Caught in the rain and got soaked
Monday, October 31, 2011
I Believe in Miracles 10-31-2011
Dear Fullmer Family,
Well I am just so excited to tell you about this past week that I had. It was AWESOME! But first I'm going to take you back to last week. So last Monday as you can remember I was pretty disappointed that I wasn't going to baptize in October. In President's email he said that if you worked as hard as you could, praying and being exactly obedient, you will baptize in October. I took that as I'm not doing my best or whatever and was a little frustrated.
However as the week went on, Satan was really working on me saying that I'm not good enough and that I'm not a good missionary... So on Wednesday I decided to talk to one of my Zone Leaders about everything. It felt good to just let everything out and he told me that I have a lot of things to be proud about. He was telling me about my area before I came in and how there really wasn't anything and we have 6 investigators with a baptismal date.
It reminded me of the story in Alma 8 when Alma goes into the city of Gideon. No one wanted to listen to him and as he was leaving an angel came to him and said, "Lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice." It was kind of the same thing. Then my Zone leader said to not give up on baptizing in October... there's still time. So as I left with new spunk and a new energy about things we went to our appointments.
That night we visited with one of our investigators and I had the feeling to have a small testimony meeting with all of her kids. They all bore their testimonies and then she bore hers. It was one of the most powerful testimonies that I had heard. At that time I knew that something would happen so she would get baptized this Sunday. I didn't know how but something would happen! As we left, I sent a text out to all of the zone seeing if they would include her in their prayers so that she could get baptized this Sunday. The next day as we were weekly planning, there is a section entitled, "Set goals and make plans for people to be baptized in the coming week." As we were sitting there thinking about how she would be able to be baptized on Sunday, because she had to work, we got a call. DUN DUN DUN! The caller was one of the members in the branch presidency. He called and said that he was talking to a woman who needed two people to work with her Mondays through Fridays. He wanted her number. We gave it to him and we couldn't wait to go see her. She had work that day so when she got home we ran over there telling her the good news. We called the woman and she got the job! I couldn't believe what was going on! We got down on our knees and thanked Heavenly Father for this huge miracle.
However, even though she got the new job it wasn't easy making sure everything happened. Satan was working his hardest to get her from stepping into that water. On Friday night we went over to visit her and to make sure everything was good so she could come to her interview on Saturday morning. She said that she had to work and couldn't make it... We called the AP's to see what their plans were like for Saturday afternoon and they were booked. They asked if they could come over and do it right then. They came over and did the interview and she needed to have a second interview with one of the mission presidency... She had the interview Saturday night and she PASSED!!! As we were planning the Baptismal program I asked her who she wanted to baptize her and she asked me if I could do it. I was so happy to be able to baptize her! She's the first person that I've ever baptized!
Well she got baptized yesterday and it was an incredible day! It was stressful getting everything ready but when the baptism started I knew that it was time for her to be baptized. I've learned a lot this week. I learned that the Lord really does have a plan for each person individually. There is a reason why she couldn't find a job before. She wasn't quite ready to be baptized yet... Now she is. Seeing her walk into the font was one of the most joyful moments of my life. And being a part of this huge step in her life has really strengthened my testimony and made me learn more about what my purpose as a missionary really is. I know the Lord watches us and He knows when things are supposed to happen. We might not know how or when, but He does.
Thank you so much for the Halloween package! It was so much fun! The cookies were a little crumbly but they were delicious! I haven't opened the cheese balls... I'm a little worried to eat them. Haha.
Just to let you know, I've been feeling a lot better. Still a little sick now and then but it has improved quite a lot. I'm glad that Stephen and Amy are doing well. Did they go on a honeymoon? You asked which wedding was harder to miss, Whitney's or Stephen's? That's a tough question because they were both tough but I think that Whitney's was because I was still fresh away from home and still getting used to things.
About Facebook Friends? Add Mickey! They're doing really well. Hoping to get them married and baptized next week! So tonight being Halloween, we have to be in our apartments by 7:00... No trick or treating for us. My companion has never been trick or treating in his life... His mom wasn't a fan of Halloween. Haha. So I guess it's not going to start tonight... I can't believe that my friend from high school has been out a year already! I write him quite frequently. He's doing really good. I just wrote him last week! I can't believe that my 8 month mark is on Wednesday. It's flying!
