The Work & The Glory

January 27, 2014

Hey Friends and Family.

Larry Gelwix once said in a small fireside that I attended, "Attitude and Effort are EVERYTHING."

 I have learned a lot during my mission so far. The valuable lesson I am learning at the moment is found in D&C 4:

4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

 Thrusting in our sickle with OUR might.  All the Lord asks is that we do our part.  We do the Work and He gets the Glory.  If our attitude and efforts are righteous then we will accomplish the things which the Lord has commanded us. That is the result of 1 Nephi 3:

7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

When we GO, and DO, and THRUST in our sickle, the Lord will bless us to accomplish that with which we have been assigned.

I have been learning this ‘the hard way’ to be honest.  A mission is HARD work. We do all we can to bring souls unto Him. And He receives the Glory.  Often time’s, people think we just want to change the faith of other; they are incorrect.  We want to add to the faith they already have.  There is truth in ALL things, and we want to add to that truth.  We uplift, not replace.

I had my first door slam this week. OH it made me mad, then sad, then mad, then sad again.  All I could think about was the expression on her face when she slammed the door.

I told myself that "One day she and I will meet again.  And she will remember that action.  THEN, hopefully, I will have the opportunity to teach her, and help her know I only care about her."

I don't understand why someone would turn us away.  We do not condemn, we don’t insult, we are not here to offend.  We have the FULLNESS of the Gospel once again on the Earth. The ONLY greater news the world has seen is that of Christ’s birth and atonement!

One day all knees will bow and tongues confess that Jesus is the Christ, and at that day I have no doubt that they will also recognize the Divine guidance of this Church.

I love you all. This church IS true and the book to prove it is BLUE.

I am helping with His Work, and all Glory be His.

Elder Spencer Duane Allred

What A Rookie Move

January 20, 2014

Hey Ya'll,

Well, this week was probably the most fun and interesting week so far.

Caitlin is a new investigator that we are so blessed to teach.  She is Lutheran and has the mindset that "converting" is just to change churches.  SO, She has announced to her family that she is now Mormon, and wants to stay that way.  We have only taught one lesson, but she has come to more church functions than some of the “active” members.  She is struggling with Priesthood Authority and she needs to get over that concern to baptize.  She is reading the Book of Mormon and Praying.  Hopefully she opens her heart to current Priesthood holders.  :)

Debbie is slowly progressing. She has come to church a couple of times, and is reading her scriptures. The only thing she needs is a desire to pray about the Book of Mormon.

I have learned that people don’t join the church because of what they know; they join because of what they feel.  If people will feel the spirit bare testimony of truth of either The Book of Mormon or Joseph Smith or current priesthood authority, then this work would be a cake walk. The real work comes when we have struggles to overcome and then help those people desire to change old habits and add to their religion.

We’re seeing a lot of success here in Waverly.  We have a lot of potential in this smaller town.  Because of some old habits in the ward, and by previous elders, we’re almost stuck in a rut with the members here. Some new rules have come out and we are trying to implement them.  However,  some of the members just don't like the changes that are happening, so there is a bit of a clashe between the Members and Missionaries.

I am not suggesting any fault.  Changes are not comfortable, and a lot of what has been done has been successful.  “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”  Well, what if there is a better way?  A wood wheel wasn’t bad, and it worked, but a steel wheel with a radial air-inflated tire is tons better.  That’s hard to accept sometimes.

So ya. That’s a rundown of Waverly Branch.

NOW : The Rookie Move:

Saturday night, the South Elders asked me if I would make special cheeseburgers for dinner. So I made them and all went well...  We then had to drive those Elders home because we are in a car share, and we are the assigned stewards of the care.  Elder Musick forgot something in my apartment so he and I went up to get it, but when I walked up to the door...Locked.  My keys, my wallet, EVERYTHING, was locked in our apartment.  Luckily Elder Keeley (My Comp) had his wallet and the car keys, but not the apartment key.  I had locked us out.  Remember this is Saturday night, and as a Missionary it is required that we wear suits to Church.  So we had to borrow suits from the South Elders, and wear their cloths for Sunday.

Now, being the “smart” Elder that I am.  I called our Landlord to get the door unlocked, but he didn't answer. So I got a hold of his son through some searching, and he told me that our Landlord was in Florida on vacation and would not be taking ANY calls for at least a week.  (Dad, DONT DO THAT ;) ) So we stayed the night again with the South Elders.

This morning we had a locksmith come and "Attempt" to get us in. He ended up drilling the dead bolt because it wouldn't pick.  So I now have to call our Landlord and let him know the full story. 

I am learning what it means that, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”  So, I don't feel like such an idiot, because all the other Elders here have done it before, so it was bound to happen to me.  Or they were just making me feel good.  Either way, I’ll take it! J

That's my life as a Missionary this week. Love you all.

(I need a "Catch Phrase" to sign off my letters, any Ideas)

Kia Kaha - Simper Fidelis

Elder Allred

 

Jan. 13, 2014

Hey Ya'll!
Im alive and well! this week we had a very interesting week.  Sunday and Monday we were grounded because it was too cold to do anything.... (-18 WITH windchill, so really, like... negative 30)  So Sunday the four of us elders got together and had a Spiritually uplifting time. Then Monday, we went bowling with the youth of the branch, yet another spiritual uplifting time. :)

Tuesday was warm enough to go out and work, so we knocked and had some success, but overall out of the norm.  Wednesday was the same result.

