Oh ma famille!
I'm still in Gap! No worries on address changes! What a week! Not much happened and a lot happened at the same time ha ha. I'll get to that in a minute. That's too bad that Dash is not feeling good, poor guy. :( I can't wait to play with him, I hope he doesn't bark at me like crazy when he sees me. Dogs are pretty tranquil here, I get to pet a random dog or cat every once and a while, EVERYONE in France has dogs I feel haha. We contact so many people walking their dogs.
That's fun that you are friends with all my companion's moms now ha ha. Tell Elder Workman's mom thanks ha ha. Oh and tell her that Elder Workman could use some letters! Poor guy has received only a couple since he has been here! He isn't too bummed, but I know he would always like a few more, just from a missionary's perspective of things! Also give a shout out to Elder Bowen's parents. I think Elder Bowen is an amazing Elder, and a great friend! I has so much fun with him! He helped me find lots of confidence as well!
That is really sad to hear about Logan. I didn't know him super well, but I remember talking with him at Highschool, and I believe he was in our stake. What is up with all these young men dying while I have been on my mission. How many, 4? I am so thankful for the Plan of Salvation, what hope there is for families.
Speaking of the Plan of Salvation, we had a great lesson with the family Rubino Tuesday. They had some concerns about it, so we taught it again. We emphasized the Spirit World and how the Gospel is taught in the Spirit World. It is amazing after studying the scriptures, and gospel library how much my understanding of the Plan of Salvation has increased. Take a gander at Docterine and Covenants 138, study it well. It opened my eyes big time. Christ organized missionary work in the Spirit World when he preached the the Righteous, it is the means for all the miserable spirits in Prison to find happiness in the accepting the Gospel and ordinances the WE do for them. The plan of Salvation is PERFECT! I see that now. God truly designed this plan to bring all his children happiness, even for those who die in their sins!
In speaking about the spirit world, Elder Packer said during a talk at the MTC, "Preach My Gospel was written on the other side of the veil and printed here" I believe it. Elder Workman told me he was there for that talk, I wasn't :( Preach My Gospel is perfect, you must study this book as scripture! IT IS SCRIPTURE! PURE REVELATION for our day!
Anyways, at the end of our lesson, they understood better the Plan of Salvation, and their concerns were washed away. It was so edifying! We asked Mr. Rubino, the head of the household to pray. I thought it would be like pulling teeth to ask him, but he surprised me. When I asked him, he just shook his head in agreeance, and got on his knees. You have to understand this man has really bad knees as well. His prayer was beautiful, and the spirit testified to us all of the truthfullness of the Plan.
Afterwards, he asked for a blessing for his knees! Elder Workman anointed him, and I gave the blessing, It is such a blessing to magnify my priesthood. The spirit directed me in which I should say, and I know it was the will of my Father in Heaven. Mr. Rubino has wet eyes after the blessing, he heard what he needed to. Later he told us that night he slept in peace, and without pain :)
I know that this is the Lord's work, and his will be done. Magnifying my priesthood means so much more to me now, I never want to be caught off gaurd! I always want to be prepared! Elder Workman gave his first blessing yesterday as well. He blessed a very old member named Robert Chahinian aka the whistler of Gap. He is in a lot of suffering, and for the last 6 weeks, we have been taking him the Sacrament. Elder Workman had already told me we should give him a blessing, so this week we thought we would ask him. It turns out, he was in desperate need. He asked that Elder Workman give the blessing; you should have seen the look on Elder Workman's face ha ha. I enouraged him, and told him to trust in the spirit. It was a beautiful blessing, and I know the Lord literally uses us as tools to bless his children.
Well I have so much other great stuff I want to tell you, but time is up! I'll get down in my journal for later ;) Speaking of which I'm behind ha ha. Anyways, I love you all, and I think of you all the time! Remember to count your blessings and not only keep the faith, but defend it!
I included some photos! One is of some members we found in Marseille on our way to Beziers, and the other is us standing outside the Gare in Marseille. The other is in a train car, I felt like Harry Potter and wanted to cast a spell ha ha! Then the last is us just being gangstas ha ha. Also I will need to buy a new rasor head for my electric rasor, it costs 30 euros. Sorry, my old one is breaking.
Love you all !!
chou chou GROS BISOUS!!!
