I am currently signing up for BYU classes. It is making my stomach hurt and sick. I don't want to do it. My life is just so simple now. I haven't gotten an email from you this week. Hope everything is just fine. I am currently having a switch in attitude as I write to you. I can't wait to go to BYU and do major work. That way I can have a reliable job and be a missionary with my wife. And do the whole children parent thing. As President Eyring said... "give me these mountains to climb"!
I love you. Pray for me!
Love,
Elder Krebs
Hi mom.
I didn't have much time to send an email because I was doing class scheduling. I still haven't gotten any emails from anyone since Friday. I would imagine I've received something about the cats. Maybe things are broken?
If soo... my comps email is Blair.Cameron@myldsmail.net
If not.... I hope to hear from the family soon!
I love you.
Everything is perfect. I am living the dream.
Friday, April 6, 2012
March 26, 2012
Dear Family,
This week feels like a blur! So many things happening. Great and wonderful things though.
For the two exchanges this week I stayed in Watford. Elder Mills from Mesa came on Tuesday and on Thursday Elder Pollard came to Watford. It is an absolute joy to be able to have two exchanges a week. I learn sooo much from all the missionaries around me. Everyone has a different rhythm and style. It is fun to pick and choose different ways of doing things from others... then create a customizable style. Fun fact... I learned that in England... they call Unibrows... Monobrows. How brilliant is that? I love all the funny little sayings here. They just make me laugh. I was talking to a man from Scotland and another Brother yesterday at church... I needed to go talk to someone else though... so I said "please excuse me, I just need to talk to someone". The Scotsman said... "I'm not going to squeeze you... I'll get talked about". Oh Scotland.
This week... we have so many blessings from our Heavenly Father. On Saturday... 7 appointments cancelled. So what do we do when appointments cancel? Go do major work in the Town Centre. Good thing it was a gorgeous 21 degrees (Celsius, I think it is about 70 F). We stopped a lady from China that has been here for three months. She doesn't really speak English. Sooooo we said some things in Mandarin... and some in English. We got her phone number and had a Chinese member call her that night and she came to church on Sunday. It was sooo great. Four members in our Ward speak her language and they all attacked her. As we were waiting with her to get picked up for Church at the Library... she turned to me and said "Elder... I think problem... i no speak english". I said "no problem"... I went and got a Chinese Book of Mormon and Restoration Pamphlet and gave them to her... she loved it all! She will be at conference next week :)
We were walking to the town centre after we parked the car on Saturday and we saw the Sisters contacting in the park. We went and talked with them for a couple minuets and then started to walk towards town. Before we left the park we stopped a young lad and began talking. We ended up sitting down on a bench right there and teaching the Restoration. He loved it and said he has been looking for a community of believers... he said that he thinks baptism is exactly what he needs right now and asked if he could be baptised before Easter. AHHH. That is about two weeks away. We shall see :) Probably not... but miracles do happen. I am really excited for both of these new investigators! It is a blessing stopping everyone you see... cause you never know who is passing you... it might be your next baptismal date. The Lord knew that Ping and Paul were going to be in the town... and so he cancelled our appointments so we could find them. I just pray next time we can plan by the Spirit more effectively so we can have both.
We are going to London today... and I can't wait! I believe a water balloon fight is planned in Hyde Park for 1:00. We are going to have two appointments right now and then travel via the train to Euston Station and then Hyde Park! Loverly.
I hope all goes well in the UK... I am going to work like I've never worked this week. For some extra help. I hope the play goes well... and life doesn't get too crazy. This week... my revelations were all around the topic of this "Life is not about making things easier, but learning how to do hard things easier". We must do the difficult things... for they refine us. I love you all very much. Go watch the Bible Video's for FHE! They are very interesting... They make you think.
Love,
Elder Krebs
This week feels like a blur! So many things happening. Great and wonderful things though.
For the two exchanges this week I stayed in Watford. Elder Mills from Mesa came on Tuesday and on Thursday Elder Pollard came to Watford. It is an absolute joy to be able to have two exchanges a week. I learn sooo much from all the missionaries around me. Everyone has a different rhythm and style. It is fun to pick and choose different ways of doing things from others... then create a customizable style. Fun fact... I learned that in England... they call Unibrows... Monobrows. How brilliant is that? I love all the funny little sayings here. They just make me laugh. I was talking to a man from Scotland and another Brother yesterday at church... I needed to go talk to someone else though... so I said "please excuse me, I just need to talk to someone". The Scotsman said... "I'm not going to squeeze you... I'll get talked about". Oh Scotland.
