Week 35: Boo at the Zoo and a Spiritual Audible

Trying to recollect the week, I can think of four major events.

First, we did quite a bit of service.  Outside of our normal service at the Rockledge Sharing Center, we did yard work for a woman named Caryn.  She lives across the street from our Relief Society President.  She spends the winters in Florida and arrived a few weeks ago.  She suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, so working in her yard would he extremely difficult.  We were able to change her pool filter, removed weeds, and moved a grill to the back.  We also trimmed palm trees which was really cool.  I've never done that before, and I finally feel like a real Florida native now that I've checked that off my list.  It felt really nice to be able to help her and give some of our time to her and the Lord.

Second, we went over to Shishi's house.  She's been investigating the church for a long time.  She's originally from China but moved over here with her daughter.  For the two transfers that Elder Pottle (I miss that man) and I were here, we struggled to meet with Shishi.  She would cancel last minute or always have a busy schedule, so it was a huge breakthrough when we were able to have lunch with her.  We read the Book of Mormon with her and gave her a blessing.  It was a huge leap in her progression.  We are meeting with her again this week.

Third, we went to an event at the Brevard County Zoo.  Many different companies and organizations had tables to hand out to the kids walking around.  They would also give cards and whatever materials they had to promote their business or organization.  The Viera Wards had a table, so we went over for a few hours on Friday and Saturday night to pass out "Just Serve" and "Family Search" pamphlets.  It was a lot of fun to meet people in a non-threatening way.  There was even a mom that wanted her kid to be in a picture with us.  It was nice to be able to be in public in a unique way.

Fourth, we taught Daniela twice this week.  Wednesday we were able to teach her the Plan of Salvation.  She really enjoyed that because her grandmother just recently passed away.  They were very close and she felt empty when she lost her.  She was comforted in the knowledge that she would see her grandmother again and could be with her for eternity.  On Sunday, we decided to use the second hour of church to teach her a lesson.  During weekly planning, we had decided to teach her about scripture study, prayer, and keeping the Sabbath day holy.  When we got into the lesson, Elder Changchum started to teach the Word of Wisdom.  I was confused, but went with it.  The lesson went really well.  She responded well to commitments and said she would keep the Word of Wisdom.  After the lesson, I talked to my companions and made the joke that Elder Changchum called a "spiritual audible".  He was confused, and after I explained, he told us that the Word of Wisdom was in the lesson plan in our area book.  I checked it and he wqs right!  I was so confused because I know for a fact that I filled out the lesson plan and I wrote the other three things.  I realized that Daniela needed to hear the Word of Wisdom.  I know God had a part in the change.  I can't explain it, but I recognize that His hand was in our lesson.  It was a wonderful tender mercy that blessed both us and Daniela.  

It reminded me of something Ronald A. Rasband said in General Conference:  "Through the experience of my own life’s journey, I know that the Lord will move us on that seeming chessboard to do His work. What may appear to be a random chance is, in fact, overseen by a loving Father in Heaven, who can number the hairs of every head. Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without our Father’s notice. The Lord is in the small details of our lives, and those incidents and opportunities are to prepare us to lift our families and others as we build the kingdom of God on earth."

I know that God is in the small details of our lives.  I have noticed many tender mercies in my days as a missionary.  I am forever grateful for them.

Enjoy your week!

Elder Poulsen

Elder Hekking and Elder Changchum

Week 35: Alma 44:4

While reading the Book of Mormon Institute Manual, I read Mosiah 13:28 that says:

"And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses."

Then there was a quote tied to this scripture:

“Men and women unquestionably have impressive powers and can bring to pass great things.  But after all our obedience and good works, we cannot be saved from death or the effects of our individual sins without the grace extended by the atonement of Jesus Christ.  The Book of Mormon makes this clear.  It teaches that ‘salvation doth not come by the law alone'.  In other words, salvation does not come simply by keeping the commandments.  ‘By the law no flesh is justified’.  Even those who try to obey and serve God with all their heart, might, mind, and strength are ‘unprofitable servants’.  Man cannot earn his own salvation.” - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

I love this idea of complete reliance on the Lord.  I know that no matter what I do, I cannot be the missionary I want to be, the man I want to be, without constant help and guidance from God.  I know that to be true.

Elder Poulsen

Week 34: Daniela

This week was pretty interesting.

