Buena Vista!‏

I love it Here!! Oh my gosh Its going to take several weekly emails to explain how cool this area is. But I guess I should go back to leaving Parkersburg first.

We got to visit a few more of the families which we'd come to love, Never getting enough time to spend with them as we'd like. It was pretty rushed in the last few days. Not only we're we being doubled out, But Sisters were being doubled in. President told me to make sure the apartment was fit for their arrival. And I'll be darned if that apartment has looked better in years! We tried to clean everything we could down to the baseboards. I spent about 4 hours shampooing the carpets, which is pretty crazy considering the apartments not really all that big. I did get a confirming report from the Sisters a few days ago that it was satisfactory and they approved of the many sticky notes we left to fill them in on everything. Sister Scannel, whom I've met a few times before is training a new Sister, who is very nice and I think will do well to take care of my old area. So Its all in good hands :)

Transfers. This was probably one of the most exciting transfers I've ever been too. Perhaps one of the most exciting transfers to happen since President Pitts been here. 20 missionaries going home! That means at least those twenty areas plus that need to be moved around. We filled up the whole chapel with Missionaries! It was Crazy. I'm going to miss them a lot. On the Drive down to Buena Vista (Pronounced BYU-NA Vista) I got to meet some of the Elders I'd be serving with in the Rockbridge district. Its Stacked! There are 4 of us that came out together, Gurney, Allred, Muirbrook, and Myself, And the other elders are Way solid Preach My Gospel Missionaries! We room with Elder Muirbrook and Elder Kieren, who was just trained by Elder Leah, so he's clearly a stud. Its been so much fun living with them! And the zone leaders live in the apartment building next to us! WILD!

So some clarification on our assignment. Elder Gurney is THE Zone leader for the Buena Vista Young Single Adult Zone. President may add another later on but for now he's it! We are covering one family ward and the consolidated YSA ward in the area during the summer, then when Classes get back in we will be covering 3 of the 6 YSA wards! Our priority even now is focus on the YSA and so far it has blow my mind! I've never seen anything like it in the mission. Part of what makes it so great are all the Return missionaries in the area who are stoked to go out with us and continue sharing the Gospel. Everyone who I've met has been so great so far! And With most people being students they are way more flexible to see us or schedule appointments with us. Its definitely a big change, but its been made easy by the willingness of the YSA's. 

We also have unheard of resources at our hands thanks to the high concentration of members and the Faculties of SVU. For instance, UNLIMITED FREE LIBRARY COMPUTER USAGE!! No more time clocks or restricted access. SVU holds its students to an Honour code system which grants them many liberties so long as they're living the rules. Its Kinda like BYU, but with its own flair. This past weekend they had a education week conference where many lds Scholars and well known members spoke. These included Brad Wilcox, Elder Ridges who's published over 20 books, President Hinckley's daughter and the Author of President Monson's Biography "to the Rescue" were speakers. I'll have to fill in more about the university itself as I become more acquainted with it. But They are very supportive of everything we do and help supply us with anything we need. 
I told President this week that I believe This area is the best Kept secret in the mission. 

We've also got a decent teaching Pool. There are a few people in the family ward who we have started to work with as well as at least 3 solid investigators who fall into the YSA Category. One of them we just picked up yesterday. A member invited a kid he worked with to dinner with us then we shared a lesson. We've got feedback that he really enjoyed it and had a great time! We also stared working with one less active who hadn't been to church in 4 years...He was there yesterday and said that it felt really good. Also he made a commitment to a friend (who may have been a cute girl) that he would come every week. At first that was a little concerning, but he's also shown desires that he truly does want to change and have the peace of the Gospel back in his life. Already so much has been happening and we've been greatly blessed. This is the busiest I've been with appointments every hour of our day. I can't wait to see what else will happen here in Buena Vista! 


Its Truly a Great Day in the Kingdom!
Elder Sunada

Short email and roadkill

Hey Everyone! 

I've been working on uploading pictures when I realized that I only have 8 mins left to write a letter! So Its going to be Short, But there are pictures!

Its been a much better week after a week of investigatorial Drought. Thank heavens! We stared teaching an 17 year old kid who never grew up with a religious background but believes there is a God. After sharing a little of the Plan of Salvation with him we invited him to pray and he gave a super sincere prayer to know the Truth! Big Win! Then, we had an appointment Cancel on us, but decided to go try a family that had a maybe a sliver of potential. Well, We didn't quite get there because a young family stopped us on their lawn on the way over. He was a self proclaimed Heathen, but with a heart of Gold. She bore a solid testimony of God and told us how she was searching for Wisdom and Guidance on how to follow in Gods path. HELLO! They also have a 3 month old girl whom they both adore. Its so exciting to have some people to teach, and not just anyone, but those who've been prepared by the Lord and are ready to listen with open hearts :)

Looks like my time is up. Love Yall!

Elder Sunada

Mother's Day in Primary

Hey Everybody!

 

Happy Belated Mothers day! We had a pretty interesting Mothers Day at church actually. A few weeks ago the Bishop asked the Relief Society what they wanted for Mothers Day. Flowers? No, they just die after a few weeks. Chocolate? NOO. After this he was stumped. He described their request as such:

"We want the men to take over all the callings in Third hour of Church so we can have a light lunch and talk (or have a gab fest)". And that's what we did. The men Manned the Primary and the Nursery while the Women had a break. I think they had a nice time. The Women that is. This wards Primary consists of about 51 kids. Most of them are pretty good but there are a few rowdy ones. The missionaries were divided up with other priesthood holders to help maintain order in the class, or at least keep crowd control. Thank Heavens I had a Mother who made sure I learned to play piano and I was assigned to singing time with the older kids. And aside from a few unwanted hands messing up my keyboard I did just fine. Elder Squires is now convinced however that he is not ready for kids.

