Chandler Creedon, My Kindness, Portland Temple, Flynn family

Dear family,
Almost a year ago Elder Kelly and I were just companions and getting
used to one another. The adjustment thing is a real thing when you get
a new companion. It's hectic for the first few weeks. But anyways, the
first day in in the new area with elder Kelly we finally get ahold of
Chandler Creedon. The girl in the picture below. I wasn't able to
actually teach her the first discussion but I was able to teach her
everything else. It was awesome to get to know her and see her
progress. Her original date was for June 25th 2014. Almost a year
later she is finally baptized. I didn't know if it would ever happen
even though she wanted to be baptized ever since the first discussion.
She was held back by her parents until she turned 18. They still
weren't supportive of it but she decided to do it anyway. It was an
amazing baptismal service and was By far the best that I have attended
since being on my mission.

than the rest. I saw her from the beginning until now and it was
amazing. She also asked me to sing at her baptism. I actually sang My
Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee. It went really well. When the
person being baptized is changing the missionaries get up and they
share the restoration with the people watching the baptism. I followed
after the restoration when she returned and it was incredible. Roger
and I probably were singing at the same time. I received a few
compliments afterwards and it worked out pretty well. Except for the
beginning. Ugh I don't know if I was nervous or the piano was just too
slow. It was a little sluggish at the beginning. I guess that's what I
get for getting a last second accompanist. It worked out well though.

This week has been pretty awesome. We were able to go to the temple on
Wednesday. It's always good to go and feel the spirit that is present
within the temple as we are labor intensive for others and looking for
revelation. The peace and comfort that is present is irreplaceable and
very well missed. That visit to the temple really helped with the
district meeting that we had right after. I had a strong impression
that the district needed a training on testifying often when in
teaching situations. I used a quote from Brigham young about how the
uneducated man testified of his belief in the Book of Mormon and the
prophet Joseph smith. And how even with the lack of eloquence or
brilliance that that simple testimony illuminated his understanding
more that all the doctrine thrown at him all at once. I know that that
is true. I've seen the miracles that come when we do so on the streets
and in people's homes. It's incredible how it really helps people to
understand a LITTLE of the power behind the message we share.

Right now we are working with Yin Oberg and Shaylah Diaz. Both on date
for baptism and looking good so far. There are always obstacles to
goals that we set so we are working past those right now. But it's
incredible to see when they catch hold of a little bit of truth they
receive and run with it. That's when everything starts to click.
Shaylah wanted to be baptized this next weekend but she didn't know
she would have to be married first and live the word of wisdom.

This last Sunday we went out with Brother Claycomb, a member from our
ward. We went over to the Flynn family which is a part member family.
We prayed right before hand that we would be presented with an
opportunity to teach and we did. After all the kid chairs I put
together and helped them with some kid furniture we got onto the topic
of church and how long it was since she had attended. Long story short
we ended up teaching her a lot about how the gospel blesses her family
and that God is continually watching over us, always looking for ways
to bless us but that we are holding him back from that. It ended up
being a great meeting and we are planning on seeing them later this
week.

Things are great in Portland! The work is amazing! Thanks for everything!
Love,
E. Archibald

Probably because it was more  sentimental

Portland, bikes, Elder Woodward, iPads, sang at baptism

Hey family! 

I'm sorry to hear about Kim, Thomas and the rest of the people involved with the accident! It's hard to believe that that would happen. Hope everyone is doing good! 

This last week has been a little different than I am used to. I just came from an area that covered all of the city of Vancouver and the surrounding towns as well. We had about 2000 miles and so I drove a lot. Now I am in a walking or biking area. It's really fun! It's been a long time since I've been walking for multiple says in the week. I am sad to say that my shoes probably won't make it another 11 months. I've worn the same pair of shoes for the past 13 months haha. They are so close to making it all the way. So in other words I am in no need of shoes. Elder Woodward and I are doing great. He is about 5'2 and is about 18 years old. Really into technology. Specifically computers and other things like mine craft haha. We have been doing great in this area so far. I'm a district leader again and it's going to be great! I get to work with about 6 other missionaries. This transfer I want to focus on developing an attitude that will shape or alter their way of missionary work to a more productive and faithful driven experience. Elder Williams and I in our past area were on to something with the NGI and we started to see some great things! Being in leadership is such a great opportunity to learn about myself and especially about the others that I serve, seeing their strengths and helping them overcome their weaknesses. It's challenging at times to find what trainings to give so that their concerns and needs are met each district meeting but it all comes back to developing a love for them and the words come. That's what I've come to understand. That if we want to truly help people we must first love them and everything we do for them with the intent to help because of our love then we truly have helped them. In other words if we can only have charity. The pure love of Christ.

