Hello to all...Elder Curtis speaking here, how are you?
Things are moving right along here in the Costa Mesa 2nd ward. On Wednesday we taught Jazmyn Bower. She's an investigator that's been around for a while and she has a hard time coming to church at 1 o'clock so this week we invited her to the Costa Mesa first ward, which meets at nine o'clock. She didn't make it to sacrament meeting, but she did come for Sunday school so that was exciting for us. I think she will be baptized as long as her family gives her support and she doesn't have more health problems. We are going to try and set a date this week.
We taught four lessons on Wednesday actually--it was sweet. We taught a guy (Chris) who's been Muslim for only about a month, but he's already pretty strongly converted. He wants to know why he even needs to consider joining, when Islam, according to him, is the most strict religion in conduct. It does have some intricate and specific rules, but the dedication you have to put into it isn't any greater that our church I think. Anyway, he likes talking about religion so he doesn't mind discussing it with us. Maybe he'll even read the BOM and feel the spirit. :)
Another person we taught Wednesday was Sasha who works for Sister Anderson-Davis. He got baptized in December so we are teaching the recent convert discussions. He's actually moving with the family to Utah though, contrary to what I said in a previous email, so we have to teach him three more lessons before he leaves at the end of the month.
The last lesson we taught Wednesday was Carl Makror. He is the one with the member wife who wants him to be the one to set the baptismal date. We are going to have to get over that though, because I talked to President about it and he said we are Christ's representatives so the baptismal date has to come from Him, not from us or them.
Something we've been doing lately is going through the ward list and visiting the people who haven't been marked as active or less-active. We found some really nice people from it so far. We taught a less-active family (couple) on Friday and found another cool family on Saturday so it's going pretty well. Once we visit someone we knock the doors around them. It's the better way to tract because you are being led to areas instead of trying to pick a neighborhood to tract.
Last night we taught the Collins family. The father has been less-active so he got put on the ward mission process and we've been teaching the whole family (the missionaries have anyway, it was my first lesson with them). It was a good discussion last night and we'll teach them one more time next Sunday.
I better be done so I'll let you know if I get transferred this weekend or not next week. :) We'll see if it was a temporary fill in, or an assignment that will take a while. Either way, I'll go where I'm called because I am learning from every experience that I encounter. Thank you all so much for your prayers, your love, and your letters. Lately I've been dumbfounded at how little time I have left, time flies and it amazes me every time, even though I've come to expect it. Have a good week. I love you as much as all the nifty new technology in this crazy store :)
Elder Curtis
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
A German Accent (Mar 8)
So yeah, now I'm serving in the Costa Mesa second ward. The first week here went really well. Elder Robertson is a really fun guy and I enjoy working with him. There's a family in this ward named the Davis family or the Anderson-Davis family and it's a single mother who adopted 11 kids, only one not being mentally handicapped. They all have either autism or ADD or maybe both. She has people there to help her with the kids all the time, but it's pretty amazing how she does it. Anyway, the one that's normal is 17 and is going to be baptized on April 2nd. Her name is Nadia and she was adopted from Russia. The family is moving up to Utah next month up to near Logan so she'll be baptized there, but she's not moving with them so she'll still count as our baptism. She's going to keep living in the house and another guy named Sasha, who Sister Anderson-Davis took in as well will be staying. He just got baptized not too long ago. He's from the Ukraine, but his accent sounds like a German accent to me lol. I don't know who else will live there, but it's a very wealthy family so they can definitely afford not to sell the house. She's building a new house up there with tons of bedrooms and fully equipped with cameras and intercoms etc. It's be sweet. You probably didn't want to know all that random information...moving on. Two of the handicapped children just got baptized a few weeks ago.
We are also teaching a guy named Carl who is the husband of a member in the ward. He's been taught everything and is ready to be baptized, but his wife doesn't think he's ready. She wants him to set his own date, so hopefully he does that soon and hopefully it's not in like a month or something. Also we have Amy and Jay. Amy is less active and really struggling right now. Pamera is a potential investigator and the Peters are the other family we are teaching. On Friday we taught a guy named Ali and his friends Eric and George are potentials. Ali and Chris are Muslim so they'll need an interview before we can teach them, but it should work out fine. Saturday I was on exchanges in the South Coast ward with the companion of my new district leader, Elder Cowan. We got a ton of referrals this week and Bishop Watkins is awesome so this'll be a good ward for sure. Sunday I bore my testimony and it was a good block of meetings. Everyone is really nice. Anyway, time to go. Love you as much as all the computers in this room.
