Monday, November 24, 2014

Two Bapstims and A Wedding!

Koriann,

Ready to hear about our weekend? It was my very first baptism where I got to see the person be baptized where I taught them from beginning to end and it was awesome! They also got married before the baptism and of course that was great as well. The reception was after the baptism and it was just a weekend of celebration. The Tongan people know how to treat people, that's for sure. They put a bigger emphasis on the wedding/reception than the baptism, but it's alright, Chris and Jasmine couldn't be more pleased with being married/baptized. I expected this to be the most spiritual experience of my mission, but in all honesty, I think teaching them and getting so serious about baptism prior to it was the most humbling for me. A wedding/baptism/reception was planned all in a matter of 2 weeks and to see it all come together was such a neat experience. I feel very honored to be apart of this work and to witness a weekend like this. Chris even received the priesthood right after his confirmation! They're a great couple who are already looking forward to the temple in a year. You would love them!


So now that Chris and Jasmine are baptized, it was kinda like "well.. now what?" Our investigator Rose has been having a hard time coming to church, but her life has been hectic recently, but this Tuesday we should get back on track with her and her baptism continues to be scheduled for December 13th. I really think it'll happen! And here's another cool miracle:

One of my favorite people we're teaching Siosi and Latu Liava'a, their mom is bitter towards the church right now, so I've never met her. But this week, we went over twice and I'm not sure what was different, but we talked for about an hour each time! She seems to really like us. She even made us half moon pies and invited us over for her grandson's birthday party this weekend. I'm going to return the favor by making frosted flake treats! It's so cool because I've been praying for her heart to be softened and even fasted for her on Wednesday, and look what's happening! Also, there are 5 kids in the family that haven't been baptized, and one of the daughters asks if we could come over and study the book of Ruth with her! How cool! I love that family and want to see them be baptized so bad! Now that I've had a baptism, it makes me want to work harder, so I'm really hoping to see further progress with them, I'll keep you updated. 
We're gonna have such a bomb thanksgiving, I'm so pumped. It's no excuse to be lazy that day, and it definitely won't be because we're eating with our recent converts Chris and Jasmine and the fotu's who have less active children, and our investigator Rose, who is going to feed us Tamale's! I'm excited, I already need a break from Thanksgiving food. We've had so much ham, turkey, and potatoes these past 2 weeks ha. I don't think anyone in the world is going to top the Thanksgiving we're about to have!

I love the Tongan ward so much. They're such great people. I feel like I say that a lot, but I really mean it everytime. I feel like we've built good relationships in the ward. They're all easy to get along with, but it's nice when you feel like you're worth a little more to certain people, you know? My mission is just going better than I had anticipated to be honest. I haven't had many baptisms, but I just feel so good about what I'm doing out here. I look forward to many more miracles this transfer. I can't really ask for much more (:

Just to give you an idea of the ward, half the people we work with are less active. I think a big part to do with it is the fact church starts at 9:00. Tongans LOVE to sleep, but next year we start at 1:30, so our attendance will definitely boost ha. For that reason, we go wherever the ward goes, we go pretty much. We get invited to basically every activity and if we find people through our own efforts, unless they're polynesian (which all the poly's in the desert know each other), we give them as referrals, so we don't spend much time finding new people to teach unless it's through the members.

I'm just excited to tell you all about this ward over skype. Can you believe it's almost December?! We're starting to see more decorations, and it's weird without the snow, but I still get to see my breath in the mornings ha, so that shows I do get a minor portion of the cold? I'm a wimp ha! I'm wearing a coat half the time here.

But yes, my mission is the best. I love it so much. Things couldn't be better! Have a great thanksgiving. Drive safe to Brigham. No'fua!

- Elder Bennion

Monday, November 17, 2014

Two Weeks of Emails

Last Week's Email
Koriann,

How cool is it that you are on a cruise right now?! I shouldn't bring up the Hawaii cruise, but you'll have so much fun!!! Make sure you take advantage of the food while you can. I'm excited for you to embrace the great weather. It's probably much warmer where you are at. It was pretty warm this weekend though. 80's in November... It's awesome! I am hoping for snow this Christmas though. It's more likely since I'm in the desert, but until that time comes, we shall talk about current matters.

I think that'd be so cool if you went to school to get an education degree! I think you'd be perfect for the young ones. Obviously that'd be something to pray about. I love hearing about your kids so much! Those kids are the cutest. I'm sure mom is stoked on having them for so long. She misses them so much! As do I.

