Nov. 25, 2013

 

Mauri my Friends and Family!!!!!!

 

Transfers were this last Thursday. Elder Weilenmann went to Fairfield Iowa as a Zone Leader, and I have been blessed with Elder Tekenene from the Gilbert Islands.  Things have been positive for us.  We are meeting with a lot more members, whether they are Active, Less Active, or Part-Member.  We are not finding NEW investigators off the street. We are finding them in the homes where the gospel either is or once has been in.

 

Things are different with Elder W gone. We are out of the apartment at 10 instead of 11 (Because Im done training) and because Elder T, has never been in Waverly,  It's  MY job to schedule the first week or so.  OH and he has no licence since he lives on an island. So I am now the Companionship driver. :) It's been fun.  The coldest it has gotten is about 5 degrees in the day and -2 at night.  This week will be a little warmer at around 20 degrees and about 10 at night :) So I am now an Elder-Pop.  With the Humidity here, it soooo cold.  But we get through it. :) 

 

We have a date set with Nick, for Dec. 14.  But sad to say, Elishyia is on the verge of dropping us.  She went to Solid as a Rock to Softer than the Sand.  :( Please pray for her.  She's been so great and we don't want to loose her.

To the Priests (I havent done this in a while) : Study the third missionary lesson in P.M.G.  Then please report to the Bishop or to me. (I'ld like to hear about it.)  I can Promise that if you sincerely study it, you will gain a better testimony of OUR Savior and the Atonement. Love YOU!!

 

To the Members: Search for and PRAY for missionary experiences.  Every time you share your testimonies, you WILL be blessed for it.  The greatest thing that we can do as members to share the gospel, is to share our testimonies.

 

Non-Members:  Remember our Savior Jesus Christ.  He atoned for all because He loves us.  God blesses our families and He, Christ and the Holy Ghost are ONE in purpose. I extend a Missionaries invitation and promise.  Read Moroni 10:3-5.  Our church is not one to replace religions or faith. Simply to add to the faiths that you do have.  We want to help build that faith. And if you will ask in faith about the Book of Mormon, or this Church. By the Power of the Holy Ghost, you will know that these things are true.  I can promise that. I can promise that because I have done it. I can say that I KNOW these things are true because I followed the Invitation.  Please do so with faith.

Nov. 18, 2013  No Mountain High Enough

 

Hello Family!

 

This week has been such a great week! We've seen the rags go to riches.

 

Brother Larson (our Branch Mission Leader) had a son come home from Sweden this week. That was a big blessing for us, because he still has the missionary flame and is a tremendous help for us finding people. 

 

We've been preparing for transfers coming up, so we are visiting a lot of members just in case we may not see them again.  Elder W received a call from President, and will be leaving on Thursday. And I have yet to hear if I'm staying or not.  But Elder W has been in Waverly for 9 months and it's only 3 for me.  So I doubt that I'll be leaving.

 

We have some amazing members here that are working hard with helping us.  We've had lessons in their home a couple times this week. An investigator, Nick, is going really strong.  We set a date with him for Dec. 14. AND he came to church this last week, which is HUGE for him because he's super shy.

 

As we've met with him more, he's becoming a lot more open to socializing. Which is great!  The Ackersons have been a huge help with him. I'm so grateful for members who are  willing to help us out in any way they can.  President Jenson is sure to let the members know, that ANY part they had with the baptism of investigators (Recent Converts) is recorded in heaven and that WE will have joy in helping save that soul.

 

Well.  We've reached the peak of our mountain, and are once again witnessing the great power and mercies of God.  He love us ALL, and will never abandon us.  Along with our blessings, we have had some struggles along this path.

 

Windy, has gone through some horrible stuff lately.  We went and visited her (which was the first time since September) And she actually opened the door to us.  We had a silent lesson with her, and just let the spirit work on her.  We had her read scriptures and talk out her problems.  And right before we left, she says to us that Her heart knows that this church is right, her head just doesn't agree.  So now we're working with her and just being there for her. 

 

This Gospel blesses families.

 

I issue an Invitation: Find a Preach My Gospel, and PLEASE study the Gospel of Jesus Christ missionary lesson.  AKA: the Doctrine of Christ. I can promise that as you do so, you will receive a greater understanding of Christ and His atonement. It will help us be better people.  This Gospel is set on The Doctrine of Christ.

 

I love this work.  I have seen so many blessings that have come from it.  I thank you all for your examples to me and for all the letters and news :) Thank you all so much.

 

22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the ^atestimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he ^blives!

 

This is My testimony.

 

Elder Allred.

 

From President Jenson: 

Since there are no transfers during the month of December, please have your family and friends send your Christmas packages directly to your apartment.  Transfers are on November 21, so when you send out your weekly email on November 25, please inform your family of your current address and tell them to send your packages to that address.  We strongly recommend using Priority Mail, as there is always a chance of an emergency transfer.  Again, we remind you that packages sent Priority Mail or 1st Class are the only packages that can be forwarded.  Packages sent “Standard Post” or “Parcel Post” cannot be forwarded, and UPS and FedEx do NOT offer forwarding service.  Note that most items ordered on line are sent via UPS or Fed Ex.  Zone Conferences start on December 10th, and that is the last chance a package has to get to you before Christmas if we cannot forward it.  Any package that arrives at the Mission Office after December 9 that cannot be forwarded will not get to you until Transfers on January 2, 2014.  We know how important your packages are to you, and we try our best to get them to you as quickly as possible.  However, the number of packages that cannot be forwarded is becoming difficult to manage.  PLEASE, PLEASE tell your family and friends to use Priority Mail and follow the instructions provided above.      

