Mom,
We're here at Slough library for a little while before we meet up some members of the ward to play Ultimate Frizbee. Man, it's been a while since I got out and played a sport. Should be fun :)
Anyways, I feel like it's been a while since I got you a proper email. Maybe it's just because this week has seemed quite long. A lot happened, ha.
So, my dear Elder DeBisschop has gone off to Welling. I miss him tons and wish that we had gotten more time.
I wish that I had more time, but we need to meet some of the members pretty soon here, so let me give you some of my presidents letter and a little update on how the area is going, as well as me :)
----
One definitely good thing that came out of this week was a feeling of organization. Elder Richey and I finally finished up the Area Book (fully and completely up to date from the point Maidenhead was opened) and we rethought our travel situation and cut down on some unnecessary expenses in the area. Plus, we've done a recent deep cleaning of the flat, which definitely brought that extra bit of Spirit that we need this upcoming week.
The people that we are teaching are seeing some serious adversity, as well as some wonderful growth. One of the part member families is having a really quite terrible time with Social Services. Their family is being torn apart, and sometimes it seems all we can do is pray and fast. I hope that the Lord sees fit to reunite this family. In the time I've served here we've reactivated two less active members, both of which have non-member husbands/wives. I'm so excited to see where their reconversion takes their families. It will be wonderful.
Throughout my mission I have gained a sincere love for people who have fallen away from the church. They have often just misstepped and need someone who truly cares. I remember the people who cared about me and helped me to get out on a mission. They make me want to do all that I can for the members who need the missionaries most: the less active members. I'm truly humbled and joyful to have played a part in reactivating several families on my mission, in this area and areas past. I know it's not a key indicator, and not a convert baptism, but I feel in my heart it's just as important.
----
We really are working with a lot of part member families, which is wonderful and has it's own challenges at the same time. I love the people in this area.
I'm so glad that Colin got in touch with you. He's the one who's wife is investigating. He asked me for your email one Sunday, I didn't really know what he was going to do :) That picture he sent (or at least I think I know the one that you're talking about) is us doing a community cleanup. It went really well, and we ended up teaching people afterwards. In fact, someone we met at that project just came to church this last week. Her name is Anita and she is from Hong Kong. If she is baptised, she could be an amazing bridge between Suling and the missionaries :)
Anyways, I only have a few more seconds. The missionary work is going well, and we are improving every day. I love you.
Love,
Stew
We're here at Slough library for a little while before we meet up some members of the ward to play Ultimate Frizbee. Man, it's been a while since I got out and played a sport. Should be fun :)
Anyways, I feel like it's been a while since I got you a proper email. Maybe it's just because this week has seemed quite long. A lot happened, ha.
So, my dear Elder DeBisschop has gone off to Welling. I miss him tons and wish that we had gotten more time.
I wish that I had more time, but we need to meet some of the members pretty soon here, so let me give you some of my presidents letter and a little update on how the area is going, as well as me :)
----
One definitely good thing that came out of this week was a feeling of organization. Elder Richey and I finally finished up the Area Book (fully and completely up to date from the point Maidenhead was opened) and we rethought our travel situation and cut down on some unnecessary expenses in the area. Plus, we've done a recent deep cleaning of the flat, which definitely brought that extra bit of Spirit that we need this upcoming week.
The people that we are teaching are seeing some serious adversity, as well as some wonderful growth. One of the part member families is having a really quite terrible time with Social Services. Their family is being torn apart, and sometimes it seems all we can do is pray and fast. I hope that the Lord sees fit to reunite this family. In the time I've served here we've reactivated two less active members, both of which have non-member husbands/wives. I'm so excited to see where their reconversion takes their families. It will be wonderful.
Throughout my mission I have gained a sincere love for people who have fallen away from the church. They have often just misstepped and need someone who truly cares. I remember the people who cared about me and helped me to get out on a mission. They make me want to do all that I can for the members who need the missionaries most: the less active members. I'm truly humbled and joyful to have played a part in reactivating several families on my mission, in this area and areas past. I know it's not a key indicator, and not a convert baptism, but I feel in my heart it's just as important.
----
We really are working with a lot of part member families, which is wonderful and has it's own challenges at the same time. I love the people in this area.
I'm so glad that Colin got in touch with you. He's the one who's wife is investigating. He asked me for your email one Sunday, I didn't really know what he was going to do :) That picture he sent (or at least I think I know the one that you're talking about) is us doing a community cleanup. It went really well, and we ended up teaching people afterwards. In fact, someone we met at that project just came to church this last week. Her name is Anita and she is from Hong Kong. If she is baptised, she could be an amazing bridge between Suling and the missionaries :)
Anyways, I only have a few more seconds. The missionary work is going well, and we are improving every day. I love you.
Love,
Stew