Happy Valentines Day!
I really enjoyed reading your emails this week! They were all so motivating. It sounds like Dad gave a fantastic talk! I’m excited to use some of his points in my future talks. It sounds like Sam and Andy are pretty popular. I received the letter from the Seminary class this week! It was fun to hear from everyone!
I’m in great health, I’m still at 165lbs.
Thanks for the addresses too! Does Ben have a mailing address for Chile? We have to send letters in envelopes and the pouch won’t accept them that way.
We have two places we can email, at the regular place we can’t print, but at the other we can. It’s a large internet café (it’s very old).
I mentioned I’d let you know which ways the toilets flush. It’s hard to tell. When you flush it unleashes a cascade of water, it looks like a miniature Niagara. By the time the water settles the toilet has flushed, there’s no time to see which way the water is swirling.
Once again this week was packed with things to write about! I really hope that I can get to most of them.
Elder Sicotte was hit by a car yesterday. Don’t be alarmed, he’s alright and biking is normally safe. We were riding to an appointment after church and a driver pulled out of his driveway without looking. Elder Sicotte slammed right into it. He flew of his bike and over the hood. He landed on his feet, but was pretty shaken up. He was seeing stars for the first fem minuets; thankfully he was wearing a helmet. He has several bruises, after resting for a few minutes we were able to continue with our day. The car and bike didn’t fair as well. The bike needs some repairs, and the car had a huge dent. He pounded it pretty hard, we had to push the car a ways before it would start again.
Speaking of cars, when the other Elder came to pick us up Saturday night we thought they were drunk. We just seen several cars of crazy people go by, then we saw a blue car with all the windows down and some crazy guy leaning out the window shouting to us. It was Elder Stodmeister and Elder Hatch It turned out that our car has a leak somewhere causing the interior to reek of sheer gasoline; they were pretty delirious from the fumes. We’re taking the car in today.
The work is going great! We have a baptism for a young adult named Ralph this Sunday. We found several new families that are really excited to hear the Gospel. One family was so excited that the father asked us if we would help him build a church in the open space behind his house where everyone in the area could hear the message of the restoration. We explained to him about the importance of priesthood leaders, but that the Church will continue to grow and one day there may be a church in his neighborhood.
I’ve been amazed by many of the people we are teaching. Just yesterday we were teaching a young adult named Karrabo. He’s preparing to be baptized during the first week of March. Every time we visit he amazes me with his understanding. He understands the Gospel of Jesus Christ so well. Each time we teach him a principal he re-explains it to us better than we taught it and asks if he understands it correctly. He’s often difficult to teach because he talks 70% of the time, but I leave each lesson with a better understanding and perspective of the Gospel. It reminds me of something they taught us in the MTC – When you are listening to an investigator you are listening to the spirit. Elder Sicotte and I have found that it’s true. We don’t have to be speaking the whole time since we know exactly what we need to share when we speak.
Karrabo will be a great strength to Branch. When we first taught him the Word of Wisdom he gave up smoking on the spot. For a while he’s been afraid of baptism – he was afraid that he might turn back to old ways. After teaching about repentance he tied it into the gift of the Holy Ghost after baptism and explained how the spirit will guide our continual repentance and refinement preparing us for the Kingdom of heaven.
Once again I’m out of time. The week has been great. I’m thankful for your constant prayers! My testimony is continually increasing and my reliance on with the spirit has grown so much. Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Halterman
Spewage
Eitah!
Thanks for all the great emails. I figured that I wouldn't get many emails during the move, but I was surprised when I had so many today! It brought a smile to know that everything has gone really well. I'm excited to hear that the whole family is already fitting in! It sounds like Minnesota is perfect for our family! I’ll keep our house in NJ in my prayers. A few questions to ask and answer: What is our new address? Do you know Ben Smith’s mission address? (it should be on his blog)
Do you have any memories of FHE?
