Sunday, April 12, 2020
3-18-20
The mission president called this morning and said that there was a chance that they would be sending all the senior missionaries home because of the coronavirus. Later that afternoon he called and said we were going home. That afternoon the sisters (Van Hoff and Sonnenburg) came home from transfers and said they were being sent to Bismarck. It was a very terrible, sad day. Lots of tears on our part. The missionaries had to leave for Bismarck in just a few hours. We made a meal for them while they cleaned and packed. We ate and just like that they were gone. We will clean and pack tomorrow and then leave on Friday.
3-19-20
Today was a very sad day. We went and said good bye to all of our friends. It was so hard. We cried and hugged and promised we would be back as soon as we were able. Valerie called her two sisters and was crying so badly that she couldn't talk. It was worse saying good bye to them than it was to our family when we came out on our mission. Our hearts are broken. Tonight we had a baptism for Flora Little Thunder from Cherry Creek. Elders Brown and Elder LaVin (Elder Anderson had been transferred out to be a new district leader in New Town) helped us pack . They are good elders. We especially had a hard time saying goodbye to Elder Brown. He was our favorite.
3-20-20
Today we finished packing and said goodbye to the rest of our friends and left about noon. We took our picture right before we left and I couldn't help but have tears running down my face. We were very sad and tired. We felt very run down. I was afraid we might get the virus just because we were so run down. That night we spent the night with Kathy and Kerry.
3-21-20
Today we came home. We stopped by Susan and Robert's, then Ryan's, then Jared's, then Jenni's, and then Lucy's. Loren was in the mountains so we didn't get to see him. Gary posted a bunch of pictures on the senior chat of us with our family. Gary Degraw called and asked what we thought we were doing. We were supposed to be under quarantine for fourteen days. I guess we missed the memo.
3-29-20
Friday the 27th the missionary department called us and asked if we would like to go back to our mission when things settled down. We said we sure would!! We both had a tear in our eye as we think about going back and (finishing our work) (It truly will never be finished) We continue to teach our people the temple lessons. It is pretty awkward teaching over the phone. It doesn't seem like the spirit is quite as strong., but it works and we still have people progressing.
Friday, March 27, 2020
2-27-20
I don't know where to start!! GREAT AND DREADFUL DAYS FOR THE MISSIONARIES!!
Last Thursday (2-19) President Howell called me and asked what the chances were that the reservations would be closing down and they would be blocking off the roads. So no one would be allowed in or out. I told him there was a good chance that, that would happen if the virus were to come into the reservation. He told me that the church was thinking about pulling all the senior missionaries so they would be home if they needed medical attention.
(I guess I should state that the Coronavirus has hit first in China and has spread throughout the world. As of today there are 81,321 confirmed cases in the U S. This is the most in the world. In the world as a whole we have 536,374 (confirmed) in the world with 24,112 deaths. So this is a huge deal. The church is sending all the missionaries home from foreign countries. (at least those where the virus is really bad and they will be reassigned here in america as best as they can after a 14 day isolation. The prophet has told the church to fast and pray on the 29th. The church has taken all of this very seriously!!)
President Howell called back later that day and told us the church was sending all seniors home (at least in our mission as medical attention was a long way away from most of us) I have not heard of other missions yet. Roberta and I cried and cried all day as we have been having so much success in Eagle Butte and Cherry Creek. We have left 2 people with recommends to attend the temple. We were teaching 8 more people the temple lessons. We started out with an attendance of 15 to 20 people each week and the week we left had 60 to 70 people in attendance. We opened up Cherry creek and the week before they closed all churches to meetings we had 25 people in attendance (We were meeting in Gloria Belmonte's home as the church was burned down). (the church closed all churches in the world so that no one could attend and pass the virus to each other. The church also closed all temple, thus we left 2 people with recommends.).
We had many friends and we went around and said goodbye to them. It was a hard day Valerie Swan had made us a beautiful Star quilt. She is about 68 years old and made this beautiful quilt. She also has made us jewelry. She is so wonderful. We cried and cried with her. She called her sisters Pam and Aurelia and was crying so hard they couldn't understand her (they told us when we went by to say goodbye to them. Pam for example was totally inactive and was the primary president. She is now active and doing really well (other than beating up her husband now and again). We have Ray Washburn in Cherry Creek, Gloria Belmonte, Denise Kill Crow (taking the temple lessons) Delinda, Manny and Renee (also taking the temple lessons) and others Roberta help me here!!
We have left so many wonderful people Carla Veaux (need help) Carla's family just had some kids get baptised (her grandkids) and we are thinking they will activate Carla and some of her kids and so many people. I really need to mention The three wonderful elders we had working in Cherry creek. actually we had more than just the 3 as Elder Perks from Rexburg helped us open it up and now Elder Brown has really kept it going (from AZ) And others (Elder Leonard, Elder Anderson). We also had Sisters really doing a great work in Eagle Butte. Sisters Like Brooks, and Howser, and again others (Sister Eliesa, Sister Roberts, Sister Christensen, Sister Sonnenburg, and Sister Van Hoff. )
Needless to say it was very hard coming home. We packed up and left Friday and stayed with Kathy Huntington Friday night and then on the Alamosa on Saturday. We stopped and saw Susan and Robert first, on to Ryan and his family, then to Jared, and on to Jenny's. We had lots of hugs and kisses and it was a wonderful reunion. Later that night Elder Degraw saw the pictures of us with the kids and grandkids and called me and said; "hey what are you doing, you are in quarantine?" I said I guess we missed the memo. So here we are in quarantine and hating it. thlpe virus keeps spreading and things are looking pretty grim. The stock market has been really hurting and they have shut down the country as no one except "essential" workers are supposed to go to work. People all over are out of work with no money coming in. The country has come up with a bill putting 2 trillion dollars into the economy to keep us from going into a depression. It is a scary time for a lot of people. It is a hard time for us as we HATE staying in our home and doing nothing.
I have been working with the church to purchase a building in Cherry Creek. They aren't very excited right now to purchase a building. They are fearful with us gone, they people will not keep coming!
What are the Morgans wanting to do?? well we hope to return back to our mission asap. Even if we need to re submit our papers. We feel we need to finish our work! And we hope other senior missionaries will continue our work!!
I don't know where to start!! GREAT AND DREADFUL DAYS FOR THE MISSIONARIES!!
Last Thursday (2-19) President Howell called me and asked what the chances were that the reservations would be closing down and they would be blocking off the roads. So no one would be allowed in or out. I told him there was a good chance that, that would happen if the virus were to come into the reservation. He told me that the church was thinking about pulling all the senior missionaries so they would be home if they needed medical attention.
(I guess I should state that the Coronavirus has hit first in China and has spread throughout the world. As of today there are 81,321 confirmed cases in the U S. This is the most in the world. In the world as a whole we have 536,374 (confirmed) in the world with 24,112 deaths. So this is a huge deal. The church is sending all the missionaries home from foreign countries. (at least those where the virus is really bad and they will be reassigned here in america as best as they can after a 14 day isolation. The prophet has told the church to fast and pray on the 29th. The church has taken all of this very seriously!!)
President Howell called back later that day and told us the church was sending all seniors home (at least in our mission as medical attention was a long way away from most of us) I have not heard of other missions yet. Roberta and I cried and cried all day as we have been having so much success in Eagle Butte and Cherry Creek. We have left 2 people with recommends to attend the temple. We were teaching 8 more people the temple lessons. We started out with an attendance of 15 to 20 people each week and the week we left had 60 to 70 people in attendance. We opened up Cherry creek and the week before they closed all churches to meetings we had 25 people in attendance (We were meeting in Gloria Belmonte's home as the church was burned down). (the church closed all churches in the world so that no one could attend and pass the virus to each other. The church also closed all temple, thus we left 2 people with recommends.).
We had many friends and we went around and said goodbye to them. It was a hard day Valerie Swan had made us a beautiful Star quilt. She is about 68 years old and made this beautiful quilt. She also has made us jewelry. She is so wonderful. We cried and cried with her. She called her sisters Pam and Aurelia and was crying so hard they couldn't understand her (they told us when we went by to say goodbye to them. Pam for example was totally inactive and was the primary president. She is now active and doing really well (other than beating up her husband now and again). We have Ray Washburn in Cherry Creek, Gloria Belmonte, Denise Kill Crow (taking the temple lessons) Delinda, Manny and Renee (also taking the temple lessons) and others Roberta help me here!!
We have left so many wonderful people Carla Veaux (need help) Carla's family just had some kids get baptised (her grandkids) and we are thinking they will activate Carla and some of her kids and so many people. I really need to mention The three wonderful elders we had working in Cherry creek. actually we had more than just the 3 as Elder Perks from Rexburg helped us open it up and now Elder Brown has really kept it going (from AZ) And others (Elder Leonard, Elder Anderson). We also had Sisters really doing a great work in Eagle Butte. Sisters Like Brooks, and Howser, and again others (Sister Eliesa, Sister Roberts, Sister Christensen, Sister Sonnenburg, and Sister Van Hoff. )
Needless to say it was very hard coming home. We packed up and left Friday and stayed with Kathy Huntington Friday night and then on the Alamosa on Saturday. We stopped and saw Susan and Robert first, on to Ryan and his family, then to Jared, and on to Jenny's. We had lots of hugs and kisses and it was a wonderful reunion. Later that night Elder Degraw saw the pictures of us with the kids and grandkids and called me and said; "hey what are you doing, you are in quarantine?" I said I guess we missed the memo. So here we are in quarantine and hating it. thlpe virus keeps spreading and things are looking pretty grim. The stock market has been really hurting and they have shut down the country as no one except "essential" workers are supposed to go to work. People all over are out of work with no money coming in. The country has come up with a bill putting 2 trillion dollars into the economy to keep us from going into a depression. It is a scary time for a lot of people. It is a hard time for us as we HATE staying in our home and doing nothing.
I have been working with the church to purchase a building in Cherry Creek. They aren't very excited right now to purchase a building. They are fearful with us gone, they people will not keep coming!