This week... we have so many blessings from our Heavenly Father. On Saturday... 7 appointments cancelled. So what do we do when appointments cancel? Go do major work in the Town Centre. Good thing it was a gorgeous 21 degrees (Celsius, I think it is about 70 F). We stopped a lady from China that has been here for three months. She doesn't really speak English. Sooooo we said some things in Mandarin... and some in English. We got her phone number and had a Chinese member call her that night and she came to church on Sunday. It was sooo great. Four members in our Ward speak her language and they all attacked her. As we were waiting with her to get picked up for Church at the Library... she turned to me and said "Elder... I think problem... i no speak english". I said "no problem"... I went and got a Chinese Book of Mormon and Restoration Pamphlet and gave them to her... she loved it all! She will be at conference next week :)
We were walking to the town centre after we parked the car on Saturday and we saw the Sisters contacting in the park. We went and talked with them for a couple minuets and then started to walk towards town. Before we left the park we stopped a young lad and began talking. We ended up sitting down on a bench right there and teaching the Restoration. He loved it and said he has been looking for a community of believers... he said that he thinks baptism is exactly what he needs right now and asked if he could be baptised before Easter. AHHH. That is about two weeks away. We shall see :) Probably not... but miracles do happen. I am really excited for both of these new investigators! It is a blessing stopping everyone you see... cause you never know who is passing you... it might be your next baptismal date. The Lord knew that Ping and Paul were going to be in the town... and so he cancelled our appointments so we could find them. I just pray next time we can plan by the Spirit more effectively so we can have both.
We are going to London today... and I can't wait! I believe a water balloon fight is planned in Hyde Park for 1:00. We are going to have two appointments right now and then travel via the train to Euston Station and then Hyde Park! Loverly.
I hope all goes well in the UK... I am going to work like I've never worked this week. For some extra help. I hope the play goes well... and life doesn't get too crazy. This week... my revelations were all around the topic of this "Life is not about making things easier, but learning how to do hard things easier". We must do the difficult things... for they refine us. I love you all very much. Go watch the Bible Video's for FHE! They are very interesting... They make you think.
Love,
Elder Krebs
March 19, 2012
Hiya family!
Yesterday was Mothering Sunday in the Great British Isles. I shared a spiritual thought about our Mum at a dinner appointment and then got trunky for about 2.2 seconds. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. If we do not learn to sacrifice small things for bigger things... then we are in trouble. It is definitely a sacrifice being away from my brilliant family. I really miss you all and I am sad that you might never see me again if you don't come to London. Because I'm not leaving. I don't want to be a "normal" person. I want to be a missionary. It is a great life. Full of everything you could ever want. Especially in London. We eat all kinds of food. Last night was Chinese. We then watched one of the newer bible videos about the good Samaritan, and I shared how my mom was the best Samaritan. I mentioned one of the greatest lessons that mom ever taught me. It is that it doesn't matter what others think, say, or do... it only matters that you follow God, and serve His children. Mom never once did something to get credit, fame or to be seen by someone else. She served out of pure Christlike love for others and for God. I heard a quote once that said "It is amazing what you can accomplish when you don't mind who gets the credit". If we are humble enough to give all the credit or glory to God... we will find the greatest sense of peace and happiness. I still struggle and strive to love the people here in England that I don't know yet. It is hard to love people when they ignore you and try to tear you down. If I go out in the town centre with a bad attitude and negative thoughts about people around me... I will never be an effective missionary. I just gotta love dees peeps. Our mother just had the best ability to love people and serve them without ever saying a bad or complaining word. She is the best mum. Happy Mothers Day from England.
In Church... our High Councillor talked about the relationship between the date of Britain's Mothering Sunday, Passover and Lent, and the women's menstrual cycle (which he explained in the same detail as my human anatomy class). We had two brand new investigators from the Philippines... and I have never prayed so hard that God would put a glob of wax in someones ear. It was so interesting. I will try to get a copy of the talk to you. One of the investigators said that she didn't want to be there because she thought it was a Catholic Church and it wasn't. She went on to say that she was born a Catholic and would die a Catholic. The other lady... Ana, seemed to enjoy it. She said it was different, but enjoyed it.
We taught a investigator from India named Thomonga today. He has a belief in almost everything. He reminds me of one of the recent converts I was able to help be baptised in Hyde Park named Hoshar. At the end of the lesson... he gave us a recap of the restoration and it was spot on. I didn't even really think he was listening, but then he soaked it all up. Absolutely swish. He is the biz. Afterwards... we went to a pub called the Walkabout. It is an Australian style club bar thingy... but during the day they just sell food and it's pretty chill. One of the Sisters got a burger with just ketchup... but my favourite Australian companion got a huge burger. Three patties, pineapple, fried egg, beetroot, lettuce, tomato, chili jam, and jalapenos. The gave him his drink for free... for finishing it. It was a great P-day activity.
