October 10, 2011 - Week 6 of Transfer 14
I feel like I can't breath... We are in over our head with work in our area and with the mission. For the past week I haven't had a spare minute to do a single thing. Zone leader council went great and was very productive. Transfers are next Wednesday and it looks like we will be reorganizing the mission this transfer. Over time small changes have been made to areas and zones making the geography of the mission hectic. It's really to much to explain but the bottom line is it is a lot of work. Something I've never done before. I couldn't handle the old school way of having a bunch of old maps and drawing lines all over them for new possibilities so I found a free version of photoshop online, its called Gimp. We are going to town with these maps and drawing up all possibilities with the current zone, coordinating council, YSA stake, English Stake and Spanish unit boundaries. It is a head ache, so many factors to take in. Not to mention trying to make all zones equal in ratings for baptism, keep the number of companionship's equal in each zone and have zone leader areas in each zone. There are many more little things but while doing all of this we try not to white wash any area. I guess I'm not complaining, you know me I love projects like this but the problem is its on my mind 24/7 and I just want to finish it! If we had a few weeks to do it all would be good but this decision was made Saturday night and it has to be ready to present to the zone leaders in a special meeting tomorrow morning. This is the second day with a preparation day and I need a haircut! I'm learning how to prioritize that's for sure, STUDIES and EXERCISE are the most important for me!
So that's that, but what was so lovely about this morning was coming to the mission office. First I find a big pile of birthday presents for me! I opened the one with food and threw it in the fridge here, I can't wait to chow on those snackers! Hopefully it doesn't make me gain the six pounds I lost in the past two weeks (that's pretty good eh). But I'm holding off on opening the other boxes until I'm down with this email, don't know why. After seeing those I logged on, read your wonderful emails then saw the GNARLY pictures dad sent! (ariel pictures of our home/yard) Those made my week! I literally stared at those pictures for about half an hour, it felt so good. I am pretty excited to check out the yard, and that sucks about the edging. Go ahead and quick curb it but make sure you save that black edging, that stuff is way nice I must have installed it the wrong way.
I mentioned earlier our area is out of control, the Lord is blessing us! So many epic stories and miracles happened this week. First we have Karina and her daughter Italia. Karina is at the top of my list of recent converts who are truly converted. Studies every day and can't wait till church each Sunday. She was able to go to conference and she received so much revelation there. Her daughter, Italia, attends a Catholic school and has been torn on the decision of being baptized. She loves church, reads her Book of Mormon stories daily and feels she needs to be baptized but she just couldn't. Italia isn't like any other nine year old, she has the respect, manners and social skills of a righteous 16 year old young women. For the entire week she decided no for baptism but she would continue coming to church. Saturday night we read Enos with her and invited her to "Cry unto the Lord" and give her the courage to be baptized. Well she did. We came back Sunday afternoon for her mothers baptismal interview and we followed up. She said God told her she needs to be baptized but she wanted to wait. Then the zone leaders came and while her mom was being interviewed she said well... I might as well get an interview in case I decide tonight! She had an interview and came back and said I've decided I need to listen to God. Last night was the highlight of the week! Spirit was very strong and the baptism was so well attended by the ward.
What else should I include.... That little story took quite abit of time. Hmm. Well we found another family to teach! That is my favorite, finding families. We were leaving one of Karina's lesson and the family below her was moving in so we asked if we could help but they were just wrapping up. We then asked if we could teach them but they denied. A few days later we ran into them again but this time their kids were there. We asked once again and this time they said yes. We taught them and invited them to be baptized on October 30th and they gladly accepted. The very next morning we walked with them to church and they loved it! Their last name is Tolo, they are a way cool family and the parents are from Fiji but have really lived in Utah forever.
The last little story I will share with you. I met this guy named Jeff Montel my very first day in the area. Elder Bertolino told me that he had a feeling that we were going to baptize him. Well we taught him one lesson and it didn't go to well, he wasn't to receptive. Now six months late we were able to arrange a lesson in the Bishops home. This was yesterday and the only way to describe it was a power house lesson! As much as we can, we try to teach in Bishops homes because once they see us teach, feel the spirit and see these people progress they are sold on missionary work and the whole ward flips! At the beginning of the lesson Jeff had a feeling of yes baptism is essential but I could never make up my mind because there are just way to many churches out there. At the end of the lesson we invited him to be baptized on November 6th and he wanted to move it up! He wants to be baptized before then. He now recognizes the promptings of the spirit and how the Lord has been working with him. Line by line, here a little, there a little. He has attended church 4 times in the past couple months and he knows that the Lord has prepared him to be baptized at this time. It was the best lesson Elder Speigner and I have ever taught.
This has been a nice little break from wrapping my mind around a map of 117 Stakes and 90 some areas in our mission! Time to get back to work and thank you so much for the wonderful gifts! I am about to go open them.
Love Elder Pizzey.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
October 3, 2011
October 3, 2011 - Week 5 Transfer 14
Wow, I feel it has only been a few days. I don't have much to update you on. Thanks for the emails I really enjoy reading them. I love you guys. Conference weekend was really good, I wish it wasn't over. Downtown I saw Kensey and Alex which was really weird, seeing family while your a set apart missionary just doesn't seem right. I still can't believe Kensey is engaged, it is awesome she is on her way to the temple. I also saw the entire Bonnie Doone Stake Presidency and their wives, that caught me off guard. Once again it was weird but this time seeing my future Priesthood leaders. They looked really good and I'm excited to report to them when I come home. While I saw them I was trying to meet up with all my recent converts and investigators who attended so I wasn't able to talk very long with them. To be honest it's exciting thinking of being home and having a calling I can magnify. I will always have subject to my leaders and great respect for them.
Lets see I will try to go over a few of my favorite talks with out spending to much time on them. Elder L. Whitney Clayton's talk was excellent, he is in the presidency of the seventy. He focused on prophecies about the Lord's work which are being fulfilled in these days. I think I enjoyed it because I am directly involved with His work, it felt great. It was full of doctrine and blew me out of the water! Boyd K. Packer's was bold like you said. He sent a strong message to the youth that they are being raised in enemy territories. I loved Neil L. Anderson's talk! I really feel like I need to head his council and there is only one way to do that! Haha, I'm too funny. Its hard not to list off a massive list of talks I liked so let me take a minute to find my favorites........ OK. Elaine S. Dalton, that just got me way excited to have raise a daughter one day. M. Russell Ballard's is probably at the top on my list this past conference. You will probably remember his, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints versus the Mormon church, he killed it on that one. My favorite session was Sunday PM I think the 70's did real well. Russel M. Nelson's and Dallin H. Oaks will be fun ones to study! They just packed their talks with doctrine and taught it with such simplicity. That is my crammed over view of conference. One thing that stuck out to me was President Monson's behavior of "can do and will do", I want to have that same attitude for the rest of my life, especially towards my leaders.
Time is going faster and faster! We have so much on our schedule. In November we have a general authority coming to do a mission tour, that will be quite the opportunity to learn and grow. As for this week we have Zone Leader Council (monthly meeting with all ZL's (18 Elders), the coordinating Sisters (like Sister AP's) and the Miller's. We haven't even started to plan that yet and its this Wednesday, a solid 5 hour meeting... Ughhh, can't wait to train one day! As for the area it has stayed strong. We had Jeremy's baptism last night which was just perfect and tomorrow we have Sis. Long's baptism, she is 84 years old. That sets the record for the oldest person I have ever baptized! OK, enjoy the week. Dad finish the yard and both of you don't forget to read the scriptures each day.