Nov 11,2013

Helaman 5:12

Hello Friends and Family.

This week was really good! 

We had stake conference, and the missionaries in the stake sang "Called to Serve".  It was so cool.  The adult session was devoted to Missionary work for the Members. They asked for members that night to stand up and share a recent missionary experience, and it was so cool to see and hear members share their experiences and also share their testimony of missionary work.

This week was different.  We only had 5 lessons with investigators.  The rest that we were able to teach were Less Actives/Recent Converts (LARCs) And Member Lessons.  So were working a lot with the members.  Our experience with the members has been positive.  We are starting to soften their hearts into sharing the gospel with their friends. 

So in my last letter I referred to "Every Member, a Missionary" our Member lesson.  We have found people who have been prepared (Alma 13:22-24).  Now the challenge is to share the gospel with them.  We must overcome the fear to act and share.  We have found that the spirit truly testifies when members bear their testimonies of the gospel.  Please: This week FIND an opportunity to do so.  I can promise that you and them will be blessed for it.

The members have such a power.  Missionaries come and go, the REAL full time missionaries in an area are the loving members of the wards or branches.    Elder Holland Said :   "Indeed, one of the axioms of our day is that no mission or missionaries can ultimately succeed without the loving participation and spiritual support of the local members working with them in a balanced effort. If today you are taking notes on a stone tablet, chisel that one in deeply. I promise you won’t ever have to erase it. Initial investigators may come from many different sources, but those who are actually baptized and who are firmly retained in activity in the Church come overwhelmingly from friends and acquaintances known to members of the Church." 

There will still be struggles.  Missionary work is... well WORK.  Nothing comes easy, it was hard for the Savior and it will be hard for us.  Waverly is starting to soften their hearts towards us. We are talking to more people than we used to; the challenge is to now teach them in their homes.  A scripture that I've always liked is Alma 26:26-30.  We are out here laboring and hoping that we can effect SOME of God's children. We have been working hard and somewhat persecuted, but we are now starting to see the tender mercies of the Lord. 

Pray for us. We need your prayers.  Waverly Branch is hurting and we need strength to come. 

I love you all so much and I thank you for all of your examples.

STAND

Elder Allred

Nov. 4, 2013

Hey Ya'll.

 

So Missionary Month?  I think I might be able to help with that.

Well..  I'm gonna give ya'll our Member Missionary Lesson.

Pres Monson said: “Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together … [and] labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him. He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work”

The Lord has prepared people everywhere to hear and understand the message of this gospel.  We are in the fulness of times. And our job is to spread the great message of this gospel.  And we need to share the gospel to all,  Christ said "...but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee..."-Mark 5:19

Missionaries and Members need to come together on a combined effort, to share the gospel.  Elder Ballard declared:"We are not asking everyone to do everything. We are simply asking all members to pray, knowing that if every member, young and old, will reach out to just “one” between now and Christmas, millions will feel the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. And what a wonderful gift to the Savior."

It has been said  "it would not be easy, only that it would be worth it."

Waverly is going well.  The people are starting to soften their hearts. We are having little success still,  were not getting as much investigators then we would like.  We have a knack of finding 14 year old girls, single moms, and older women (70s-80s)  I don't know why but all but 2 investigators are women.

Sacrement Meeting was AMAZING!! Betty went up and bore her testimony for the first time. It was Elder Weilenmanns last Fast and Testimony Meeting before transfers, and I... Dont remember what I said, But a lot of people told me that it was what they needed to hear.  So I trust that I did a good job :)

We are meeting with Elishyia's brother, Nick and will hopefully set a date with him and Elishyia for Dec. 7 :) and we are going to meet with some formal investigators, who have been solid at one time or another and re-set dates and get the fire in them again.  One formal, Corry, actually has "Families are Forever" tattooed on his arm. I really want to meet with him.

The Waverly Branch however, is in pain.  We need prayers. Sister Buettell, our mission nurse, is having eye and heart problems, Bro. Swallow has just found out that he has Cancer down his spine and on some of his ribs.  Please Pray for them.

Till Next Time.

S.T.A.N.D  Stand Tall And Never Doubt

Elder Allred

Oct. 28,2013

 

Hello Friends and Family,

 

I'm reminded of two stories.

 

The first, Is Man, a Gardner.  He was in his yard pruning the trees and bushes one day. While he was doing so, he thought he saw a bush shed a tear.  "Why have you cut me down?" the Bush asked. "I was doing so well".  The Gardner replied. "I'm the Gardner Here, and I know what I want you to be. I know of your potential and know what will help and make you grow"

 

A couple years later, the same man was in line for a big promotion in his line of work.  He had done his best and was looking at becoming the rank of General.  The interview went well, but the man was told that he could not receive the promotion because he was a Mormon.  That night he threw his hat on the ground and threw his fists in the air. "Why did you cut me down?! I deserved that, I could have been so much better!?". He then heard the Lord say, "Im the Gardner Here, and I know what I want you to be. I know of your potential and know what will help and make you grow"

 

The Lord is in control.  He knows who we are and knows of our potential.  He loves us enough to cut us down.