Do the toilets flush in the opposite direction? (clockwise or counter clockwise, not up vs. down)
Good question, I haven’t noticed, but I’ll make note and let you know next week. On that subject, the plumbing for our Chapel broke on Saturday after the Mamelodi West Elders used the Chapel for a baptism. One of the pipes outside began spewing out sewage. It was pretty gross, no one else was around so we had to turn off the pump for the drains and call a plumber. They came that evening, but soon found it was too big of a job to complete that day. On Sunday we had caution tape all around that side of the chapel. Fortunately it had rained that night and washed away most of the sewage. What a blessing!
We’re running pretty low on time. I’m sorry that this Email hasn’t told you much. The week has been great. We’ve had a lot of success. A lot has happened, but off the top of my head there isn’t a lot of new things to tell about. We received transfer news yesterday- My district is remaining the same, and there were only two changes in the Zone. I am excited to see the work continue to progress. I love being a missionary. Thanks for all of your prayers, know that you are in mine. Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Elder Keith Halterman
Thanks for all the great emails. I figured that I wouldn't get many emails during the move, but I was surprised when I had so many today! It brought a smile to know that everything has gone really well. I'm excited to hear that the whole family is already fitting in! It sounds like Minnesota is perfect for our family! I’ll keep our house in NJ in my prayers. A few questions to ask and answer: What is our new address? Do you know Ben Smith’s mission address? (it should be on his blog)
Do you have any memories of FHE?
The most prominent ones are of Dad sending the younger kids on missions around the house while we had a lesson. Also the memories of playing fruit basket upset. I know that FHE made a huge difference – it’s one of those small and simple things that brought our family together.
It’s blessed me in that I am familiar with stories from the scriptures. I think a lot of it comes from our family scripture studies and home evenings. The other day a recent convert asked about the real birthday of Jesus Christ, I think it was completely new to Elder Sicotte that it was April 6th (I think it’s D&C 20:1, the instructing Joseph Smith about how to organize the church).
I do clearly remember the first time I read from the Pearl of Great price. For FHE the older kids went with Dad and the younger ones did an activity with Mom. I really felt the spirit and really learned as we read and asked questions.
Do you notice a change in seasons?
Yes. We just came out of the rainy season into summer. The temperature hasn’t changed very much, it’s always been hot, but it doesn’t rain anywhere near as much as before. It was raining almost every day. The storms are huge too - Bigger than hurricanes in Texas. I’ve never seen as much lightning as I have here.
It’s blessed me in that I am familiar with stories from the scriptures. I think a lot of it comes from our family scripture studies and home evenings. The other day a recent convert asked about the real birthday of Jesus Christ, I think it was completely new to Elder Sicotte that it was April 6th (I think it’s D&C 20:1, the instructing Joseph Smith about how to organize the church).
I do clearly remember the first time I read from the Pearl of Great price. For FHE the older kids went with Dad and the younger ones did an activity with Mom. I really felt the spirit and really learned as we read and asked questions.
Do you notice a change in seasons?
Yes. We just came out of the rainy season into summer. The temperature hasn’t changed very much, it’s always been hot, but it doesn’t rain anywhere near as much as before. It was raining almost every day. The storms are huge too - Bigger than hurricanes in Texas. I’ve never seen as much lightning as I have here.
Do the toilets flush in the opposite direction? (clockwise or counter clockwise, not up vs. down)
Good question, I haven’t noticed, but I’ll make note and let you know next week. On that subject, the plumbing for our Chapel broke on Saturday after the Mamelodi West Elders used the Chapel for a baptism. One of the pipes outside began spewing out sewage. It was pretty gross, no one else was around so we had to turn off the pump for the drains and call a plumber. They came that evening, but soon found it was too big of a job to complete that day. On Sunday we had caution tape all around that side of the chapel. Fortunately it had rained that night and washed away most of the sewage. What a blessing!
We’re running pretty low on time. I’m sorry that this Email hasn’t told you much. The week has been great. We’ve had a lot of success. A lot has happened, but off the top of my head there isn’t a lot of new things to tell about. We received transfer news yesterday- My district is remaining the same, and there were only two changes in the Zone. I am excited to see the work continue to progress. I love being a missionary. Thanks for all of your prayers, know that you are in mine. Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Elder Keith Halterman
The Fantastic Adventures of Fantastic Mr. H. with Liver and Litchi Nuts
Hey everyone! I've had yet another awesome week. We had two Baptisms this Sunday; Sister Moghaswa and her daughter Renileway were baptized! Yet again the water was ice cold (we're still waiting to get a new water geyser), but the Holy Ghost was there so strongly!