Love Elder Pizzey
Wow, I feel it has only been a few days. I don't have much to update you on. Thanks for the emails I really enjoy reading them. I love you guys. Conference weekend was really good, I wish it wasn't over. Downtown I saw Kensey and Alex which was really weird, seeing family while your a set apart missionary just doesn't seem right. I still can't believe Kensey is engaged, it is awesome she is on her way to the temple. I also saw the entire Bonnie Doone Stake Presidency and their wives, that caught me off guard. Once again it was weird but this time seeing my future Priesthood leaders. They looked really good and I'm excited to report to them when I come home. While I saw them I was trying to meet up with all my recent converts and investigators who attended so I wasn't able to talk very long with them. To be honest it's exciting thinking of being home and having a calling I can magnify. I will always have subject to my leaders and great respect for them.
Lets see I will try to go over a few of my favorite talks with out spending to much time on them. Elder L. Whitney Clayton's talk was excellent, he is in the presidency of the seventy. He focused on prophecies about the Lord's work which are being fulfilled in these days. I think I enjoyed it because I am directly involved with His work, it felt great. It was full of doctrine and blew me out of the water! Boyd K. Packer's was bold like you said. He sent a strong message to the youth that they are being raised in enemy territories. I loved Neil L. Anderson's talk! I really feel like I need to head his council and there is only one way to do that! Haha, I'm too funny. Its hard not to list off a massive list of talks I liked so let me take a minute to find my favorites........ OK. Elaine S. Dalton, that just got me way excited to have raise a daughter one day. M. Russell Ballard's is probably at the top on my list this past conference. You will probably remember his, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints versus the Mormon church, he killed it on that one. My favorite session was Sunday PM I think the 70's did real well. Russel M. Nelson's and Dallin H. Oaks will be fun ones to study! They just packed their talks with doctrine and taught it with such simplicity. That is my crammed over view of conference. One thing that stuck out to me was President Monson's behavior of "can do and will do", I want to have that same attitude for the rest of my life, especially towards my leaders.
Time is going faster and faster! We have so much on our schedule. In November we have a general authority coming to do a mission tour, that will be quite the opportunity to learn and grow. As for this week we have Zone Leader Council (monthly meeting with all ZL's (18 Elders), the coordinating Sisters (like Sister AP's) and the Miller's. We haven't even started to plan that yet and its this Wednesday, a solid 5 hour meeting... Ughhh, can't wait to train one day! As for the area it has stayed strong. We had Jeremy's baptism last night which was just perfect and tomorrow we have Sis. Long's baptism, she is 84 years old. That sets the record for the oldest person I have ever baptized! OK, enjoy the week. Dad finish the yard and both of you don't forget to read the scriptures each day.
Love Elder Pizzey
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
September 26, 2011
September 26, 2011 - Week 4 of Transfer 14
Those were some solid letters! Mom you made me laugh with your dreams, people in the office were staring at me. Its weird you having messed up dreams because I'm having them as well. Its the first time in my mission I've had them of going home but I tell you they aren't exciting. In every dream I end up crying because I've lost my calling and life at home is just to depressing... Scary! Anyways this week is looking way good! I am so pumped for general conference it is the greatest thing that can happen. I have been praying and studying in preparation for general conference and invite you to do the same. Elder Holland puts it good in this video. Please watch.
https://lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today/unto-all-the-world/general-conference-has-something-for-you-b?cid=email-shared&lang=eng
I hope you use LDS.org they are killing it on that website, mormon.org is good for non-members. But please please dive into LDS.org there are so many helpful tools on that site. This weekend Elder Speigner and myself will be downtown the entire time. We will be attending the Priesthood and Sunday Morning sessions with President Miller, so watch for me on TV. For the other sessions we will still be downtown but just to meet the group leaders, give them the tickets and lead them to the door of the conference center. After that we will jump into the tabernacle to watch the sessions we won't be attending. Looks like a legit weekend downtown for us.
Its going great with Elder Speigner he is so willing to learn the English assignment ways and work hard. For almost an entire week we have been running every morning at 6am for 25 minutes then doing some good stretches and workouts. Your right dad I defintely need it. I forget if I told you but Elder Speigner pitched D1 baseball for a school in California before his mission and is way athletic. So I'm slowly but surely burning off my little belly. You feel 10x better and leave the house with such a clear mind.
Our area continues to improve but of course I'm still stressing to find more and work harder! September was a hard month for us only 2 baptisms, our goal is always to "baptize weekly". Don't get me this is two more precious souls who have entered into the kingdom of God and I do love them, its also great compared to any other mission. But this is the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission where we hit the pavement! For October our goal is still 14 and at this time we have 12 baptisms scheduled. It is so hard to stay on top of things, 20 different wards and the task of assisting the President. In our last weekly planning session we looked at the weekend of October 1st and 2nd and saw we have zero baptisms scheduled. We told each other lets find someone this coming week who's prepared and able to be baptized in a matter of a few days. We both felt it was possible and at the close of our planning got on our knees and told the Lord our desires. Well today at 11:30am we met with a fellow by the name of Jeremy. His wife is less-active and they are both willing and wanting to be real strong in the faith. Jeremy was taught a year ago by missionaries, had a baptismal interview and backed out the last minute. Since then he has been reading and praying but hasn't accepted visits from the missionaries. Three months ago I even tried to contact him. Long story short he contacted us and told us he wants to be baptized ASAP! We invited him to be baptized this Sunday night and he gladly accepted! What a beautiful way to end the conference weekend.
I was able to watch maybe half of the General Relief Society broadcast, your probably wondering why? Well let me explain. President asked us to organize training and figure out if it was possible to have the broadcast played at our mission office (an old Stake Center) for all the Sisters in the mission. Well after looking into it, the Satellite was still connected and everything worked out smoothly. We had a solid, jam packed one hour training for the 40 Sisters on becoming a "Preach My Gospel Missionary". I will tell yeah Sisters are 10x easier to train. They listen, are so willing to learn and ready to act. Then Sister Miller had some big fancy dinner for them and after that, the broadcast. Sister Beck was the first Sister I actually enjoyed listening at General Conference, I didn't feel like she was teaching a primary class! And of course E. Uchtdorf was great.
Thanks for taking the time to read, hope you feel updated. This week is busy busy. We have two trainings on Wednesday should be fun. Elder Bertolino leaves just a little over a week, that's sad. I can't believe Elder Atwood is engaged! He called me yesterday, it was hilarious. I was shocked. So mad I won't be home for it but congrats to him, his woman is a lucky one. I love him. Love you mom and dad. Enjoy conference!
Elder Pizzey
Those were some solid letters! Mom you made me laugh with your dreams, people in the office were staring at me. Its weird you having messed up dreams because I'm having them as well. Its the first time in my mission I've had them of going home but I tell you they aren't exciting. In every dream I end up crying because I've lost my calling and life at home is just to depressing... Scary! Anyways this week is looking way good! I am so pumped for general conference it is the greatest thing that can happen. I have been praying and studying in preparation for general conference and invite you to do the same. Elder Holland puts it good in this video. Please watch.
https://lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today/unto-all-the-world/general-conference-has-something-for-you-b?cid=email-shared&lang=eng
I hope you use LDS.org they are killing it on that website, mormon.org is good for non-members. But please please dive into LDS.org there are so many helpful tools on that site. This weekend Elder Speigner and myself will be downtown the entire time. We will be attending the Priesthood and Sunday Morning sessions with President Miller, so watch for me on TV. For the other sessions we will still be downtown but just to meet the group leaders, give them the tickets and lead them to the door of the conference center. After that we will jump into the tabernacle to watch the sessions we won't be attending. Looks like a legit weekend downtown for us.
Its going great with Elder Speigner he is so willing to learn the English assignment ways and work hard. For almost an entire week we have been running every morning at 6am for 25 minutes then doing some good stretches and workouts. Your right dad I defintely need it. I forget if I told you but Elder Speigner pitched D1 baseball for a school in California before his mission and is way athletic. So I'm slowly but surely burning off my little belly. You feel 10x better and leave the house with such a clear mind.