Elder Curtis
We are also teaching a guy named Carl who is the husband of a member in the ward. He's been taught everything and is ready to be baptized, but his wife doesn't think he's ready. She wants him to set his own date, so hopefully he does that soon and hopefully it's not in like a month or something. Also we have Amy and Jay. Amy is less active and really struggling right now. Pamera is a potential investigator and the Peters are the other family we are teaching. On Friday we taught a guy named Ali and his friends Eric and George are potentials. Ali and Chris are Muslim so they'll need an interview before we can teach them, but it should work out fine. Saturday I was on exchanges in the South Coast ward with the companion of my new district leader, Elder Cowan. We got a ton of referrals this week and Bishop Watkins is awesome so this'll be a good ward for sure. Sunday I bore my testimony and it was a good block of meetings. Everyone is really nice. Anyway, time to go. Love you as much as all the computers in this room.
Elder Curtis
Chapter 1...again (Mar 1)
2 Elder Curtis
An account of the doings of Elder Curtis in the land of Costa Mesa 2nd. A record of his work and labor in the land and the account of all his doings, yea, an account of the joy of his heart, being in the work of the Lord--according to the writings of Elder Curtis.
Chapter 1
And it came to pass after being in the land of Tustin third for the short space of but three weeks, I was called by the Lord to serve in the land of Costa Mesa 2nd (north). For behold, there were other servants in the land that had to return to their own homes insomuch that there was a mighty change wrought upon the servants of the Lord. Therefore, after but little time I was called to go to Costa Mesa to resume my labor in that part of the land. And I was called to work with Elder Robertson, he being the missionary there. And he, having been in the service of God but nine months, remained as the junior companion insomuch that I was called to labor as the senior, being the more experienced of the two. Yea, behold I was sent to labor here that I might more fully continue in my work, having left the position of office Elder to Elder Parrish. Yea, I could not rest, insomuch that I left to preach the word of God.
2. Behold, I do not forget those whom I have served. Yea, I will relate the events of the week. For in the first day of the week we did teach Michael Clayton and did encourage him that he might strive for much learning and change. And it came to pass that he had much zeal for the word of God, insomuch that he did read much of the words of Mormon--being a prophet from the ancient days that did record a history upon plates of gold titled the Book of Mormon--translated and published by the hand of Joseph Smith, he being a prophet of old, nevertheless he being of less ancientness.
3. And it came to pass that we did teach sister Mullarkey on the second and fourth days of the week, in order that we might more fully persuade her to trust in the Lord her God, yea that she might more fully have the spirit in her life, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek Him.
4. And behold, on the third day of the week Elder Lee did go to the land of Tustin fourth east, insomuch that Elder Landis did come hither to Tustin third that we might labor together for the space of one day, according to the time of the Californians. And we did enjoy our day much, therefore, we did rejoice in our maker. For behold, the Lord God is our maker, yea, even the eternal creator, whose worlds are without end and glory without measure.
5. And it came to pass, not to stay, that on the fifth and sixth day of the week, being Friday and Saturday, we did eat meat. For behold, those that were members of God's church--and there were many--do enjoy feeding the servants of the Lord insomuch that many times they do spoil them to the point of taking them out to eat. Therefore we did eat at the restaurant of Lonestar two nights in a row. And we did glut ourselves on the labors of those who worked there and those who took us there, nevertheless being very humble that we might not offend the Lord our God.
6. And we did find favor in the eyes of the Lord, insomuch that two investigators did come up to worship on the seventh day of the week in the true church of God, being called Michael Clayton and Joanie Mullarkey. Therefore, they did feel the spirit of God and did enjoy their time in the house of the Lord. Nevertheless, I being called by the spirit of God another way do cease my record of the teaching of these people, wherefore, I commence my account of the Costa Mesa second ward. And I do work with Elder Robertson he being from the city of Dallas in the land of Texas, having also lived in Portland Oregon. And it came to pass that I do write my record according to the truth, nevertheless I do not send pictures, for behold that is not possible at this time at this place. But I will send a record in the form of pictures in the coming week, insomuch that you will know the countenance of Elder Robertson. And I do finish my record. And it suficeth me to say that whosoever will put their trust in God, pushing their way forward continually holding fast to the rod of iron will come forth and fall down and partake of the fruit of the tree, which fruit is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men. Wherefore, it is the most desirable of all things, yea, and the most joyous to the soul. Therefore, my love being great towards you, my brethren, does not surpass that of God's. And thus it is amen.