Well I'm about out of time but I know that the Lord is continually watching over us and that He is performing miracles daily. Miracles truly never cease! This week has been the best week of my mission by far! There is no greater joy than helping others come unto Christ! I love this work! I know that there are hard times just like Alma in Alma 8, but as we go back "speedily"( Alma 8:18) the Lord prepares a way to make miracle happen. I love you all so much!
-Elder David B. Fullmer
P.S. I'm going to try and send some pictures from the baptism
Monday, October 24, 2011
October 24th letter
Dear Fullmer Family,
Well this past week I got a new companion. I am now with a companion from Show Low, Arizona. He has been out for just under 11 months and is the new district leader. His last area was an English speaking area where he served for the past 7 months. So it's new for him to be speaking and teaching in Spanish again. However he's definitely improving! He's a great Elder and I know that we're going to be working well together. My last companion was transferred to the Piquena Havana (Little Cuba) in Miami where he started his mission. Hopefully he'll enjoy it. I did happen to see the Elder (I went to school with) at transfer meeting. He's doing well. Thank you for the package that you sent to me with the tie and music. It was great to get! I'm looking forward to the Halloween package.
This last week has been a little tough as well, not gunna lie. I wish I could say I wasn't homesick on Friday but I was a little bit. (His older brother got married in Salt Lake). However it's over now and I can get back to work. Also in the month of October there is a goal for the mission to have 100 baptisms. President Anderson said that every companionship must baptize! I was thinking that the couple we are teaching were going to get baptized this next week but they said that they're not going to be... It's frustrating because I've been doing all that I can to get a baptism but I just can't get one... I just don't want to feel like a failure you know? It's been tough... Everyone around me seems to get baptisms really easily but whenever anyone gets close, from my investigators, something happens... It's just part of the mission though... However there still is hope for one of our new investigators. We haven't taught her in more than a week but we're planning to teach her in about 20 minutes. Hopefully she can still get baptized on Sunday. We'd have to teach her a lot of things but we'll see.
Well the wedding sounded very nice! I'm very happy for both Stephen (Steve? Since when?) and Amy. They're going to be so happy together and I'm very happy for them. I'm glad to hear the Joe is still going strong. Pacific Rim Chicken sounds pretty good! I'm sad that I couldn't have been there but that's alright. I'd be more sad if I wasn't out here where I'm supposed to be. So where are they going to be living? I'm glad that I don't have to worry about that stuff right now... I'm glad that I've got time.
I have been feeling a little bit better... Not a lot though. I'm pretty sure it's not Salmonella at least I hope it's not! Haha. The weather here has been really nice. The mornings have been cool which is odd in Florida. But I'm glad the heat is gone for the most part.
It was great to hear that Elder Jensen is doing well. Sorry that the bishop kept saying my name instead... Haha. He's a great guy and I'm happy for him. It's been quite some time since I've seen him! Haha. With time to go!
Well I'm almost out of time! I know that the Lord strengthens us in our trials and helps us along the way. Like Dad said, "Trust in the Lord, and lean not unto thine own understanding." He knows better than we do. We need to trust in Him and He will lead us to the places we need to be. It's hard not having a lot of success in numbers. I don't like the numbers game but as we work our hardest the Lord is pleased with what we have done! I love you all and miss you all so much! Have a great week.
-Elder David B. Fullmer
P.S. Sam, you need to get a haircut!!!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Oct. 18th pictures David sent
Transfer week. October 18, 2011
Hello Fullmer Family!
Well last night we received the information for transfers! So here it is... My companion is going to be leaving... I will be staying. When we heard this it was really difficult. He and I have gotten to be really good companions. We have been working really hard and starting to see the fruits of our labors. It will be sad to not have him be there for the wedding and for the baptism of the couple we are teaching... Hopefully he'll be transfered somewhere close so he can attend. He's been in the area for just over 6 months and hasn't had a baptism. He's been working so hard and just when we're going to have one... He has to leave. It's tough... We find out tomorrow who my new companion will be and where my curent companion will be serving. Transfers are crazy!