Our area continues to improve but of course I'm still stressing to find more and work harder! September was a hard month for us only 2 baptisms, our goal is always to "baptize weekly". Don't get me this is two more precious souls who have entered into the kingdom of God and I do love them, its also great compared to any other mission. But this is the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission where we hit the pavement! For October our goal is still 14 and at this time we have 12 baptisms scheduled. It is so hard to stay on top of things, 20 different wards and the task of assisting the President. In our last weekly planning session we looked at the weekend of October 1st and 2nd and saw we have zero baptisms scheduled. We told each other lets find someone this coming week who's prepared and able to be baptized in a matter of a few days. We both felt it was possible and at the close of our planning got on our knees and told the Lord our desires. Well today at 11:30am we met with a fellow by the name of Jeremy. His wife is less-active and they are both willing and wanting to be real strong in the faith. Jeremy was taught a year ago by missionaries, had a baptismal interview and backed out the last minute. Since then he has been reading and praying but hasn't accepted visits from the missionaries. Three months ago I even tried to contact him. Long story short he contacted us and told us he wants to be baptized ASAP! We invited him to be baptized this Sunday night and he gladly accepted! What a beautiful way to end the conference weekend.
I was able to watch maybe half of the General Relief Society broadcast, your probably wondering why? Well let me explain. President asked us to organize training and figure out if it was possible to have the broadcast played at our mission office (an old Stake Center) for all the Sisters in the mission. Well after looking into it, the Satellite was still connected and everything worked out smoothly. We had a solid, jam packed one hour training for the 40 Sisters on becoming a "Preach My Gospel Missionary". I will tell yeah Sisters are 10x easier to train. They listen, are so willing to learn and ready to act. Then Sister Miller had some big fancy dinner for them and after that, the broadcast. Sister Beck was the first Sister I actually enjoyed listening at General Conference, I didn't feel like she was teaching a primary class! And of course E. Uchtdorf was great.
Thanks for taking the time to read, hope you feel updated. This week is busy busy. We have two trainings on Wednesday should be fun. Elder Bertolino leaves just a little over a week, that's sad. I can't believe Elder Atwood is engaged! He called me yesterday, it was hilarious. I was shocked. So mad I won't be home for it but congrats to him, his woman is a lucky one. I love him. Love you mom and dad. Enjoy conference!
Elder Pizzey
Monday, September 19, 2011
September 19, 2011
September 19, 2011 - Week 3 of Transfer 14
It was sure nice to see a picture of the family, Edmonton seems like a foreign land. That tree house was nuts, Jordan you are the man. Your yard is looking beautiful as well! I'm really excited to see all my nieces and nephews, only 5 months now... That is just weird. Today Elder Speigner and I are going up to Park City to be with Elder Bertolino and former Elder Stonebrink, now Brother Stonebrink. I'm to the point in the mission where all my close friends have gone home, and I'm left here with alot of new missionaries.
One week ago this time, we had only two people scheduled for baptism but the Lord has blessed us recently, we have had a successful week. We are now working with 10 people who have scheduled baptism dates! If you look at our records and key indicators anytime we have to deal with disobedience, heavy trainings or transfers they fall. But once we have some time in the area they sky rocket once again! Our goal for October is 14 Baptisms. I know we will find those 14 souls!
Saturday we had a baptism in our area of little Daisy Woodward who is 10 years old. It was different teaching her because she is extremely shy but so intelligent. We were able to have the entire family (including grandparents) who are all less-active sit in on the lessons. They have been attending church every week for the last several Sundays and are progressing in the Gospel. We were even able to build her Father up enough to have the confidence to speak on the Gift of the Holy Ghost at her baptism and he did a fabulous job. It was really nice to see such a change in a family, there is a different spirit in their home now.
Last night I was able to go back to my first area, the Sandy Willow Creek Stake, for a baptism of a lady I taught for six months. She has been waiting for 2 years to get off of probation and what a change in life it has been for her. She has walked a long road of repentance and learned great lessons along the way and just last night she was able to enter the waters of baptism at age 49! She had great support from the ward, her family and friends. It was held in the chapel due to the large amount of people and I was able to speak for 5 minutes or so and invite all of the non-members and less-active members to follow her example. Lots of fun! I also saw two of my recent converts at her baptism. Lourdes Tea and Cassidy Forman, they are new people! Great countenances.
Our area is blossoming once again and we just need to keep it going. Please pray that we will be able to accomplish our goal. Elder Speigner and I are getting along great and learning lots from each other. I never realized how much there is to teach someone as they become an Assistant. He is extremely passionate about the work and is exactly obedient. The greatest blessing of being an Assistant is your companion, they couldn't get any better. On Saturday night we taught a power house lesson! It was the first time teaching this single sister and her daughter. Pure testimony was born and the spirit was being poured into the room to witness of what we were saying. We invited them to be baptized on October 8th and they gladly accepted with tears in their eyes. The next morning we walked with them to church and they loved it. Karina and her daughter Italia, they have only lived in Utah for 3 years and its their first time meeting with missionaries.
I love you mom and dad and hope you enjoy your week at home. Thank you for the great update of the family. Please, please, please read your scriptures everyday. I am studying the New Testament right and I am in love with it, its my favorite part of my day. By the way I got my new scripture case, its tight.
Love Elder Pizzey!
It was sure nice to see a picture of the family, Edmonton seems like a foreign land. That tree house was nuts, Jordan you are the man. Your yard is looking beautiful as well! I'm really excited to see all my nieces and nephews, only 5 months now... That is just weird. Today Elder Speigner and I are going up to Park City to be with Elder Bertolino and former Elder Stonebrink, now Brother Stonebrink. I'm to the point in the mission where all my close friends have gone home, and I'm left here with alot of new missionaries.
One week ago this time, we had only two people scheduled for baptism but the Lord has blessed us recently, we have had a successful week. We are now working with 10 people who have scheduled baptism dates! If you look at our records and key indicators anytime we have to deal with disobedience, heavy trainings or transfers they fall. But once we have some time in the area they sky rocket once again! Our goal for October is 14 Baptisms. I know we will find those 14 souls!
Saturday we had a baptism in our area of little Daisy Woodward who is 10 years old. It was different teaching her because she is extremely shy but so intelligent. We were able to have the entire family (including grandparents) who are all less-active sit in on the lessons. They have been attending church every week for the last several Sundays and are progressing in the Gospel. We were even able to build her Father up enough to have the confidence to speak on the Gift of the Holy Ghost at her baptism and he did a fabulous job. It was really nice to see such a change in a family, there is a different spirit in their home now.
Last night I was able to go back to my first area, the Sandy Willow Creek Stake, for a baptism of a lady I taught for six months. She has been waiting for 2 years to get off of probation and what a change in life it has been for her. She has walked a long road of repentance and learned great lessons along the way and just last night she was able to enter the waters of baptism at age 49! She had great support from the ward, her family and friends. It was held in the chapel due to the large amount of people and I was able to speak for 5 minutes or so and invite all of the non-members and less-active members to follow her example. Lots of fun! I also saw two of my recent converts at her baptism. Lourdes Tea and Cassidy Forman, they are new people! Great countenances.
Our area is blossoming once again and we just need to keep it going. Please pray that we will be able to accomplish our goal. Elder Speigner and I are getting along great and learning lots from each other. I never realized how much there is to teach someone as they become an Assistant. He is extremely passionate about the work and is exactly obedient. The greatest blessing of being an Assistant is your companion, they couldn't get any better. On Saturday night we taught a power house lesson! It was the first time teaching this single sister and her daughter. Pure testimony was born and the spirit was being poured into the room to witness of what we were saying. We invited them to be baptized on October 8th and they gladly accepted with tears in their eyes. The next morning we walked with them to church and they loved it. Karina and her daughter Italia, they have only lived in Utah for 3 years and its their first time meeting with missionaries.