This last weekend Sharon Jones was baptized by her son JJ Jones. Our recent convert was able to help his mother and soon his dad ( my fingers are crossed ) to enter into the waters of baptism. It was a incredible experience. Sharon had previously wanted to hear me sing because she would hear me in sacrament meeting and other meetings like FHE and I was never able to. So for her baptism I sang "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul". It was awesome. I still struggle with one or two high notes toward the end because of the key change but it ended up being great. I think she liked it. Thanks for sending me all that music. I'm starting to sing a lot more in groups and other things with my guitar and the songs that I have for that. If there is any music back home like hymns or just books like John Denver or something I wouldn't mind.
Oh and something I was curious about. My iPad can receive PDFs and save them in my iBooks. So I know there are a ton of gospel books that you like mom and that are great. If there are any that you think I would like you can forward the PDFs that you find on the Internet to me and I can save them onto my iPad. Also, I received my new iPad this Wednesday. We are transferring all of my photos and videos to usb drives and so they will be showing up at home soon.
I was curious if I could have my sunglasses shipped to me. Just for driving and other things like that. When you're in Portland and the sun comes out its really bright because we don't see it for a while sometimes.
The Jones family starting from the left is. Treasure, Sharon, Henry, baby Henry, Lavaughnda, Elder Williams,

Sharon the week before her baptism, and Henry just started meeting with us.

Young Single Adult Ward, transfer to Portland and Jones family

Hello family! 

This last week has been great! Little bit different with the missionary work just because there comes a point in missionary work when you have an over abundance of names and you lose tract of what is what. We ended up driving around grabbing information on a lot of YSA members and non members as well. It ended up being pretty awesome. The YSA Ward is a little different just because we are looking for people ages of 18-30 and so its a little more difficult but much more joy when you happened to tract into some. And that was the case this past week. We had a former investigator that we were trying to catch and he happened to have 4 room mates that all are now investigators. It's amazing how the gospel really does effect and touch everyone in a certain way. Non believer to believer. A testament that there truly is a God out there with so much love as to allow each and everyone of his children to find joy in the life that only comes through the gospel of Jesus Christ in its purest form. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ has touched so many lives and will continue to do so. I've been privileged to be a part of this great and marvelous work. 

Sadly this is my last full day with Elder Williams. I am getting transferred to Portland. I'm now in a biking area and it's going to be interesting. I have heard a lot of good things about the food down there and the people are awesome as well. I'm going to learn a ton. I've noticed that I have truly been blessed to come to this area of the world especially Portland/Vancouver. The world is getting crazy and wild and being on my mission in the heart of all of that. If you know Portland you know what I'm talking about. I get to experience all of the opposition on my mission and learn how to cope with it, it will be that much easier when I got off my mission to stay on the path.

We are currently teaching the Jones family still. Jj and LaVaughnda Jones recently got baptized and now his mother is following him into the water. She is getting baptized this Saturday at 2pm. It is going to be amazing to see her make this commitment. The whole family will be there including her sisters who are pastors for another church. It's going to be great! Along with that her husband Henry Jones is now investigating the church and is truly contemplation on a date for baptism as well. All of these amazing things are happening because of one simple contact from a missionary that wasn't afraid of someone smoking and drinking in their yard. This work is incredible and is the work of the Lord. Things happen for a reason and I know that God gives us things in this life so that we can truly deem ourselves worthy of his presence. Make the best of what we have received and God will give the increase. I know that THAT is true. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

P.s. Hope Rhiannon is doing good! Thomas you're the man! Emmie! Swimming is the best! Until next week! 