What are the Morgans wanting to do?? well we hope to return back to our mission asap. Even if we need to re submit our papers. We feel we need to finish our work! And we hope other senior missionaries will continue our work!!
Thursday, March 19, 2020
3-19-20
Well it is with heavy heart we reveal the great and terrible day. The great part is that we get to go home and be with our family. The terrible part is that we leave our wonderful new friends and the job is unfinished. We have 8 people taking the lessons to go to the temple for the first time. We finished a temple class and have 2 people who have their recommends to attend the temple and are unable to because of the coronavirus. We had plans to take these people to the temple every month until we leave and now we are leaving tomorrow. We had 15 to 20 people attending sacrament meeting when we came out. We opened up Cherry Creek (and the building burned down) and we had 25 people attend the last time we had church in Gloria Belmonte's house. and about 40 attend in Eagle butte. We have had as many as 65 attend Eagle Butte. We have activated so many wonderful people! We are heart broken. BUT we are excited to return home to our family. In the last month we have baptised 8 people and are baptising one more tonight before we leave tomorrow. we also have another young boy on date to be baptised in two weeks. We now have no missionaries in eagle butte so i am not sure what will happen with him. Thomas 3 legs just came by and said he has started to read the book of mormon and is in 2nd Nephi.
The coronavirus is all over the world now. It is in every state in the union. We have been in quarantine here in our home and have been asked not to visit with anyone face to face but we have taught a few lessons on the phone. Faran is ready for her 6th lesson. others like manny and ranee are only on number two. Pam is on number 5 but needs number 2 also. Danease is on number 4 and her "daughter" is being baptised tonight! She is really her niece but her mother dropped her off and never came back to get her. Sweet Sweet people. Soooo many sweet people! Ray Washburn is absolutely wonderful. Cherry Creek has been a high point in our life as missionaries. Well I really can't say that as their have been so many high points!!
.
Well it is with heavy heart we reveal the great and terrible day. The great part is that we get to go home and be with our family. The terrible part is that we leave our wonderful new friends and the job is unfinished. We have 8 people taking the lessons to go to the temple for the first time. We finished a temple class and have 2 people who have their recommends to attend the temple and are unable to because of the coronavirus. We had plans to take these people to the temple every month until we leave and now we are leaving tomorrow. We had 15 to 20 people attending sacrament meeting when we came out. We opened up Cherry Creek (and the building burned down) and we had 25 people attend the last time we had church in Gloria Belmonte's house. and about 40 attend in Eagle butte. We have had as many as 65 attend Eagle Butte. We have activated so many wonderful people! We are heart broken. BUT we are excited to return home to our family. In the last month we have baptised 8 people and are baptising one more tonight before we leave tomorrow. we also have another young boy on date to be baptised in two weeks. We now have no missionaries in eagle butte so i am not sure what will happen with him. Thomas 3 legs just came by and said he has started to read the book of mormon and is in 2nd Nephi.
The coronavirus is all over the world now. It is in every state in the union. We have been in quarantine here in our home and have been asked not to visit with anyone face to face but we have taught a few lessons on the phone. Faran is ready for her 6th lesson. others like manny and ranee are only on number two. Pam is on number 5 but needs number 2 also. Danease is on number 4 and her "daughter" is being baptised tonight! She is really her niece but her mother dropped her off and never came back to get her. Sweet Sweet people. Soooo many sweet people! Ray Washburn is absolutely wonderful. Cherry Creek has been a high point in our life as missionaries. Well I really can't say that as their have been so many high points!!
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Sunday, March 15, 2020
3-15-20
Well a lot has happened since I last posted. The prophet has counseled church world wide and the stores are being trampled with people who are wanting to buy up everything. It is a little scary being so far away from our food storage as well. We bought up $1,000 worth of food to take care of ourselves, the sisters, and the elders. We also bought up some extras for people we are working with who might be in need. We took over a bottle of Clorox to Valerie yesterday and today we sent a pack of toilet paper to Veronica Holy as she was out. They were both pretty appreciative. (felt good!)
We had 4 baptisms last night and it was great! They were the grandchildren of Deloria Straighthead and Carla Veaux. We had activated Deloria and had been working on Carla ever since we got here and we hope this gets her activated! She has only come a few times. Her husband is pretty anti and we think that is why she hasn't been coming. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak...... for most people around here!
After the baptisms and cleaning up the church the 3 elders; Brown, Anderson, and La Vin all spent the night with us. Then this morning they and the sisters had breakfast with us. It was great. Soooooooo this is the time where we have the corona virus and everything has been shut down throughout the world. That includes the church. President Nelson closed down all the church in the world and invited people to have sacrament meeting in the homes of those with worthy priesthood holders to bless and pass the sacrament. I asked all the missionaries to come up with their favorite story. It would be their favorite scripture story, favorite story their parents told them, or just anyone that had experienced or read. It was great! Elder Lavin shared a letter he had to send in to the first presidency to be able to come on a mission. He was in the Boise, Idaho mission and was sent home and got to come back on a mission and he came here. He is a really good missionary but I guess he beat up his companion who had been bullying him. I shared the finding, baptizing, and the after fruit of the Berkheisers who Elder Thompson and I baptized on my first mission. I guess that is my favorite story of all time until maybe now. (excluding family) Anyway we blessed and passed the sacrament and had the talks and it all lasted an hr and a half, well worth the time. Then the elders left to a dinner appointment and we fed the sisters and had a little birthday party for Sister Houser. It was a great day! We have wonderful sisters; Sister Houser, Sister Van Hoff, and Sister Sonnenburg. They are doing wonderful! Of course our elders are doing wonderful as well, especially Elder Brown.
We took a long overdue nap and afterwards we went over to visit with Deloria Straight Head. She is the one we activated. We gave her the temple lessons and she was going to be interviewed to go the the temple this last Wednesday. She had been drinking coffee since she was young and was really having a hard time giving it up. She also was not paying her tithing. She ended up being taken to Rapid city this last week for a problem on her kidney. We didn't know about it for a few days. When we found out we called the Rapid City elders and asked them to give her a blessing. They did go over and gave her a blessing. Anyway, this afternoon when we visited with her she said he had a very strong feeling that we, the senior missionaries spirit's were with her. She said the Holy Ghost was so strong with her in the room and told her missionaries would come and give her a blessing. Shortly afterwards the elders came and gave her a blessing. She said "I know I am loved" there were a lot of tears all around. She also said she has given up coffee and has been paying her tithing. We all know when we attempt to go to the temple the devil gets really strong in our life. Well she not only went into the hospital but also has to go back for an operation in a few days. And the temple is closed!! She is feeling really bad that now that she is active she can't go to church!! We will get her there! She is absolutely wonderful!!
Well a lot has happened since I last posted. The prophet has counseled church world wide and the stores are being trampled with people who are wanting to buy up everything. It is a little scary being so far away from our food storage as well. We bought up $1,000 worth of food to take care of ourselves, the sisters, and the elders. We also bought up some extras for people we are working with who might be in need. We took over a bottle of Clorox to Valerie yesterday and today we sent a pack of toilet paper to Veronica Holy as she was out. They were both pretty appreciative. (felt good!)
We had 4 baptisms last night and it was great! They were the grandchildren of Deloria Straighthead and Carla Veaux. We had activated Deloria and had been working on Carla ever since we got here and we hope this gets her activated! She has only come a few times. Her husband is pretty anti and we think that is why she hasn't been coming. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak...... for most people around here!
After the baptisms and cleaning up the church the 3 elders; Brown, Anderson, and La Vin all spent the night with us. Then this morning they and the sisters had breakfast with us. It was great. Soooooooo this is the time where we have the corona virus and everything has been shut down throughout the world. That includes the church. President Nelson closed down all the church in the world and invited people to have sacrament meeting in the homes of those with worthy priesthood holders to bless and pass the sacrament. I asked all the missionaries to come up with their favorite story. It would be their favorite scripture story, favorite story their parents told them, or just anyone that had experienced or read. It was great! Elder Lavin shared a letter he had to send in to the first presidency to be able to come on a mission. He was in the Boise, Idaho mission and was sent home and got to come back on a mission and he came here. He is a really good missionary but I guess he beat up his companion who had been bullying him. I shared the finding, baptizing, and the after fruit of the Berkheisers who Elder Thompson and I baptized on my first mission. I guess that is my favorite story of all time until maybe now. (excluding family) Anyway we blessed and passed the sacrament and had the talks and it all lasted an hr and a half, well worth the time. Then the elders left to a dinner appointment and we fed the sisters and had a little birthday party for Sister Houser. It was a great day! We have wonderful sisters; Sister Houser, Sister Van Hoff, and Sister Sonnenburg. They are doing wonderful! Of course our elders are doing wonderful as well, especially Elder Brown.
We took a long overdue nap and afterwards we went over to visit with Deloria Straight Head. She is the one we activated. We gave her the temple lessons and she was going to be interviewed to go the the temple this last Wednesday. She had been drinking coffee since she was young and was really having a hard time giving it up. She also was not paying her tithing. She ended up being taken to Rapid city this last week for a problem on her kidney. We didn't know about it for a few days. When we found out we called the Rapid City elders and asked them to give her a blessing. They did go over and gave her a blessing. Anyway, this afternoon when we visited with her she said he had a very strong feeling that we, the senior missionaries spirit's were with her. She said the Holy Ghost was so strong with her in the room and told her missionaries would come and give her a blessing. Shortly afterwards the elders came and gave her a blessing. She said "I know I am loved" there were a lot of tears all around. She also said she has given up coffee and has been paying her tithing. We all know when we attempt to go to the temple the devil gets really strong in our life. Well she not only went into the hospital but also has to go back for an operation in a few days. And the temple is closed!! She is feeling really bad that now that she is active she can't go to church!! We will get her there! She is absolutely wonderful!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
3-11-20
We should post more because I am sure we will forget a lot. Last night we were giving our temple prep class and I could visibly see a sister (Pam) become irritated. We asked her kinda what she was worried about and it ends up that her husband had cheated on her and much more and she was afraid she would have to pay for his sins!! "and they shall become one flesh" I think she had been worried about that for a very long time. Understanding the gospel is so wonderful (Follow the prophet). The more we learn about the teachings of OUR savior the more I realize the great love the lord has for us, his children!! We printed Matthew 20: 1-16 and we are going to take it to her today. She has not been active for a very long time! What a burden to carry!! Cast your burdens at his feet!