Momma and Pappa,
This week was a bit crazy with traveling ha ha! Thursday we left for Aix en Provence, and after District meeting, headed to Marseille at 3:00 PM. Stayed there for a couple hours than headed to Beziers. It was there we stayed with Elder Garlock and Elder Mitchell (the other new missionary). We got there at 8:00 PM OH MY GOSH IT WAS HUMID! I almost couldn't breath, and my skin felt super sticky! I'm so happy it isn't humid in Gap. We ate a kabob planned, and went to bed. Next morning, we worked in Beziers a bit, then we left for Toulouse at 11:30 AM. We arrived in Toulouse about 1:30PM and went to the old Mission office (same place I went to at the beginning of my mission) but now it is a young single adult's center. We did the conference there. Presdient Murdock, Sr Murdock, and the Assistants were there! We stayed with our blues (trainers) and went through a 6 hour training! After we went out to Pizza Hut which was on President's tab! Woop Woop! We stayed the night at the Zone leaders' apartment where I saw Elder Heywood again! It was so good to see him, we hit it off!
Next morning we were back at the old office at 9:00 AM and ate a little breakfast. Right after, we started back up the training for another 6 hours or so. After we hopped back onto a train and headed back to Beziers. With train times and what not, we couldn't really get back to Gap for church on Sunday, so we stayed the night again in Beziers and went to church there. We did a little exchange in Beziers and I worked with Elder Mitchell a bit. We taught a women named Monique at her door; she is black and has cancer. She has a lot of faith. We fixed a rendez-vous for Sunday for the Elder of Beziers to teach her the plan of Salvation. I thought of you momma; I testified of how the Lord will bless in our afflictions, so that we can endure them with a good heart. (Mosiah 24: 13-15) Sunday, we left Beziers after Church at 12:00 PM. We arrived in Marseille again at around 2:00 PM and waited there for a couple hours.
When we were getting off the train in Marseille, I helped a women with her bag. Afterwards we told her what we did as missionaries and testified of the B of M, and she gave us her number.That was cool :) After waiting for two hours, we headed for Gap, and got back at 7:56PM. It felt so good to go home ha. Found out that Mme. Rubino went to church :) and we fixed an appointment with her on Tuesday. Mr. Lissy(an investigator) also left us tomatoes at the church (sweet).
That is the run down of what happened! The conference was great! I learned so much, and felt like I was blue again! I seen a lot of things in a different light. I think it really helped that Elder Didier(one of the assistants) told us to write at the top of our notes, "what will I do in result of this conference" It changes your perspective on what you are learning. You should try that for Sunday reunions, or even general conference that is coming up.
I have learned a lot about accountability as well. I realize that I have a lot more I can give to the Lord. This week, we only had three days to work, and we could have worked harder then we did. At the end of the week we talk with our District Leader, and after talking with him last night I realize that there is so much more I can do. I can't cheat the Lord, no one can. This transfer was really slow, I'm not going to lie. Not slow as in it went by slow, but the work just wasn't like last transfer with Elder Wilcox. We just didn't teach a lot of lessons, or find new investigators. My district leader helped me see that not all missionaries get to go to Gap. This is one of the most difficult cities, and the Lord sends his strongest missionaries here for a reason. There are some elects here, and the Lord has called me to serve here and find them. My attitude has completely changed. I thought I was lost in the work, but more or so, I may have been just going through the motions. I have 11 months.... I agreed to consecrate all my time, thoughts, and efforts to the Lord to bring salvation to His Children. I cannot waste a single second! The Lord called me to do a work here at Gap, and I hope I stay( haven't got the call yet)so I can fulfill this calling. Things are going to change this transfer. The work will MOVE FORWARD IN GAP!!!!!!
I forgot to tell you last week, but I FOUND MY CAMERA! One of our old investigator's ex wife had it. He seen us and told us to call her. We did, sunday I picked it up ha ha. Unfortunetly the photos were erased from the card, but it was for sure my camera! She bought it from someone on the street. Sunday when we went over to her house to get the camera, we blessed their home as well. It was a great feeling. The Lord really does answer our prayers, even for the smallest things! Now I just don't know what to do with the camera. Your advice?
Also our dryer was broke, and miraculously fixed itself this morning :) Oh what joy preaching the Gospel brings! We had an eight legged intruder this week though! It was a HUGE spider!!! We flushed him down the toilet, and you wouldn't believe it, he tried to climb out! Im' convinced he was sent by satan to torment us. Satan's spider! I screamed like a little girl, and Elder Workman came to the rescue!