Love you!

E.

Duran family, positive thoughts and being consecrated

Hello family!

This past week has been incredible! Lots of miracles are continuing to happen! Since we are covering two wards we are able to branch out to a lot more proselyting opportunities. We've been finding the so many investigators recently, more than we've found in the past couple months. The areas are blowing up with people to teach and we are shrinking on the amount of free time we have. The struggle is real haha. Not really a struggle though it's amazing.

We are teaching the Duran family and they are doing great. All of them are non-members and so it's really exciting to see them as they keep commitments to read and come to church. Ellie, the mom, is a Seventh Day Adventist and so things are interesting because they are keep the Sabbath on Saturday. She agreed to change it if the church was true. We have been teaching all the kids and her specifically on the atonement because her second youngest daughter has been struggling with depression and we believe that will help. How does a seventeen year old girl have depression? It's crazy how Satan will try to destroy such bright spirits. It's sad to see them do it to themselves as well because of a false ideas such as 'I'm not attractive', or 'I don't have any friends', 'Jesus Christ isn't real', etc. all of these things are false doctrines taught by the adversary. Anything that is negative or that is contrary to the spirit or teachings of Christ are false. Shoutout to my mother! I love the activity that you did with the lap counter. How you counted all of your positive thoughts throughout the day. You said that you could tell the difference because your spirit became more uplifting and positive. That is something that I've been doing a lot throughout my mission. Really striving to have good uplifting thoughts continually to help have a better experience.

You were wondering about my trip to the doctor this past week or so. Right now we live with two other Elders and they happened to be teaching a man that had tuberculosis. One of the Elders in the apartment brought that up to the mission doctor and he had him go see the doctor. Long story short he ends up testing positive for tuberculosis and we get quarantined until we had a test results back. So we ended up getting a TB test. That was a long two days haha.

This week we have another zone meeting haha. This month has been loaded with meetings but this one is still going to be great. We are hoping to help the zone internalize the doctrine of Christ so that they can not only teach with power but become consecrated themselves. It's definitely a life-long process but if we can strive to be a consecrated being on the mission we can move mountains. As we were receiving training from President Taylor about being consecrated I couldn't help but think of My Dad. I can't remember one time when he was selfish and did what he wanted to do. He was always giving up his time and money for his family and I am forever grateful for that. In my eyes my Dad is an example of a consecrated being. Love you dad. Sorry about not writing last week. Hope everything is good at home!

E. Archibald

Duran Family & Becoming Consecrated

Hello family! 

This past week has been incredible! Lots of miracles are continuing to happen! Since we are covering two wards we are able to branch out to a lot more proselyting opportunities. We've been finding the most investigators recently, more than we've found in the past couple months. The areas are blowing up with people to teach and we are shrinking on the amount of free time we have. The struggle is real haha. Not really a struggle though it's amazing. 

We are teaching the Duran family and they are doing great. All of them are non-members and so it's really exciting to see them as they keep commitments to read and come to church. Ellie, the mom, is a Seventh Day Adventist and so things are interesting because they are keep the Sabbath on Saturday. She agreed to change it if the church was true. We have been teaching all the kids and her specifically on the atonement because her second youngest daughter has been struggling with depression and we believe that will help. How does a seventeen year old girl have depression? It's crazy how Satan will try to destroy such bright spirits. It's sad to see them do it to themselves as well because of a false ideas such as 'I'm not attractive', or 'I don't have any friends', 'Jesus Christ isn't real', etc. all of these things are false doctrines taught by the adversary. Anything that is negative or that is contrary to the spirit or teachings of Christ are false. Shoutout to my mother! I love the activity that you did with the lap counter. How you counted all of your positive thoughts throughout the day. You said that you could tell the difference because your spirit became more uplifting and positive. That is something that I've been doing a lot throughout my mission. Really striving to have good uplifting thoughts continually to help have a better experience. 

You were wondering about my trip to the doctor this past week or so. Right now we live with two other Elders and they happened to be teaching a man that had tuberculosis. One of the Elders in the apartment brought that up to the mission doctor and he had him go see the doctor. Long story short he ends up testing positive for tuberculosis and we get quarantined until we had a test results back. So we ended up getting a TB test. That was a long two days haha.