Last week, we got a referral from Brother Rojas who is our ward mission leader.  It kind of gets confusing, but his sister is also in our ward, and his daughter is in the Viera 2nd ward.  That being said, there is a lot of Columbian family around the area for the referral.  Her name is Daniela and she is super awesome.  She is living here for a few months with the Florenz' (Brother Rojas' sister).  She understands English but isn't confident enough to speak it much.  We taught her the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on Monday night.  It went really well as Brother and Sister Florenz were there along with brother Rojas. During the lesson, we read from the restoration pamphlet and read Scriptures.  We could tell instantly that she was prepared and willing to change.  We had Elder Hekking invite her to be baptized on November 9th and she said yes!  It was such a relief.  After months of grinding in this area, we finally got a golden member referral.  We haven't done anything except show up the house and present the doctrine.  She is so ready.  We asked her to read 3 Nephi 11 before our next visit. 

We taught Daniela the Gospel of Jesus Christ on Wednesday night.  When we asked her how her study and prayer went from the last visit, she opened up el Libro de Mormón and there were markings and writings.  Our jaws hit the floor as we saw what she had studied and the questions she had.  It was awesome.  As we taught the lesson, we read 3 Nephi 27 and explained the five steps of the gospel.  She understood it and committed to come to church.  She also really loves the idea of repentance.  She wants to change and become a better person.  That got us so hyped.  She's ready and we are just witnessing it.  In the matter of a week, we received a referral, taught two lessons, and set a date for baptism.  It is crazy how the Lord works.

On Saturday, we went to Sister Guillaume's house for lunch.  She made us Haitian food that was unbelievably good.  Her husband Lucien was there.  He and Elder Hekking talked in French for 20 minutes.  I was totally lost but it was so cool.  It was like I was in Haiti without actually being there.

Other than that, it was a week full of finding, planning, and studying.  Elder Hekking received his visa so he will be leaving on November 19th.  Until then, we will continue to work and help him adjust to missionary life.  The members are so awesome.  They love us and support us.  They are willing to have us in their homes and treat us like family.  We are just focusing on helping them share the gospel.

"And it came to pass that many of the Lamanites did come down into the land of Zarahemla, and did declare unto the people of the Nephites the manner of their conversion, and did exhort them to faith and repentance.  Yea, and many did preach with exceedingly great power and authority, unto the bringing down many of them into the depths of humility, to be the humble followers of God and the Lamb."  (Helaman 6:4-5)

Have a fantastic week!

Elder Poulsen

 Elder Thomas and I

We don't use handlebars

At the Reese's home

Happy Fall Y'all

A burned, boarded up house

Week 34: 3 Nephi 18:19-21

Something I've been thinking of and trying to do these last couple weeks is to be more bold in my testimony.  Bold in my teaching.  Bold in everything.

In the first part of my mission, I was nervous to teach and share testimony, but I've tried to pray for courage and follow the counsel of Alma when he said:

"And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.  Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness."  (Alma 38:9,12)

As I've tried to apply this knowledge I've been able to see the power that comes from bearing testimony with boldness.  I know that as we are bold with love, we can enjoy the blessings of being proud of what we know.  

Elder Poulsen

Week 33: Trio Training Transfer

What a week it was.  It was long and stressful, but it was good.

Tuesday we drove up to Orlando to meet our new companions.  Elder Changchum and I are trio training a visa waiter named Elder Hekking.  He was originally called to the Madagascar Antananarivo Mission but because of visa complications, he is temporally assigned here for at least a transfer.

A little bit about my companions:

Elder Changchum is from Bangkok, Thailand and lived in Utah for 5 years before coming on his mission.  He's been out since June 2017 so he's the most experienced of the three of us.  He has a thick Thai accent and is super funny.  It's fun to listen to him talk because it's simple English and sometimes I can't understand what he said.  He also knows a bit of Mandarin which is cool.

Elder Hekking is from Cincinnati, Ohio.  He is fresh out of the MTC and spent six weeks there learning Malagasy, the native language of Madagascar.  He was born in New York, then lived in France until he was nine years old.  He is fluent in French but doesn't have an accent which is super cool.  It's safe to say that I am the most boring person in my companionship.

This week, I've heard Thai, French, Mandarin Chinese, Malagasy, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.  It's awesome because even though I'm in Florida, I see and experience a lot of different cultures.  It's almost like being out of the country, in the country.

As for the week, it was a lot of finding and stopping by either potentials or former investigators.  I am now the one who knows the most about the area so it's been a little stressful, and getting new companions is always a bit of a learning curve, even if you like them.  I introduced my companions to a lot of the members and showed them around.  We also have extra study time for Elder Hekking's language study and the first 12 weeks study.  The extra study time is both edifying and exhausting.

