April 29, 2010
The Desert is getting hotter and hotter. It hit 95 a couple of days ago, but at night it is really nice.
Speaking of elders and being "green"; next week, I will officially not be green. Can you believe it? I'll have been gone for 6 months next week. The time is flying by so quickly. They say that once you hit your 1 year mark, the time goes by even faster.
Also, are you guys giving referrals to the missionaries? Gordon B. Hinckley said that mission work is most successful when the members are involved. When members accompany us to lessons, when they invite investigators to their houses, or when they refer their friends to the missionaries, baptisms rise. If you guys will pray during family prayer every night to know which of the friends are ready for the Gospel, God will let you know. As you become involved in missionary work, you'll find that things at home and in your personal lives will go a lot better. I promise you.
Teaching lessons is going better. I still have a lot of work to do on my Spanish. As for retention, I think its up to 50%. This is another reason why having members at lessons is so important. Preach My Gospel says that there are two types of concerns: doctrinal and social. We as missionaries are responsible for taking care of the doctrinal concerns, but members are responsible for taking care of the social concerns. Why is that? Oh, thanks for asking. I'll tell you why. It's because missionaries have no life. We are not normal. IE: We don't have to worry about school, work, money, politics, gas, cars, girls, etc. But members are the ones that can befriend, help, and work with our investigators. In all reality, if a convert of member goes inactive, it isn't the missionaries' fault. It's the ward's fault. That's why every member is a missionary.
We've also found some awesome investigators. One of them is set for baptism too. Her name is Linda. She's and older woman of 65 years. Her husband left her 20 years ago for another woman. She's diabetic, and her legs aren't doing well either. She's been humbled by the Lord. The first day that we met her, she told us that her goal is to join the church. She came to church last Sunday and boy did she enjoy it. The sisters in the ward were extremely supportive of her.
As for relations, we're doing really good with the obispo (bishop). It's really hard though to get the other auxiliaries active though, especially the relief society president. I think she gets mad at us ‘cuz we expect her to do her job.
Diane is taking the discussions? That's awesome!!!! I'm so flippin' happy for her! Shelby wrote me a letter not too long ago and told me that she's been bringing Diane to church too. I'm eager to know whether or not she's being baptized. She's got a good head on her shoulders. That's why I went out with her. :)
Amber and Russell????? WOW!!!! I totally didn't see THAT one coming. Russell and Amber are going to be great together. They’re both strong in the Gospel and they both are just great, all-around people. I'm uber excited for them. Randall Winters too. What’s his fiancé’s name?
Writing emails is getting a little harder now because we are using computers in a timed library.
I'll let you guys know the details on the Mother’s Day call later. Although I'd like to call when everyone is there, just know that it may not be that way. If the mission pres has rules as to when we can call, I'm going to follow them. Just remember, the more obedient I am, the more blessings YOU ALL receive.
Thank you (as always) for your love and support. I love you so please take care. Be safe, and be happy. I'm looking forward to the call home in a week.
Con mucho amor,
Elder Parker
May 6th, 2010
I think it's nice that Royal and Elizabeth kind of named the new baby after you. You deserve it mom. Remember that I love you too.
Yes I did get the box. Thank you very much. I especially liked the wasabi peanuts. I love wasabi. I actually have a funny story about wasabi. As you may know, wasabi is green. Recently we went to a Chinese buffet. My companion found some "guacamole" and put a lot of it on his plate and then put some of the chicken in the "guac", took a bite, and the rest, as they say, is history. YIKES! what a surprise!
I am able to get most of the things that I need. I DO need some stamps though. And I think I might need my camelback canteen. It's already in the 90s, and it'll only get hotter.
I'm really excited that you got a new calling. I know that you'll do your best to fulfill your calling-- I'm glad you taught me to work hard. It's definitely paying off as a missionary.
Just to let you know what's going on. This Saturday is a baptism. Do you remember Carlitos (I don't remember if I told you about him) We were teaching him until they
re-zoned us. The elders who took that part of our area continued to teach him. Now he's getting baptized this Saturday and he asked me to baptize him. I feel honored.
