year ago. He had been making changes in his life but some stuff in the past caught up with him and he was sent off to prison for several months. Now released, we were able to get in contact with him and start teaching him again. It has been a blessing to work with him, the spirit has been present in our lessons and he notices it. His wife's name is Amy and they have two children about two and three years old.
We also found JT. JT was contacted by the missionaries two months ago- he was interested and set an appointment with them which fell through. Last Wednesday we were on exchanges and I was with Elder Rimer. We were contacting in an apartment complex and it was getting to be time for us to go. I felt we should do one more section before we moved on. On the third floor we met JT. He let us in and we answered his questions and bore our testimonies before agreeing on when we could come back.
It is cool to see the Lord using both of us as tools to find people.
I do have some news- we found out this morning that Elder Sorensen is to be transfered. We are both sad to have this happen, but I know that Elder Sorensen is needed elsewhere and has much good to accomplish. I know this is Christ's work we are learning and doing.
Following the Spirit's promptings to use the atonement on the mission is an amazing vehicle for conversion- taking immature young men like us and giving us purpose, helping us to develop maturity, allowing us to work through God's grace to merit the Spirit in all aspects of our work and lives. It transforms people. Then we get to go out and share that transforming power with every single person we pass by. Pretty good deal.
I love you guys, I hope you feel my prayers for you because I really feel y'alls prayers for me.
-Elder Hunt
Hello!
So this past week we found two new people to teach!
The first is Ken. Elder Sorensen was looking through former investigators and he felt prompted to call one person on it. It was Ken who he called. Ken had been meeting with the missionaries a year ago. He had been making changes in his life but some stuff in the past caught up with him and he was sent off to prison for several months. Now released, we were able to get in contact with him and start teaching him again. It has been a blessing to work with him, the spirit has been present in our lessons and he notices it. His wife's name is Amy and they have two children about two and three years old.
We also found JT. JT was contacted by the missionaries two months ago- he was interested and set an appointment with them which fell through. Last Wednesday we were on exchanges and I was with Elder Rimer. We were contacting in an apartment complex and it was getting to be time for us to go. I felt we should do one more section before we moved on. On the third floor we met JT. He let us in and we answered his questions and bore our testimonies before agreeing on when we could come back.
It is cool to see the Lord using both of us as tools to find people.
I do have some news- we found out this morning that Elder Sorensen is to be transfered. We are both sad to have this happen, but I know that Elder Sorensen is needed elsewhere and has much good to accomplish. I know this is Christ's work we are learning and doing.
Following the Spirit's promptings to use the atonement on the mission is an amazing vehicle for conversion- taking immature young men like us and giving us purpose, helping us to develop maturity, allowing us to work through God's grace to merit the Spirit in all aspects of our work and lives. It transforms people. Then we get to go out and share that transforming power with every single person we pass by. Pretty good deal.
I love you guys, I hope you feel my prayers for you because I really feel y'alls prayers for me.
-Elder Hunt
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Dynamic Change
March 9, 2015
Elder Sorensen and I have seen quite a bit of dynamic change. We are now working with another family: the Clarks. We met with them with the Mackillops (church family) and had a great lesson with them. We continue to meet with the Allens but Martin has hit some roadbumps. There are more people than this but I will ask y'all to say a prayer for the Clarks, Allens and Martin.
I have been pondering about how throughout my entire mission I have had good times and bad, like a cycle of darkness and light. I have always wanted to just be fine all the time, and not "backslide"- ever. God has taught me that just as the sun rises and falls, with daylight and dark night, we too shall have these seasons till we are perfected in Christ.
One purpose of these spiritual days and nights is explained well in another analogy- spiritual pruning. As we grow and progress, we may grow in a way that is incorrect. We have sins and on top of those sins, imperfections. When we have those dark nights two things happen: 1. We realize our sins. and 2. We rely more upon God.
Just as when you put anything under pressure and stress, like a chain being pulled, a tree in a whirlwind or an athlete in intense competition, those parts not as strong or resilient crack under pressure. You see a link bursting, a tree falling, or a bad pass by an (American) football quarterback. After the weakness shows, we know how to best strengthen ourselves, whether it be strengthening the chain link, growing stronger and deeper roots or practicing passing a ball.
