Adventures in Poland!

As a mom, I sometimes forget that Lance is an adult and not my little boy anymore.  I have been reminded over the last year that, indeed, he is a grown man.  Living in a foreign country, sharing the Gospel with those who will listen.  And he does this of his own free will.  We have missed him a lot over this last year, especially during family functions and gatherings.  Yet we wouldn't want it any other way.  At times I want to shout, "Hoorah for Israel!"

Lance hasn't received his package yet, but I'm sure he will soon.  He says, "I feel so close when I get a package.  It feels like I'm opening up home."  I've been able to send him a package once a month since he's been in Poland.  When he was in the MTC, I sent him one a week.

He starts out his recording with catching up on his week.  They've been meeting with a man from India.  He calls him Mohit because the guy reminds him of a friend from Utah with that name.  Lance says the guy believes in God, but is new to the idea of free will and other simpler aspects. They taught a total of 18 lessons last week, 14 of which were street lessons.  They meet many of their contacts in the local park...

He says they speak with everyone.  They don't pass one person without at least giving a card or something.  He says they just bare their testimonies with boldness, followed by asking the person what it would mean to them to know about this plan...and hope that someone will be open to hearing the message.  At times they get brushed off, but it doesn't seem to discourage him because he loves teaching the Gospel.  He also says they refer to the Restoration as soon as possible because it stands out.  If you'd like to read more about the Restoration of Jesus Christ's church, visit http://mormon.org/beliefs/restoration.

For this week's "spiritual thought", Lance refers to chapter 10 of the book of Moroni where the prophet Moroni lists some examples of the spiritual gifts that we, as children of God, are blessed with.  Lance says we are born with many gifts and we can attain more gifts during our lives...we need only ask of God then act upon it.  We all have a variety of gifts, though we're not all blessed with the exact same gifts.  If it were like that, we wouldn't be able to benefit each other.  We are more enabled to serve others, which in turn serves ourselves. He also suggests that we write them down, similar to how we would write in a prayer journal.  He says for his personal study time that morning, he reviewed his Patriarchal Blessing and picked out all of  the blessings God has promised him, then wrote them down.  Then he is going to "work on them" to see how he can help accomplish these blessings.

And all these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ; and they come unto every man severally, according as he will. - Moroni 10:17

He says to find out God's definition of the gifts he has individually been blessed with, or would like to receive, he has used the book "True to the Faith" (see http://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/36863_eng.pdf), the scriptures, and much prayer. Referring to the scripture in Moroni 10, he shares that if there be an end of gifts, it is because of the unbelief of man (Moroni 10:24).

Lance gives the example of those who believe there are no more miracles.  If the scriptures are right and God is unchanging, then why would miracles end with the death of the Savior?  Why would He stop speaking to mankind?  I believe it is only when people turn a deaf ear.  If you want to know, ask God then be willing to receive the answer.

If there is a gift you want to receive, ask God, write it down, then go to work.  Lance shares the example of the gift of discernment.  He says it is the way we can see the difference between a teaching of Jesus Christ of a teaching of satan.  Helps us discern that opposition.  Also to help us know if someone has bad intentions.  He invites us to read D&C 46, 1 Timothy 4, 1 Corinthians 12.  I know these scripture references well.  I have 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 framed and hanging on my wall.

To conclude, he shares by sending his love and greetings to those who have been so supportive and encouraging.  He says he loves this Gospel and loves this mission.  He is glad to have another year of service in Poland, but looks forward to coming home to go fishing with his dad, go to concerts with his brother, see his nephews, and attend my yoga classes.

I am also looking forward to that day.

Be anxiously engaged

Another week of missionary work brings us all closer to Lance's one year mark!  It is really strange to think about what we were doing at this time last year.  So much preparation...physically, mentally, and spiritually!
He remembers that he was working hard to get his CD done, had a fun trip to Moab UT with his brother and cousin, and running around getting ready.  He says he felt he knew "just enough", like to just get to the MTC.  He feels like he will apply everything he's learned on his mission in his life when he gets home.

Now I feel as though I'm doing the countdown again.  Only 375ish days left!

The work is going forth in Poland, as always.  He has been serving in Szczecin for most of this year now and loves it.  Transfers will be coming up soon and he's hoping that he gets to stay there.  It's still hot, though the weather is cooling off a little.  They bought two fans, which run constantly, but do little to cool them off.  He says they're always running around, working hard.  "I love it!"

He loves the new members of his branch!  He has such wonderful things to say about them all.  They have one investigator right now who is sick and having a tough time of things.  Lance says this man is one of his all time favorite people and hopes he will continue to meet with the missionaries, despite the adversity.
The Spirit and truth are inseparable!

Lance also included some pictures of the festival that was going on a couple of weeks ago.  No pictures of him or his companion, dangit, but these are cool, none the less!

