Arizona Week 3 - In Their Eyes

Hello Again,

Things are getting very exciting here. The work moves faster everyday and numbers increase weekly. We now have over 20 people that are actively investigating the church and we teach them regularly. I came to a realization the other day while sitting in a family's living room. I looked around at all their faces as I taught them the truth of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan our Heavenly Father has for us. I saw in their eyes how much they need this and the hunger they have for it. They can see that my companion and I were sent to them to show them the truth. They don't fully understand how or why, but they know that we are in their home to share with them things that will change their lives drastically. We truly represent Christ by doing exactly what He would do. We visit so many people and see the immense pain they've had in life. It tears at the heart when they don't realize the joy of the message we bring. We know how much this can help them and how much healing power it has but yet they must choose for themselves.

Consequently, the joy of witnessing families and individuals, who are so far gone and in such pain, accept these truths and experience the blessings and the healing power is indescribable. I am blessed to be the messenger that is permitted to bring this joyful message to those who are in great need. I have authorization from our Savior, Jesus Christ, to represent Him in this part of the world. I am given the ability to work miracles in the lives of the people. I am guided by His Spirit in all that I do and say. I am given power to testify boldly to all who will listen that Jesus is the Christ and that He has restored His Gospel in these days and that all can be forgiven and receive the blessings of living this Gospel. I cannot begin to express the gratitude I have to be called to this position and be blessed with this assignment.

I hope that some of you were able to attend the broadcast last night to listen to our prophet and his apostles give us direction and counsel. The time has come for everyone to share the Gospel and to testify boldly. Pray for opportunities to participate in this great work. Trust in the Lord to assist you when you speak. Take faith and fear not. He will bless you in your efforts and will place power in your words. Take heed to the council of our leaders and open your mouths to share what you know to be true. The Lord is hastening the work and is desirous that all should take part in the building of His Kingdom.

I ran out of time but I love you all and I look forward to speaking to you again.

Elder Kirk

Elder Moschetti and I (MTC Companion)

(left to right) Elder Russell, Elder Park, Me, Elder Moschetti (MTC District Elders at Provo Temple

Arizona Week 2 - Every Member

Hello Family and Friends,

I have now completed 2 weeks of my mission. Time is an interesting thing. Days feel like weeks; weeks feel like days. But every day is a new adventure and a new opportunity to bless the lives of God's children. The work here is amazing. We have 14 investigators that we teach regularly. Not to mention the number of less active families that we also teach. They are all such wonderful people. I'm at the point where I know these people well enough that it pains me to see them struggle and even worse when they lose that desire to find truth. It can be difficult to get that desire back but we work hard to help them find it. We work hard to help them keep it. They just need to realize how much the Gospel of Jesus Christ can bless their lives. I won't give up on them, though. I know that the Lord can and will help them as they strive to do what is right.

Occasionally, we have more appointments than we have time or multiple appointments at the same time. In these times we go on "splits". We will try to get male church members to go with each of us to teach a lesson. We had to do that this week. What an experience I had. As the primary teacher between the member and myself, I had to rely heavily on the guidance of the Spirit. The lesson went well and the investigator understood what we taught. (Our lesson was on the comforting role of the Holy Ghost and how to invite those feelings into our lives). The Spirit was present throughout. We finished the lesson, and I closed it off with a prayer. Upon completing the prayer we noticed that she was weeping. It was amazing to see the Spirit working in her so much. We testified about all that we had said and what she was now feeling. It was nearing another lesson entirely after the prayer. But we set a return appointment (for tonight) and we will explain to her about the gift of the Holy Ghost and tell her that she can receive it after being baptized. If we are directed by the Spirit, we will commit her to being baptized. I have high hopes for her and the progress she will make.

Last week, I told you about Harry and how he is already doing his own missionary work even though he won't be baptized till next month. His brother has informed us that he is officially investigating the church and formally taking the lessons from us. Our first lesson with him was amazing. His brother, Harry, gave his personal testimony throughout the whole lesson on basically every point we covered. The Spirit in the room was unbelievable. We committed him to be baptized also and it is likely that his brother will be able to perform that baptism. The joy of that occasion will be undeniably spectacular for both of them. And I look forward to it.