ps. if anyone gets queasy after reading scripture talk every week or would rather just have me write normal, let me know :)
An account of the doings of Elder Curtis in the land of Costa Mesa 2nd. A record of his work and labor in the land and the account of all his doings, yea, an account of the joy of his heart, being in the work of the Lord--according to the writings of Elder Curtis.
Chapter 1
And it came to pass after being in the land of Tustin third for the short space of but three weeks, I was called by the Lord to serve in the land of Costa Mesa 2nd (north). For behold, there were other servants in the land that had to return to their own homes insomuch that there was a mighty change wrought upon the servants of the Lord. Therefore, after but little time I was called to go to Costa Mesa to resume my labor in that part of the land. And I was called to work with Elder Robertson, he being the missionary there. And he, having been in the service of God but nine months, remained as the junior companion insomuch that I was called to labor as the senior, being the more experienced of the two. Yea, behold I was sent to labor here that I might more fully continue in my work, having left the position of office Elder to Elder Parrish. Yea, I could not rest, insomuch that I left to preach the word of God.
2. Behold, I do not forget those whom I have served. Yea, I will relate the events of the week. For in the first day of the week we did teach Michael Clayton and did encourage him that he might strive for much learning and change. And it came to pass that he had much zeal for the word of God, insomuch that he did read much of the words of Mormon--being a prophet from the ancient days that did record a history upon plates of gold titled the Book of Mormon--translated and published by the hand of Joseph Smith, he being a prophet of old, nevertheless he being of less ancientness.
3. And it came to pass that we did teach sister Mullarkey on the second and fourth days of the week, in order that we might more fully persuade her to trust in the Lord her God, yea that she might more fully have the spirit in her life, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek Him.
4. And behold, on the third day of the week Elder Lee did go to the land of Tustin fourth east, insomuch that Elder Landis did come hither to Tustin third that we might labor together for the space of one day, according to the time of the Californians. And we did enjoy our day much, therefore, we did rejoice in our maker. For behold, the Lord God is our maker, yea, even the eternal creator, whose worlds are without end and glory without measure.
5. And it came to pass, not to stay, that on the fifth and sixth day of the week, being Friday and Saturday, we did eat meat. For behold, those that were members of God's church--and there were many--do enjoy feeding the servants of the Lord insomuch that many times they do spoil them to the point of taking them out to eat. Therefore we did eat at the restaurant of Lonestar two nights in a row. And we did glut ourselves on the labors of those who worked there and those who took us there, nevertheless being very humble that we might not offend the Lord our God.
6. And we did find favor in the eyes of the Lord, insomuch that two investigators did come up to worship on the seventh day of the week in the true church of God, being called Michael Clayton and Joanie Mullarkey. Therefore, they did feel the spirit of God and did enjoy their time in the house of the Lord. Nevertheless, I being called by the spirit of God another way do cease my record of the teaching of these people, wherefore, I commence my account of the Costa Mesa second ward. And I do work with Elder Robertson he being from the city of Dallas in the land of Texas, having also lived in Portland Oregon. And it came to pass that I do write my record according to the truth, nevertheless I do not send pictures, for behold that is not possible at this time at this place. But I will send a record in the form of pictures in the coming week, insomuch that you will know the countenance of Elder Robertson. And I do finish my record. And it suficeth me to say that whosoever will put their trust in God, pushing their way forward continually holding fast to the rod of iron will come forth and fall down and partake of the fruit of the tree, which fruit is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men. Wherefore, it is the most desirable of all things, yea, and the most joyous to the soul. Therefore, my love being great towards you, my brethren, does not surpass that of God's. And thus it is amen.
ps. if anyone gets queasy after reading scripture talk every week or would rather just have me write normal, let me know :)
Chapter 1 (Feb 22)
1st Elder Curtis
An account typed by the fingers of Elder Curtis. A record of God's dealings with the people of Tustin third. Their acceptance and rejection of the message of the one Messiah who came and will come again. The struggles and joys of the missionaries in the land of Anaheim California. Their success and failures, their righteousness and wickedness in the land. The judgments of God upon the people and the great joy of the mission life. Written and recorded by Elder Curtis, or in other words, I, Elder Curtis typed these things.