So this week has been pretty good I guess. I have been sick still so yesterday I just realized I should probably get this taken care of. The joys of a mission!
However on the plus side there have been many miracles that we have seen this week. We recieved a call from an investigator that showed up to church about two months ago who pretty much has been coming to church regularly but haven't been able to teach her because of her crazy schedule. However when she called this past week she asked if we could have a lesson with her. We set one up and man was it awesome! We taught her the Restoration lesson which was super powerful! Her desires to find the truth are incredible. By the end of the lesson she was crying and the Spirit was so powerful! She accepted a date for the 30th of October and then asked... "What's the date today?" We said it's the 13th and she responded, "God can get me ready in time!" It was incredible!
Update on the couple we are teaching. Well this isn't much of an update because they always have been this... AMAZING!!! They are so great! It's always so great to teach them and to help them along this path. This past Sunday they brought their son (who is 16 years old) to church and he loved it! The father just wants to invite everyone he knows to church! They're incredible. Sometimes I forget that they're not even members.
This past week we had a fiesta at the church where we had food from every different country that is in the branch. Not many places in the world can you have a branch of about 70 members be from about every single country in South America! It was incredible! The Gringo missionaries decided to represent America by making cupcakes in the form of the American Flag... Just guess who's idea that was ;) It turned out to be pretty cool! (pictures are posted on the blog) It was a great night. We had a lesson with the couple we are teaching beforehand and one concern that they had was that they didn't feel part of the Branch yet... I said to just give it some time and they'll fit right in. That night at the party they did just that. They were part of the branch! Also at the party I got to use my EMT skills where someone was eating just a little to fast all the food and started choking... Used the Heimlich and he was just fine :) It was a great night.
Well unfortunately the woman investigator we are teaching didn't find a job... She didn't end up reading... I was a little frustrated but now we're just wondering what we can do for her. Her life is so crazy and it's just not one of her top priorities.. It's sad to see but we'll keep praying and helping her along. She will get baptized I just don't know when...
Well the weather channel is right! It's been raining a lot lately! Luckily I love the rain! We having (haven't??) been riding bikes much lately so it hasn't been much of an issue. But it's always nice going to sleep when it's raining. That's cool that David Jensen's home! I can't believe how fast that went by! How's he doing? I haven't received any of the packages yet... However I'm looking forward to them :) The picture over the mantle looks really nice! I'm a fan... Not saying it was my idea or anything... but it was :) Yeah... I think you should wait to come to Florida until I get back from my mission. I'm sure the cruise would be a blast... But I'm a little selfish :) Haha. Good luck Stephen and Amy on Friday! I know that you're doing the right thing and that the Lord will help you through everything! I'll be thinking about you! I love you both!
I really liked how you (Mom) talked about how people have suffered for standing up for Jesus Christ. I was reading in an Ensign earlier this morning about the persecution that the apostles had for preaching about Jesus Christ. However they continued to do what they knew was true. Everyday we deal with persecution and people who don't believe or don't want to believe but as we remember why we are doing what we're doing and who we are representing, it doesn't matter what others say. We are doing the work of the Lord and trials will come.
I really like the scripture in Helaman 5:12. "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
If we are based in Christ, we cannot fall! Even though trials will come. We won't fall. However, when we forget that He is with us. When we forget that we are doing His work. When we forget that we are His representatives, we don't have that promise. That is why it is so important to bear testimony. When we share what we know, we remind ourselves of what's important. When we speak with the power of the Spirit, it teaches us constantly the things that we know are true.
I love the scripture in Matthew 16 :25 that says, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." I hope that I can continually improve to be worthy to serve Jesus Christ and to always to my best to follow Him. He is the way, the truth and the light! When we take the steps into the dark not knowing what will happen. He is our light and we can know that He is guiding our steps even when we might not know where to go next. As we continually obey His commandments and seek for His guidance, we have His promise that we will not fall. I know that this is His work and that He is my light. I love this work and am so excited to help others daily to recognize His hand in their lives. I love you all so very much! Thank you for your prayers and your love!
Fullmer Family Forever!
