Week 51 - Clinton, Oklahoma - June 23, 2013

Mi querida familia,

 

What an awesome week!!! The Worldwide Training Broadcast last night was an especially inspiring way to finish it off. All missionaries got to attend, and our district is feeling especially excited. I think I'll address a few of the insights I had first during this e-mail.

First off, can you believe the size of that missionary choir? It was like an army! I felt so motivated and inspired. This work is real!! I loved how the apostles really focused on member missionary work. We truly are entering into a new day and age where people are honestly getting really busy, and tracting is becoming less and less effective. In fact, its more effective to talk to a random person on a street than to go and knock on their door. We received word that missionaries are starting to be allowed to use FaceBook! Whoa!!! As of right now, our mission isn't authorized...we might have to wait til 2014 because they are going to start off gradually implimenting these new technology features. But this is an exciting time. This week we've especially seen quite a bit of member activity and we've seen very positive results.

 

For example, this week Sister Toland called us up and set up a time for us to come by and help fix her neighbor's fence. We got to meet the nieghbor and set up a return appointment. We then taught them a lesson this past Friday. It didn't go super well, but a few of the kids came to church the next day. 

 

Then this week, we met with another progressing investigator and brought the Relief Society president. She is a convert of 6 years and has a powerful testimony. She also is able to connect with the investigators on a way that us as missionaries simply can't do because we've grown up in the church. The Relief Society President did a great job, and the investigator came to church with her husband and son. The son is very interested and wants to get baptized!!! After church, he was asking all these questions about how to get baptized and missions and stuff like that. He's 14, and has such a strong desire to change. Members must participate in this missionary work. I feel like a hypocrite writing these words because there is so much more I could have done before I came out on my mission. But it must happen!

 

Another miracle we saw this week came from a hispanic family we are teaching. The mom finally opened up to talk with us and you can tell that she felt the spirit of our message. We then had another lesson with the whole family and also a member present. The Spirit was felt 10 times stronger. 

Miracles happen when members and missionaries work together. 

 

Our District is also planning on starting up a Bible Study in the coming weeks. These next few weeks we're going to take time to plan and advertise. I'm really excited for this idea! I felt the idea grow even stronger as we were watching the Training Broadcast. I just hope this doesn't turn into another one of those missed opportunities that Elder Nelson talked about. 

 

Miracles are happening here in Clinton. I wish I could go on and on.

 

But the greatest miracle is the miracle of repentance. Our natures can change when we sincerely admit our sins and repent. It takes courage.

My companion is such a great example of that. I will be forever grateful for his example and his faith.

 

I love you all! Have a great week and I cant wait to write to you again!

 

Con Amor,

 

Elder Powley

Week 48 - Clinton, Oklahoma - June 3, 2013

Mi querida familia,

 

O que hermosa manana, o que hermosa dia, tengo buen sentimiento, todo se ira bien!

 

Great week, as usual! We had a baptism yesterday for our investigator named Pat. She is so amazing, 66 years old, and she was extremely humble enough to teach. The experience we've had teaching her has been incredible. She amazes us everytime we visit her. From reading the Book of Mormon every day, to numerous hilarious red-neck stories (such as burying her cat alive), we have loved every minute teaching her. The baptismal service on Saturday went according to plan even though we were running a little late because we were returning from the city. The spirit was simple yet strong. The best part of the service was at the end when Pat bore her testimony. She kept commenting on how warm she felt and how she hadn't smiled in years until she started the investigating the Gospel. Her tesimony is a great example to me, and she is one of those people you can tell is converted to the Gospel.

 

The morning of the baptism, we had the chance to hear from Elder Rasband from the First presidency of the 70. He said some very intersting things. He opened up the floor to questions, and someone asked him how he had gained his testimony. He proceeded to tell about his ancestory and how his great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather was a convert from Denmark. THe missionaries found and taught him. He left his home to come to Utah, died at sea on the way there, and his wife and children finished the journey. He said that he has "believing blood". I was intrigued because usually people steer away from saying that their tesimony comes from their family; people seem to place a bad light on being Mormon jsut because your family is Mormon. But what's wrong with that? Families play such a large role in our conversion to the Gospel of Christ. I am so grateful for my grandparents who joined the church and how they've raised their children (my parents) in righteousness, which has carried on to my generation. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is real. I'm a Mormon because I have believing blood in me, I know Jesus Christ is my Savior and that this is his Church. I've also had countless experiences later on in my life that have confirmed my testimony.

 

Let's see...miracles for this week: On tuesday, we had a member out with us. All our appointments fell through, so he offered to take us to Dairy Queen (even though we had already eaten dinner). I'm sad to report that we almost accepted. As we pulled into the parking lot, I felt sick to my stomach. I knew this was guilt and a withdrawl of the Spirit...a stupor of thought so to speak. I suggested we go try a few more houses. We did so and after a few more houses where no one was home, we finally found an investigator at home. We had a great lesson with a member present. THe member fellowhiped amazingly, and the spirit taught true principles. The investigator opened more about her life, and it was a great experience! Obedience is requiste for miracles!!!

 

We didn't get to see any tornados this week. One did form about 15 or 20 miles outside of Clinton but we didn't see anything because it was dark. We took shelter just before the rain and hail started to hit. Then a major one hit on Thursday, but the sky was bright and sunny and no sign of tornados. We're on the look out this week for sever weather though. We'll see what happens.

 

I love you all! Thanks for the Pictures. I'm so happy for Allie, I hope she got my letter that I sent this week. Jane looks as cute as ever. That little smile of hers seems to get everything she wants. 

 

Con Amor,

 

Elder Powley

Week 50 - Clinton, Oklahoma - June 17, 2013

Mi querida familia,

 

This week has been humbling, and successful. At the start, our companionship, was struggling. We didn't struggle with getting along, but we weren't finding anyone to teach. We also felt like we were starting to lose faith.

 

So we felt impressed to read an MTC talk by Elder McAlister from the presidency of the 70 about being a consecrated missionary. As we read it aloud during companionship study, we felt...kindly rebuked. The part we felt expecially rebuked on was on the fact that a consecrated missionary talks with everybody. We realized that we had not been making all the efforts to talk to everyone we meet. We also had not been expressing gratitude for the miracles we had seen.

So as a companionship, we said a special prayer expressing gratitude for our miracles, and humbly asking for new investigators and people teach. That same day we were riding our bikes and saw that we were about to pass a 15 year old. Normally, I think we would have passed him up, but because he had this prayer in our hearts, we pulled over and talked to him. He was awkward. We prayed with him. WE didn't get a return appointment, because he was a little weirded out, and his mom wasn't too religious. But we asked him for referrals, and he sent us to go visit his friend a few blocks down. We then visited his friend. Turns out, him and has mom had met with missionaries before and had fell out of contact because they moved. The next day we taught them the Restoration, and they seem more ready to accpet the Gospel. I don't know if I'll see them get baptized, but the thing we learned was that you truly do need a contrite spirit and broken heart in order for repentance to count, otherwise I don't think the Lord would have blessed with so many new investigators this week.

 

I also realize, that just because we had a good week, doesn't mean that we are done or even consecrated yet. We need to now endure to the end and keep up talking with everyone we meet.

 

This week we also found two more investigators. They are a mother and her 18 year old daughter. We taught them the first lesson and they accepted the message pretty well. I hate to say it but, we had met them a few weeks earlier but didn't think much of trying to teach them. I guess we judged them. When we judge we really do place a pavilion around the Lord's ability to do missionary work.

 

Life is great. The work goes on. I got to conduct my first baptismal interview this week, with a 10 year old kid from the sister missionaries in our district. It was interesting, to ask him about things like the Law of Chastity and abortion, and such. But as I met with him, I was really impressed with his testimony and excitement to change. HIs baptism is actually really cool because, he is the son of a less active couple and this baptism seems to have helped them return to activity.

 

I cannot explain fully in this email how this week has been so transitional in my mission. Repentance is real. It requires effort and courage. Even when you think you are doing a good job, repentance still may be required. Always be repenting!

 

I love this Gospel and my Savior Jesus Christ who has the power to help us overcome feelings of guilt and shame. We can change and leave behind our sins.

 

Have a great week!

 

Con Amor,

 

Elder Powley 

Week 49 - Clinton, Oklahoma - June 10, 2013

Mi querida familia,

Hola! Que tal? It's been a long hard week here in Clinton. We haven't been able to contact our baptismal dates that often, and just this morning we got a text message from one our progressing investigators saying (paraphrasing here): "Hi, a gentleman I'm seeing has requested that I stop visiting with you guys. Thank you for your sincerity and good luck with the rest of your mission."