 

Now, the second story.  A man was in a plane crash, and ended up on an island by himself.  There he lived and survived.  He prayed every night and pleaded with the Lord for rescue and comfort.  He was lost and needed help.  He received an answer to his prayers, the Lord had said "I will provide a way".

After a couple of days, the man noticed a ship of the coast. And eventually the Captain of the ship asked the man if he was in need of a rescue.  "No" the man replied, "The Lord will provide a way".  So the ship left.

A couple of days later, the man was praying and asking for comfort. "I have provided a way" said the Lord.  So again a ship came and went as the man was insistent that the Lord will provide the way. A storm broke out and the man was killed.  While in heaven, the man met God and asked "Where were you?  You told me that you would provide the way".  The Lord than answered "Well? Did I not send two ships after you?  Did I not provide your way of rescue?"

 

This week has been, difficult.  We have investigators that fail to follow their commitments.  We have great lessons with them, and the commit to follow our invitations. But they wont actually do them.  We have felt the Lord cutting us down, and rebuilding us.  We are struggling to help the people that this is the MOST important thing in their lives.  That only through this gospel can we achieve happiness.  I keep asking   "How many stones do I have to throw at you before you realize that I've been hitting you in the face?"  Really though, They have received the restored gospel, and they refuse to see that.  The Lord teaches "line upon line...here a little there a little"  People are prepared for this message, and they have it right in front of them.  It is OUR job to help them realize the truth of this.

 

My Advise.  Remember the Lord,    9 Believe in ^aGod; believe that he is, and that he ^bcreated all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all ^cwisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not ^dcomprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend. Mosiah 4.

 

 

Things are moving, Slowly but Surely.

 

Love you.

 

Elder Allred

 

Oct 21, 2013

Sorry all.  I've been a little slow this week getting this out.  I will also send todays letter. 

 

Steph

 

 

Hello Family and Friends.

 

First off: Thank you so much for the mail. It really helps :)

 

So this last week was the first full week of our area split. And its been really hard. Almost all the members live outside of our area, and that goes for the majority of investigators.  Elder W and I are starting from the basics.  Were Talking to everyone and trying to receive more investigators.  We only have 3 right now. Debbie (21) is a Wartburg student and X-Country runner, Windy (older than that) is more busy than any person I've met, and Elishya (14) who we recently have discovered a speed bump that prohibits her to be baptized :(  so we need to work with that. 

 

But through thick and thin, I still LOVE my Mission.  We're putting our faith in the Lord and are now starting to see the city of Waverly softening their hearts. There was one experience that we had.  It was about 8 in the evening, dark, cold, and we were both pretty hungry.  All in all a bad combination. After some time, we knocked on our last door.  And a 70 y/o man opened the door and started asking US questions about Christ and our beliefs of him.  After Elder W and I bore testimony of Christ, the man looked at us and then asked about the Book Of Mormon, and its validity.  So once again we bore testimony of it, and I read to him Moroni 10:3-5, Moroni's promise. We than gave him a B.O.M and asked him to read and pray about it. He graciously said that he would, and we left. It may not seem like much, but it truly gave my Comp. and I a spiritual high :)

 Bearing testimony is one of the most simple ways to share the gospel and have zero arguments about belief. 

 

Also, on a humor side note.  This week, my Comp and I were out finding people again, and knocking away, and with no success, decided to walk back to the apartment to go over our area book.  So I realized that Iowa and Utah are entirely different when it comes to blocks and streets.  In the normal street world, a black is a route that takes around and puts you where you started, not the case in Iowa.  We walked around that block for a while, and finally hit a main road. So thinking that this road went south (Remember, No mountains in IA) we walked to our apartment.  Well it turns out that we were really walked west. And Started to notice a lot more farm land and corn fields.  We Were Lost.   So we walked, and walked, and walked. (Get the picture) When finally we ran into a farmer.  We looked at him and told him that we were going against the man code, and asked for directions.  He laughed at us than said that we were about 2 and a half to 3 miles outside Waverly.  :)...... So our journey back home continued.  after about an hour and a half. We made it.  Lesson of this: Carry a map on you,  and put your faith to the wheel when times get hard.

 

 This week Im focusing more on the trials of faith.  How to overcome trials, and see the good in life. :)

 

I love you all.  Pray For Waverly

 

Kia Kaha, Semper Fidelis

 

Elder Allred

Hey Ya'll

 

This last week was interesting.

We split our area, Waverly North and Waverly South. 

Elder Weilenmann and I are in Waverly North, and most of our investigators are now in the South with Elders Gray and (SO COOL) Elder Allred.   

Elder Allred is from the Price area. He and I both walked for Reddick Newton Allred :). Without fail, everyone we meet askes if we are related. We think we are.  :) This week we will be doing Family History Work :) (Your Welcome Grandma) 

This week has been hard.  Splitting my first area was hard.  We had NO idea what we were doing. Our Zone Leaders told us that it was our job to do it.  So we did.  :)  When Hard Things Fall upon us, Trust in the Lord.  He will Guide us. 