There is also a photo of us at Sisteron attatched. It's with a big mountain. Look up on the internet the citadel of Sisteron. HMMM.... I think that is all! Tell Jake congradulations, and I think all of you look great! Thank you for the photos! I did get cami's package too. I love you all, and can't wait to hear from you again!
- EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17
-Elder Dusty Petersen
Oh ma famille!
Sorry there wasn't an email yesterday. The email place was closed, and
it is the only place in Gap. Go figure. Today we are at the Library,
but we have a time limit so I gotta be quick! I love seeing all your
beautiful faces! Emma is getting so big! She is such a cute little
girl!
This week passed on right by like I just missed the bus! I can't
believe we are already at the end of the transfer! This week will be a
short week of work in Gap. Thursday we are headed to Aix En Provence
for a district meeting, and after that we have a new missionary
orientation thing for Elder Workman in Toulouse. We won't be getting
back to Gap till late Sunday night. Crazy! I have never been outside
my sector for more than a day! Elder Workman is making a lot of
progress, and it seems to be getting hotter! It is extremely hot here
as well... I would day 90's too. I drink lots of water though! so no
worries!
Yesterday we bought a toaster, that was the cool! The work is...
going. It was funny, we did a door to door yesterday, and there was a
door we knocked on that all the men inside were high on drugs ha ha.
They were stoned. We left them a card and told them that they could
have joy that would last WITHOUT drugs.
Well that's all I have for this week. I'm sorry it is so short, but
I'm afraid that the lady is going to kick me off any second, so I
better go!
My shoes are pretty worn out ha ha, but I'm going to make till January
than buy some at a sale they have each year. If they get terrible
before then, I'll probably buy a pair as soon as possible. I'll let
you know before hand.
Oh I love you all, and I can't wait for the day we can all go to the
temple together again!
Chou Chou, GROS BISOUS!
Family and friends,
Salut! Another week past and a great one at that! Always learning new things, and growing like a tree on steroids!
A lot of good things happened this week! Monday, Elder Workman picked a name on our passback sheet, and we went over the river and through the woods to find this place! There wasn't really a river ha ha, but the woods part is true! They are an Old couple named the Marins. We rang their doorbell, an aged man come out and greeted us into his home. He spoke a little english ha. It turns out that he and his wife have known the missionaries for a long time, almost 15 years! They aren't religous at all, and want almost nothing to do with religion... so they told us the missionaries did lots of service. They actually showed us the stair case that the missionaries helped them build. This couple is a real go gett'em couple too. They carve things out of wood, they work with stone too. Their house is filled with tons of past projects. Cabinets, sculptures, etc... It was a fun half hour with them. They gave us jam and tomatoes(yay!!!) and told us to comeback to do some service another day! What a tender mercy, we have been praying for a service opportunity!
We had a bit of an off morning on Wednesday with a catholic women who wanted to tell us that we weren't Christian.... That made me angry. We had a little discussion, and we left with a handshake, and a good day, however I was kind of upset. We went back to the apartment, I talked it out a bit, prayed, and went back out to work after lunch. The rest of the afternoon, the Lord did nothing but bless us with nice, warm people! Oh how the Lord blesses His missionaries! I think it has to do a lot with the concept of a trial of the faith. The Lord gives us trials, and afterwards He strengthens us in our weaknesses!!! We talked with some very nice people, even a catholic couple who said they admired us and our faith!
We had district meeting again this week, it was really good. Elder Workman and I gave a little talk on the transfer theme: In order to find joy and happiness in this work, we have to..... what we said was " strengthen our faith, and give dedicated service. It went very well. Speaking of Elder Workman, he is doing very well. I see lots of progress, and he works! He sometimes gets frustrated with the language though. I have him making phone calls now, and he does an excellent job. He just doesnt understand sometimes, and it frustrates him! That and the people just don't listen sometimes. They see us and just through up their arms in a manner to tell us they aren't interested. The French are very dramatic, ha ha.
He ate his first escargot too!!!!!! It was hilarious, I had to send you the video! He doesn't like them very much, but he loves kababs ha ha. We will continue that tradition. We are planning to just buy some tubs of ice cream today and downing them too ha ha. Don't worry, we eat healthy ;) you have seen my cooking ;)
We had a person come to church yesterday for the first time too, and we taught him after church!!!!! HE IS GOLDEN!!! His name is Mr. Remy Rebel. He is in his 60's and is searching for more in his life! This is what we have been praying for!!! Keep him in your prayers!
Well that's all for this week! I love you all, and I can't wait to talk to you soon!
-
EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17
Oh ma famille!