NOOOOOOO! I called this lady right back after she texted this. She didn't answer, but I left a voicemail calmly explaining how we want to visit her at least one more time to see if she'd been praying and reading about the Book of Mormon and such. It was pretty bold, and I think I kind of scared my companion a little bit. They think I over did it, which I might have. But it's just really hard for me to give up on someone just over a text message!!! It's a delicate situation, because we don't want to create a negative experience for this lady by annoying her, because she might accept the gospel later down the road. But, if she is making this decision based on a guy she is seeing...there must be some misconception that needs to be addressed.

Anyways. That's the extent of drama for the week. Things are slow right now, I honestly think it's because we need to work harder and talk to more people. Perhaps we also need to try a few more finding techniques.

Miracle for this week: we found Stetson! What a cool guy! He's a young adult , a little older than us and he is very interested in listening and learning about the church. He's a  Free Mason, so he is very spiritual and open to new ideas. We had a great first lesson with him, he seemed intrigued by our message about the restoration of priesthood authority. We invited him to read the Book of mormon, and pray about it. And right when we were about to invite him to baptism....He had to leave!!! Man, it's so hard. But he said we can come over anytime.

We met another free mason this week who had investigated the church when he was younger. We talked with him and he is very interested in family history. He showed us this huge pedigree chart that back to the 1600s. It really helped him open up to us. We're going to try and visit him again and share a message on family history and how the keys to sealing the hearts of the children to their fathers has been restored through Joseph Smith.

Tornado clean-up is officially over for the mission. There aren't too many more projects for us to do, the rest I think has to be done by professionals or something like that. But it's been a once-in-a lifetime experience to help with Disaster Relief. I'll remember this expereince for the rest of my life.

Now we have to deal with the heat of an Oklahoman summer! We're ready to go! I just got a flat tire this morning, but that's ok, its only the 5th or 6th one!

I know this gospel is true. People can change. The responsibility we have as missionaries can be a little daunting at times, but the Lord works miracles regardless of our inablities. We were recently approaced by a pentecostal preacher, and he proceded to preach at us a little asking us if we preached about Jesus. What a sweet sensation it was to testify that we know Jesus was the Christ and that Joseph Smith was a prophet. He disagreed about the latter part, and I asked him if he wanted to know if our message was true. He said no and we parted best of friends. You feel empowered when you stand up for your beliefs.

Estoy agradecidos al Senor por darme este experiencia a servir una mision. Habra muchisimos milagros en los proximas meses si yo soy listo y disponible a trabajar.

Que Dios les bendiga!

Con Amor,

Elder Powley

Week 48 - Special Message from Mission President - June 1, 2013

Dear Parents: 

Your sons and daughters are safe.   Thursday and again yesterday we experienced severe storms and additional tornados in our mission area.  Yesterday’s storms were more dangerous and destructive than Thursday’s storms.  Our missionaries were never in any danger on Thursday but yesterday caused us more concern because we had missionary relief crews out working in the morning.  As is my practice, I sent the work crews home well in advance of the approaching storms so they could be near their local weather contacts and shelters.  My practice is to personally monitor the storms and alert missionaries directly and through our mission leadership.  Local weather contacts are also very helpful to us. 

Based on preliminary reports, yesterday’s storms caused substantial new damage and sadly, additional lives were lost.  103,000 homes in the City (including the mission home) are without power.  The damage, downed power lines and traffic have prevented me from communicating with you earlier this morning.   We also had all our missionaries in South Oklahoma City this morning for a meeting with Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy.  Now all of our missionaries are out working on tornado cleanup projects for the day. 

I will generally not communicate with you after every storm.  I will reserve these communications for storms that strike near where we have missionaries stationed.  If power is out and I am prevented from emailing you I will call the Church operators and let them know the missionaries are safe.  I will also inform the Missionary Department of the safety of our missionaries.  As you can imagine, we have a lot going on out here right now.  The safety of our missionaries (your daughters and sons) is our paramount concern and priority.  We will tend to them first and inform you once I have verified their safety and tended to other priorities related to the missionaries.  Thank you for your patience and prayers.

We are grateful for the Lord’s protection and your prayers.  Many miracles are occurring through these events.  The Lord truly does make all things work together for the good of those who believe. 

Warm Regards, President Taylor

Week 47 - Clinton, Oklahoma - TORNADO REPORT & PICTURES- May 27, 2013

Mi querida familia,

What a crazy week!!! When I was writing my last email, I had no idea that later that afternoon an EF-5 torando would hit Moore, OK. I was in Clinton, and honestly is was bright, and sunny, calm, and the coulds were normal. Yet only and hor and 30 minutes away mass destruction was happening. They say this is the biggest tornado to ever hit Oklahoma...and it literally followed nearly the same path as a tornado back in 1990.

Needless to say, the missionaries were enlisted in the clean-up efforts. This last Saturday, our zone drove down to Moore where we met up at the Stake Center. As we drove to the Stake Center, we didn't see any damage, infact most of the surrounding neighborhoods were untouched. We got our yellow "Mormon Helping Hand" T-shirts and headed over to  park like 5 blocks away.

And what we see blew our minds. It was as if we were looking at a town hit by a bombing raid. Trees were uprooted, refrigerators in trees, houses gone save a flat slab of concrete. Debris was everywhere. WE spent the day raking, carrying logs from fallen trees over to large piles (I'll includ pictures in a later email). It was a wonderful experience, that honeslty helped strengthen my testimony of the truthfulness of this Church. The Church was sooo organized. literally 1 or days later after the storm hit, their were organized teams out there helping people out. The Priesthood is real. It truly is what gives the leaders of the church the abilites to organize massive relief efforts like this.

So we helped clean the community park. correction, we helped transform the park. I wish I took before and after pictures but I'll send a picture of what it looked like after. We also went and helped clear the backyard of one of the citizens who wqas affected by the tornado. It's incredible what a few rakes and wheelbarrows can do.

Then just yesterday. we went down to help out again. this time we went to go help clean an 80 acre ranch. WE helped clear debris (mostly roof insulation, plastic and fiberglass) because this type of stuff can hurt the cattle. WE had a team of 40 missionaries, and few members from another church. We mingled and coordinated the service efforts and the outcome was wonderful. The man who owned the ranch was touched. Without us, it would have been just him and his wife clearing 80 acres of pasture. It was also rewarding to work with other faiths and see how service really softens people's hearts.

We even heard that Presdient Taylor sat in a meeting with the heads of other churches including the United Methodist church. They asked him how the Mormons were so organized and effective. They were just astounded. President Taylor then took time to share the Gospel specifically condcerning the Priesthood organization of the church.

Finally, inbetween all  this tornado clean up, on Sunday we had a baptism:) We baptized Sade' and Xzaylia, the grandchildren of Sister LoneBear (who was our recent convert at the beginning of the transfer) it's incredible how the gospel brings families together. I had the privilage of peforming the baptism for Sade'. She's a cute, spunky 9 year old who calls the missionaris the "superheroes who teach people about Jesus". She's awesome and her enthusiasm infectuous! AFter I said the baptismal prayer, she literally leaped backwards as I submerged her under water. It was such a sweet, simple moment for me as I felt the Spirit and power of the Priesthood when I perfromed the saving ordinance for Sade'.

The Gospel is so true. I look forward to this next transfer. Elder Masters is still with me and I'll be gaining a new companion named Elder Hirshi (who came out with Elder Masters). He's spanish speaking too so I'll be training these two new missionaries in spanish mostly. I'm excited! They also assigned me to be the District leader. I'm a little daunted by this as well, but I know that its a blessed opportunity to develop leadership skills and greater love for those I serve. Dad, any leader ship advice would be much appreciated.

La vida es excellente! Tendremos otro bautismo este proximo semana. La mujer quien vamos a bautizar es un milagro. Hace 3 semanas cuando ella nos llamo y nos dijo que quisiera ser bautizado. Se llama Pat y ella es increible y muy chistosa. She's almost read the whole Book of Mormon and has such a strong testimony.

I look forward to see what else is in store. Every day I think about how blessed I am to be a missionary. I can't wait to keep learning and changing into the person God wants me to be.

Les Amo mucho!!! Sigan adelante!