Here are a few from a mom of another missionary...

As usual, I updated him on the happenings at home.  Though to me it may seem dull in comparison to what he experiences daily, he loves to hear all the details!  He doesn't receive too many letter or emails from anyone else, so I try to keep him in the know of what is going on with friends and family.

Since he got the voice recorder, he has been preparing and sharing with us a "spiritual thought" every week.  This week's thought was mainly about prayer.  He says one thing he has learned is that effective prayer requires effort.  He says it's important to focus on what you're needing.  He shares some steps that have worked for him.
1 - Pray with a purpose and faith.  Ask yourself, why am I praying?  What do I expect to get out of this?
2 - Pray with sincerity, real intent, with all the energy of our heart.  He refers to the story of Enos (see http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/enos/1?lang=eng).
3 - Give serious thought to your attitude.  Think about your words and stay focused.
4 - Thank God for all you have and ask for His help.  He wants to hear from us.
5 - Rely on the Spirit.  Let the Spirit guide.  Then write your thoughts down in a journal or in notes.
6 - Give an accounting of your day.  What you accomplished.  Showing that you care and that you acknowledge Him.  And announce what you want to do tomorrow.
7 - Use the scriptures in harmony with prayer.  Scriptures are the window to revelation.
8 - Act on your prayers.  Think, meditate, study it out in your mind.  Have faith and hope that God will answer.  Keep your eyes, ears, heart, mind open and write it down so you don't forget...
2 Nephi 28:30 
For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom: for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
He says it can be summed up in this scripture found in Moroni 10:4
And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

He also suggests we revisit a talk given by M. Russell Ballard called "Be Anxiously Engaged".
(see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbBeg_mRrvA)

Be anxiously engaged.

"We must have perfect hope...knowing we will accomplish the goal!"

Last week's email and recordings were held up in cyberspace thanks to my gmail account being locked.  I guess exchanging a handful of emails with attachments with Lance last Monday morning was a bit too much for that account.  So, now I am using my yahoo account to email him.  I love having options!

He starts by describing a fun festival that went on for a few days that happens once every five years.  In their area, Old Town, the festival activities go on in the street right in front of their home.  The festival has carnival rides, a Renaissance fair with old time instruments...including a man who makes lutes, old boats...including ones that are similar to the ones in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, and more.  He says there were concerts and loud drinking parties going on all night.  So they wore earplugs every night!

Things went very well with the baptism last week.  Their branch has now increased by three members!  Lance reports that the new members are quite happy and are already doing their parts to further the Lord's work.

From left to right: Lance's companion, the three newest members, a member of the branch, and Lance

Lance shares that one of the newest members served the sacrament this Sunday and it made Lance so happy to see the man's willingness. They have another investigator they are meeting with that is dealing with some health problems.  His wife is also recovering from a car accident, so things are tough for them.  Lance has asked us to pray for them to recover from their issues.  He mentions there are others they meet with, and those they speak with randomly in the park near their house.  He feels like the Gospel is progressing in Poland!

Two of the newest branch members.  Lance says they are the best couple ever.

In Lance's recording, he shares a topic that he says "...changed my life and the way I look at things and it truly has blessed me so much."  He references the talk by President Uchedorf entitled "Of Regrets and Resolutions" (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2rQAKuLo7o).  He encourages us to revisit the talk and shares that the subject matter has helped him adjust through his transfers.  I personally have read and listened to that talk multiple times, so I also feel it is a beautiful message!  Lance also goes through an effective method to achieving goals...

He says first, our goals must be committed.  Second, our goals must be realistic.  And finally, they must be measurable.  He quotes 2 Nephi 28:30, "For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have."  He proclaims this to be an appropriate scripture for goal setting and achievement.  Goals that are in harmony with God's will.  Just like the example we see with God's Plan, there is an orderly way to achieve goals.  Another scripture he shares is Alma 42:26 (see http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/42?lang=eng), which is yet another great example of this subject.

How does God measure His goal of the Plan of Salvation?  He measures it through us.  When we do those simple things like living the commandments, scripture reading, prayer, going to church, etc.  Lance shares that he has gained an understanding of "living by the planner".  He has found it is helpful and takes the stress off.  And God has set forth an example of how this can work in our lives. 2 Nephi chapter 2 lays out the plan of salvation...to bring to pass the immortality of man.  Lance emphasizes verse 14, "And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon."  I don't think Lance knows this, but that is one of my all time favorite scriptures!  Question is...are we going to ACT or be ACTED upon while here on Earth???  I love that so much.  He finishes his spiritual thought by sharing Mosiah 4:27...And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order."
To find out more about God's plan, visit http://mormon.org/

So, the weather is hot there but they have regular rain storms to cool things down.  He is looking forward to autumn!  From what I've heard, that season is absolutely beautiful in Poland.  He says that the clothes he brought with him are fairly worn out, so he will be going on a little shopping spree.
He says life there is great!  He feels like he learns much every day.  He loves the mission and thanks us for our fasting and prayers on his behalf.