Spiritually, God shows us through our faults and actions where we must improve. Like a rosebush cut back (which is not very beautiful), it is necessary to prune or cut away the bad and unnecessary growth so the plant can grow back all the more beautiful. Moreover, now that we are humbled by our weakness and hour of difficulty we turn to God, and (hopefully) place ourselves in a position to follow his council and guidance as we draw upon his strength. This allows Him to guide our growth until we become prideful or complacent, or loose the Spirit through sin or any other way we distance ourselves from Him.
So long as we accept his pruning and continue to cultivate faith in Christ, repent of our sins, turn our will to align with His, partake of the sacrament weekly remembering Christ always, we will become perfected in our life long process. If we can live worthy to have His Spirit abide always within us and stick with Him, not falling away nor choosing other paths, we can through His help blossom as a beautiful rose bush, robust in size, vibrant in color, sharp in thorns, deep in root and broad in leaf.
Without His pruning, we cannot develop into all that He wants us to be. Wild rosebushes just don't grow into the same material that beautiful plants hand tended by master gardeners become. Yet do not forget that without the plant growing steadily, day by day the process would be equally impossible.
I wish I could talk on this further but I have run out of time- Know that I know that Jesus Christ died for our sins, that He does not desire for us to be chained down by sin, slaves to iniquity. He will make us free so that freely we may choose to follow Him. His path is the path that will lead to happiness in this life and Eternal Life in the world to come.
-Elder Graham Hunt
Elder Sorensen and I have seen quite a bit of dynamic change. We are now working with another family: the Clarks. We met with them with the Mackillops (church family) and had a great lesson with them. We continue to meet with the Allens but Martin has hit some roadbumps. There are more people than this but I will ask y'all to say a prayer for the Clarks, Allens and Martin.
I have been pondering about how throughout my entire mission I have had good times and bad, like a cycle of darkness and light. I have always wanted to just be fine all the time, and not "backslide"- ever. God has taught me that just as the sun rises and falls, with daylight and dark night, we too shall have these seasons till we are perfected in Christ.
One purpose of these spiritual days and nights is explained well in another analogy- spiritual pruning. As we grow and progress, we may grow in a way that is incorrect. We have sins and on top of those sins, imperfections. When we have those dark nights two things happen: 1. We realize our sins. and 2. We rely more upon God.
Just as when you put anything under pressure and stress, like a chain being pulled, a tree in a whirlwind or an athlete in intense competition, those parts not as strong or resilient crack under pressure. You see a link bursting, a tree falling, or a bad pass by an (American) football quarterback. After the weakness shows, we know how to best strengthen ourselves, whether it be strengthening the chain link, growing stronger and deeper roots or practicing passing a ball.
Spiritually, God shows us through our faults and actions where we must improve. Like a rosebush cut back (which is not very beautiful), it is necessary to prune or cut away the bad and unnecessary growth so the plant can grow back all the more beautiful. Moreover, now that we are humbled by our weakness and hour of difficulty we turn to God, and (hopefully) place ourselves in a position to follow his council and guidance as we draw upon his strength. This allows Him to guide our growth until we become prideful or complacent, or loose the Spirit through sin or any other way we distance ourselves from Him.
So long as we accept his pruning and continue to cultivate faith in Christ, repent of our sins, turn our will to align with His, partake of the sacrament weekly remembering Christ always, we will become perfected in our life long process. If we can live worthy to have His Spirit abide always within us and stick with Him, not falling away nor choosing other paths, we can through His help blossom as a beautiful rose bush, robust in size, vibrant in color, sharp in thorns, deep in root and broad in leaf.
Without His pruning, we cannot develop into all that He wants us to be. Wild rosebushes just don't grow into the same material that beautiful plants hand tended by master gardeners become. Yet do not forget that without the plant growing steadily, day by day the process would be equally impossible.