Pam had small tears in her eyes last night, but Fran really had tears in her eyes! So many of the people here have been listening to the spirit that says: "you are no good" "God can't love you" "you will never make it to heaven" "just quit trying" and the list goes on and on!!
We should post more because I am sure we will forget a lot. Last night we were giving our temple prep class and I could visibly see a sister (Pam) become irritated. We asked her kinda what she was worried about and it ends up that her husband had cheated on her and much more and she was afraid she would have to pay for his sins!! "and they shall become one flesh" I think she had been worried about that for a very long time. Understanding the gospel is so wonderful (Follow the prophet). The more we learn about the teachings of OUR savior the more I realize the great love the lord has for us, his children!! We printed Matthew 20: 1-16 and we are going to take it to her today. She has not been active for a very long time! What a burden to carry!! Cast your burdens at his feet!
Pam had small tears in her eyes last night, but Fran really had tears in her eyes! So many of the people here have been listening to the spirit that says: "you are no good" "God can't love you" "you will never make it to heaven" "just quit trying" and the list goes on and on!!
Saturday, March 7, 2020
March 6, 2020
Yesterday we went to pick up some necklaces Valerie had made for us. Elder Morgan was in the car and she asked him to come in. She brought out a double eagle star quilt. It was amazing. She said she just couldn't wait until November to give it to us. We cried. She is such an amazing person. She is in a wheelchair and is super independent. We sometimes help her scrape her walks. If we are a little late she will be out in her wheelchair trying to scrape them herself. She is going to be one person we will have trouble leaving. She is an angel.
Yesterday we went to pick up some necklaces Valerie had made for us. Elder Morgan was in the car and she asked him to come in. She brought out a double eagle star quilt. It was amazing. She said she just couldn't wait until November to give it to us. We cried. She is such an amazing person. She is in a wheelchair and is super independent. We sometimes help her scrape her walks. If we are a little late she will be out in her wheelchair trying to scrape them herself. She is going to be one person we will have trouble leaving. She is an angel.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
3 5 20
We had an interesting conversation with Pam yesterday. She was complaining about her husband and how mean he is to her..... and he drinks and............. She said sometimes she just has to beat him up. He never hits her but she does him. She said she knocked him out one day when she threw the phone at him. She said her son came in the door one day when she was sitting on top of him and hitting him. He thought she was wrong for what she was doing. "But he (her son) didn't see what her husband had done to her first!" It sounds like they have had some real battles.
We had zone conference tuesday, It was good: (some thoughts)
When I get home from my mission I really want to look back and say to myself; I really did the best I could do. No regrets!!
We need to go forward with courage and persistence. Each day we need to stay "in the game"
Never delay an impression to pray, or to do anything!
Sometimes it isn't that we don't want to do something. Sometimes it is just that we don't know how to do it! Soooo how can we find out how to do things??
President Howell's dad was a bishop and his mother was the Relief society president and they both went inactive in the church. It all started by them criticizing the leaders of the church!
Another person spoke that their grandfather was a general authority and some of his kids and grandkids have left the church. We need to stay close to the spirit and follow our conversion, no matter what things come into our lives!
Br Olson has a patriarchal blessing that says he would work with the Laminates. His first mission was not to work with the Laminates and he felt bad. However now, with his wife he is serving a mission to the laminates in white river!
There are only 2 Laminate mission couples and they are both in our mission! They are actually half brothers. Their dad had 5 wives and 31 kids. He was not a member of the church. they are VERY excellent people and missionaries. Their names are Ron and Joe Begay.
You cannot say anything wrong to the right person and you cannot say anything right to the wrong person. (takes a little pressure off missionaries)`
We had an interesting conversation with Pam yesterday. She was complaining about her husband and how mean he is to her..... and he drinks and............. She said sometimes she just has to beat him up. He never hits her but she does him. She said she knocked him out one day when she threw the phone at him. She said her son came in the door one day when she was sitting on top of him and hitting him. He thought she was wrong for what she was doing. "But he (her son) didn't see what her husband had done to her first!" It sounds like they have had some real battles.
We had zone conference tuesday, It was good: (some thoughts)
When I get home from my mission I really want to look back and say to myself; I really did the best I could do. No regrets!!
We need to go forward with courage and persistence. Each day we need to stay "in the game"
Never delay an impression to pray, or to do anything!
Sometimes it isn't that we don't want to do something. Sometimes it is just that we don't know how to do it! Soooo how can we find out how to do things??
President Howell's dad was a bishop and his mother was the Relief society president and they both went inactive in the church. It all started by them criticizing the leaders of the church!
Another person spoke that their grandfather was a general authority and some of his kids and grandkids have left the church. We need to stay close to the spirit and follow our conversion, no matter what things come into our lives!
Br Olson has a patriarchal blessing that says he would work with the Laminates. His first mission was not to work with the Laminates and he felt bad. However now, with his wife he is serving a mission to the laminates in white river!
There are only 2 Laminate mission couples and they are both in our mission! They are actually half brothers. Their dad had 5 wives and 31 kids. He was not a member of the church. they are VERY excellent people and missionaries. Their names are Ron and Joe Begay.
You cannot say anything wrong to the right person and you cannot say anything right to the wrong person. (takes a little pressure off missionaries)`
Sunday, March 1, 2020
3-1-20
Well today we blew them away (whoever them are). We had 22 people in Cherry Creek, Gloria Belmonte's little house was full! It was fast and testimony meeting and Manny and raynee both bore their testimonies!! (Our next branch president in Cherry Creek). I think we had an exceptional meeting today as well! We have wonderful elders in Cherry Creek;f Elder's Brown, Anderson, and Levin. for sunday school class I talked about Tankini coming to battle against Cherry Creek and what preparations would be necessary to take to prevent them from destroying ourselves and families.
(The new branch president's wife) bore her testimony today about two spiritual experiences she had had. One was she had been praying to know whether or not Jesus was the "Creators" son. She prayed and prayed to know. She had kinda a vision (I didn't understand exactly how it happened) BUT she saw what she saw and heard what she heard. She heard God speak to her and told her Yes! is my son and your brother and your husband, Manny is your brother also (and you really need to treat him like a brother). She really didn't understand how her husband could be her brother until she joined the church and everyone called each other brothers and sisters. The other experience was when she had been drinking for a few years. She said she was raised in another church and her mother read bible stories to her and her siblings for a long time while they were growing up. BUT, and I say BUT her parents also taught them how do drink. So she was an alcoholic for a number of years. In fact her mother would take care of the kids for her so she could go out drinking. (Crazy life on the Rez) anway she was hung over one morning and she was talking to "the Creator" about how horrible her life was and how she wanted him to take her home. She just prayed and prayed for him to take her. After lieing there for hr's she realized he wasn't going to take her. She heard a voice telling her "you know what you need to do!" She quit drinking and has been sober ever sense. She and Manny have not been active but Manny is an Elder and we are giving the temple lessons to them starting Wednesday. We are way excited! She did ask though: Soooo if we go to the temple and are sealed for time and all eternity, what happens if we decide in the next life we don't want to be married? (apparently they don't always get along) What would you say?? I just said well, I believe that we will always have our free agency. If for some reason you change your mind I am sure things can be worked out! It seemed to satisfy them. I told a temple sealer about the experience and he started to say something and then just didn't say anything:)
Well today we blew them away (whoever them are). We had 22 people in Cherry Creek, Gloria Belmonte's little house was full! It was fast and testimony meeting and Manny and raynee both bore their testimonies!! (Our next branch president in Cherry Creek). I think we had an exceptional meeting today as well! We have wonderful elders in Cherry Creek;f Elder's Brown, Anderson, and Levin. for sunday school class I talked about Tankini coming to battle against Cherry Creek and what preparations would be necessary to take to prevent them from destroying ourselves and families.
(The new branch president's wife) bore her testimony today about two spiritual experiences she had had. One was she had been praying to know whether or not Jesus was the "Creators" son. She prayed and prayed to know. She had kinda a vision (I didn't understand exactly how it happened) BUT she saw what she saw and heard what she heard. She heard God speak to her and told her Yes! is my son and your brother and your husband, Manny is your brother also (and you really need to treat him like a brother). She really didn't understand how her husband could be her brother until she joined the church and everyone called each other brothers and sisters. The other experience was when she had been drinking for a few years. She said she was raised in another church and her mother read bible stories to her and her siblings for a long time while they were growing up. BUT, and I say BUT her parents also taught them how do drink. So she was an alcoholic for a number of years. In fact her mother would take care of the kids for her so she could go out drinking. (Crazy life on the Rez) anway she was hung over one morning and she was talking to "the Creator" about how horrible her life was and how she wanted him to take her home. She just prayed and prayed for him to take her. After lieing there for hr's she realized he wasn't going to take her. She heard a voice telling her "you know what you need to do!" She quit drinking and has been sober ever sense. She and Manny have not been active but Manny is an Elder and we are giving the temple lessons to them starting Wednesday. We are way excited! She did ask though: Soooo if we go to the temple and are sealed for time and all eternity, what happens if we decide in the next life we don't want to be married? (apparently they don't always get along) What would you say?? I just said well, I believe that we will always have our free agency. If for some reason you change your mind I am sure things can be worked out! It seemed to satisfy them. I told a temple sealer about the experience and he started to say something and then just didn't say anything:)
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
2-2420
Yesterday in church Br. Inu gave the priesthood/RS lesson. He did a good job and afterwards he headed straight. towards me. He said thank you for taking care of things for me the last 4 months. I said sure thing, I love you Inu and he said I love you too! I guess we are back in good graces! It is kinda a wild ride here!
We had 36 people here and 14 in Cherry Creek yesterday. It was a nice day so I was surprised we didn't get more people. We texted some of the people in our branch the night before and some of them did come out, like sister HandBoy.