For me the most moving part of the Baptism was when Sister Moghaswa bore her testimony. She said that she had been taught by the missionaries a long while back but wasn't ready. Later on she went thought many trials, including the death of her husband. Then two months back Sister Modisha (Her Friend and member of our branch) confronted her and asked why she always seemed so sad. Sister Modisha then invited her to church, telling of how much it has helped in her own life. Sister Moghaswa said that she didn’t know why she decided to come, but was so glad that she did. At church she felt like all her pains were lifted. For once she felt peace. After that everything began to fall into place.
It was really funny when she mentioned the missionaries - “I’m so grateful that Elder...” she paused, “in my home we call him Elder H. since we can't pronounce his name (Most people refer to me Elder H), and Elder Robinson came and taught me about God’s plan of happiness for us.”
It’s amazing how much a simple invitation to come to church can do for someone. For Sister Moghaswa, it changed her life. It made me realize that we should never be afraid to invite others to hear our message – you may get turned down a few dozen times, but if you never open your mouth you’ll miss pearls like Sister Moghaswa and her family. There are people out there who are ready, who desperately need the gospel, they are just waiting for an invitation.
This week I tried two new foods: Liver and litchi nuts. I thought liver was alright at first, when the member found out it was my first time eating liver her only comment was “please don’t puke”. I’m glad that she didn’t ask me how it tasted after I was several bites in since it had quickly become old – I’m going to have to get used to that one. On the other hand litchi nuts she fed us were pretty good, that is if you peel them first. In naivety I took a bite while the skin was still on, it didn’t taste too great. Life became much better when I realized that you peel them first. It’s a shame we don’t have litchi nuts in the US.
In other news, the first presidency is re-aligning the boundaries to our mission. Our mission is one of the largest in the world, we constantly receive more and more missionaries (Currently we have 225 missionaries). The Durban mission is taking over Lesotho and Bloemfontein and the missionaries in those areas are being reassigned to the Durban Mission. It doesn’t affect me very, but it means that I probably won’t serve in Lesotho.
Things are looking brighter for the Shiba family – They are the family who became confused about Mormon and Mammon. We have since taught Boysen, Grace’s fiancé. He also really felt the spirit during our lesson and even came to Church. The rest of the family is still stone cold, they won’t let us through the door, but I have hopes that through Boysen we can resolve the family’s concerns.
Thank you for all of your prayers! I can see that we are really being blessed! The other day an investigator asked about our lives as missionaries. After hearing that we serve for two years she asked “But don’t you want to reach your dreams?” Elder Sicotte and I looked at each other and in agreement said that this is our dream. I wouldn’t trade these experiences for anything. In just three months I’ve seen more lives change than I could have seen in a lifetime. I would never forfeit the chance to meet and grow in the gospel alongside the wonderful people we are teaching. I am so grateful that I have this chance to serve a mission!
I love you all,
Elder Halterman
An African Ensemble
Hey Everyone!
First, I have a question to answer:
What do you think of your mission president?
President Poulsen is a fantastic mission president. He is overwhelmingly positive and optimistic; somehow when he rebukes the mission he does it with a smile. He cracks down on disobedience, but does it lovingly, he almost guilts people into working their hardest. He is very intelligent, and leaves you wanting to be the best you can. He has done wonders for the mission.
Also, there's supposed to be pictures from our mission on www.johannesburgmission.
This week went really well with the exception of a few more bike problems. Once again a lot happened. I hope that I can write all I want to, but we'll see.
On Thursday my companion went to do interviews in Mamelodi West so Elder Hatch came to my area for the day. In the morning we had two spectacular lessons! We were not sure what to share at either of them, but after talking with our investigators it became pretty clear. It reminded me of what one of my MTC teachers said. When you take time to listen to your investigators you are not only listening to them, you are also listening to the spirit. Both lessons seemed to flow perfectly; they all covered exactly what these people needed to hear. It's amazing how the Lord guides and leads people to understand what is most important for them.