I love you mom and dad and hope you enjoy your week at home. Thank you for the great update of the family. Please, please, please read your scriptures everyday. I am studying the New Testament right and I am in love with it, its my favorite part of my day. By the way I got my new scripture case, its tight.
Love Elder Pizzey!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
September 12, 2011
September 12, 2011 - Week 2 of Transfer 14
Elder Bertolino is gone and I miss him! He was called to the Spanish assignment and served there for 10 months then was taken out for Leadership. So for the end of his mission he was able to finish Spanish, he's loving it. I talked to him yesterday and he is working miracles up in Park City. That area has had one baptism since February. He went up there found seven new investigators and scheduled baptismal dates with five of their investigators! All in three days! One of their investigators who wasn't progressing got baptized yesterday as well. So he is doing excellent, just a little update for you.
Elder Speigner and I are doing well, but its a crazy adjustment that's for sure. Going from Junior to Senior Assistant is quite the change. Sometimes a little stressful. This is Elder Speigner's first time in an English area which really is a whole new ball game. The way you teach, find and really just work the area. Going from one Bishop to 20 Bishops, its all different. So he feels like he's being re-trained in a way, he is adjusting well though. And since he has been out only one year and served as a Zone Leader one transfer there are many mission protocols he has to learn. Its quite the process. He has lots of faith and does not lack in confidence in anyway so we will be ok.
As far as the mission goes we got this entire week to work our area and we need it! This past week we did not have any baptisms but that will change real soon. I scheduled exchanges with all the Zone Leaders at the beginning of the transfer so they everyone can get to know and trust Elder Speigner. We are doing two to three exchanges per week this transfer. This past week I was able to go on an exchange with Elder McKinney, he will most likely replace me when my times done here. He is my favorite! We worked hard and tracted almost all day finding many people. He knows the doctrine so well, just dominates in the scriptures. I hope to be like that one day.
Well make sure you pray for us! We need all the help you can get. Many of our investigators got legit issues holding them back from baptism but we will exercises perfect faith this week by being obedient, working hard and sacrificing all we have to find the elect of God. I love you Mom and Dad, have a great week!
Love Elder Pizzey
Elder Bertolino is gone and I miss him! He was called to the Spanish assignment and served there for 10 months then was taken out for Leadership. So for the end of his mission he was able to finish Spanish, he's loving it. I talked to him yesterday and he is working miracles up in Park City. That area has had one baptism since February. He went up there found seven new investigators and scheduled baptismal dates with five of their investigators! All in three days! One of their investigators who wasn't progressing got baptized yesterday as well. So he is doing excellent, just a little update for you.
Elder Speigner and I are doing well, but its a crazy adjustment that's for sure. Going from Junior to Senior Assistant is quite the change. Sometimes a little stressful. This is Elder Speigner's first time in an English area which really is a whole new ball game. The way you teach, find and really just work the area. Going from one Bishop to 20 Bishops, its all different. So he feels like he's being re-trained in a way, he is adjusting well though. And since he has been out only one year and served as a Zone Leader one transfer there are many mission protocols he has to learn. Its quite the process. He has lots of faith and does not lack in confidence in anyway so we will be ok.
As far as the mission goes we got this entire week to work our area and we need it! This past week we did not have any baptisms but that will change real soon. I scheduled exchanges with all the Zone Leaders at the beginning of the transfer so they everyone can get to know and trust Elder Speigner. We are doing two to three exchanges per week this transfer. This past week I was able to go on an exchange with Elder McKinney, he will most likely replace me when my times done here. He is my favorite! We worked hard and tracted almost all day finding many people. He knows the doctrine so well, just dominates in the scriptures. I hope to be like that one day.
Well make sure you pray for us! We need all the help you can get. Many of our investigators got legit issues holding them back from baptism but we will exercises perfect faith this week by being obedient, working hard and sacrificing all we have to find the elect of God. I love you Mom and Dad, have a great week!
Love Elder Pizzey
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
September 5, 2011
September 5, 2011 - Week 1 of Transfer 14
Sounds like you had a pretty rough trip. The story about Dad going into the back alley made me chuckle, people probably thought he was a drunk. (Tal and I and Taren had a quick little trip to Mazatlan and we are got terrible food poisoning) Today is the last Pday before transfers and it’s called “deep clean Monday” in our mission. Basically there are apartment inspections and you got to scrub the whole place down. We are at home right now just taking things easy today. Elder Bertolino is packing and going through all his junk. I believe I told you last week but once again, he is getting transferred up to Park City for his last four weeks (he leaves mid transfer). He will be finishing his mission in Spanish with a new missionary who has been trained poorly his first transfer. I am going to miss him. He has taught me a lot. My new companion is Elder Speigner who has been out a few days less than a year! He has only been a Zone Leader for one transfer and has no clue what lies ahead of him, he finds out tomorrow. He is definitely one of the strongest Spanish missionaries in the mission. I look forward to baptizing with him. Life in the mission has been really good this past week. Let me give you a quick update.
Zone Leader Council was one of the big highlights of the week, they just keep getting better and better. Elder Jay E. Jensen spoke to us in a small, hands on setting. I loved it! Revelation was flowing. At one point I shared connection of scriptures that came to me while he was unfolding the word to us and he got way excited! He made note of it and said, “If the spirit is teaching you then you young Elders can teach an old timer like me some things.” Elder Jensen knows his scriptures like no other. President Miller who knows most of the general authorities believes he might be the churches greatest scriptorian right now! He just unloaded on us and opened our eyes. He taught us how to better study the scriptures and revealed to us the power of the word. It was extremely motivating, I wish you could have experienced it.
Then we had Kayce Goodro’s baptism. We have been working with her forever! And only recently did things get serious. For a long time it was hard to get in the door or to even have her open the door. But eventually the Lord worked on her and her family. We were able to teach the family together. Her husband comes from an active family but he has been less active since age 16 and now he is preparing to enter the temple. They attend church every Sunday and keep all the commandments. Smoking was the big hold up with Kayce but when it came time she humbled herself and accepted a blessing from us. Just recently she shared with us a story we were unaware of. In the blessing I mentioned something along the lines of, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command your body to be free from the addiction of nicotine, even the very cells of your body to reject nicotine.” I don’t even remember using those words but Elder Bertolino and her said that was part of the blessing. Well it turns out after the blessing that anytime she even thought of smoking she felt like hurling! And if the temptation grew strong enough it resulted in her puking. It is quite the story especially when you have Kayce share it, she is extremely intense and maybe a little vulgar! End of the story though, she was baptized on Sunday with her eight year old daughter Kassidy.
The whole disobedient mess that I explained last week has been cleaned up basically after a lot of hard work. We have seen some miracles in the mission recently though. Elder Bertolino and I had our most spiritual experience while sitting down with a missionary to correct him this past week. My love for the Elders and Sisters is really growing. This certain Elder was pointing the wrong way but by the end of our visit he was heading in the right direction. Elder Bertolino and I were like two little tugboats pulling a massive ship from opposite ends to turning it on the spot into the right direction. It is amazing how willing missionaries are to repent and be obedient if they have some help. We read from Helaman 5 about his countenance and Romans 13 about being subject to our leaders. In the weird mission lingo this Elder would be considered my Grandson (Elder Ng’s son lol) and before we left he asked for a blessing and we were able to give him one. I love this Elder.
Transfers, new missionaries, departing missionaries and a new assistant are all this week! It should be hectic and a good opportunity for me to grow. It will be a little scary without Elder Bertolino but I will be able to do it with the Lords help. These past few transfers Elder Bertolino has taught me so many things especially how to use and exercise the Priesthood. I will miss him and do love him. I love you mom, dad and family! Have a good week.
