January 22, 2012

January 23, 2011 - Week 3 of Transfer 17

One month left... now I must reply 23 months when I am asked, "how long have you been out?" We are asked that question at least 20 times a day, I am also sick of saying "Alberta, Canada". Only in Utah would you be asked at every single door step those two questions!

Thanks for the emails this week, I loved the updates and look forward to helping the family when I come home. Dad thanks for lining up a job for when I return home, that really is blessing. So many return missionaries I meet out here are struggling finding jobs and end up going crazy with all the free time. Getting right into the swing of things will be the best.

Sunday as always was an excellent day. We spoke in one of our stronger wards and had several investigators attend. Cam and Ryan Keys received the Aaronic Priesthood and asked that Elder Mayo and myself to perform the ordination, that was my first time actually being voice while someone was receiving the Priesthood. Cameron is 19 so he was able to stand in the circle as we conferred upon his brother Ryan the Priesthood. After the ordinance Cam said, "Wow I have never felt a power like that before". I love this family and cannot wait to introduce you to them. Each day Karen Keys sends us a text message with an update and some new miracle that has come as a result of living the Gospel.

This coming weekend we should have a few baptisms and both the families have had big changes happen. The Lopez family consisted of a less-active mother, two less-active daughters and the youngest daugther and father un-baptized. We have been teaching the family except for the father, he dodges us as much as possible. But at first we were trying to squeeze lessons in once a week and maybe pop our head in through the door periodically. In the fast few weeks the attitude as completely changed. The daughter finished her 150 page "Book of Mormon Stories", the mother is flying through Book of Mormon herself, they are attending church each week and the list goes on! On Saturday all of them, except for the father, attended an hour Book of Mormon fireside! Last night they went with us to the seminary fireside! The mother has met with the Bishop and is preparing to enter the temple, and now the father is just starting to ask questions to his wife. He will come and follow as the family leads. The change in his attitude is huge and it just feels so good.

It was a packed week but nothing to intense to share. Elder Mayo went downtown to Salt Lake Temple for new missionaries but the temple was closed, so President Miller made a few phone calls and in the end a general authority gave them a tour of the church vaults! I was extremely jealous of Elder Speigner and Elder McKinney, those lucky boys. We will chat with you next week and I hope all goes well, I always keep you and the needs of the family in my prayers.

Elder Pizzey.

January 16, 2012

January 16, 2012 - Week 2 of Transfer 17

I loved both of your emails this week! Thanks for the update. At this point in my mission I love reading the weekly emails but to be honest its painful writing them. Now don't be offended! I just have this attitude of in a few weeks I will catch them up with everything. To be honest the 3 page story (slightly exaggerated, one large paragraph) you gave me mom about Macy was probably my favorite part this week. I can't wait to see that little hound.

This week has been hectic and extremely busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. As far as key indicators goes I set records for my mission this past week. Five baptisms and twenty-eight lessons taught! We were hardly eating and breathing. The picture you saw of us was at the baptism of Cam and Ryan Keys. There was 120 people in attendance! Cameron the oldest boy in the family is leading that family to the Gospel, mighty changes have taken place. Now their brother who at first wasn't to interested wants to meet with us, the baptism lit some sparks for him. At that baptism we shared the message of the restoration but it wasn't what you normally picture up in your mind when you think of missionaries speaking at convert baptisms (definitely no 20 min Restoration DVD). Since half of the people were non-members or less-active members we tore the place apart, basically invited everyone to stand up, walk forward and be baptized! The Stake President was there and it was the first time we met him, he loved the baptism and told us he wants to meet about changing the work in the stake. Someone said they felt like they were back in the days when the Gospel was taught from street corners with the power and authority of God. None the less it was a fun fun baptism. We love the Keys family.

