August 16, 2010
Mishawaka, IN
Alright, so what the Bones is going on back home????? Scott’s moving??? What’s Jessie gonna do? When is Scott moving? Where did this girl pop up from? I haven't heard anything from Scooter. Flagstaff though..... doesn't sound too exciting. I guess Scott must really like this girl. Or, maybe he just wasn't thinking it through, what’s up? I just read the letters and was like what the..... when did this all happen? Hopefully she is a nice girl and she doesn't get Scott too aggravated. Someone tell him that if she is a keeper, don't screw it up, ha ha. And tell him to write me about it all, and have his little girl friend write me too. That would be sweet. So is Jessie just being left in the dust then? Well, she can always go to college, that’s what I think would be fun. Well, the letters were great though. Thanks for them. I finally got a letter from Paul, ha ha. It was awesome! I’m gonna be honest I struggled trying to read all your letters, even Dad's, ha ha. I had to have my companion help me out on words. He started to give up, so I eventually worked it out until the sentences made sense. If somebody can, I'm going to try and write Grandma Whitney but I don't have her address, so if someone back home could snag that for me that would be great. Well how is everything else going? Is the house sold yet??? When does school start for dad? Am I ever gonna get a picture of the family?? Oh and I haven't gotten the packages with the test stripes yet mom, or the freestyle lite meters. So I dunno if I’m supposed to get those later or something???
The Mission is going crazy. I got a lot of rebuking, my self-experiences. During lessons with investigators, every time the spirit would come in the room I would seem to always screw it up. Just by being my normal self, I would start talking about things that had nothing to do with the lesson and I would tell stories that were pointless. If the person started straying from the lesson, that’s exactly what I would do and I wouldn't bring it back. My comp and I have being trying to work on it a lot, finding solutions that will help both of us out. You start realizing when you’re out here that if you’re disobedient, if you’re taking the spirit away the investigators don't progress because of your actions. It’s all on your head. I mean of course people have their choice and if they get offended they get offended or stuff like that. But if they don't feel the spirit when they were willing to listen to it, because you yourself and your companion didn't fully bring it in, it’s probably the worst guilty feeling you could go through, especially when you realize it. When things start going into perspective greater and greater it throws me off. I’m so thankful for the atonement. Without that I would be nothing (well and so would be everyone else). But you have to depend on that. If you use it and you want to keep improving it is never at all easy in any sense but the thing that is, it is worth it. I’ve had to rely on it so much out here. The spirit is so strong, it brings a feeling of peace and comfort and everything is going to be ok. Happiness is a big word. Even when you know you messed up big time with someone or even with obedience it comes into play so much, I mean, man, I can't even explain it. I wish I could just write everything down but I can't. You can get the gist of it when you read my journal ‘cause that’s where I write everything down. I have already written 120 pages in less than 3 months.... I don't think I could keep that up. I did the math and if I write the same amount I have been, for the rest of my mission then I'll have over 1200 pages when I’m done ha ha. I probably wouldn't ever read them ‘cause they are so long, but that’s not the right attitude. Dave and Bev are still going good, except for taking the spirit away from the lessons. But, their daughter was super sick on Sunday, so they weren't at church. I experienced some godly sorrow I think during sacrament yesterday. They didn't show up to church and when an investigator doesn't show up to church and they have been improving so well I think it’s pretty much hell for every missionary and that’s what it was for me. At first I was thinking why they weren't there. Then I blamed myself, then I was just way concerned for them that if they actually knew the true reason for everything we were teaching them and how important it really is. Then I just started thinking that oh they probably got in an accident and now they are in the hospital, ha, way to think positive I know but it’s hard. Everyone in your area, every single person you are responsible for. If you don't try to talk to someone, don't cross the street when you see a person on the other side and if they would've accepted the gospel and you didn't give them that chance you will be held accountable. Deep stuff, it’s scary and it’s a motivation builder at the same time. That’s why the spirit is so important. But anyways not a lot of things happened last week that were too exciting, so I don't really know what to tell ya. Well, actually I broke a record at a member’s house the other day. They cook hamburgers for the missionaries every so often and they are like 1/2 pd hamburgers and the record for a missionary was 3 and that was Elder Williams. So I was like ‘Please, way too easy’. So I ate 5 hamburgers and I would've eaten I think one more, but they ran out of hamburgers. I totally just swept the record, ha ha. It was a piece of cake. I kept eating too after I had the 5 hamburgers, like chips and stuff. The family was impressed they were like ‘no way this guy eats this much and isn't 250 lbs’. I guess I just have a talent, but that’s all there is for exciting news. Actually my companion and I sang for this guy "I am a child of God" and in turn he sang us a song, ha ha. He sang "This little light of mine", it was way funny. We recorded it so maybe I’ll send it out to you guys, but that’s pretty much it for the mission. If you guys want to know anything else just let me know. I love you all.
Oh, and dad my study in the scriptures has been crazy ever since you talked about Elder Bednar and how he studies (which I still don't know how he does it so you could shed some light on that). I have been trying to improve mine so I have this study journal that I bought and any scripture I like I write it down and write my feelings about it. Then I look up the cross references and try to figure out the main message from it and how I can apply it to myself as a missionary and how I can use it for the people we teach out here. It’s way hard. I struggle with it sometimes but let me know what you think or any study tools or ways to study that could help me improve I've been trying to figure the best way for me to remember everything, it’s hard. I struggle with remembering people’s names even and that never helps, ha ha. I love the thoughts you send out keep sending them. They always do me good. I liked the last email you sent about D & C 100:4. Tell me stuff that you want me to shed light on at all. I don't really know what all to write. Tennis sounds good. Thanks for the updates. It all seems pretty tight between everyone in the pros and sounds like you’re doing good with leagues and tournaments. You still got to win one though. I love you Dad,
Elder John Michael Moore
P.S. - I love you too Mom, Scott, Paul, and Jessie
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
August 8, 2010 - Second Letter from Mishawaka
August 8, 2010
Hey Everyone:
Hey, I did hear about the Notre Dame player. I actually met him. His name is Chris Badger, he is going to Ecuador or something like that. He went to Timpview High School. He is a way cool guy. He was way excited to leave. He opened up his call letter with the whole Notre Dame football team, so he told a way cool missionary experience with that. Elder Williams does know about diabetic first aid mother. I told him the first night we were settled in. Don't worry I’m responsible, ha ha, well kinda. I'll try to get an appointment set up with a diabetes doctor and what I all need to do.
But I bet you wanna know how the last week went down. Well it was an up and down week that’s for sure. I remember one of dad’s fellow seminary teachers telling dad or something when Chase, mom and I went to the seminary after we went to the Bountiful temple that I was ready to be a missionary, or I was prepared or something. Ha ha, what an understatement. Whether or not I was, I was humbled this week. I just wasn’t able to figure anything out. I went through a big swing of things. We met up with a couple of investigators. I’m not sure if I told you guys about Dave and Bev, but they are the coolest people ever. They are about your guy's age, 50's area in life and they were a referral from Glen Beck (Just goes to show anyone can be doing missionary work), and they are in love with Glen Beck and found out that he was Mormon. So, not yesterday, but a week ago they just decided to show up to church by themselves, not knowing anybody, and the whole ward fellowshipped them in. They were looking confused in the parking lot and a member asked them if they needed help and she brought them into testimony meeting and they have loved church since. We talked about baptism yesterday with them and when we go by later this week we will set up a baptismal date. It’s so amazing the progression they have made. The first Sunday that they came they went to gospel principles class and learned about the word of wisdom, and both of them haven't drunk coffee since. They just all the sudden went cold turkey......How awesome is that? I still can’t believe it. It’s like a dream. The miracles of people that you encounter and when you share your testimony even if you stumble with it how much it impacts them, it’s so amazing I just can't even express how it is. I feel like I’m not worthy because of what I’m actually helping them accomplish in the eternal aspect of everything. It’s so crazy I’m so excited for them. They both run marathons and half marathons, so I told them to do the Ogden marathon, and that we should do it all together when I get off my mission. Maybe if they invite us to do a 5k on p-day we will be able to. I haven't run as much out here in Mishawaka. But, weird enough I haven't gained a pound. We ate at another Samoan's house again. We had ribs and we ate til we were stuffed, and I mean I ate a lot. As much as I could until I just couldn't swallow any more. Those Samoan's like to eat man!!! We have lately talked a lot with people about temples and temple marriage. It’s so great people just light up when you talk about it with them and you can see that that’s something they want to do and that’s what we are there for. We are going to the college football hall of fame in South Bend today for p-day it'll be sweet, ha ha. Maybe one day my picture will be in there, ha ha, just playin. Missionary work is dang exhausting but totally worth it at the same time. I read my Patriarchal blessing yesterday and that helps a ton. It helps guide me in my mission.
Hey Dad, what ever happened to tennis Districts? Sectionals?? and all that jazz? Don't tell me you blew it for the team!! Ha. There is this guy in the ward up here that played tennis for BYU and plays in tournaments all around. He wants to hit with me sometime on a p-day, but it won't happen cause my companion won't put up with tennis jazz, he doesn't even like to run what a bum. The thing that I try to do out here is forget about the world things that are going on and stuff that will happen when I get home, like sports, especially college football, with all the Notre Dame fans. The thing that helps the most is when I think of family. When I get distracted I think of our family back at home supporting me and how much you guys want me to succeed and to work as hard as i can. It helps so much. I think of friends, ward members, and everyone that has impacted me in life and it’s something that relieves you from stress out here because everyone wants you to do good things out here and when you think of them you don't want to let them down. Well, at least I don't want to let them down, and I won't and I don't, so thanks Mom, Dad, Paul, Scott, and Jessie for your guy’s prayers. Even if you’re not praying for me I know you guys are thinking of me, and it helps me and of course I’m always thinking of you.