After those two lessons we had to bike from one end of our area to another. Most of it was uphill. It was a grueling journey. Along the way Elder Hatch crashed into a man that was trying to cross the street. Common sense isn't common here. The man was trying to beat the cars across the road and literally jumped in front of Elder Hatch. People often run out into the road without looking. Most of the time they stop midway and panic or run back. Both Elder Hatch and the man were fine. The guy had been knocked to the ground. We gave him a pass along card.
Before our next appointment we stopped to visit several of the people we've been teaching. We made contact with a lot of people.
We then had our lesson with the Shiba family. We had taught them once before, the spirit had come very strongly, the mother and sister had been in tears last time. We soon found that all was not well. The mother had been terrified to read the Book of Mormon. Many people get confused and think it's another translation of the Bible. When she realized that there were different prophets in it she thought of Matthew 6:24 and had Mammon confused with Mormon. Elder Hatch tried to explain, I think the mother understood, but there were several new people there that just became more confused. When he saw the confusion he tried to explain more, but soon one of the older daughters stopped him and asked if we could pray right then. Of course we agreed. Big mistake.
She stood up and began to sing. "Praise the Lord" The others all stood and joined in. Elder Hatch and I didn't know what to do. We stood, but I could hardly keep from laughing. They were all singing the chorus while the one girl shouted "Hallelujah!" I decided the best thing to keep me from laughing was to join them - at least to hum. It went on for a while, then the singing ended and they all broke into separate prayers. It was really confusing. Some of them were really into it. I'm pretty sure that one of them blessed every corner of the house and rebuked every devil within the three blocks surrounding. I silently prayed that we could find a way to bring in the spirit. After they finished - it took a long time. I asked if Elder Hatch and I could sing a song, we sang ‘Redeemer of Israel.’ I then asked if we could pray, we all knelt down and I offered one of the most fervent prayers I have ever offered- I did not want to lose this family. I don't know what's going to happen, but we left them feeling the Spirit. After that we had several more good lessons, but I'm about out of time and I want to talk about what happened this Sunday.
On Sunday, Elder Koelliker of the Seventy and the Stake President came to our branch. They both spoke during the third hour in a combined meeting. They both lead incredible discussions. The spirit was very strong. Elder Koelliker gave many great insights. He wanted everyone to learn to apply what they read in the scriptures. We went through Matthew 10 - the Story of the young man who asked Christ what he needed to do to go to heaven, and Nephi 8 - Lehi's vision. He spoke about personal testimony, also the first four principals of the gospel.
He talked about the three most sacred places - the Home, the Chapel, and the Temple. He said that we must use the Celestial room of the temple as a pattern for our homes. At the end he invited everyone to do two things: To find patterns for their lives in the Scriptures, and do everything necessary to visit the Temple. We had 16 investigators there for it! After church one new investigator asked me how long it would take before he could be baptized. The Stake president had also given a very good talk about the sacrament, and about the importance of being on time to church.
Well my time has run out, I'm sorry for the poor explanation above. This week has been amazing and I know that I've really been blessed.
I can't wait to write more next week!
I love you all,
Elder Halterman
A Storm of Blessings
Hey Everyone!
I know that I'm not going to be able to write all I want to, I'll try to get as much down as I can.
Last Monday I thought I had the topic for this email down, I was going to title it "Please... No more Fanta Grape". I had a few run ins with too much Cool drink, we are fed way too much of it! Last week I was on an exchange with one of the zone leaders and he pushed our Branch missionary into downing the last of the Fanta Grape. Afterwards our Branch missionary felt really sick. For the next half hour he was throwing up, it took us a long time to get to our next appointment. Anyway, that's the abridged version. Each day another experience tops the last and the plan for my email changes.
This week has been fantastic! Elder Sicotte and I have been more blessed than ever. Just in these last two weeks we taught 32 new investigators! Almost all of them just fell into our laps. Many of these new people we have begun teaching have recognized the witness of the spirit within the first vist. At least six of these people told us of the wonderful feelings they felt when they prayed to know if what we shared was true. I reported during Branch Preisthood meeting that blessings are being poured upon our branch, that we have a great responsibility. My biggest concern is that we won't be able to live up to this responsibility. I know the Lord will provide. I think we'll be going on a lot of splits in the near future. The work in Mamelodi is exploding!