Yesterday in church Br. Inu gave the priesthood/RS lesson. He did a good job and afterwards he headed straight. towards me. He said thank you for taking care of things for me the last 4 months. I said sure thing, I love you Inu and he said I love you too! I guess we are back in good graces! It is kinda a wild ride here!
We had 36 people here and 14 in Cherry Creek yesterday. It was a nice day so I was surprised we didn't get more people. We texted some of the people in our branch the night before and some of them did come out, like sister HandBoy.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
2-18-20
What a day.
We talked to Manny and Renee and had a wonderful visit with Elder Brown, Elder Anderson, and Elder Levin. We visited for about an hr and Renee said she would do everything including "not drinking coffee any more to go the the temple if Manny would. She had an experience about 20 years ago when she pleaded with God to know if Jesus was his son and heard a voice and saw bright lights and the voice said YES he was his son. Wonderful couple and they agreed to start taking the temple classes next Monday!
Tonight Lana brought her cousin to Book of Mormon, Mayda Dupris. She was dressed poorly and unkept. She really did have some wonderful things to say however. She seems to be pretty deep and searching. She is a member but hasn't been in a while. We talked about 2 nephi 11 through 25.
Part of what we talked about the the millenium when Jesus Christ would rule and reign. Mayda said; "you mean their will be all the food and drink you want?" She said "I can't wait for that day"
Today I bought some jewelry from Chayo Makes Room For Them for Jayden's jewelry business. We had a very good discussion. I think she is very accepting of us and really seems quite interested in the gospel. She is really steeped in the traditional Lakota religion, however.
What a day.
We talked to Manny and Renee and had a wonderful visit with Elder Brown, Elder Anderson, and Elder Levin. We visited for about an hr and Renee said she would do everything including "not drinking coffee any more to go the the temple if Manny would. She had an experience about 20 years ago when she pleaded with God to know if Jesus was his son and heard a voice and saw bright lights and the voice said YES he was his son. Wonderful couple and they agreed to start taking the temple classes next Monday!
Tonight Lana brought her cousin to Book of Mormon, Mayda Dupris. She was dressed poorly and unkept. She really did have some wonderful things to say however. She seems to be pretty deep and searching. She is a member but hasn't been in a while. We talked about 2 nephi 11 through 25.
Part of what we talked about the the millenium when Jesus Christ would rule and reign. Mayda said; "you mean their will be all the food and drink you want?" She said "I can't wait for that day"
Today I bought some jewelry from Chayo Makes Room For Them for Jayden's jewelry business. We had a very good discussion. I think she is very accepting of us and really seems quite interested in the gospel. She is really steeped in the traditional Lakota religion, however.
Monday, February 17, 2020
2-17-20
Well what a week. We had 5 baptism friday night. Lana (who we have been working on for 8 months). She was a member of the church. She lost her son to suicide 3 years ago and can't hardly bear life without him. We gave her the temple lessons so she could go have his work done for him and later found out she was never confirmed. So long story short she had to be baptised. We will take her to the temple soon to have someone baptised for her son and have her do some baptisms for the dead. It is s very sweet time for us and Lana. She is absolutely the most wonderful person on the reservation. She is giving to everyone! What a example of Christ like service!
We also baptised Deloria's grandson, Elijah. He is a very sweet boy and Deloria (who found us at the dollar store and has pretty much come every day since then. Elijah's dad was worked with by the missionaries and he wanted to go on a mission for a long long time. He is about 30 years old and never went. He actually gave Elijah the name tag from one of the missionaries who had made a huge impression on him. He had worn the name tag many many years and now Elijah has been wearing the tag. I understand from Deloria that, that missionary has passed away. (I was wanting to get his contact information and have him come to the baptism but as I said he has passed. Anyway we were very excited to have him get baptised. He also had two of his cousins baptised at the same time. The sisters worked with them so we didn't' know them very well. We are concerned they will keep coming. The 5th person was from Cherry Creek. She (Kalleon) is the granddaughter of Gloria Belmonte. She is about 15 years old and we think she will be great! Gloria is wonderful, as I have said before that is where we are having church.
This morning I texted the branch president to ask him if he and his wife (sister WhiteBull) would give talks in Cherry Creek this coming sunday. Sister WhiteBull answered NO! It really is hard to get any help out of them. They have never given us help. President WhiteBull is the branch president of Eagle butte and Cherry Creek, 45 minutes away is a dependant group under Eagle Butte. So really he is in charge of Cherry Creek. The reservation is a tough place to serve. I complained to the stake president a month or so ago (President Osmond, Yes Donnie and Marie's nephew) and he just said one of the branches the sunday before only had 6 people show up to church and the branch president came a hr late. So we do feel sorry for ourselves but realize things are really going pretty good. We did have 60 people out last sunday.
Also a high point this past week is we have contacted 9 people who want to attend the temple and we are going to start temple classes this week to get them here. Is that wonderful of what!!
Well what a week. We had 5 baptism friday night. Lana (who we have been working on for 8 months). She was a member of the church. She lost her son to suicide 3 years ago and can't hardly bear life without him. We gave her the temple lessons so she could go have his work done for him and later found out she was never confirmed. So long story short she had to be baptised. We will take her to the temple soon to have someone baptised for her son and have her do some baptisms for the dead. It is s very sweet time for us and Lana. She is absolutely the most wonderful person on the reservation. She is giving to everyone! What a example of Christ like service!
We also baptised Deloria's grandson, Elijah. He is a very sweet boy and Deloria (who found us at the dollar store and has pretty much come every day since then. Elijah's dad was worked with by the missionaries and he wanted to go on a mission for a long long time. He is about 30 years old and never went. He actually gave Elijah the name tag from one of the missionaries who had made a huge impression on him. He had worn the name tag many many years and now Elijah has been wearing the tag. I understand from Deloria that, that missionary has passed away. (I was wanting to get his contact information and have him come to the baptism but as I said he has passed. Anyway we were very excited to have him get baptised. He also had two of his cousins baptised at the same time. The sisters worked with them so we didn't' know them very well. We are concerned they will keep coming. The 5th person was from Cherry Creek. She (Kalleon) is the granddaughter of Gloria Belmonte. She is about 15 years old and we think she will be great! Gloria is wonderful, as I have said before that is where we are having church.
This morning I texted the branch president to ask him if he and his wife (sister WhiteBull) would give talks in Cherry Creek this coming sunday. Sister WhiteBull answered NO! It really is hard to get any help out of them. They have never given us help. President WhiteBull is the branch president of Eagle butte and Cherry Creek, 45 minutes away is a dependant group under Eagle Butte. So really he is in charge of Cherry Creek. The reservation is a tough place to serve. I complained to the stake president a month or so ago (President Osmond, Yes Donnie and Marie's nephew) and he just said one of the branches the sunday before only had 6 people show up to church and the branch president came a hr late. So we do feel sorry for ourselves but realize things are really going pretty good. We did have 60 people out last sunday.
Also a high point this past week is we have contacted 9 people who want to attend the temple and we are going to start temple classes this week to get them here. Is that wonderful of what!!
Thursday, February 13, 2020
2-13-20
HUMP DAY TODAY!
We are doing really well and feeling blessed. We are starting temple classes next week for about 8 people in Eagle Butte and Cherry Creek. We are starting to worry that we are going to leave a lot of things undone. We have 5 baptisms tomorrow night. Lana Dauphneis who we have been working on for about 8 months. She had to kick a boyfriend out but she did and she is ready to go. Deloria Straight Head who we found, or I should say who found us in the dollar store who we have activated and have given the temple class to has a grandson who is being baptized tomorrow night and we have Golora Belmonte's granddaughter from Cherry Creek who is being baptized and a couple of boys the sisters have been teaching. Does that feel great or what.
I just closed a deal here in South Dakota (Well we just got everything negotated out and are ready to close at the end of the month I shuld say) (helped a lady buy a home). It’s a $300,000 home in rapid city. The buyer is a 70 year old school teacher (Indian) who is in our branch and not active. She is scared someone is going to take advantage of her. I went with her and looked at it and helped her negotiate the deal and helped her get it inspected etc. she taught for 34 years. VERY nice lady. She wants to start coming to church but needs a blessing because she has anxiety about coming. I think I mentioned her before. Anyway it felt good to be back in saddle. (Kinda) the realtor I helped with the deal is pretty excited about my helping her also. I’m going to give her a b of m when it closes. (We just got everything negotated out and are ready to close at the end of the month) It is pretty easy to do missionary work when you just help people and treat them how you would like to be treated!
We took the sisters to the bad lands Monday and it was so cold but they wanted to go. It was fun seeing the land and how hard it must have been for the pioneers to cross in places. We went to Wall Drug and looked at the suverneers there. that wasnt so fun!
We are hoping to get a lot of things done in the second half of our mission!! (I just know we are going to leave a lot of things undone!!) I HATE THAT!
Saturday, February 8, 2020
2-8-2020
This last week Sister morgan got a pretty good comment. Pam the Primary president didn't make it to church because she was having problems with her grandkids. She was trying to get custody of them and the "white" woman working on the case had made some huge mistakes. She told (Pam) about their conversation and said "I told her she had made some huge mistakes and you are white" Then she realized what she told Sister Morgan and said well, I kinda feel like you are Native:)
We visited with Manny and Renee Iron Hawk. They are Member's but haven't been to church sense we arrived 9 months ago. They are actually in Cherry Creek branch and we didn't have their name until this last week when the Cherry Creek peoples names on our records.
They both wanted to come to church and go to the temple. Except Renee wanted to make sure they wouldn't have to be sealed in the next life if they change their mind:) (I guess they don't always get along) They have been to the slc temple, they have been to education week, They are wonderful people. He is a principle at a school that teaches Lacoda to the kids. They are going to Washington this week to go to a training. They are not only wonderful people but very sharp people also. Their only hangup is coffee and of course coming to church.