Doubt destroys hope and is a great tool of the devil

Summer is in full swing here in Utah, and in Poland.  According to what I've heard and read, Szczecin has milder temps, but the humidity there is much higher.  And they don't have air conditioning!  He says they all just sweat all over the place all day.  He says it's all good, though, and everyone just deals with it.

He starts out his recording with quoting a scripture from the book of Jarom in the Book of Mormon.  He shares verse 11, "Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was.  And after this manner did they teach them."
Lance says that he finds that to be very cool.  That it shows the pattern of this church and is a good example of how we teach each other.  We have "callings" that are volunteer leadership, service, and teaching positions through which we exhort people to live more fully the Gospel.  He says as missionaries, they extend commitments to people to come to church, read, whatever it may be.  This is comparable to the scripture reference.
He also makes an interesting point from this scriptural reference.  He says that these people were a great example of affirming things (affirmations)..."persuading them to look forward to the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was."...there is NO doubt in their hearts that the Messiah was coming.  Perfect hope = affirmations.  I love that correlation!

He goes on to say that doubt is the antithesis of hope.  Doubt destroys hope and is a great tool of the devil.  Doubt is another type of fear...fear that things won't happen the way you'd hoped.  It leaves a person in a sad and anxious pattern of living.  Instead, affirm!  Put it out there as though it has already happened.  Then with steadfastness and diligence, you will have manifested your desire.  Which desire must always be in harmony with God's desire...or that desire will waste away and perish with the things of the "world".  Our desires need to be 100% in harmony with God so we can manifest endless blessings.  This is a Christ-like attribute.

Another scripture story he focuses on is the one about "the Stripling Warriors" found in Alma, chapter 56.  He believes this is another great example of what can be done when one does not doubt.  They KNEW that God will always deliver them.  See http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/56?lang=eng to read the story yourself.  It's a great one!

This week has been excellent, he says.  He speaks a lot about his current investigators.  One is a man who is currently dealing with cancer.  He has chosen to be baptized and they have a date set for next month.  Another one is a young man that Lance says has been great to help them with the language.  His baptism is scheduled for this week.  The married couple, he says, are awesome and progressing so well.  He says they are funny and cheerful.  The wife gives them food, which is always appreciated by the missionaries.  They are very excited for their baptism this week!  Finally, Lance tells us a bit of a young woman who has been researching the Gospel for a while.  She is currently praying for an answer and Lance feels like he has been able to give her some clarity through a couple of great lessons on faith.

He closes by saying that he is grateful for this mission and keeps us all in his prayers.

Recordings = Details

Happy day!  Lance figured out how to attach the audio files from his voice recorder so we got to hear a lot of this week's update!

I ask him to give us details, but I get a lot of the same, "...he's the bomb!", "...it's amazing!", etc.  Which is nice, of course, but when I read other missionaries' emails/blogs, they always seem more detailed.  And as I suspected, I don't get those details because Lance doesn't like to type.

Things are going quite well for his newest investigators.  In fact, Lance says that they have four baptisms scheduled for this month.  He had a lot of wonderful things to say about all four of these people!  He shared the stories of how he and his companion met them all and how all the meetings were divinely inspired.
Two of the people are a married couple who were involved in another religion, but were feeling quite negative about the fear-based doctrine taught within that religion.  Lance invited them to attend church and they decided right there and then to attend.  That night, this sweet woman received a confirmation through a dream that this is the right path.  They are now extremely excited about their upcoming baptisms.  Lance is also excited that this will be the first couple in their branch in Szczecin.

Lance tells the story of how they met with another person from these new investigators and that it was absolutely divine timing for this man.  He had just gotten some bad news about his health and was feeling quite down when Lance and his companion saw him sitting on a bench in the park, looking sad.  Lance and his companion spoke with him about God's plan of happiness.  They also shared with him chapter 32 in the book of Alma (see http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32?lang=eng), which is a powerful chapter on faith.  They closed with a prayer for his health and his faith.  Lance says he has been coming to church and is progressing very well.

They met the other young man in the same park.  They noticed him sitting on a bench reading.  Lance asked him if he liked to read, and the man responded to the affirmative, after which Lance handed him a Book of Mormon.  He came to church the following Sunday and announced he'd read the Book of Mormon...which was approximately one week.  Lance says, "It's crazy!  He read it in like a WEEK!"  Now this young man is taking the discussions and is learning to integrate his spirituality with his intellectuality.