Elder Pizzey
Sounds like you had a pretty rough trip. The story about Dad going into the back alley made me chuckle, people probably thought he was a drunk. (Tal and I and Taren had a quick little trip to Mazatlan and we are got terrible food poisoning) Today is the last Pday before transfers and it’s called “deep clean Monday” in our mission. Basically there are apartment inspections and you got to scrub the whole place down. We are at home right now just taking things easy today. Elder Bertolino is packing and going through all his junk. I believe I told you last week but once again, he is getting transferred up to Park City for his last four weeks (he leaves mid transfer). He will be finishing his mission in Spanish with a new missionary who has been trained poorly his first transfer. I am going to miss him. He has taught me a lot. My new companion is Elder Speigner who has been out a few days less than a year! He has only been a Zone Leader for one transfer and has no clue what lies ahead of him, he finds out tomorrow. He is definitely one of the strongest Spanish missionaries in the mission. I look forward to baptizing with him. Life in the mission has been really good this past week. Let me give you a quick update.
Zone Leader Council was one of the big highlights of the week, they just keep getting better and better. Elder Jay E. Jensen spoke to us in a small, hands on setting. I loved it! Revelation was flowing. At one point I shared connection of scriptures that came to me while he was unfolding the word to us and he got way excited! He made note of it and said, “If the spirit is teaching you then you young Elders can teach an old timer like me some things.” Elder Jensen knows his scriptures like no other. President Miller who knows most of the general authorities believes he might be the churches greatest scriptorian right now! He just unloaded on us and opened our eyes. He taught us how to better study the scriptures and revealed to us the power of the word. It was extremely motivating, I wish you could have experienced it.
Then we had Kayce Goodro’s baptism. We have been working with her forever! And only recently did things get serious. For a long time it was hard to get in the door or to even have her open the door. But eventually the Lord worked on her and her family. We were able to teach the family together. Her husband comes from an active family but he has been less active since age 16 and now he is preparing to enter the temple. They attend church every Sunday and keep all the commandments. Smoking was the big hold up with Kayce but when it came time she humbled herself and accepted a blessing from us. Just recently she shared with us a story we were unaware of. In the blessing I mentioned something along the lines of, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command your body to be free from the addiction of nicotine, even the very cells of your body to reject nicotine.” I don’t even remember using those words but Elder Bertolino and her said that was part of the blessing. Well it turns out after the blessing that anytime she even thought of smoking she felt like hurling! And if the temptation grew strong enough it resulted in her puking. It is quite the story especially when you have Kayce share it, she is extremely intense and maybe a little vulgar! End of the story though, she was baptized on Sunday with her eight year old daughter Kassidy.
The whole disobedient mess that I explained last week has been cleaned up basically after a lot of hard work. We have seen some miracles in the mission recently though. Elder Bertolino and I had our most spiritual experience while sitting down with a missionary to correct him this past week. My love for the Elders and Sisters is really growing. This certain Elder was pointing the wrong way but by the end of our visit he was heading in the right direction. Elder Bertolino and I were like two little tugboats pulling a massive ship from opposite ends to turning it on the spot into the right direction. It is amazing how willing missionaries are to repent and be obedient if they have some help. We read from Helaman 5 about his countenance and Romans 13 about being subject to our leaders. In the weird mission lingo this Elder would be considered my Grandson (Elder Ng’s son lol) and before we left he asked for a blessing and we were able to give him one. I love this Elder.
Transfers, new missionaries, departing missionaries and a new assistant are all this week! It should be hectic and a good opportunity for me to grow. It will be a little scary without Elder Bertolino but I will be able to do it with the Lords help. These past few transfers Elder Bertolino has taught me so many things especially how to use and exercise the Priesthood. I will miss him and do love him. I love you mom, dad and family! Have a good week.
Elder Pizzey
Friday, September 2, 2011
August 29, 2011
August 29th 2011 - Week 6 of Transfer 13
This morning we went golfing with my MTC companion at a ghetto golf course for 9 holes, it was real fun. They let missionaries play for free and then we just rented a golf cart. I can drive the ball and hit from the fairway quite well but my short game is no good. Putting I'm awful at. You could say I was one of the better ones in our group but that's not saying much... I actually double boogied every hole! I think I could pick my game up real quick though. I got on the green on a par 4 in two shots twice! Just can't finish. Well when I'm old and boring I'll pick it up.
This past week has been pretty intense, alot happening. Tuesday we asked President what district meeting he would like us to go to. He thought about it for awhile then gave us one. We both second guessed what he told us to do because a few weeks prior we attend the exact same district. We of course did what he had asked of us and we are lucky we did because it opened up a whole can of problems! Which sounds bad but its better they are resolved than continue on covered. Real fast it turned into a 48 hour exchange for Elder Bertolino and myself. Elder Bertolino grabbed an Elder from a three some and I went to join this companionship who are actually serving in my greeny area (my first area). As I spent 48 hours with them the onion kept peeling back layer by layer till we finally got to the bottom of it. They were so humble and willing to change after some time of sitting down with them. But like I said from this one situation alot has opened up that we did not know about, so it's a little stressful trying to take care of it. It was nice this happened before transfers, it definitely helped.
On Sunday we did have five baptisms! Two different families. There was the Lagi's who are from Africa and the Stewart's. We have been teaching the Lagi kids for a month now and it has been interesting. Their English isn't the best so we have had their close friends who are active members help in translation at times. I am in love with these kids though, they are adorable. They love church and learning about Jesus Christ. It's so cute to hear them teach each other and discuss things we leave with them. When we go over to their house they come running out of the apartment and jump from the top of the stairs attacking you. They always want a hug. And I believe I shared how we met the Stewart's. Just walking by Heather (the mom) one day as she was getting in her car and decided to talk to her. Now after a month and a half of teaching her children are baptized and she is on her road to the temple! Their baptism was great, there was lots of support from the family.
That is basically it for the week. Things are lookin gnarly for this week. I don't know how we are going to do it. We have new missionary training, new district leader training, zone leader council and a training for all the trainers of this upcoming transfer. On top of that madness (those are not short meetings) we have our area to maintain. Zone Leader Council is going to be unreal. We are heading downtown to have it in the conference center and while we are there a few different under the scenes tours, then Jay E. Jensen will address us! Just 20 of us in a special little room! I hear he knows his Scriptures like crazy. He is the Presidency of the Seventy. Expect a jam packed email next week.
Love your boy, Elder Pizzey.
This morning we went golfing with my MTC companion at a ghetto golf course for 9 holes, it was real fun. They let missionaries play for free and then we just rented a golf cart. I can drive the ball and hit from the fairway quite well but my short game is no good. Putting I'm awful at. You could say I was one of the better ones in our group but that's not saying much... I actually double boogied every hole! I think I could pick my game up real quick though. I got on the green on a par 4 in two shots twice! Just can't finish. Well when I'm old and boring I'll pick it up.
This past week has been pretty intense, alot happening. Tuesday we asked President what district meeting he would like us to go to. He thought about it for awhile then gave us one. We both second guessed what he told us to do because a few weeks prior we attend the exact same district. We of course did what he had asked of us and we are lucky we did because it opened up a whole can of problems! Which sounds bad but its better they are resolved than continue on covered. Real fast it turned into a 48 hour exchange for Elder Bertolino and myself. Elder Bertolino grabbed an Elder from a three some and I went to join this companionship who are actually serving in my greeny area (my first area). As I spent 48 hours with them the onion kept peeling back layer by layer till we finally got to the bottom of it. They were so humble and willing to change after some time of sitting down with them. But like I said from this one situation alot has opened up that we did not know about, so it's a little stressful trying to take care of it. It was nice this happened before transfers, it definitely helped.