Sorry to say nothing too funny happened this week except we biked in the rain and cars splashed us with water. So, if you can imagine me just telling people thank you with a weird looking smile on my face when they splashed us, well, there you go. This guy we tracted into might call mom and dad. He is going out to Ogden and he wanted to get your guy's number so he could meet up with you. I wasn't sure what number to give him so if you want to meet this sweet catholic guy that loves us than tell me what number you guys want me to give him when he gets out there. I was surprised he even asked me. He just said he wanted to get in contact with you guys when he was out there. So, who knows. I found out that Mario is getting baptized the 21st. He was the guy in my last area. It’s awesome. I hope I can see a bunch of people progress out here in Mishawaka.
The people that play for Notre Dame football get 4 free tickets to each home game and they said if we wanted they would give them to us if we brought investigators with us which would be the only way to go anyways because a investigator has to be there but its ok'd by the president as long we bring 2 investigators, so maybe I could be able to see the Notre Dame vs. Utah game. It would be awesome, ha ha. Hey, you should send me out a schedule of the Utah football season. I bought a red tie to wear each day that they play so that would be sweet to have. I’m not sure what else to write, except yes mom our apartment is separated into sections, and the river is way cool to see in our back yard.
We are going to play B-ball with some investigators today other than Dave and Bev and this week we’re going to invite them to baptism. It’s so cool to see people progress and how the gospel changes their life for the better. It’s a big difference that you can see. They feel the spirit which only inviteth to do good so it’s always a humbling experience out here. I'll keep ya guys posted on anything else. Tell me if my letters are too long. Sometimes I think they are but I dunno. If I forgot anything let me know also.
Love you all,
Elder John Michael Moore
Hey Everyone:
Hey, I did hear about the Notre Dame player. I actually met him. His name is Chris Badger, he is going to Ecuador or something like that. He went to Timpview High School. He is a way cool guy. He was way excited to leave. He opened up his call letter with the whole Notre Dame football team, so he told a way cool missionary experience with that. Elder Williams does know about diabetic first aid mother. I told him the first night we were settled in. Don't worry I’m responsible, ha ha, well kinda. I'll try to get an appointment set up with a diabetes doctor and what I all need to do.
But I bet you wanna know how the last week went down. Well it was an up and down week that’s for sure. I remember one of dad’s fellow seminary teachers telling dad or something when Chase, mom and I went to the seminary after we went to the Bountiful temple that I was ready to be a missionary, or I was prepared or something. Ha ha, what an understatement. Whether or not I was, I was humbled this week. I just wasn’t able to figure anything out. I went through a big swing of things. We met up with a couple of investigators. I’m not sure if I told you guys about Dave and Bev, but they are the coolest people ever. They are about your guy's age, 50's area in life and they were a referral from Glen Beck (Just goes to show anyone can be doing missionary work), and they are in love with Glen Beck and found out that he was Mormon. So, not yesterday, but a week ago they just decided to show up to church by themselves, not knowing anybody, and the whole ward fellowshipped them in. They were looking confused in the parking lot and a member asked them if they needed help and she brought them into testimony meeting and they have loved church since. We talked about baptism yesterday with them and when we go by later this week we will set up a baptismal date. It’s so amazing the progression they have made. The first Sunday that they came they went to gospel principles class and learned about the word of wisdom, and both of them haven't drunk coffee since. They just all the sudden went cold turkey......How awesome is that? I still can’t believe it. It’s like a dream. The miracles of people that you encounter and when you share your testimony even if you stumble with it how much it impacts them, it’s so amazing I just can't even express how it is. I feel like I’m not worthy because of what I’m actually helping them accomplish in the eternal aspect of everything. It’s so crazy I’m so excited for them. They both run marathons and half marathons, so I told them to do the Ogden marathon, and that we should do it all together when I get off my mission. Maybe if they invite us to do a 5k on p-day we will be able to. I haven't run as much out here in Mishawaka. But, weird enough I haven't gained a pound. We ate at another Samoan's house again. We had ribs and we ate til we were stuffed, and I mean I ate a lot. As much as I could until I just couldn't swallow any more. Those Samoan's like to eat man!!! We have lately talked a lot with people about temples and temple marriage. It’s so great people just light up when you talk about it with them and you can see that that’s something they want to do and that’s what we are there for. We are going to the college football hall of fame in South Bend today for p-day it'll be sweet, ha ha. Maybe one day my picture will be in there, ha ha, just playin. Missionary work is dang exhausting but totally worth it at the same time. I read my Patriarchal blessing yesterday and that helps a ton. It helps guide me in my mission.
Hey Dad, what ever happened to tennis Districts? Sectionals?? and all that jazz? Don't tell me you blew it for the team!! Ha. There is this guy in the ward up here that played tennis for BYU and plays in tournaments all around. He wants to hit with me sometime on a p-day, but it won't happen cause my companion won't put up with tennis jazz, he doesn't even like to run what a bum. The thing that I try to do out here is forget about the world things that are going on and stuff that will happen when I get home, like sports, especially college football, with all the Notre Dame fans. The thing that helps the most is when I think of family. When I get distracted I think of our family back at home supporting me and how much you guys want me to succeed and to work as hard as i can. It helps so much. I think of friends, ward members, and everyone that has impacted me in life and it’s something that relieves you from stress out here because everyone wants you to do good things out here and when you think of them you don't want to let them down. Well, at least I don't want to let them down, and I won't and I don't, so thanks Mom, Dad, Paul, Scott, and Jessie for your guy’s prayers. Even if you’re not praying for me I know you guys are thinking of me, and it helps me and of course I’m always thinking of you.
Sorry to say nothing too funny happened this week except we biked in the rain and cars splashed us with water. So, if you can imagine me just telling people thank you with a weird looking smile on my face when they splashed us, well, there you go. This guy we tracted into might call mom and dad. He is going out to Ogden and he wanted to get your guy's number so he could meet up with you. I wasn't sure what number to give him so if you want to meet this sweet catholic guy that loves us than tell me what number you guys want me to give him when he gets out there. I was surprised he even asked me. He just said he wanted to get in contact with you guys when he was out there. So, who knows. I found out that Mario is getting baptized the 21st. He was the guy in my last area. It’s awesome. I hope I can see a bunch of people progress out here in Mishawaka.
The people that play for Notre Dame football get 4 free tickets to each home game and they said if we wanted they would give them to us if we brought investigators with us which would be the only way to go anyways because a investigator has to be there but its ok'd by the president as long we bring 2 investigators, so maybe I could be able to see the Notre Dame vs. Utah game. It would be awesome, ha ha. Hey, you should send me out a schedule of the Utah football season. I bought a red tie to wear each day that they play so that would be sweet to have. I’m not sure what else to write, except yes mom our apartment is separated into sections, and the river is way cool to see in our back yard.
We are going to play B-ball with some investigators today other than Dave and Bev and this week we’re going to invite them to baptism. It’s so cool to see people progress and how the gospel changes their life for the better. It’s a big difference that you can see. They feel the spirit which only inviteth to do good so it’s always a humbling experience out here. I'll keep ya guys posted on anything else. Tell me if my letters are too long. Sometimes I think they are but I dunno. If I forgot anything let me know also.