 

Also I got to call home and talk to my family, for the last time...on the mission anyways. It was good to hear all the news first hand. Sounds like Steve's Wedding went off great! Welcome to the Family Kim! I would have talked to those bums too but it sounds like they were still honeymooning in the Caribbean. But I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to catch up in 6 months.

 

The work this week... Was really slow. Every appointment we had fell through. Seriously. Every. Stinking. One. We didn't get to teach a lesson to any investigators. We knocked streets for hours and no one let us it. Hopefully this is just an unlucky stint and things will pick up again this week. So not much to report there.

 

I think I'll have to cut this one short as it seems the rest of my Posse is ready to head out. I love y'all and Wish you the best!

 

Elder Sunada

Humidity

So the Heat and Humidity have returned down here in West By God Virginia. And luck would have it that it was our week for the bikes as the worst of it hit. Temperatures into the 90 f (+30C) with high humidity kept us sweating standing still in the shade. I think the worst of it is just getting used to it. After a few days it starts to feel more normal, but the moment you enter into an air conditioned house the difference becomes apparent. 

I probably should have taken a few more precautions in biking around under these conditions. Elder Penn and I were out for 5 hours on bikes without getting in any doors. I started to notice he was unusually slow. When we stopped he was showing signs of heat stroke, so we went to a members to cool off in the shade and get a Popsicle. We got teach a short lesson to the Kids too, which happened to be one of the more productive happenings of our afternoon.

Though we've been putting in more hours with less success, I don't feel discouraged. I think we've been blessed pretty heavily in the Past by the Lord and now he's just letting us learn the value of hard work. We've found a few potentials to teach, Handed out a few copies of The Book of Mormon, and weeded through some of our other investigators to increase our focuses. It just feels good to be out working and doing what I can. The results will follow if we're persistent. Or the Lord will direct us in what we need to change to find the Elect.

 

Missionary work is always a dynamic thing. There is constantly something to improve upon, or a new idea to try. What works well in one instance might flounder in another. Though its challenging to know whats best to do in a given situation, I'm grateful that all of us, not just missionaries, have the Gift of the Holy Ghost to help us make the right choice. The condition being we must first be willing to do what it takes so that we can feel His influence in our lives. This past week I experienced how the Holy Ghost helped me navigate through a seemingly impossible situation. Though the experience is to personal to share publicly, I know that with Heavens help, we are never left alone. I love you all and pray for you always because I know my prayers are heard :)

Elder Sunada

Stake Conference

Yesterday was the Charleston Stake Conference, so we got a ride down to Sissionsvile which is where the stake center is. Upon arriving we got to meet up with a few of the other missionaries from the Zone prior to the meeting. I met one of the New Elders named Elder Nelson from Mapleton UT and struck up a conversation. It was strange in a way to see someone so fresh out, on his 11th day in the field. Still full of "greenie fire" and still learning so much everyday. I saw a bit of me almost a year and a half ago. To see how much change has occurred since those early days amazes me sometimes. He was a good kid and I hope I'll be able to get to know him better in the coming months.

The talks during the conference itself were wonderful! There was one where a woman from a Small branch just south of Parkersburg talked about how she shared the Gospel through her everyday living. It was so clear by the way she talked and the ways she showed love to her friends how strong her testimony was. Also Pres and Sis Pitt spoke.

Sister Pitt focused on the Book of Mormon and what a powerful record it was. She said that having the Book in our home was not enough. Simply reading it would not be enough. Until we actually apply the teachings contained in that book its full impact will not be felt.

President spoke on many things which hit me in particular. He shared the story of a young man who's Family was from Japan. His Father had served a mission and when the family had moved to America they always wanted their oldest son to serve a mission to Japan. When his mission call came it was for Columbia. He continued to serve faithfully and in the last months of his mission a man of Japanese Decent approached him and asked him in Broken Spanish if he was a missionary for the Church. He replied in his Native Japanese that he was and arranged a time to visit the mans family and some friends. At their appointment there were 64 Japanese who he was able to teach. They had a old worn copy of the Book of Mormon they had carried with them for years and were waiting for someone to teach them more about it. All 64 were baptised by this Elder. Before he left they asked him to sign their original copy. In the Front of the book he found the most power testimony written that he'd ever read. It was Signed by his Father. President Pitts testimony of this experience was that God was more loving than we could even understand. We can't always see how his hand is at play in all things. Though I'd heard this story before it struck me in particular. It made me want to be sure to always do what I can that I can be an effective tool in our Father's hand to do those things, and find those people who he has sent me here to find, and to gain the experiences I will need to bless others.

Though its hard I try to commit myself every day to do better. I Love the mission, And my Family and the Lord for everything that I have.

love,

Elder Sunada

Wedding jitters

Hey Everybody!

Its been a somewhat slow week. Transfer weeks often are. It takes some time to adjust when someone leaves and comes. Even though it was the Southside Elders that got switched, we often work so close together that they are almost and extension of our companionship. Often we are together at least once a day and sometimes more then that.

This weekend was actually cold! It was awesome, though unexpected. But its no where near what its still like back home. I'm pretty excited for Steven's Wedding coming up soon! I expect a full report from those in Attendance!

