Family and Friends,
The second week of the MTC was similar to the first. Lots of studying and LOTS of classroom instruction. We got to practice teaching paid actors that portray referrals and less active members. It was a really neat experience for those (like me) that took it seriously. My companion and I were so in tune with each other and with the Spirit and that made a world of difference. We got 2 districts of new missionaries added to our zone, so we had to set the example for them on how to behave and how to get the most out of their time there. And we did a wonderful job of that if I do say so myself. But in all seriousness, each new wave of missionaries is stronger than the previous ones. These Elders and Sisters were so excited and so prepared; I expect great things to come from them. As a side note, Tuesday was my MTC P-day but that's the day we left. Mondays are my P-day now and so that's why I'm writing for two weeks.
So like I said, we left early on Tuesday and arrived in Phoenix around 9:20. We got picked up and went to the Visitors Center at the Temple; it was beautiful. We then got taken to the mission office for some orientation that took about 4-5 hours total but was well worth it. After filling out some paperwork, we were placed with a companionship for "day training". Their job is to take care of us for the night until we get our companion the next morning. It went well. We didn't teach anyone that night but we visited a few members to say hi. Next morning, we had a huge transfer meeting and I was placed with my new companion. His name is Elder Morden. He's from Hawaii (not Native) 22 years old and has been out for 6 months. I wondered if 6 months was a little early to be a trainer already but they told us that after the first 12 weeks many of us will be training new missionaries. I guess when the bar gets raised, we rise to meet it. We have a pretty neat thing we do when visiting members (and non members for that matter). We have a list of names that we've collected from people we talk to. These are names of people that they pray for. Whether it be for safety, recovery from ailment or injury, or even for a softened heart to hear the message of the restored gospel. We pray for these people (and the families that supplied the names) every night. It takes over 5 extra minutes of praying to say each and every name but it is so worth it. The power of prayer is an amazing thing that all of us can access. I say take advantage of it.
So, I now serve in the Paradise Valley area of Phoenix. I serve in the Granite Reef Ward and the Shadow Mountain Ward. And we have a car! The miles are limited so we try to use our bikes as well when it's not too hot. You may have heard the rumors of a mission split and they are true. As of July 1st, I will be serving the in Scottsdale Mission (mission office is the same address). I'm really excited because this new mission will cover the mountainous regions in the north.
The area I serve in is great! The members are so into missionary work! In fact, one of our investigators that will be baptized in early July is already sharing the gospel with his neighbors! We had a referral for a lady near his home but didn't have a house number. He figured out which one it was and got a Book of Mormon from us to give to her! It's unbelievable! Furthermore, we get referrals all the time and members come with us to lessons and are involved in all we do! Sorry to seem so excited but quite frankly it's very exciting! We are able to work with ward leaders to find new people to teach and families that need our help. We are so busy. We teach about 4-5 lessons EVERYDAY. And did I mention that the members feed us dinner EVERY NIGHT? Well they do. I don't know what I did to deserve such an amazing mission to serve in but I express gratitude for it every chance I get.
We see miracles every day. They happen all around us. We just need to open our eyes to see them. Interestingly, the more miracles we notice, the more seem to happen. They aren't always big - in fact, they're rarely ever big - but they are all important. We have a number of new potential investigators "by chance" - Miracles. We also have a few well timed visits to struggling investigators and members "by chance" - Miracles. We even have a number of people that are now considered investigators of the church because of coincidental circumstances ("by chance") - Miracles. They are everywhere. Take the time to notice them. Get on your knees and express your gratitude for them, and I promise you'll see more. I hope that I may be in your prayers as you are in mine. God be with you all.
So like I said, we left early on Tuesday and arrived in Phoenix around 9:20. We got picked up and went to the Visitors Center at the Temple; it was beautiful. We then got taken to the mission office for some orientation that took about 4-5 hours total but was well worth it. After filling out some paperwork, we were placed with a companionship for "day training". Their job is to take care of us for the night until we get our companion the next morning. It went well. We didn't teach anyone that night but we visited a few members to say hi. Next morning, we had a huge transfer meeting and I was placed with my new companion. His name is Elder Morden. He's from Hawaii (not Native) 22 years old and has been out for 6 months. I wondered if 6 months was a little early to be a trainer already but they told us that after the first 12 weeks many of us will be training new missionaries. I guess when the bar gets raised, we rise to meet it. We have a pretty neat thing we do when visiting members (and non members for that matter). We have a list of names that we've collected from people we talk to. These are names of people that they pray for. Whether it be for safety, recovery from ailment or injury, or even for a softened heart to hear the message of the restored gospel. We pray for these people (and the families that supplied the names) every night. It takes over 5 extra minutes of praying to say each and every name but it is so worth it. The power of prayer is an amazing thing that all of us can access. I say take advantage of it.
So, I now serve in the Paradise Valley area of Phoenix. I serve in the Granite Reef Ward and the Shadow Mountain Ward. And we have a car! The miles are limited so we try to use our bikes as well when it's not too hot. You may have heard the rumors of a mission split and they are true. As of July 1st, I will be serving the in Scottsdale Mission (mission office is the same address). I'm really excited because this new mission will cover the mountainous regions in the north.
The area I serve in is great! The members are so into missionary work! In fact, one of our investigators that will be baptized in early July is already sharing the gospel with his neighbors! We had a referral for a lady near his home but didn't have a house number. He figured out which one it was and got a Book of Mormon from us to give to her! It's unbelievable! Furthermore, we get referrals all the time and members come with us to lessons and are involved in all we do! Sorry to seem so excited but quite frankly it's very exciting! We are able to work with ward leaders to find new people to teach and families that need our help. We are so busy. We teach about 4-5 lessons EVERYDAY. And did I mention that the members feed us dinner EVERY NIGHT? Well they do. I don't know what I did to deserve such an amazing mission to serve in but I express gratitude for it every chance I get.
We see miracles every day. They happen all around us. We just need to open our eyes to see them. Interestingly, the more miracles we notice, the more seem to happen. They aren't always big - in fact, they're rarely ever big - but they are all important. We have a number of new potential investigators "by chance" - Miracles. We also have a few well timed visits to struggling investigators and members "by chance" - Miracles. We even have a number of people that are now considered investigators of the church because of coincidental circumstances ("by chance") - Miracles. They are everywhere. Take the time to notice them. Get on your knees and express your gratitude for them, and I promise you'll see more. I hope that I may be in your prayers as you are in mine. God be with you all.
Much Love,
Elder Kirk
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