Happy Father's Day- Letter 6-15-2012

Dear Fullmer Family,
Thank you for your great letters and it's too bad that the letter never made it to you... I hope it works out in the end. Happy Father's Day Dad! I hope it was a good one. Sounds like that the trip down to Moab was good. I've always wanted to go to Arches NP. I'll have to go after the mish. This week has been pretty good. Unfortunately our investigator didn't get baptized. Her new job that she got changed her schedule last minute and she has to work on Sundays... We're going to try and get it changed so she can get baptized this week. The recent convert we taught, passed the sacrament for the first time yesterday and it was awesome!
He had been practicing all week. He also gave the opening prayer in sacrament meeting and the closing prayer in gospel principles. In the gospel principles class the teacher brought cookies and asked him to
bless the cookies... He looked confused and said, "How can I bless the cookies?" The teacher explained and he went along in the prayer. In the prayer he said, "Por favor bendice los cookies..." He's got a few
english words that he knows and just throws them in now and then. It was great :)

Well this week my stomach has been really acting up so I said, alright I'm going to call the doctor. I called the mission health missionary and she said she didn't know what to do so she called the regional medical doctor and he called me. He asked me all about it and all of my symptoms and he told me he thinks it might be a Gluten intollerance. He's not positive but advised me to start a gluten free diet... EVERYTHING HAS GLUTEN IN IT!!! Haha. It's alright though. To be positive I'm going to be having a blood test this week to be sure of what's wrong with me. So I might have the "funny cow disease" or also known as Siliac (Celiac) (Get it? Silly Yak?) hahaha.... So hopefully everything works out and if you have any food suggestions that don't have gluten they would be appreciated so I don't die :)

Yesterday we gave another musical number in the ward. It went well. We sang "I know that my Redeemer lives." The ward isn't used to having musical numbers and I think they like it. They're all used to having four  hymns every Sunday and we've had many comments how it's a nice change. A member in another ward asked me if I could accompany her to the same song that I played last week for a funeral next Saturday. I don't really want to do it but I accepted. Who knows? We might end up getting someone to teach out of it.

While we were Harvesting yesterday we had a great experience. We were knocking one side of the street and we weren't having any luck... Everyone was rejecting us and we just about changed areas when we came to the end of the street. However we felt like we needed to go to the otherside and keep going. So we did and the first door that we knocked was a woman who is a single mother of two children and since we couldn't come in (mission rules) we talked to her outside and said a prayer with her. She said that we came at the exact right moment. Her life has been very difficult for the past few months and was just about to write a letter to a famous Baptist pastor when we knocked on her door. She accepted to be baptized and we're excited to visit with her on Tuesday.

We had interviews and apartment inspections with President and Sister Anderson this past week. We got the cleanest apartment in the mission award and the nicest washer and dryer in the mission, including the mission home. I don't want to judge but Sister Anderson was on the verge of coveting those babies. Haha. They're really great and I love them a lot!

This morning I was reading Jesus the Christ, my new favorite book and when it was talking about Christ walking on the water there is a quote that I really like. It says, "Into every adult human life come experiences like unto the battling of the storm-tossed voyagers with contrary winds and threateneing seas; ofttimes the night of struggle and danger is far advanced before succor appears; and then, too frequently the saving aid is mistaken for a great terror. As came unto Peter and his terrified companions in the midst of the turbulent
waters, so comes to all who toil in faith, the voice of the Deliverer-- 'It is I; be not afraid'" I really like this because in our lives sometimes we mistake the things in our life that are helping us as things that are against us. But as we continually have the Spirit with us, the comforter, He will testify to us of truth and of the things that are there to help us. I know that the Lord loves and is watching over us. I love you all and I'm grateful for your love that you give me.

Yesterday there was a talk where the youth compared our Father in Heaven sending His son into a world of trouble to fulfill His mission to Fathers sending their sons into the mission field not knowing what's out there. I'm greatful for you Dad and I love you for the trust and the love that you show towards me. Happy Father's Day!
Have a great week!
-Elder David B. Fullmer

June 11th- Jump in a Pool for Me

Dear Fullmer Family,

How is everyone doing this hot summer day? I've heard it's been really hot in Utah and it's also been very hot in Florida! The fun has "only just begun..." Not really looking forward to this summer on the weather aspect. Every single complex that we knock has the most beautiful swimming pool without anyone swimming in it. They're always tempting but I think that's another reason why we have companions because I would probably jump in them! Haha. I hope you're all staying cool, and if could do me a favor, go jump in a pool for me :)