Another week come and gone! Time flies when you are serving the Lord! This week was rather good! There are a lot of people gone on vacation though, and a lot of Tourists! Especially from Holland.... Don't ask me why! We did some great work this week, and Elder Workman is making lots of progress! He is a hardworker, and is at least trying to contact everyone! He himself told me that he sees himself understanding words here and there when people talk now, that is good!!! I remember when I made that realization as a blue as well! It starts little by little. Before he knows it he will start to recognize phrases, and understand converstations just from context, and BAM he is one year in the mission and can speak french! ha ha.
I will not hide it, this week was rather difficult. Almost everyone we contacted were on vacation, or where going on vacation told us to contact them in September. All of our investigators headed out on vacation as well. However, we did have a great BBQ with the Family Rubino! I included photos. It was great, it started to rain a little bit, but that didn't stop us! Umbrellas are genious! It was a great night, and their son, David( who is a member) was there as well! It was fun, and I know Elder Workman had a great time! I wish we could have more visits with the members here in Gap so that Elder Workman could build a good relationship and well, have fun! I remember in my blue ville I was blessed with dinner visits about 4 times a week! I was spoiled, and the relationship with the members kept me going!
However, the Lord knows each of us and our needs; He knows mine. Elder Workman will know the meaning of hard work, and satisfactory from doing so. He will become very strong after serving in Gap, and the Lord will prepare him for His Eternal designs. Although our relationship with the members is important, the mission isn't only about dinner at the members' homes! Not to mention that I'm a great cook ;) We eat like KINGS at our apartment ha ha!
Some firsts for Elder Workman this week were:
-1st Kabob!
-1st Patisserie!
-1st lesson at a café
-1st AMAZING P-Day ha ha!!!
-1st dinner appointement with a HALF MEMBER FAMILY!
We taught a sweet lady this week! Her name is Corinne! She is Golden, keep her in your prayers! She is about your age mom! We will be seeing her again on Wednesday! I continue to learn more and more about the Gospel as well. Studies are intense now, and I study everything in French now, and I love it! I have been studying faith the last couple of days. I keep asking myself if I have the Faith to preform miracles if the Lord calls upon me to do so. I feel like France needs that right now... a MIRACLE! I feel like something big is coming but I'm not sure what it is. Maybe the temple will mix things up! Not sure, but I know something is coming, WE ARE IN THE LAST DAYS!!!!
Well, I love you all, and I can't wait to hear from you all again!
Chou Chou, GROS BISOUS!!!!
--
EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17
-Elder Dusty Petersen
Oh ma famille!
How are all of you beautiful people doing? Great I imagine! I'm doing not too shabby myself! This last week was a good week, just not one of the best weeks I have had with the work. I'm working hard, don't worry about that, things just are a little slow right now. Elder Workman is still getting a hold of the wheel for missionary work, and so I'm kind of running the show here ha ha. I'm going to start giving him a lot more responsibilites this week though. I'm not going to lie, I'm not sure what actually happened this week. I know that we had a district meeting ha ha. Our district leader Elder Zobiri (who is originally Algerian- isn't that cool!?) came to Gap and we had a great exchange! Then we got stuck on a bus the next day for 4 hours trying to get back to Aix En Provence to re-exchange. That was a long bus ride.... and paigen music was playing the whole time. I had a massive head ache ha ha. It's like a poison now, it's going to suck when I come home and that is all I hear. ANYWAYS....
Oh I ate at member's home yesterday. That is the second time since I have been in Gap. I was spoiled in my two first areas ha ha. We ate typical smoked salmon that is all frenchinized ha ha, for a appetizer. You will get a kick when you hear what we ate. Then we had shrimp ( the kind with the shells and heads still on ) baked potatoes, and STING RAY!!!! I thought of Steve Erwin immediately when the members told us. We ate at Sr. Rambaud's apartment with Sr. Badjily and her two girls, Cami and Helene.
We visited a chateau with our Recent Convert Jérôme this morning, that was amazing! It is absolutley beautiful here!!!! I felt at times I was in the sacred grove because of the serenity of the forest. I'll send pics, because I can't describe it to you!
Overall, I LOVE MY MISSION. The more I teach my blue the nuts and bolts of missionary work, I begin to realize how much I actually know, and have grown. I remember the things I used to worry about, and now I have hardly any worries other than our investigators, and making sure my blue doesnt get lost ha ha! No but really, right now I am at a point where I can be completely devoted to the Lord and focus on helping Elder Workman without worrying about my own issues! I'm lost in the work! I just takes patience.... sometimes I expect him to know more than he does. Oh and looky there, already I have more growing to do ha ha!!!! I love this work!