Love you all,
Elder John Michael Moore
Sunday, August 8, 2010
August 2, 2010 - Now in Mishawaka
August 2, 2010
Hey Familia,
Salamat for your email mom its great (salamat means thank you in tagalog). Mario taught us some tagalog before I left Logansport. I know how to hit on woman in a different language now so that will be cool to try out when I get home and all. Well I bet your wondering where I’m at now. I got sent to Mishawaka, Indiana which is right next to South Bend and below Michigan actually some of our area covers Michigan and South Bend. It’s not really that different just a way smaller area and we only have a car every other week so we ride bikes a lot. I’m starting to lose weight now and I’m pretty sure I’m not supposed to but I’m still eating a ton. The members up here in Mishawaka are way nice. There are a lot of Samoans in the ward and we ate at one of their house's on Thursday and they won't take ‘Hey I’m full’ for an answer. You’re not full until all the food is gone so they got the kinda appetite that I like, ha ha. We are going for ribs this Wednesday and my comp says they make a ton so it will be awesome to have some home cooking. My companion now is Elder Williams. He has been out for about 9 months, he is from Thatcher, Arizona and he is way cool. We hit it off pretty well. He is a way obedient missionary so we don't have any problems. It’s crazy that obedience is the most important thing out here. I have definitely learned a lot of different views about obedience and perseverance versus doing something you love and persevering in it. It’s a whole different learning experience. Elder Williams played QB in high school and will be playing safety in college when he goes back home, so on P-day you know we will be throwing the ball around, it will be fun. Well we go to the stake center up in South Bend which is a way nice building, pretty much like one back home but it’s nice for the people here. I met Manti Te'o which is the middle linebacker for Notre Dame. He is a member and he is a big deal in college football. He is a homie though. We saw him at church and talked with him for a bit, he actually brings people from the team to church with him and the players seem to like it a lot, so he is doing a lot of missionary work which is cool. We tracted a lot the first couple of days we ran into this reverend out here who is supposedly famous his name is John Dye you guys will have to google him and tell me about him and stuff. He was not going to read the Book of Mormon though no matter what we told him. He told us that he was greater than Jesus Christ. I started laughing which wasn't the best thing but he said "what?" I told him, ‘well are you perfect?’ and it got him thinking, but he has written a book and been on TV shows and he models and stuff he was way into himself, so kinda prideful. But, he just kept saying that church wasn't important. We rebuked him a little, in a nice way of course, but he wasn't changing for anyone. He was just to set in his way, which is how a lot of people are out here. A lot of people are just set and won't listen to you at all, so what we do is bring up Notre Dame football at first to ease the transition everyone loves Notre Dame out here. They are huge diehard fans so they can talk forever, but we slowly start talking about Mormons and then the Book of Mormon, and then people actually are like ‘Alright, I’ll read it’, which is way cool. I think it’s more of the fact that they are comfortable with us so it’s easier to talk about religion when someone is really comfortable and nice to talk to. It’s always fun to talk about football too. We bring up Manti sometimes and be like ‘ya, he is Mormon’ and people turn their heads for a second and start wanting to learn more about Mormons. A lot of people also have the wrong idea about Mormons too. And there is no way you can change their minds. It’s kinda funny because how can you expect to continue to follow Christ and become a better person, if you’re not willing to have an open heart. People are just set in their ways though and there's nothing you can do about that. We have an investigator who is way into the BOM. He told us last time we came over he was just like LEHI is, No Joke man, and his Boy Nephi is my Man. It was way funny but he told us straight up that he knew that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God so now we just have to act on it and tell him what he needs to do because he knows the BOM is true, that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. So it will be awesome to see him progress. There are still a lot of loopy people out here that are just hammered when they answer the door but don't really know what they are talking about. We try to get out of there as quick as we can because even if we do teach them they won't remember anything. We tell them so we get some interesting scenarios with them one guy kept laughing at us and then he would be mad then just complete serious and start crying, what are you gonna do though. Well I don't really know what else to write, everything else is awesome so no worries. Don't worry mom, I told him about diabetic first aid the first night. My address now is
Elder John Moore
318 Lincoln Way East Apt #2
Mishawaka, In 46544
Love you all still and I’m still working as hard as I can and I have about 250 strips left. I actually counted. That paper that I sent with you with the passport is the invitation Nathan made for his baptism. I was going to send pictures but I ran out of time. I’ll send them today though I’m not sure that I’ll send anything out to you guys. I have enough room in my bags and all. I did have to buy new running shoes cause basketball tore up my Nikes. I tried to buy the cheapest ones though, sorry about that. Well it’s always good to get mail, so I’ll be looking forward to either emails or letters.
Love,
Elder John Michael Moore
Hey Familia,
Salamat for your email mom its great (salamat means thank you in tagalog). Mario taught us some tagalog before I left Logansport. I know how to hit on woman in a different language now so that will be cool to try out when I get home and all. Well I bet your wondering where I’m at now. I got sent to Mishawaka, Indiana which is right next to South Bend and below Michigan actually some of our area covers Michigan and South Bend. It’s not really that different just a way smaller area and we only have a car every other week so we ride bikes a lot. I’m starting to lose weight now and I’m pretty sure I’m not supposed to but I’m still eating a ton. The members up here in Mishawaka are way nice. There are a lot of Samoans in the ward and we ate at one of their house's on Thursday and they won't take ‘Hey I’m full’ for an answer. You’re not full until all the food is gone so they got the kinda appetite that I like, ha ha. We are going for ribs this Wednesday and my comp says they make a ton so it will be awesome to have some home cooking. My companion now is Elder Williams. He has been out for about 9 months, he is from Thatcher, Arizona and he is way cool. We hit it off pretty well. He is a way obedient missionary so we don't have any problems. It’s crazy that obedience is the most important thing out here. I have definitely learned a lot of different views about obedience and perseverance versus doing something you love and persevering in it. It’s a whole different learning experience. Elder Williams played QB in high school and will be playing safety in college when he goes back home, so on P-day you know we will be throwing the ball around, it will be fun. Well we go to the stake center up in South Bend which is a way nice building, pretty much like one back home but it’s nice for the people here. I met Manti Te'o which is the middle linebacker for Notre Dame. He is a member and he is a big deal in college football. He is a homie though. We saw him at church and talked with him for a bit, he actually brings people from the team to church with him and the players seem to like it a lot, so he is doing a lot of missionary work which is cool. We tracted a lot the first couple of days we ran into this reverend out here who is supposedly famous his name is John Dye you guys will have to google him and tell me about him and stuff. He was not going to read the Book of Mormon though no matter what we told him. He told us that he was greater than Jesus Christ. I started laughing which wasn't the best thing but he said "what?" I told him, ‘well are you perfect?’ and it got him thinking, but he has written a book and been on TV shows and he models and stuff he was way into himself, so kinda prideful. But, he just kept saying that church wasn't important. We rebuked him a little, in a nice way of course, but he wasn't changing for anyone. He was just to set in his way, which is how a lot of people are out here. A lot of people are just set and won't listen to you at all, so what we do is bring up Notre Dame football at first to ease the transition everyone loves Notre Dame out here. They are huge diehard fans so they can talk forever, but we slowly start talking about Mormons and then the Book of Mormon, and then people actually are like ‘Alright, I’ll read it’, which is way cool. I think it’s more of the fact that they are comfortable with us so it’s easier to talk about religion when someone is really comfortable and nice to talk to. It’s always fun to talk about football too. We bring up Manti sometimes and be like ‘ya, he is Mormon’ and people turn their heads for a second and start wanting to learn more about Mormons. A lot of people also have the wrong idea about Mormons too. And there is no way you can change their minds. It’s kinda funny because how can you expect to continue to follow Christ and become a better person, if you’re not willing to have an open heart. People are just set in their ways though and there's nothing you can do about that. We have an investigator who is way into the BOM. He told us last time we came over he was just like LEHI is, No Joke man, and his Boy Nephi is my Man. It was way funny but he told us straight up that he knew that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God so now we just have to act on it and tell him what he needs to do because he knows the BOM is true, that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. So it will be awesome to see him progress. There are still a lot of loopy people out here that are just hammered when they answer the door but don't really know what they are talking about. We try to get out of there as quick as we can because even if we do teach them they won't remember anything. We tell them so we get some interesting scenarios with them one guy kept laughing at us and then he would be mad then just complete serious and start crying, what are you gonna do though. Well I don't really know what else to write, everything else is awesome so no worries. Don't worry mom, I told him about diabetic first aid the first night. My address now is
Elder John Moore
318 Lincoln Way East Apt #2
Mishawaka, In 46544
Love you all still and I’m still working as hard as I can and I have about 250 strips left. I actually counted. That paper that I sent with you with the passport is the invitation Nathan made for his baptism. I was going to send pictures but I ran out of time. I’ll send them today though I’m not sure that I’ll send anything out to you guys. I have enough room in my bags and all. I did have to buy new running shoes cause basketball tore up my Nikes. I tried to buy the cheapest ones though, sorry about that. Well it’s always good to get mail, so I’ll be looking forward to either emails or letters.
Love,
Elder John Michael Moore
Friday, July 30, 2010
July 27, 2010 - Last Letter From Logansport
July 27, 2010
Hey Everyone,
Well good news. I’m still loving the mission, so I haven't gone apostate yet. I’m not really planning on it either, but I got a phone call this morning from the mission president and I’m getting transferred tomorrow. I have no idea where yet but I was way disappointed, ha ha. I wanted to stay here in Logansport just because of how much has happened and about how much is going on right now. The baptism for Nathan was so awesome, just the spirit there was so clear. I didn't realize it, but it was the first baptism that I've gone to since mine I think, so it’s been a while. Nathan had a lot of his family there to support him since most of them don't go to church at all. So it was nice and the ward came and supported him. He goes to a different ward then Logansport because his aunt comes and picks him up each Sunday and takes him to Warsaw. And since he is only 12, we can't complain about him coming to our ward so it was alright with us, even though he is in the Logansport boundaries. But, people in the Logansport and Warsaw wards were both there to support him. There are a lot of nice people out here. Anyways, his uncle baptized him and since his family came so far to see him get baptized he was just confirmed right after. The stake president okayed it and all, so he asked me and Elder Banner to be in the circle and WOW was it a experience. We all stood there and while the confirming was going on the spirit was so, so strong it was like a force I don't really know how to describe it even. It was the most peaceful, protecting feeling I'm bold enough to say that I've ever felt. It was so unreal, but at the same time you knew that it was there. It wasn't more or less a feeling but an actual something around you. I have no idea if that makes sense at all, but I know for sure that it was the spirit of God. And, by everyone who confirmed Nathan we all had the power and authority to give him that gift of the Holy Ghost to have as a constant companion. Nathan was the most excited. I've never seen him so excited before. It was good to see that expression in him that he knew what he felt and the importance of doing it. I took pictures of it so I’ll have to send some. We were taken out by his family to Golden Corral and man did I love that. All you can eat and more, ha ha . His whole family loves us since I’m going I won’t be able to see him again, or his family. But we’re planning on working with Nathan’s sister next and get her baptized and to church because there are girls her age at church and her cousin who is the same age goes to church. So hopefully, Elder Banner can impact her and impact the rest of the family to get to church and know the importance of it. To help other people out, and to take the sacrament to renew your baptismal covenants, and there are more reasons than that, but I just can't remember them, ha ha. Well the baptism was a success. We gave Nathan a Book of Mormon that is kinda old school. It’s a hard back, but it’s not blue. We had some at our house so we wanted to give him something to remember us by. We wrote our testimonies in it.