Yesterday was a great day! We were able to have two wonderful meals. The first one was right after church with the ***** family, aka Momma *****. The family is really cool, and very musical at that. Funny story, so yesterday morning I played the piano for another missionary in the ward that meets before us where President and Sister Anderson were speaking. It went really well and I thought I was done for musical numbers for the day... I thought wrong. So about five minutes before our meeting started, the ***** sisters (about 16 and 18 years old) came up to us and said, "we need your help!" Apparently they had a musical number given to them last minute and asked if we could help them. First off they asked if I could play the "EFY medley" on the piano, I said I probably couldn't. It has like three key changes and I can't sight read very well, so then they asked if we could sing it. We sang it in church with them and I have to say it turned out pretty well! We're going to be singing next week in church as well.

Alright, back to the dinners... So we ate at their home and it was delicious. Our 2nd meal was with one of our investigators and his family... Ohh yeah it was in the WHITE HOUSE... Turns out his dad is a multi millionaire. His name is ****** and he graduated in business from BYU and has been taught by YSA for about four years. He turned 30 so we get to teach him now. He's so awesome but for some reason just doesn't want to get baptized. We were able to have a nice meal with the YSA sisters, a member from the YSA who is a friend of ******* and his parents. It was one of the nicest meals I've had, not food wise but just how amazing the family is. They talked about how when ***** was at BYU they would come visit sometimes and say in their second house in Vail, Colorado (by the way we're invited to stay there whenever we want to ski or whatever...) but when they came to Provo the mom said, "I remember when we walked by the temple, I felt something special, like... I can't explain it very well but I felt something... have you ever felt that before?" They are so prepared for the Gospel! They're an incredible family. (I'll send you a picture of the house... you might need to sit down...)

Well this week we're expecting an investigator to be baptized. We had an incredible Family Home Evening with them last Monday where we watched the Restoration at a member's home, (he's the WML). They immediately knew he was a prophet. She's super prepared and we're excited for Saturday. Her husband should be following her shortly. The recent convert is doing fantastic! He's been having a lot of trials with his family and work but he's not losing faith. We know he's going to be a great leader someday so that's why he's having trials so he can grow into the person the Lord wants him to be. He's getting there! :)

That's about all that I've got for now. I love you lots and I know the Lord loves you! Happy Father's Day this Sunday Dad! Too bad that we can't call you but I will be sending you a card. Sorry I never got around to sending you your birthday card ( I actually didn't buy one...) but we can pretend that they're together... (I bought the Father's Day one... it's pretty good :))

Here's a scripture that I really like... It's in Omni 1:26, "And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved." I love you all!!

-Elder David B. Fullmer

Onward Christian Soildiers! June 4, 2012

HOLA! Como estais?! Haha. How is the great Fullmer Family doing? I hope and pray that you are all doing well! Everything is going well down here in Florida. We've had a great week this past week. We've found some cool people and went back to some that we dropped a while ago that are now very prepared for the Gospel and are look for a few baptisms either this week or next.

It's been very hot and humid here lately. The mosquitos are biting as well! However we're happy and all is well! Yesterday was Sister ****'s birthday. She is a missionary who's serving in the same ward as me. So I thought it would be perfect to make a cake (I haven't made one in a while.) So I made a chocolate covered strawberry cake. I made two rounds with homemade chocolate cream cheese frosting and put fresh strawberries in between the layers of the cake. Also, with that chocolate that you sent me for valentines that I never used to dip strawberries, I put chocolate covered strawberies all over the cake. It looked good and tasted even better. We had a surprise dinner at a member's home which was really fun. I didn't get to take a picture though so sorry... you can't see what it looked like... Also, Happy 51st Birthday Dad!!! Hope you have a great day tomorrow! There is a card in the mail, sorry that it won't make it by tomorrow but it'll be a little belated so that party keeps on going ;)

This week we've been harvesting more than ever, however our attitude has been changing. It's been harder than ever to get into homes but because of our attitude and our happiness it hasn't seemed that bad. It's amazing what attitude can do. This past week we had Zone Leader Council. I'm the only Zone Leader in the mission who knows how to play the piano and since this was my 4th one I didn't know what songs to play. I asked my companion what songs I should play and he suggested "Onward Christian Soldiers." I have never really played that song before but I told the Assistants the night before that I'd play it.

Well, Sister Anderson loves music when it's sung the right way so I decided that I'm going to play it how it's supposed to sound. The roof of the mission home almost came off because of the way we were singing it and playing it. I was all over the piano :) It was a great way to start the meeting and the Spirit was definitely present. The topic of the Council was about how we need to realize that we are called to diligently declare repentance. The sins of the people we teach are upon our heads if they aren't taught how to repent. He used a scripture from Jacob 1:19. There is always more that can be done.