So, wanna hear our big miracle? (: We've been teaching a couple named Chris and Jasmine. They're awesome people who are so prepared for the gospel. We found out that they weren't married and that they didn't want to get married until March when they had their own house. He works at Target and she's pregnant, so they're going to be crazy busy, especially with the holidays coming up. We understood and pretty much postponed the baptismal date. I'm not sure what Bishop Iongi had said to them, but right before Sacrament, Chris says to us "Hey guys, we're getting married in 2 weeks" !!!!!!! What a change of pace! The spirit is working so much within them, oh my goodness! It was so awesome. They're going to get married and baptized on November 22nd (: I love weddings, and a baptism on the same day?! There's so much to look forward to! I know the ward is super excited. Wow, they're gonna prepare a feast for sure for this occasion. Isn't that just the neatest story though? seriously, no plans on getting married till next year, something must've just clicked. I am so excited! Our other investigator Rosie didn't show up to church this week, so we have to move her date as well, but it's alright, I'm sure it'll happen first thing in December (:

The people here still remain to be some of the best people ever. I just think the world of them. My charity for people in general has grew, but for Tongans, man, I just have such a soft spot for them now. I think they can teach us a lot on how to love people more naturally. They had the primary program and it was different than any other primary program. They involved their culture a bit, which is such a neat thing to observe. Speaking of which, we had a Tongan dish yesterday. Spinach and lamb and fried banana's. I was really nervous to eat it to be honest, but it wasn't terrible. Do you know any Tongans? They're so great (: I think the reason why it's so fun here is because we get to see the members a lot, which makes missionary work so much for fruitful and even helps my testimony. It's great when they become committed to the gospel again.

Why is it that in my emails I don't mention my companions? His name is Elder Thompson, from St. Anthony Idaho. He loves snowmobiling. Overall, he's a fan of the cold. He comes from a less active family, and he used to work in Alaska. He's a good elder. He's been out for 18 months as of this month. Originally he was called to the Arcadia mission, but is now serving here. He's fun to work with. We don't have a ton in common cause he's a big gamer, but we get work done!
We have been eating so much junk since Halloween. Speaking of which, thank you for the package! Loved the talks. Feel free to throw those in more often (:

So I think that's about it. I love you and hope you are having a grand time on the cruise! Bring me a new nephew/niece! love you!

- Elder Bennion
This Week's Email

Koriann,

How cool is it that you are on a cruise right now?! I shouldn't bring up the Hawaii cruise, but you'll have so much fun!!! Make sure you take advantage of the food while you can. I'm excited for you to embrace the great weather. It's probably much warmer where you are at. It was pretty warm this weekend though. 80's in November... It's awesome! I am hoping for snow this Christmas though. It's more likely since I'm in the desert, but until that time comes, we shall talk about current matters.

I think that'd be so cool if you went to school to get an education degree! I think you'd be perfect for the young ones. Obviously that'd be something to pray about. I love hearing about your kids so much! Those kids are the cutest. I'm sure mom is stoked on having them for so long. She misses them so much! As do I.

So, wanna hear our big miracle? (: We've been teaching a couple named Chris and Jasmine. They're awesome people who are so prepared for the gospel. We found out that they weren't married and that they didn't want to get married until March when they had their own house. He works at Target and she's pregnant, so they're going to be crazy busy, especially with the holidays coming up. We understood and pretty much postponed the baptismal date. I'm not sure what Bishop Iongi had said to them, but right before Sacrament, Chris says to us "Hey guys, we're getting married in 2 weeks" !!!!!!! What a change of pace! The spirit is working so much within them, oh my goodness! It was so awesome. They're going to get married and baptized on November 22nd (: I love weddings, and a baptism on the same day?! There's so much to look forward to! I know the ward is super excited. Wow, they're gonna prepare a feast for sure for this occasion. Isn't that just the neatest story though? seriously, no plans on getting married till next year, something must've just clicked. I am so excited! Our other investigator Rosie didn't show up to church this week, so we have to move her date as well, but it's alright, I'm sure it'll happen first thing in December (:

The people here still remain to be some of the best people ever. I just think the world of them. My charity for people in general has grew, but for Tongans, man, I just have such a soft spot for them now. I think they can teach us a lot on how to love people more naturally. They had the primary program and it was different than any other primary program. They involved their culture a bit, which is such a neat thing to observe. Speaking of which, we had a Tongan dish yesterday. Spinach and lamb and fried banana's. I was really nervous to eat it to be honest, but it wasn't terrible. Do you know any Tongans? They're so great (: I think the reason why it's so fun here is because we get to see the members a lot, which makes missionary work so much for fruitful and even helps my testimony. It's great when they become committed to the gospel again.