Con Amor,

Elder Powley

Week 46 - Clinton, Oklahoma - May 20, 2013

Mi querida familia,

 

Its been an insightful week for me. We're seeing some incredible success here in Clinton. We are teaching our recent convert's three grandchildren (Sadie and Xzaylia) and its so much fun to see their enthusiasm for the Gospel. They are choice spirits of our Father in Heaven. While we were teaching about the Book of Mormon Sadie piped up and said how she believed it was true even before she saw the book. She was just so ready to accept the Gospel. My only concern is that her parents have no desire to listen. They won't object to her being baptised, but it's going to be very difficult for Sadie to progress if she doesn't have parental support. We pray that the mom's heart can be softened. Rose (the grandmother and recent convert) is going to be so critical in helping this family progress.

 

Oh we've had so many fun experiences this week. We found some prepared people for the gospel. We met a man (Terry) who is the roomate of one of our investigators. He hadn't listened to our lessons before but he'd caught little snip-its of our lessons before. As Terry opened up with us we felt impressed to share the 2nd lesson about the Plan of Salvation. As we unfolded the plan...he was mind-blown. We answered so many questions he had such as what is the relationship of the spirit and the body, our purpose in life, the resurrection. We invited him to baptism. At first he was weary because he had been baptized before, but we explained authority and he thought about it for a bit.

 

And then just as the spirit was really working with him....Bam the door opens and in come a group of people. A crazy lady sat down and wanted to listen to our discussion. We obliged. Then Terry asked us if the baptism he had was valid.

 

Me: For a baptism to be valid, it must be performed by someone who holds proper priesthood authority--

Crazy lady: Thats a lie. You don't need no (beep) baptism. all you need to do is believe and represent. 

Terry: Yes you do, Jesus Christ was baptized by John.

 

Then this lady really broke the spirit with her arguing and the lesson ended. Man, the Spirit is soooo delicate. The slightest disturbance, especially just a word of arugument, just ruins the environment. We can never argue the truth with anyone. Truth is manifested by the spirit, and the spirit is driven away if we are contending. Even if we are stating truth, if its done out of an argumentative tone, the spirit can't bear witness as strongly to people's hearts.

 

We must be bold, but not overbearing. This has been my biggest insight of the whole week. Alma 38:12 says we must "bridle our passions." I always thought this only referred to cnotrolling your thoughts in regards to morality, or controlling your anger, but I realize that this phrase can even apply to sharing the Gospel. We must bridle our passion for sharing the Gospel. If we are overbearing with sharing the gospel with people, they will turn away. We were in a lesson with a lady named Mitzy and that's one of the things she commented on. It is possible to be too bold (I had never thought of this). And she mentioned how that's one of the reasons she likes us coming over. We aren't focing here to do anything, we are inviting her to feel the truth for herself. Because we have this frame of mind, she feels the spirit. 

 

And I've realized the same thing. i hate it when people are too pushy with me (ex. my companions trying to get me to hurry up on P-day) but I feel more motivated to act and repent when I'm taught correct principles and then invited to act (such as General Conferance, Zone conferances, reading the scriptures etc.) 

 

So I apologize to my siblings now if I in any way seemed overbearing when I told you to read the Book of Mormon when I called last Sunday. 

 

Ok, other miracles. Elder Masters has a crappy bike, and he got a flat tire two days in a row this week. On the 2nd day he got a flat tire, (we had replaced the tube the day before, fixed everything) he was really frustrated, we would have to be on foot for the whole day throwing off all our plans. But in my head I had an impression: we could not have in anyway controlled the flat tire, this must be part of the plan.

 

and it was. The flat tire was inspired and we ended up seeing many miracles that day. We found some new potencial investigators. A lady drove up to us and asked us to drop off pamphlets at her house ( if we weren't on foot she wouldn't have stopped us), and many more.

 

Other fun experiences: I played piano at a baptist church on wednesday. Fun stuff! I accompanied a guitarist while he sang some christian accoustic songs. It worked out pretty well. It didn't feel that reverant or sincere though. It was a fun service and they asked me to come next week. I might do that. Our investigators come first though.

 

I want to keep going, but this email is already getting really long. I just want everyone to know that this is the the church with the fulness of the Gospel. Even though it's the truth, we can't force it on anyone. And honestly, there are people our there who are not going to recognize that this is the true church, and it's because they aren't prepared to receive the Gospel. Our job as members is to NOT BE PUSHY or OVERBEARING! WE don't have to prove or convice others our Church is true because we already know it's true. We must simply invite people to feel the same joy we have that comes from the REstored Gospel. The commandments bless not restrict. Make sure your testimony is anchored in the Book of Mormon and Jesus Christ, rather than believing because its the popular thing to do. Especially for those living in places where the church is prominant. Don't just go with the flow because everyone else believes in it, because I can tell you that once you leave your places of comfort, the Church is not the most popular thing. If you are swayed by what people think, then your testimony will falter. We must stay praying and reading our scriptures in order to withstand doubt.

 

I know this church is true. I love you all so much. Missions change lives.

 

Con Amor,

 

Elder Powley

We received this message after Andrew had sent his P-day message:

--------------------------------
Message from President Taylor:

Dear Parents:  All of our missionaries serving in the Moore, Oklahoma area are safe.   The City of Moore, Oklahoma located just south of OKC sustained heavy damage and loss of life today as a very powerful tornado cut its way across the city during  about 3:15 pm CT.  Our hearts and prayers go out to the people who have lost so much today.  Again, all of the missionaries serving in the affected area are safe.  The rest of our missionaries checked in safe earlier today.  We were blessed again today.

In the coming days our missionaries will be called upon to help with the cleanup from this devastating storm.  We are asking the missionaries who do not have leather gloves to buy some in the next couple of days.  We are also asking those who can afford to buy work boots to do so.  These boots will help prevent foot injuries (from nails) that could be sustained during the cleanup.  There will be some ability in the future to reimburse missionaries for the boot purchases.   As future storms occur, I will keep you updated (provided we have power).  If you do not hear from me by email after the storms clear following a tornado outbreak, call the Missionary Department.  I will have notified the Missionary Department by phone and confirmed the safety of our missionaries.  Thank you for your prayers and for your wonderful sons and daughters.  President Taylor

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Week 45 - Clinton, Oklahoma - May 13, 2013

Mi querida familia,

It was so great to talk to everyone yesterday. I'll admit I was kind of tearing up on the other end. I love you all so much. Your progression in the Gospel is very dear to me and I hope you all are striving to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon and be converted to serving the Lord and your fellow man. I'm so glad Jane was awake this time and I got to here her talk. It was so cute when she said "Po" and that she wanted to read the Book of Mormon.

This week has been pretty miraculous to say the least. One of our investigators was smoke free for nearly a whole week! We were so happy for him. I think the most fondest lasting joy you can feel in this life is when you witness other people changing their nature. How happy must our Heavenly Father feel when he sees everyone of us changing, repenting and becoming more lke Jesus Christ! That's what this life is all about! We had a Zone Conferance with President Taylor (probably his last one sadly with our mission) and he talked a lot about the House of Israel and how God has created a system, or plan, that "develops ordinary men into celestial beings." He uses the faithful valient spirits from the Pre-life to come to earth with the responsibility of sharing the gospel and being the tools in HEavenly Father's hands to guide people into becoming like Jesus Christ. It's incredible how organized and perfect God's plan is. He did all the planning and organizing, all we have to do as missionaries is be willing to accept it and follow the Spirit.

Other miracles: We had a lady call us up this week and leave, probably the most shocking message on my mission--"Hi, my name is Pat and I think I'm ready to join your church now. I'd like to set up a time where we can meet with the Allisons (members of the ward) this week. Give me a call back!"

Woah! I guess people have to be ready to be baptized. We met this lady and she is solid. She accepted a date, along with another friend of hers, and she came to church, knows the Book of Mormon is true, and has immediate member support. It was a cool experience. It almost seemed too easy. It was a testimony to me that baptismal experiences on the mission are blessings from God...not experiences due to our merits or because as missionaries we did anything special. Baptisms don't define missionaries...obedience and faith do.

We also had a great contact experience. As we were riding our bikes, we drove past a park and saw a man sitting on the tables there. My companions and I decided to go talk to him. We had pleasent exchange. We learned he was down on his luck due to a nasty divorce in which he lost everything. We said a prayer with him. He loved to read, so we asked him if he'd read the Book of Mormon. He replied that he hadn't but for a long time had been really wanting to read it. We gladly obliged in giving him a copy on the spot and bearing solemn testimony of that Book. He didn't live in Clinton so not much happened out of it in terms of creating a new investigator, but we know we were led to talk to this man sitting in the park.