The Zone is doing fantastic right now. I went on a work over in Wembley on Tuesday. They live right next to the huge stadium there... which will be used extensively during the Olympics. In the morning we ran around the stadium twice. Absolutely terrible. On thurday I went to Hayes, which is west west london. It is a great place. At one point... we were the only white people on the bus or 40 people. We traveled into India. It is amazing to see a very english street... and then ten mins later... you can't read any of the signs. I love it here. It is great to be able to go on two exchanges a week. I love it. Things are great in the UK. Speaking of UK... I hope they are doing great in the tourney. One of the Elders in the zone just filled out his bracket. I hope Duke and UK meet. I was in Hemel Hempstead this week and a man walks by with a UK sweatshirt on... I obviously stopped him. To share the Gospel yes... but then to ask some questions. He lives in Kentucky with his wife, but he was from here originally. His wife had a proper Kentucky accent and it was glorious. I missed that accent. They then updated me about college basketball. I still claim it was a tender mercy.
I have been pondering on the idea of having to do really hard small things... to accomplish great things. Heavenly Father puts us through a lot of pain, to mold us. I watched a strong father in my last area cuddle so tightly his two year old son in his arms and force medicine into his mouth. The kid was absolutely terrified... but then right after... was fine and healthier. We shouldn't rear our heads when God tries to smooth our rough edges. We must patiently endure and continue.
God is in control. He has provided the most beautiful way. It is perfect... and now it is up to us to simply act.
Love,
Elder Krebs
P.s. This email is a tad all over the place.
P.s.s. Thank you for all the help with rooming at BYU. I sent an email to my friend... I don't really know how things will work out.
Yesterday was Mothering Sunday in the Great British Isles. I shared a spiritual thought about our Mum at a dinner appointment and then got trunky for about 2.2 seconds. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. If we do not learn to sacrifice small things for bigger things... then we are in trouble. It is definitely a sacrifice being away from my brilliant family. I really miss you all and I am sad that you might never see me again if you don't come to London. Because I'm not leaving. I don't want to be a "normal" person. I want to be a missionary. It is a great life. Full of everything you could ever want. Especially in London. We eat all kinds of food. Last night was Chinese. We then watched one of the newer bible videos about the good Samaritan, and I shared how my mom was the best Samaritan. I mentioned one of the greatest lessons that mom ever taught me. It is that it doesn't matter what others think, say, or do... it only matters that you follow God, and serve His children. Mom never once did something to get credit, fame or to be seen by someone else. She served out of pure Christlike love for others and for God. I heard a quote once that said "It is amazing what you can accomplish when you don't mind who gets the credit". If we are humble enough to give all the credit or glory to God... we will find the greatest sense of peace and happiness. I still struggle and strive to love the people here in England that I don't know yet. It is hard to love people when they ignore you and try to tear you down. If I go out in the town centre with a bad attitude and negative thoughts about people around me... I will never be an effective missionary. I just gotta love dees peeps. Our mother just had the best ability to love people and serve them without ever saying a bad or complaining word. She is the best mum. Happy Mothers Day from England.
In Church... our High Councillor talked about the relationship between the date of Britain's Mothering Sunday, Passover and Lent, and the women's menstrual cycle (which he explained in the same detail as my human anatomy class). We had two brand new investigators from the Philippines... and I have never prayed so hard that God would put a glob of wax in someones ear. It was so interesting. I will try to get a copy of the talk to you. One of the investigators said that she didn't want to be there because she thought it was a Catholic Church and it wasn't. She went on to say that she was born a Catholic and would die a Catholic. The other lady... Ana, seemed to enjoy it. She said it was different, but enjoyed it.
We taught a investigator from India named Thomonga today. He has a belief in almost everything. He reminds me of one of the recent converts I was able to help be baptised in Hyde Park named Hoshar. At the end of the lesson... he gave us a recap of the restoration and it was spot on. I didn't even really think he was listening, but then he soaked it all up. Absolutely swish. He is the biz. Afterwards... we went to a pub called the Walkabout. It is an Australian style club bar thingy... but during the day they just sell food and it's pretty chill. One of the Sisters got a burger with just ketchup... but my favourite Australian companion got a huge burger. Three patties, pineapple, fried egg, beetroot, lettuce, tomato, chili jam, and jalapenos. The gave him his drink for free... for finishing it. It was a great P-day activity.
The Zone is doing fantastic right now. I went on a work over in Wembley on Tuesday. They live right next to the huge stadium there... which will be used extensively during the Olympics. In the morning we ran around the stadium twice. Absolutely terrible. On thurday I went to Hayes, which is west west london. It is a great place. At one point... we were the only white people on the bus or 40 people. We traveled into India. It is amazing to see a very english street... and then ten mins later... you can't read any of the signs. I love it here. It is great to be able to go on two exchanges a week. I love it. Things are great in the UK. Speaking of UK... I hope they are doing great in the tourney. One of the Elders in the zone just filled out his bracket. I hope Duke and UK meet. I was in Hemel Hempstead this week and a man walks by with a UK sweatshirt on... I obviously stopped him. To share the Gospel yes... but then to ask some questions. He lives in Kentucky with his wife, but he was from here originally. His wife had a proper Kentucky accent and it was glorious. I missed that accent. They then updated me about college basketball. I still claim it was a tender mercy.