Another Trial, is that of creating a new lesson for Preach My Gospel.  Ok So its in my copy of it.  But I have been working to create a lesson to light a fire inside members to help the Missionaries.  It been Hard.  Alma tells us to use Boldness with no Ovebearance..  Im strugging with that.

How can I call a spade, a spade without burning the member trust? 

This week has not been so productive because of the split.  And its been hard.  Feeling unproductive. 

Like Grandpa Allred:  Those with the faith of Reddick Newton Allred will keep offering friendship even when it seems not to be needed or to have no effect. They will persist. When some new member reaches the point of spiritual exhaustion, they will be there offering kind words and fellowship. They will then feel the same divine approval Brother Allred felt when he saw those handcart pioneers struggling toward him, knowing he could offer them safety because he had followed counsel when it was hard to do. (Elder Erying, Finding Safety in Counsel)

Pray For Missionary Experiences.  Pray for those who have been prepared.

And Trust in the Lord.

Elder Allred.

October 7, 2013

Hello Ya’ll,

Things are moving so fast. Conference was great and was exactly what our members and investigators needed to hear.

So I have some really cool news to share. We're in the process of splitting our area into a northern and southern area. We should have the North side and a new companionship of Elders will be working in the South.  We’re trying to make it a good start for the new Elders when they arrive, so we are working a lot in the southern part of our area.

We were talking to Elishyia and Dawn, who currently live in the south.  Sadly their land lord is evicting them. So, they had 3 days to move out.  SCARY!!  We helped them find some options on a place to go, and they have decided to move into Northern Waverly. (That's our future area!!!)

While we were helping them, one of Elishyia's friends stopped us and asked if we could talk.  Sara, a 15 year-old, just broke down and ‘let the waters of Mormon come forth’.  She has had the hardest life of anyone I know. I really wish I could go into greater detail, but accept my word on this one, she REALLY NEEDS prayers.

Our talk with her was amazing.  I felt that I needed to share "Broken Things to Mend" by Elder Holland; so we went to our car and I put it on so that we could all listen.  Let me tell you, that was a journal moment.  Elishyia and one other friend came out and listened with us.  By the end of the talk, Sarah, Elishyia, Jaimee (the other friend), Elder W and I were all in tears.

Sarah then asked me, "So When can I get baptized like Elishyia?"  :) :) :) I love that question.  We then shared some scriptures, the Restoration, and left a Book of Mormon with her.  She has been reading it every night since, and begs us to teach her Mom.  :) This was all on Friday Night.

On Saturday, we watched conference at Betty’s place, and it was so cool to see her reaction to it.  She watched it all on her own.  Even when we weren’t there, she turned it on and watched,  She is so great!

We met with Sarah again, and "tried" to teach the Plan of Salvation.  We had Sarah, Elishyia, and another NEW friend, Nicky, join. Teenage girls are so hard to teach in groups.  The three of them just kept chatting away.  But in the end, NICKY said that she wanted to hear more. :)  So we’re currently in the process of setting up a meeting time with Nicky and her mom.

We talked to Sarah some more, but we haven’t set a date yet.  We felt like we shouldn't do that yet.  It’s kind of cool; we will have the calendar out, choose a date for her, pray about it and then feel that it's not the right date for her.  So then we do the process again, and again. And So on.  She has such a desire to learn and grow, and she seems eager to get a baptismal date. I think that the Lord has something in mind for her.  He definitely knows more about Sarah than we do.  So we continue to trust in His judgment.

On Sunday:  When we got to the church, NO ONE came to the church to watch conference. We had invited a lot of investigators, and many said that they would come.  But, 0 showed up for both days.  Well...kind of.   Sunday Morning we get a text from Debbie, a Wartburg College student that we know.  We work with her in a community garden.  Debbie tells us that she wants to know more about Mormons, but wants nothing more than information.  She wants us to teach the discussions, but she will not become a Mormon.

We invited her to conference.  Even she didn't show up after she said that she would.( >:(  Why can’t people keep commitments?!! )

We were just finishing the Sunday morning session, when Debbie walked in and sat down just in time for President Monson’s talk, “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee”.  His talk really sparked her interest, and, of course, in the middle of his talk Elder W and I look at her and watched as she was tearing up!!!

After the session ended, we gave her a really quick church tour. And then she said: "This is great and all....but I really want to learn more. What’s your schedule so that we could meet more often?"  :D  We're meeting with her later today, and she keeps texting us and asking questions.  Elder Weilenmann and I really feel that she has been prepared. :)

So in the last 4 days: we have been blessed with 3 new investigators and we have received a lot more referrals.

The work is truly moving forward.  It’s by the hands of the Lord that this area has been successful.

Thanks for your support,

Elder Allred

 

Oh I'm not finished quite yet.

Another mater I'd like to discuss with you who are reading, specifically the members of the church.

In the words of Elder Holland, “I am going to get in your face a little, nose to nose, with just enough fire in my voice to singe your eyebrows a little.”

Missionaries are only as good as their faith lets them be.  This could be faith in the work, faith in the area, or faith in the members of the church.