On Sunday we did have five baptisms! Two different families. There was the Lagi's who are from Africa and the Stewart's. We have been teaching the Lagi kids for a month now and it has been interesting. Their English isn't the best so we have had their close friends who are active members help in translation at times. I am in love with these kids though, they are adorable. They love church and learning about Jesus Christ. It's so cute to hear them teach each other and discuss things we leave with them. When we go over to their house they come running out of the apartment and jump from the top of the stairs attacking you. They always want a hug. And I believe I shared how we met the Stewart's. Just walking by Heather (the mom) one day as she was getting in her car and decided to talk to her. Now after a month and a half of teaching her children are baptized and she is on her road to the temple! Their baptism was great, there was lots of support from the family.
That is basically it for the week. Things are lookin gnarly for this week. I don't know how we are going to do it. We have new missionary training, new district leader training, zone leader council and a training for all the trainers of this upcoming transfer. On top of that madness (those are not short meetings) we have our area to maintain. Zone Leader Council is going to be unreal. We are heading downtown to have it in the conference center and while we are there a few different under the scenes tours, then Jay E. Jensen will address us! Just 20 of us in a special little room! I hear he knows his Scriptures like crazy. He is the Presidency of the Seventy. Expect a jam packed email next week.
Love your boy, Elder Pizzey.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
August 22, 2011
8 August, 2011 - Week 5 of Transfer 13
I loved your emails this week! I have the greatest family. I'm glad that the two munchkins in Ecuador are enjoying themselves, those are my girls! (Blake's sister Paige and girlfriend Lindsay are in Ecador working in an orphanage) Each night I pray for them and hope this trip has a lasting effect on them. I'm sure I could use trip like these, it would most definitely humble me. I'm sure my area is the closest thing you can get to a 3rd world country in the Great Salt Lake valley. Half our lessons we sit on the ground cross legged with a little lamp which lights the old beaten up apartment. I love culture of those we are teaching, especially the food (that’s right Dad, the food).
So this past week we wrapped up with zone conferences and had two baptisms in our area! They were both great. Diana's was a large baptism with a lot of less-active and non-members who attended. We held the service in the chapel and pulled down the big screen to show the first vision. And don't worry we only played a 4 minute clip from the video not the full 20 minute film that was played at Lindsay's. Elder Bertolino introduced it and I was able to end it with my testimony. We both bore our testimony and boldly invited others to come unto Christ. There were a few people who felt it but especially this one man whose name is Corey. We spoke to him after and he now wants to meet with missionaries and be baptized. We passed the referral on and the missionaries in his area are in touch with him, it is exciting see how this work has a domino effect.
Diana is a strong convert and has quite the story. Once again you will have to meet her, she is hilarious. She reminds me of Taren. For her baptism she couldn't handle the white jump suits so she went to the distribution center and actually bought a temple dress, I guess she’s ready for next year now. Then at her baptism she wanted a picture with every person who walked in. Like I said she is hilarious. Immediately after her baptism we had Dona's at the same building. Dona’s was a smaller but such a peaceful baptism, everyone loves her. We are thinking about having Dona come to some lessons with some of our other investigators who are struggling with the Word of Wisdom. She asked for a Priesthood blessing to quit a few weeks ago and since then never second guessed her decision to quit. She just tells herself over and over, “I’m not a smoker”. It has been so fun working with Dona and her boy Daniel.
Friday night we had Mission Fireside at the mission office which I conducted, its weird conducting meetings. President Miller had his son in law Brett and Brett’s brother Brandon come for this fireside. They have both devoted their life to classical music and are doctors in music. They have a choir which competes with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I don’t know if that’s the right way to word it. But it’s big and they are unreal. Awhile ago I shared with you how we took the entire mission downtown to see this “Messiah in America” well that was done by these two brothers. At first they weren’t that comfortable and more just talking to us but President being himself turned the meeting into the most spiritual thing I’ve witnessed on my mission. I am learning so much from him. These two brothers taught us and related the perfection needed for their music to us in our missions. They lead us in music and even performed for us. I am having a hard time telling you really what they did but it was so good. Everyone was a little skeptical at first and not even wanting to come. In the closing hymn we sung with such gusto. I thought angels were going to appear, never felt the spirit in that chapel so strong before.
On my mission I’m obviously learning more and more. When I look back at the beginning I can’t believe how little I really did know. What I’m seeing right now is elect of God. There are those who are prepared and those who aren’t. Everyone we are finding has been so prepared. Almost everyone we meet with have been brought real low but are now ready for the Lord to build them back up. The worst thing we can do is be content with where we are at, Satin works in mysterious ways. I love my mission. It has changed my life and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am the same Blake but a new person. I have a love for the scriptures and feast upon them daily.
Have a great week! I’ve been writing this email on our laptop while sitting in the back of our favorite Bishops SUV. He is driving us up to Kamas to go fishing for the day. I am pumped, feel like I’m on a road trip! I’ve been in that valley for 18 months, mountains acting as big walls on each side. I will have to send you some pictures of what I catch. Bishop Springer is the man and he’s a hardcore fisher..... Its now hours after we got home. We have decided we are better fishers of men than fishers of fish, so we are going to stick with sharing the Gospel. Caught zero fish but Bishop caught one and least I held it.
Love Elder Pizzey.
I loved your emails this week! I have the greatest family. I'm glad that the two munchkins in Ecuador are enjoying themselves, those are my girls! (Blake's sister Paige and girlfriend Lindsay are in Ecador working in an orphanage) Each night I pray for them and hope this trip has a lasting effect on them. I'm sure I could use trip like these, it would most definitely humble me. I'm sure my area is the closest thing you can get to a 3rd world country in the Great Salt Lake valley. Half our lessons we sit on the ground cross legged with a little lamp which lights the old beaten up apartment. I love culture of those we are teaching, especially the food (that’s right Dad, the food).
So this past week we wrapped up with zone conferences and had two baptisms in our area! They were both great. Diana's was a large baptism with a lot of less-active and non-members who attended. We held the service in the chapel and pulled down the big screen to show the first vision. And don't worry we only played a 4 minute clip from the video not the full 20 minute film that was played at Lindsay's. Elder Bertolino introduced it and I was able to end it with my testimony. We both bore our testimony and boldly invited others to come unto Christ. There were a few people who felt it but especially this one man whose name is Corey. We spoke to him after and he now wants to meet with missionaries and be baptized. We passed the referral on and the missionaries in his area are in touch with him, it is exciting see how this work has a domino effect.
Diana is a strong convert and has quite the story. Once again you will have to meet her, she is hilarious. She reminds me of Taren. For her baptism she couldn't handle the white jump suits so she went to the distribution center and actually bought a temple dress, I guess she’s ready for next year now. Then at her baptism she wanted a picture with every person who walked in. Like I said she is hilarious. Immediately after her baptism we had Dona's at the same building. Dona’s was a smaller but such a peaceful baptism, everyone loves her. We are thinking about having Dona come to some lessons with some of our other investigators who are struggling with the Word of Wisdom. She asked for a Priesthood blessing to quit a few weeks ago and since then never second guessed her decision to quit. She just tells herself over and over, “I’m not a smoker”. It has been so fun working with Dona and her boy Daniel.
Friday night we had Mission Fireside at the mission office which I conducted, its weird conducting meetings. President Miller had his son in law Brett and Brett’s brother Brandon come for this fireside. They have both devoted their life to classical music and are doctors in music. They have a choir which competes with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I don’t know if that’s the right way to word it. But it’s big and they are unreal. Awhile ago I shared with you how we took the entire mission downtown to see this “Messiah in America” well that was done by these two brothers. At first they weren’t that comfortable and more just talking to us but President being himself turned the meeting into the most spiritual thing I’ve witnessed on my mission. I am learning so much from him. These two brothers taught us and related the perfection needed for their music to us in our missions. They lead us in music and even performed for us. I am having a hard time telling you really what they did but it was so good. Everyone was a little skeptical at first and not even wanting to come. In the closing hymn we sung with such gusto. I thought angels were going to appear, never felt the spirit in that chapel so strong before.
