September 5, 2011

Hi,

This week has been a nice boring, normal week :) Kinda.
We have been going on a couple what we call work overs... where we switch with other missionaries. I went on 2 this week and one last week. One this week was with Elder Avanesyan, he is one of the Assistants right now. About six months ago... he was my senior companion. He is one of my favorite missionaries and I love serving around him. We just did work in London and really tore it up! I love it. I love him... too bad he goes home in one week. Pretty much 60% of the mission has gone home. We have some really under prepared missionaries doing some really hard tasks! It is crazy... but they are really enjoying it. I basically don't know anyone in the mission and am basically one of the oldest. I am blown away.

This week... I am fasting to start something we call... purification! I am extremely excited. I am finding all the things that could potentially hold me back from having the spirit... then for forty days... I'm not going to do any of them. It is going to be a great opportunity for me to "cleanse" my soul and become a proper place for the spirit to reside! One of the things on the list is always being positive and never saying negative things about people or situations! Just yesterday as I began... I felt sorry for Elder Ireland that he had to be around me and put up with my whinging. This next week is the last of the transfer and it will be a great one. I am already feeling the spirit much stronger and cannot wait to be completely guided by its sweet, and quiet voice. I know Jesus Christ died for us.
Sorry this week is short... time is short... too much work to do. I love you and wish I could be with you all.

Love,
Elder Krebs

P.s. My trainer... Elder Young is gettin' married on October the 8th. His fiancee lives in Grays and I should stay here this next transfer! That means I could attend his wedding :) I love it.

August 29, 2011

Dear Momma,

This week has been a interesting one. I lost my rhythm... I don't know why... but it happened. BUT... I feel like I have gotten in back. Yesterday was a great Sunday, and I received loads of revelation at Church and felt the spirit really really strong in two appointments after church. I made a succulent spaghetti bolognaise, and it was well tasty. I am learning to love cooking. As a missionary... cooking is interesting because you never know when you are going to eat. This week four dinner appointments cancelled... so we did a lot of cooking. I went on a work over with a brazilian as well and he ate about 50% of our P-day shopping. Work overs have been some of my favourite missionary activities, to see how others work and learn from them. There are sooo many missionaries from all over the world here. I have had, 3 American companions. That is super cool... especially since I have had around 9 companions. Companions from Armenia, Canada, England, and Brasil. Oh... and South Korea! I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from different cultures. 

I am grateful to be separated from the world. There are many many things going on that I'm not aware of and I love love love it. Focusing on the Gospel of Jesus Christ is wonderful. I know that through our Saviour, we can make it straight back to our Heavenly Father. I am grateful for such a dynamic and faithful family. Your examples to me are invaluable. I can see your desire to follow the example of Christ, and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost gives almost silent promptings at times... so small and fleeting. As we develop a ear to hear... we will be directed and guided. What are we listening for? The Holy Ghost? Kentucky Basketball? iPod touch? The scriptures tune our ear to hear spiritual messages only available to those on the right station. I am absolutely in love with the scriptures right now. The light that we can obtain from them in incredible. 

This morning I did a study on Love, and learned that I need a lot more love. Moroni teaches us to pray for love, and be filled with it. Nephi teaches it is a requisite to eternal life. King Benjamin teaches us to show our children love and teach them to love one another. Alma teaches us about singing the song of redeeming love. The book of Moses tells us Zion will include one heart. The Lord teaches us the missionary work is to be done with all our heart, and love. The Saviour taught us the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, and the second is like unto it... to love thy neighbor AS thyself. I testify that love is essential to missionary work. As I love the people I'm teaching... I'll do everything I can to help them. If my heart is not in it... I frankly am just doing it out of responsibility and faith. When love is applied to our work... it will be effective and efficient. Loving others as ourself is difficult. Something we definitely need to strive to achieve. If any of you feel that you have... then let me know how. Christ, as always is the epitome of love. He was constantly serving others... which is the fruit of love. He expressed through the Atonement, the supreme act of love. Nothing I can or ever will do, will repay Him for that love. The only thing we can do... is come with a broken heart and contrite spirit... and hand our will over to His.

I know the Funeral was a wonderful experience. I am sad to have missed it. I don't think that I'll need the CD of the service. It will probably not be the best for me. The death of my beautiful grandmum was hard enough already. I am beginning to find my rhythm again. The CD might throw it off. And I gotta keep my rhythm, cause I won't stop dancing. And It is some ugly dancin' when I ain't gots no rhythm. I would love one favour though! Can I have the areas of Nigeria that Grandma and Grandpa served? I am teaching about 5 nigerians right now and tell them a lot about my grandparents. I want to know more :)

I am happy to be on my mission. I would rather be here than any where else. Our recent converts are doing great. In our Ward this week... there were only 37 people. Total. BUT... all of our recent converts were there... and Hayleigh gave a talk. Brilliant. So did Elder Ireland :) He is doing great... and we have loads to talk about. Pageant, Brian Regan and the Gospel. SOo nice.

Thank you for supporting me. Thank you... thank you. I love you.

 

Love,

Elder Krebs

 

August 22, 2011

Tudo Bem familia, Hiiii....