I sure hope you got the message this last conference from Elder Ballard, an apostle of the Lord.  It's not just some advice from a school friend or a neighbor; it is a COMMANDMENT from the Lord!  Missionaries cannot be knocking on doors anymore.  Street contacting is losing its success in most areas of the world, and certainly in the US.  There are countless souls that are prepared in this world.  It is up to ALL of us to find them and teach them.  WE are the Watchmen, WE must warn the wicked.  And not just for their sake, but for ours.  I implore you to consider the teachings of Ezekiel 3:17-19:   

17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Please, I beg you.  Missionaries and members MUST work together to keep this stone moving.  We are having the hardest time out here identifying our own investigators; the bulk of our real success has been through the contact of those already associated with the church.

Dawn is a member, her daughter Elishyia is investigating, and her friends Nicky and Jaimee are seeing their examples and are coming to us.

Members, you MUST let your lights shine.  Missionaries’ don’t always need a badge.  We need your help.  We cannot do this alone. We are ALL enlisted. And till this conflict is over I would expect nothing less from the members of the Sunset Hills 3rd Ward, and others that are reading.

I don’t apologize if this is a smack in the face, I will say this:

This Church is true. Jesus is The Christ.  He is our Redeemer, our Savior, and the Son of God.

Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon through divine power.  The Book of Mormon is the true word of God.  I have been a witness of its great power. 

I LOVE MY MISSION!!

CHRIST LIVES!!!!

Til next time,

Elder Spencer Duane Allred.

 

 

The latest letter!

 

Sept. 23, 2013

 

Hey Everyone.

This week.  It was interesting. 

Monday we had F.H.E at the Smiths house, and played Settlers of Cataan.  It was really fun. Then we saw Betty. She is sooo solid. I CANT believe that her baptism is this weekend! She has come a long way and grows in the Spirit and Faith everyday. 

On Tuesday we did a lot of service.  We gardened for the community garden, worked for the Library. And did all we could for members and random people. We filled out Betty's baptism record, (That was fun).  Betty has been Married twice. Her and Tom, her first husband, were divorced in.... I think the late 50's early 60's. (She was Born in 1931, and old enough to be my Great Grandma!!!) Well she's 81.  Glenn, her Second Husband, died in 1998. And they were married for 20 something years.  So it was really hard asking her questions for her record, about her marriages.  But all is well with her. 

Wednesday I had my first exchange. SOO FUN! Elder Aiasau (a Polynesian) wanted to exchange and be my companion.  He's one of our Zone Leaders and is such a good guy.  I learned a lot from him, he had a different way of teaching.  I cant really explain it, but he has such a way with people that they really open up to him.  He told me after exchanges that he would not be surprised if I were training my next companion. (JOURNAL MOMENT!) elder Weilenmann is such a good guy also! He has taught me so much. After he's done training me I will be sad to let him go. We (Elder Aiasau and I) went and saw Betty which turned out really well. Then we went and saw Elishyia and Dawn.  Please pray for them.  I can't go into what happened.  Just keep them in your Prayers.

Thursday.  We had a Zone Training meeting all on how to use the Members for missionary work.  We've changed our direction as missionaries.  We are to encourage and teach members how to become missionaries,  they are to give us referrals and then both the member and the missionaries go and teach.  We are to have at least 10% of members help us in a ward or branch.  We have 80 members in our Branch, and........20 are helping us! That's 25% member Help, and Waverly Branch is leading the Zone in member help.  However,  the members are still getting used to the idea of referrals.  They really like the excuse, "I have No more friends to share the gospel with. I've shared it with everyone i know."  Sorry, but that's a cop out.  Members NEED to help the missionaries.  It really makes it easy for us to teach lessons, reach goals, and to serve. 

Friday we did some finding. And everyone here is nice, but just not interested. we taught some lessons to a couple of member. But it was kinda a downer day. 

Saturday we had a full day planned with lessons and finding, supper at a members house, all was good.   The Durbans cancelled our supper Witt them. The people we had scheduled with all "became" busy.  We had 2 things that were good though, we did service at Lauretta's ( I USED A CHAINSAW!!) We were cutting some trees down, then we talked to her about the Book of Mormon some more.  She had read the story of Nephi and Laban.  And she called Nephi ( One of Elder Weilenmann's and mine heroes) A schizophrenic, because he had heard voices that told him to kill someone in a very brutal manner. (Slap in the face) Both of us became a "little' frustrated and felt that we should bring out the Big Dog. We are having read 3 Nephi chapter 11, and Moroni 10. We also invited her to Bettys baptism, she is coming :) And we also saw Betty. Which is always good :)

Sunday.........  We had invited 4 investigators to come to church, and all said they would.  Betty showed up, and that was it.  We had Dinner with the Ackersons after church at 1 (we have 9 am church) we committed them to share the gospel with 3 people that week.  Then we went to some investigators places and shared brief messages. At 5:30 we had supper at the Larsens and played apples to apples.  Bro. Larsen is our Branch Mission Leader and we talked more about splitting our area. ( Oh BTW, Were getting sisters next transfer. so its up to us to split our area).