Elder Hekking is hitting a brick wall.  I see it and it reminds me of when I first came in the mission.  I don't feel like I had as rough of a time, but it's possible that I did.  Elder Changchum and I have had to talk to him about our experiences and calm him down.

I really hope and pray that this transfer is a successful one.  I know I am where I am and with who I am with for a reason.  I love my mission.  I love my companions.  I love the members and people we teach.  I still have hard days and I'm stressed a lot, but I have joy in the work.  I love every minute of it.

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." (Mosiah 2:41)

I love this scripture.  Even though we all go through trials, when we keep the commandments, we can find joy in hardship.  I know that to be true.

Something else I've also been thinking about is how divine the things we go through are.  I know that everything is part of God's plan. 

“None of us ever fully utilizes the people-opportunities allocated to us within our circles of friendship. You and I may call these intersecting ‘coincidence.’ This word is understandable for mortals to use, but coincidence is not an appropriate word to describe the workings of an omniscient God. He does not do things by ‘coincidence’ but … by ‘divine design.’” - Neal A. Maxwell

Have a great week!

Elder Poulsen

Last time seeing Elder Pottle for a time.

A little frog on a member's porch.

 Out proselyting in the Florida heat.

The updated Cocoa Zone

Brother Castro, one of my favorite member families.

The Trio

Week 33: John 7:37-38

I've been studying "The Gospel of Jesus Christ" these past few days.  I read and pondered the "Endure to the End" section.  While studying, I came up with this definition of enduring to the end from parts of the section:

Enduring to the end is a lifelong commitment to do good works, serve others, and follow the Savior's example.

When we do this, we draw closer to God, conquer temptation and sin, and enjoy the Spirit more.  This is a pattern of living that brings peace and joy.  When we press forward and endure to the end, having faith in Christ, we will receive eternal life.

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."  (2 Nephi 31:20)

Elder Poulsen

Week 32: Orevwa Elder Pottle

It was an interesting week.  It's going to be a bit shorter of an email but hopefully it's still worthwhile.

One thing we were able to do this week was stop by Frank.  He's not a member and suffers from Alzheimer's.  I've talked about him before, but his wife loves going to the temple.  Frank doesn't like being alone or away from his wife, so we promised we'd come by and stay with him for a little bit while she was up in Orlando.  I always love talking to him and spending time with him.  He has a big heart, and even though he has a hard time remembering things, he loves talking about his childhood.

We have two potential investigators.  They are both member referrals from Sister Guillaume.  She's a single woman from Haiti is so awesome.  She is not afraid to share the gospel or tell people that they should be better.  I love it!  She always makes us Haitian food and talks to us about her life.  She's taught a little Creole to us which is fun.  I love being in a home and hearing Haitian Creole or Portuguese.  The melting pot of backgrounds is my favorite part of Florida.

We got a call on Friday night from President Clark.  He told us that Elder Pottle is going to the Orlando Zone and I'm going to get two missionaries.  It wasn't what I was hoping for, but it'll be a good experience.  Our apartment is also pretty small so it'll be an interesting time.  I've really enjoyed being with Elder Pottle.  We are very similar and work well together.  He's also been really good about helping me get used to the area.  I'm going to miss him a lot.  He's been a great friend and I love him a lot.  We've had a lot of good times, laughs, and countless meals at Gators Dockside (a chain restaurant in Florida).  We've done a lot of good here and I'm excited to continue working in the Viera 1st ward.

The week was pretty slow as for finding.  We invited a lot of people to watch General Conference with us.  Our President wants us to watch it at the chapel and have investigators come.  Sadly no one we are teaching were able to come, but there were plenty of members and it was a good time.

I loved General Conference.  It's never a disappointment to hear from the General Authorities of the Church.  They really do have revelation for us and I know they commune with God.  One thing out of the many things I loved, was Elder M. Joseph Brough's talk.  During his talk he referenced Alma 8:15 "Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God..."  He then said, "We can always rejoice when we keep the commandments... We can and should find joy when we face hard things."  This is a universal truth.  Life can be hard sometimes but we can always find joy if we press on and keep the commandments of God.  I love you all and hope everything is good.  Have a great week! 

Elder Poulsen

I can't believe it's been 3 months with this jawn.

The Sisters were kind enough to let me 

use their blanket during Conference.

Week 32: 2 Nephi 26:12-13

I have been studying 1 Nephi these past few days and using the Institute Student Manual as a guide.  It has been really rewarding and I thought I'd share some scriptures and quotes.  

