May 30, 2007

Hey Mom,


Sounds like your Memorial day was slower than usual.


I didnt know Chelsea's cat had kittens!! are they bigger than Scooter yet? it wont take too long, will it?


That dog is FAR too spoiled. I wouldnt be suprised if you decided to give him my room and have me sleep outside


New hair style? send pics. Things change so much!!


We went to a few of the members bbqs and got some referals. We cut down some trees for a member! that was fun! it was leaning over the house, so we tied a rope as far up as we could go (the tree was huuuge) and used a come-a-long to pull it straight up. used a chain-saw to cut like 3/4 of the way through and then yanked it down.


Transfers are in like 2.5 weeks. Things are good here! tons of Member Referals, and a lot of great teaching!! We taught two member referals, and they were SOOO excited. One of the epsecially was superb. She is the g-friend of a ward missionary and he is stoked to have her involved. everr since the lesson she has been praying 3 times a day. LEssons are so much more powerful when its at a members home with whom the investigator is close with, and especially if the member sets up the appointment! its great.


Zak is definetly doing a great job. he is a stud. he will get the language, hes smart like that. Ariel is going to BYU?! is she already that old? thats crazy!!! good for her. BYU is a good school.


Well things are good here. This week there seems to have been so much news of change back home. From all sorts of people. Im glad things are going along, although i feel a little left out. You know me, i hope ill be able to partake of the fun when i get home! love ya and miss ya! ttyl!


Elder Onken

May 21, 2007

Mom,


Yah, i heard from Zak a while ago. Im so stoked that he is on a mission. He is going to be such a great missionary because he didnt just go because he was supposed to, but because he took time to find out that its what he wants. I can imagine what its like to see this huge white guy in Korea lol. We baptize tons of Koreans here, itd be interesting to see the success in the actual country.


Hows Mike? its good to hear he is on his feet. He is a cool guy, really fun. he has a good heart. tell him i say 'hi'.


Im glad Chelsea quit her job there. She will see that she will feel better because of it. She can do SOOO much better too. Shes talented in so many different things.


Some things that stuck out to me from what you wrote. Although we cant force people to change, like you said, we still need to be good example. Alma 17:11 ( i did a study of being a instrument in the hands of God, and this is a key verse) states:
"...ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls."


very true. We cant let others choices effect our own well-beign, but they should effect our heart and our inspire our love for them into action and faith. Faith is the princple of power, and can help others more than most people would think. We are truely just like conduits. Lee Tom Perry wrote a book called Righteous Influence. He uses an analogy to compare how we are all like electronic switches. If we are on, God can funnel his power through us to help others. if we are off, then he uses a differnt source. he doesnt NEED us, but makes us part of the plan that WE TOO may grow. God could use Angels to do missionary work, but he uses 19-25 year old young adults that we may grow. Its interesting. A lesson i deffiently keep learning.


This week was good. We have been focusing on member referals for our main source of investigators. Its truely amazing!!! seek, inspire and life others!!! thats the key!! We taught a friend of the McFadden family, and it was amazing, after teachin apostasy of the church, she was like "But then what happend!?!". She was so anxious to learn about the resotartion. It went great. I trust that things will go well.


I found out about one of the things that was keeping Scott from progressing back to the church. I know he is such a strong spirit, and truely Christ like because of what has happened, yet his sincere desires. He is a choice spirit, and im looking forward to hearing about how the Atonement helps him overcome his trials.


Things are good, i love you all, and ill talk to you later!


Elder Onken

May 7, 2007

Mom,


Im not goign to write too much because ill be calling next week. Besides that, im just not that talkative right now.


This week was though. A lot of ups and downs and loops. Not too much news. We had set a baptismal date, but she didnt show up the church so we will have to move it.


I guess thats really it for now. The weatheris getting nicer, thats for sure. We volunteered at a MS walk, and that was fun and fulfilling.


A new missionary in the zone speaks cambodian, his name is Elder Pike. It turns out that his brother in law is Mark Nevers! small world, eh? that was pretty cool i thought.


well, i gotta run. love ya and miss ya. ill talk to you next week!