I have been pondering on the idea of having to do really hard small things... to accomplish great things. Heavenly Father puts us through a lot of pain, to mold us. I watched a strong father in my last area cuddle so tightly his two year old son in his arms and force medicine into his mouth. The kid was absolutely terrified... but then right after... was fine and healthier. We shouldn't rear our heads when God tries to smooth our rough edges. We must patiently endure and continue.
God is in control. He has provided the most beautiful way. It is perfect... and now it is up to us to simply act.
Love,
Elder Krebs
P.s. This email is a tad all over the place.
P.s.s. Thank you for all the help with rooming at BYU. I sent an email to my friend... I don't really know how things will work out.
Monday, March 12, 2012
March 12, 2012
hi hi hi,
This life is a great life. I feel as though this week I have gotten a boost of energy. To be honest... I don't really know where it came from... but it is definitely from God is some way. We were able to have a brilliant, hard working week. Two of our investigators were baptised this weekend, we had two exchanges (one with the district leader in aylesbury, and one with the assistants from London), and we were able to still achieve the mission standard for our key indicators. I give all the credit to my new companion Elder Cameron. He is the most focused missionary I've met that is going home in 2 months. He helps me remember everything I need to do... and if I don't do it... he'll do it. E.g. He makes my bed when I forget. I "yelled" at him the other day... because when someone does something for me... that I can do for myself... but I'm too lazy... than I get angry because it makes me realise I am lazy and a bum. So now I just have to do everything or he will do it for me. oh bother. I like serving other people... but it is hard to let people serve me. In Priesthood... they asked if the Ward Mission Team had any announcements and the WML was there... so I stood up and thanked everyone with there help with the baptisms and told them that everything right now is just "smashing"! And that is the truth. I learned in our Priesthood class... that the Priesthood for men... facilitates service.... service facilitates love, and love brings happiness. The reason women don't need the priesthood and the reason men have the opportunity to use it... is because women don't need a reason to give service and love. It comes naturally for them... at least it does in my mum. One of the main reasons our family has so many great blessings is because of a caring and selfless mother... and a father that helped us to learn to respect her and be like her. No wonder my Patriarchal blessing advises me to marry someone who emulates my mother. Let me tell you... that will not be easy. It is also interesting that if we serve people we don't necessarily love... our love will grow. I am sure that as our Saviour came down to this earth and served among his family... that his love grew. The greatest voice and message in this life is knowing that you are loved for exactly who you are and for what you can become. In england... we meet so many young teenagers screaming for attention... trying so so so hard for someone to love them. When their parents are only 15 years older than them... and alone. It is hard to feel that love. How wonderful a message the gospel brings... God is our loving Heavenly Father. There is so much pain in this world... so much wrong.... so many things that are unfair. I know that alll of this can only be overcome and looked beyond with the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As we repent and turn towards God and the light... and away from darkness... we will always feel right.
Ellen was sooo happy. After she was dunked under the water by bishop... she waved and said hi to everyone watching. That is almost as good as Andrew Netherton back stroking out of the font. We all have our style... and I know God doesn't mind. We started the baptism a half an hour late... because the 8 year old girl was getting baptised by her father... but he didn't bring any white clothes. The Bishop was late as well though... so everything works out. Sandy was able to be baptised as well. It was fantastic!! She left all her baggage and old life behind and took a step to become a daughter of God. To be honest... my faith with her was lacking... but she proved me wrong. God is great... he helps us to change.
On a temporal note... I bought a new suit... thanks be to my family. It is quite posh and was on a great sale. Hopefully it will help me convert more people tonight at the chapel for our fireside. The fireside that they are having close to 650 people attend. Primarily because the Osmond brothers are going to be here. Three of the Brothers are coming to our church to present a fireside on how they have stayed together as a family despite the culture of the pop world. They are acting like it is going to be a big thing... so we shall see how many people show up. I am excited! Woot woot. Should I tell them that I know how they feel because of the popularity of our family CD's? I might as well sit on the stand with them and give the concluding words. The Krebs Family Fireside, with opening comments by The Osmonds. Good? AH. Perfect. I love my family. I have so many things to be thankful for and am ever indebted to my Father in Heaven. Where much is given... much is required. We are proved in our trials. My invitation to you all is to read the three revelations to Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail. I think... 121, 122, 123. They are absolute jems of the Doctrine and Covenants. Hope all is good.