Miracles just keep happening. I will have to share with you one that happened in my old area this past week when I get home. Its just a little to sacred to share over an email and have posted over the Internet. Others who were baptized this weekend include Phoenix Kasper, then Shaylee and Jennifer Ficklin. Phoenix is a young boy we have been working with since we came into the area, his conversion process was a great experience for the entire family and opened many doors. Shaylee (daughter) and Jennifer (mother) had a sweet sweet baptism. We even had two of our other investigators attend who are in the same situation, that is single mom and daughter. Shaylee reminds of Taren when she was little! They look alike and act the same, both quick. I love the Ficklin's. There is a guy named Andrew Vass who lives in their ward and is leaving on his mission this Wednesday. He has played a major role in the conversion of the Ficklin's. We invited him to come to the first lesson and since then he has taken the lead with them. Andrew was asked by Sister Ficklin to baptize and confirm her and we had the Bishop do little Shaylee's. Sunday it was Andrew's farewell talk and we were asked to speak with him. I spoke on the calling of a full-time missionary and the spiritual power Andrew would be receiving as he serves. It all worked out perfectly, the Ficklin's were even confirmed during that sacrament we all spoke in. So lots of fun!

To wrap up my letter for the week just one more small story about us and Andrew Vass. We took him out to experience a full day of proselyting with us. During the hours of 12pm and 3pm doors were not opening to us, often missionaries refer to these hours as the slow hours. Well Andrew said, "Man... is everyday like this?" We all laughed but then I said, "Just you wait, we will find someone today." We drove to the next area we had in our plans and offered a prayer before we left the vehicle, we plead with the Lord for some help. We visited the people we had on our backups and eventually they were all exhausted, none of them opening their doors. We looked and pointed to the top of a building on the other side of street and said, "lets go knock". First door it was less-active return missionary who pulled the "I have been there and done that, you guys have alot to learn." We expressed our views and left. Remember the Lord's servants wont be confounded before mans wisdom. The very next door we found a fellow who has been humbled and is looking for some help. His wife cheated on him while he was serving in the air-force and he has been in the dumps for a few months now. Tonight we will be meeting with him and helping re-connect with his Father above. Andrew walked out of his house dumbfounded and in shock with the guidance we received. While on the other hand Elder Mayo and I just thought to ourselves, this happens daily. Sometimes I forget how much the Lord blesses us and guides us. This is His work and we are nothing more than little servants trying to do his will. Look forward to chatting next week. Time is ticking and the bomb is about to blow!

Love you son!

Elder Pizzey

January 9, 2012

January 9, 2012 - Week 1 of Transfer 17

The last transfer has come and it pass away like it were as unto a dream! I can't believe that you have been a Utah for the past week, that would never fly except with a Utah mission. Kensey and Alex look sharp and are a beautiful couple, very jealous but thats OK I will be following not to far behind! You are nuts for driving to 11400th and 700th! Especially during the day, what time was that at? That is literally right next to our house. We live just north and west of that intersection. Every second morning we run along that river you drove over. 

Taylor Summers is one of the greatest ward mission leaders I have served with. Mom you looked great with him but dad I am not sure if I support the suit jacket... Its a little funky and not with the times. I will have to help you out when I get home.

Our area suffered slightly from Christmas and New Years but it so back on board now. This past week was very successful. We currently have twelve people scheduled with baptismal dates and we had ten people attend sacrament yesterday. This Thursday Cam (19yr) and Ryan (13yr) Keys will be getting baptized at 7:00pm. We have become way close to this family and the Lord has worked miracles in their hearts. We hope to begin teaching their brother Trevor (17yr) who hasn't expressed any interest until yesterday and motivating Cam to serve a mission.

Saturday morning we began teaching married couple who are in their late 20's, Lindsay (nice name). He served a mission and is currently less active and his wife wants to be baptized but will not until he picks it up. The Bishop has been trying to work with him for a while and he just keeps dragging his feet. Long story short... The spirit told us to unleash and so we did. He needs to attend sacrament meeting 6 weeks in a row before he can be back in full fellowship and baptize his wife. Sadly I won't be in the mission when she gets baptized, but that's OK!

Scripture study is excellent. I have been studying and learning alot about the plan of salvation, mainly about the resurrection and the promise of Eternal Life. Elder Mayo's scripture study has completely changed! At first it was really boring for him and he could hardly stay awake. It was the same for me but I had a great trainer who lit sparks that catched my interest here and there, and quick enough I was on my way finding little "golden nuggets of truth". Now I'm doing the same with Elder Mayo and he is beginning to discover daily in the scriptures. He will be an excellent missionary. We get along very well and enjoy each others friendship. I am grateful for this opportunity to train, it has topped off my mission. I am learning much.