Let me talk a moment about the importance of church members in missionary work. It's about the most important thing. Members are essential in bringing these people into the gospel. A newly converted person who has no fellowship in the ward will likely go inactive soon after baptism. Likewise, many of them have no transportation to the church on Sundays. Missionaries cannot drive investigators. They need your help. I can't stress the difference it makes when a member is there during the lesson. Their added testimony is a powerful tool. The experience that they have in life sets them apart from the missionaries. Members are able to connect with these investigators of the Church in a way that the missionaries can't. They need friends. They need people that will care about them well after the missionaries have gone home. Take part in this work and receive the blessings that come with it. Offer your services to the missionaries, I challenge you. Remember, "Every member a missionary". I promise that you will find joy in your service and that you will greatly lower the stress of the missionaries in your areas. Great blessings are in store.

I love you all and I wish you all the very best. Stay strong and true to what you know to be right. I look forward to hearing from you.

Elder Kirk

MTC Week 2 - Arizona Week 1 - Miracles

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.

Much Love,

Elder Kirk

MTC Week 1-Bruised Knees

Dear Family and Friends,

There are no coincidences, at least not here. The Lord's hand is in everything that happens here at the MTC. Each person is here to serve a purpose. We teach each other when we don't even realize it. We uplift one another without the intention to do so. And we comfort the ones around us with simple words of kindness.
The Spirit is so present here. I have been moved to tears daily and often more frequently. I know that the Spirit that resides with me constantly is a result of my prayer, 27 prayers yesterday alone; I counted. I am pleased to announce that I actually have bruises on both of my knees from the amount of times I pray. The Lord answers our prayers. I can say that with no doubt. The Spirit teaches people, not us missionaries. Our only job is to let the spirit speak through us. This is an experience that I've already had many times.

I was called to serve as District Leader. Our district contains (including me) 4 Elders and 7 Sisters. I cannot begin to tell you how much I love and care about each and every one of them. They are the choicest spirits, and I see their great potential. I know that they will all bless many lives. The Zone Leader expressed to me that he knew I would have this calling as soon as he saw me. Later, the Branch President told me that he was inspired to give me this calling. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have been given to serve these wonderful missionaries. My only hope is that they know how much I want to see them succeed in the way that I know they can.

My companion is a wonderful man and a great missionary. He is such an example to me and instills in me a desire to improve myself. The bond between us is unbreakable. The amount of spiritual experiences that we've shared has made this bond stronger that I have ever felt before. I know that our effectiveness as teachers is dependent upon our obedience and our love for each other. "Obedience to Exactness." We've taken upon ourselves this challenge. No matter how tired we are or how inconvenient the task may be, we strive to accomplish all that has been assigned to us in the way that it has been asked to be accomplished. This goal has brought us closer together and we grow happier each day knowing that we are doing what we need to.

One of the teachers here pointed out a quote from Preach My Gospel. "Teaching is central to everything you do." Everything we do. Taking this to heart, my companion and I have spent any amount of time that we aren't learning or teaching formal lessons, to ask doctrinal questions of the other and be taught on the topic. This includes time that we walk from one building to the next and over meals. It has been a great blessing to us as we have been diligently working towards this goal.

As a District Leader, I have had the amazing opportunity to have my eyes opened when looking upon the members of my district and to see them as Christ sees them. I have received revelation on a few occasions for things that I need to say to them individually. I had the opportunity to bless one the Sisters having no prior knowledge as to what was troubling her. The Lord spoke to her through me. I have no doubt because the Spirit later affirmed it to me. I am so blessed to be in a constant state of two-way communication with the Lord. We speak with each other throughout the day.

I dare say the best moments that I've had here came last night. We were scheduled to be taught as a zone. However, no teacher showed up. Elder Russell, who had expressed his difficulty in feeling the spirit during his time here, suggested that we share thoughts and experiences from the previous night's devotional. The Spirit was ever present and I have no doubt that angels resided with us in that room. Even as I reflect on it now I am moved to tears. The level of unity in our district grew tenfold. Elder Russell also felt impressed to offer a blessing to one of the Sisters. It was one of the most beautiful blessings I have ever heard. What a wonderful experience for him to be blessed with. I told him later that I myself received no revelation on the matter of her distress nor did the other Elders. This experience was for him; that blessing was meant to be given by him.

All in all, there is no place that I would rather be at this time. The experiences that I've had and people who have touched my life will be things I never forget. I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity. I am grateful for this magnificent calling. I love and miss all of you but think for a second that that means I'm coming home. No way. You will all be in my prayers and may the Lord bless you.

Much Love,

Elder Kirk