I wish I could talk on this further but I have run out of time- Know that I know that Jesus Christ died for our sins, that He does not desire for us to be chained down by sin, slaves to iniquity. He will make us free so that freely we may choose to follow Him. His path is the path that will lead to happiness in this life and Eternal Life in the world to come.
-Elder Graham Hunt
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Faith and Prayers
March 3, 2015
Would I be able to ask yall for some help? In Mosiah chapter 27, Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah are going about seeking to destroy the church of God. As they traveled about an angel appeared to them, in their astonishment they fell to the earth, and the angel spake to Alma saying, "Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people. And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith."
Because of the prayers of the righteous (and I personally feel Alma the elder and Mosiah had done all they could do to try to bring their sons to rightousness) God arranged for experiences to bring about the true conversion of Alma and the sons of Mosiah.
Alma the younger, after this powerful experience of converting to Christ, teaches this same principle. In Alma 6:6 "...the children of God were commanded that they should gatherer themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God."
This principle that the Book of Mormon prophets of old taught still stands today. We have been going to the members of our ward and inviting them to join us in mighty prayer for the Allens and Martin. Both have their concerns and reservations, but there is something I learned from Alma 23:14. I call it the testimony of the lone Amalekite. When the sons of Mosiah and others went to preach the gospel to the Lamanites and Nephite dissenters they converted many Lamanites with much success.
Alma and Amulek and others went to the Zoramites to preach as well, similarly with good success. But of the Amalekites and Amulonites, hardened and wicked dissenters from the people of God, only one Amalekite was converted. Think about the opposition this individual must have faced. Family opposition, community opposition, and much more worked against the conversion of these two peoples, yet even then it was still possible to come unto Christ. The testimony of this one person stands as a witness that no matter where we come from or what we have done, it is always possible to repent.
True conversion brings true commitment to Christ. On my mission I have seen people that allow the littlest excuse or difficulty keep them from church, such that really anything will keep them from coming unto Christ. Others remain fathful no matter the adversity or difficult circumstances, such that nothing can keep them from coming unto Christ. The difference is the depth of a person's conversion, or complete lack therof. I know that no matter what happens, if we choose so we can overcome anything in the name of our Lord. So please pray for the true conversion of Martin and the Allen family, and we will rely on God's grace after all we can do.
Love you guys!
-Elder Hunt
Because of the prayers of the righteous (and I personally feel Alma the elder and Mosiah had done all they could do to try to bring their sons to rightousness) God arranged for experiences to bring about the true conversion of Alma and the sons of Mosiah.
Alma the younger, after this powerful experience of converting to Christ, teaches this same principle. In Alma 6:6 "...the children of God were commanded that they should gatherer themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God."
This principle that the Book of Mormon prophets of old taught still stands today. We have been going to the members of our ward and inviting them to join us in mighty prayer for the Allens and Martin. Both have their concerns and reservations, but there is something I learned from Alma 23:14. I call it the testimony of the lone Amalekite. When the sons of Mosiah and others went to preach the gospel to the Lamanites and Nephite dissenters they converted many Lamanites with much success.
Alma and Amulek and others went to the Zoramites to preach as well, similarly with good success. But of the Amalekites and Amulonites, hardened and wicked dissenters from the people of God, only one Amalekite was converted. Think about the opposition this individual must have faced. Family opposition, community opposition, and much more worked against the conversion of these two peoples, yet even then it was still possible to come unto Christ. The testimony of this one person stands as a witness that no matter where we come from or what we have done, it is always possible to repent.
True conversion brings true commitment to Christ. On my mission I have seen people that allow the littlest excuse or difficulty keep them from church, such that really anything will keep them from coming unto Christ. Others remain fathful no matter the adversity or difficult circumstances, such that nothing can keep them from coming unto Christ. The difference is the depth of a person's conversion, or complete lack therof. I know that no matter what happens, if we choose so we can overcome anything in the name of our Lord. So please pray for the true conversion of Martin and the Allen family, and we will rely on God's grace after all we can do.
Love you guys!