Love,
Elder Krebs
P.s. Here are some pictures of the baptisms! Elder Dongen was able to come back for them!
This life is a great life. I feel as though this week I have gotten a boost of energy. To be honest... I don't really know where it came from... but it is definitely from God is some way. We were able to have a brilliant, hard working week. Two of our investigators were baptised this weekend, we had two exchanges (one with the district leader in aylesbury, and one with the assistants from London), and we were able to still achieve the mission standard for our key indicators. I give all the credit to my new companion Elder Cameron. He is the most focused missionary I've met that is going home in 2 months. He helps me remember everything I need to do... and if I don't do it... he'll do it. E.g. He makes my bed when I forget. I "yelled" at him the other day... because when someone does something for me... that I can do for myself... but I'm too lazy... than I get angry because it makes me realise I am lazy and a bum. So now I just have to do everything or he will do it for me. oh bother. I like serving other people... but it is hard to let people serve me. In Priesthood... they asked if the Ward Mission Team had any announcements and the WML was there... so I stood up and thanked everyone with there help with the baptisms and told them that everything right now is just "smashing"! And that is the truth. I learned in our Priesthood class... that the Priesthood for men... facilitates service.... service facilitates love, and love brings happiness. The reason women don't need the priesthood and the reason men have the opportunity to use it... is because women don't need a reason to give service and love. It comes naturally for them... at least it does in my mum. One of the main reasons our family has so many great blessings is because of a caring and selfless mother... and a father that helped us to learn to respect her and be like her. No wonder my Patriarchal blessing advises me to marry someone who emulates my mother. Let me tell you... that will not be easy. It is also interesting that if we serve people we don't necessarily love... our love will grow. I am sure that as our Saviour came down to this earth and served among his family... that his love grew. The greatest voice and message in this life is knowing that you are loved for exactly who you are and for what you can become. In england... we meet so many young teenagers screaming for attention... trying so so so hard for someone to love them. When their parents are only 15 years older than them... and alone. It is hard to feel that love. How wonderful a message the gospel brings... God is our loving Heavenly Father. There is so much pain in this world... so much wrong.... so many things that are unfair. I know that alll of this can only be overcome and looked beyond with the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As we repent and turn towards God and the light... and away from darkness... we will always feel right.
Ellen was sooo happy. After she was dunked under the water by bishop... she waved and said hi to everyone watching. That is almost as good as Andrew Netherton back stroking out of the font. We all have our style... and I know God doesn't mind. We started the baptism a half an hour late... because the 8 year old girl was getting baptised by her father... but he didn't bring any white clothes. The Bishop was late as well though... so everything works out. Sandy was able to be baptised as well. It was fantastic!! She left all her baggage and old life behind and took a step to become a daughter of God. To be honest... my faith with her was lacking... but she proved me wrong. God is great... he helps us to change.
On a temporal note... I bought a new suit... thanks be to my family. It is quite posh and was on a great sale. Hopefully it will help me convert more people tonight at the chapel for our fireside. The fireside that they are having close to 650 people attend. Primarily because the Osmond brothers are going to be here. Three of the Brothers are coming to our church to present a fireside on how they have stayed together as a family despite the culture of the pop world. They are acting like it is going to be a big thing... so we shall see how many people show up. I am excited! Woot woot. Should I tell them that I know how they feel because of the popularity of our family CD's? I might as well sit on the stand with them and give the concluding words. The Krebs Family Fireside, with opening comments by The Osmonds. Good? AH. Perfect. I love my family. I have so many things to be thankful for and am ever indebted to my Father in Heaven. Where much is given... much is required. We are proved in our trials. My invitation to you all is to read the three revelations to Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail. I think... 121, 122, 123. They are absolute jems of the Doctrine and Covenants. Hope all is good.
Love,
Elder Krebs
P.s. Here are some pictures of the baptisms! Elder Dongen was able to come back for them!
March 5, 2012
Dear Family,
Attached I put the Watford Zone 2012 logo! I am really excited. We had Zone Meeting today with the whole zone and we showed them the picture and they all loved it. We are going to put it on a shirt and give it to all of them! I love little things that help up remember time in our lives. Elder Dongen gave me a mug with a picture of us on the front and it was really great. On my birthday though... he didn't have his wallet... so I paid for lunch. I enjoyed it... and now I can give him a hard time about it. This past week was an absolute blur. It was 15 degrees on Friday... and then it snowed on Sunday. That is 15 degrees Celsius... which is like 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Sunday was very cold... and I didn't like it because I put all my cold clothes away. It is all good though. We are praying for the weather to be stable... but it doesn't always work in England.