On Saturday we had the chance to do Baptisms for the Dead with the Branch at the Johannesburg Temple. It was a wonderful experience. Almost all of the members had brought the names of their ancestors to have the work done. I will always remember how Brother Hlongwane, our Elders Quorum president broke down in tears when he Baptized one of the youth for his deceased sister.
After the Temple trip it felt like everything was going wrong. Elder Sicotte's bike had a low tire, when we tried to pump it up it exploded. We made it to one end of the Area only to find out that the family wasn't in town. We were at the very edge of our area, and the rest of our apointments were quite a ways away. They looked to be really promising too. We hadn't eaten so we ordered Spachlo then tired to fix the tire. We soon found that we would need to replace the back wheel. As we ate we joked about how things were going so poorly and that next we would be struck by lightning, a few minuites later we saw a bolt in the distance. Fortunatley it didn't rain very hard. After the Spachlo we both needed the bathroom. I had heard rummors that they make you pay to use them at the Mauhbe Mall (the very spread out, outdoor mall we were at). We went to them and found them locked with a steel gate in front of them. We asked around to find the key, but no one seemed to know. By now Elder Sicotte really needed to go. One person directed us to the Security tower. We went over there, and found it packed with people, we squeezed through to the bathroom only to find there was no toliet paper. Elder Sicotte ran back out and asked the crowd where he could get some. The security guard responed "you need to use your own" she was completely serious. He threw up his arms and said "But, I don't carry paper!" That's South Africa for you. Anyway, we journeyed on and finally found a bathroom at the Petrol Station.
We had to cancel our appointments since they were too far to reach. It sounded like most of the people weren't home anyway. We decided to check on a DVD referal in the Area that we'd been given the other day. It was probably one of the most powerful experiences I've had on my mission yet. The whole family had been fasting to bring themselves closer to Christ. I was stunned by their faith, they had such a strong trust in the Lord. We taught about the restoration and felt the Spirit poured upon us. Everyone felt the spirit, for a time the mother could hardly look at us since tears were streaming down her face. I am so excited to go back and teach the family.
I had a several other great experiences, but I'm about out of time. We gave a blessing to Sister Moghaswa, one of our investigators with a devout testimony. She hadn't been able to make it to church because of so severe pains in her leg - she walks to church each week. I really felt the spirit during the blessing, and afterward felt promted to bear my testimony. This Sunday she was 20min early, she was beaming. She couldn't wait to tell us that her leg was completely better.
I know that I'm not going to be able to write all I want to, I'll try to get as much down as I can.
Last Monday I thought I had the topic for this email down, I was going to title it "Please... No more Fanta Grape". I had a few run ins with too much Cool drink, we are fed way too much of it! Last week I was on an exchange with one of the zone leaders and he pushed our Branch missionary into downing the last of the Fanta Grape. Afterwards our Branch missionary felt really sick. For the next half hour he was throwing up, it took us a long time to get to our next appointment. Anyway, that's the abridged version. Each day another experience tops the last and the plan for my email changes.
This week has been fantastic! Elder Sicotte and I have been more blessed than ever. Just in these last two weeks we taught 32 new investigators! Almost all of them just fell into our laps. Many of these new people we have begun teaching have recognized the witness of the spirit within the first vist. At least six of these people told us of the wonderful feelings they felt when they prayed to know if what we shared was true. I reported during Branch Preisthood meeting that blessings are being poured upon our branch, that we have a great responsibility. My biggest concern is that we won't be able to live up to this responsibility. I know the Lord will provide. I think we'll be going on a lot of splits in the near future. The work in Mamelodi is exploding!
On Saturday we had the chance to do Baptisms for the Dead with the Branch at the Johannesburg Temple. It was a wonderful experience. Almost all of the members had brought the names of their ancestors to have the work done. I will always remember how Brother Hlongwane, our Elders Quorum president broke down in tears when he Baptized one of the youth for his deceased sister.