We went to Rapid City today and went to help Cynthia Cleveland with buying her house. She came by this last week and said she mentioned she might need a blessing as she is very nervous about coming to church. She has a lot of anxiety about it. (I think I already mentioned that.) She also said she wants to come to Book of Mormon class each tuesday night. She also wants to know where the church is in Rapid City so she can attend when she moves. Sooo she is really moving along.
We had lunch with The Johnsons today before coming home. They are great people!
We gave away cakes again this week and had some great responses. At the game this week I met a huge indian and visited with him some. We weren't able to visit about the church, yet! He was there taking pictures.
Lana has decided to be baptised this next week. We are very excited about that! She is a wonderful person!
Life is good on the Rez!
This last week Sister morgan got a pretty good comment. Pam the Primary president didn't make it to church because she was having problems with her grandkids. She was trying to get custody of them and the "white" woman working on the case had made some huge mistakes. She told (Pam) about their conversation and said "I told her she had made some huge mistakes and you are white" Then she realized what she told Sister Morgan and said well, I kinda feel like you are Native:)
We visited with Manny and Renee Iron Hawk. They are Member's but haven't been to church sense we arrived 9 months ago. They are actually in Cherry Creek branch and we didn't have their name until this last week when the Cherry Creek peoples names on our records.
They both wanted to come to church and go to the temple. Except Renee wanted to make sure they wouldn't have to be sealed in the next life if they change their mind:) (I guess they don't always get along) They have been to the slc temple, they have been to education week, They are wonderful people. He is a principle at a school that teaches Lacoda to the kids. They are going to Washington this week to go to a training. They are not only wonderful people but very sharp people also. Their only hangup is coffee and of course coming to church.
We went to Rapid City today and went to help Cynthia Cleveland with buying her house. She came by this last week and said she mentioned she might need a blessing as she is very nervous about coming to church. She has a lot of anxiety about it. (I think I already mentioned that.) She also said she wants to come to Book of Mormon class each tuesday night. She also wants to know where the church is in Rapid City so she can attend when she moves. Sooo she is really moving along.
We had lunch with The Johnsons today before coming home. They are great people!
We gave away cakes again this week and had some great responses. At the game this week I met a huge indian and visited with him some. We weren't able to visit about the church, yet! He was there taking pictures.
Lana has decided to be baptised this next week. We are very excited about that! She is a wonderful person!
Life is good on the Rez!
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
2-5-20
Interesting things happening here. First of all We have been helping Cynthia Cleaveland with purchasing a home in Rapid City. She came over the other night to have me look over some paperwork and after we were done she said I might need a blessing. (sister Morgan was on the phone with someone) So I was talking to her. I said why is that. She said she has really bad anxiety when she comes to church (she has come once in the last 9 months since we were hers). (we know her husband was a branch president for lots of years and then left her for another woman) (also she was made the relief society president and month later she was released by the new Branch president without even talking to her, he just got up and announced it). I asked her what are you afraid of. She said it is just crazy things like slipping and falling on the snow and different things. I said when Sister Morgan gets off the phone I would be glad to give you a blessing. She said no I want to do some praying and have you prepare also. I said that would be good.
well she got the contract written up on the home she is buying and I helped negotiate the deal and we told her we would go with her to the inspection on this coming saturday. She said I would also like to see what church I will be attending and where it is. We said we would be glad to help her find the church. Sooo good things for Cynthia.
Also Lana has finished the discussions and the sisters are just going over to talk to her now and again. Her and Andy had a big fight and he left the home and the sisters went over last night. They told her we are having a baptism on the 14th and if she would like to be baptised then that would be great! She said OK!
Interesting things happening here. First of all We have been helping Cynthia Cleaveland with purchasing a home in Rapid City. She came over the other night to have me look over some paperwork and after we were done she said I might need a blessing. (sister Morgan was on the phone with someone) So I was talking to her. I said why is that. She said she has really bad anxiety when she comes to church (she has come once in the last 9 months since we were hers). (we know her husband was a branch president for lots of years and then left her for another woman) (also she was made the relief society president and month later she was released by the new Branch president without even talking to her, he just got up and announced it). I asked her what are you afraid of. She said it is just crazy things like slipping and falling on the snow and different things. I said when Sister Morgan gets off the phone I would be glad to give you a blessing. She said no I want to do some praying and have you prepare also. I said that would be good.
well she got the contract written up on the home she is buying and I helped negotiate the deal and we told her we would go with her to the inspection on this coming saturday. She said I would also like to see what church I will be attending and where it is. We said we would be glad to help her find the church. Sooo good things for Cynthia.
Also Lana has finished the discussions and the sisters are just going over to talk to her now and again. Her and Andy had a big fight and he left the home and the sisters went over last night. They told her we are having a baptism on the 14th and if she would like to be baptised then that would be great! She said OK!
Sunday, February 2, 2020
February 2, 2020
We have been working with Lana for 4-6 months. She comes to church every week and is faithful in everything she does. Her only problem she was living with a guy. She asked him to leave and he wouldn't. He would make one excuse or another and still be there. She was paying all of the bills. That is a common problem here on the rez. Today they got in a big fight and she sent him packing. The sisters told her to come to our trailer tomorrow and we would have a cake and cry party. She said she would like that. Hopefully this means that she can be baptized soon. She was baptized previously (20 years ago) but the confirmation date was missing so she has to be baptized again.
Also tonight Cynthia Cleaveland came over and we helped her with some legal paperwork. (buying a home in Rapid City) we have been working on her for 7 or 8 months. She actually came to church today for the first time since we arrived here and we had a great service today. Anyway after we finished the paperwork she said I might need a blessing also. She said she has really bad anxiety when she comes to church. She had a really hard time coming today. We asked what she was concerned about and she said "oh i was concerned about slipping on the ice or something like that. We asked her if she felt that way when she went to school and she said no. (she is a school teacher and 69 years old) We said it sounds like you are being worked on by the adversary pretty bad. She agreed with that. I said i would be happy to give her a blessing and she wanted to wait until she had time to do some praying and I also had time. I suggested we set a date. and she agreed.
We have been working with Lana for 4-6 months. She comes to church every week and is faithful in everything she does. Her only problem she was living with a guy. She asked him to leave and he wouldn't. He would make one excuse or another and still be there. She was paying all of the bills. That is a common problem here on the rez. Today they got in a big fight and she sent him packing. The sisters told her to come to our trailer tomorrow and we would have a cake and cry party. She said she would like that. Hopefully this means that she can be baptized soon. She was baptized previously (20 years ago) but the confirmation date was missing so she has to be baptized again.
Also tonight Cynthia Cleaveland came over and we helped her with some legal paperwork. (buying a home in Rapid City) we have been working on her for 7 or 8 months. She actually came to church today for the first time since we arrived here and we had a great service today. Anyway after we finished the paperwork she said I might need a blessing also. She said she has really bad anxiety when she comes to church. She had a really hard time coming today. We asked what she was concerned about and she said "oh i was concerned about slipping on the ice or something like that. We asked her if she felt that way when she went to school and she said no. (she is a school teacher and 69 years old) We said it sounds like you are being worked on by the adversary pretty bad. She agreed with that. I said i would be happy to give her a blessing and she wanted to wait until she had time to do some praying and I also had time. I suggested we set a date. and she agreed.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
1-28-20
Well we had a good day today. Sunday Yvette and Inu and the grandson came to church. I guess they have finally forgiven us. However Inu didn't take the sacrament and he and the grandson left after sacrament. Yvette stayed for sunday school and made some comments.Then tonight she came to our Book of Mormon class. I have never seen her so happy! It was really crazy how just over night she changed. It was like night and day.
Eric came to church Sunday. He just showed up. He is 40 and is a traveler. He stopped in Eagle Butte this spring and just never left. He stays in the homeless shelter. He is a sharp looking guy with a beard and seems very sharp. Anyway we had a wonderful sacrament meeting with the missionaries speaking and I gave the Priesthood/Relief society lesson. He was very attentive and seemed to enjoy it a lot. The Elders gave him a book of mormon after wards and introduced him to the sisters. Well tonight he came to the church and had a wonderful meeting with the sisters and then attended our Book of Mormon class. After it was over he said "you will see me again.)
We met Bill Gather in Cherry Creek today and we took a look at a building that belongs to the tribe that they said we could use. We might buy it, it just depends if they would want to buy the building or bring in a modular. The church is thinking about either of these. I believe that this is going to make the people in Cherry Creek pretty excited to see that the church does really care about them.
Well we had a good day today. Sunday Yvette and Inu and the grandson came to church. I guess they have finally forgiven us. However Inu didn't take the sacrament and he and the grandson left after sacrament. Yvette stayed for sunday school and made some comments.Then tonight she came to our Book of Mormon class. I have never seen her so happy! It was really crazy how just over night she changed. It was like night and day.
Eric came to church Sunday. He just showed up. He is 40 and is a traveler. He stopped in Eagle Butte this spring and just never left. He stays in the homeless shelter. He is a sharp looking guy with a beard and seems very sharp. Anyway we had a wonderful sacrament meeting with the missionaries speaking and I gave the Priesthood/Relief society lesson. He was very attentive and seemed to enjoy it a lot. The Elders gave him a book of mormon after wards and introduced him to the sisters. Well tonight he came to the church and had a wonderful meeting with the sisters and then attended our Book of Mormon class. After it was over he said "you will see me again.)
We met Bill Gather in Cherry Creek today and we took a look at a building that belongs to the tribe that they said we could use. We might buy it, it just depends if they would want to buy the building or bring in a modular. The church is thinking about either of these. I believe that this is going to make the people in Cherry Creek pretty excited to see that the church does really care about them.
1 27 20
They caught the suspect who burned down the church in Cherry Creek this last week. In visiting with a person in Cherry Creek who is related to the suspect (the suspect's name is Josh Hale) She said he started fires when he was young. His mother is afraid of him and hides form him. He beat up a man in Cherry creek a few days before he was captured for not giving him $100.00 (an old man) He was on drugs and was released form prison a short time before burning the church down. I have been working with President Howell because someone has started a rumor suggesting he burned down the church because one of the missionaries touched his daughter inappropriately. Below is an email from president Howell and the church headquarters.