We've had trials, but the miracles seem to outweigh them. I love teaching the gospel even when the people you are teaching are trying to convert you to their religion. Our message is entriely based on having people act in faith rather than proving a point intellectually or through bible bashing. We had a lesson (in Spanish) with a 7th day adventist a few days back and he went off on how the sabbath day is on Saturday and how the true church is one that keeps all the commandments. It was frustrating, but we testified, left a BoM and promised to come back and discuss more the following week (on condition that he reads). The Bible does actually testify that the Sabbath day is on Sunday, and it makes sense because that was the day he was resurrected (see Colosseans 2:14 or Acts 20:7). Modern Revelation also reveals and clarifies the Sabbath day. 

There is a deep desire in my heart to want to show this man these scriptures in the Bible, but I feel like it could be more of a drive on my part to want to prove our point rather than inviting him to come unto Christ. I'v learned from experience that trying to clarify doctrine using the Bible doesn't always work. It usually turns into a bash and itALWAYS boils down to the same question: "Is the Book of Mormon the word of God?" If so Joseph Smith was a propeht and he recieved modern revelation in regards to the Sabbath. 

The gospel is Perfect! This church is true, and I know it because of the blessings I've seen come from it, and the protection I've seen from living the commandments emphasized by the prophets.

There is so much more I need to work on. I'm kind of  worried I'll leave the mission without having done enough; the mission is a once in  life time opportunity to really change your nature and build attributes you'll need for the rest of your life...especially leadership attributes (aka Christ-like attributes).

siga adelnate mi familia y mis amigos! Jesucristo vive! El es la vida,  y esperanza en lo que todos los hombres y las mujeres puedan dejar sus naturalezas carnales para llegar a ser personas celestiales. Recuerdase decir a sus madres "Te amo!" Estoy bien agradecido a mi madre y todo que ella hizo para permitirme obtener us testimonio por mi mismo. Yo tengo mi familia en la primer lugar mas cerca de mi corazon. 

Les amo mucho!

Con Amor,

Elder Powley 

Week 44 - Clinton, Oklahoma - May 6, 2013

Mi querida familia,

 

A ver, donde debo empezar? We had a great week here in Clinton. We had a baptism yesterday for a nine-year named Aleena. Her mom is a solid member, single mother and such. It was a pleasant experience. What made it interesting was how Aleena literally changed before and after her baptism. Before, she was super nervous, and a little standoffish. But afterwards, you could see how more relaxed and calm she was. She offered to get us root beer floats, and she beamed with the spirit. It was a small reminder for me how the Holy Ghost truly can help us change our nature and be more loving.

 

As a zone, we got to go to the temple this last week. Oh, how I love the temple! The celestial room is the best environment to meditate and receive enlightenment. I can think clearly and receive calming assurance of the truthfulness of this work. I had a cool insight as well. During the temple session, I was impressed by how the Lord cannot force us to come back into his presence. We have to be actively searching for increased light and knowledge. I am so grateful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and how it encourages us to not be content with who we are as the natural man, but to aspire to some higher potencial, even to become like Heavenly Father. We are children of God and therefor heirs, and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17).

 

I think this principle is best exemplified with one of our investigators named Scotty. He is a truth seeker. He is a former Jehova's Witness and has found new knowledge and understanding because of the Book of Mormon. As missionaries, we haven't taught him a lot, he's been able to find most of his answers through study and prayer. It's incredible to see his faith in action; he's not even a member yet and just yesterday hd paid tithing and a fast offering. What a stud!

 

And here's the best part, this past weekend he actually didn't pass his baptismal interview because of legal issues that he has to sort out first. We were so scared he'd be offended and then harden his heart to the Church...but he didn't! He truly knows this church is true and he is willing to wait out his baptism even if it takes 6 months or even 3 years. The spirit truly does convert.

 

This week, our companionship has been working on opening our mouths and talking to more people while on our bikes. A lot of our awkward atempts usually don't yield too many results, but we've seen miracles come from it. The biggest miracle I'd say is a change in our attitude. We get more excited to serve, and we feel more successful even if we get rejected.

 

And then we have experiences like we did last night. Our appointment at 8 fell through, and so we went off to our back-up plan with the thought in mind, "let's go find a miracle".

 

And we did. We stopped and talked to three people in that last hour. the first one was on his way to another appointment, the second man was preoccupied with getting a ride from some lady from a mission home. Then the third person a lady turned into a miracle. She was walking away from us, when my companion stopped his bike and yelled out after her "Hi how's it goin'?" She turned around and she greeted us back. She didn't start walking away and so we went up and introduced ourselves. We shared a prayer with her, and found out that her husband had been killed a year ago, she was having a falling-out with many of her friends because of their lacivious life-style and she had been pondering a lot in her heart. We offered to share a message with her and she accepted. We entered her home and shared the Plan of Salvation. The discussion turned to a talk about grace and how we are saved by grace after all we can do. It was a great teaching experience, but she mentioned to us how she could sense we were truly sincere about our religion. If we had not been sincere, she would not have let us into her home. She mentioned how she felt peace around us, and how we had answered a lot of her questions. We left her with a Book of Mormon.

 

Unfortunately, we couldn't set a return appointment because she actually doesn't live at that house very often. Even though she isn't an investigator right now, we were meant to talk with her and uplift her and give her the BoM, which is the best tool to conversion in companionship with the Spirit.

 

And again, I stress how subtle the Spirit is. We could have easily passed by this lady and never talked to her. I am so grateful my companion followed  the spirit to talk to this lady.

 

Great week!!! We look forward to more miracles this week and also to Zone Conferance.

 

Love you all. I will call around 5:00 Utah time this next Sunday! I can't wait to talk to you all!!!

 

Con Amor,

 

Elder Powley

Week 43 - Clinton, Oklahoma - April 29, 2013 (Birthday & Pics)

Mi querida familia,

 

Great week full of many bitter and sweet experiences. We taught a lesson to a solid family from the Marshall Islands. The dad is solid and took the lessons well. The teenage sons that we met, Danrick and Eric, are super solid teens as well. They are future missionaries for sure. The only hold up is the mom. She doesn't speak a ton of English, and we have the slight feeling that she is skeptical of the church. Which is strange because she has an uncle who is a member and branch president somewhere. We have a lesson with them tonight and we're giong to try inviting them to a specific baptismal date. 

 

We also a cool Follow the Spirit experience. It was late at night and we were nearing the end of the normal proselyting day. All our plans fell through, when I felt prompted to go try this one house that we'd passed by several times. So we biked over, and we see a man with his wife and kids parked in the front of the house. The man's head is down on his steering wheel and he looks at us, and then he looks down. At first, I thought he was maybe trying to avoid us. I looked to Elder Beus and we both agreed that we should go talk with this man. So we apprached him, and found out that he was having a really rough time, on the point of actually going back to jail. We were able to pray with him and share some words of encouragement and get some contact information. He had been prepared to receive the missionaries. He actually mentioned that he had been praying, and when he looked up, he saw us as missionaries walking towards him. It was an uplifting miracle that just shows how the Lord puts us in the right place at the right time, but we have to be willing to follow those small impressions that come to our mind.

 

Saturday....probably had one of the most trying experiences of my mission. I was on exchanges with Elder Jenkins in Elk City, a city 30 minute west of Clinton, and I felt prompted to try this one house. We start talking with this lady, and what started out pleasent deteriorated into an attack on Joseph Smith and the Church. Soon she started attacking us as missionaries. "You will one day have to stand accountable for leading people astray." Then I'd bear my testimony and she'd flat out respond with "You're wrong." I felt terrible. Everytime she opened her mouth, I just felt terrible. We quietly left the door and I felt soo angry and bitter. How could she be so closed hearted? She was more willing to trust and anti-mormon DVD than actually read the Book of Mormon! I could feel Satan attacking me with doubt anger. So my companion and I did the only thing you can do in situations like that...pray. We offered a prayer asking for comfort, and there are few experiences where I've really strongly felt the Lord's love and this was one of them. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, I know Joseph Smith was a prophet, and I know I am one of the Lord's representatives here on the earth today. We're supposed to be rejected. I felt my testimony grow 10 fold that day. I am so grateful for my testimony of the Book of Mormon. A testimony of this book is what can serve as an anchor to all the attacks made on this church based on Joseph Smith, polygamy, or other stances made by the Church. We must keep reading this book daily to keep our testimonies strong, or we might find ourselves doubting and giving in to the subtle temptations of the Adversary.