-Elder David B. Fullmer
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
October 10th letter
Dear Fullmer Family,
Well this week has been another great one! There have been some ups and some downs but it has really been great! I can't believe that this transfer is almost over. It just seems like it just started. I've been thinking about it some but I have a feeling that I'm going to be transfered. I don't know why because my companion has been here for 4 transfers but I just think I'm gunna get transfered. We shall see though. It was great to hear about what's going on at home and how everyone's doing. It always make me glad to hear from everyone... Hint hint Sam... :) Everything here has been good for the most part.
Well something that I've really learned this past week is the importance of reading in the Book of Mormon. As we were thinking about how we could help one of our investigators, both my companion and I had a feeling to just read the Book of Mormon with her. She hasn't really had much education and can't read very well but she can still read, just very slowly. So this past week we went over there about 4 times and just read with her. The first time we went over she was so stressed about what she should do with her family and everything and we asked if we could have a lesson with her. She was a little hesitant but she agreed. We told her that she was going to read and she said, "I can't." I told her, "I know you can. Now show me." As she started to read, you could see her face light up and her faith increasing. It's been incredible. At the end of the lesson she said, "Thank you so much for coming. I was so stressed but now I'm not worried. I know everything will work out." I said that this is the power of the Book of Mormon. We only read about 5 verses that day but it made a difference. Her reading abilities have increased this past week and it's so great to see her read. As I was praying before bed on Friday night I was asking what more can we do for her. I received a distinct impression that if she read every single day on her own, and prayed multiple times throughout the day for a new job she will find one on Monday. I've never extended a promise like this before but I was pushed by the Spirit to say it. As I promised this to her on Saturday, the Spirit testified again to me that it's true. I hope she read and prayed and I know that if she did she'll find a new job today. I love being a missionary!
Now it's time to talk about the couple we are teaching who are not married. They are amazing! They told us last week that they want to get married but they want to save up to have a nice big wedding. We don't want them to have to wait for these blessings any longer because they are waiting for them. We had a lesson this past week on Temples and the Priesthood. We told them that Families are meant to be eternal and through Temples and the Sealing powers your family can be forever. We suggested having a civil ceremony quickly, get baptized, and save up for a big party when they get sealed in the temple in a year. They said they'll think about it and told us yesterday that it's something they want to do! They talked with a member in the ward who can marry them and in the meeting I was just soooo happy!!! They were in love and I knew that this is what I'm supposed to be doing. He's going to talk with his boss today to see when he can get work off so he can get married. I hope I don't get transfered! Or I hope that it's before transfers! After the meeting, the man we are teaching came up to me and asked, "Will you baptize me the day after I get married? Can you do that?" I couldn't help but give him a hug and say I'd be happy to! If they're the only people I baptize, my mission would be a success. They are so ready and so willing to follow God's commandments! I love them so much!
Well this week has been pretty crazy weather wise. There were a few days where it was just dumping rain! It's fun! I like it, when i'm in the appartment. We've used up a bunch of miles so far so we're going to have to used our bikes more. Hopefully we don't get caught in the rain... Thanks for checking on my scriptures. I'm going to think about it... I've got memories with those scriptures and I don't know if I want them replaced... About the cover, I don't need one. My companion took the boxes from the scriptures and made be a box for them. It's got family pictures on it and I really like it. I'll send a picture of it next week.
Speaking of Family Pictures... If it's not too much of a trouble, it would be nice to have it framed :) Dad! You need to take piano lessons. Period. But since no one is using the piano, could you also send me some Jon Schmidt sheet music. Maybe the christmas one and the hymns one? I need to get a jump on christmas. I don't really get a lot of time to jam out but sometimes I do.
Ohh ya. This week was also a sister in our mission's birthday. She made me a cake for my birthday so I thought, "I'm going to make her a cake..." You know me, whatever chance I have to bake, I take it! It was an awesome cake! Chocolate with homemade cream cheese chocolate frosting with strawberries on top and inside. Man it was good. We had a surprise party for her at the Branch President's home. We got her good! Haha.
One more thing. Yesterday in church they announced that John Livingstone was going to come to our stake and give a seminar on marriage. You should talk to him Mom and maybe I can tell him hi! Haha.