We were able to pick up a few more investigators this week. I'm still looking to find more of the Elect, or in other words those who will hear us and open their hearts to our message. Most of the time we find new people to teach they aren't really searching too deeply into our message. Just curious. And that's not bad either, But its nice to teach people who are searching Because they really want to know the truth and act on it.

We have a neat opportunity tomorrow. Sis. Newell teaches a sociology class and had invited us to address the Class concerning the Church. We still have to get some more specific Details but it will be nice to be able to teach to a large group of people in a setting where they are interested in what we have to say. Hopefully we'll be able to spark some curiosity and maybe add a few people to our teaching pool.

Aside from that I can't think of too much to add this week. Ya'll take care now yeh hear?!

Love,

Elder Sunada

Sigh of Relief‏

So because I've been rushed for time in writing my general email to everyone, I decided that I should try to write it first, that way I'll be able to finish what I want to say without having to beat the Library computer clock. 

This is Transfer week again, and to kill the suspense early I'll let yall know that I'm staying in Parkersburg with Elder Penn for another round. Elder Dayley will be leaving and going to Salem Virginia, which was in my first district next to Cave Spring. I told him its a great area and how much I loved the Roanoke Zone, but he's still pretty bummed to be leaving the area. In part I suppose because things have been going pretty good for Southside. Bro Hutchinson got Baptized last Thursday and it was a great time! We've all loved getting to work with and know the Hutchinson Family. They will always be among the Families that come to mind when I think of my mission. To Replace Elder Dayley we will be getting Elder Squires!!! I'm way stoked for that! I served around him while in Gretna and we even went on a few exchanges. He loves to cook as well so hopefully he'll help me hone in on my culinary skillz. He's from Fallon Nevada but has lived kinda all over. Its going to be great!

As talk of transfers was coming up missionaries often  talk about who is going home in the coming weeks. It was mentioned that one of the Sisters I came out with will be going home the transfer after this. Kinda strange. Also made me realize that I'm getting close to my 3/4 mark in the mission. I took a little time to reflect on all that has happened. The good times and the bad. Yesterday for instance a man on his bike stopped us and proceeded to give us the usual dribble of anti-Mormon sentiments. He eventually got mad and biked away because I just kept smiling at him. I've realized how much I've grown in how I felt after he left. A year ago I might have been very disgruntled and discouraged. Now I get over it almost as soon as its over and just go on. I'm still a little sad that sometimes no matter what I do, I can't do anything to help some people (I even tried to commend him for doing what he thought was right, he didn't like that either) But aside from that the discouragement that would follow those situations and others seems much smaller. I've found that increased earnest prayer has been such a huge help in getting me through tough times. I'm excited to see what The Lord has in store for me in the coming months. There's still so much time. So I'm not to worried about everything ending yet. Perhaps that will come when I get down to a month or two. Hopefully it won't hit me till a day or two before I board that plane. I'm happy to be where I am, doing what I'm doing. I know God Needs me here and that is enough.

Otherwise in the work we've had good meetings with a lot of less actives this past week. We are going to work on teaching them and helping them come to church more often. What good is it to go and Baptize people if after a few years they stop coming and learning more? The beauty of the Gospel is that we are never done learning. Just this morning in Scripture study I found answers to questions that I had. I've been told that "the Creation" Is one of the Three Pillars of Eternity, according to Bruce R. McConkie anyways. But I could never figure out why it was so important. I mean it seemed pretty straight forward. An Earth was organized, day was divided by night, the waters from the land and so on. But without even looking for answers specifically I came across some scriptures, which while I'd read them before, took on a deeper meaning and I feel like now I Understand better the importance of the Event. Though perhaps not enough to explain it more fully at present haha but that may come with more time and study.

Also! Elder Penn found my camera!! It was under a couch which I'm sure I've checked under, but somehow it appeared when he was looking for some Malt balls that he'd dropped between the cushions. And who said snacking wasn't a productive activity? The problem now being that I have two cameras, and my new one is a good deal nicer. So Still unsure of what I'm going to do with the old one. But I'm glad that at least I was able to recover the pictures that were on it :) In Lieu of recent events I've tried to do better at Journal writing, whereas before I relied upon a Digital Photo Journal. I also realized how many precious moments that I'd missed on recording and so I'm hoping to record them as I go.

Well I think this was a much better week for Writing. I've been getting a few hand written letters out too, so for all you who are waiting a reply, I Haven't forgotten! I'm just slow. I'm stoked for the Wedding coming up and Can't wait to hear about the details when it finally goes down! Love hearing about the goings on back there and I appreciate all the Prayers.

Love Yall!

Elder Sunada

Easter Season: He Is Risen

Hey Everyone!

What a great weekend it has been to be able to reflect back on the life of Christ! Its been a big boost to have Interviews with President, General Conference, and then Easter Sunday all in a row. It puts into perspective the focus of what I'm doing out here. I follow the instructions I've been given as a missionary, so I can teach people about the Restoration of the Gospel through Prophets and Apostles, who Testify that Jesus is the Christ and that he Lives and Loves us. Its also been cool because the Church released an appendage to the Mormon.org site we share with Investigators to help them learn about the summarizes the last Week of Christ's Life that I've been able to share with people. Its from the Bible Video series that the Church has been shooting. 

The websites are:

www.mormon.org/easter And http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/easter-message-first-presidency-2012

Go Check them out!