Love Elder Pizzey.

January 3, 2012

Elder Pizzey and his companion Elder Mayo!

The district Elder Pizzey is presently serving in.












Elder Pizzey's email follows these pictures!

January 3, 2012

Myself (Blake's mom) and his Dad and sister Paige, were in Utah this past week for our niece Kensey's wedding.  Very strange to be so close, but so far!  Time is going by so quickly!

January 3, 2011 - Week 6 of Transfer 16

It has been a solid week and many great things have happened. First I can't believe you are in Taylorsville! That is so close, what church building did you meet at? I could tell you the Stake if I had the address. Yikes that's weird but I hope that you have an enjoyable time here, I love Utah and it will always be a sacred land to me.

I apologize for not writing yesterday, we literally had no time. We moved homes yesterday and it was a full day of going all over the place. Back and forth to the mission office then back to the old place to deep clean and so on. We left the Morrill's (older couple) home, they were the greatest people, and headed over to the Berg's home on the corner of 11400 South and 700 West, which over looks the Jordan River. If you end up visiting Sister Park just know that we live basically one mile east (she is in a different zone though, we would never go over there) and that is very close! Our new home is by far the nicest home I've had on my mission, they spoil us here in Utah. We have a complete walk out basement apartment to our selves. It has a full kitchen, huge living room, bedroom, walk in in shower, our own laundry machines and 12 foot ceilings! It’s outrageous and alot different from the last place we were living which were quite humble circumstances.

New years eve was my last Mission conference I will ever experience... sad sad. Hearing from Elder Russel M. Nelson was a blessing, he is full of the pure love of Christ and you can feel it as he speaks. As I shook Sister Nelson's hand she said, "Elder Pizzey! From Edmonton Alberta right?" Quickly I put it together and remembered she was related to President Card, I can't wait to see him by the way. Sister Nelson addressed us first and spoke on the importance of serving not after the manner of men but after the manner of God. Elder Nelson led a discussion and expounded on what his wonderful wife shared. I loved the message, that is mortal knowledge and mortal wisdom cannot understand the ways of God! For His ways are higher than ours. After the Nelson's left we were too, as usual for mission conferences, change into "normal clothes" and hang out at the Sandy Institute. May I add it was nice not having to worry about anything! We chose to play basketball and got an intense game of winners going on.

The next day we spoke three times and I'm so grateful we did, it is helping Elder Mayo grow big time. He gets up there and goes at it for awhile then I come up behind him and pick up the remaining time whether its 25 minutes or 10 minutes. President and Sister Miller somehow knew we were speaking and called us asking for an address. They tried to stay hidden in the congregation of our last talk but we didn't allow them to. We notified the Bishop and he invited President Miller to share his testimony. I love them dearly and wish for you to meet them. Sister Miller's face while we spoke lit up with a smile from one side to the other, like a proud parent. They have effected my life and I owe them much.

Enjoy Utah! You should call President and Sister Miller and see if you can visit them, or at least Sister Miller. Go visit the mission home that is my old stomping grounds, I used to just walk in the door and go straight to the cupboard. I surely do love you mom and dad, you have blessed me greatly and raised a wonderful family. I look forward to being in your presence shortly, now lets press forward until that day!

Love Elder Pizzey

December 26, 2011

Hello once again. Thanks for the chat last night, I learned alot! I am grateful for your wise words mom and dad, I love you both. Please tell everyone thank you for the kind cards and gifts I receieved this past weekend, we have a great family. I'll just mention a few people Hirsche's (legit), Low's, Heavenor's, Lindsay (your gift was better than you think), Gilmour's, Lynne, Nana and of course all that you sent me mom and dad. Thank you, thank you! I hope you enjoy the rest of the holiday's. We have Russel M. Nelson coming to speak to us speaking to us new years eve, I will have to tell you all about it.

Love Elder Pizzey