Well that's about all the time I have today. I love this work and it's so amazing being able to be apart of miracles. There is no greater joy than helping someone change their life to follow Jesus Christ. I absolutely love it! I love you all so much and I pray for you daily. Please keep me in your prayers! I know the church is true and that we are on the Lord's errand.
With love,
-Elder David B. Fullmer
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Painting pictures sent October 3, 2011
Here are a few pics from when we painted a member's home (trailer) this past week. My skills have improved from when I dropped the paint down the stairs...Ha...ha...ha... Gotta love it...
Enjoy!
Monday, October 3, 2011
October 3rd letter
HELLO!
Sorry, I was trying to be like President Monson on Saturday Morning! Gotta Love President Monson! How is everyone doing? I'm doing well. It was great to hear about how everyone's doing. It sounds pretty crazy getting ready for the wedding but I'm sure everything will work out in the nick of time! Hopefully Stephen won't be walking into the temple as the sealer is just about ready to marry them... (Reference to President Monson's talk when he was dedicating the temple and announced the speaker who wasn't present.) I know that you're doing the right thing Stephen and that the Lord is helping you along the way.
Well General Conference was wonderful wasn't it? It's always nice to be able to receive direction and revelation for ourselves. Some talks that personally spoke to me were... well many of them. However one in particular was given by President Uchtdorf (Surprise!) on Saturday morning where he said "You Matter to Him!" That really pierced my heart and I knew that it's true.
Another that I enjoyed was given by Carl B. Cook where he stressed, "It's better to look up." The talk given by Elder Hales was very powerful about why bad things happen to good people. The Spirit was very strong during his talk and I could feel the importance of his message. A quote from his talk that I enjoyed was, "Each of us is more beloved to ur Heavenly Father than we can imagine. We need to be more kind to others and we need to be more kind to ourselves." I find myself many times being too hard on myself and making the situation even worse. There were so many talks and messages that I loved that I could go on and on...
Wait I can't go on without talking about Elder Holland's talk during Priesthood Session. Not many people can speak like Elder Holland can. Some people needed a little "singe in the eyebrows." Missions are so important and we need to be so worthy to be able to bring others unto Christ. I like how he said that we can direct others to the right path if we are on the wrong path ourselves. It doesn't work. Again how he stressed how we can't be out of bounds and then expect to play. It was very powerful and I'm glad he stressed the importance of that issue.
Well this past week has been very busy for us. We were able to teach the couple we are teaching about Chastity where they found out that they cannot be baptized. The man has such a strong testimony of this gospel and said, "Thanks for telling us. I wouldn't want to start my new life already sinning." They both know the importance of the baptismal covenant and it is something they both really want. As we brought up marriage they said that they needed sometime to talk about it. We left them with the Proclamation to the Family to read and to read it together. We came back on Friday and they said that they want to get married. They're not sure when but we're going to get the ward to help them as much as possible to help them get married soon! We watched "Together Forever" with them and it only helped. As we were preparing for the lesson we talked with the sisters and they said, "You need to make them fall in love Elders!" Mom you said that I need to watch out or the sisters are going to pass us up... Too late! Haha. They're awesome!
Well one of the other people we are teaching didn't get baptized yesterday... She still doesn't have a new job. We talked to her and it just doesn't seem like she has that great of a desire to do it. She said that she'll get baptized if it works out that way but it doesn't seem like she's willing to work hard for it which is sad... We'll keep working with her though.
That's so sad to hear about Jacob... That must be so hard to deal with. I can't even imagine! The Lord is with them though. No matter what the circumstance, The Savior and His Gospel will help. I know that the Lord loves us and He is aware of our situations. He loves us more than we can ever come to understand. We matter to Him! I encourage you all to study the scriptures and to study the words of the prophets. They are words for us. Today. As we study our notes we will receive even more revelation and guidance. I don't have as many notes as in the MTC only 29 pages... :) Study, Ponder, and Pray. I know that the words from Conference are true and that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. This is the Work of the Lord. Please keep me in your prayers. The mission is difficult but it's worth it. I love you all!
Fullmer Family Forever!
With Love,
-Elder David B. Fullmer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)