-Elder Hunt
Ride Hard, Have Fun, Honour God
February 24, 2015
Well, we have had an ice storm blow in last night and today- there has been freezing rain. I am a bit disappointed because it has been a rather wimpy ice storm, however it has made things difficult. The bad part is that it got above freezing today and the ice melted and is now re-freezing on us. Tomorow morning more freezing rain is expected so we will see what happens. Don't worry, Madre I am completely safe and warm and dry and the clothing and gear I came out with is plenty enough to keep me warm through it all.
We went on excellent exchanges this past week. I was with an Elder Schow and Elder Sorensen with an Elder Powell and we had great learning experiences. Elder Sorensen and I have realized a pattern: When we go out and talk to everyone we see and throw ourselves into the work we can turn bad days into good ones. Talking to people and sharing this gospel makes me feel good, and I love that. I love you all too, and pray for you and hope for the best for y'all. Elder Sorensen and I have been striving to pray more often- we have seen a new spirit come into the work with doing so.
Back in Henderson, there was a "cowboy church" (cowboy themed church) called Bar None Cowboy Church. They had a billboard up with their slogan: "Ride hard, Have fun, Honour God." Elder Witkowski and I thought it was hillarious- but now that I am on a bike it is very appropriate to what we are doing.
Love Y'all!!!
-Elder Hunt
Well, we have had an ice storm blow in last night and today- there has been freezing rain. I am a bit disappointed because it has been a rather wimpy ice storm, however it has made things difficult. The bad part is that it got above freezing today and the ice melted and is now re-freezing on us. Tomorow morning more freezing rain is expected so we will see what happens. Don't worry, Madre I am completely safe and warm and dry and the clothing and gear I came out with is plenty enough to keep me warm through it all.
We went on excellent exchanges this past week. I was with an Elder Schow and Elder Sorensen with an Elder Powell and we had great learning experiences. Elder Sorensen and I have realized a pattern: When we go out and talk to everyone we see and throw ourselves into the work we can turn bad days into good ones. Talking to people and sharing this gospel makes me feel good, and I love that. I love you all too, and pray for you and hope for the best for y'all. Elder Sorensen and I have been striving to pray more often- we have seen a new spirit come into the work with doing so.
Back in Henderson, there was a "cowboy church" (cowboy themed church) called Bar None Cowboy Church. They had a billboard up with their slogan: "Ride hard, Have fun, Honour God." Elder Witkowski and I thought it was hillarious- but now that I am on a bike it is very appropriate to what we are doing.
Love Y'all!!!
-Elder Hunt
Family History Fan
February 17, 2015
Hello Family,
Thank you so much for those stories of my ancestors. I remember when you had me go to the temple for Sydney Whittingham and you told me a little bit about him and his story. Thank you for taking the time to send me quality family history. I have been a bit doubtful with using family history for missionary work, but as I read about Sydney and Issac Hunt, I felt the Holy Ghost give that good feeling. I feel that this approach to missionary work will open up doors for people to choose to progress in their journey to follow Christ. Because of this I can put my faith and trust in this directive from the mission.
I love you Madre, Fadre and Brandon. We are so blessed to have each other, to be sealed, to be blessed by God with his priesthood power. It is a wonderful thing to be out here sharing that blessing and so many other blessings with everyone around me. This is the place the Lord needs me, and the place I need and want to be.
Love,
-Elder Hunt
Hello Family,
Thank you so much for those stories of my ancestors. I remember when you had me go to the temple for Sydney Whittingham and you told me a little bit about him and his story. Thank you for taking the time to send me quality family history. I have been a bit doubtful with using family history for missionary work, but as I read about Sydney and Issac Hunt, I felt the Holy Ghost give that good feeling. I feel that this approach to missionary work will open up doors for people to choose to progress in their journey to follow Christ. Because of this I can put my faith and trust in this directive from the mission.
I love you Madre, Fadre and Brandon. We are so blessed to have each other, to be sealed, to be blessed by God with his priesthood power. It is a wonderful thing to be out here sharing that blessing and so many other blessings with everyone around me. This is the place the Lord needs me, and the place I need and want to be.