We went back to visit one of our past investigators who came to church on Easter but hadn't really heard from them since. We went by and the husband was home so we sat down and just asked him some questions. We were talking about baptism and the reason for why we're baptized and he had some questions on his mind. He asked about those who didn't have a chance to be baptized, and what happens to children if they die without baptism and about heaven and hell. I'm so grateful for the Book of Mormon that answers these questions so clearly. He immediately received a testimony of the Book of Mormon. He and his wife came to church, with his Book of Mormon in hand and we're having a family home evening tonight with them in a member's home. We'll be inviting them to be baptized on Saturday :)

This morning in my personal study I was studying the difference between the word "Savior and Redeemer." The second question in both the temple recommend interview and the baptismal interview is: "Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior AND Redeemer of the world?" I always thought that the two were interchangable but they obviously are different. The word Savior means to save us from something. In the case of Christ he saved us from our sins or in other words paid the price for our sins. But the word redeemer means to help us be like Christ. If Christ only paid the price for our sins, there would be no point for us to come to earth. If we only knew that the mess would be cleaned up, what helps us to stop making messes. If we only knew that the price would be paid, what influences us to live a better life. The redeeming power of Christ helps us to learn and be perfected in Christ. There would be no point to learning the purpose of our trials if we knew they had been paid for, they are here for a purpose. The reason for Jesus Christ is not only to bring us back to the starting line (without sin), He came to help us get to the finish line which not only is the Celestial Kingdom, but it is become like God. It was an incredible study which helped me realize even more the power of my calling. I am called to assist in this work. I am called to do part of the work that Christ did. My study was very humbling and I encourage you all to study the difference between Savior AND Redeemer.

Well I love you all so much! This has been a wonderful week, even though there were quite a few challenges. I know that the Lord is all powerful and all knowing. He knows what we need when we need it, however some things that we need are conditional on our asking for them. I invite you all to ask specifically for the things you need at this time and I promise you He will grant them to you when you need them. Keep me in your prayers :) Have a great week!

Con Mucho Amor,

-Elder David B. Fullmer

Here's some pictures of the Ft. Laud Temple and it's progress. We drove past it the other day and I snapped some shots, don't worry since I was driving I had someone else take the pics :) It's coming
along really well! Enjoy!

 

 

Weekly update May 29, 2012. It's Hurricane Season!

Dear Fullmer Family,

Right now I'm sitting in the library in Miami while it is POURING rain outside. I wish you could see this. It's never rained like this in Utah before. There's a ton of lightning and thunder as well. It's actually been like this off and on for the past couple days which I love! Throughout the summer the weather is like this.

Well it's been a good week this week. We still don't have many people to teach but we're still positive. My backpack was also found which is another silver lining. Thank you for all of your letters and love! Thanks for the postcard Whitney and Marc, I hope your trip to Moab was fun.

I was looking at the calendar this morning and was kind of blown off of m exercise ball because it's almost the end of May. This month has probably been the fastest one. I don't like how every month goes by faster and faster but that's just how it goes. Almost 15 months have gone by... crazy...

Well this week we were able to have zone conferences in our mission. The topic of the conference was Hurricanes! The first of June begins the joyful hurricane season. They were saying how we need not fear! However they kept saying how there hasn't been one here in 6 years so we're prime for one but not to be afraid. I'm not worried but I hope there isn't one.

We visited one of our neighbors and the topic was brought up and he feels like we're going to get one. Who knows but I'm praying that we don't get one, and I'm sure you are too! Ha ha. The rest of the zone conference was on the Book of Mormon and the importance of using it in teaching as also on Mormon.org. He said that Mormon.org can be used as a 3rd companion that works while we sleep. He said that right now the world is having a "Mormon Moment" meaning that the Mormons are being exposed more than they ever have been. That's why Mormon.org is such an important tool. We are encouraged to tell everyone that we know about it and to become familiar with it so we can help others learn from the source. Also we are encouraged to make a profile, which I have, along with encouraging other members to create a profile... So you should all do it! it's a great tool and so many good things can be found there.

Also in the conference he was telling of an experience he had when he did the "escape from alcatraz" challenge. This challenge is when you swim from Alcatraz to the shores of San Francisco. He compared it to the mission and it was great! I learned a lot and became more excited to work. Also this week we found a cool family. The wife's name is ********* and the husband... we're not sure his name. We blessed their home and went back the next day to teach them. They are familiar with the church and have actually been looking for a church to go to. They weren't able to make it on Sunday but they're planning on next week. They're from the Dominican Republic and are very nice people.