The other day, Elder Workman asked me, "Is everyday really going to be like this?" I laughed because I remember asking myself the same questions. I began to explain to him how much joy missionary work brings, and that with time he will know what I mean if he WORKS!!! Then I began to explain to him that at the beginning of my mission, I asked myself the same questions. I explained that I got to a point in my mission where I couldn't see an end, and I started to work and was happy. Then I explained to him that now I have the experience, and I can really use my potential to serve the Lord, but I only have one year. I begin to tear up, because I know one day I won't be able to wear this plaque again.... and for right now that is all I know. I know this is the Lord's work, and I'm doing His will!!! I have no other cause to live for then that of the cause of Christ!
I love you family and I pray for you all the time! Caleb I wish you a Happy late birthday and pray for your success! I have included photos of the Geneva trip. Enjoy!
--
EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17
-Elder Dusty Petersen
Ma famille!
Wow, being a dad is tough work! Koodos to you pappa! My blue's name is Elder Workman! He actually speaks more french than I thought, but still not a whole lot... After being with somebody that is just learning, I realize I can speak almost fluently now! ITS CRAZY!!! With my one year mark coming up in a few days, I'm kind of freaked out. I'm a MISSIONARY in France and I SPEAK FRENCH!!!
It's fun being a trainer because I realize that I have made a TON of progress on my mission, but it is hard, and I remember when I was blue..... I asked questions about EVERYTHING!!!! I probably got on Elder Boehme's nerves ha ha! Elder Workman is just like me though. Almost has the same personality, and he is from.......drum roll............. LAYTON! ha ha. It gets even better, we recognize each other from college. He lived in the same apartment complex as me! He was in building G-2 at Old Farm! We remember seeing each other..... WHAT ARE THE ODDS!!!!???? Heavenly Father knows what He is doing!
I don't know if you have received my letter yet, probably today, but I told you in my letter that I actually got the opportunity to go to Geneva Switzerland to pick up my blue!!! The mission home is there, and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!! I loved the mission home, so much fresh grass!! I got to play catch in the yard too!!!!! Oh what a tender mercy!! I haven't thrown a baseball in more than a year!!! Unfortunetly I missed Le tour de France because I was in Geneva for the two days it is in Gap.... irony gotta hate it he he!!! Nah, it's all good, I'm not sad, I have a sweet t-shirt !
Well I don't have much else to tell you this time!! I love you all and I will be writing you a short letter as well!!!! Sorry it was really short today, I promise more the next time!
--
EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17
-Elder Dusty Petersen
Ma Famille,
As you already have seen, I'm going to be a dad! (mission lingo) that means I'm TRAINING A NEW MISSIONARY!!! I'm going to have my own blue!!!!!!!!! I don't know much yet, but President Murdock did tell me this morning that he comes from...... not hard to guess, UTAH!! I guess it is a city called Zarahemla....cool beans. IM SO EXCITED!!!!
Elder Wilcox will be leaving me for a city called Clement-Ferrand. He is pretty excited as well, but sad to leave our apartment. It is the nicest in the mission! My blue is lucky ha ha!!!
Yes yes yes!! Jérôme was confirmed and all is going splendid! He has such a strong testimony and has made so many giant strides in his conversion. Elder Wilcox talked about his conversion in whole(because he was an investigator well before I was at Gap) and his story is a miracle! It took 5 months, but it was worth it!
Cécile is still M.I.A. We were supposed to have a rendez-vous with her the other day, but she didn't come. It turns out, she has some psychological sickness from trama she has had in her life (maybe with her family) We pray she comes back soon. You spend so much time caring about the people here, and working so hard to help them return back to their Heavenly Father, that you just get a heart ache when they do the unexpected.
About this whole one year business....... It is true, but try not to write about it in every email.... I don't want to be trunky for my blue ha ha. No, but really, I want to use this next year to really engage myself and become lost in the work! Be sensitive with the comments about "time" ha ha. I love you all and can't wait to see you, believe me, but the time period is set, and the time I have to serve the Lord is limited!