I also tried to make the Focus in my teaching this past week to have everything focus on Christ. Its been neat to see how I've changed my view of Easter and how I view this time of year. Serving the Lord has blessed me with a greater understanding of How and Why I live the Gospel, instead of just What I do to live it. I think that this transition of thinking has helped me grow more than I had thought possible. I just hope that the People I teach come to that understanding early on and will have a head start when they join.

Which Brings me to another exciting bit of News. There's a family in our ward that I've come to love dearly during my time in Parkersburg. Each Member of it has been a beam of light to me, Especially the Father, Mark. He has just decided to get baptised this Thursday. The rest of his family were members but its taken him a while to accept the Gospel. They live in south sides develop a personal relationship with all of them anyways. Its been so cool to notice how in the Last two weeks he's changed. And I could notice it! I still didn't think it'd be this soon (He announced this last Thursday) But I'm glad I will be able to see this come to pass. Its transfers next week so I might have missed it. 

Well Gotta Run Again! Bye!

Elder Sunada

General Conference Weekend!!‏

Whoa, what a weekend! 

General Conference was such a blast! I love being able to listen to Apostles, Prophets and other church Authorities in hearing what they have to say to the world. I'm also proud to say that I only dozed off for a few minutes in the Sunday afternoon session, a new personal best! I probably would have been able to stick the whole thing through but the Ward decided to have a Potluck Lunch between the two sessions. Fill me with good food then stick me in a dark room and the result is inevitable, as many of my high school teachers will attest to.

Some of my favorite talks were Pres Uchtdorf's on resolving contention and forgiveness, I can't recall who but the Saturday morning session speaking on Sacrifice in our lives, and Elder Baxter's comforting words to single parents and broken families. The last one I mentioned was a message that struck me particularly because of some of the situations which I have seen in the past few weeks. I've been struggling to know how I can help families, particularly single mothers and their children, and from that talk I've been able to find new solutions and comfort. There were many other messages that struck me and that I made careful note of. My notes for this conference are also several pages longer than the notes I have for previous ones, and volumes larger than any notes I tried to take in school. Perhaps the habit will transfer back to a secular usage one day... But I have learned that if I prepare myself to listen, I'll be fed more than I otherwise would have. Each conference Just gets better!

Darn it! Fighting the Clock again. Well, just a few brief updates then. Lost my Camera. Can't seem to find it. Might go buy one today so hopefully pictures will resume here shortly. The week went by pretty well. I had a Wonderful interview with President. Much to prepare for.

Well I love you all. Glad its been a great day in the kingdom!

Elder Sunada

Marilyn's Baptism

Hey Friends and Family,

 

We had a Baptism!!! Marilyn is now a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! It was a great day. Elder Heiner was permitted to come for the Baptism, but also was asked to perform the Baptism. It meant a lot to him as he has not seen many enter in the the Waters of Baptism. It was so cool to see him again too. President and Sister Pitt were also in attendance.Its great to know that I've made life long friends here. Even more so as many of them live in the West. Something tells me that I'll be down in the Western States often over the course of my life for one reason or another.

 

The Baptism itself went off fairly well, with the execption of the Font. Our ward Mission leader was concerned the Water would be cold, so he took the time to fill the font for 5 minutes a time, waiting then for 30 minutes for the hot Water tank to fill again, resulting in a sauna like atmosphere. I Kinda thought that it was a little hot (more like scolding). They had expected the water to cool some by the time of the Baptism. The expression on Marilyn's face as she stuck her foot into the water told me otherwise. So we had to run some cold water to try and cool it off. Which caused some over flow to occur and some general unreverence by those who were watching. But even with all that, we went through with the Baptism and all was well. Oh, Except for me playing the Piano. I played for the whole program, which included a musical number in the middle. I played the intro and then stopped, as I realized that those singing were giving me a confused look. Then I realised I was not playing the right song. Opps. But Again, it was Rectified and all went well.

 

The following day I had the priviledge of performing the ordinance of confirmation. I've loved being able to use the Priesthood to bless others. Oh man. 30 seconds! Well Sorry to cut this Short. love you all.

 

Miss Ya!! I'll make it better next week!

Elder Sunada

Upcoming Baptism!

Hey Everyone!

 

So We're excited for this upcoming Saturday!! The Baptism is just about all ready to go pending one final interview. And we're so excited for Marilyn! She's excited too, except for the actual part of getting her head below water. That Kinda freaks her out. But With a few prayers I'm confident that we'll get through it and it will be a more than positive experience. The ward has been really great with helping her out too and showing great support. It makes such a difference when ward members treat everyone who comes in the doors with welcome and love. Of course this is the way it should always be, though sometimes people are prone to judge. Its easy to do and we've all been guilty of it. But I've really tried to focus on how Heavenly Father see's them. He knows they need to be there and is trying to support them. Especially for those who look out of place its so important to make them feel welcome.

 

Yesterday we also had a missionary Fireside where we showed the film (with proper permission) 17 Miracles by T.C. Christianson about the Willie and Martin Handcart companies. It was a decent turn out. Marilyn and one other investigator were there. But it was also interesting to see who else was there to support the event. One thing I've noticed is there's certain people in every ward who are always there. The Church to them isn't something they go to or what they do. Its who they are. Its everything to them and they give everything to help it. They really know what the Gospel means and the debt that they owe to their God. I hope that I'll always be one who realizes the importance of this Gospel.