 

The sting of the experience on the doorstep with that lady has been aliviated; I especially relieved as I partook of the Sacrament renewing my covenants. Renewing convenatns worthily also helps rekindle testimony.

 

And even better, I now feel a lot more comfortable talking with everyone I see. Every time you contact someone through OYM, you feel more confident the next time. It's a continual cycle, and I can see an increase in my capacity to love every time I engage in a conversation with a complete stranger. It's such a great feeling! I'm so glad to be a missionary or else I would never have this experience to increase my capacity to love.

 

I had a great birthday yesterday! It's so wierd to be 20 years old. this mission has really helped me grow up and understand more my purpose here in life. Looking back to myself before the mission, one of the biggest changes I've seen is in my capacity to love. You really start to learn how to love people here on the mission, even those you don't know on a friendship basis, and even to those that curse you.

 

I love my mission. My year mark is motivating me to step it up a bit more, be more bold, talk to more people, be more creative. I only have one more year to introduce myself as a representative of Jesus Christ and speak with power and authority from on high.

 

Have a great week! Todavia puedo hablar espanol!!

 

Con Amor,

 

Elder Powley

Week 42 - Clinton, Oklahoma - April 22, 2013 (Pics!)

Mi querida familia,

 

Que bendicion que estoy serviendo en Clinton! La ciudad es muy pequeno, pero tamiben es muy hermosa! Clinton me recuerda de Vernal, Utah mucho. Muchas personas son bien humildes, no hay muchos edificios grandes, y todavia hay personas quien hablan espanol. Entonces, no voy a perdir mi abilidad para hablar espanol! Tengo muchas gracias por eso. De hecho, he dado cuento que es un don de mas valor aqui, proque soy el unico elder que habla espanol sufficiente. 

 

I love this new area! It's a such a contrast to go from a Spanish Branch to an English ward.

 

So let me tell you about this past week... its been an incredible week and so much has happened.

 

I'll start off with one or two quick experiences I had the last few days I had with Elder Pierce. We had some great appointments! One was with Celia. We shared a message about the "Famliy: A Proclamation to the World". Oh she is so solid! But her husband is super anti religion. It's frustrating, but this lesson with Celia was a breath of fresh air because her husband wasn't there. We shared a message with her and she was very grateful because the day had been especiallly stressful and it felt good to have a lesson with us. The Spirit truly helped give her peace of mind for a moment.

 

Then that evening, all our plans fell through. We still had 20 minutes left...and I had a sudden impression to visit a certain house. For my entire 4 and half transfers, I've passed by this house on my bike but people have never been home, or we've been in a hurry to another appointment, or some other excuse came up. But EVERY time I passed this house, I'd felt prompted to visit it.

So this evening Elder Pierce and I went by to visit. We met the mother named Monica, and all her kids were home. She invited us in to say a prayer. We found out that her husband was in Honduras trying to figure out the legal papers and other stuff, but there was a possibiblity that he wouldn't be able to reutrn until next year. Needless to say she was stressed out with being a single mom.

She was humbled, and prepared. We had an excellent prayer where the spirit truly was in abundance, and we set a return appointment to teach the Restoration. Monica also mentioned, if it had been any other time in the past few months, she probably wouldn't have let us in.

 

The Lord is truly guiding this work.

 

Wednesday: I met my new companions Elder Beus and Elder Masters! Elder Beus and I are co-training Elder Masters who is currently waiting for a visa so he can go to Argentina where he was originally called. Don't let that decieve you, Elder Masters is a full-time missionary serving in OKC as of now, and he has definately showed that he is willing to work here. He's a great a missionary, super humble and willing to learn. Fun coincidence: turns out he was in the same district as Hermana Hall, one of my best friends from highschool and college.

 

First day in Clinton: Elder Beus informs us that on Saturday we have a baptism! So I guess I got to walk right into a bapitsm in this area. It's been a long time since I've been involved in a bapismal service. Her name is Rose and she is about as solid as can be! She loves the gospel! She knows that baptism isn't the end and that she'll have to keep on reading the scriptures and going to church. I can't adequately describe the spirit that was there as we taught her these past few days.

 

Saturday: Elder Neil L. Anderson of the 12 apostles came and spoke to  our mission!!!! It was so cool! He mentioned some very insightful things including missionary work in the United States. He metnioned how the shurch could not stand in foreign lands if the church was not first super strong here in the US. This land is a choice land and very central to what the church is doing.

He spoke about miracles, and how EVERY missionary isentitled to witness miracles on their mission. This really impacted me because before I had always thought, that I didn't need to see any miracles because I figured: I don't need to see miracles to know this church is true. I now know how very wrong I was. I am entitled to witness miracles. I need to actively seek them. That applies for everyone.

 

More than anything I was impressed by the presence of Elder Anderson. He was so funny, kind and serious! It wasn't shocking, or trembling to be in the same room as him. I didn't feel this wave or anything incredibly different about him being in the same room. I simply felt comfortable. I wanted to be around him more and more as I got to know him. I felt like the people in the Americas when Christ said he had to go visit other people.. a little sad, because it was just so pleasant to be with him.

He was also very relaxed, even though he was pressed for time. I can tell you right now, that I know he is an Apostle, mainly because when we were in his presence, I felt like I was in the presnece of the Savior.

 

Later that day, we had the baptism for Rose. Again...very simple.

 

Great week! I want to write more, but there is no time! Clinton is very flat and beautifual and I'm excited to be here for the next 6 weeks..perhaps longer.

 

Que Dios le bendiga!

 

Con Amor,

 

Elder Powley

 

 

 

Week 41 - North Oklahoma City - April 15, 2013

Mi Querida familia,

Tengo translado...Nooooooooo! Once again I've grown too attached to this area. I've been here for the past 4 and half transfers and I can't even begin to describe the change I've seen this area go through. Lets just say when I came in, the area had a record of nearly 0 investigators at church for two transfers. That record continued until January, and then just yesterday we had three investigators come to church...and one of them (Jose) is super solid. 

It was probably one of the best Sundays of my mission. The branch was very impressed as well, they all seemed to be a lot more happier and willing to participate in the classes. Hopefully, yesterday helped provide an increase in testimony for the members. Elder Pierce and I analyzed what we did different this week that really helped investigators come to church, and the answer we came up with was that we were relentlessly following up with people. Following is so key when you are in a leadership position. People are imperfect, and area always getting distracted. Good leaders need to gently remind and recommit people to invitations. Elder Pierce and I were joking around a little about this would apply to after the mission and we joked about how we'll have to follow up every other day with our future fiances after we commit to marriage. Probably not, but I think we should always be renewing our commitments that we make every so often. Kind of like how we need to take the Sacrament every, it's kind of like the Lord following with the commitments we made at baptism. 

This past week has been incredible. We committed Jose to baptism. He'd been holding out on us for the past few weeks, but we finally explained to him the purpose of the Sacrament and how after we are baptized we continue to grow and repent, he seemed a little more relaxed and committed to the 18 of May. We'll se what happens, he might move to Housten. 

So this next transfer I am headed to Clinton, OK. It's a rural city about 40 minutes outside of OKC. It'll be an English speaking area. However, its a bit of a wierd situation. I'll be in a trio with an English companion (Elder Beuss I think is his name) and then we will both be training a new missionary in Spanish. This new missionary will be a temporary missionary because he is waiting on a visa to go to Argentina where he was originally called. I'm excited. Mostly, I'm excited for a change of scenery. I hope I get to see some lightening storms more in the rural areas, they've got to look a lot cooler. 

Ok, fun experience last night. We had about 30 minutes left in the day til we had to return to our apartments. We had planned to visit a potential investigator  and so we thought it wise to follow-through with our plans. We pulled up to this house only to see a few Hispanic people outside blasting loud mariachi music. At first, we felt a little scared or doubtful. I've learned that when these feelings enter your mind you need to just grit your teeth and do it. Because God did not give us the spirit of fear but of faith and power. So we boldly approached the house. A few hispanics, happily greeted us and we started a conversation. We met a guy named Cruz who was drinking bottled water. He was solid. The other men were all holding glass bottles of beer and were all a little tipsy.

They even offered us a beer. Especially this one man named Omar. He was very happy to see us, but he was very out of it and kept trying to give us a beer while we had to keep saying over and over "No tomamos!" It was fun. I don't think I've ever been offered a beer before my whole life, let alone have someone try to shove one in my hand. It felt good to stick to my standards and boldly tell them "No tomamos, es mal por su cuerpo. Uds, no deben tomar tambien." We'd tell them kindly that they shouldn't drink and they'd all chuckle in agreement. It was a fun experience. 