I have not allowed the elders to go into Cherry Creek until the suspect was caught. Now that he has been caught I asked them not to tract out anyone but to just go to people they know and work with them. If someone gives them a referral that is fine but I really didn't want them to run into strangers in case a crazy believed the rumors. And there are a fair amount of crazys in Cherry Creek.
The worst thing that could happen would be for something to happen to my young friends!!
They caught the suspect who burned down the church in Cherry Creek this last week. In visiting with a person in Cherry Creek who is related to the suspect (the suspect's name is Josh Hale) She said he started fires when he was young. His mother is afraid of him and hides form him. He beat up a man in Cherry creek a few days before he was captured for not giving him $100.00 (an old man) He was on drugs and was released form prison a short time before burning the church down. I have been working with President Howell because someone has started a rumor suggesting he burned down the church because one of the missionaries touched his daughter inappropriately. Below is an email from president Howell and the church headquarters.
I have not allowed the elders to go into Cherry Creek until the suspect was caught. Now that he has been caught I asked them not to tract out anyone but to just go to people they know and work with them. If someone gives them a referral that is fine but I really didn't want them to run into strangers in case a crazy believed the rumors. And there are a fair amount of crazys in Cherry Creek.
The worst thing that could happen would be for something to happen to my young friends!!
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Thu, Jan 23, 3:03 PM (4 days ago)
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Great suggestion. I am copying President Johansen and Elder Morgan to help us monitor this possibility.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 23, 2020, at 3:04 PM, Blake D Archibald <archibaldbd@churchofjesuschrist.org> wrote:
President,I would suggest that we verify that he is NOT going to be released on bail… We do not want the Elders to be there is the man is on the loose.BlakeFrom: Scott L. HowellChurchofJesusChrist.org>
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2020 1:53 PM
To: Blake D ArchibaldChurchofJesusChrist.org>
Subject: Update on Suspect who burned the Cherry Creek meetinghouseBlake, this message came in to me by text a few minutes ago. . .Dear presidents,They captured the suspect yesterday afternoon in Cherry Creek. I took the elders to work in Cherry Creek last night and taught and visited some of our people. One of the people we visited with was a member who said “the suspect is her mother’s, Brother’s son.” (Her first cousin). She said he has been in trouble sense his youth. She said his mother was afraid of him and would hide from him. The day before yesterday he beat up an old man in Cherry Creek because he wouldn’t give him $100.00. He went around starting fires when he was young. He just sounds like a bad guy.If something comes of the elders “touching a girl” it will most likely come in the next few days and I will most likely receive a call. It doesn’t sound like anyone would believe him BUT, we will see what happens. I am thinking we can send the missionaries back in but to just go into homes for appointments and not try and tract into homes where they don’t know the people. Your thoughts?Elder MorganScott L. HowellNORTH DAKOTA BISMARCK MISSION101 Slate Drive Ste 7Bismarck, ND 58503Phone: 605.391.0206
6- 4-19
Well today has been another, quite a day!
We started out discussing how to improve our missionary work. We decided to leave each home if possible with a spiritual thought and a prayer. Mom had a scripture she read this morning that we thought we would use, it was so good; Jacob 3:1-2 :
1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever
We went to the person who we decided to go to first and set down had had a chat with her. (everyone here has a problem) She told us her daughters husband started beating her and she started drinking. She drank herself to death. Her daughter who is 10 years old felt like it was her fault and decided to kill herself. Her grand mother (who we were visiting with) took her to the hospital last night, where she is now. Not a bad scripture!
Then I have been visiting with another native from Rosebud another reservation about 3 hrs away. I became his friend on facebook and we have been talking. He is wonderful!! He sent me this today:
The moment I finished the BofM for the first time... I knew it happened here & still I receive opposition to what I come to know within... When I'm right with the Lord... He gives me dreams. Very interesting... and I sit & wonder about all the possible meanings but the best so far is when I questioned if my mom & dad excepted the work we did for them... Still figuring it out... but amazing none the less. There was a time when I thought God had forgotten about the Lakota... And I am forever thankful you all have chosen to serve. Thank you... Peace! Elder & enjoy this beautiful day.
I asked him if he would share his testimony with me so that I could share it with the people of Eagle Butte and this is what he sent me:
I would rather be in person but... The greatest gift that I received from my alcoholic mother was the gift of spirit... she always told me to pray & my first religion is the Lakota belief of spirits... visions seeking and such. I had the most amazing opportunity to learn the way through a good man, he was old... Around here they call him "O'l man... or O'l man Robert" very powerful man in deed, when he died... I never seen nothing like it since and so... O'l man taught me from the beginning that whether the "white man" religion or ours the worry is God for his children & are meant to bring a man to his center... He told US little ones at the time, that hard times were coming in our time and just like false prophets... false medicine men. He recalled a time when, he said, that the spirit would come for the man because he knows the heart of a man but there were times coming that a man would call himself... and told us young ones what the spirit of our grandfather's wanted us to know... signs. Today... those signs are coming to pass. So... what does this have to do with my testimony? My mom... She brought me up to know God and question everything and so... the gospel of the Lord can be questioned and one true answer that I know is "why did the god of heaven allow the white man to do what they did", the gospel answers this for me because I know what it reads about WHAT the gospel can do for US... My mom was poor and a hand out and so she sent me to other churches because I was the oldest I had to go and at the time... I didn't see or understand the wisdom of it but now.... I look back with a thankful heart. It caused me to question because I heard for my self.... pastors or natives bad mouthing one another's belief. Which ain't cool at all... There is truth everywhere and the Lord will judge the heart of a man and if his heart is teachable then he's golden... My sister's joined the church before I did and at the time I was an young ignorant kid (15) my dad was in & out of my life, so I was the dad & learned form my good step dads and bad too. At that age I was fighting full grown men... I loved the fact that I came from warrior grandfather's but was IGNORANT because a true warrior is aligned spiritually as well as physically. So I was invited to church from my belated sis... and slowly began to question... & question all the unanswered thoughts & scriptures I heard, I blew the missionaries minds... and later they became my mom & dad and gave birth to a new soul, in the struggle. So I questioned and one day, they presented me with "Moroni's promise" and I knew exactly in my minds eye where I would ask... I was raised out in "the country".... by a woman who ain't my blood but was my mother's friend. She raised me to respect and respect fire arms... Old school knowledge. So when I heard this new news that I could ask God the Father of my own self, I was thrilled because the heart of a Lakota is prayer and knowing prayer(s)… I thought awesome, I will take up this challenge... It just blew me away that out of the different religions that my mother had me experience, this one said to me, "You go find that answer & if your intent is true, I would know..." Hoka... I was baptized... November 2nd 1991 and it has been the best struggle since, full of failures and questions but triumphs none the less! This is the Lord's church and when I heard that a 15 yr old boy had a vision.... It wasn't hard for me to believe at all and I know Joseph jr... is a man of god... then & now. Our grandfather's... Sitting Bull had a vision at 13... Crazy Horse 16... and I do come from a long line of medicine men & so, I believe... these are God's lands. Like our grandfather's told us that "life sprang out from here..." that is true. And upon mountain tops were once temples... the law of Moses is fulfilled... bring your broken heart & contrite spirit to the Lord and he'll teach us to gain peace and be the spirits our grandfather's knew... The Book of Mormon is a blessing & a warning to all who should possess these lands... About 80 percent of these blessings have to do with the land... These are God's lands and we should really consider ourselves blessed. Hoka...
What do you think??
We started out discussing how to improve our missionary work. We decided to leave each home if possible with a spiritual thought and a prayer. Mom had a scripture she read this morning that we thought we would use, it was so good; Jacob 3:1-2 :
1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever
We went to the person who we decided to go to first and set down had had a chat with her. (everyone here has a problem) She told us her daughters husband started beating her and she started drinking. She drank herself to death. Her daughter who is 10 years old felt like it was her fault and decided to kill herself. Her grand mother (who we were visiting with) took her to the hospital last night, where she is now. Not a bad scripture!
Then I have been visiting with another native from Rosebud another reservation about 3 hrs away. I became his friend on facebook and we have been talking. He is wonderful!! He sent me this today:
The moment I finished the BofM for the first time... I knew it happened here & still I receive opposition to what I come to know within... When I'm right with the Lord... He gives me dreams. Very interesting... and I sit & wonder about all the possible meanings but the best so far is when I questioned if my mom & dad excepted the work we did for them... Still figuring it out... but amazing none the less. There was a time when I thought God had forgotten about the Lakota... And I am forever thankful you all have chosen to serve. Thank you... Peace! Elder & enjoy this beautiful day.