It seems like this week was a success, but in reality. We only met one of our goals.  Soo, ya.  But something I learned this week......  ROTFLSHTIDMHAP (Rolling On The Floor, Laughing So Hard That I Dropped My Hat And Plow)  ;) 

But Seriously,  I learned a lot of ways to deal with people.  In a good way I mean. We are not the Teachers, we are Guides.  Strive to be the FOURTH MISSIONARY!! (Those of you who know/Google it will know what I mean) Priests and Mission Prepers. Read The Fourth Missionary. 

I Love You All.

Elder Allred

Till Next Time

Mom's note**** I didn't get these letters up when I should have. So here are the  latest.

 

 

Sept. 16, 2013

Hey guys.
 

This week has been... different.  We had a couple amazing experiences, and a couple frustrating ones.

To start off. We had Elder Gay from the 70 come and do a Mission Tour.  He Talked a lot about the Book of Mormon and how it effects our lives.  It was such a great experience!! However, a lot of the good stuff, he asked us to keep personal.  So I''m sorry to say that there is a lot that I can't tell you about that.  I hope you'll understand.  That was on Thursday. 

Monday through Wednesday... was ok.  Nothing really happened.  We had a lot of lessons, but most were to members or less actives that couldnt care less. :(  Kinda a Bummer. 

Friday...  Dateline NBC.  They were showing a speacial on Warren Jeffs, and the FLDS. We were soooooooooooooo lucky to have that program on while in the lesson with an investigator, Luaretta.  She kept aksing about Pophets, The Book of Mormon, and she refussed to turn off the program while we were there.  We finally convinced her to turn the volume down at least a little.  My companion handled it very well and answered a lot of her questions. I... Well.  I feel that I could've handled it a little better. I had stuff come to me that I should've said and didn't. Lauretta.. well... She is a 15 year old girl in a 80 yearolds body.  She says that she has read the Bible once and thats good for her. Shes memorized all the "12 comandments" (arent there 10?) And she feels that she can do anything and that the Book of Mormon has no need in her life.  Well...  Eat Drink and be Merry, for tomorrow we die, and it will be well with us. Sound familiar??  I kept quiet, until the end of the visit and until I got on the phone with Betty Spears ( 81 Year Old).  And Guess what she had been watching that night?!  

She was asking questions about Warren Jeffs and etc. I finally blew up on her. (my bad).  I had been so frustrated with the visit before, and now our Faithful Betty was being indoctrinated with these Falsehoods and Evils.  She asked what I thought of Warren Jeffs, and I told her that he is as far as a Prophet as anyone could be, and that he was as a full Anti-Christ.  I love Betty.  She than says to me. "Elder Allred.  Calm down.  I dont believe that a Prophet of God would do so horrible of things as this man has.  We have a prophet today.  We have Thomas S. Monson.  Calm down. I know that he is the Lords Prophet. SO STOP YOUR WORRYING!"           I needed that.  It's amazing to see how the Devils work and tools can lach a hold and bring down some,then Backfire, and end up strengthening the testimony of another. 

BUT>>>>  Both my companion and I needed a spiritual boost.  On Thurs. we got a call from the branches YM Pres. And after this phone call. This Sat we took a 3 hour drive to Nauvoo with the youth of the branch. And Specifically, the Temple :) :) :D Soo cool!!  We definitely needed this.  Its Tradition that every missionary who goes, buys the "Mission Ring" (Pics Below)  So we both got one. AND, I bought the 1830's version of the Book of Mormon!!! It is soo Cool!!

Then Yesterday (Sunday) We had yet another bummer day.  This Week has indeed been Bitter/Sweet. 

But.. Something cool.  Both my companion and I, after much prayer, feel that we will have a lot of success this week.  So please keep us and the good people of Iowa in your prayers.

Now,

Betty: (81 Year old)  She is sooo Great and Solid!  She is so excited for the 28th.  She keeps asking if we could practice for it, so she doesnt mess up :)  I love it!!

Betty: (Guatemala)  She is gone.  Well Kinda.  She is visiting Guatemala for 3 weeks so were trying to meet with her husband (He Stayed). But so far nothing.  Betty however. Asked if she could have the Lessons when she gets back. and she wants to keep cutting our hair.

Dawn:Shes doing well.  She was hospitalized for a day tho. She had an asthma attack.

Elishyia (Dawns Daughter):  Is doing Great. She is excited to be baptized, howver, we are still struggling to get her to church.

To the Priests:  I just realized, You might not be getting these.  Oh well.  To the Priests and all those who read this:  You have been so much of a help to me. You have seen me grow, and grew up with me.  I have been strengthened by each of you.  Remember, REMEMBER the Lord.  He is above all and yet With all.  He will Not leave us, There is never a time in our lives that he is not carrying us.  There are only one pair of footprints in the sand, and those are his. 

Keep reading, studying, and Please.  Keep The Faith, Hold to Rod.

Semper Fidelis and Kia Kaha.

Till Next Time

Elder Allred

 

Sept. 9, 2013

 

 

Where to start?

Life here is so great! It's not too humid, and ranges 70-85 degrees.

So to begin with the good stuff: Betty (the 81 year-old) is being baptized on the 28 of September!!  My companion has been here in Waverly since March, and has been teaching and working with her since May.  And he said that it was a true blessing for Her that I showed up.  Apparently his last companion was doing more damage than good.  So 5 days into the field and we have a baptismal date. 