We went tracting the other night in a storm ( don’t worry mom it wasn't a huge tornado or lightning storm, I’m not foolish ok) ha ha. But we got soaking wet. We would talk to people on their doorsteps and they would just send us right back out into the storm no sympathy at all. Tsk, tsk, tsk. It was fun though. We jumped in puddles, and rivers that were flowing down the streets, just because there was no way we could get any more wet. It started getting bad with lightning so we went to the car and drove to a less actives, because the power went out and we don't want to be creepy to people while talking to them with the lights out. Well we were driving on the main roads and we see the side streets flooded with water so we pull over and take a picture of cars just up to their bumpers with water. It was cool. I’ll send the pictures, don't worry. We saw Mario yesterday and we taught the first half of the plan of salvation. about that tagalog book (or whatever way the language is spelled), he doesn't want to read tagalog at all. All he wants to read is English. He reads Twilight and other books and all that stuff. He says that he wants to just speak English so he can learn faster, so our lesson went good making sure he understood everything with us. He is comfortable with us to ask questions about words he doesn't know or if he is saying a sentence right. And if he doesn't understand a concept so, its kinda hard to simplify everything, but we were getting the hang of it. We are actually going to play Basketball with him today, because he likes watching it and he doesn't get out of the house much, since his wife is the only one who can work and she has the car so he just sits at home and reads. So, he is reading the BOM and pamphlets we give him which is awesome. He wants to get baptized, so it will be hard to leave here and not get to see him do that because he is a way sweet guy. He loves us over there, so it’s good. I think he just needs friends, so that’s what we are trying to do. He and his wife, move in a month to Kokomo which is just the next biggest town south of Logansport. So he wants to get baptized before they move so he and his wife can go to church every Sunday in Kokomo . It’s awesome to see his desire to know more. We met with these 2 investigators, Mike and Pam, they're husband and wife and they are just the most humble people. They truly want to know more of what we tell them. Even if they get proven wrong they don't get offended. We tell them why something is and read scriptures, and they will just be like ‘oh man have I been wrong’ and when we come back they will just say ‘I studied about prophets and the bible does say Christ's church does need prophets’ and Mike will say ‘Ya I was wrong.’ You don't get that a lot, but they are looking for the truth and that’s exactly what we have, the truth of God’s gospel. It’s so cool to teach people and a privilege to be out here and given the opportunity to teach God’s word because of how much happiness it can truly give people. I definitely know that it brings happiness because I have seen it in my life and I have seen it in the lives of other people and how much the more you know, the more comfortable you are with yourself. And life just seems so clear in a way. I don't mean that in a boring way but it’s just clear view of everything and you’re so much happier when you see it that way. I still have fun all the time, but I’m not sure how to explain teaching the gospel in words, it’s just an awesome humbling experience. Everything else is going good though. Diabetes is going well, we bike a lot and walk. I better tell you this now P-day is getting changed to Monday now. The new president is changing things up. He is a way nice guy. Way into making sure everyone is doing good and working hard. Haven't really had a chance to talk with him for a long time, just interviews and stuff. Well the first transfer was such a slap in the face learning experience. I’m still learning and still remembering everything that I knew before. I am more comfortable talking to people and just being me and my personality which is kinda awkward I figured out. But people don’t seem to mind. I love everyone. I hope everyone is doing well. I miss you especially mom and dad and Scott, Paul, and Jessie. I hope you guys are doing good and getting by in life. I hope the house sells, so you and dad can spend more time with each other. Thanks a bunch for those overviews of THE LAST AIRBENDER they were sweet. I loved reading them. Well, I’ll write you next week to tell about where I’m serving at. So take care.
Love always,
ELDER JOHN MICHAEL MOORE
Hey Everyone,
Well good news. I’m still loving the mission, so I haven't gone apostate yet. I’m not really planning on it either, but I got a phone call this morning from the mission president and I’m getting transferred tomorrow. I have no idea where yet but I was way disappointed, ha ha. I wanted to stay here in Logansport just because of how much has happened and about how much is going on right now. The baptism for Nathan was so awesome, just the spirit there was so clear. I didn't realize it, but it was the first baptism that I've gone to since mine I think, so it’s been a while. Nathan had a lot of his family there to support him since most of them don't go to church at all. So it was nice and the ward came and supported him. He goes to a different ward then Logansport because his aunt comes and picks him up each Sunday and takes him to Warsaw. And since he is only 12, we can't complain about him coming to our ward so it was alright with us, even though he is in the Logansport boundaries. But, people in the Logansport and Warsaw wards were both there to support him. There are a lot of nice people out here. Anyways, his uncle baptized him and since his family came so far to see him get baptized he was just confirmed right after. The stake president okayed it and all, so he asked me and Elder Banner to be in the circle and WOW was it a experience. We all stood there and while the confirming was going on the spirit was so, so strong it was like a force I don't really know how to describe it even. It was the most peaceful, protecting feeling I'm bold enough to say that I've ever felt. It was so unreal, but at the same time you knew that it was there. It wasn't more or less a feeling but an actual something around you. I have no idea if that makes sense at all, but I know for sure that it was the spirit of God. And, by everyone who confirmed Nathan we all had the power and authority to give him that gift of the Holy Ghost to have as a constant companion. Nathan was the most excited. I've never seen him so excited before. It was good to see that expression in him that he knew what he felt and the importance of doing it. I took pictures of it so I’ll have to send some. We were taken out by his family to Golden Corral and man did I love that. All you can eat and more, ha ha . His whole family loves us since I’m going I won’t be able to see him again, or his family. But we’re planning on working with Nathan’s sister next and get her baptized and to church because there are girls her age at church and her cousin who is the same age goes to church. So hopefully, Elder Banner can impact her and impact the rest of the family to get to church and know the importance of it. To help other people out, and to take the sacrament to renew your baptismal covenants, and there are more reasons than that, but I just can't remember them, ha ha. Well the baptism was a success. We gave Nathan a Book of Mormon that is kinda old school. It’s a hard back, but it’s not blue. We had some at our house so we wanted to give him something to remember us by. We wrote our testimonies in it.
We went tracting the other night in a storm ( don’t worry mom it wasn't a huge tornado or lightning storm, I’m not foolish ok) ha ha. But we got soaking wet. We would talk to people on their doorsteps and they would just send us right back out into the storm no sympathy at all. Tsk, tsk, tsk. It was fun though. We jumped in puddles, and rivers that were flowing down the streets, just because there was no way we could get any more wet. It started getting bad with lightning so we went to the car and drove to a less actives, because the power went out and we don't want to be creepy to people while talking to them with the lights out. Well we were driving on the main roads and we see the side streets flooded with water so we pull over and take a picture of cars just up to their bumpers with water. It was cool. I’ll send the pictures, don't worry. We saw Mario yesterday and we taught the first half of the plan of salvation. about that tagalog book (or whatever way the language is spelled), he doesn't want to read tagalog at all. All he wants to read is English. He reads Twilight and other books and all that stuff. He says that he wants to just speak English so he can learn faster, so our lesson went good making sure he understood everything with us. He is comfortable with us to ask questions about words he doesn't know or if he is saying a sentence right. And if he doesn't understand a concept so, its kinda hard to simplify everything, but we were getting the hang of it. We are actually going to play Basketball with him today, because he likes watching it and he doesn't get out of the house much, since his wife is the only one who can work and she has the car so he just sits at home and reads. So, he is reading the BOM and pamphlets we give him which is awesome. He wants to get baptized, so it will be hard to leave here and not get to see him do that because he is a way sweet guy. He loves us over there, so it’s good. I think he just needs friends, so that’s what we are trying to do. He and his wife, move in a month to Kokomo which is just the next biggest town south of Logansport. So he wants to get baptized before they move so he and his wife can go to church every Sunday in Kokomo . It’s awesome to see his desire to know more. We met with these 2 investigators, Mike and Pam, they're husband and wife and they are just the most humble people. They truly want to know more of what we tell them. Even if they get proven wrong they don't get offended. We tell them why something is and read scriptures, and they will just be like ‘oh man have I been wrong’ and when we come back they will just say ‘I studied about prophets and the bible does say Christ's church does need prophets’ and Mike will say ‘Ya I was wrong.’ You don't get that a lot, but they are looking for the truth and that’s exactly what we have, the truth of God’s gospel. It’s so cool to teach people and a privilege to be out here and given the opportunity to teach God’s word because of how much happiness it can truly give people. I definitely know that it brings happiness because I have seen it in my life and I have seen it in the lives of other people and how much the more you know, the more comfortable you are with yourself. And life just seems so clear in a way. I don't mean that in a boring way but it’s just clear view of everything and you’re so much happier when you see it that way. I still have fun all the time, but I’m not sure how to explain teaching the gospel in words, it’s just an awesome humbling experience. Everything else is going good though. Diabetes is going well, we bike a lot and walk. I better tell you this now P-day is getting changed to Monday now. The new president is changing things up. He is a way nice guy. Way into making sure everyone is doing good and working hard. Haven't really had a chance to talk with him for a long time, just interviews and stuff. Well the first transfer was such a slap in the face learning experience. I’m still learning and still remembering everything that I knew before. I am more comfortable talking to people and just being me and my personality which is kinda awkward I figured out. But people don’t seem to mind. I love everyone. I hope everyone is doing well. I miss you especially mom and dad and Scott, Paul, and Jessie. I hope you guys are doing good and getting by in life. I hope the house sells, so you and dad can spend more time with each other. Thanks a bunch for those overviews of THE LAST AIRBENDER they were sweet. I loved reading them. Well, I’ll write you next week to tell about where I’m serving at. So take care.