Also, last night, a woman came up while we were at the church and asked us for a blessing. We went into a classroom and it was decided that I was to give the blessing (THANKFULLY it was in English). As I started to give the blessing, the words flowed from my mouth. I started to remember some of the words that I heard Dad say whenever he gave me blessings. I told her that Heavenly Father loves her and that he knows what she's going through (I didn't know squat about what was going on). I talked to her about the Atonement and how she can pray to receive help. I also told her to seek the scriptures and to talk to her family (her father was a bishop). I don't know what her problem was, but she started to cry as I began the blessing, and when I mentioned that her Father in Heaven loved her, she cried harder. The Spirit filled the room, and I could tell that what I was saying was what the Lord wanted me to say, and that it touched her heart. I'm grateful for the Priesthood, and also for the Holy Ghost, who told me what to say. Being an instrument in the Lord's hand is truly an amazing experience. Both the receiver and the giver of the service are edified, and testimonies are strengthened.
I try to respond to everyone. Is there someone that I didn't respond to? You need to tell me if you hear of someone I need to reply to. P-Day isn't as relaxing as some make it out to be. It can be, but because we have to take two other elders with us (they are on bike), I don't get as much time to write letters. We have shopping, cleaning, emails, laundry, and other things to do. It's EXTREMELY difficult to find the time to respond on time to the letters that I get. I try to keep up but things keep piling up, and I can't get them done. I'm not allowed to write letters on any other day than on P-Day, so I can't write at the end of the day when I have a little bit of spare time, before I go to bed
Oh! As for the plan on the phone call, I plan on calling at about 6:00 pm our time. The guidelines say that you should have what you want to talk about planned out. I don't know if I've ever planned out a phone conversation before but I've only got 40 minutes. It can be a little longer if needed, but nothing like 2 hours. I'm really excited to talk too.
I love you very much.
Con mucho Amor,
Elder Parker
p.s. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
May 13, 2010
It was really good to hear from you all on Sunday. Dad, I hope that the advice I gave you about member referrals and retention will help you out. Maybe a couple of trainings during stake meetings might help. Also, leave them with a commitment (the people at the meetings). Preach My Gospel says that "rarely, if ever, should you talk to someone without leaving them with a commitment." If you leave the people with a commitment, and follow up with the leaders on how well they are keeping it (or "if"), your results will be much better.
I loved your stories about the “Knights of Marlboro“ too. I think you should also tell Brice and Cian the stories about your childhood that you used to tell us (of course, change the names to "protect the innocent").
Oh! I got transferred yesterday. I'm in the Sunrise Zone now. I'm actually in a bike area too, so I'm pretty excited. The zone that I'm serving with in is pretty cool. I’m sorry to say that I need money to repair my bike. My bike chain is going, and my brakes are worn...... Let me know by next week if you can help.
I'm sorry this isn't too long. We have a member picking us up in a little bit, so I gotta hurry. This P-day didn't go as planned.
Love you all!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Parker
PS: Mom, thanks for talking with Diane. :)
May 20th 2010
Before I begin, let me tell you that I'm sorry that the emails will be short. I was transferred to a bike area, so we have members to come and pick us up each P-day to do email and shopping. So if there are certain things that you'd like to know, make sure you ask questions.
I think it's interesting that you told Jotty that he should give a talk on how seminary preps for a mission, ‘cuz that's EXACTLY what I told him. I think it'd be good for some students to see a youth who is focused on serving and preparing for a mission. I don't think serving a mission is stressed enough in the stake.