The Sister's had a baptism this weekend! It was honestly one of the best that I have been to on my entire mission. The ward was out supporting and the experience Selena had getting baptised was very beautiful. She was in a different world after the baptism. She would talk to you and then start crying in the middle because she was so happy. As we laid hands on her head and confirmed the gift of the Holy Ghost... she was full of joy and tears. Our semi-eternal investigators Andy (he has read the entire standard works), pointed at her and said... "she is displaying all the fruits of the spirit." There is really a special spirit at baptisms. It is incredible. Andy said that after the baptism... he is the closest to believing that this is the only church with the correct authority. He now has said the he wants to be baptised in April, in a river. The only problem with England... is that all the rivers are polluted. Hopefully all will be good.
This next weekend, the 10th of March. We will be having three baptisms! Two of our investigators. Ellen and Sandy... and a child of record! Ellen... is brilliant. She has been interviewed and is ready for action. She turned 18 on Saturday. She is the most solid investigator ever and she is only 18. She walked to church on Sunday and it was sleeting. She was soaked and only had a little jumper on. Elder Dongen has gotten permission to come to the baptism. You can come as well. 3:00 at Watford Chapel. We were a little see sawing with Sandy... but she has pulled through. She carries around a lot of bags... and we told her she has to get rid of them before Sunday and she did it! Her interview is tonight. I am now on a work over with Elder Boysyuk from Ukraine. He is just the best district leader ever. His faith is out the window and his prayers are the most powerful I know. He is a convert and is turning 27 this month. I LOVE HIM! ah... he is constantly making me laugh.
Two weeks ago... we met a little man who we refer to now as Elderberry. When we first stopped him in the street he said "we ever I see mormon missionaries... I always wonder where Elder Berry is... get it?". The second time we saw him... he wanted to set up an appointment with us. We gave him our number because he said he wanted to invite another friend as well. He called us and set up for Tuesday. I was on a work over with Elder White... and Baruch was in town as well. We went to elder berry's house... which was actually a christian fellowship building. As we sat down... elder berry and his friend gave us some food! Quite nice of them... then elder berry's friend went to work. He knew way to much about missionaries. Since Elder Dongen wasn't with me... he asked if we were on splits. He then very bluntly stated that the first time he got introduced to mormons... he realised very quickly that we were a false christian heresy. He then for the next 30 mins... brought up one piece of anti mormon doctrine after another. Colureds and the Priesthood for Baruch... and our "false" view of the Godhead (which I can't pray to... and therefore that is how I don't know the church is true... because I pray to a false God). We ended up just standing up and walking out. As we were leaving... he told us that the Book of Mormon must be false because in Ether 1:8 a man is named Moron. I laughed... and said "I really hope that is how this conversation ends". I asked him his last name as I walked out and he said it was Andrew Price. It all clicked then... he has a restraining order and is not allowed within 100 meters of our churches. He travels every six months to SLC to protest at conference. Who knows... I could have met him at Pageant. The whole mission knows about him. It was a very interesting experience for me. To be honest... it built my testimony so strong. To know that some people are so lost... and confused. You read about the anti-Christs in the Book of Mormon and they knew the truth... but the devil deceived them. I know this church is true. I have had too many experiences to ever deny it. I am so proud to wear on my chest the name of my family, my church and my Saviour. Nothing brings... or has brought me greater joy.
My companion is just fine. I have had sooo many... they all just blur together. He is his own person though. Just like all of us. Australia is his home country... and his accent is gone. He likes gardening... and cooking. He is a great missionary. He wants to do everything right... which is good because sometimes I forget we are supposed to do things. He is obedient and willing. Therefore the Lord works miracles with his hands. We have such a great vision for our Zone... we want 8 baptisms for this transfer. Last transfer we didn't have a single one. Very sad... but this week... all that will change. We had one already with the Sisters... and four this week are planned. God is with us. Therefore who can be against us. On my mission... I have found this quote to be very true "God gets the glory... but he lets us experience the joy". Just like the joy that we all felt from Selena's baptism. As we are obedient and humble... we will always have a reason to be joyful.
I love my life right now. I am trying to make celestial habits. It is hard... but worth every step.
Love,
Elder Krebs
P.s.
Pics of the "barn" to come. Maybe. Next week.
Attached I put the Watford Zone 2012 logo! I am really excited. We had Zone Meeting today with the whole zone and we showed them the picture and they all loved it. We are going to put it on a shirt and give it to all of them! I love little things that help up remember time in our lives. Elder Dongen gave me a mug with a picture of us on the front and it was really great. On my birthday though... he didn't have his wallet... so I paid for lunch. I enjoyed it... and now I can give him a hard time about it. This past week was an absolute blur. It was 15 degrees on Friday... and then it snowed on Sunday. That is 15 degrees Celsius... which is like 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Sunday was very cold... and I didn't like it because I put all my cold clothes away. It is all good though. We are praying for the weather to be stable... but it doesn't always work in England.