 

We also had a great Zone meeting last Thursday. President Pitt is such a great teacher and knows how to drive a point deep. We also did some role plays practicing different parts of teaching. The points we taught didn't stand out to me as much as the spirit I felt. I've made an effort to have the spirit be a bigger part of my lessons with my investigators. There's no greater feeling than the Love of God.

 

Gotta Run! Love Y'all!

 

Elder Sunada

 

 

 

Snow, please?

Hey Folks!

 

This week was a little less exciting than most. But that's ok too because sometimes its nice to have a little break from too much Drama. We did do a lot of biking this week. I think I wore Elder Penn out a little bit even haha. But He's alright because this week we have the car. And its supposed to be up to 75F (24C) later this week! What madness. It better Dump snow next year when i get home to make up for this Nonsense! But I know I shouldn't complain. Its actually great weather for missionary work. People will talk to you on doorsteps longer if its not so cold. We have gotten some good rain storms pass through. The other week I got soaked to the bone!

 

This upcoming Sunday we have a missionary fireside planned where we are going to watch the movie "17 Miracles" Its pretty good, for those of you who haven't seen it. It covers some of the sorest trials of the early pioneer hand cart companies as the left persecution for safety in the West. Knowing that I had ancestors who participated in those early days makes it even cooler for me. We're just hoping for a decent turn out as the Movie is about an hour and 40 mins long!

 

If everything goes to plan we'll also have our first baptism since I've been in Parkersburg the following Saturday! I feel 95% sure that our investigator will make it so I'm getting pretty stoked. Its been dry in this area for a while. South side also had 2 people just drop into their hands who want to be baptised in the coming month. Its way awesome when people actually go out of their way to find us to baptise them! If only it could always be that easy. But then again as it goes with that famous quote, "That which we obtain to easily, we esteem too lightly".

 

Whatever the Lord has in store for us here in the coming months I'm ok with. I know in whom I can Trust :)

 

Elder Sunada

Back on track‏

Tomorrow is transfers. But we've had enough transfers in Parkersburg lately, and President Agrees. So Parkersburg is staying the same! An Additional sister will be added to Marietta however, which is in our district. All that matters is we're not losing anyone :). So Parkersburg is still home, at least for another 3 weeks.

Elder Penn and I have been getting along just fine so far. I've made an effort to better serve him and my other companions. I've discovered the best way to learn to love someone is to serve them. Its amazing to me how much helping others also helps ourselves. I cannot seem to give more than I get, try as I might. The reward doesn't come from those that we serve in the form of gifts or services, but I feel the changes within me and I know that they are of great worth. Its really made me realize how true the Book of Mormon Prophet King Benjamin statement really is:

Mosiah 2:17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn ^awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the ^bservice of your ^cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

I hope that I will always be able to serve others in some capacity all through my life because of the joy it brings.

I guess I should give a small update on the work. We've been working with a Woman Named Marilynn for a while now. She is super awesome! She was at church again this past Sunday and even signed us up for Dinner last night! We've set a date for her on March 24th to Be baptised. She has been so willing to do everything for the hope that she can receive the promise of peace the Gospel brings. So we are stoked for her!

 

There are several other families who are getting close to accepting Baptism. I'm still working on how to help people realize the importance of Baptism. Its hard because there are so many different ideas about it that many people are confused. I've found its still the same Formula that helps people come to that knowledge though. Coming to Church, Reading the Scriptures, and prayer. Strange how its the same answers I've been told since I was in Primary! But the Truth is its really that simple. Anyone who wants answers has to diligently do these things, and they'll find what they are seeking. Now getting people to do just those things is a matter in itself, but that's what I'm working at.

 

Anyways, hope all is well back home. Loved the Letters from the Young Mens/ Young Womens! I miss them like Crazy.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Elder Sunada

 

 

 

 

In the Twinkling of an eye...

Hey!

 

Ok yes, I know. I'm a day late. Again. But I have a good reason!! I was in Charleston most of Yesterday and didn't have a chance to write. But I'll start at the top of the week.

 

During the First part of the week things were going pretty normal. Had some good lessons and Elder Heiner and I were getting more accustomed to getting around by bike. The work was going well and we stayed pretty busy. Thursday however Elder Moreang became pretty sick. It was decided that he would stay in our apartment with one of us while the other two Elders would take the car and try to make the appointments of both North and South Parkersburg. So I spent all of Friday and half of Saturday inside taking care of him. I figured it was only fair as He'd done so for me when I was recovering. It was also a great chance to get some cooking practice in! I made several meals for all of us so the Others could come, eat and run. Did some good cleaning, and took a well needed nap. Thankfully he got better by Sunday morning and things went by normally for Church. We even had 2 investigators and a Random who showed up and said we could teach him!

 

After returning home from Church however we got a phone Call. Elder Heiner answered. It was President. He would be at our apartment in 45mins so sit tight. After he hung up we sat there looking at each other. "Did you commit any large or grievous Sins lately?". Nope. Hmm. Its always a little unnerving when President says he's stopping by Randomly. Last time it happened I was informed that Grandpa had passed away. We waited somewhat uneasily to hear what News or rebuking we would get. I'll confirm right now that we didn't do anything bad! Turns out it was something quite different.