I wish I could be with you alll... But that is not possible at the present moment. No man having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the Kingdom of Heaven. I am trying soooo soo hard to just focus... focus focus focus. My thoughts are all over the place... but I'll be able to get them under control soon enough. I just need a little time.



 I am glad to hear about miss laura and tom. Sounds like that is a positive. My President was confused giving me the news... he said you can't really get to pieces of more opposite news. To be honest... they are both pieces of brilliant news. Our Grandma has been faithful her whole life. What a wonderful place she is currently residing. Resting from all her cares and sorrows. She doesn't have to wake up with back pain like me :) We are getting new beds though.. I'm so spoiled. Heh. I think it is because I've been making my bed every morning. Sorry I ignored you for 19 years mum.


 This week in Grays has been just rockin'. We had the baptisms of Hayleigh, Theresa, and Gloria two weeks ago. Now we are striving to find new investigators that match their caliber. They were brilliant investigators... always came to church... always kept appointments... and then made the faithful step to be baptised. Now... we have five more people with baptismal dates. They have the desire to follow Jesus Christ... and come closer to Him. But... the spirit is willing and the flesh is weak. It is okay though... they will be able to have their faith strengthened and we will help them to come to Christ. Why? Why do we come to Christ? Why on earth do Elder Ireland and I breathe and eat and drink missionary work? At first on my mission... it was most likely because when I had high numbers... all my leaders told me I was doing a great job. I knew it was what the Lord wanted me to do... but I definitely did not know why. It then switched from that to because it helps people. People will be more blessed with this restored gospel. It changed to that... as I saw people become happier from the things we were sharing. But why? Why does it make them happier? Why WHY WHY HWY!
We all truly and deeply know why... because of the atonement of Christ. He performed the greatest act of love... for us. We find joy through that... we overcome spiritual and physical death. We have hope through that act. Who cares about the restoration without the atonement? Why would be follow a living prophet if Christ had not died for us? I need my Saviour every hour. He strengthens me and gives me hope. I love my Saviour Jesus Christ. He allows me to see my grandmother again. All my family again. I know this message of the Restoration helps clarify about the extent and love of the Atonement. I love you all and thank you for all your support.

Love,
Elder Krebs

P.s. Elder Ireland is a crack up... so funny. He is reading the Old Testament and says the funniest things related to that. For example "Every time I see a Badger I want to club it and make garments out of it." Who says things like that? What a funny dude. 

August 16, 2011

Elder Ireland's email is still being silly... so we are just waiting patiently for SLC to get back to us and fix all our problems.

We had Zone Conference today... and it was a revelatory experience. Elder Ireland and I quote the pageant soundtrack constantly... and we are having a ball together. My Heavenly Father is becoming my best friend... as I speak to Him personally every night. He hears me... I know it.
I love you all.

 

love,

Uncle Bubs

August 9, 2011

Shalom :)

This week has been a week of change. I am with a new companion doing the same thing :) We have some great things happening here in Grays, and the Lord is blessing us tremendously. I think He is blessing our whole family, including Grandma. It is interesting to read the updates about her in one bulk, because I saw the whole process at once. Now she seems to be doing better, and for that I am glad. I know that we will see and be apart of the legacy she has lived forever. The light she gave unselfishly shines through all of us. I love my Grandma and my Grandpa. The are a dynamic duo of testimony and love. I know we can eternally progress in this gospel, and when we shed this imperfect body that slows us down... our progression will be exponential. We do have an imperative duty to do all we can now to get closer to Him and on the right path. Three wowonderfulaughters of God chose to hop on the path and come closer to Jesus Christ. It was a beautiful weeweekendhe baptism was busy and stressful. The confirmations were by far my favourite favourite part. The spirit was soooo strong and beautiful. It spoke lovely songs of confidence and peace to my heart, and I know this decision will only bless them. Elder Park was not able to be here... which was sad... because we found, and taught all three of them. He was depressed... but it made the Sisters more rearealizeey were doing it for themselves and not because they trusted missionaries. They have all had the spirit confirm to them their decision, and know it has blessed their lives. God is great. He is preparing people for us to find. And then pouring the spirit upon them... all they have to do is open their heart a tiny tiny bit and it will begin to change their thoughts, actions, and desires. I am grateful to be apart of such change. The great thing is that I feel it too. The Lord is shaping and molding me. As I turn my will over to His will... I am more grateful, and positive. I have greater love for others, and desire to help them. As our investigator Godswill wonderfully put it... "I believe this church is ordained of God. The Lord has put it on the earth at this time for a certain purpose!" You are quite right Godswill. Quite right old chap.

Sorry this email is late... we were quite busy yesterday in Illford. Then Bishop called up and needed our help last night. Busy busy! This week is going to be an interesting one... trying to help all the new members have everything they need.

I have a question for the family... especially the returned missionaries. Will you give me advice for my year mark? What are the things I can do now that I have the "hang" of the missionary labours? I do not feel that I've been here a year and to be honest... I can't really be bothered about it. The Lord needs me right now. I know I'm doing the right thing, in the right place. I just want to be better at doing the right thing... so if you have some advice... please send it along. I love advice and quotes :)

Elder Ireland is great and ready to work. He is full of faith and knows why he is here. I am proper excited for the success we will have as a result of so much faith in the Lord. The Lord will bless the faithful.