We were very blessed this week! We had some really great Rendez-vous, and one in particular was with a man named Daniel. He has a sister in Idaho who is a member, and he is catholic. We met him on the street a couple of weeks ago, and finally caught him! It was such an amazing lesson, and the spirit flooded the chapel. His wife is very sick at this point, he told us worse than cancer, and his questions where very close to the lines of why are these things happening? It was the 1st lesson, but it applied to him in everyway, and the spirit testified to his spirit of the truth. We engaged him to read, and pray about the Book of Mormon. After he accepted, I invited him to baptism! He responded, "Of course, If it's true, I need to really study this and pray to know" ........ THE GOLDEN RESPONSE WE WANT TO HEAR FROM EVERY INVESTIGATOR!!!
Another experience we had was with a family, not very far from the chapel. The mother's name is Darba and she comes from Africa. Her husband is french and his name is Angelin. Their 4 year old daughter's name is Camilla. It was again an AMAZING LESSON!!!!! We engaged them to baptism as well and they accepted to be baptised the 14 August. The dad is Catholic, but again said, "Yes, if it is true". Oh what a week it was!
I also had a new experience, we dropped one of our investigators in our rendez-vous. He told us he wouldn't pray about the B of M or any of the teachings we presented, so we told him we couldn't help him if he didn't pray. It was our 3rd visit with him. It was sad, but others need the Gospel, and if he isn't going to put forth the efforts, we really can't do anything for him. Good thing there is always hope he will be interested one day. With God, all things are possible!
Thanks for your letter momma and your card Mindi!!!!! I was very touched and they gave me the warm, fuzzies that I needed! That is too bad to hear about your skeeter syndrome, but I'm happy that you are happy, and that is all that counts. The lord gives us our trials for a reason, and we must learn the lesson that is behind it. THe Ensign for the month of June had a great article on that. "He carried my sorrows" I think it was called. I found a great scripture in Doctrine and Covenants the other day:
D&C 58
4 For after much atribulation come the bblessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be ccrowned with much dglory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.
Oh mom, and you too dad, you both have many tribulations; the Lord knows this. In His mercy, there are always blessings that follow tribulation, if we patiently and faithfully await them. If we endure them well, the blessings of Heaven will be poured out, and we will grow in ways that only the Lord knows. Even better, this tribulations not only bring forth blessings in this mortel existence, but in the life to come, which is the Life Eternal.
I will go looking for a camera today, don't worry at all! I accidentally sat it down when we were working, and someone snatched it, I know my fault!
That is sweet that Shay is going to New York, you will have to get me her mission address before they go to the MTC and let me know the details. Tell Ryan I miss him and love his gutz. I love him so much I'm thinking about letting him shoot me with a bee bee gun again just to re live the good ol' days! (you better tell him that ha ha) That was nice to hear from Kendall's mom too, I didn't know you two were acquainted, when did that happen? You should get me his contact info... You have a lot of work to do for me! I love you all and I can't wait to hear from you again, unfortunetly, I must leave you now!
P.S. BRIGHAM CITY TEMPLE LOOKS BEAUTIFUL! and....... work for the Temple in France is advancing.... I don't know much, but there is terrain available now in favor of the church's purchase ;)
Until the next time my beautiful, beautiful family!
--
EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17
-Elder Dusty Petersen
Oh my famille et des amis!
It has been an AMAZING week! I had tons of great experiences, and have learned a lot! It all started off with Monday... the worst day of the week!
I was very discouraged monday, because contacting was tough that day. Nobody listened, and I was trying new approaches and a style for contacting that my district leader showed me on our exchange. As I became more discouraged, I felt like the people got meaner ha ha. We got called a sect several times, and I almost lost it! Didn't get to see any fireworks, but I thought of all of you!
The next morning, during my studies I studied Lehi's dream, and asked myself what I need to do to help others to taste the fruit of the Restored Gospel. My studies were amazing, and I received the answers to my prayers. I seen Lehi's vision in a perspective that I have never seen before, a missionary perspective. The verses 15, 33, 37, and 38 told me exactly what I needed to do.
15- Beckon others to come unto us, (waive them down), Call to them with a loud voice( confidence), and help them see that it is most desirable than any other fruit!
33 - ignore persecution
37- exhort people with LOVE
38- preach the gospel, invite others to learn and keep the commandments; after that, it is up to them.
This might seem simple, but it was HUGE for me, because it made me realize that I need to be MYSELF! I can improve my contacting, but I cant' change who I am to do it. Acting like something I'm not will not bring others into the church, only being myself will!
After studies Tuesday morning, we hit the streets on fire! We shook hell alright! We talked with EVERYONE and the Lord blessed us. The changed the whole week for me! Sure we still have persecution all the time, "You're a sect!" they say. One man said, "You should be in prison" ha ha, and after we told him "May God bless you", he said, "May God kill you." He was a poor confused man, we just laughed it off, laughter is ESSENTIAL in missionary work!