 

They Showed up around 3. When he walked into the door he gave us only a brief greeting then said he needed to meet with us both privately. He and Elder Heiner went up stairs while Sister Pitt and I talked about missionaries and mission experience. After about 10 or 15 mins Elder Heiner came down and we exchanged places. Presidents opening words to me after a prayer were "Now the Elders down in Russel are having some problems..." I knew that could only mean one thing. Emergency Transfer. Either Elder Heiner or I would be leaving Parkersburg, and soon. They were both good Elders who just really struggled with each others personalities for even the remaining week before Transfers. President Explained that after giving the situation considerable thought and prayer he felt it right that Elder Heiner should go and Replace Elder Penn in Russel, and that Elder Penn would join me here in Parkersburg. We were to meet in Charleston at 9am Monday morning. I admit I was a bit shocked. Elder Heiner and I had accomplished so much together. We had worked hard to build an area that had only 2 people to a whiteboard full of investigators and potential contacts. Also we'd come a long ways in our personal journeys. We'd both been tried and tested together and Also built a great Friendship. It was going to be sad to see him leave so suddenly.

 

And then there was Elder Penn. I've actually served around Elder Penn in Lynchburg. He was one of my District leaders there just before I left. He's from Ventura California and is a Recent Convert of 3 years. Part way through his mission he had to go home and get spinal surgery. He returned a few months later and has been working on adapting to the mission again. There's a good reason why they don't like sending us home half way through. Its always hard to find your place again once you've been released and called again. I'm not sure if its comforting to know that President trusts me enough to put me in difficult circumstances haha. But If I do know anything its that I can trust that He is the Lords servant, and this is the Lords will. I've seen it many times that President Pitt is inspired to lead this mission. In fact in this past transfer has been the most successful Transfer the mission has ever seen. He's been inspired to send me help even though he had no idea I was struggling. I know that whatever comes of all this It will work out.

 

The Other Missionaries joined us for his last night of packing and getting things ready for the following day. I got to bed pretty late and up early to drive. We got to the mission home and made the exchange. For Elder Heiner even though he hated leaving Parkersburg he did get one perk. He's serving with Elder Rollins, whom he'd served with near the beginning of his mission. He told many stories about him and is excited for this rare exception of getting to reserve with a old companion.

 

The first order of Business Elder Penn and I had was to get new tires for the car. The steel wires were showing on one of the tires and the rest were pretty bald. We had said a prayer going down that they'd last us till Charleston. Waiting for the tires gave us some time to walk around and catch some lunch together. He was way excited to serve with me, and despite his exuberance of energy at times, I was kinda grateful for him too. I knew it was going to be an interesting Transition (for instance last night, he likes it really cold when he sleeps. I froze out but we'll work through that) He also has the most Baptisms in the mission at 26. There is much excitement about it all!

 

Before heading back to Parkersburg there was one other thing we had to do. We walked into the ICU at Charleston Memorial to go Visit Scott Walker, The Very man who met me in a hospital bed a few months before. He'd had a heart attack at a stake dance the weekend previous. He was grateful to see us and we gave him another blessing. It was nice to be able to pay him back in a way.

 

Well my times up. I love you all. Always be grateful for the challenges God gives us to Grow.

Elder Sunada

 

 

 

 

 

Yarnball FIGHT!

Hey everyone!

 

Its been another great week in the West Virgina Charleston Mission! Elder Heiner and I have been able to recover from the slight drop in the past weeks performance despite me even getting sick for a day! I think something I ate didn't agree with me and for the last part of the day into the night I wasn't doing so Hot. But I got everything cleared up and felt back too 100% by the morning.

 

We've been able to teach some great lessons this past week and were able to pick up 5 new investigators, included in which are 2 young families :D! Its so much fun to teach when you can teach a family together, even though it presents its own challenges. We were also able to get some people to Church on Sunday and it was a great meeting! One of the most stressful things is waiting before church for Investigators who say they are coming. We try to help greet them and make sure they know where they are going. But it always gets down to the last 5 minutes and you start to sweat, Are they coming?! Thankfully this time they did! well at least a few of them.

 

Talking to one who we've been trying to get to come for the past month she was telling us how much she enjoyed it and felt welcomed. Everything went well once she was there but there's always so much opposition from the other side that stops them. I've noticed that especially as we've had more success there have been more things that have been more problems that come up that prevent people from being able to meet with us, or come to church or read. Whatever it may be there is always a struggle. But more from the mouths of our investigators than our own, when you just put those struggles aside and try and live the Gospel, you find that it really wasn't such a struggle, and it was all worth it. Its such a wonderful thing to see people come to know for themselves that they can be happy and that they know they are loved.

 

Want you all to know I love you too!

Elder Sunada

 

 

Parkersburg along the Ohio

Sweet Mama they got a Timmy's!

Yarn Ball FIGHT!

I won.

 

Happy SA Day!

Hey Everyone!

 

The Winter weather Finally came! We had our first decent snow dump, which was still pretty weak. Only 2-3 inches fell and stayed. But None the less it got decently chilly for a few days! Elder Heiner the Arizonan was not impressed. It also was Souths turn for the car, so we got to walk around outside during the worst of it. I can't wait till I get to experience a real winter again! Even the Locals say this is a strangely warm winter, though they don't seem to be complaining about it.

 

The Work this week was a little slower. In part due to the weather and the accompanying colds and sicknesses that have been going around. We're still very excited for the work to continue here in Parkersburg. We had our Zone Conference last week and President Pitt gave a wonderful message encouraging all of us that we could find teach and Baptise before the end of the Transfer. I've decided that I need to work more on my faith to become a better servant. During the conference we were talking about how to deal with certain situations in which their may be exceptions to the goals we had planned. Then Sister Little spoke up and said that we just needed faith that If we do what we need to we have the Lords Promise that we will be successful. She didn't question. She Just Believed. I'm going to work on following her example over the next several weeks. Which gets hard when sometimes that includes Night Tracting. But Something to work on right?