On Saturday we were able to participate in an eagle scout project where we re painted the parking lines in the ward parking lot. It was a great project and at the end it looked really nice! It was fun getting to know some of the members that I didn't know and serving at the same time. Also, I didn't get sunburned, well not too bad anyways.

I've been studying Jesus the Christ lately and today while reading, I came across an interesting point. It was on the announcing of the births of John the Baptist as well as Jesus Christ. Three months prior to the announcement of Christ was John's to his father Zacharias. He was in the temple when this happened and after Gabriel declared what would happen, Zacharias asked "how will I know what you're saying is true?". He was struck dumb as a sign. In contrast, when Mary received the angel Gabriel she asked a similar question but with a different motive. She asked, "How is it done?" She knew it was true but she wanted to know how. She had faith the whole time where Zacharias had doubts. It's amazing what happens when we receive our situations, bad or good, with faith rather than fear.

I love you all so very much and I know that this is the Lord's work! We're on the Lord's errand. As we defy our doubts and face our fears, we leave the path of revelation free from obstacles that would limit our potential to become who the Lord wants us to become. I love you all so very much! Have a great week.

-Elder David B. Fullmer

Weekly Update (May 21st)

Dear Fullmer Family,

Thank you for telling me all about your weeks! It's always great to hear from you. This week has been more or less a week of trials but we're seeing miracles coming. For this new transfer we are "white washing" our area or in other words restarting. All of the investigators that we had weren't progressing so we're just going to re start and be "new" missionaries in the area, even though we've both been here for a while. As we've been doing that we've found some pretty cool people and great new places to Harvest. We know that this will be a great transfer.

With having a new transfer we have a new "Zone Challenge." Last transfer it was where we focused on an attribute from D&C 4 everyday and worked to become perfected in our weaknesses. This transfer the title is, "Doubt not, fear not." So what this includes is every morning we think of a fear and a doubt we have for that day and work with our companions to overcome those fears and doubts. It's only been in effect for a few days but we've heard really cool stories already and we're excited for what will come the rest of the transfer. Every Friday as a zone we will be having something called "Fear not Friday" when we have a conference call and share a story of someone who showed forth courage instead of fear. We shared the story of Ammon this past week but this week we want to use something not from the scriptures so if you have any stories that you can think of please mail them to me! I'd really appreciate it!

At transfer meeting this past week I left my back pack there and apparently no one can find it... It's kind of strange because it was in the chapel in Plantation but no one can seem to find it. I'm sure it'll turn up soon, well I hope so because my scriptures and camera are in it. Lot's of memories there.

Yesterday at church it seemed like people were just coming up to us asking us to do things. In Sunday school we sang a song, "in our day" from the Book of Mormon sound track and in Elders Quorum we taught part of the lesson. It's great when the members trust you and ask you to do things for them. Hopefully soon they'll start giving us their friends to teach. One member in particular, who's home we blessed a couple weeks ago, told us about one of his neighbors he want us to see. Yesterday before church they talked to her and she's really interested in having her home blessed. The member was so excited! He was saying how he feels she and her family could be baptized soon that's how receptive they are. It's really cool seeing members have the spirit of missionary work.

That was really cool to see the solar eclipse. I didn't even know it was happening. It was probably raining here so no one could even see it. Haha. Well that's about all I've got to say for this week. Please keep us in your prayers! I love you lots and hope you all have a great week!

-Elder David B. Fullmer

Weekly Update, May 15th

Dear Fullmer Family,

How great it was to skype with all of you on Sunday! It was so great to be able to see each one of you and see how happy you all are! I love  you all so much. Well it's transfer week... We got the call last night and neither my companion or I will be leaving the area. We're both really happy to hear that and look forward to the next transfer together. The longest I've ever been with a companion has been 2 transfers, and it actually was Elder ***** (My current companion's companion in the MTC) so it'll be fun to break that record! One of the sister's is leaving out of the ward,  the one with the dark hair. It'll be sad to see her go since we all got along really well and the Bishop loved all of us together, but the other sister, will be training a new sister missionary. It'll be exciting to be working around a new missionary, it'll give us old folks some energy!

Actually in the zone there will be three new missionaries straight from the MTC so it'll be really exciting. We're really excited for this new transfer.