This week we have another zone meeting haha. This month has been loaded with meetings but this one is still going to be great. We are hoping to help the zone internalize the doctrine of Christ so that they can not only teach with power but become consecrated themselves.   It's definitely a life-long process but if we can strive to be a consecrated being on the mission we could move mountains. As we were receiving a training from President Taylor about being consecrated I could help but think of My Dad. I can't remember one time where he was selfish and did what he wanted to do. He was always giving up his time and money for his family and I am forever grateful for that. In my eyes my Dad is an example of a consecrated being. Love you dad. Sorry about not writing last week. Hope everything is good at home! 

E. Archibald

Zone meetings, NGI's, and Sharon Jones

Hey family! 

Elder Williams and Matthew

This past week has flown! It's crazy how I hit a year this week. It's been a good one and it's going to be interesting to see if I've changed very much. I'm going to be reading a few journal entries from the beginning of my mission and see where I'm at. This next year I will be video logging each month on my camera so that when I'm done with my mission I will hopefully and about 12 25 min videos of me talking about people and I will see how far I have come. 

This past week we had our zone meeting with our really young zone. Everyone that we train are below 8 months except the APs. Elder Williams and I are so excited for this next transfer. We have a lot of obedient and hard working elders and sisters. Something new that we have been pushing is called and NGI. An NGI is a new statistic that we came up with that is a new investigator invite. Where we invite our new investigator to baptism on the first lesson so that we will be covering all the aspects of the work. Inviting to baptism, teaching lessons, finding, and setting the expectation in one statistic. It's pretty awesome we think. Hopefully it will work out. 

I had the opportunity to train the zone on our identity. I pulled some scriptures firm doctrine and covenants 138 about how there were noble and great ones before we came to earth and that we received our first lessons so that we could bring salvation to those of the world. It's really interesting because a cross refernce was made to Abraham 3 where it talks about how there were noble and great ones and that God stood among us and said, "these will I make rulers..." And that he saw that we were good. That reminded me of the earths creations and that when everything was the way God wanted it says that they is was so or good. God thinks the world of us. He loves us and knows us all so well. I know this because imagine the war in heaven and how a third of the host of heaven was cast out. God prepared all of those children as much as he prepared us and to see them rebel and us fighting for God really must have meant something. I know it did. 

Right now we are teaching Sharon jones. JJ and lavaughnda jones mother. She is eating the gospel up. She is on date for the 21st of February and wants her son to baptize her as well. It's been incredible to think that about a month ago Jj and LaVaughnda were just baptized and 3-4 months ago they were on their driveway smoking and drinking. The gospel changes our desires and sanctifies even the most troubled or dirty soul. I know that this is true and that it is because of our savior Jesus Christ. That through the Book of Mormon we can know almost all the mysteries of God. That he speaks today just as he did a couple thousand years ago. I love you and hope the next week is full of fun. Have a great week.

E. Archibald

Being a Zone Leader

Just to answer the questions you asked. Before I do that I just want to say that I always read your letters. If I didn't get one I would kind of be a little down because it's nice to get an update on everything awesome in the family. 

The holidays make it harder to do missionary work. People are usually open but it gets to cold to teach on doorsteps so that's kind of a downer but people are always receptive to the gospel message but it just depends on how in tune to the spirit you are and how good of a missionary you are. 

Being a zone leader is a lot of fun. We get to have stewardship over a group of missionaries about 16-24 missionaries. We a responsible to follow up with the district leaders so that they are empowering the districts or their people because the district leaders are more involved with the individual missionaries. We also get to go to a meeting which is called MLC which is a meeting for the leadership of the mission where we receive instruction on what our zones need and what to train them on. It's a lot of fun. We do a number of things that really put me out of my comfort zone but it's good because I learn so much. We also go in leadership exchanges with all the missionaries throughout the stake to help them with their work and how to be more efficient. It's an awesome opportunity. I love it. 

And I also love your letters.

Any other questions?

E. Archibald