 

Well this weeks letter was short, but I still want to let you all know how much I love you and how grateful I am for the support that I get from the Home front and anywhere else.

 

In the Words of Pres. Thornock in his email to us last year,

"Happy Singles Awareness Day!"

 

Elder Sunada

A good week.

My goodness. What a week. I don't even know where to start! Of course I mentioned last week how

 

It'd been one of the most trying weeks in the field thus far, but that it had an upturn towards the end. Well I'm happy to report that its still going up! To start off I got some great mail this week From Friends and Family, which always puts a smile on my face :). But its also to do with some of the other things we received this week. Such as 8 new Investigators! With the addition of the people that we found to teach this week we now have more investigators in our Teaching pool than I've had in the rest of my areas combined. To get those investigators we taught 9 lessons, 6 of which we had members with us, which always helps us out and doesn't happen nearly often enough. We were blessed not only through our own efforts but through the Tender mercies of the Lord in Sending us people to teach. I'll just share a bit about a few of the new people we found.

 

Bishop Bohning has really pulled through for us. we asked him if he knew of anyone who might be open to hearing the Gospel. He took us to two of his Neighbors in his apartment building to meet and teach them the Restoration of the Gospel. The first woman was an older lady, who was happy to listen to us to learn more about "The Mormons" but is pretty content to die the way she is. But the Other couple is one which he used to work with. At first I didn't know if they were just being nice and listening to us because he was there, but then I asked a question and it opened up a window to other questions they had and their interested was peaked. They happily agreed to have us back and learn more as well as read from the Book of Mormon through the week. Way to go Bishop!

 

We also took him to another appointment which we had set up earlier that day. While checking on a potential investigator a woman called out across the street asking if we were Church People. I replied we're from A Church. She came over and explained that she was in a great deal of distress. Due to some pretty crazy events in her life she had come to an emotional and spiritual breakdown. She had grown up with a faith in Christ, then went the way of the world for a time. In Lieu of recent events she knew now that the only way to help herself and her young Family was to turn back to God. We met with her and Bishop Layed down Pretty good!! Bishop Bohning is known for his Boldness and Bluntness and he just Says it plain and simple. No beating around the Bush with that Guy. He told her how She needed to repent and Live the commandments. Bless her Heart she was humble enough to take everything he said and agreed with it. Then he turned it over to us to teach her about Faith, repentance and Baptism and how she could be cleansed from Sin. It was a great lesson and she really wants to come to church. She would have been there Yesterday but found out Saturday night that she'll be needing Surgery on her leg as earlier as today. She's on some good pain killers at the moment. Next week though!

 

Also! We got a Referral from Pres. Pitt 3 weeks ago for a family out in the Country side of our area. We almost never go out there because its so sparse. But he's been on us to get to this family and keeping close track on it. Saturday we finally got to teach them. The Guy mentioned multiple times how he got Goose bumps and certain things hit him during our lesson. He's been searching for a new church, one in which he can find answers and be spiritually fed. He's very excited to meet with us again and learn more about the Book of Mormon which he's going to read during his Lunches this week.

 

Well I'm out of time! So much more to Say. Love you all

Elder Sunada

Highs & Lows

What a Crazy week. Its been the highest of highs, to the lowest of lows and back again. 

 

The week started off pretty well. We had a great PDay chilling with the South Elder before Elder Reidhead would be transferred. We also had a lesson set up with Carlos and a Spanish speaking member to help us out. Well that didn't go so well. In fact, it was one of the hardest experiences on my mission thus far. Due to a strange and sad series of events, Carlos decided to drop us. I was pretty crushed. I'd already come to love the guy and wanted to much to help him out. But Satan has a way of entering into people hearts and turning them away. Elder Heiner had been feeling down already due to some pretty nasty doors and just general lack of success in this area. After Carlos, I was pretty low too. 

 

We got up Wednesday morning, neither having much to say or to do with each other. It was just a depressing day. I felt so helpless in knowing what to do besides pray and read the scriptures. It helped, but the weight of the previous days events still hung heavy over us. I had to make it to a doctors appointment in order to be officially discharged from the Doctors care. On the way there we got a unexpected phone call from the Assistants. Elder Leah would be staying with us for a few days. Most people had expected for Elder Leah to be released from assistant since he's been there quite a while, but instead a new one was called and they became a Tripanionship (3 serving together). We soon learnt why. After my appointment we picked him up and headed back. We went out to work, but were still dragging around our pity party balloons by our heels. Thanks to his motivation we were still able to make a successful evening out of it.

 

The next morning during Weekly planning he addressed us forwardly. President Pitt had sent him to Evaluate the area because of its struggles over the past year. It had picked up since Elder Heiner and I have been together but we still weren't producing much fruit. But Elder Leah wasn't sent to rebuke us. He came to build us up and improve where we'd fallen short. It was still a tough pill for us to swallow, and a very humbling experience, but it also came as an answer to many prayers. Not only did it come at an Ideal time to build us up at our lowest of lows, but I'd been praying for months to the Lord to help make me a more effective missionary. I'll admit, this is the hardest work I've ever had to do. Its draining physically, mentally and emotionally. It makes getting up at 6:30am to work in the cold at the concrete pipe plant seem like child's play. I was in good spirits, but still knowing that I was not achieving my potential when it mattered most. But the Lord Answered my prayers. He just had to bring my low enough to do it. I don't know that if Carlos hadn't dropped us if I'd have been as willing to take Elder Leah's Advice. But I'm glad it all worked out the way it did.