There isn't much to be said that I haven't talked with you about on Sunday but yesterday we were able to have our zone activity. Everyone in the zone baptized this past transfer so it was very celebratious? You know what I mean. We were planning to have a testimony meeting as always but apparantly the missionaries who have had three zone testimony meetings wanted a change, so my companion and I put our heads together to think of something fun, yet spiritual and whallah! The "Ask and ye shall receive box!" So what this consists of is you choose a question like, "what was the most spiritual experience this past transfer... or what investigator means the most to you and why... or what Christ-like attribute do you desire most?" and then after you pick the question slip you choose out of another box a name of someone in the zone and then they have to go up and answer the question. It was a lot of fun!

For the zone, a sister in the zone drew a group shot of all of us and we made copies and laminated it for each one of them. It looks so cool! Then we took a picture in the poses that we were drawn. Super awesome! 

Well that's all I've got for this week~ I know that the Lord loves each one of us. Ohh in sacrament meeting someone spoke about mothers and said the following, 'The Priesthood was given to men to help them become more like women." Then he read the rights of the priesthood and said all of the qualities that are stated with the Priesthood are what women are already blessed with. It was very interesting but I enjoyed it a lot. In personal study I've been reading a lot out of Jesus the Christ and it's incredible! I'm learning so much and there is so much that I don't understand but I hope to someday. I love you all and I know that the Lord does as well! Talk to you soon!

-Elder David B. Fullmer

Weekly Update (May 7, 2012)

Elders of Excellence- ZL Council

Dear Fullmer Family,

This week has been a great one! So much has been going on but it's all been really good, well for the most part. First off, thank you so much for sending me the package. I love the shoes, they're perfect! Thank you so much! I'm actually wearing them right now.

So now I have the joy to be able to tell you about what happened this past week. So yesterday I was able to confer the Aaronic Priesthood to our most recent convert yesterday. It was the first time that I've ever done that and it was really special for me. Things have been pretty tough for him lately. Last Friday, His wife left him. He was so sad. He said that it's for a lot of different reasons but it's not because of the church. We went over to see him after church and we just talked with him. He is an incredible man. He said, "most men would get mad and try to make her life miserable... I don't want that for her. I love her with all my heart and if I can't make her happy I hope she can find someone who can." He has the biggest heart in the world. As we were talking with him we were laughing, crying and he was teaching us some Cuban slang.

Haha. I have a long way to go to be like him. He's taught me so many things in such a short amount of time. Not only did his wife leave him but all of his family is against him for joining the church, however it's not slowing him down one bit. He wasn't able to make it to church last week and he told us yesterday, "I am never going to miss a day of church. I missed it last week for $60 however the way I felt today I will never miss it again." He's the strongest member that I know and he got baptized within 2 weeks of knowing about the church. I am continually amazed. Also, dad, could you send me my line of authority, you know showing the authority all the way back to Jesus Christ? I wanted to give it to him.

He loves the Miami Dolpin Stadium

So this week I was able to go on exchanges with our District Leaders. We're expected to do so once a month and when I was with the one in Downtown Miami it was one of the best days of my life. When I asked him what he wanted to focus on that day he said, "I want to be more bold." So we both said we'll invite everyone we bless to be baptized. So we went out and did it. Door after door people were accepting to be baptized on specific dates. Towards the end of the night, the other Elders in the same ward were having a baptism for two of their investigators. Since we were focusing on being bold I asked the District Leader, "Do you have anyone that could possibly be baptized tonight?" He thought about it and said, "There is one." We biked over to this person's house and she wasn't there... We called her but she didn't answer... As we were sitting there thinking of what to do, we both turned and saw her walking up the street. She got a huge smile on her face and said, "It's so good to see you! What are you doing here?" The district leader said, "Well we just wanted to share something with you... Umm... We were wondering if you... Well, How can I say this?" He looked to me for some help and I looked over to her and said, "We're having a baptism tonight... Will you get baptized?"

She thought about it and said, "Yes! I want to get baptized!" We said, "Alright, meet us at the chapel in 30 minutes." She got there and I interviewed her, found out she needed a second interview, set up an interview for the next morning and she was baptized the next day. Talk about bold right? It was a great day! I learned so much from that day and it made me want to be better!

Well I can't wait for Mother's Day on Sunday! We asked a member in our ward if we could Skype at his house and he said yes and said anytime that's good for us is good for him. I was thinking about 6:30 our time so that would be 4:30 your time. That gives you some time to get home from church. Would that work? I'm looking forward to it :)

I love you all so much and I'm so grateful for all of my many blessings. I've realized this week that there is so much I need to improve on but my perspective has changed from discouragement to excitement because I know that this improvement doesn't have to be done alone but with Jesus Christ. I love this work and I love being able to help others come closer to Christ! Have a great week and I'll talk to you soon!

-Elder David B. Fullmer