Love,
-Elder Hunt
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Happy in Lewisville
February 10, 2015
Dear Friends and Family,
Last Tuesday I was transferred to Lewisville,TX. It is right on the border of our mission (again, seems they love to do this to me) and it is very similar to Frisco and Plano where I served before.
My new companion is Elder Sorensen, from Fillmore, Utah and he has been on his mission for three months - soon to be four. Our ward mission leader is Brother Larsen, who I formerly knew as Elder Larsen, the Texas Dallas Mission vehicle coordinator. The man who called y'all to let y'all know where I am is Brother Loschen, one very dedicated ward missionary.
We are on bikes here in this area which I am glad of. Coming back into the metroplex reminds me once again that Dallas is not Texas but a piece of California that was picked up and dropped right next to Fort Worth. Yesterday at church many ward members reacted in many different ways once they heard me talk!
Last night we had the great blessing of teaching Tristan and Isabelle, both friends of a girl in this ward. They both have come to church in our ward many times and both are very interested in learning more. However, they both live in the Fort Worth mission so we will be having them get in contact with those missionaries and have them taught by the proper missionaries. Nevertheless, they are both prepared and received the lesson very well.
Our mission is begining an initative to focus on family history work as a way to bring less actives back to activity, keep our converts, and hastening the gathering of the elect. We have been asked as part of this to ask y'all (my family) for any stories, photos, or other family history y'all know. Turning our hearts to our ancestors helps people think on an eternal perspective, not just here and now. Using this will add power and meaning to our teaching of the doctrine of eternal families and temple work. So if yall have any interisting stories, names, photos yall could share with me that would help immensely!
I am so happy to be here in Lewisville - this is where I need to be right now! I hope that each one of y'all are happy where you are. God leads us and guides us so that we can do good and bring to pass much righteousness - as long as we are willing to follow his direction. Even a flat tire on a bike or a car can lead to you meeting people you can uplift or share the gospel with. Difficult cirumstances or frustrating setbacks can lead to spiritual growth if we work to over come them. No matter what happens, the Lord has promised that all things shall be for our benefit.
Love,
-Elder Hunt
Monday, February 9, 2015
A Jewel in the Crown of Blessings
February 3, 2015
Hello,
Hello,
This Monday morning I found out that I will be transferred tomorrow morning. I do not find out where I am being transferred to or who I will be companions with until tomorrow morning. I am sad to leave Henderson, I feel as if I just arrived here and now I am so soon leaving it behind. I will miss Elder Witkowski - he has been an excellent companion.
If it were up to me I would that I might stay longer, but the Lord has more wisdom than I. Wherever I have found myself, whatever has happened to me, all things have been for my benefit as long as I learn from them. I know that the missionary the Lord brings into Henderson is who is needed at this time, and I too am now needed elsewhere. So long as I can continue in doing God's will, it doesn't matter where He sends me.
I'll admit when I opened up my mission call to Texas it took me off guard. I wasn't exactly excited at the prospect of spending two years in Dallas. It was rather ignorant and immature of me to feel that way; serving here has been a jewel in the crown of blessings God has placed upon my head.
Over the past two weeks Elder Witkowski and I have seen many miracles, events that many would dismiss as coincidence or luck. I know that we have been led by the hand of God. Elder Witkowski and I have a solid investigator now! He is a man by the name of Matthew, who has kept the commitment to read and seek God's direction in regard to the Book of Mormon. It is amazing to see the Spirit of God work in the hearts of people, but there are many outside pressures against those promptings. Matthew nearly didn't meet with us last Saturday and was about to send us away, but changed his mind. We were able to meet and Elder Witkowski was able to share his perspective and some of his story as a convert from Catholicism. Truly this is the Lord's work, for without the Holy Spirit it would be impossible.
Yesterday at church was a wonderful experience for me, especially now given that I know I will be leaving. Several people bore testimony who never had before. One of the youth bore his testimony and invited the other youth to also bear testimony, saying that it wasn't only for adults. In gospel principles class we taught about the fast and fasting with a purpose. One of the sisters had never even heard of fasting with a purpose! We have been having wayside members coming back to activity - slowly.