Love always,
ELDER JOHN MICHAEL MOORE
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
July 20, 2010 - Logansport, Indiana
July 20, 2010
Whew, it was a crazy week this last week. We did a lot of stuff. We got asked to do service at the county fair, because a member threw out her back and couldn't do it herself. So of course, being missionaries we stepped in. It was a good experience. Everyone that we were serving weren't LDS, so we talked it over, and everyone loved how hard we worked and loved how we are giving up 2 years of our lives for something that we know is true. A lot of them were pretty old and weren't interested in what we knew was true but we tried. We had to work in the kitchen serving food for people. As usual, I had to work the fryer station, not the best job in the world. Elder Banner just yelled out orders to people so it was dumb, haha. But I guess I had previous experience from Arby’s, unfortunately, and so I was a beast at the grill. The people were way surprised how well I caught on. We did get to see some of the fair. It was the weirdest fair I've been to or seen. The people were in this arena type thing and all the stands were full of people so you would've thought it was going to be pretty sweet to see what they were doing in the arena. So Elder Banner and I check it out and there are just these people slapping pigs with sticks walking around. It was the most pointless thing I've ever seen. We asked and talked to people around us trying to figure out what it was about and they kinda explained it. But it wasn't worth watching, I could tell you that, unless you wanted a good ole laugh session. Which I did cause I thought it was hilarious. We had these things called elephant ears, which are these scone type things with cinnamon sugar on top with butter, they were delicious of course. Don't worry, I’m still at the same weight as when i left, so I’m not getting fat. We have had some cool storms out here. Just rain, I haven't been caught in a big rain storm yet while we have been tracting, so that is the next goal. We gave another blessing to someone whose sisters were members but he wasn't. His sisters told him that he should get one cause it would help a ton so, he said yes and then we came. He had some way bad back problems and the next day he was supposed to fly out to Brazil for a service project for 2 weeks so he needed it. It was an awesome feeling. Elder Banner gave the blessing, I anointed with the oil. But I was just as involved in the blessing as if I was saying it. The spirit manifests it to all who are in that circle and the person receives those blessings, even if they weren't heard by the person getting the blessing. It was so cool to be a part of though. We have lately had a lot of new investigators which was awesome. We had to stop seeing one that was giving us trouble, but he still wanted us over. We will still see him everyone once in a while but just not as much and because we have done that we have had so many more new investies. We have this sweet one named Ann. Last time we were over she read part of the BOM and she loved it. I asked her if she knew it was true and she was kinda hesitant about it so I asked her to prepare herself to get baptized as she keeps reading in the BOM. I just bore a hard testimony and she said yes so we are going over tomorrow to talk to her about it and I’m praying that it works out. We were looking for less actives this last Sunday to get them to come to church and we didn't have the list with us of the less actives. Luckily I wrote one down in my planner and I said let’s see this one. So we go over there and we were supposed to talk to Sister Pedro. We meet this guy named Mario and find out that Sister Pedro is busy and will be down to talk with us in a couple of minutes. So we talk to Mario about him and all and we found out that he and his wife Sister Pedro are from the Philippines, or however you spell it, but Mario was struggling with English. He speaks Taglog, or whatever language is back out there. And after we talk for awhile Sister Pedro comes down and we get to know them more and more and we find out that Mario isn't a member and that Sister Pedro’s job was way tight and she is the only one that works so she can't make it to church on Sundays because of that. So we talked to Mario about the church and Sis. Pedro interrupts and says " YA we have been waitin’ months for the missionaries to come over and baptize Mario because he wants to be baptized!!!" ME and Elder Banner just look at each other pretty much praying saying thank you we just tell them "We will do that" so since he is struggling in English he wants to practice it with us as we teach him the lessons so it will be a learning experience for the both of us. I’m way excited to meet with him, he is way into it. It was way funny how they said that though I almost busted up laughing right there but I held my own. The missionary work out here is going awesome I love it so much. We have transfers next week and I’m not sure if I’m getting transferred or Elder Banner, or both of us, or not at all so we will find out next p-day. So, I will let you know next week. Logansport is a sweet place to serve in, a lot of cool people. Yesterday we went to Monticello to meet with a investigator and we found out that he is a Catholic priest. That kinda took us off guard but he wanted to know more and he was totally ok with what we told him. He was and has had problems with the Catholic church in some things so he wanted to know our view on things. He promised us that by next week he will have the whole Book of Mormon read and we will talk about it with him. His daughter is way interested in it too. She didn't get to meet with us last night but she wanted too. She is 17 and plays tennis, so maybe I can relate something to the gospel about tennis haha. But he was a way sweet guy he told us that he is looking for the truth and that’s exactly what we have. I'm gonna buy the Conference talks on CDs out here so I can listen to them. They are way sweet to listen to. They help out a lot when talking to people. The Last Airbender sounds awesome. Dad did a little overview so I’ll be way excited to read your letters. I hear about these people reading my letters back home and how excited they are for me and the experiences I’m having. I hope they can take more from my experiences then just being excited for me, because my mission isn't anything about me at all. I want the experiences people read about, my stories, to get something from it. That they can become better, that maybe they can see something they can improve on, cause we all need to improve. So, whoever reads my letters on the blog or whatever, I hope you take something more than just being excited for me.
Elder Moore
To Dad:
Hey dad, thanks for the update. I love hearing from you. Mostly it’s just Mom and hearing all her stories is good and all, but I definitely like the man talk. Ha ha. At least you don't talk about what you ate last night. Please, don't start. Out here it’s crazy about how much people are so into their religion, but they contradict themselves when we talk to them and they just can't see where they contradict themselves. We don't bash hardly ever because I’m definitely not literate in the Bible that much, but Elder Banner is, which is good to learn stuff from him and all. I especially know that you are. I’m sure you know more than a lot of people. We met with a Catholic priest last night who wanted to meet with us, so he invited us over for dinner. We didn't have a bash session, but he was like a free Catholic. He didn't like a lot of stuff about Catholicism but he still likes some stuff and it’s what he grew up in and that’s what’s different. He has never read the BOM so we talked to him about it. Told him stuff that’s different about our church than everyone else's. Of course the loss of power and authority seems to be a struggle with everyone but we taught the restoration and stuff and we gave him a BOM and we asked for a return appointment for Thursday. But he was like no way that’s not enough time I want to read the whole thing. So next week we are going over to talk about what he read and prayed about in the BOM, so it will be interesting even though transfers are next week and I’m not sure if I’m leaving or Elder Banner is leaving, or if we are both staying. We won’t find out until next Tuesday, 1 day before transfers. I’m trying to make sure my studies are more effective during breaks I try to study even though we don't have to. We are just supposed to relax. I still want to cause I feel like I should know more right now. I’m just focused on the BOM and PMG (Preach My Gospel) just making sure I have the lessons down and that my testimony of the BOM just keeps increasing. I love studying now more than ever. It’s weird, I kinda hate it though cause now I’m turning into you. Ha ha, just kidding. But someone who just loves to know more and more which is what the church wants, so I’m glad that you have set that example for me and I was just kidding.
I love you Dad. I love hearing from you too.