Some one asked when my release date is, and I believe it is on August the Ninth, interesting... one year exactly from today. Weird, makes me sick thinking about that. I just wanna stay here and work. It is wonderful.

Hope all is well. I am excited for the wedding. Stinks I'll miss it. Oh bother... maybe you should have a destination wedding. Tempting?

 

Love you all and care about you.

 

Love,

Elder Krebs

 

August 2, 2011

We found out yesterday night that Elder Park will be moving to Kings Lynn :) I am well pleased about that... he will love it. It is currently the biggest area in the mission. I will be staying in Grays and training another new missionary. Let me tell you how excited I am! Training is a proper joy. The sad part is... they have to measure up to my first born in the wilderness. I am looking forward to another transfer in which I can constantly do the Lord's work. New missionaries are great at focusing and igniting fire that can lay dormant. I am looking forward to these new experiences. Enjoy your week :) I will talk to you on Monday. 

Love, 

bubby

August 1, 2011

Mummy. 

I keep thinking that my mission cannot get any better, but then it gets ten times better! This past week was a fantastic one. We worked hard, but had the time of our lives. On Thursday I went to Basildon and took my Theory Test for driving (President called me and asked me to get my British License). Now I just need to learn how to drive a manual car on the left side of the road :) Studying for the theory test was rubbish, and i wasn't at all bothered... but I think it will be fun to drive again. Tomorrow I have a three hour session with a Driving Instructor. And tonight... we have Moves Calls!! It has snuck up on us for sure. These past six weeks have gone by like lightning. I love this area and really do not want to leave. At all. This Grays area has been blessed, and the Spirit of the Lord is being poured out upon their souls. We have been able to change peoples lives here, not by our own actions, but by the spirit touching their hearts. I have made some great friendships, and the wonderful thing is, they are with our investigators. Tomorrow night we are going over to Hayleigh and Theresa's house. They have both decided to be baptized on this coming Saturday (I could move before then... so sad). We are having a movie night with them. They invited us over for tea and then we are going to watch Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration. Cry together, and then say a prayer and there we have it... FHE completed. We are well excited. Tonight we get to see Gloria and prepare her for her Interview. She will be baptized with Hayleigh and Theresa at six o'clock on Saturday :) I don't want to sound like I am boasting, but as Ammon says... I am boasting in my Lord. He is my strength and my foundation... I can do nothing without His spirit. It converts these people and can lead them in the right way. How grateful I am for the success in the Grays, people are coming closer to Jesus Christ and that is exactly why I am here and doing this hard... hard work. 

I am convinced that we are being blessed because I am trying not to focus on all the good times that were had at pageant... and the blossoming <3 that is happening with my sister. I am grateful for the joy being had at home. Just don't forget about me. I ain't dead yet. It is a weird thing... to think about being at home with all of you. So I don't think about it. I have bucket loads of time left, and I am going to prove to my Heavenly Father that His work will go forth boldly, nobly and independent. I will be His hands, and I will expect Angels to lift me up when I fall down. I love being a missionary. Recently Elder Park and I have been praying for miracles... phew... it is like the best secret ever. Through the day we keep our eyes open, and at night before we lie down to slumber... we think and talk about all the miracles we saw that day. I lika to say a wow! The Lord doesn't let us down... always we have a good list of miracles the Lord has performed. Maybe the Lord hasn't drastically changed the miracles... but our eyes have been opened to the handiwork of the grand Creator. I am able to see in every act I perform, and every thought or idea I have, the Lord guiding and directing this work. 

We have been thinking loads about member referrals, because we do not receive any from our ward. I was reading in John 4 where Jesus Christ stops and asks the woman at the well to give Him a drink. He explains to her that he can give living water, wherein she will never thirst again. She is converted, and runs back to her town to tell others. They listen, and come to find this Messiah... they only came because of the testimony of this woman... but when they left... ohhh it was a different story.
"So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

And many more believed because of his own word;

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world."
First, Christ tarried with them... just because they asked. Second, these others believed because of his OWN word. Third, they heard for themselves and knew that it was indeed Christ, the Saviour of the World.
All we need to do is get people to come close to Jesus Christ, for whatever reason. As they do that... they will know for themselves. This humble woman, was a brilliant member missionary.

I know that Christ is the Saviour of the world. He died for me, as well as all the people currently in my vineyard. I am going to try my best to help them grow with deep roots in Christ, to be nourished by the Word of God which healeth the wounded soul. I do not want to be any where else right now. I know I am doing what my Heavenly Father wants me to do... I am not doing in the best I can... but I am trying. One step at a time, I will get closer to that fruit... that juicy, and white fruit. The pure love of God. I pray we will all Hold to the Rod. Keep on keepin' on. Even when we have to eat some rotten apples to find the right one. It is worth it. I love you, and I know you love me. If you don't... tell me why :) Have a wonderful Monday. Cheers.

Love,
Elder Krebs