Throughout it all, even though it was a hostile venue, we were able to maintain our image as missionaries and I think that made an impression on them. Omar specifically told us to come back when he was less berracho. We got information for a few other potentials as well. Overall, it was a very fun experience. As long as you have the Spirit and have a strong sense of your purpose you don't have to fear. 

I think that's it for this week. I'm excited to train again this next transfer. Apparently there's a lot of Spanish speakers in Clinton as well, maybe we can get something started who knows?

This past week I've especially gained a very strong testimony that the Doctrine of Christ is what propels us to change our nature. As I've applied the DoC to myself, I've seen change take place. I also know that change does not happen very quickly. Just because it doesn't happen quickly doesn't mean that change isn't happening. You've got to stay strong and diligent. I used to not be able to speak or understand spanish very well, but after a year of practice, I've seen a change. 

The area I'm leaving was considered to be a slow area...now it's starting to pick up. All because of applied faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, holy ghost and endurance to the end, the Lord is able to work miracles. 

And if it works for a simple proselyting area, it'll work for every situation no matter how small, or silly it may seem. Counsel with the Lord in everything you do. Pray earnestly. Always seek for improvement. If we don't seek improvement, improvement won't happen. 

I love you all, and I hope everything is well at home. 

Con Amor,

Elder Powley

Week 40 - North Oklahoma City - April 8, 2013

Mi querida familia, 

Rain, rain ,rain! It literally rained for two straight days here in Oklahoma on Tuesday and Wednesday. This is a good thing for us because this means that many of the hispanic men who work roofing and construction can't work...and so we find them at home and get to talk with them! We had a cool, tiny miracle happen during the midst of the down pour. Wednesday morning, my companion and I were debating about riding bikes in the rain. At first, it wasn't raining that hard so we thought, well let's ride bikes and get some attention from the community:) Bad idea...well it was good in some ways, but we were soaked by the time we got bike to our apartments. 

Anyways as we were riding, we drove past an investigators house. We hadn't contacted her in a long time because we had a bit of a weird situation with her. But as we rode past their house,  I saw this lady out of the corner of my eye...it was our investigator. We drove passed her, but then I felt prompted to turn around and go talk with her. We did so and we have a great conversation. Turns out she had been waiting to talk with us for a long time to explain the situation from a few weeks back. The situation had improved and she was still open to our visits, and also that she had a new boyfriend that she wanted to present to us. 

One step at a time, some law chastity rebuking will come later, but we took this as a blessing. And then later that night we taught her boyfriend. It was a great lesson, he listened very intently and we have an appointment with them tonight. 

And we never would have talked to this lady if we hadn't been riding our bikes. 

We've also been receiving some referrals. We got a media referral (which means someone requested the missionaries through the internet or by some other means) that we followed up on. The actual referral wasn't their, but Preach My Gospel especially emphasis with media referrals that you need to knock doors in that area. Sometimes the Lord just leads us to areas that we would otherwise not visit. And this area is in our area, but super out of the way from our main proselyting neighborhoods. We knocked on a few doors, and we met a man named Jose. We get to talking with him and it turns out he has a daughter who is Mormon and serving a mission in Texas. We aren't sure how reliable his sources are, but if his daughter truly is a member serving a mission. this will be quite a miracle. 

General Conference. I don't know how the rest of you feel, but the topics surrounding this Conference seemed to be centered on "keeping the commandments" and "remembering that we are children of God." To me, the Spirit seemed to be saying "buckle down, stick to your guns, because there's going to be a wave of temptation coming in the future." 

My favorite talk was honestly President Monson's talk in the Sunday Morning session. Mainly because I love his humor and optimistic attitude...and because I realized something that is kidn of starting to impact me as a missionary. The principle I realized can be summed up as this: "It is only when we are keeping the commandments, that we are able to find truth. If we are breaking the commandments, we are shielded from the truth." Our investigators, need to learn obedience to the commandments. If they don't, then they literally can't receive a spiritual witness of the truthfulness of the Restoration. 

And it's the same as all of us...the minute we stop keeping the commandments, the Spirit retreats in some degree. This includes not keeping the commandments to pray and study the scriptures daily. If it becomes a habit, we lose our testimonies. 

I also really liked L. Whitney Clayton's talk about marriage. Don't laugh, but I found myself finding things I definitely want to apply in the future when I'm married. Apart from that, I found that some of the things he mentioned applied to a missionary companionship. 

For example, holding effective companionship study builds unity. I've especially seen that in the mission. As I've opened up about the things I learn from the scriptures with my companion, we both feel spiritually edified and learn new things. Unity is built. 

Also, it helps to just be open with your companion. No secrets! It applied this a few nights ago, when my companion said something that kind of bugged me. I didn't want to keep that feeling of "being bugged" inside of me, so as we closed our Daily Planning session, I kindly mentioned what he had said and how I felt slightly offended. Now for this to work, you have to not make a huge deal about it and really explain how you feel. I was amazed to see that my companion opened up as well and listened to me. Even though it was such a small detail, he took concern with it . Immediately, that tension that built up when he said something that bugged me was released. And now we are more unified.

So it's best to just tell people when you've been offended! Tell them kindly and in a loving manner and how you simply want to make them aware of how you felt. If done in a loving, humble manner, people will be humbled and problems can be resolved: most times they just don't know they said something wrong. 

Be open. Be honest. It builds unity. I have a testimony of that. And while we're on the subject, just as we should be open with our friends, we need to be open in our daily prayers with Heavenly Father. The more honest you are with him, the more he can help you. 

We have another great week ahead of us. I can't wait to give you an update. Next week is transfer calls and I hope I'll be here another transfer. 

Con Amor,

Elder Powley

Week 39 - North Oklahoma City - April 1, 2013

Mi querida familia,

We had kind of a slow week in terms of having set appointments with member presents, but the big this week is that we are starting to talk to a lot more people on the street. Since the the weather has imporved immensly in the past week, more people our outside creating perfect OYM opportunities. 

Easter Sunday was great! We didn't get an Easter egg hunt unfortunately (although I did find one of those old plastic eggs you sent for the 12 days of Christmas in December, I guess that counts). We had a companionship fast for a few of our investigators with some trials that really can't be overcome without some help from Heavenly Father. Remember the Lemus famliy we found a few weeks back? The father, Luis, was feeling really down this week because his wife and daughter left to Houston without him (because they wanted to put the daughter in school over there). It was sad because he'd only been with his family for about week, and he hadn't really seen them in long time before that. Basically, he opened up to us about he feels like an unworthy father and husband, he feels guilty of things he's done in the past and for that he doesn't think that he can be baptized. We listened and we both felt real sympathy for him. Especially Elder Pierce because he's had similar feelings of guilt before. I felt a little different. Honestly there was a point in the lesson where I realized that I truly don't understand where Luis is coming from. All I do know is where Luis can go for comfort, and that is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

 

So we invited Luis to church. That night as we were planning, we felt the impression to go by his house to make sure he was coming to church. Sure enough we went by, and he had been sleeping. So we rang the doorbell, greeted him with an enthusiastic "Feliz Dia de Pasqua" and he started getting ready for church:) An hour and a half later, we saw him at the chapel. 

I'm realizing that as missionaries, we have to be the source of enthusiasm for the Gospel. We have to get excited about what we're doing! 

Hopefully, Luis will continue to progress, the members now know him a bit and we will hopefully start to see progress. 

Other fun experiences: An old lady ran out of gas in the middle of a one lane, two direction road right at a stoplight. Promptly, Elder Pierce and I pulled over and offered our assistance. She resisted a little bit, but after calm assurance she let us push her car to a nearby parking lot. Ha ha we win! She was very grateful afterwards. We didn't get a chance to give her a card or anything, but it just felt good to do a good term daily. 

We talked with an investigator named Remijio a few days back. He's jsut moving into a new house. We were talking and he mentioned how he has plans to build a fence. I then tried something a little different. Usually, we say "Do you need any help?" or "Is there anything we can do to help?". These questions usually don't merit any responses. So I tried something a little different. I asked "Nos permitira a venir y ayudarle?" Will you permit us to come back and help you?" He kind of paused and smiled for a sec and then asked, "what day?" 