Your son always,
Elder Moore
Whew, it was a crazy week this last week. We did a lot of stuff. We got asked to do service at the county fair, because a member threw out her back and couldn't do it herself. So of course, being missionaries we stepped in. It was a good experience. Everyone that we were serving weren't LDS, so we talked it over, and everyone loved how hard we worked and loved how we are giving up 2 years of our lives for something that we know is true. A lot of them were pretty old and weren't interested in what we knew was true but we tried. We had to work in the kitchen serving food for people. As usual, I had to work the fryer station, not the best job in the world. Elder Banner just yelled out orders to people so it was dumb, haha. But I guess I had previous experience from Arby’s, unfortunately, and so I was a beast at the grill. The people were way surprised how well I caught on. We did get to see some of the fair. It was the weirdest fair I've been to or seen. The people were in this arena type thing and all the stands were full of people so you would've thought it was going to be pretty sweet to see what they were doing in the arena. So Elder Banner and I check it out and there are just these people slapping pigs with sticks walking around. It was the most pointless thing I've ever seen. We asked and talked to people around us trying to figure out what it was about and they kinda explained it. But it wasn't worth watching, I could tell you that, unless you wanted a good ole laugh session. Which I did cause I thought it was hilarious. We had these things called elephant ears, which are these scone type things with cinnamon sugar on top with butter, they were delicious of course. Don't worry, I’m still at the same weight as when i left, so I’m not getting fat. We have had some cool storms out here. Just rain, I haven't been caught in a big rain storm yet while we have been tracting, so that is the next goal. We gave another blessing to someone whose sisters were members but he wasn't. His sisters told him that he should get one cause it would help a ton so, he said yes and then we came. He had some way bad back problems and the next day he was supposed to fly out to Brazil for a service project for 2 weeks so he needed it. It was an awesome feeling. Elder Banner gave the blessing, I anointed with the oil. But I was just as involved in the blessing as if I was saying it. The spirit manifests it to all who are in that circle and the person receives those blessings, even if they weren't heard by the person getting the blessing. It was so cool to be a part of though. We have lately had a lot of new investigators which was awesome. We had to stop seeing one that was giving us trouble, but he still wanted us over. We will still see him everyone once in a while but just not as much and because we have done that we have had so many more new investies. We have this sweet one named Ann. Last time we were over she read part of the BOM and she loved it. I asked her if she knew it was true and she was kinda hesitant about it so I asked her to prepare herself to get baptized as she keeps reading in the BOM. I just bore a hard testimony and she said yes so we are going over tomorrow to talk to her about it and I’m praying that it works out. We were looking for less actives this last Sunday to get them to come to church and we didn't have the list with us of the less actives. Luckily I wrote one down in my planner and I said let’s see this one. So we go over there and we were supposed to talk to Sister Pedro. We meet this guy named Mario and find out that Sister Pedro is busy and will be down to talk with us in a couple of minutes. So we talk to Mario about him and all and we found out that he and his wife Sister Pedro are from the Philippines, or however you spell it, but Mario was struggling with English. He speaks Taglog, or whatever language is back out there. And after we talk for awhile Sister Pedro comes down and we get to know them more and more and we find out that Mario isn't a member and that Sister Pedro’s job was way tight and she is the only one that works so she can't make it to church on Sundays because of that. So we talked to Mario about the church and Sis. Pedro interrupts and says " YA we have been waitin’ months for the missionaries to come over and baptize Mario because he wants to be baptized!!!" ME and Elder Banner just look at each other pretty much praying saying thank you we just tell them "We will do that" so since he is struggling in English he wants to practice it with us as we teach him the lessons so it will be a learning experience for the both of us. I’m way excited to meet with him, he is way into it. It was way funny how they said that though I almost busted up laughing right there but I held my own. The missionary work out here is going awesome I love it so much. We have transfers next week and I’m not sure if I’m getting transferred or Elder Banner, or both of us, or not at all so we will find out next p-day. So, I will let you know next week. Logansport is a sweet place to serve in, a lot of cool people. Yesterday we went to Monticello to meet with a investigator and we found out that he is a Catholic priest. That kinda took us off guard but he wanted to know more and he was totally ok with what we told him. He was and has had problems with the Catholic church in some things so he wanted to know our view on things. He promised us that by next week he will have the whole Book of Mormon read and we will talk about it with him. His daughter is way interested in it too. She didn't get to meet with us last night but she wanted too. She is 17 and plays tennis, so maybe I can relate something to the gospel about tennis haha. But he was a way sweet guy he told us that he is looking for the truth and that’s exactly what we have. I'm gonna buy the Conference talks on CDs out here so I can listen to them. They are way sweet to listen to. They help out a lot when talking to people. The Last Airbender sounds awesome. Dad did a little overview so I’ll be way excited to read your letters. I hear about these people reading my letters back home and how excited they are for me and the experiences I’m having. I hope they can take more from my experiences then just being excited for me, because my mission isn't anything about me at all. I want the experiences people read about, my stories, to get something from it. That they can become better, that maybe they can see something they can improve on, cause we all need to improve. So, whoever reads my letters on the blog or whatever, I hope you take something more than just being excited for me.
Elder Moore
To Dad:
Hey dad, thanks for the update. I love hearing from you. Mostly it’s just Mom and hearing all her stories is good and all, but I definitely like the man talk. Ha ha. At least you don't talk about what you ate last night. Please, don't start. Out here it’s crazy about how much people are so into their religion, but they contradict themselves when we talk to them and they just can't see where they contradict themselves. We don't bash hardly ever because I’m definitely not literate in the Bible that much, but Elder Banner is, which is good to learn stuff from him and all. I especially know that you are. I’m sure you know more than a lot of people. We met with a Catholic priest last night who wanted to meet with us, so he invited us over for dinner. We didn't have a bash session, but he was like a free Catholic. He didn't like a lot of stuff about Catholicism but he still likes some stuff and it’s what he grew up in and that’s what’s different. He has never read the BOM so we talked to him about it. Told him stuff that’s different about our church than everyone else's. Of course the loss of power and authority seems to be a struggle with everyone but we taught the restoration and stuff and we gave him a BOM and we asked for a return appointment for Thursday. But he was like no way that’s not enough time I want to read the whole thing. So next week we are going over to talk about what he read and prayed about in the BOM, so it will be interesting even though transfers are next week and I’m not sure if I’m leaving or Elder Banner is leaving, or if we are both staying. We won’t find out until next Tuesday, 1 day before transfers. I’m trying to make sure my studies are more effective during breaks I try to study even though we don't have to. We are just supposed to relax. I still want to cause I feel like I should know more right now. I’m just focused on the BOM and PMG (Preach My Gospel) just making sure I have the lessons down and that my testimony of the BOM just keeps increasing. I love studying now more than ever. It’s weird, I kinda hate it though cause now I’m turning into you. Ha ha, just kidding. But someone who just loves to know more and more which is what the church wants, so I’m glad that you have set that example for me and I was just kidding.
I love you Dad. I love hearing from you too.
Your son always,
Elder Moore
July 13, 2010 - Logansport, Indiana
July 13, 2010
Alright Dad and Mom,
So last week I was going to pull just a little joke on you guys about getting shot at....Well we did get shot at but it was by someone driving past us in the middle of the day, but it was just a cap gun. Ha ha, how immature huh? I was supposed to put just kidding at the end of the email last week but I totally spaced it, my bad. But everything else is going good. It sounds awesome that dad met that one guy that knows Elder Banner’s family. I’m sure you could actually go find his family mom. They don't live to far away from home, just in Riverdale. He is a great guy totally a great example of being a missionary. He is way dedicated and always is on time and makes time for everything. So, I’m sure you’re wondering about how I have been getting up in the morning right?? Well I've been doing awesome. Right when the alarm clock goes off I’m out of bed saying my prayers and exercising. I will for sure send you guys some pictures. I should pick some up today and I will send them off today or tomorrow. They will be pretty funny. YOU GUYS NEED TO SEE THE LAST AIRBENDER ALREADY. Geez nobody has told me about it at all. We go over to houses and I see commercials for it all the time. So it catches my eye, I’m not addicted, don't worry.
I went on splits with the assistants to the pres. on Saturday. Man did I learn a lot. These guys were just awesome. We had some pretty crazy lessons and people we taught. We ran into a lot of mean people when I was with them though. People just yelling at us and slamming their doors. Usually when people slam their doors they lock it right behind them. I think its way funny. It’s like they think we are going to just bust into their house and share our message with them no matter what they say.
I gotta share with you guys who we are meeting with. That Nathan kid I told you about is still doing way awesome, loves church, and loves us coming over. We try to play games while teaching the lessons to him cause since he is only 12 it’s easier for him to remember things if we have a game to it. Well, at least it is working for him right now.
Michael is a new guy we just tracted into. He is like a scriptorian. Knows everything way well in the Bible, way more than me at least. He knows stories and scriptures all that jazz, so does his wife. They went thru a heavy patch in their life they had a son born that lived his whole life in the hospital till he died when he was 1 years old. It was so sad when they talked about him because you could just tell how much they cared about him. He was born just under 2 pounds they said, and was on an incubator his whole life and went brain dead. It was crazy how they took that part in their life to get closer to God when most people just use problems in their life to get farther away from God, like they want someone to blame which is why they are so awesome. Their testimonies of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father are so strong they just don't have the fullness of the gospel yet, which we are working on. Michael is a huge Lord of the Rings fan, so I’m going to try and use that to work it into our lessons. I sure hope it will work out. They love us over there.
Steve is this 50 year old guy. He is married, but his wife is one of those Seventh Day Adventist people. He hasn't picked a church himself but he started going to Church with the missionaries before I came but he stopped right before, because he goes across the street to the church that is closer to him and he likes the preacher and they do sing a longs which I guess he loves. He totally knows that the LDS church is true. It’s just his wife that has stopped his progression. He was so on top of things and feeling the spirit but his wife started getting in the way ‘cause she is relying on her preacher giving her all her information which you know can't be a good thing, so she is kinda corrupting Steve. We had a lesson with him on the Restoration on Saturday and we were being way bold. He was taking it way well and you could see the Spirit working on him. He was understanding, asking questions, and wanting to know more. All the sudden before we finished, his wife walks in and she says some anti remark, and he just goes 180 degrees on us and says yea, you guys shouldn't come over as much, I like going to the church across the street, but thank you for starting to get me to come to church. I know he has a testimony of what we taught him deep down but it’s just his wife, I think that makes him not see it for himself. I mean I don't like to point fingers or anything, but I wanted to get out of my seat and just punch her in the face when she walked in on Saturday. Haha, oh my, that doesn't sound very missionary like does it. Well I guess I just want to see him keep progressing and I can't give up on him. Elder Banner has taught me a lot about not giving up on people, which is way good. I don't intend to ever, but sometimes you forget things, and all just doesn't run smoothly in your head.