Despite all of the persecution, the work is moving along here in Gap! You have inquired much about Jérôme, and it is my pleasure to tell you that I had the priviledge of baptising Jérôme yesterday! He has made leaps and bounds in his preparation for the baptism, and oh what joy we had in finally helping him contract this wonderful alliance with Heavenly Father! ! Of course, that means he went without coffee for a whole week! After 5 months of work, he finally did it! And I know his conversion is beginning to become a true conversion. His efforts to better his life and please Heavenly Father is remarkable. For example, he is excersizing now, and prays NORMAL! His prayers are so sincere too; I see his heart has began to change COMPLETELY, and when he has the Gift of the Holy Ghost this next week, he will be IMMOVABLE in an ANCHORED in the faith! He is very excited to receive the Holy Ghost next Sunday, he just needs to endure this week! Keep him in your prayers!
Also keep Cécile in your prayers, she is having some difficulties right now, and we aren't sure what it is...
Found a less active this week too! The story is cool! We were on our way to pass Alexis when I contacted somebody just as they were crossing the street, and of course they ignored me and kept walking, and normally we would have kept to the side of the road we were on, but I was prompted to cross the street after the man. So, I did. We crossed to the other side, and walked straight ahead until the round about. Elder Wilcox said, " to the left, to the left" which lead to our path we normally take to get to Alexis. , but I told him today we were going to go straight . It was then we contacted a women, and she called us by "Elder" which nobody does, and then she told us she was a member! We talked for a while and took her information to set up a RDV later!...... MIRACLE!!! The Lord works in mysterious ways, we just need to follow the spirit to achieve his eternal designs!
This week we met an American women from New Jersey, that was cool. We also had an amazing FHE this week. Watched The Testaments, and the members and our Investigators loved it! Speaking of one of our investigators, Alexis ( Ethiopian man) told us that Snoop dog died of a heart attack! Wow, that was wierd to hear. It is sad, but proved our point when we said he needed to quit smoking weed.
Had some members from Brive accidentally call our phone this week too, ha ha, I got to talk to Francois Villan! It made my day!!!!!!
I didn't know whether to tell you this or not, but I just will. This morning, my bag got stolen. Don't worry, my wallet wasn't in there. However, my scriptures (french B of M and bible) and camera were :( Luckily, I have a colleage who has taken many pictures too, so I will just copy his :) I only lost pictures form this transfer. Should I buy another, or what? Let me know, sorry that this happened. I have really payed close attention till now, I promise, life just happens sometimes! The mission will reimburse my scriptures I 'm pretty sure. You never know, maybe my bag will turn up too, and this will all be a big joke ha ha. I love you and really am sorry.
I did get the movie, and memory card! THANKS! Oh and please tell Bishop I loved his Email! He is such a great man! I love you all, and i can't wait to hear from you all! The transfer is actually the 21st. sorry. HMMMM I think that's all!!! I love yOU!!!!!
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EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17
-Elder Dusty Petersen
Oh ma famille!!!
This last week was a lot better than the previous week. We taught Cécile again, and she endured till Sunday for her confirmation! Elder Wilcox confirmed her yesterday! We were so happy! Now there are 16 members ha ha!!! Jerome is really close, he just needs to quit café (coffee)!!! This week he is going cold turkey! I included that in my voice message! We had a great experience teaching him this last week. He has a few problems with prayer, so we worked with him to resolve the problems. As we studied for prayer, and taught it, I have reflected upon my own prayers. I have seen how much I need to improve the quality of my own personal prayers. Sometimes it is really difficult to say my prayers, but from teaching Jerome, I have been reminded of the things I have already learned about prayer, and how the Holy Ghost can lead us in what we need to say in our prayers! (Romans 8:25-26)
Cécile has also taught me a lot of things! She is so close to the spirit! The other day she asked us what Genesis 3:15 meant. This is a significant scripture, if you know what I mean. I thought I knew what it meant, but when I started to think about it, I was stumped. We took it upon ourselves to study a bit and get back to her! In the french bible, there isn't footnotes(sad ) but in english you can find that it is speaking about Jesus Christ. In the french addition it isn't clear with the subject "it" is talking about...