I asked him if he would share his testimony with me so that I could share it with the people of Eagle Butte and this is what he sent me:
I would rather be in person but... The greatest gift that I received from my alcoholic mother was the gift of spirit... she always told me to pray & my first religion is the Lakota belief of spirits... visions seeking and such. I had the most amazing opportunity to learn the way through a good man, he was old... Around here they call him "O'l man... or O'l man Robert" very powerful man in deed, when he died... I never seen nothing like it since and so... O'l man taught me from the beginning that whether the "white man" religion or ours the worry is God for his children & are meant to bring a man to his center... He told US little ones at the time, that hard times were coming in our time and just like false prophets... false medicine men. He recalled a time when, he said, that the spirit would come for the man because he knows the heart of a man but there were times coming that a man would call himself... and told us young ones what the spirit of our grandfather's wanted us to know... signs. Today... those signs are coming to pass. So... what does this have to do with my testimony? My mom... She brought me up to know God and question everything and so... the gospel of the Lord can be questioned and one true answer that I know is "why did the god of heaven allow the white man to do what they did", the gospel answers this for me because I know what it reads about WHAT the gospel can do for US... My mom was poor and a hand out and so she sent me to other churches because I was the oldest I had to go and at the time... I didn't see or understand the wisdom of it but now.... I look back with a thankful heart. It caused me to question because I heard for my self.... pastors or natives bad mouthing one another's belief. Which ain't cool at all... There is truth everywhere and the Lord will judge the heart of a man and if his heart is teachable then he's golden... My sister's joined the church before I did and at the time I was an young ignorant kid (15) my dad was in & out of my life, so I was the dad & learned form my good step dads and bad too. At that age I was fighting full grown men... I loved the fact that I came from warrior grandfather's but was IGNORANT because a true warrior is aligned spiritually as well as physically. So I was invited to church from my belated sis... and slowly began to question... & question all the unanswered thoughts & scriptures I heard, I blew the missionaries minds... and later they became my mom & dad and gave birth to a new soul, in the struggle. So I questioned and one day, they presented me with "Moroni's promise" and I knew exactly in my minds eye where I would ask... I was raised out in "the country".... by a woman who ain't my blood but was my mother's friend. She raised me to respect and respect fire arms... Old school knowledge. So when I heard this new news that I could ask God the Father of my own self, I was thrilled because the heart of a Lakota is prayer and knowing prayer(s)… I thought awesome, I will take up this challenge... It just blew me away that out of the different religions that my mother had me experience, this one said to me, "You go find that answer & if your intent is true, I would know..." Hoka... I was baptized... November 2nd 1991 and it has been the best struggle since, full of failures and questions but triumphs none the less! This is the Lord's church and when I heard that a 15 yr old boy had a vision.... It wasn't hard for me to believe at all and I know Joseph jr... is a man of god... then & now. Our grandfather's... Sitting Bull had a vision at 13... Crazy Horse 16... and I do come from a long line of medicine men & so, I believe... these are God's lands. Like our grandfather's told us that "life sprang out from here..." that is true. And upon mountain tops were once temples... the law of Moses is fulfilled... bring your broken heart & contrite spirit to the Lord and he'll teach us to gain peace and be the spirits our grandfather's knew... The Book of Mormon is a blessing & a warning to all who should possess these lands... About 80 percent of these blessings have to do with the land... These are God's lands and we should really consider ourselves blessed. Hoka...
What do you think??
1-28-20
Well we had a good day today. Sunday Yvette and Inu and the grandson came to church. I guess they have finally forgiven us. However Inu didn't take the sacrament and he and the grandson left after sacrament. Yvette stayed for sunday school and made some comments.Then tonight she came to our Book of Mormon class. I have never seen her so happy! It was really crazy how just over night she changed. It was like night and day.
Eric came to church Sunday. He just showed up. He is 40 and is a traveler. He stopped in Eagle Butte this spring and just never left. He stays in the homeless shelter. He is a sharp looking guy with a beard and seems very sharp. Anyway we had a wonderful sacrament meeting with the missionaries speaking and I gave the Priesthood/Relief society lesson. He was very attentive and seemed to enjoy it a lot. The Elders gave him a book of mormon after wards and introduced him to the sisters. Well tonight he came to the church and had a wonderful meeting with the sisters and then attended our Book of Mormon class. After it was over he said "you will see me again.)
We met Bill Gather in Cherry Creek today and we took a look at a building that belongs to the tribe that they said we could use. We might buy it, it just depends if they would want to buy the building or bring in a modular. The church is thinking about either of these. I believe that this is going to make the people in Cherry Creek pretty excited to see that the church does really care about them.
1 27 20
They caught the suspect who burned down the church in Cherry Creek this last week. In visiting with a person in Cherry Creek who is related to the suspect (the suspect's name is Josh Hale) She said he started fires when he was young. His mother is afraid of him and hides form him. He beat up a man in Cherry creek a few days before he was captured for not giving him $100.00 (an old man) He was on drugs and was released form prison a short time before burning the church down. I have been working with President Howell because someone has started a rumor suggesting he burned down the church because one of the missionaries touched his daughter inappropriately. Below is an email from president Howell and the church headquarters.
I have not allowed the elders to go into Cherry Creek until the suspect was caught. Now that he has been caught I asked them not to tract out anyone but to just go to people they know and work with them. If someone gives them a referral that is fine but I really didn't want them to run into strangers in case a crazy believed the rumors. And there are a fair amount of crazys in Cherry Creek.
The worst thing that could happen would be for something to happen to my young friends!!
Well we had a good day today. Sunday Yvette and Inu and the grandson came to church. I guess they have finally forgiven us. However Inu didn't take the sacrament and he and the grandson left after sacrament. Yvette stayed for sunday school and made some comments.Then tonight she came to our Book of Mormon class. I have never seen her so happy! It was really crazy how just over night she changed. It was like night and day.
Eric came to church Sunday. He just showed up. He is 40 and is a traveler. He stopped in Eagle Butte this spring and just never left. He stays in the homeless shelter. He is a sharp looking guy with a beard and seems very sharp. Anyway we had a wonderful sacrament meeting with the missionaries speaking and I gave the Priesthood/Relief society lesson. He was very attentive and seemed to enjoy it a lot. The Elders gave him a book of mormon after wards and introduced him to the sisters. Well tonight he came to the church and had a wonderful meeting with the sisters and then attended our Book of Mormon class. After it was over he said "you will see me again.)
We met Bill Gather in Cherry Creek today and we took a look at a building that belongs to the tribe that they said we could use. We might buy it, it just depends if they would want to buy the building or bring in a modular. The church is thinking about either of these. I believe that this is going to make the people in Cherry Creek pretty excited to see that the church does really care about them.
1 27 20
They caught the suspect who burned down the church in Cherry Creek this last week. In visiting with a person in Cherry Creek who is related to the suspect (the suspect's name is Josh Hale) She said he started fires when he was young. His mother is afraid of him and hides form him. He beat up a man in Cherry creek a few days before he was captured for not giving him $100.00 (an old man) He was on drugs and was released form prison a short time before burning the church down. I have been working with President Howell because someone has started a rumor suggesting he burned down the church because one of the missionaries touched his daughter inappropriately. Below is an email from president Howell and the church headquarters.
I have not allowed the elders to go into Cherry Creek until the suspect was caught. Now that he has been caught I asked them not to tract out anyone but to just go to people they know and work with them. If someone gives them a referral that is fine but I really didn't want them to run into strangers in case a crazy believed the rumors. And there are a fair amount of crazys in Cherry Creek.
The worst thing that could happen would be for something to happen to my young friends!!
|
Thu, Jan 23, 3:03 PM (4 days ago)
| | ||
| ||||
Great suggestion. I am copying President Johansen and Elder Morgan to help us monitor this possibility.
1-28-20
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 23, 2020, at 3:04 PM, Blake D Archibald <archibaldbd@churchofjesuschrist.org> wrote:
President,I would suggest that we verify that he is NOT going to be released on bail… We do not want the Elders to be there is the man is on the loose.BlakeFrom: Scott L. HowellChurchofJesusChrist.org>
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2020 1:53 PM
To: Blake D ArchibaldChurchofJesusChrist.org>
Subject: Update on Suspect who burned the Cherry Creek meetinghouseBlake, this message came in to me by text a few minutes ago. . .Dear presidents,They captured the suspect yesterday afternoon in Cherry Creek. I took the elders to work in Cherry Creek last night and taught and visited some of our people. One of the people we visited with was a member who said “the suspect is her mother’s, Brother’s son.” (Her first cousin). She said he has been in trouble sense his youth. She said his mother was afraid of him and would hide from him. The day before yesterday he beat up an old man in Cherry Creek because he wouldn’t give him $100.00. He went around starting fires when he was young. He just sounds like a bad guy.If something comes of the elders “touching a girl” it will most likely come in the next few days and I will most likely receive a call. It doesn’t sound like anyone would believe him BUT, we will see what happens. I am thinking we can send the missionaries back in but to just go into homes for appointments and not try and tract into homes where they don’t know the people. Your thoughts?Elder MorganScott L. HowellNORTH DAKOTA BISMARCK MISSION101 Slate Drive Ste 7Bismarck, ND 58503Phone: 605.391.0206
1-28-20
Well we had a good day today. Sunday Yvette and Inu and the grandson came to church. I guess they have finally forgiven us. However Inu didn't take the sacrament and he and the grandson left after sacrament. Yvette stayed for sunday school and made some comments.Then tonight she came to our Book of Mormon class. I have never seen her so happy! It was really crazy how just over night she changed. It was like night and day.
Eric came to church Sunday. He just showed up. He is 40 and is a traveler. He stopped in Eagle Butte this spring and just never left. He stays in the homeless shelter. He is a sharp looking guy with a beard and seems very sharp. Anyway we had a wonderful sacrament meeting with the missionaries speaking and I gave the Priesthood/Relief society lesson. He was very attentive and seemed to enjoy it a lot. The Elders gave him a book of mormon after wards and introduced him to the sisters. Well tonight he came to the church and had a wonderful meeting with the sisters and then attended our Book of Mormon class. After it was over he said "you will see me again.)
We met Bill Gather in Cherry Creek today and we took a look at a building that belongs to the tribe that they said we could use. We might buy it, it just depends if they would want to buy the building or bring in a modular. The church is thinking about either of these. I believe that this is going to make the people in Cherry Creek pretty excited to see that the church does really care about them.
1-29-20
We had 20 people out to young mens/young womens tonight. Sister did another outstanding job with the youth. She is just awesome.
I didn't mention that on the way home from Book of Mormon last night Fran asked us how often we attend the temple and we said about every month. She said she would like to go. She hasn't gone yet and so it kinda made our day. We told her we are about ready to start a temple class. She is a sweetie!!
Sunday, January 12, 2020
1-12-2020
Well, it is another week. Many things have happened as following up on Cherry Creek, the building was completely destroyed, I mean completely destroyed. The members are devastated. It was such a tragedy. There are so many people who have had so many wonderful memories there. We heard of people just getting together crying with each other. However it seems to me that "and I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and their a little and blessed are those who harken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, we have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have. All the people quit going to church, (they wouldn't drive to Eagle Butte to church) The branch president went to church several times and no one showed up and so they finally just closed it down. I guess they said: "We have enough" Perhaps I am wrong but it looks like if these people want the church back in their lives they will have to earn it. God doesn't spoil his children. And if we think we will all have a trouble free life we are just kidding ourselves. I was thinking the other day that I have probably read the Book of Mormon 40 to 50 times. when we started reading it this year I found in the first verse of the Book: "having seen many afflictions in the course of my days". So even the prophet's have problems. Notice when Nephi was being tied to the ship or when he was tied up on the road back from Jerusalem he didn't ask to have his afflictions taken away. He asked for strength to deal with them!! We must need to go through things to teach us the lessons of life. then when we have learned them we go on to the next until we become perfect enough to return to God.