 On Saturday, everything did not work out for us. People were just canceling appointments, we changed from service cloths to proselyting cloths at least twice. Finally we said ENOUGH.  We were in our service cloths and I did not want to change back.  So we than prayed to run into someone of need of service.  I felt prompted to go to the Larsens (Our Branch Mission Leader).  They weren't even home. But when my companion turned around to leave, he saw that a neighbor lady was working in her yard painting. :D. So we ran over and asked if we could help with something. Her immediate answer was, How Much?. After chuckling a little, we said service is for free, and for about an hour and half we did yard work and redecorating for her.  Her name is ..... Betty. She is from Guatemala and English is her Second language.  And it just so happened that I had a Spanish Book of Mormon (Dont ask, I just did, is that wrong?) So we gave her El Libro de Mormon. With our phone numbers in it.  Then she asked one of the greatest questions of ALL time.  Do we need haircuts?  She is a worker at SmartStyle in Walmart , and felt that she needed to give us haircuts.

After saying that we did, we scheduled a time that we could come back over to her house and get our Haircut. 

So it's starting to be a decent day, grant its like 6:00pm and were almost done.  So we went to see a lady named, Windy, she has had A LOT of trials lately, I cant go into detail because of them.

So we go to her house, and shes not there.  But her husband said that we can come back later in the week. So theres a plus.

At about 8, We than taught a 14 year old girl named,Elishyia (Alisha) She's the daughter of a recent convert. She came right out in the beginning of the lesson of the Restoration, and said that she believes in science.  We than explained to her that God is the Ultimate Scientist.  He had to know that glucose and hydrogen, makes water (I have a lot to learn) :P.  We then bore our testimony of Joseph Smith, and I invited her to be baptized... 

I said: "Elishyia, will you follow the example of your mom.."

"YES!"

(hold on, I haven't finished my question) "....And the example of Jesus Christ..."

 "YES!"

(Seriously again?) "... And be Baptized by someone holding the proper authority of God?"

"YES!!"

She was soo excited to be Baptized, she said yes 3, (THREE!) times. SOOO COOOL :)  The spirit was soo strong.  We then asked if she could be baptized on the first weekend of October. Our mistake. Conference is that weekend. So we asked about the second week, then later was reminded about Youth Conference that weekend.  SO Elishyia is gonna be baptized in the THIRD week of October. Hopefully. Please pray that nothing gets in Her way.

This was ALL on Saturday. 

Sunday:  Our Branch yesterday had 75 people show up to church yesterday.  Talk about Culture Shock!!  Betty (81) has become a Grandma to Elder W, and I.  Were at her house everyday and we eat lemon poppy seed muffins and continue to teach her about the gospel. So we went to her house later that day and told her about our day on Saturday, we just took it easy.  Than we were asked about a lunch appointment at 2, (FREE FOOD) so we went and ate spaghetti and played games. Then were asked by a different family for a 4 o clock dinner also that day (MORE FREE FOOD) So we graciously said yes and went to eat dinner at 4.  We had salad, garlic bread, and spaghetti.  Needless to say, Caleb would be in Heavan!! We than talked about our day more, and went to the apartment to relax for the rest of the night.  We studied and calculated our numbers/goals.  We did really well. We gained 2 new investigators, taught 8 lessons, shared 2 Book of Mormons. And have 2 baptismal dates set. Really good for one week and this area.

To the Priests and Future Missionaries: If you get anything from this, get this.  God is in control.  The Spirit guides and directs everything in a mission.  You cannot have a successful mission without the Spirit. Attitude and Effort are in EVERYTHING. Do not forget that.

I love you ALL.

Till next time.

Elder Spencer Duane Allred

ps. RISE AND SHOUT!!!! O.Y.M!!!  (and..... Go COUGS)

 

Here a few pictures Spencer sent us this morning with his email.

 

 

Spencer and Ethan in the MTC

 

Spencer and his District

 

Spencer, Elder W and Ms. B

***We wanted to be careful with names, so I just used their first initial.***

 

 

 

09-03-13

Hello Ya'll,

Things are going great!!! We got in the Des Moines airport around 1pm and had a very warm welcome from President and his Wife, they are so great!  We then went to the mission home for an orientation and preparation for the next days transfer meeting.  All the Elders except 4 went and stayed with the AP's, and the 3 other Elders and myself stayed at the mission home with President Jensen, and all the Sisters.

The next day we went to Iowa City for transfers, that meeting was so great. We learned a lot of cool stuff, and had a blast watching everything happen with getting our companions.  I was transferred to Waverly, IA, with Elder Weilenmann as my companion and Trainer.  As President told me, "I have been Birthed". Waverly is about 2 hours out of Iowa City, and what a drive.  Iowa is actually pretty cool. It has a lot of rolling hills, lots of trees in some areas, and surprisingly... CORN, LOTS of Corn.  But Waverly is a small town with a predominately Lutheran background.