After the Temple trip it felt like everything was going wrong. Elder Sicotte's bike had a low tire, when we tried to pump it up it exploded. We made it to one end of the Area only to find out that the family wasn't in town. We were at the very edge of our area, and the rest of our apointments were quite a ways away. They looked to be really promising too. We hadn't eaten so we ordered Spachlo then tired to fix the tire. We soon found that we would need to replace the back wheel. As we ate we joked about how things were going so poorly and that next we would be struck by lightning, a few minuites later we saw a bolt in the distance. Fortunatley it didn't rain very hard. After the Spachlo we both needed the bathroom. I had heard rummors that they make you pay to use them at the Mauhbe Mall (the very spread out, outdoor mall we were at). We went to them and found them locked with a steel gate in front of them. We asked around to find the key, but no one seemed to know. By now Elder Sicotte really needed to go. One person directed us to the Security tower. We went over there, and found it packed with people, we squeezed through to the bathroom only to find there was no toliet paper. Elder Sicotte ran back out and asked the crowd where he could get some. The security guard responed "you need to use your own" she was completely serious. He threw up his arms and said "But, I don't carry paper!" That's South Africa for you. Anyway, we journeyed on and finally found a bathroom at the Petrol Station.
We had to cancel our appointments since they were too far to reach. It sounded like most of the people weren't home anyway. We decided to check on a DVD referal in the Area that we'd been given the other day. It was probably one of the most powerful experiences I've had on my mission yet. The whole family had been fasting to bring themselves closer to Christ. I was stunned by their faith, they had such a strong trust in the Lord. We taught about the restoration and felt the Spirit poured upon us. Everyone felt the spirit, for a time the mother could hardly look at us since tears were streaming down her face. I am so excited to go back and teach the family.
I had a several other great experiences, but I'm about out of time. We gave a blessing to Sister Moghaswa, one of our investigators with a devout testimony. She hadn't been able to make it to church because of so severe pains in her leg - she walks to church each week. I really felt the spirit during the blessing, and afterward felt promted to bear my testimony. This Sunday she was 20min early, she was beaming. She couldn't wait to tell us that her leg was completely better.
I know that we've been extremely blessed. There's so much more I wish I could share. Each night I feel like such an ungrateful servant because I can hardly record everything in my journal. It's a struggle to plan for everyone each night.
Well I need to go, I love you all,
Sala Pila (Stay well!)
Elder Halterman
Well I need to go, I love you all,
Sala Pila (Stay well!)
Elder Halterman
One Thousand Thank You's
January 11, 2010
Hey Everyone,
First, here are the answers to your questions:
1) How is your health?
It's pretty good. I've had a bit of a cold the past two days, meaning a runny nose and sore throat in the morning. But it’s nothing that's slowed me down
2) Are you still losing weight?
I think I was only losing weight the first few weeks in the MTC and upon entering the mission field. I just noticed that I had lost the weight later on.
3) You were at 175 lb and now you lost 15 lbs which = 160 lbs - how much do you weigh now?
I weigh about 162 now.
4) Do you know why you have lost weight?
I'm pretty sure it's just because I am no longer lifting weights, It sounds like the same thing happened to several other missionaries in the flat - then they started gaining weight, but as fat instead of muscle.
5) Do you have any other health problems?
Not that I know of. Occasional Sunburns. I try to wear sunscreen, and they're never very bad. I feel great, just that I'm getting over a chest cold.
6) How are your health problems (if any) being treated?
There aren't any that I've had to be treated for. The conditions aren't that bad out here and I don't know any missionaries that have had parasites. I'm doing well and I'll make sure to talk to the mission health advisor if I notice anything or lose more weight.
You really don't need to worry about me; I'm very well taken care of. So long as I live up to my calling I seriously doubt much can hinder me, I have the prayers of so many friends and family members, the wonderful blessings contained in my personal blessings, as well as the myriad of promises contained in the scriptures. Please don't be unduly concerned, I have the whole of heaven watching out for me.