The Sister's had a baptism this weekend! It was honestly one of the best that I have been to on my entire mission. The ward was out supporting and the experience Selena had getting baptised was very beautiful. She was in a different world after the baptism. She would talk to you and then start crying in the middle because she was so happy. As we laid hands on her head and confirmed the gift of the Holy Ghost... she was full of joy and tears. Our semi-eternal investigators Andy (he has read the entire standard works), pointed at her and said... "she is displaying all the fruits of the spirit." There is really a special spirit at baptisms. It is incredible. Andy said that after the baptism... he is the closest to believing that this is the only church with the correct authority. He now has said the he wants to be baptised in April, in a river. The only problem with England... is that all the rivers are polluted. Hopefully all will be good.
This next weekend, the 10th of March. We will be having three baptisms! Two of our investigators. Ellen and Sandy... and a child of record! Ellen... is brilliant. She has been interviewed and is ready for action. She turned 18 on Saturday. She is the most solid investigator ever and she is only 18. She walked to church on Sunday and it was sleeting. She was soaked and only had a little jumper on. Elder Dongen has gotten permission to come to the baptism. You can come as well. 3:00 at Watford Chapel. We were a little see sawing with Sandy... but she has pulled through. She carries around a lot of bags... and we told her she has to get rid of them before Sunday and she did it! Her interview is tonight. I am now on a work over with Elder Boysyuk from Ukraine. He is just the best district leader ever. His faith is out the window and his prayers are the most powerful I know. He is a convert and is turning 27 this month. I LOVE HIM! ah... he is constantly making me laugh.
Two weeks ago... we met a little man who we refer to now as Elderberry. When we first stopped him in the street he said "we ever I see mormon missionaries... I always wonder where Elder Berry is... get it?". The second time we saw him... he wanted to set up an appointment with us. We gave him our number because he said he wanted to invite another friend as well. He called us and set up for Tuesday. I was on a work over with Elder White... and Baruch was in town as well. We went to elder berry's house... which was actually a christian fellowship building. As we sat down... elder berry and his friend gave us some food! Quite nice of them... then elder berry's friend went to work. He knew way to much about missionaries. Since Elder Dongen wasn't with me... he asked if we were on splits. He then very bluntly stated that the first time he got introduced to mormons... he realised very quickly that we were a false christian heresy. He then for the next 30 mins... brought up one piece of anti mormon doctrine after another. Colureds and the Priesthood for Baruch... and our "false" view of the Godhead (which I can't pray to... and therefore that is how I don't know the church is true... because I pray to a false God). We ended up just standing up and walking out. As we were leaving... he told us that the Book of Mormon must be false because in Ether 1:8 a man is named Moron. I laughed... and said "I really hope that is how this conversation ends". I asked him his last name as I walked out and he said it was Andrew Price. It all clicked then... he has a restraining order and is not allowed within 100 meters of our churches. He travels every six months to SLC to protest at conference. Who knows... I could have met him at Pageant. The whole mission knows about him. It was a very interesting experience for me. To be honest... it built my testimony so strong. To know that some people are so lost... and confused. You read about the anti-Christs in the Book of Mormon and they knew the truth... but the devil deceived them. I know this church is true. I have had too many experiences to ever deny it. I am so proud to wear on my chest the name of my family, my church and my Saviour. Nothing brings... or has brought me greater joy.
My companion is just fine. I have had sooo many... they all just blur together. He is his own person though. Just like all of us. Australia is his home country... and his accent is gone. He likes gardening... and cooking. He is a great missionary. He wants to do everything right... which is good because sometimes I forget we are supposed to do things. He is obedient and willing. Therefore the Lord works miracles with his hands. We have such a great vision for our Zone... we want 8 baptisms for this transfer. Last transfer we didn't have a single one. Very sad... but this week... all that will change. We had one already with the Sisters... and four this week are planned. God is with us. Therefore who can be against us. On my mission... I have found this quote to be very true "God gets the glory... but he lets us experience the joy". Just like the joy that we all felt from Selena's baptism. As we are obedient and humble... we will always have a reason to be joyful.
I love my life right now. I am trying to make celestial habits. It is hard... but worth every step.
Love,
Elder Krebs
P.s.
Pics of the "barn" to come. Maybe. Next week.
February 28, 2012
Hello family!