My first day (Thursday), we met with Ms. B, an 81 year old woman who is Methodist. (however you spell it). And she's pretty great.  She told us that she did not want to make any commitments to any church unless God said so.  We've met with everyday so far after that.  We then on Sat. invited her to church. Which she said yes, and apparently she has gone to church every week since June.  We then had an AMAZING spiritual experience with her. We read Moroni 10:4-5, and she said that she would pray about Baptism , and that on Sunday we would see her answer on her face. She then expressed her feelings that she wanted a lesson on the Holy Ghost.  At that moment Elder W and I have the biggest grin on our faces. Previously that morning, before going out, we had prayed about what Ms. B needed to hear, and we felt a prompting to write down "Ms.B-The Holy Ghost and the role it plays in our lives" in our planners.  After showing her what we wrote that morning, we left Ms. B in the spirit and let her think about what took place.

So the next day (Sunday) we get up for a 9:00am church meeting and beeline it to Ms. B's house to pick her up for church. She answered the door to let us in, and she said that she had prayed and felt nothing. 

What a disappointment. :(  we then went to church, and felt like Elder W and I should revisit Ms.B again that day.  So we went over later on Sunday and just talked to her about the promptings of the Spirit. We bore her our testimonies and shared our favorite scriptures, and the Joseph Smith story. And Boldly told her that she has already received her answer.  After a minute or two of silence, She asked what to wear for baptism, and asked us to pray for a date. :D.  SOO Exciting!  It has taken from the END of May till September to have her finally commit to Baptism.

Lesson Learned: Be Bold. Follow the Spirit, and (DAD ;) ) Patience is key in everything. 

So far I am 6 days in the Field, and things are going great! 

Later today were meeting with a 12 year old (Miss A) to invite her to Baptism, and some other Progressing Investigators.  The Rock of the Savior is on the Move!! 

To the Priests Quorum:  STUDY, STUDY, STUDY! Read Preach my Gospel. Take Notes in Seminary and learn the Gospel to the point that you can explain it to a child in sunbeams. So far, one of the Hardest things I have to learn, is simplicity. Make the Gospel so simple that it literally rolls off the tongue.

Love You ALL,

Till Next Time.

Elder Allred

We are so excited we got 2 letters from Spencer this week.  He sent us one the night before he left the MTC and then we got an email today from him.   
Here is his letter from the MTC:

Aug. 27,2013

Last Day.  We leave for Iowa at 3:00 in the morning on Aug 28.  The MTC has been fun.  I've learned a lot of stuff about missions and about me.   The best advice for the MTC I can give is to read the scriptures and know the concepts of the Gospel, so that you can explain them so simply that a 7th grader could understand.  I love you all.  I am so excited to be leaving.  Everyday here is the same thing over and over again.  So sorry there's nothing new to share.  The entire box of goodies is gone ( Thanks again)  We are just finishing packing. 

Love,
Elder Allred

This letter he wrote us the night he entered the MTC.  He mailed it and we got it earlier this week. 

Aug 14, 2013

Hello y'all

The first day of the MTC has been fun and interesting.  I have yet to receive a companion, so I am in a threesome with Elders Ragazzine, and Woolley.  Elder Woolley is from American Fork also.   My entire district is going to Des Moines also, which is cool.

Just today we had over 850 missionaries enter the MTC. Which included the largest foreign group entering the MTC ever.

I expected to first settle down and then unpack, but instead they threw me into the fire.  Our first devotional, Sister Hacking taught about bringing souls unto Christ.  We stand in proxy for the Lord.  D&C 42:6.

I think this will all be fun :) We've had a couple of district and zone conferences.  We went through a tone of missionary scenarios and learned a lot.  The Spirit is so strong here.  There was a time that we were going through discussions, and the scriptures just come to me. 

I love you all.  I am so excited for the next 2 years.  God be with you til we meet again.

Elder Spencer Allred

 

Spencer and Richard Aug 14,2013

                                                                           

Spencer on Aug. 15, 2013

 

 

 

Aug 16,2013

I'm having such a blast!  The MTC is so great.  The Elders are awesome and the spirit is even better. 

How was the introduction to the MTC?

They took me through a line and interviewed me about the stuff I brought.  Then they gave me a lot of pamphlets and study guides.  It was actually a lot of fun :) P-Days are on Fridays, so right now i am doing some laundry. :)How did you get your stuff (name tag, room assignment, companion, schedule, etc)?  They gave me a little packet with my name card, room key, companions name, and some cool little stuff that ill be sending home to keep.  My companion didn't show up to last night around 7,  Elder Theriault is such a good guy.  Before he came i was in a trio with Elders Woolley (from AF) and Elder Raggozzine (Magazine with an R).  Also some great guys.  There are 9 people in my district, 6 Elders and 3 Sisters.  All of us are going to Des Moines.

Yes I saw Richard and Bro. Waite.  I've seen Elder Thomas (Cameron) and a lot of others form AF, but still no Ethan. :(  I went to the front desk and got his schedule soo im hoping i will see him.

We are very busy.  The teachers are great and the classes are even better.  They have already taught us so much.  Mission Prep kinda helped but not really...  I feel like it was good but not in the way I expected.

I can write every night hand written letters, and on Sunday and Prep Days I can Email.  The food is great!  They are feeding us very well.  I received my package today at around noon.  All n All, Its been great. 

I love you all. :) <3

 

 Produce.wmv

Spencer's mission call opening on May 8, 2013

 

Spencer entering the MTC  Aug 14, 2013

 

Elder Spencer Allred-- Iowa Des Moines Mission