All in all it's just like you taught me, Fadre: "leave it better than you found it."
I am so grateful for all I have learned here in Henderson, I am so glad of all the Lord has taught me on my mission. Now I must be changed by it. It is easy to hear of Christ and see His influence and understand His Gospel but how about go and become like Christ? I'm still working on it and will be, until God tells me I am perfected in Christ, having any particle of desire for sin uprooted out of me. I write boldly on this computer but the man typing these words is just a nineteen year old kid.
I could not amount to such aspirations on my own. It is impossible, I have many weaknesses and faults to overcome. Nevertheless I know that through my Savior, Lord, and Redeemer all of humanity can be changed, transformed from evil to righteousness and from hate to love. We can't change others but we can with Jesus' grace and atonement change ourselves- and just as a softer metal cannot cut a harder metal, we must become strong in the faith of Christ for God to use us as a tool in His hands to help shape or influence others. We must first be changed to change others. That is completely within our power to accomplish. So it all starts with you and me. And that's why I feel I need to follow Jesus Christ.
My family I love you,
Elder Hunt
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Being Sanctified
January 26, 2014
Dear Family and Friends,
I want to take the opportunity to share what I have been learning.
I have been caught up with the word and concept of Sanctified and Sanctification for what feels like a few weeks now. Thought I would share a little of what I have learned.
In 3 Nephi 27:20 the Savior says, "Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day."
Jesus here challenges us to change what we want and what we do. He invites us by a commandment to repent, to be baptized and to get the gift of the Holy Ghost. If we choose to follow Him, and do as He says we shall be sanctified by getting the Holy ghost. It is when the Holy Ghost is in our heart and we have God's spirit with us. God no longer views the bad things we do- but we are clean from sin as a white shirt is cleaned from a stain when it is washed. (see Isaiah 1:18) That is what it means to be sanctified. If you have been baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by someone holding the authority to do so, you were sanctified at that time. Each week we have opportunity to renew, again make our agreement with God to follow his Son. The way is to partake or participate in the sacrament each week.
In 3 Nephi 18:6-7 the Savior says, "And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you. And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you."
If we always have the Holy Ghost with us, we are always sanctified! If we are always sanctified, we stand spotless and without any sin before God now and at the last day.
In 3 Nephi 27:22 Christ instructs, "Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day."
We are taught in D&C 133:62, "And unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth himself before the Lord shall be given eternal life."
Eternal life is to live with God in heaven forever! This is the greatest gift God can give us! Jesus showed us the way-- If we will obey God's will, be baptized and each week partake of the sacrament, continuing to repent and forsake our sins we will have that ultimate goal. Next time you take the sacrament at church, remember how important what you are doing is, and take it as a commitment to follow Christ better than you have previously. I know that if we will continue to improve little by little, we will look back and be astonished at what we have achieved.
-Elder Hunt
Friday, January 23, 2015
The Parable of the Four-Wheel Drive Truck
January 19, 2014
Hey Y'all!
Pretty good week here.
Last Tuesday we went on exchanges with Elders Erickson and Rodriguez from Nacogdoches (an hour south of Henderson). They are Spanish missionaries, so I got to really brush up on my Spanish! I am glad to say I held my own and for the most part was able to tell generally what was being said, albeit able to contribute not much.
Nacogdoches county's roads are pretty bad so Elders Erickson and Rodriguez have a truck with four-wheel drive. Turned out well that we had it. I was with Elder Rodriguez who is from El Salvador and has no American drivers licence so I was driving. I had parked the truck off to the side of a rather shoddy road while he was talking on the phone with the Ward Mission Leader. Dirt rain ditches ran the entire length of the road and it had rained a few days prior.
After he finished, I put the vehicle into drive and started forward only to have the truck move sideways rather than forward! Our right side wheels were both in the ditch in the mud and the truck was stuck; pushing the pedal did nothing for us. Elder Rodriguez pushed a button that initiated four-wheel drive but driving straight back out was still impossible. So I drove into the ditch to level out the wheels then powered out of the mess. Then we were free - the truck was very muddy but nonetheless free!