Why is it that in my emails I don't mention my companions? His name is Elder Thompson, from St. Anthony Idaho. He loves snowmobiling. Overall, he's a fan of the cold. He comes from a less active family, and he used to work in Alaska. He's a good elder. He's been out for 18 months as of this month. Originally he was called to the Arcadia mission, but is now serving here. He's fun to work with. We don't have a ton in common cause he's a big gamer, but we get work done!
We have been eating so much junk since Halloween. Speaking of which, thank you for the package! Loved the talks. Feel free to throw those in more often (:

So I think that's about it. I love you and hope you are having a grand time on the cruise! Bring me a new nephew/niece! love you!

- Elder Bennion

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Adding one more email

Dad,

You know, I never realized how strong your testimony of the Savior was until I got emails from you out here, I love reading all your insights. This morning I was reading Alma 13 and I love how it talks about how the priesthood and the church in general has been thought out from the beginning of time, indicating that God has a perfect idea for each and every one of His children's circumstances. His plan is so immaculate, so it only makes sense that he'll provide the perfect cure for what it is that we need help with. Now here's the twist: it won't be given to us right away, but me must work for the things we want. That's where people get confused I think. I've seen here in California too many people attend easy churches, and it's too bad. This church really is an all or nothing church, and those who stay in idle are in a dangerous position where we really need to analyze which master we will choose to serve.

I heard from Bishop last week and asked me what he can do to help these upcoming missionaries be converted and be strong enough to complete a full time mission and I think the key to it is you really have to know and trust your Savior. That's the best answer I can give honestly. That's helped me mission put me at ease. I feel as though I'm learning how to do that better, and I exercised that trust in Him in both missionary and personal matters. It feels good to have confidence in Him. I know my mission puts everything on hold and I just want to be able to fulfill my mission knowing that nothing from back home hindered my efforts.

The Tongan ward may just be my favorite place to serve. It's challenging, but it's true that the most interested people come through members, and here we get to see and work with them all the time. If we find people through our own efforts, it turns into a referral for that ward's missionaries, so it makes sense to work with the Tongan's. I just never in my life expected to serve in a Tongan ward, but I am just so happy about it!!! My heart goes so far out to these people. I have a legitimate hard time in explaining how much I love them as a whole. This is at the Moa's and it was Brother Moa's 63rd birthday yesterday and Dad, i'm not kidding, he will do anything for the gospel. He goes to every single meeting, works in the temple weekly, always willing to feed us, and offers his time for any appointment we have with the people we're working with. He is the kindest man I have possibly ever met. I just want you to be able to visit this ward and feel how I do towards them. They're fantastic people.

Sounds like everything back home is pretty ship-shape. I love our family so much! I saw a picture of Brighton and Bristol, aww they're the cutest kids ever! Man, I think being on a mission makes me love every aspect of life more, especially everyone back home. We all need more charity for others, even if they aren't blood brothers or sisters. Life is grand (: Thank you for emailnig me, I love you Dad, and I miss you tons. Keep your testimony shining bright!

- Elder Bennion

Monday, November 3, 2014

Lots of Emails!

Mom,

I didn't mean to give you the idea I was having a hard time, I just really wanted to write you last week but we went golfing and had practically no time to email. So here we go:

It was no surprise another great week in the mission field! The work was a little slower than normal, but there were so many good things that happened at the same time that I don't mind one bit! The Tongan people are very good at arranging activites and I went to my very first trunk or treat this Halloween and it was so awesome! Tongan people are the best. They're such good people, ugh I love em.

We had a lot of extra zone leader stuff, and we went on 2 exchanges this week, so that was good. I have an awesome miracle to share with you though that is on my top 3 of most unreal things that I know for sure God was apart of.

When I was in Alta Loma, there was a family that was in the Highland ward that gave us a ride to our car. The daughter likes the screamy music, so naturally I told her I liked it and that she should keep listening it. I came home the night and realized what overall I had requested. I told someone as a representative of Jesus Christ to listen to corrupted music that would instantly dull their spirits and take away the comfort of the holy ghost that could easily influence them for the worse. I have felt so upset about that since I spoke to her. So, I was on exchanges with the AP's in the highland ward and thought it'd be crazy if somehow we met up with that family again. So our day is great and our last appointment is with the Adams. We talk and what not and then their daughter Paige comes out wearing all black and right then I knew it was that family who gave us a ride in Alta Loma. I was absolutely flabbergasted! I've never used that word, but I was so in shock and I began apologizing for what I said and over email, it does not sound that cool, but I wish you could've felt the way I did that I'd be hoping that I would somehow run into this girl again and tell her my testimony of how music is great, but can very dangerous to people's well-being. I was in awe because that was the 3rd time they rescheduled that appointment, AP's only go on exchanges with zone leaders, and I just so happened to be in that ward for the day. Wow, it was a tender mercy. That burden was on me for months!