THURSDAY! Nothing special happened.  EXCEPT MY BIRTHDAY!!  (You who didn't know, may now sing)  Betty called us that morning and asked to schedule an appointment for later that day.  So we went over and she had cupcakes and everything! Shes so great. We sang and had a great ole time! We then went to the Larson's and had yet MORE food :) Thanks MOM for the cake and special cheeseburgers!  I'll have you know that the other Elders LOVE it when I make it for them. I have seriously made them once a week. :) THANKS!!

Friday, was Zone Training Meeting. and that was... Well we were frozen in the church. During the meeting we got a phone call that said, because of the freezing rain and ice, our cars were grounded from moving unless for an emergency until further notice.  The sisters went home, and 18 of us Elders stayed the night at the church building. SO fun!!... Very Spiritually uplifting. :) But it WAS approved.  :)

OH! Saturday we got out and that night my comp and I went to a gas station, this man walked up to me, and asked which Elder I was.  I told him Elder Allred, and he lit up, smiled and was so excited. He told me something very cool, he asks me if my mom was Stephanie. I said yes and exclaims "DUDE! I MADE YOUR BIRTHDAY CAKE!!" LOL :) I couldnt help but laugh. :) We talked a little, then he left.  But your cake mom, influenced more than my stomach :)

It was a good week :)

Thanks yall for your prayers and love.

Love, Hope and Charity. :)

Elder Spencer Allred

Dec. 23, 2013

SNOW!!! It won't be long before we'll all be there!!

HELLO!!!!!!!!!

 

It's been quite a "Slick" week for us. The weather has been crazy! One day its nice and warm, then the next its dropped 20 degrees and we have freezing rain.  Rain falls and freezes instantly when it hits the ground, and it has made walking more like ice skating. 

 

But through the stormy weather, Nick was Baptized and is doing soo well :) He has grown soo much in this gospel, and loves the church.  He has a lot of potential in this church.

 

The Christmas season has made the work slow here in Iowa.  So theres really not much to tell, we're finding new people to teach and continue to trust in the Lord.

 

In the movie, Prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith says to man "Sometimes the Lord has to bring you low, before He can take you High"  And That is something that has stuck with me.  My companion says that that is probably my catch phrase :) That, or "Stumbling Blocks, or Stepping Stones"  :)

 

All is well!!!!! :) I love you all.  Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

HE LIVES!!!

 

Elder Spencer Allred

We got some pictures from a family that invited the missionaries to their home for New Years.

Dec. 30,2013

Hello Family and Friends!

So this week, was.... very much Bitter/Sweet.

My companion had permission from president to visit one of his old areas with our Zone Leaders. So I was asked to spend a day with the other Elder in Waverly South. SO that went well, got to help them out and they helped out me as well. On Christmas my companion came back, and we went to a Marshallese party. (The Marshallese are people from the Marshal Islands in the South Pacific). So we went to that and when were just about to leave and go home, my comp says that he wont be coming back with us. He had again gotten permission to drive some elders back to Dubuque, his first area. So that next day I spent with the Elders in the South side of Waverly.

THEN. Because a Zone Leader went a little pile happy. They spent another day there.  So in all, I spent 4 days with the other Elders, and NOT in my area.  So our area has been hurting a little because of that.  But we have found a lot more potentials, who all want to meet the day after transfers, which are also this week, and ANYTHING can happen. I feel like I'm going to leave Waverly, and they will have two new Elders come in.  But whatever happens will be for the best.

To Brother Larson, and Cook(?): The Malibu sucks. It can't turn at all!  Its turning radius is like a 10 point turn trying to U-Turn it. The Speakers suck and it gets NO bass.  And MY Honda is so much better.  One thing that I will forever remember when I'm off my mission, is that I will NEVER own a Malibu.  (If any one drives one, I'm sorry for any offense)

Over all, Things are going great! We have had a lot of ups and downs. And witnessed a lot of miracles.  Obedience brings blessings, Exact obedience brings Miracles.  A mission is hard, but as we trust in the Lord and do our best, we will be blessed.  Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.

I love you all, And I KNOW that this church is true. I have witnessed the blessings of this gospel in so many ways. Jesus Christ is the head of this church. And I hope that all may come to enjoy this.

Elder Allred

**Mom note-- I apologize for not getting this updated sooner.  I am getting a few letters posted now.

Hello my friends and family!!

Dec. 9, 2013

Its the Christmas season. Its cold! Theres snow! And yet Im on cloud nine because Im a missionary!!

So last week we missed a couple of days because I was sick :( Then this week we were in the apartment for another 3 days, because Elder Tekanene injured his leg.  :(

But I had some AMAZING experiences with some of the members of the branch.  The priesthood is an amazing thing! I have grown to understand, that I dont understand at all the power of the priesthood.  I may never know fully comprehend what the priesthood can do.  I am so thankful for Joseph Smith and the restoration of the fullness of the Gospel and the Priesthood authority.  This Gospel blesses lives.

Because of the time that had been... given to us.  I've been studying the life of Joseph Smith.  He was truly a remarkable man.  He was first and foremost, Human. And he knew it.  He had his flaws but he trusted in the Lord and over came them.  He was a Prophet, called from God to restore the same church as in the times of Christ.  We have the Fullness of the gospel. 

This Christmas season is the perfect time to share the joy and warmth that we have. 

Merry Christmas to all of you, I look forward to hearing about your Christmas season.

Merry Christmas and God bless you, Everyone!!

Elder Allred