The Christmas package you sent arrived last Tuesday! I loved the notes and candy from everyone. I especially enjoyed all the pictures! They turned out really well. The framed picture now hangs above my desk and the picture book sits beside my clock. Thanks for all the thought you put into it! I really appreciated the laminated card with my setting apart and Father's blessing on it! I really like the watch you sent, the one I brought out is pretty scratched up now. The Stockings were great too! Elder Sicotte gives his thanks for the one you sent him. Thanks so much!
A Christmas package came from Grandma and Grandpa Ward too. It had a calendar with pictures of things we've done during the last several years. It was really thoughtful. I loved looking through the pictures on each page. It now hangs right beside my desk. They sent a letter with it, a 2G memory card, and a copy of the Ensign. Let them know that I received it and make sure to thank them, I really appreciated it. I'm planning to send Grandma and Grandpa a letter today, but it will probably take a while to reach them. My scriptures, the calendar they sent, and the pictures you sent are now my most prized belongings.
I'm so thankful for all the support that I've had. I'm still anticipating the Dear Elder letter from the seminary class, but I've received several Christmas cards and supportive letters from ward members. I'm sure you have, but make sure to thank everyone the ward for me! There were so many great examples of service. I often use examples of people from the ward when I talk about service, dedication, or keeping the Sabbath day holy. As I look back they've all made such a difference in my life.
The elders in Mamelodi West know a member that has a computer and is willing to burn pictures on to a CD; hopefully I'll be able to send one within the next week. I'm sorry that I haven't been able to send more.
This week was awesome! Just this Sunday I had the chance to Baptize Sherifah Manyathella and her daughter, Amogelong. I also confirmed Ayesha, Sherifah's older daughter a member of the church. The father, Samuel has become much more open to our message and is willing to pray about our message. We have high hopes for him!
During the week Elder Sicotte and I brought out two ward missionaries and went on splits, because of it we were able to find several new father led families! Two of those fathers came to church this Sunday! I am really excited for them. We have taught several others who have recently received the witness of the spirit that these things are true! The work is going really well! I love serving and being able to see the blessings being outpoured in these people's lives!
Once again I'm about out of time. Thank you so much for everything! I really feel blessed to have such a wonderful family and such loving friends!
Love,
Elder Halterman
January 4, 2010
Thank you so much for all the emails!
It's really good to hear that things are going so well. It was inspiring to hear about all the ways that you have found to serve, and all the prayers that are said in my behalf. It's given me an increased determination to live worthily. I can really feel the outpouring of those blessings, thank you!
It's great to hear that everyone is staying so missionary-oriented. Whenever I participate in church service I hope and pray that I can live up to standard our family has set. I'm striving to learn to teach in a way that will not only pull in hearts of those listening, but invite the spirit and inspire them to press forward. It's such a blessing that our family has been able to serve so much in the ward.
Elder Sicotte is my new companion. He's much shorter than Elder Robinson, he has brown eyes and dark hair. He's from Boston and also misses the pizza on the East Coast. He went to BYU for a year before his mission and has been out for 14 months. He has a dedication to the work and is very willing to follow the rules. I'm really excited. The work in our area is exploding. If we do our very best, I know that we will see a lot of success!
If there was ever such thing as weekly mission theme, I'd say that this week's was prayer and fasting. I have learned a lot about prayer and fasting.
I was reading about prayer in the Bible dictionary and it told how prayer was often accompanied with sacrifice. While living the law of Moses, the children of Israel would burn their sacrifices. Christ later fulfilled this law, but in fasting we still sacrifice. Instead of burning an offering, we give it to bless the poor. The Lord tells us that "inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren you have done it unto me". When we fast we are sacrificing to God and blessing others in doing it. It really feels like a fruit of the higher law.
Another cool thing is in the Old Testament. Fasting was said to go along with mourning and sorrow, people would wear sackcloth and disfigure their faces to show they were fasting. However, when Christ came he taught that we should fast in humility without drawing attention to ourselves. In D&C we learn that fasting is a form of rejoicing. We have a chance to sacrifice for the love of others. I've really felt the blessings of fasting, I know that by fasting we are brought much closer to God. I've seen the inspiration and added portion of the spirit that we receive when we fast, It's made such a difference in the work!
Once again, I wish I had time to write more, there is so much to share.
Thanks for everything!
I love you all,
Elder Halterman
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