I also have to tell you about another fun exchange I went on. I found out that an Elder Browning in our zone likes the same music I do, worked at a movie theater, and loves Spongebob. He goes home in 2 weeks, but I got to work in his area on Saturday and we had such a blast! I wish missionary work were like that everyday ha. But I want you to know that I am in very good hands and here's a brief example:

It was very cold on Saturday and Elder Browning didn't have anyone signed up for dinner, so we contacted a potential investigator and he offered us gloves! Then we stopped by their ward mission leader and they gave us pizza, and we tried a less active lady and this story is awesome: We knock on her door and she lets us in and says "You know, about an hour ago, I talked to the Elder who baptized me, and I haven't heard from him in a year and a half" it was so cool! We were there for about 30 minutes and she was saying how she loves the church and wants a book of mormon again and wants to go to church again. That was a very inspired place to be, huh?

My mission has been like that quite a bit (: So, to re-state, I am in very good hands. I'm doing great, honestly, don't you worry about me (: The Tongans always keep me happy and the Lord continues to show me that He loves me and is watching out for His servants. It's so great to know that of any group in the entire world that gets prayed for most, it's missionaries. The prayers in my behalf are working absolutely. I continue to endure in happiness as my days are filled with miracles and faith building assurances that prove to me that the gospel is the one thing that will keep the world from falling apart. What an influential knowledge we have that shapes who we are consecutively and is always giving us something to work toward. I realized that out on a mission, there are no boring days. There's always something to keep you busy. I love my mission an outrageous amount and am very happy with how things are going. I love you and am always happy to hear from you (:

Until next week!

- Elder Bennion


Chris and Jasmine (investigators)
Also, the less active lady dumped her whole halloween bucket into Elder Browning's backpack haha!
Oh my goodness! Martha Fitisemanu is my favorite! ahh! I'm so happy you get to be friends with her (: she's such a special woman and am so excited for her future! Please tell her I miss her so much and hope all is well for them. She's just an incredible lady. It makes me happy you connect so well! both her stepkids are back from their missions! wow, I need to meet them! alright, love you!

Koriann,

No need to be worried about me, it may not seem like a good reason, but we went golfing for P day and we did 18 holes and had to give someone a blessing so we didn't get to do really anything that day. I wanted to leave by 12 holes, but I stuck it out. I am much more relieved this P day and feel at ease, hallelujah. It came quick actually!

So, being a zone leader is more work than I thought, but this week I made it a goal not to complain or murmur. I read an interesting talk and went on exchanges and my companion for the day said unfortunately we are more like Laman and Lemuel than we think, which I agree with. The talk said something along the lines of how by complaining, we aren't accepting the trials that the Lord sees fit to inflict upon us. I know that he knows what's best for us, and by applying that in my work, my week was very refreshing and optimistic. I was very happy to see a difference.

This was probably the slowest week I had in the Tongan ward, but it was still super good. I'm not sure what it is, but I just adore the people so much! Plus they are great at going all out for activites. We had our Halloween party on Thursday and it was so much fun. Lots of non members attended, which is always a preference for the missionaries ha. I have so many pictures I want to attach!

Our investigators are doing very well. Chris and Jasmine are super cool, but they need to get married before they are baptized. They already want to be, but financial reasons is holding them back. Rosie is doing great, she is so prepared for the gospel. And we started meeting with a family again named the Batisaresare's (Batty-sorry-sorry), they're a Fijian family and they are awesome. Their step mom is a member and the kids all know the church is true, but their dad is Methodist, so I think it's holding them back a bit. 

I want nothing but my undivided attention to my mission. It's just treating me so well. Plus I realize that because we represent the Lord, the time that we have on our missions isn't our day, but it's His, and I don't want to be distracted with His time. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but it was a quote given by M. Russell Ballard, and I think it's accurate. So there's that!

My mission is going very well and I'm very happy with where I'm at in my life. I have a great zone and great friends here. I'm very blessed due to these sacrifices and it wouldn't be right to be asking for more. Thank you for filling me in on your life, have a fantastic week!

- Elder Bennion