Chapter 1
1. I Elder Curtis having been born of amazing parents and having grown up in the knowledge of the Gospel, did live after the manner of happiness all of my days. Yea, having seen much joy and also suffering in my day I proceed to give an account of the twentieth and twenty first year of my life. For behold I did go forth to the land of Southern California that perhaps I might be an instrument in the hands of God to be the means of saving a few souls, if it be in the wisdom of God. Yea, having enjoyed the first fifteen months of my service, I proceed to give a more in depth record of my doings. And I did repent of my great neglect in writing these things to the point of much regret and sorrow. Nevertheless, having known the goodness of God--his everlasting forgiveness and peace--I thence proceed.
2. And it came to pass that I did have a week of much joy and success, for behold, we did teach Sister Malarkey twice and did help her to see the importance of these things. And we did teach Sister Marroquin and exhort her to attend church that she might have the joy of the gospel in her life. Yea, we did have a day of much learning and growth on the fourth day of the week, being Thursday, after the accounting of time according to the missionaries. For behold we did meet as a zone and did learn from Brother Droubay, insomuch that our learning was great and the outpouring of the spirit was upon all people.
3. And I did go to the land of the singles on the sixth day of the week to be with Elder Jones, that we might preach the gospel together, that perhaps we might learn from each other. And we did go up and worship the Lord on the Seventh day, according to the commandments of God and did eat dinner with a Spanish family, having been away from the Spanish culture for much time I did rejoice exceedingly for the food and wholesomeness of the people. And behold Elder Lee did press with much force that we should leave the library that we might continue with our day. Therefore, I do close my record for this day and do give peace and love to all. And I, Elder Curtis, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, to make them mighty, even to the power of deliverance. And thus it is. Amen.
An account typed by the fingers of Elder Curtis. A record of God's dealings with the people of Tustin third. Their acceptance and rejection of the message of the one Messiah who came and will come again. The struggles and joys of the missionaries in the land of Anaheim California. Their success and failures, their righteousness and wickedness in the land. The judgments of God upon the people and the great joy of the mission life. Written and recorded by Elder Curtis, or in other words, I, Elder Curtis typed these things.
Chapter 1
1. I Elder Curtis having been born of amazing parents and having grown up in the knowledge of the Gospel, did live after the manner of happiness all of my days. Yea, having seen much joy and also suffering in my day I proceed to give an account of the twentieth and twenty first year of my life. For behold I did go forth to the land of Southern California that perhaps I might be an instrument in the hands of God to be the means of saving a few souls, if it be in the wisdom of God. Yea, having enjoyed the first fifteen months of my service, I proceed to give a more in depth record of my doings. And I did repent of my great neglect in writing these things to the point of much regret and sorrow. Nevertheless, having known the goodness of God--his everlasting forgiveness and peace--I thence proceed.
2. And it came to pass that I did have a week of much joy and success, for behold, we did teach Sister Malarkey twice and did help her to see the importance of these things. And we did teach Sister Marroquin and exhort her to attend church that she might have the joy of the gospel in her life. Yea, we did have a day of much learning and growth on the fourth day of the week, being Thursday, after the accounting of time according to the missionaries. For behold we did meet as a zone and did learn from Brother Droubay, insomuch that our learning was great and the outpouring of the spirit was upon all people.
3. And I did go to the land of the singles on the sixth day of the week to be with Elder Jones, that we might preach the gospel together, that perhaps we might learn from each other. And we did go up and worship the Lord on the Seventh day, according to the commandments of God and did eat dinner with a Spanish family, having been away from the Spanish culture for much time I did rejoice exceedingly for the food and wholesomeness of the people. And behold Elder Lee did press with much force that we should leave the library that we might continue with our day. Therefore, I do close my record for this day and do give peace and love to all. And I, Elder Curtis, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, to make them mighty, even to the power of deliverance. And thus it is. Amen.