This last week I've been trying to increase my testimony and work on studying like a hard core study, where I remember everything I've been reading and praying every day that I can know as much as I can know out of the Book of Mormon and Preach My Gospel.
My Testimony of the Book of Mormon has increased so much from being out here. A lot of people just reject it because they have the Bible, or that Satan wrote the Book of Mormon thru Joseph Smith, so many negative things. We listened to a talk by Jeffery R. Holland in the car the other day. It was the one he gave about the Book of Mormon last October. Man, when I listened to that you could just feel the spirit. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know it for myself, I have read in the Bible, not a whole lot, but enough to know that The Book of Mormon complements it. It’s by the Book of Mormon that we know of everything in our religion. Anyone who reads will know for themselves that it is true. Only, if they ask with real intent and a sincere heart. A lot of people say that they prayed about it and it’s still false. But, I know that you can pray for something with the answer your looking for already set in your heart, and you won't get another answer. That’s what it will be if you believe that the BOM is false and you pray to know it’s false. That’s the answer you will get ‘cause God won't change a set heart. You have to ask with real intent. It’s so vital and it’s so unselfish. You can't take anyone else's word for what the BOM is. Not mine, not anybody's, not even your own point of view until you ask God and when he does tell you that its true, which he will, then your point of view will go with others because it has been told to you by the Holy Ghost that it is true and you will see that in others eyes. It’s so vital, I can't even say it in words. But I know that Joseph Smith would not die for something that was false, something that was made up. An evil man could not have written a book so full of the gospel of Christ and a good man couldn't have unless he was called by God to do so. I know this for myself. I will do anything for other people to get them to realize for themselves that it is true. For if it’s true, then Joseph Smith was a prophet and called of God, and if that’s true then God still talks to prophets today, because he loves us. Man, I don't know why I went on that huge tangent but it’s important to know for every person because the worth of every soul is great in the eyes of God.
Well everything else is going good. I’m working on my football skills on P-days so I can get better. I’m still stickin’ with my dreams.
Elder John Moore
Alright Dad and Mom,
So last week I was going to pull just a little joke on you guys about getting shot at....Well we did get shot at but it was by someone driving past us in the middle of the day, but it was just a cap gun. Ha ha, how immature huh? I was supposed to put just kidding at the end of the email last week but I totally spaced it, my bad. But everything else is going good. It sounds awesome that dad met that one guy that knows Elder Banner’s family. I’m sure you could actually go find his family mom. They don't live to far away from home, just in Riverdale. He is a great guy totally a great example of being a missionary. He is way dedicated and always is on time and makes time for everything. So, I’m sure you’re wondering about how I have been getting up in the morning right?? Well I've been doing awesome. Right when the alarm clock goes off I’m out of bed saying my prayers and exercising. I will for sure send you guys some pictures. I should pick some up today and I will send them off today or tomorrow. They will be pretty funny. YOU GUYS NEED TO SEE THE LAST AIRBENDER ALREADY. Geez nobody has told me about it at all. We go over to houses and I see commercials for it all the time. So it catches my eye, I’m not addicted, don't worry.
I went on splits with the assistants to the pres. on Saturday. Man did I learn a lot. These guys were just awesome. We had some pretty crazy lessons and people we taught. We ran into a lot of mean people when I was with them though. People just yelling at us and slamming their doors. Usually when people slam their doors they lock it right behind them. I think its way funny. It’s like they think we are going to just bust into their house and share our message with them no matter what they say.
I gotta share with you guys who we are meeting with. That Nathan kid I told you about is still doing way awesome, loves church, and loves us coming over. We try to play games while teaching the lessons to him cause since he is only 12 it’s easier for him to remember things if we have a game to it. Well, at least it is working for him right now.
Michael is a new guy we just tracted into. He is like a scriptorian. Knows everything way well in the Bible, way more than me at least. He knows stories and scriptures all that jazz, so does his wife. They went thru a heavy patch in their life they had a son born that lived his whole life in the hospital till he died when he was 1 years old. It was so sad when they talked about him because you could just tell how much they cared about him. He was born just under 2 pounds they said, and was on an incubator his whole life and went brain dead. It was crazy how they took that part in their life to get closer to God when most people just use problems in their life to get farther away from God, like they want someone to blame which is why they are so awesome. Their testimonies of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father are so strong they just don't have the fullness of the gospel yet, which we are working on. Michael is a huge Lord of the Rings fan, so I’m going to try and use that to work it into our lessons. I sure hope it will work out. They love us over there.
Steve is this 50 year old guy. He is married, but his wife is one of those Seventh Day Adventist people. He hasn't picked a church himself but he started going to Church with the missionaries before I came but he stopped right before, because he goes across the street to the church that is closer to him and he likes the preacher and they do sing a longs which I guess he loves. He totally knows that the LDS church is true. It’s just his wife that has stopped his progression. He was so on top of things and feeling the spirit but his wife started getting in the way ‘cause she is relying on her preacher giving her all her information which you know can't be a good thing, so she is kinda corrupting Steve. We had a lesson with him on the Restoration on Saturday and we were being way bold. He was taking it way well and you could see the Spirit working on him. He was understanding, asking questions, and wanting to know more. All the sudden before we finished, his wife walks in and she says some anti remark, and he just goes 180 degrees on us and says yea, you guys shouldn't come over as much, I like going to the church across the street, but thank you for starting to get me to come to church. I know he has a testimony of what we taught him deep down but it’s just his wife, I think that makes him not see it for himself. I mean I don't like to point fingers or anything, but I wanted to get out of my seat and just punch her in the face when she walked in on Saturday. Haha, oh my, that doesn't sound very missionary like does it. Well I guess I just want to see him keep progressing and I can't give up on him. Elder Banner has taught me a lot about not giving up on people, which is way good. I don't intend to ever, but sometimes you forget things, and all just doesn't run smoothly in your head.
This last week I've been trying to increase my testimony and work on studying like a hard core study, where I remember everything I've been reading and praying every day that I can know as much as I can know out of the Book of Mormon and Preach My Gospel.
My Testimony of the Book of Mormon has increased so much from being out here. A lot of people just reject it because they have the Bible, or that Satan wrote the Book of Mormon thru Joseph Smith, so many negative things. We listened to a talk by Jeffery R. Holland in the car the other day. It was the one he gave about the Book of Mormon last October. Man, when I listened to that you could just feel the spirit. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know it for myself, I have read in the Bible, not a whole lot, but enough to know that The Book of Mormon complements it. It’s by the Book of Mormon that we know of everything in our religion. Anyone who reads will know for themselves that it is true. Only, if they ask with real intent and a sincere heart. A lot of people say that they prayed about it and it’s still false. But, I know that you can pray for something with the answer your looking for already set in your heart, and you won't get another answer. That’s what it will be if you believe that the BOM is false and you pray to know it’s false. That’s the answer you will get ‘cause God won't change a set heart. You have to ask with real intent. It’s so vital and it’s so unselfish. You can't take anyone else's word for what the BOM is. Not mine, not anybody's, not even your own point of view until you ask God and when he does tell you that its true, which he will, then your point of view will go with others because it has been told to you by the Holy Ghost that it is true and you will see that in others eyes. It’s so vital, I can't even say it in words. But I know that Joseph Smith would not die for something that was false, something that was made up. An evil man could not have written a book so full of the gospel of Christ and a good man couldn't have unless he was called by God to do so. I know this for myself. I will do anything for other people to get them to realize for themselves that it is true. For if it’s true, then Joseph Smith was a prophet and called of God, and if that’s true then God still talks to prophets today, because he loves us. Man, I don't know why I went on that huge tangent but it’s important to know for every person because the worth of every soul is great in the eyes of God.
Well everything else is going good. I’m working on my football skills on P-days so I can get better. I’m still stickin’ with my dreams.