Jesus Christ rode the good road. While His way is not always the easiest or most popular, His is the way to return to live with our Heavenly Father. All the parts and appendages of His gospel are the roadmaps, GPS units, spare tires, and gas cans needed to get us there.
Sometimes we get stuck in a ditch. Even when we pull ourselves out, we are still dirty, still filthy. We as children of God can turn from sin, escape it and even put it long behind us, but the mud remains. Only Christ, the purest of all, can cleanse us. Works cannot save us, only His grace. We also, however, cannot remain in our ditch and expect to get to the Kingdom of Heaven. We must, with His help and the help of others around us, pull out. Thus both grace and works combine to change us, sanctify us and bring us home.
During that exchange, Elders Witkowski and Erickson visited the Martinezes, a Mexican family we had found recently. The mother does not speak English and that was a barrier for us until then. They were able to have a great lesson and answer many questions she had. We returned again (Elder Witkowski and I) a couple days later to find they had much family over! Easily 25 people there visiting from Amarillo and Kilgore, all related. We were able to help them clean up Brother Martinezes backyard, answer questions and teach a little bit. Hendy is picking up the pace a bit. We found two more people who want to learn about the gospel - Matthew and Theodis as well as a few other people. We also finally got Brother Crow to church! We had helped him move in a month or two ago and have been working with him ever since, slowly progressing we asked him to give us ride to stake conference up in Longview- and he was excited to go- calling us that morning and telling us we could head up early if we wanted to!
Love Yall!!!!!!!!!
-Elder Hunt
Friday, January 16, 2015
Duck Dynasty
January 13, 2015
Hello,
Today I will debunk some myths about Dallas and Texas. Many people think all Texas is a desert with cactuses and cowboys and such. While this is true of West Texas, East Texas is very green and forested. I think y'all saw that with some of the pictures I sent back when I was in Palestine.
People also think of cowboys when they think of Texas - cowboy hat, flannel shirt, blue jeans, and pointed-toe cowboy boots. Texas in this part here is somewhat different. Being so close to Louisiana, East Texas takes kind of a mix of Texas and Louisiana dress and culture. Stereotypical East Texas dress is a camo hoodie (not army-style camo but hunter camo), an old baseball cap (rounded- not flat bill), jeans (sometimes blue but often other colors of jeans), square-toe cowboy boots (never pointed-toe) and to top it all off- an awesome beard!
Look up the T.V. show Duck Dynasty if you don't already know it. It is extremely popular out here and I've seen more than a few guys walking around rocking that kind of look.
Another thing that kind of surprised me is how Christian it is here. People call Texas the buckle of the Bible belt. "God bless" is a common phrase. Everyone goes to church and I can count on one hand the number of people here in Henderson who have told me they're atheist. Not using that as an expression- it is literally less than five. I can walk into the local Wal-Mart and purchase a t-shirt with verses of Bible scripture on it.
The cowboy look is rare- however if you go into Fort Worth and further west I hear it is very common.
Past week was a bit disappointing for Elder Witkowski and I. But good news is that Elder Witkowski gave a talk in church yesterday and we finally got a gospel principles class! We will be the ones teaching it but that should be fine.
It has been very rainy here for the past two weeks. Thankfully we have not dipped below freezing nor come close to having ice.
I love y'all very much!
-Elder Hunt
Monday, January 5, 2015
Life in Great East Texas is so good!
January 6, 2015
Hi Y'all!
Life in Great East Texas is so good. We are continuing with the "Another Testament" initiative, inviting people to make changes in their lives by following Christ. The Book of Mormon is the crux of that effort, center of our proselyting!
Yesterday was a great day, we spoke to the youth about sharing the Book of Mormon with their friends out of sincerity and a desire to share something that has made a great difference in the lives. We also invited them to gain a strong testimony of the book if they did not already have one. We were asked to train the relief society and that went extremely well.
-Elder Hunt
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