 

Even more so because since we had that meeting, the Lord has blessed us. We went out and worked hard all that day and the day after and I saw more success than I've ever seen. We have 3 new investigators, 3 baptismal dates, 10 Books of Mormon given out, and a list of over 10 people to go back and Visit. This has been the hardest week of my mission, but it has also been my best. Funny how that works. I Know I'm still going to struggle at becoming a better missionary, and with people dropping us and low times, but I know too that the Lord has my back and I can always rely on him. Its built my testimony and given me strength to carry on. 

 

Thank you for all the prayers that come my way from home. I Love each one and need them.

 

Love Elder Sunada

 

Yo Hablo Espanol?‏

Its been pretty fun this past week trying to keep on top of things. I think I mentioned that We were teaching a man named Carlos, and yes, he is Mexican. Which is way sweet!! I love teaching and working with the Brown brothers! Its really fun too because though he understands most of what we say, he doesn't speak very well. Likewise with my Spanish I can get what he's trying to say most of the time, but I know I'm butchering all of the grammar and congregations of verbs. But its ok. We both get our points across for the most part and he really loves us coming over. We will be going over tonight with a member who served a Spanish speaking mission in California and are going to extend a baptismal invitation! So its way exciting. 

 

A few weeks ago we got a referral from Pres. Pitt to go visit a man he talked to in Taco Bell. President Pitt is an awesome example because he's never hesitant to share the Gospel where ever he goes. We only got the Address for the man who happened to live in Walker West Virginia which is in the Rural part of our area. Looking on the map we tried to decided the best way to get there. Either A: take the long way on the highway, or B: take a back road and save miles. We of course chose B and decided to go on an adventure. We ended going up and over several mountains on a one lane pot-hole-and-gravel road out in the Boonies. It was way fun to drive don't get me wrong, but I decided there could probably be a more effective way to work. So I gave in and bought a GPS. And actually I think it will be worth it. I went through and uploaded the ward roster on it so we always know where the members are and who we can work with in a specific area. I don't need it much for getting around in the city but its proven helpful in finding country homes and points of interest. Found out there's a Lebanese restaurant downtown I would like to try out! Cultured food yay!

 

Also Friday was an exciting time in the mission as we had Elder Pieper of the 70 come to Address us. It was a long meeting lasting nearly 8 hours of teaching. Half of the mission met in Charleston and the Rest met the next day in Roanoke. He spoke to us on many topics including Finding the Elect, How to use Missionary work to bless the Members, and how to use peoples desires to help them make Righteous covenants with God. It was an intense meeting and I have already been able to start applying the principles that he gave us. I think one of the coolest things about being instructed in missionary work is I've never been instructed on tactics to convince people the Gospel is true. Its always been things more along the lines of "Learn to love them to open their hearts", "Listen closely to the Spirit for what to say", "Serve others as much as possible, Regardless of their interest in the Message".  There's a wonderful quote from Elder Packer of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles which goes something like this:

"A study of true doctrine will do more to help improve behaviour, than a study of Behaviour will improve behaviour."

I've come to know that that's a true statement and I've seen it work. We are taught to apply principles in our lives, so that we can become more effective in the lives of others. Everything else I've had to learn by experience. The knocking on doors, talking to people in the Street, making more than awkward phone calls. Not much in the manual on that. But that's also been the fun part of it too. 

 

We also had some rough doors this past week. Every now and then we get one that is particularly unpleasant and we have to remind our selves that even Christ himself was persecuted. The very Son of God was hated for his Testimony and rejected by his own. Are the Servants better than the Master? Always a humbling thought. 

 

Its Transfers tomorrow, but I will be staying here with Elder Heiner. I'm stoked. We have some Great "Compunity". Sisters will be doubling out the Elders in Marietta and Elder Dailey will Replace Elder Reidhead in Parkersburg south. So some interesting changes in the District but that should be ok too. I think Thats all.

 

Love ya!

Elder Sunada

 

Signs of Faith

We have had an Awesome week!! We worked hard, we got Results. It was a lot of fun too! 

 

We've been working to rebuild the area, after nearly a year of little success or prospects. Most of our work has been finding. Knocking on doors, Asking for referrals, street contacting. Things that take a lot of time and often offer few results. But we've been blessed for our diligence. 

 

We chose a few main drags down which we would knock out, as well as look up less active members and former investigators. Pres. Pitt as well as the Zone leaders challenged us to try what they called 2x2x2. Which was that whenever we have an appointment fall through, instead of just moving on to the next appointment knock 2 doors on the right, left, and across the street. Its worked with astounding success. First we found a couple who invited us in right away and was entirely open to our message of how Familes can live forever. We had more success when trying a less active who was not home, but finding 2 potentials to try next week, one of which i feel very good about. And a few weeks ago we tried a referral given to us by a drunk guy on the Bus to visit him. It was a bogus address, but it led us to Carlos. We stopped in and followed up Saturday morning and came at just the right time. He was Lonely and wanted to serve God better. He agreed right away to come to church and DID the very next day. 

Pretty exciting stuff. 

 

I'll have to fill in more as my computer is beeping 40secs left on my session. Its been so great to finally see some good things coming here. Love you all. Love the Lord. 

 

Elder Sunada