Friday we were working in the lunch line as we usually do. Sister Morgan noticed a boy who had come though our line. There are two lines, I work on one and she on the other. She said he had come through her line twice and that made twice he had come through mine. I mentioned how hungry that kid must be to a worker in my line. She said; "oh some of these kids will not have anything to ear again until Monday. so they try to eat as much as they can on Friday's so they can make it without too much trouble. She said some of the teachers put money into a pot to buy food for some of the kids so when they go home they will have something to eat. Then they bury it deep in the kids back pack so the parents don't find it. Because, if they find it, they will take it and sell it to buy alcohol with the money.
Today, Sunday we went to Cherry Creek to church. Church was held in Gloria Belmonte's home. Sister Morgan and I talked in church. Sister Morgan talked on the Book of Mormon and I talked on Cherry Creek, the history, the burning of the church, and why things like that happen. (The adversary see's things are gong to happen positively for the people and he doesn't want that to happen) Anyway it was a good meeting. We only had 7 natives and us 4 missionaries. Looks like we are going to start over. BUT, we are ready!! We have a couple of really good missionaries, Elder Brown and Elder Anderson! We are blessed.
We did have two miracles in one day this week. Last week we took a cake to this lady and we met with her. Her sister wants to be baptized. They seemed very excited but they didn't make it to church this week. Hopefully next week. We also took a cake to a lady who said her son wants to be baptized. There is so much work to do.
Well, it is another week. Many things have happened as following up on Cherry Creek, the building was completely destroyed, I mean completely destroyed. The members are devastated. It was such a tragedy. There are so many people who have had so many wonderful memories there. We heard of people just getting together crying with each other. However it seems to me that "and I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and their a little and blessed are those who harken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, we have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have. All the people quit going to church, (they wouldn't drive to Eagle Butte to church) The branch president went to church several times and no one showed up and so they finally just closed it down. I guess they said: "We have enough" Perhaps I am wrong but it looks like if these people want the church back in their lives they will have to earn it. God doesn't spoil his children. And if we think we will all have a trouble free life we are just kidding ourselves. I was thinking the other day that I have probably read the Book of Mormon 40 to 50 times. when we started reading it this year I found in the first verse of the Book: "having seen many afflictions in the course of my days". So even the prophet's have problems. Notice when Nephi was being tied to the ship or when he was tied up on the road back from Jerusalem he didn't ask to have his afflictions taken away. He asked for strength to deal with them!! We must need to go through things to teach us the lessons of life. then when we have learned them we go on to the next until we become perfect enough to return to God.
Friday we were working in the lunch line as we usually do. Sister Morgan noticed a boy who had come though our line. There are two lines, I work on one and she on the other. She said he had come through her line twice and that made twice he had come through mine. I mentioned how hungry that kid must be to a worker in my line. She said; "oh some of these kids will not have anything to ear again until Monday. so they try to eat as much as they can on Friday's so they can make it without too much trouble. She said some of the teachers put money into a pot to buy food for some of the kids so when they go home they will have something to eat. Then they bury it deep in the kids back pack so the parents don't find it. Because, if they find it, they will take it and sell it to buy alcohol with the money.
Today, Sunday we went to Cherry Creek to church. Church was held in Gloria Belmonte's home. Sister Morgan and I talked in church. Sister Morgan talked on the Book of Mormon and I talked on Cherry Creek, the history, the burning of the church, and why things like that happen. (The adversary see's things are gong to happen positively for the people and he doesn't want that to happen) Anyway it was a good meeting. We only had 7 natives and us 4 missionaries. Looks like we are going to start over. BUT, we are ready!! We have a couple of really good missionaries, Elder Brown and Elder Anderson! We are blessed.
We did have two miracles in one day this week. Last week we took a cake to this lady and we met with her. Her sister wants to be baptized. They seemed very excited but they didn't make it to church this week. Hopefully next week. We also took a cake to a lady who said her son wants to be baptized. There is so much work to do.
Thursday, January 9, 2020
1-9-20
This actually happened last week (I am catching up)
We decided to take a birthday cake to everyone in the branch (as you know by now). We have about 425 members of our branch and we have been taking each one a cake. It has been wonderful. We will visit every one once and half of them twice before we go home. A lot of these people have moved out and so we are cleaning out the records also at the same time. 99 percent of them are way excited about it. One man said “no one has ever done that for me”. (Degraw’s are also doing this). It keeps us busy and we have to weigh our time working on fellow shipping and giving out cakes. Our record day was giving out 8 cakes. We have had a lot of great experiences, I will share one from tonight: sister morgan and I about an hr ago gave a cake to a sister who said she was on the placement program and still keeps in contact with her family in Idaho. She said no one has contacted her here in Eagle Butte In forever. She said she has been visiting about the church with the family that took her in and she had been praying about getting back into the church. We are going back!! We are eating dinner tonight with a sister who we have activates and have given the temple lessons to. It all started out by getting a branch list from the branch and baking cakes It really have been fun.
I know everyone is in a different situation so please share ideas you have learned that might help the rest of us. I know Peterson’s (as busy as they are) have taken opportunities to find people. Life is great!!
Friday of last week:
Sister Morgan and I are headed to a baby blessing in Oregon. On our way from the motel to to the airport on a shuttle we got to talking to the driver. She said “I really respect you for what you are doing”(Native American from fort Yates) she said she “was in an abusive relationship and had gotten into drugs and alcohol”. She said she had gone into the bathroom to take her own life when their was a knock on the door. She answered the door and it was the missionaries. She felt they had saved her life. She is living in rapid city now (drug and alcohol free) and doing good with her 4 kids and two jobs.
Elders and sisters we will never know all the good we are doing out here. (She said she would listen to the missionaries)
"The standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble , the enemy may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent tell it has penetrated every ear, till the purposes of Gad shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done!!
Joseph Smith 1842
This actually happened last week (I am catching up)
We decided to take a birthday cake to everyone in the branch (as you know by now). We have about 425 members of our branch and we have been taking each one a cake. It has been wonderful. We will visit every one once and half of them twice before we go home. A lot of these people have moved out and so we are cleaning out the records also at the same time. 99 percent of them are way excited about it. One man said “no one has ever done that for me”. (Degraw’s are also doing this). It keeps us busy and we have to weigh our time working on fellow shipping and giving out cakes. Our record day was giving out 8 cakes. We have had a lot of great experiences, I will share one from tonight: sister morgan and I about an hr ago gave a cake to a sister who said she was on the placement program and still keeps in contact with her family in Idaho. She said no one has contacted her here in Eagle Butte In forever. She said she has been visiting about the church with the family that took her in and she had been praying about getting back into the church. We are going back!! We are eating dinner tonight with a sister who we have activates and have given the temple lessons to. It all started out by getting a branch list from the branch and baking cakes It really have been fun.
I know everyone is in a different situation so please share ideas you have learned that might help the rest of us. I know Peterson’s (as busy as they are) have taken opportunities to find people. Life is great!!
Friday of last week:
Sister Morgan and I are headed to a baby blessing in Oregon. On our way from the motel to to the airport on a shuttle we got to talking to the driver. She said “I really respect you for what you are doing”(Native American from fort Yates) she said she “was in an abusive relationship and had gotten into drugs and alcohol”. She said she had gone into the bathroom to take her own life when their was a knock on the door. She answered the door and it was the missionaries. She felt they had saved her life. She is living in rapid city now (drug and alcohol free) and doing good with her 4 kids and two jobs.
Elders and sisters we will never know all the good we are doing out here. (She said she would listen to the missionaries)
On Thu, Jan 9, 2020 at 6:04 PM Gary Morgan <garymorgan2000@gmail.com> wrote:
We have an update on the cake we gave away last week. We texted the sister we gave the cake to today and asked if we could get together with her and she said she would come to our house this afternoon. She came at 1:00. She brought a friend who is a not member and they both want to come to church on Sunday and they both took a b of m home with them. They are very excited to read the book and the non member asked for the sisters to come teach her. A couple hrs later we took a cake to a sister at the hospital. (she works there) She lives in Red Scaffold. (Close to cherry creek). She was really happy we found her and said she has a son that wants to be baptized She wants the elders to come teach himJoseph Smith"s quote:
Now the sad news......the CherryCreek building burned down during the night! Yes I know, the adversary is trying really hard to keep us from loving and serving the people of Cherry
"The standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble , the enemy may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent tell it has penetrated every ear, till the purposes of Gad shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done!!
Joseph Smith 1842
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
1-11-2020
Well today we realized aging that we have No support from anyone in leadership in the branch. We texted the branch president and his wife and just can't get a response from them. It happened the other night with John's tithing. we ended up driving over and they answered and took the money. Today I texted this morning and again this afternoon about taking the new come follow me book to them and finally I texted again and said we would just come over (no I left a message on her phone) and she texted me and said she would have Kevin come over and pick them up. The friendliest people are the inactive, the non members, and the few we have been able to activate. The only problem is those we get coming to church say that no one is friendly with them when they come to church.
Life as a missionary isn't always easy!
Well today we realized aging that we have No support from anyone in leadership in the branch. We texted the branch president and his wife and just can't get a response from them. It happened the other night with John's tithing. we ended up driving over and they answered and took the money. Today I texted this morning and again this afternoon about taking the new come follow me book to them and finally I texted again and said we would just come over (no I left a message on her phone) and she texted me and said she would have Kevin come over and pick them up. The friendliest people are the inactive, the non members, and the few we have been able to activate. The only problem is those we get coming to church say that no one is friendly with them when they come to church.
Life as a missionary isn't always easy!
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