Lance says they depend on the current members of their branch to help them with the discussions and teaching in church.  He says it adds a completely different level of understanding when someone who is Polish is there to share their own stories of faith and conversion.  I think that's true anywhere you go!

He says that everything is going wonderfully.  His companion is "the bomb" and they have a lot in common.  They spend a lot of time out on the streets talking with people unless they have a lesson to teach.  He says they often teach the lessons in the chapel where the Spirit can be the strongest.  He says the one thing he has learned is that if he is obedient and faithful, everything is possible.  He affirms that obedience brings protection, even boldness.  He says this is one of the most powerful lessons he has learned on this mission.

He closes by asking me to tell everyone hi and that he loves us all.  He also says he loves Szczecin and hopes he can serve the rest of his mission there.

"There are so many miracles happening here!"

This week has been eventful for Lance. He and his new companion are getting along famously and are furthering the work of the Lord!

Lance states that he recognizes the blessings and miracles happening all around him. He and his companion recently met someone in the park that Lance describes as a "sad man". This man had just found out he has a serious health condition. So, Lance and his companion prayed with him and taught him a portion of the Plan of Salvation. This man shared that he was moved upon by the Spirit. He showed up to church on Sunday to learn more. He decided that day to be baptized! So, there are three baptisms scheduled for this month. Lance also hopes that another young man that came to church that day for the first time will also feel moved upon to be baptized. Perhaps there will be four baptisms! Lance feels that this is an example of miracles. He feels like the Spirit is strong with them as missionaries. I would have to agree!

His good friend from China leaves for home this week. Lance will miss her but he is happy she gets to go home to family...and share her new faith. He knows she will make a difference in her home country. He says, "God has such a huge plan for her and when I look at her I see it, she doesn't know it yet but she will truly change the world." I would have to agree with him on that, too!

Lance is enjoying being a trainer. He says it's been a good test for him to always be obedient and be the best example he can be. He knows it's a lot of responsibility but realizes that he's not doing it alone...he has divine help from the Lord! 

He shares that something in 2 Nephi 4 made an impression on him. Nephi counsels to always put our trust in the arm of the Lord, not man. Lance would agree that we should look to do the will of God in all things. We cannot fail if we are doing God's will. 

Agreed!

"The work is getting even bigger and the Gospel is spreading even faster!"

Lance finally received his package, which contained his voice recorder. Unfortunately, his former companion, who knows how to attach audio files, has been transferred. Maybe he'll figure it out for next week!

Lance is pretty happy about being a trainer and is impressed with his new companion. The young man is from California and used to be a wrestler. Lance was also a wrestler for years, so they already have that in common. He adds that this new elder is funny and "can take a joke!". I am supposed to tell his mom that he is amazing and "the bomb!", but I don't know his mom yet...

He told us about a couple they'd met two weeks ago who began the discussions and even came to church. Without adding too much detail, they are impressed with the truthfulness of the doctrine taught and are ready to take that first step - baptism. The big day will happen in just a few weeks...long enough to attend meetings and learn the rest of the Plan of Salvation. As Lance's Chinese friend put it in a recent Facebook post, "Kotter said God tells us the way , is the simplest way.. you see.. to be happy. to choose the right way. Haha...so right!! Simple. I like simple."

She's right.  The Plan is absolutely simple!

He finally had the chance to hear the recent missionary broadcast and had this to say, "It's incredible that we are using the internet so exclusively now for serving. I know that's going to change the world, as it already has."

We have had that belief for years now...that the internet is going to be used to take the Gospel to the whole world.

Lance is still loving Szczecin.  In fact, he would love to stay there his entire mission. He's had some wonderful experiences and has made some great friends. He assures us that he is fully living each day to its potential. As he puts it, "When we come in at night and plan, I feel so good because I gave it my all that day. And then I pass out and die until the alarm goes off!"

As always, he has something wonderful to say about his Chinese friend. He shared that she gave an excellent talk on faith in church this last Sunday. He is so very impressed with her diligence and talent!

Last week, Lance shared some scriptures that he has found to be very inspiring. One of which is a story in the Book of Mormon of a valiant military captain who led his people to victory against the opposition. Captain Moroni reminded his people that they will be victorious because they are fighting to defend their families, their freedom, their God, and their religion. If you'd like to read the story for yourself, visit http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/43?lang=eng

I find this story, like most all stories in the scriptures really, to be very timely.

Fourth of July is this week and Lance says that Poland celebrates their independence, he thinks, in April. His one year mark is fast approaching and he says that he wishes time would just slow down...he doesn't want this mission to end! Their mission just recently had a change in presidency, and though he truly loved his last president and "mission mom", he knows he'll love the new couple.

He closes his email by reminding us that he prays for us all and is grateful for our prayers on his and the mission's behalves. He says, "Everything here is amazing! I love this work with all of my soul!"