15And I will put aenmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; bit shall cbruise thy head, and thou shalt dbruise his heel.
so I went to the Pear of Great Price in French to see what the Prophet Joseph Smith translated.... BAM it is very clear with the subject in saying:
21And I will put aenmity between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed; and he shall bbruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Oh you gotta love modern day revelation! Even helps in foreign languages without the footnotes!
I can't neccassirly think of anything else to tell you actually..... yeah the mission is changing, I'll forward you the news letter that will be the last from the Carters! There are some good photos at the end you need to look at. You will see Elder Park too :)
It rained a lot this last week, and thundered too!!! OOOOhh I love that!!!!!! It reminds me of home! Speaking of which I am so jealous you were at the cabin! It has been a year ago that we were there all together! And maggie was there :( but it is good to see that you are carrying on her legacy with Dash! I can't wait to tackle that little pup! Talk about Emma and how flippin cute she is!!!!! I want to just squeeze her cheeks!!!!!!!!! I really do appreciate your photos, they make me smile :D It will be nice to be with you all again! July 2012!!!! Can you believe I almost one year old! I'm just growing up too darn fast!
Elder Wilcox and I are getting along great! We are still getting the whole teaching the Gospel part down, but it will come. It's ironic, I have almost been one year out, and I still can't teach the Gospel well ha ha! I guess it takes a lifetime ;) I'm down for the journey! I actually got an email from Elder Shaffer!! Woop Woop!! He is doing well, actually just got a pick up truck in his area, so he is happy! I am really happy to hear from him! Also heard from Laurent Vanaquer and Frère Vital this week!!! Elder Bowen is doing well, his blue is super blue though! Cant speak a lick of french... Oh I remember those days... Dark times they were ha ha.
I hmmm.... I think that is all I got. I love you all, and I think about you all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
love,
GROS BISOUS!!!!!!!!!!!
Ma Famille!!
Everything is going super duper well!!! This week was a great week, and I got to meet President Murdock! He is very nice, a little bit older than President Carter, and American. He hails from Salt Lake City actually! His american accent is sweet on my ears ha ha. Our mission is now officially La Mission Francaise de Lyon, and has doubled! This last month with the combination of both missions we had 148 baptisms!!!!!! Speaking of baptisms, I recieved an emails from the Créquit Family, and Marie-Oceane(the daughter) got baptised yesterday!!!!!! I am more than happy, words cannot express how happy I am!!! I can't wait to hear about the temple in a year!!!!
President Murdock told us that he will be integrating the two missions quite a bit this next transfer. Most likely I will get a colleage I don't know! For now, american missionaries will not be able to serve in Suisse this year, only if they are newly arriving into the mission field. The government is kind of messed up right now, and there is an backlog for visas in Suisse. Too bad, maybe next year!
Hmmm... well this week was great! Some highlights, some crazy, hippy, french man on his way to suisse to fight nuclear power plants stopped and yelled at us... But it is the first time somebody has yelled at us because they love us! He told us he loves the Mormons(but will never join) for three reasons: FHE, We don't use curse words, and we(missionaries) are in the street sharing our message! That was funny! I also had an exchange with my district leader, Elder Birk. He was an assistant with Elder Miller when I got into France, I contacted with him the first day! He is an amazing missionary and rocked my world on our exchange! Unfortunetly his time is up, and will be going home in a couple of weeks!
This Sunday was great too!! The Lord blessed us immensley! Of course it was Fast Sunday, and so like we do, we fasted. We fasted for the work to advance here in Gap and well, the Lord answers prayers! We had 4 investigators at church ( more than Gap has ever had!) Jerome and Cécile both bore their testimonies, and we had one of the Best first lessons I have had on my mission with a random man we contacted in the street ! BLESSINGS BLESSINGS BLESSINGS!!!!!
The photos I included:
1- Elder Peart on our exchange ( comes from Logan!!!!)
2- my wonderful gravy and Elder Wilcoxs potatoes. We eat good!
3- a kabab I couldn't finish but was amazing
4- a FHE with the branch!
5-making reeses cake
6- me
7- day of the baptism of Cécile!
8- merci pour la cravate!
I got your package and I loved the tie! However, don't spend anymore money on ties!!! I have so many and I don't want you to use all your money on ties!!! I am well taken care of!!! Thank you so much for the oreos!
I love you all and I will let you know how Jerome goes! His baptism is next week! Woop Wooop!!! You all look great and I love the photos, keep on sending them! You all are BEAUTIFUL!!!
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EBRANLEZ L'ENFER
Alma 48:17
-Elder Dusty Petersen