1 Nephi 20:10 "For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." 

In the Institute Manual, it had this quote in relation to the scripture.  "Intense heat refines metal and removes impurities.  Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed that affliction can likewise refine and purify each of us: "Most of us experience some measure of what the scriptures call ‘the furnace of affliction’. Some are submerged in service to a disadvantaged family member. Others suffer the death of a loved one or the loss or postponement of a righteous goal like marriage or childbearing. Still others struggle with personal impairments or with feelings of rejection, inadequacy, or depression. Through the justice and mercy of a loving Father in Heaven, the refinement and sanctification possible through such experiences can help us achieve what God desires us to become."

Elder Poulsen

Week 31: Cocoa Beach

I apologize for the late email.  We had an extremely busy day and things didn't go as planned.  

It's been an interesting week.  Elder Pottle and I somehow convinced the Zone Leaders to let us have a trio exchange with Elder Sharp who is up in the Merritt Island ward.  We are both close to him and wanted to do an exchange before he leaves in a week.  He came down to our area and spent Tuesday together.  We were able to go onto the Air Force base in our area.  I haven't been able to go out there since being here.  We have to get clearance from members who live there or work there.  We went out there and visited a few less-actives who we've never met before.  It was really successful as we had great sit down conversations with them.  Elder Sharp was really loving and genuine.  It was a great example to me because it's not even his area and he leaves very soon, but he was engaged and invested in their lives.  That is a sign of a good missionary.

We taught Mark with the Satellite Beach Sisters.  They are going to take over from here on out because he is moving to their area soon.  It's really sad for us to not be able to teach him anymore, but the lesson went really well.  We talked about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We read 2 Nephi 31 with him and talked about the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.  The lesson was full of the He accepted a baptismal date of October 27th and because we taught him three lessons, we'll be able to go!  He is really awesome and the Sisters will be great for him.

On Saturday, our ward put on a family history event at the library.  We helped a lot of people set up accounts for FamilySearch.org and helped them search for families.  It was a really great way to introduce them to the gospel and allow friendships to naturally occur.  Family history has been a tender mercy in my life.  I have seen the blessings of taking family names to the temple and allowing them the opportunity to accept the gospel.  The Spirit is really with us when we do that, testifying to us the truthfulness of the work.

As for the rest of the week, it was pretty normal.  Today we woke up at 4:20 to take a bus to Cocoa Beach with the whole zone.  It was a really good time.  We watched the sunrise and saw cruise ships in the distance.  I always love seeing the ocean and being reminded of my own nothingness but at the same time, the supreme love God has for His children.

I have been using the institute student manual to go along with my Book of Mormon reading and studies.  Something that hit me hard was the story of Nephi going into Jerusalem the third time, not knowing what he should do.  Here's what it says:  

"Sometimes it takes courage to be led by the Spirit. There will be times when the world’s logic and reasoning will suggest a course of action that is contrary to the Lord’s teaching. Elder John H. Groberg of the Seventy challenged us: 'Be willing to take reasonable risks. We live in an age of reason, logic, facts, and figures. These can be useful if kept in subjection to faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. But if they ever take precedence over faith in Him, then they are not useful and can be very harmful. I have found in my life that most of the good decisions I have made may not have been made if they were based solely on logic or reason.  'Nephi was determined to do what God wanted him to do even with logic to the contrary. The scriptures tell us in 1 Nephi 4:6 that he went forth not knowing beforehand what he should do but knowing he should obey God and get the plates.  'I suspect had he listened only to reason, Nephi and his brethren would still be waiting outside the walls of Jerusalem. I sometimes wonder if by our listening to reason and logic too much, and not trusting God enough, we may find ourselves waiting outside the walls of His holy city.'"

I encourage each of you to start trusting in the Lord a little bit more.  Know that He works in mysterious ways and that logic cannot fully explain everything.  Heed the counsel of King Benjamin when he said, "...believe that [God] has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend." Mosiah 4:9.

Have a wonderful, blessed week.  I love you all.

Elder Poulsen

Elder Pottle, Elder Sharp, and me at Second Light Beach

Just the Viera District in a canoe

A family in our ward has an old

slot machine from The Golden Nugget

5:30 a.m. bus ride

Transfer calls are on Saturday.  

We are both hoping to stay.

 I love these people

Week 31: Alma 26:22

We all often have the question in our hearts as to why we go through hard things or why a loving God would allow bad things to happen to good people.  That is a question we hear sometimes while we are proselyting.  This question is answered often in the Book of Mormon, but one scripture I came across the other day explains that without sadness and pain, there would be no joy or peace.

2 Nephi 2:11 "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one..."

Elder Poulsen