I was on exchanges with Elder Finnie this past weekend. We were riding our bikes past a house. We'd knocked it before and talked with the people. They were'nt to interested but said we could come back. So as were passing it I felt impressed to stop and try again. So I stopped Elder Finnie and said we needed to try this house. As we were locking our bikes us. A older man and a younger woman pass by. We exhange hellos and then I felt like initiatign a conversation. The best way to do that is extend your hand and introduce yourself. So we did so. WE talked a bit. The lady was very nice and asked us about what we believed. I went right into an expanation of the Book of Mormon. I always get so excited to talk about the Book of Mormon, because its something I really have testimony of. She seemed intrigued. She then explained that she was a recovering addict. I then testified that a sincere study of this book would help overcome any addiction. She seemed touched, so we gave her a copy of the Book. I left our number in the book. And we left our seperate ways. 

 

I guess it wasn't that huge of an encounter, but when you have these small experiences, you really start to notice the Holy Ghost in your life. If anything this mission is really helping me realize how the Holy Ghost communicates with me. It's so subtle...if you are too focussed on yourself, you can't really hear it.

I guess when it comes to helping people, you have to be willing to take initiative before it's asked for. It was a good lesson and I hope I can let it become more of my nature to see a need and fill a need. 

March just flew by. I can't believe how fast the months are going. With my year mark coming up, I've been reflecting a lot on my mission so far. This area I'm serving in has really improved since I first came in October. The branch trusts us more (as evidenced by our full dinner calendars) and we have more people to visit. 

Life's good! glad to hear everyone is doing good.

Love you all. Remember that it's because of what happened on Easter yesterday that its even possible for our family to be resurrected and live for eternity together. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and what he's done for me and my family. I only hope I can find one family out here in Oklahoma, or future family to recieve the Restored Gospel.

Con Amor,

Elder Powley

Week 38 - North Oklahoma City - March 25, 2013

Mi querida familia,

This week has been chock full of little experiences where we've followed the Spirit every so closely and we've been put in the paths of people to talk to. I'm starting to enjoy tracting.

Honestly, I think I'm starting to realize that you can meet someone ready to hear the Gospel in almost every position you're put in. Expect to find people, and then you find them! I guess its a principle of faith. 

I think I'll just relate a few experiences that I've had this week in order make up the majority of my email. On Tuesday, we had an incredible appointment with a new family that just moved in from El Salvador. They don't know a lot of people, so we've been able to welcome them into the neighborhood and introduce them to the members. We had a great first lesson with them. They all accepted the baptismal invite when they know our message is true. We'll work on setting a more specific date this week. We don't want to shove too much on them too fast, because they just moved in and they'll want to get settled before making one of the biggest changes of their lives. But the family is wonderful. The parents are married and they have a 12 year old daughter who is very intelligent and loves to study. There's a member family with a 13-year old living nearby so if we can just help establish a good relationship, we'll start to see them progress more quickly. 

and we met this family by following a prompting from the Holy Ghost. 

On Saturday, we found a few English families. We were visiting a potencial hispanic investigator. She ended up not being home, but I looked over at the house next door and I said to my companion, "If no one's here let's go try this one over here...I think I remember it being hispanic." So we went and knocked on the door and we met Darren. He actually wasn't hispanic, but he allowed us to share a prayer with him. He didn't talk a lot but we learned that his mom had recently passed away. We were able to testify of the Plan of Salvation and have a spiritual experience with him. We shared alma 40 with him and he was pleasently impressed. We set a return appointment for this Tuesday. We met him by following the Spirit.

Later that day, we went over to try a former investigator. Apparently they had moved, but again I felt prompted to visit the neighbor's house. I knew they were American and I'd passed by their house many many times...and I'd felt prommpted to visit them, but for one reason or another, I didn't do it. But today, I felt more confident and we went and knocked on the door. We met Terry. He invited us right in and we were able to get to know him. He actually really respects the Mormons. Back in the 80s his car died about 4 hours outside of where he was going, and a member of our faith gave him a ride and helped him out. He remembered that experience for nearly 20 years. He agreeed with most of our doctrine, and he's actually very golden. So we stated our purpose. I think I even told him that we would like him be baptized. He smiled at the thought and accepted a Book of Mormon reading assingment, and we're going to try and set up an appointment this week. We met Terry, by following the Holy Ghost. 

Just yesterday, we finally followed a referral from the English Elders to go try and knock doors on this one street. we knocked maby 5 doors and met 3 solid potencials. One of them being two brothers (17 and 18 years old) from Guatamala and completely open to the Gospel. I'm reminded of how Grandad was a teenager when he heard the Gospel for the first time. I guess I kind of hope these two young men will join the Church and their whole families will follow in their footsteps. We met them by following a referral which had been given to others by the power of the Holy Ghost.

I hope you see a common thread here. Elder Pierce and I are really starting to trust our instincts and thoughts that come in our heads. Most of the time they end up leading us to people to talk to. It's incredible. And what makes it so enjoyable is that my companion is so willing to trust my instincts, and I trust him as well. Unity in a companionship amplifies the ability of the Holy Ghost to lead us exactly where God would have us go. 

One more experience. Just today, we decided to go get haircuts. We each talked with the hairstylist doing our hair. And naturally we got the chance to share a bit about our church, Turns out she had a friend who was Mormon. I told her, if you have any questions feel free to ask. She then proceeded to ask about our beliefs. The anwers came so smoothly. I knew exactly what to say and how to say it. The Holy Ghost gives us the words to speak. 

I am so grateful to be a missionary. How often to you get the chance to share your testimony with the person cutting your hair? We're just so noticeable as missionaries, and so we get these opportunities if we allow them to happen. I'm kind of bummed we only get this for two years! I guess that means I need to step it up and talk with everyone I can. 

It's been a great week. We had less actives, and 1 investigator come to church. Our area is sooooo much better than when I first came in. The Lord truly does take his time to develop people and mission areas. But when you finally see the results....it leaves you amazed and wonder-struck. 

I hope everyone is doing well. The handbook just changed rules. We can email anyone now apparently, including friends, as long as they are not mmebers of the opposite sex living inside our mission boundries. I'd love to hear emails from more cousins, friends and family members if its more convenient! 

I love you all, and I can feel my faith increasing. I can still see I have a ways to go (Elder Pierce is such a great example of faith to me) but I know that just like excercising a muscle, my faith can be excercised until it becomes massive and unstoppable.

Les quiero mucho. No hay ningun otra obra en el mundo come este obra. 

Con Amor,

Elder Powley

P-day with the District at the Zoo in Oklahoma City

 

Week 37 - North Oklahoma City - March 18, 2013 (bonus pictures!)

Mi querida familia,

What a week. Elder Pierce and I have been busy. We've been working on punctuality a lot this week and sticking to our plans and we've seen quite a big difference. Not necessarily with the number of appointments we have, but rather just how much more of the Spirit we have. I think there's something very key in being punctual. When you are, I think the Lord starts to trust you more and then the Spirit can more fully consecrate what you are doing. 

Anyways, we've met some great people this week. Spanish is becoming more of a joy. I've felt the gift of tounges really start playing more of a role in my time here in Oklahoma.
I've found that I've been able to start connecting more with the Hispanics that I teach and communicate more than just on a Gospel level. 

Most of the experiences we've had this week have been preceded by simple thoughts or ideas that pop into our heads. Last Monday evening, it was nearing the end of the evening and we put on our list of back up plans to go try this one potential family. I distinctly remember two thoughts. "It's too late, almost 8:30 there wouldn't be time for a lesson anyways and besides they said they'd call you." 

And then as I dwelled on this thought, a 2nd thought popped into my head, and this one I said aloud to my companion "Oh what the heck, why not?! We're really close to their house." Elder Pierce liked that and we went on our way. The man and woman living there happened to be home and we had a great first lesson with them. 

Now, experiences like this don't happened every time we have a thought to visit someone, but they do happen, and it depends on what the Lord's plan is, and on the agency of the investigators. 

Another experience: WE just finished having a lesson with a lady named Nancy. After leaving, Elder Pierce and I started walking to our car. While walking, we were discussing the Spirit and Gospel matters. After a few blocks we realized that we had had been walking in the complete opposite direction of where our car was. Feeling ridiculous, and kind of joking that perhaps the Spirit led us this way for a reason, we started heading back.

Suddenly, a young man not too much louder than us called out from a side street "Hey are you LDS missionaries?" We turned and said yes. We went and talked with this man and he introduced us to his new wife of a few weeks. They were smoking, but they had felt prompted to call us over. We had a great talk, gave them a Book of Mormon and got their phone number. We still haven't been able to get a hold of them, but that's a little beside the point. The point is that the Spirit is guiding our companionship in small ways and it feels great. 