On my mission I’m obviously learning more and more. When I look back at the beginning I can’t believe how little I really did know. What I’m seeing right now is elect of God. There are those who are prepared and those who aren’t. Everyone we are finding has been so prepared. Almost everyone we meet with have been brought real low but are now ready for the Lord to build them back up. The worst thing we can do is be content with where we are at, Satin works in mysterious ways. I love my mission. It has changed my life and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am the same Blake but a new person. I have a love for the scriptures and feast upon them daily.
Have a great week! I’ve been writing this email on our laptop while sitting in the back of our favorite Bishops SUV. He is driving us up to Kamas to go fishing for the day. I am pumped, feel like I’m on a road trip! I’ve been in that valley for 18 months, mountains acting as big walls on each side. I will have to send you some pictures of what I catch. Bishop Springer is the man and he’s a hardcore fisher..... Its now hours after we got home. We have decided we are better fishers of men than fishers of fish, so we are going to stick with sharing the Gospel. Caught zero fish but Bishop caught one and least I held it.
Love Elder Pizzey.
Diane's baptism
Dona's baptism
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
August 15, 2011
Week 4 of Transfer 13 - August 15th, 2011
Being an Assistant to the President is definitely not the easiest thing... Constantly going and never time to slow down. I love it though and I am so grateful for what I'm learning. I can't believe I will be hitting my 18th month mark this week. That is insane. When I look back at the beginning of my mission and remember all the missionaries who were at their 18th it seems crazy, they are all gone! And have been gone forever. My life has changed 180 degrees due to my mission. I can't describe what my mission means to me. I love it. I love Jesus Christ, I love the Gospel and I love the scriptures. By the way you should read "The Inconvenient Messiah" it is a great talk. This past week we had two of the four zone conferences (we group of zones) and this week we will finish them off. We had zero baptisms this past week which broke our seven week run of weekly baptisms (sometimes more than weekly) but this weekend it's picking back up once again. Let me share with you some of my experiences from this past week.
We are teaching this lady who's name is Diana. She is 25 years old and just the greatest person to teach. When we first met with Diana she said she wasn't interested in baptism but just wanted to learn more about the church. She was baptized two years ago in a christian church and was happy with where she was at. Well even though she told us that right from the beginning we invited her to be baptized on the first lesson and prepare for the 20th of August. She actually laughed at us and said no! Although she accepted the invitation to pray and ask God if it was necessary to be baptized and if the Book of Mormon was true. Second lesson she came doubting her Faith in Christ due to some SERIOUS trails in her life which she didn't share with us at the time. We threw our lesson plan out the window and taught to her needs. Ended up focusing the purpose of trails in this life and our moral agency. At the end of the lesson she said that she never felt anything like what she felt during that lesson, but still said no to baptism. Our third lesson she said yes to baptism but maybe in a few months. The fourth lesson she said, "Elders I want to be baptized on the original date you invited me, August 20th. Can I?" It has been amazing working with Diana, she will be baptized this weekend at 11am. Now you may understand why missionaries invite others to be baptized with a specific date on the first lessons. When someone is ready for the challenge, there is no need for the challenge.
I don't have time to even begin describing the progression of Dona! Remember she is the mother of Daniel Manar who we recently baptized. She has just taken off in her learning of the Gospel and is truly converted. We love her. She has sacrificed so much but the Lord is blessing her ten fold. She will be baptized this Saturday as well. It is nice having Daniel retaught the principles of the Gospel too.
There is this shady looking apartment complex in our area we call the "white buildings". We have names for all the apartments, just makes it easier. For the past month both Elder Bertolino and myself have felt prompted to tract them, but haven't found the time to do so. We always discuss and say we need to but finally this past Saturday we had the entire day to knock them down. Miracles occurred while we tracted those streets. From the beginning of the day I had a prayer in my heart that we would find someone because we needed to catch up! We hardly had anytime at all this past week to FIND. The second door we knocked a pretty lady covered in tattoo's opens the door and says as if she just woke up, "I am not a member... but I am interested. Can you come back?" We were a little confused and thought she was just playing with us but after some further conversation it turns out she really is. She has been thinking about it for awhile and wants to prepare for baptism. We are teaching her tomorrow. Other great things happened. Ran into people who recently had children and married. Basically the perfect time to find people.
There is my week for you. Thank you for the wonderful update from home and looking forward to hear from you next week. Please keep me updated with Paige and Lindsay, I proud of them. I imagine it would be humbling experience working with some of those kids. I can't wait to see pictures as well. I love you Mom and Dad, don't forget to read that talk! Maybe do it today as a little family home evening. Have a great week!
Love Elder Pizzey.
Being an Assistant to the President is definitely not the easiest thing... Constantly going and never time to slow down. I love it though and I am so grateful for what I'm learning. I can't believe I will be hitting my 18th month mark this week. That is insane. When I look back at the beginning of my mission and remember all the missionaries who were at their 18th it seems crazy, they are all gone! And have been gone forever. My life has changed 180 degrees due to my mission. I can't describe what my mission means to me. I love it. I love Jesus Christ, I love the Gospel and I love the scriptures. By the way you should read "The Inconvenient Messiah" it is a great talk. This past week we had two of the four zone conferences (we group of zones) and this week we will finish them off. We had zero baptisms this past week which broke our seven week run of weekly baptisms (sometimes more than weekly) but this weekend it's picking back up once again. Let me share with you some of my experiences from this past week.
We are teaching this lady who's name is Diana. She is 25 years old and just the greatest person to teach. When we first met with Diana she said she wasn't interested in baptism but just wanted to learn more about the church. She was baptized two years ago in a christian church and was happy with where she was at. Well even though she told us that right from the beginning we invited her to be baptized on the first lesson and prepare for the 20th of August. She actually laughed at us and said no! Although she accepted the invitation to pray and ask God if it was necessary to be baptized and if the Book of Mormon was true. Second lesson she came doubting her Faith in Christ due to some SERIOUS trails in her life which she didn't share with us at the time. We threw our lesson plan out the window and taught to her needs. Ended up focusing the purpose of trails in this life and our moral agency. At the end of the lesson she said that she never felt anything like what she felt during that lesson, but still said no to baptism. Our third lesson she said yes to baptism but maybe in a few months. The fourth lesson she said, "Elders I want to be baptized on the original date you invited me, August 20th. Can I?" It has been amazing working with Diana, she will be baptized this weekend at 11am. Now you may understand why missionaries invite others to be baptized with a specific date on the first lessons. When someone is ready for the challenge, there is no need for the challenge.
I don't have time to even begin describing the progression of Dona! Remember she is the mother of Daniel Manar who we recently baptized. She has just taken off in her learning of the Gospel and is truly converted. We love her. She has sacrificed so much but the Lord is blessing her ten fold. She will be baptized this Saturday as well. It is nice having Daniel retaught the principles of the Gospel too.
There is this shady looking apartment complex in our area we call the "white buildings". We have names for all the apartments, just makes it easier. For the past month both Elder Bertolino and myself have felt prompted to tract them, but haven't found the time to do so. We always discuss and say we need to but finally this past Saturday we had the entire day to knock them down. Miracles occurred while we tracted those streets. From the beginning of the day I had a prayer in my heart that we would find someone because we needed to catch up! We hardly had anytime at all this past week to FIND. The second door we knocked a pretty lady covered in tattoo's opens the door and says as if she just woke up, "I am not a member... but I am interested. Can you come back?" We were a little confused and thought she was just playing with us but after some further conversation it turns out she really is. She has been thinking about it for awhile and wants to prepare for baptism. We are teaching her tomorrow. Other great things happened. Ran into people who recently had children and married. Basically the perfect time to find people.