Elder John Moore
July 6, 2010 - Logansport, Indiana
July 6, 2010
Hey mom and dad,
Well nothing too exciting happened this week except I do have a funny story to tell you about. My comp and I were out tracting and we go up to this house and the screen door was shut but the wood door behind it was wide open. This sweet little old lady yells at us and says what do you want??? Sweet huh??? Ha, but we just say to talk to you and see how you’re doing. She said really?? Well I’ll tell you my whole life story so she did. Don't worry about that she was a little out of it. You could tell she was about 80 yrs old, so it was a long life story, and then she started telling us about her kids and grandkids and great grandkids. It was insane so we start going into religion, but, she won't really let us. Then my comp Elder Banner just tells the lady Hey my companion here is a really good singer and he would love to sing you a song......I was just like what? Probably with the dumbest look on my face, and the lady was ecstatic. She was like that would be lovely, and of course I’m standing there saying, no I’m a terrible singer, you wouldn't want to hear me. People make fun of my singing, I’m really not that good. And Elder Banner is just saying oh no he is just being modest and polite, he is really, really, good. So she gets all ready, turns off her TV, which took her 10 minutes to do, and she sat down and said go for it, and she wasn't taking no for an answer. So I just freeze up and say, well my comp and I will sing it and Elder Banner just looks at me and shakes his head and for some reason I just start singing I am a Child of God. I sing the first verse and after I finished the lady starts clapping saying that I was really good. Good thing she was really old, cause I don't think she could hear all that well. So, after that we just tell her we had to go, and me and my comp just start busting up laughing on the side walk. I wasn't really mad just taken back about how I got stuck with doing it and how I went thru with it. Everything else is going good, working on seeing less actives, and I still see how important home teachers really are. 4th of July was interesting. They didn't have us inside early and there were a lot of drunk people out and about. We didn't get too much crap though, a lot of people respect us out here even in the rough part of town where everyone is carrying guns and stuff. We actually got shot at though...Don't freak out mom I’m alright it was weird though. Still a lot of nice people. It’s definitely weird to see girls out here in your mission. You think, well at least I did, that when you come out here girls don't exist, well at least the pretty ones don't exist anymore. Or maybe you just don't notice them at all. But a lot of girls driving past us will whistle or shout, ‘hey baby’ or say, ‘I'd like some of that’. Ha ha, it’s pretty funny but it’s definitely ‘cause me and my comp are so good looking. Ha ha, just kidding. But putting it past your mind and putting a lot of other things past your mind is a lot harder than I thought it would be from when I got out here on the mission. I'm still working on it though and working on just totally forgetting myself. It sounds like a simple statement but i definitely have found it a lot harder than a lot of things in life cause that’s who we think about most usually, ourselves. So I definitely got to stop it. I’m working on it though. I love talking to people and meeting weirdos, or people that just hate us. It makes me smile, ha ha, ‘cause it doesn't even matter what they think about you, they still need the gospel. So does everyone else in the world no matter what they have done or who they are. I do have a baptism coming up though on the 24th of July for the 12 year old kid I told you about. It will be way awesome, it’s always fun to teach him about all the stuff, ‘cause we try to use object lessons so he will understand better and actually know it.
So about my insulin stuff, I’m really confused about the whole new insulin you have lined up for me. And my pump, nope i don't want it. Like you said a lot of people seem to have more negative things than positive about it, and I know that it would be more of a hassle out here in the mission field than anything. So yep, give it to Dave O. My blood sugars are doing awesome. Don't worry about that I should check more times during the day, but when you’re so busy saving lives it’s hard. Remember, I don't want it and give it to Dave O. ok? Nothing is gonna change my mind. Another diabetic out here is taking shots and his last Ha1c was 5.6 or something like that, just super well controlled, so it helps a lot more then pumps I think. My watch was the one Scott and Paul gave to me. Don’t worry about it though, I don't really want a watch cause you start looking at it too much and time just seems to stay frozen. It’s a lot better without. Maybe you could get it fixed, but I don't really know. Ask Paul about it maybe. And yes, get the whole family to write to me. Tell them that I really want to hear from them because I really do. I want to hear from G-ma and the grandparents, Doug’s family, Brian’s family. and most importantly my own family. The whole prescription thing to Walgreens or Riteaid, I have no idea. I don't think I have even seen here yet. I’m in a pretty small town. With the cell phone thing we can get messages but we can’t text at all so members will tell us stuff or less actives. We aren't allowed to call out of our zone area, it’s really strict controlled, so it’s not really a distraction for me too much. I have no idea what your phone email is so sorry about that, but it’s cool that you got a new phone. Do you even know how to work it yet since dad hasn't been around?
And Daddio, Wimbledon sounded awesome. I still have no idea who won or anything so you will have to let me know. I sent a letter to ya and I hope you got it. I’m not sure what else to write except I love you all and the mission is going good. It’s just a work in progress.
Oh and MOM and DAD I command you to see the movie "THE LAST AIRBENDER" and tell me all about it. Just pretend you’re me seeing the movie and you will find it to be awesome I’m sure. But seriously, see it for me at least. Don't want to sound to demanding or anything haha.
Don’t send anything to me mom except for the insulin and junk. I don't think I need anything else and i don't want to be loaded with stuff. I think that’s it.
Love,
Elder John Moore
Hey mom and dad,
Well nothing too exciting happened this week except I do have a funny story to tell you about. My comp and I were out tracting and we go up to this house and the screen door was shut but the wood door behind it was wide open. This sweet little old lady yells at us and says what do you want??? Sweet huh??? Ha, but we just say to talk to you and see how you’re doing. She said really?? Well I’ll tell you my whole life story so she did. Don't worry about that she was a little out of it. You could tell she was about 80 yrs old, so it was a long life story, and then she started telling us about her kids and grandkids and great grandkids. It was insane so we start going into religion, but, she won't really let us. Then my comp Elder Banner just tells the lady Hey my companion here is a really good singer and he would love to sing you a song......I was just like what? Probably with the dumbest look on my face, and the lady was ecstatic. She was like that would be lovely, and of course I’m standing there saying, no I’m a terrible singer, you wouldn't want to hear me. People make fun of my singing, I’m really not that good. And Elder Banner is just saying oh no he is just being modest and polite, he is really, really, good. So she gets all ready, turns off her TV, which took her 10 minutes to do, and she sat down and said go for it, and she wasn't taking no for an answer. So I just freeze up and say, well my comp and I will sing it and Elder Banner just looks at me and shakes his head and for some reason I just start singing I am a Child of God. I sing the first verse and after I finished the lady starts clapping saying that I was really good. Good thing she was really old, cause I don't think she could hear all that well. So, after that we just tell her we had to go, and me and my comp just start busting up laughing on the side walk. I wasn't really mad just taken back about how I got stuck with doing it and how I went thru with it. Everything else is going good, working on seeing less actives, and I still see how important home teachers really are. 4th of July was interesting. They didn't have us inside early and there were a lot of drunk people out and about. We didn't get too much crap though, a lot of people respect us out here even in the rough part of town where everyone is carrying guns and stuff. We actually got shot at though...Don't freak out mom I’m alright it was weird though. Still a lot of nice people. It’s definitely weird to see girls out here in your mission. You think, well at least I did, that when you come out here girls don't exist, well at least the pretty ones don't exist anymore. Or maybe you just don't notice them at all. But a lot of girls driving past us will whistle or shout, ‘hey baby’ or say, ‘I'd like some of that’. Ha ha, it’s pretty funny but it’s definitely ‘cause me and my comp are so good looking. Ha ha, just kidding. But putting it past your mind and putting a lot of other things past your mind is a lot harder than I thought it would be from when I got out here on the mission. I'm still working on it though and working on just totally forgetting myself. It sounds like a simple statement but i definitely have found it a lot harder than a lot of things in life cause that’s who we think about most usually, ourselves. So I definitely got to stop it. I’m working on it though. I love talking to people and meeting weirdos, or people that just hate us. It makes me smile, ha ha, ‘cause it doesn't even matter what they think about you, they still need the gospel. So does everyone else in the world no matter what they have done or who they are. I do have a baptism coming up though on the 24th of July for the 12 year old kid I told you about. It will be way awesome, it’s always fun to teach him about all the stuff, ‘cause we try to use object lessons so he will understand better and actually know it.
So about my insulin stuff, I’m really confused about the whole new insulin you have lined up for me. And my pump, nope i don't want it. Like you said a lot of people seem to have more negative things than positive about it, and I know that it would be more of a hassle out here in the mission field than anything. So yep, give it to Dave O. My blood sugars are doing awesome. Don't worry about that I should check more times during the day, but when you’re so busy saving lives it’s hard. Remember, I don't want it and give it to Dave O. ok? Nothing is gonna change my mind. Another diabetic out here is taking shots and his last Ha1c was 5.6 or something like that, just super well controlled, so it helps a lot more then pumps I think. My watch was the one Scott and Paul gave to me. Don’t worry about it though, I don't really want a watch cause you start looking at it too much and time just seems to stay frozen. It’s a lot better without. Maybe you could get it fixed, but I don't really know. Ask Paul about it maybe. And yes, get the whole family to write to me. Tell them that I really want to hear from them because I really do. I want to hear from G-ma and the grandparents, Doug’s family, Brian’s family. and most importantly my own family. The whole prescription thing to Walgreens or Riteaid, I have no idea. I don't think I have even seen here yet. I’m in a pretty small town. With the cell phone thing we can get messages but we can’t text at all so members will tell us stuff or less actives. We aren't allowed to call out of our zone area, it’s really strict controlled, so it’s not really a distraction for me too much. I have no idea what your phone email is so sorry about that, but it’s cool that you got a new phone. Do you even know how to work it yet since dad hasn't been around?
And Daddio, Wimbledon sounded awesome. I still have no idea who won or anything so you will have to let me know. I sent a letter to ya and I hope you got it. I’m not sure what else to write except I love you all and the mission is going good. It’s just a work in progress.
Oh and MOM and DAD I command you to see the movie "THE LAST AIRBENDER" and tell me all about it. Just pretend you’re me seeing the movie and you will find it to be awesome I’m sure. But seriously, see it for me at least. Don't want to sound to demanding or anything haha.
Don’t send anything to me mom except for the insulin and junk. I don't think I need anything else and i don't want to be loaded with stuff. I think that’s it.
Love,
Elder John Moore
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