It is transfers week! I will be staying in the Watford ward... my companion is going to St. Albans. Elder Cameron will be my companion. He is from Australia and has 3 months left on his mission. I don't really know him or anything about him. Life is great on a mission. There are so many things that can and will happen in Watford. It is a brilliant brilliant area. I am really lucky to serve here. I am sad to see Elder Dongen go, we had a lot of fun together. This transfer will be such a great one. I am really excited to give everything I've got. Today we were teaching Andy about Ammon. Ammon was someone that was always willing to submit to the Lord. Submission is something that is sooo hard. Because we have to forget about ourselves. Sometimes I find it really hard. I want to do it... but it is hard. when I am thinking about it... it is easy. When it is raining and I'm hungry... then it is really really hard. There is nothing more that I would rather do than serve the Lord. I am sooo lucky. I really want to be able to make my Heavenly Father proud. This week was a good week. We had Zone Conference and it was amazing. My last Zone was included and it was sooooo great to see Elder Lingam and others from my zone. A mission is hard. You see and meet so many people that you want to get to know better... but then the Lord never puts you together. Or near each other. I haven't really served with any one from my own group, or near them. I learned at zone conference that I need to be more faithful. Sometimes I get accepting of the success we have here and that "this is how it is in England".... but with faith. We can move mountains and baptise 1000's. I hate getting complacent and not moving anywhere.
I want to have a more active faith. Where I can do my part and then rely on the Lord to work things out. Since I have been here longer than my new companion... I will technically be in charge of the area. It is really weird though... I haven't really been the senior for about 3 months. SO... Now it is back to the lead. Hopefully we can share the load. The zone did really well last transfer. They all worked hard and planted a lot of seeds. Unfortunately we did not have any baptisms... but we have 8 people with a date for this transfer. And many more to come. I am really proud of them. Every companionship will change tomorrow. Therefore... we will now be quite a young zone. I can't wait though. Young means full of energy. Sometimes it is best not to be experienced.
Things are going sooo fast. It is really quite frustrating. I don't feel like I have my grasp on everything here. I feel like somethings are slipping though cracks. I need to fix that. I just need to have 30 hours in a day. It is a challenge. I love challenges. Things are great... and I can't wait to get everything under control. Better planning is all that it takes. My testimony has been strengthened quite a lot over the past two weeks. I have really been talking to my Heavenly Father about a lot of things. Thank you for all your examples of righteous living. You are such a strength to me. I really mean it.
Love,
Elder Krebs
P.s. I would absolutely love to be Elder Hookers best man. Will you give him my email address or post address? I need to hear from him. I miss that man. He is getting married! Ah. Will you send me a picture? Please.
It is transfers week! I will be staying in the Watford ward... my companion is going to St. Albans. Elder Cameron will be my companion. He is from Australia and has 3 months left on his mission. I don't really know him or anything about him. Life is great on a mission. There are so many things that can and will happen in Watford. It is a brilliant brilliant area. I am really lucky to serve here. I am sad to see Elder Dongen go, we had a lot of fun together. This transfer will be such a great one. I am really excited to give everything I've got. Today we were teaching Andy about Ammon. Ammon was someone that was always willing to submit to the Lord. Submission is something that is sooo hard. Because we have to forget about ourselves. Sometimes I find it really hard. I want to do it... but it is hard. when I am thinking about it... it is easy. When it is raining and I'm hungry... then it is really really hard. There is nothing more that I would rather do than serve the Lord. I am sooo lucky. I really want to be able to make my Heavenly Father proud. This week was a good week. We had Zone Conference and it was amazing. My last Zone was included and it was sooooo great to see Elder Lingam and others from my zone. A mission is hard. You see and meet so many people that you want to get to know better... but then the Lord never puts you together. Or near each other. I haven't really served with any one from my own group, or near them. I learned at zone conference that I need to be more faithful. Sometimes I get accepting of the success we have here and that "this is how it is in England".... but with faith. We can move mountains and baptise 1000's. I hate getting complacent and not moving anywhere.
I want to have a more active faith. Where I can do my part and then rely on the Lord to work things out. Since I have been here longer than my new companion... I will technically be in charge of the area. It is really weird though... I haven't really been the senior for about 3 months. SO... Now it is back to the lead. Hopefully we can share the load. The zone did really well last transfer. They all worked hard and planted a lot of seeds. Unfortunately we did not have any baptisms... but we have 8 people with a date for this transfer. And many more to come. I am really proud of them. Every companionship will change tomorrow. Therefore... we will now be quite a young zone. I can't wait though. Young means full of energy. Sometimes it is best not to be experienced.
Things are going sooo fast. It is really quite frustrating. I don't feel like I have my grasp on everything here. I feel like somethings are slipping though cracks. I need to fix that. I just need to have 30 hours in a day. It is a challenge. I love challenges. Things are great... and I can't wait to get everything under control. Better planning is all that it takes. My testimony has been strengthened quite a lot over the past two weeks. I have really been talking to my Heavenly Father about a lot of things. Thank you for all your examples of righteous living. You are such a strength to me. I really mean it.
Love,
Elder Krebs
P.s. I would absolutely love to be Elder Hookers best man. Will you give him my email address or post address? I need to hear from him. I miss that man. He is getting married! Ah. Will you send me a picture? Please.
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