 

I've really felt my faith grow this past week. I am so grateful for Elder Pierce and his excitement. I can't wait to see what's in store for this next week. 

I'm loving this mission. Thank you so much for your letters of encouragement. Sounds like our family is doing great. Congratulations Alex, by the way on winning the state solo choir competition! You better send a recording of your song (as long as its mission appropriate:) Keep up the good work. 

 

Que Dios les bendiga. La mision es increible y le trae muchas bendiciones que sean requisitos para superar esta vida dificil. Siga el espiritu. Tenga la fe y valor para hacer las cosas que quizas no son faciles. Dios no puede efectuar ningun milagro hasta que despues la pruebe de nuestra fe. Todavia yo necisito ejercer mas fe para que yo puedo ver milagros. Pero el milagro mas grande de todo es el cambio al dentro de nuestros mismos, y el cambio en los demas.

Les Quiero mucho!

Con Amor,

Elder Powley

 

 

I've really felt my faith grow this past week. I am so grateful for Elder Pierce and his excitement. I can't wait to see what's in store for this next week. 

Week 36 - North Oklahoma City - March 11, 2013

Mi querida familia,

What a week! I met my new companion on Wednesday, and things have just took off to a running start. President Taylor lined us all up in two lines; trainers on one end, and new missionaries on the other. He then called out the new companionships one by one. It soon came to my name when President announced I would be training Elder Pierce. We embraced and immediately hit it off. This is going to be an amazing transfer. I can feel this wave of new, fresh faith radiating from being in the presence of this Elder.

That evening, the Lord blessed us with two lessons, one of which we found two new investigators. It was incredible to see how prepared Elder Pierce was to teach. We taught one lesson in English and the next one in Spanish. It was great to see him get excited about the work. 

One of the things about training new missionaries is that you start to notice your own weaknesses as well. This past week I've learned a weakness that I have. My weakness happens to be a strength that Elder Pierce has. He truly has faith in the converting power of the Gospel for our investigators. It's not that I lack this faith, but I will admit that the past three 3 and 1/2 transfers have somewhat diminished by expectations for this area. I had fallen into a sense of complacency. 

 And so I sincerely brought this matter to the Lord. I asked: How can I develop faith in the converting power of the Gospel for my instigators? That morning during personal study, the answer came as clear as crystal...."Work on punctuality." 

It dawned on me that I had not been taking our appointments too seriously in the past...I'd been used to going to appointments late. Most of this comes from bad habits I formed early on in my mission. I was told that the Hispanic culture was naturally always running late so we could as well. Then I realized, when we aren't punctual, it's as if we don't have faith that our investigators truly will convert to the Gospel. We need to be where we plan to be, at the time we say we will. So this transfer, I'm really going to focus on being on time to things. 

I've really felt rejuvenated from serving with Elder Pierce. He is so excited to be hear, and committed to being the best missionary he can be. In some ways he is better than me. But that's ok, I think the Lord intends me to learn from this training experience as much as he expects me to teach. 

In other experiences for this week: Elder Pierce and I have had a lot of contacting opportunities  We're finding lots of people to teach and just this past weekend we set two new baptismal dates, which we haven't done in a really long time. Miracles happen every day. Their names are Vanessa and Alvaro. They are a young family with a 6 month year old daughter. Vanessa has a desire to learn and go back to church, and Alvaro has a great understanding of our message. We are really hopeful. The lesson we had with them actually wasn't planned. Our appointment for that hour fell through and I felt prompted to go try this old potential of ours that we hadn't seen in a few weeks. We were there at the right time. We met Alvaro and he let us right in to share a message. It was great! 

Just last night, we were working and all of our plans fell through. Elder Pierce felt the impression to say a quick prayer. I offered one specifically letting the Lord know that our plans had fallen through and that we humbly didn't know exactly what to do. We then felt prompted to try visiting an investigator's house in the area. The investigators weren't there, but we met a friend of theirs that was living in the same place. We talked to him and it turns out he knows of our church and said he would like us to stop by another time. So we set an appointment and now we have a solid potential. 

Life is great! I mention the subject of this week entry as "New missionary fire" because I really can feel the difference Elder Pierce has brought to this area. In fact, half our district is made up of these new missionaries. There is a new spirit in the Branch, more hope, more faith... something I don't think I'd really felt in a while. 

 

Expect great things from us. This will be a transfer of miracles if we do everything right. I plan to become more punctual and more hopeful, and re gain that new missionary fire I used to have.

I hope everything is going well at home. I'm glad to hear about Mark's mission call! He'll be a great missionary. 

I love you all and I love this Gospel. It's true. siga adelante!

Con Amor,

 

Andrew

Elder Powley  

Week 35 - North Oklahoma City- March 4, 2013

Mi querida familia,

It's been a great week here in Oklahoma. We had a "blizzard" last Monday. It's in quotation marks because everyone got really hyped up for this huge blizzard with 12 inches of snow but it turned out to be a weak snow storm in the evening with not even an inch of snow. The rest of the week has been cold and sunny and we've had some good experiences. 

First off, we had the Trainer's meeting this past Monday and it was really inspiring. President Taylor gave a great training on what we're expected to do, and then the APs did something quite out of the ordinary. They called the mother's of all the new missionaries coming in this week (our future sons and daughters in the mission) and asked them questions about what they expected of their son's our daughter's trainer. They then recorded all of their responses and put it on a slideshow with inspirational music in the background. It was very touching to say the least. We suddenly felt the weight of what it means to be a trainer. We are the first companions to these new missionaries in the field and we have a responsibility to help establish good habits early. We have to help them get adjusted to the mission culture.  

As I listened to the responses these parent's gave I was touched by how much these parents really love their children. I was reminded of how much my own parents love me and needless to say I started to cry a little bit at the end. I think if we take into to account that we are serving people who have a loving mother and father back at home, it makes you think more deeply about how you should treat them. 

Quick sidenote, I remember back during Temple Conferance, I took a specific question to the Temple: What do I need to do to prepare to be a trainer? At the end of the temple visit as I was sitting in the Celestial room, one word came to mind.....patience. Heavenly Father is very patient with us in our own lives and eternal progression, my own parents were patient with me (especially during those drama-filled teenage years), my trainer was patient with me....likewise I need to be patient with this new missionary. I also need to be careful to not stifle his spiritual impressions. If he has an impression, I need to support it full heartedly. 

I could go on and on about the lessons I learned this last Wednesday, but I'll have to save it for another day. I'll look forward to realting more things I learn during this next transfer. I am 100%  positive that eve thought I'm training, I know the Lord wants me to learn something during this next 6 weeks. I'm so excited!

This week we've also had some great lessons with the families we are teaching. We taught Luiz again (the one that doesn't believe in Eternal Life) and we simply read out of the scriptures. He honeslty had no comeback. There was a moment in the lesson where we showed him scriptures that testified of eternal life and Luiz simply asked "So how do I gain eternal life?" I was reminded of the Jews on the day of Pentecost when they asked Peter "What shall we do?" the lesson went well. We made the mistake of using an analogy during the lesson with him. Little word of advice to those that like using analogies in lessons. DON'T use them unless people really don't understand the principle. Use the scriptures. Nothing can dispute the scriptures, they are the ultimate authority on the the Doctrine. Anyways, I used some analogy with Luiz and he twisted the analogy to fit his way of thinking. 

It is better to just teach the Doctrine! It might be boring, but it's the safest way to go. Analogies are last resorts, and they honestly don't convince anyone of anything and often times distract from the Spirit. 

Another cool learning experience: I went on a brief exchange with one of the Zone Leaders and we talked with two people. the first was a lady who was very bitter towards God and religion. She used to be religious but had ceased to believe because of the many problems she had in her life. We had a great conversation where we testified and were kind to her...we definately made her think twice. But I'll always remember her countenance...sad, angry and no hope. She treated her daughter as she would a high school aquaintance. It was sad for me.

We then talked to another lady who was of another faith. The difference was incredible. She had faith in Christ, believed in God, went to Church and had a happy family. She had the light of Christ, it was obvious. Nothing much happened out of the exchange, but the contrast between someone who believes in Christ and one who doesn't was very apparent. 

Faith in Christ is they key. and when I say faith I include the rest of the points of the gospel as well (repentance, baptism, HG and endure to the end...you cna't have one without the other).

We had a great week and these are a few of my experiences and insights. 

I love you all! I'll be sure to send pictures next week of transfers and mi hijo amado. 

siga adelante con esperanza en Jesucristo. El evangilio es verdadero. 

Con Amor,

Elder Powley