Before I close, I'll share something that I've learned from the Book of Mormon. In my personal study, I've just finished up the book of Helaman. I noticed how bold Samuel the Lamanite was as he preached upon the wall. Just yesterday, we shared a scripture with a family whose son had just finished arguing with his girlfriend. We shared 3rd Nephi 11:27 with them and explained to them what contention was. We also explained to them the difference between contention and boldness. We explained that sometimes boldness may come across as being contentious, but when we are bold, we are loving, and we are trying to help people repent. If we are not bold, they will not recognize their mistakes, and if they don't recognize their mistakes, they won't repent and come unto Christ. Samuel the Lamanite was the perfect example of boldness. He didn't fear what man would do. He taught his message so that the people couldn't misunderstand what he was saying. Because he was bold, many people were reconverted to the Lord, and many people found the source of Salvation and everlasting happiness.
Once again, I'm sorry that this isn't too long. Know that I love you more than you think. Until next time, take care!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Parker
May 27, 2010
Yeah Dad, I like the idea of the vertical thinking. I'm glad that we get that drilled in our heads as missionaries.
Something I forgot to tell you about. About a month ago, I ran into a "Sergeant" Richard. He was a homeless guy who fought in Vietnam. I told him about you and about Daniel and the whole experience. He started to get a little teary, then he said "Come here you little $%^%$! Gimme some!" He gave me a high five and pounded my fist. I thought is was funny. "Your dad is a great man." he said. He also said that he wanted me to give you a hug and a kiss from him. I think I'll skip the kiss, but when I get back, remember that my first hug is from me and the second one is from him OK?
Work is going better. We've got an interesting area. One of our investigators just got off probation, and two others are recently in trouble with the law. Interesting eh? What's even more interesting is that these three people are the most prepared to join the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be baptized.
As for my bike: I'm pretty sure that I can fix the bike myself. I'll see what I can do. Thank you for understanding.
Speaking of cameras, mine is actually going; however, one of the members in our ward is giving me her old one. They do a LOT for us. I want to bring you out here after my mission so you can meet some of these people. The members here are awesome! President Christensen is as well. I know I haven't mentioned much about him. I all can say is that he DEFINITELY has the spirit with him.
Well, I gotta go. I'll start thinking about spiritual experiences the day before. I'm sorry I'm not doing too good on reporting things. I'll do better. I love you very much. Take care and be happy!
Elder Parker
June 3rd, 2010
WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm super excited for Diane and Kim. Kim's been writing me about the guy that she's dating. I made the prediction she’d be engaged soon. As for Diane, I'm way excited for her being able to be baptized. She kept her promise.
Wow..... were you at work or at the house when the car was broken into? Did you file a police report? That kind of makes me angry too. All they took was your Sirius radio? Stealing is pretty big here in Vegas too.
Oh, by the way: In the Sunrise area where I am, I'm actually a bike ride away from the temple. Well.... a long bike ride, but still a bike ride. I think I could get into biking, even when I get back home. I really enjoy it and it’s a great way to exercise. In fact, I learned a couple of tricks too. I tried riding a wheelie just yesterday. I got it really good, but then I fell backwards. Pretty funny actually. I just need a little more practice.
Things are going really good right now. It's a little hard getting LTMs, but we're still making progress. My Spanish is improving steadily. Also, we've been making progress with a girl named Arlene. She's a 17 year old mother who my companion and his previous companion contacted last transfer. To put a long story short, they knocked on her door, she answered, and now she's ready for baptism. It's been amazing to see her progress.
She's been reading and praying. She's also been coming to church. She's extremely diligent in keeping the commandments too. Just a couple days ago, she gave us her "sin box." for us to throw away. In it was a razor and the last of her cigarettes. She told us that she is serious about this, and that if she's going to do this, she's going to do this right. I kept thinking about what mom would say, "do it right, or don't do it at all" (at least I think I heard her say that). Arlene has also called us to keep from falling into temptation. She's ready for baptism now, but she's got one more problem that she needs to solve before we can give her a date. It's amazing to see the happiness that comes from changing from a "natural man" to a saint of Christ.
Well, that's all I have right now. I'm really enjoying serving in this area. I've met a lot of great people. Take care. Remember to keep a positive attitude and remember to take things one step at a time (that's one thing I'm learning out here on my mission). I love you lots!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Parker