Seattle and the next day Arizona (Feb 15)
Good Afternoon! I hope this day finds you healthy and happy. Things are going well here in Tustin third. I half-mindedly left my camera cord at home again. Sorry bout that. Anyway, this first week was pretty good. Elder Lee is a nice guy. As I said before, he is from Sol, South Korea, but he went to BYU for a year before his mission. He is much calmer and less talkative than Elder Keeler--more like me. He is really smart and stays on top of things. He is a good worker and missionary so it's been great to have him as a companion. His English (and Spanish) is actually really good and he's pretty funny sometimes too.
Being an office elder has been pretty fun so far. We went in on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and did some work for a couple hours. It's nice to have a break from the physical aspect of the work once in a while. We are basically the Housing Coordinators of the mission--though there is a part-time senior elder that helps us. We have about 75 apartments in Orange County. That is because President wants every companionship in their own apartment. So this week we were busy signing leases/looking at new apartments and sending letters of intention to vacate etc. It's been very educational and I feel important now lol. President swore me to confidentiality from giving information to other missionaries so rumors don't fly and important information doesn't get out. I feel honored to be a part of all the back scene work. We also help with any extra assignments and the office staff needs help all the time because they aren't as technology inclined as my generation. Today we have to go in as well unfortunately, even though it's p-day, because we need to finish a PowerPoint presentation for zone conference this week of pictures of all the baptisms the mission had last transfer.
The work in this area isn't on fire yet, but we have a couple people to work with. The lady that is thinking about being baptized is Joanie Malarkey. We didn't teach her this week, but we have an appointment for tomorrow. The other investigator that is somewhat close is named Amanda. We haven't taught her yet since I've been here either so pray we can meet with both of them and commit them to baptism. Some less actives we are working with include: the Martinez family, Sister Marroquin, Sister Codromac, and Damian Taylor. Some people with high potential to become investigators are Shawn Rogers and Mario. Mario is Hispanic and we taught him a lesson in Spanish on Saturday so that was lots of fun, but we'll be passing him to the Spanish elders.
Well I guess that's it for this week. The weather was pretty crazy this week. Tons of rain on Tuesday and tons of sun and heat the rest of the days. One day I felt like I lived in Seattle and the next day Arizona. If you have any more questions let me know so I know what to say in my letters. I got to meet a famous person in the office this week that is one of my heroes, but I can't send the picture yet so I'll leave you guessing till next week who it was. Love you as much as all the apartments in the mission,
Elder Curtis
Being an office elder has been pretty fun so far. We went in on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and did some work for a couple hours. It's nice to have a break from the physical aspect of the work once in a while. We are basically the Housing Coordinators of the mission--though there is a part-time senior elder that helps us. We have about 75 apartments in Orange County. That is because President wants every companionship in their own apartment. So this week we were busy signing leases/looking at new apartments and sending letters of intention to vacate etc. It's been very educational and I feel important now lol. President swore me to confidentiality from giving information to other missionaries so rumors don't fly and important information doesn't get out. I feel honored to be a part of all the back scene work. We also help with any extra assignments and the office staff needs help all the time because they aren't as technology inclined as my generation. Today we have to go in as well unfortunately, even though it's p-day, because we need to finish a PowerPoint presentation for zone conference this week of pictures of all the baptisms the mission had last transfer.
The work in this area isn't on fire yet, but we have a couple people to work with. The lady that is thinking about being baptized is Joanie Malarkey. We didn't teach her this week, but we have an appointment for tomorrow. The other investigator that is somewhat close is named Amanda. We haven't taught her yet since I've been here either so pray we can meet with both of them and commit them to baptism. Some less actives we are working with include: the Martinez family, Sister Marroquin, Sister Codromac, and Damian Taylor. Some people with high potential to become investigators are Shawn Rogers and Mario. Mario is Hispanic and we taught him a lesson in Spanish on Saturday so that was lots of fun, but we'll be passing him to the Spanish elders.
Well I guess that's it for this week. The weather was pretty crazy this week. Tons of rain on Tuesday and tons of sun and heat the rest of the days. One day I felt like I lived in Seattle and the next day Arizona. If you have any more questions let me know so I know what to say in my letters. I got to meet a famous person in the office this week that is one of my heroes, but I can't send the picture yet so I'll leave you guessing till next week who it was. Love you as much as all the apartments in the mission,
Elder Curtis
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