There is my week for you. Thank you for the wonderful update from home and looking forward to hear from you next week. Please keep me updated with Paige and Lindsay, I proud of them. I imagine it would be humbling experience working with some of those kids. I can't wait to see pictures as well. I love you Mom and Dad, don't forget to read that talk! Maybe do it today as a little family home evening. Have a great week!
Love Elder Pizzey.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
August 8, 2010
August 8, 2011 - Week 3 of Transfer 13
Just so you know. Its 4:45pm and we are in a huge rush. I have been typing for the past 20 minutes and everything just got deleted... Not to happy anymore. Well let me try to shorten everything up I said.
I am glad to see everything went OK this past weekend with the funeral and the birth of Marli, I like that name. I loved the pictures you sent of the kids, I hardly recognize them anymore. Good work Sisters for laying up treasures in heaven. Now Taren and Dave you better get started, don't let me beat you. I am really excited to have little Pizzey's running around. I almost forgot to mention the bad news you shared though. The car, I knew it. To be honest I thought it was already totalled and you were just waiting to tell me until I got home. Well good thing your off to Africa Paige! (Blake obviously does not know they are going to Ecuador) You won't need a car there that's for sure. Have fun girls! Love both of you.
Today we are emailing so late because we hiked Mount Olympus with Elder Brand who is leaving this week, he leaves mid transfer for school. We will miss him, he is unreal. Served as an Assistant from his 10 month mark until his 20th month mark, way intense. The hike killed me though, I am way out of shape. You just don't get enough time to exercise everyday as an Assistant. We also don't have meals everyday, which you think would be good but that just means we eat food that isn't as healthy. Fast food. I hate it. We just don't have time during those crucial hours for meals though.
This past week has been crazy hectic as well. We had Zone Leader Council last week. We addressed a few of the topics we felt our Zone Leaders need. There are a few that have polar opposite needs but with the training that was given both sides were met. It was focused on serving those we preside over and building our love for them. While we trained on that for an hour President Miller actually got down on the floor and polished every ones shoes... that was humbling to have him do that. I will never forget it. Then switched that around to IF you actually have true love for your Elders and Sisters you will have high expectations, therefore you will hold them accountable. The spirit was ever strong and it was the best ZLC I've attended. We have a few Zone Leaders who are departing this transfer and they shared their testimonies as well. I've learned alot from them.
There have been some crazy miracles with investigators that I wish I could share. This work is truly the work of our Heavenly Father. This past month we baptized 12 and for August we are projecting 9 and have a goal of 10. I hope we can hit it. It is a little stressful to have the "model area" for the entire mission but truly its my favorite part. I love being in our area and working it. We are trying to help our mission catch the vision which we have obtained. That is baptizing weekly.
The Salt Lake Big Cottonwood 2nd ward is the greatest ward in the world. The demographics are all over the map. Different ethnicity's and from extremely wealthy to low income. We attend this ward every week and feel at home here. A majority of Baptisms have been in this ward. I think it is stressing the WML out but also the ward council a little. The WML needs some help though, hardly any Ward Missionaries. I think one... doesn't work so well for teaching weekly new member lessons, which is scary. It is definitely keeping all of us on our toes though. The great thing is the retention rate in this ward is basically 100%, they do an unreal job.
Behreh this past week was baptized into the 2nd Ward this past Sunday. He is from Berma and speaks Korenni, not a common language. He is 14 years old and just the cutest little guy. We have been teaching him for 5 weeks and has come to church each week. Sumeh, one of Elder Bertolino's recent converts has been translating for us. She is 18 and preparing to serve a mission. She will be one of the first Korenni speaking missionaries. She will be the Lord's tool in bringing her people the Gospel, its so exciting.
So many other great things have happened. Recent converts receiving the Priesthood and passing the Sacrament for example. This week we have two Zone Conferences and next week two more. That means late nights and early mornings and long days at the mission office. Recently Zone Conference has gone from the Assistants training with the Mission President for the majority of the time to the Zone Leaders taking a big bulk of it with the mission President. So we will see how it goes, hopefully we can stay in our areas to study and proselyte.
Love you Ma and Pa! Also family and friends.
Love Elder Pizzey.
Just so you know. Its 4:45pm and we are in a huge rush. I have been typing for the past 20 minutes and everything just got deleted... Not to happy anymore. Well let me try to shorten everything up I said.
I am glad to see everything went OK this past weekend with the funeral and the birth of Marli, I like that name. I loved the pictures you sent of the kids, I hardly recognize them anymore. Good work Sisters for laying up treasures in heaven. Now Taren and Dave you better get started, don't let me beat you. I am really excited to have little Pizzey's running around. I almost forgot to mention the bad news you shared though. The car, I knew it. To be honest I thought it was already totalled and you were just waiting to tell me until I got home. Well good thing your off to Africa Paige! (Blake obviously does not know they are going to Ecuador) You won't need a car there that's for sure. Have fun girls! Love both of you.
Today we are emailing so late because we hiked Mount Olympus with Elder Brand who is leaving this week, he leaves mid transfer for school. We will miss him, he is unreal. Served as an Assistant from his 10 month mark until his 20th month mark, way intense. The hike killed me though, I am way out of shape. You just don't get enough time to exercise everyday as an Assistant. We also don't have meals everyday, which you think would be good but that just means we eat food that isn't as healthy. Fast food. I hate it. We just don't have time during those crucial hours for meals though.
This past week has been crazy hectic as well. We had Zone Leader Council last week. We addressed a few of the topics we felt our Zone Leaders need. There are a few that have polar opposite needs but with the training that was given both sides were met. It was focused on serving those we preside over and building our love for them. While we trained on that for an hour President Miller actually got down on the floor and polished every ones shoes... that was humbling to have him do that. I will never forget it. Then switched that around to IF you actually have true love for your Elders and Sisters you will have high expectations, therefore you will hold them accountable. The spirit was ever strong and it was the best ZLC I've attended. We have a few Zone Leaders who are departing this transfer and they shared their testimonies as well. I've learned alot from them.
There have been some crazy miracles with investigators that I wish I could share. This work is truly the work of our Heavenly Father. This past month we baptized 12 and for August we are projecting 9 and have a goal of 10. I hope we can hit it. It is a little stressful to have the "model area" for the entire mission but truly its my favorite part. I love being in our area and working it. We are trying to help our mission catch the vision which we have obtained. That is baptizing weekly.
The Salt Lake Big Cottonwood 2nd ward is the greatest ward in the world. The demographics are all over the map. Different ethnicity's and from extremely wealthy to low income. We attend this ward every week and feel at home here. A majority of Baptisms have been in this ward. I think it is stressing the WML out but also the ward council a little. The WML needs some help though, hardly any Ward Missionaries. I think one... doesn't work so well for teaching weekly new member lessons, which is scary. It is definitely keeping all of us on our toes though. The great thing is the retention rate in this ward is basically 100%, they do an unreal job.
Behreh this past week was baptized into the 2nd Ward this past Sunday. He is from Berma and speaks Korenni, not a common language. He is 14 years old and just the cutest little guy. We have been teaching him for 5 weeks and has come to church each week. Sumeh, one of Elder Bertolino's recent converts has been translating for us. She is 18 and preparing to serve a mission. She will be one of the first Korenni speaking missionaries. She will be the Lord's tool in bringing her people the Gospel, its so exciting.
So many other great things have happened. Recent converts receiving the Priesthood and passing the Sacrament for example. This week we have two Zone Conferences and next week two more. That means late nights and early mornings and long days at the mission office. Recently Zone Conference has gone from the Assistants training with the Mission President for the majority of the time to the Zone Leaders taking a big bulk of it with the mission President. So we will see how it goes, hopefully we can stay in our areas to study and proselyte.
Love you Ma and Pa! Also family and friends.
Love Elder Pizzey.
Behreh's Baptism
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