Saturday, December 27, 2014
Krishtlindje! (Sent Dec 26)
Dear Family,
I loved talking to you all.
Fun thought. We woke up early to open presents. We sat down, ready to open all my 'oreos' and I said, let's sing a Christmas song. You see, we've been waiting till Christmas to sing 'I heard the Bells on Christmas Day'. (We sing 2 hymns a day...we'll hit #100 pretty soon) After we sang the song we just looked at each other, knowing we had to say a prayer. I am grateful for that habit that I've developed, to pray every time I sing. I've also developed the habit that every time I wake up I say a prayer...naps included. What I realized is the reason I've developed these habits is not to say "Hey, I pray a lot!" but rather, it is God providing you with more times to think of him. This is what was called 'holy habits and righteous routines'.
Last night we met with an investigator that we've been meeting with for a long time...or more accurately, sparsely over long periods of time. Our lessons are usually the same. Read the Scriptures. Pray. Why don't you? Oh you don't have time. Well pray for time, read for time. Sometimes it feels like a big circle that they never get out of. But, I'm grateful for the spirit who thinks out of the box who whispered to me, "coffee". So I said, "Kreshnik (that's his name), if you want (your problem to be solved), you have to be obedient, not just by reading and praying, but by stopping drinking coffee." This is when it hit him. The Gospel is not a hobby it is a way of life. If in any moment it feels like someone is not progressing, the best thing to do is to really get them to sacrifice. Sacrifice Brings forth the Blessings of Heaven, says W.W.Phelps, one who rejected the prophet but later came back a much humbler man. In my case last night, I kinda had to say, "Hey! Here is something you CAN do right now!" I knew the spirit was in my commitment when he responded, "Can you pray for me?" So, I invite you all to pray for him, that he can overcome this simple vice, and develop the faith to keep the rest of the commandments.
I am grateful for the opportunity to talk to you and to write to you. Often, it becomes easy to go through the days quickly, recognizing what God has done, but then forgetting because there really is a pressing need ahead. However, when I am able to sit down and truly tell you what I've learned, I AM strengthened. I learned just as much from you in the past 40 min as you did from me. Thank you for letting me bear my testimony. Now go and share yours. That which one selfishly keeps he loses, while that which one freely gives he gains (?) said president Monson.
Abby, Eliza, Jay, Emma, Alina, Anna, Page, Sydney, Sarah, Noah, ????? Wilde, and ????? Bangerter, I love you all. I'm glad I now have a more concrete picture to base you off of as I pray for you!
I love you! Gezuar Krishlindje! (Last night we just gave out cards upon cards that talked about He is The Gift, and every time I said, "Gezuar!" I became happier....as a result I may have said it too many times! And by the end of the night I was VERY happy, and cardless! Wish EVERYONE a merry Christmas! It'll make you smile too!)
I could write more, but we are going over to the senior couples for a dinner! But not as good as your rolls mom!
Love Elder Bangerter of Vlore!
P.S. Is there a family calendar that I can get!?
P.P.S.
1. Kristi's Baptism this Morning! (about 60 people were in attendance! That's what happens when you have 7 baptisms...don't include the numbers please in the forwarded letters mom, thanks!)
2. Albano (who we taught and baptized) directing the Christmas Party Program!
Lights and Examples (Sent Dec 15)
Family!
I am just so happy for all the good news. I really hope someone is taking care of the family song! With so many changes I don't know what to think! I know that our family is a living example of the blessings of the gospel. We truly are chosen. In my Albanian scriptures I have a picture of all of us (at the time) at Bear Lake. I often show people this and they are shocked, as am I! I still can't wait until we can go to Bear Lake someday again to have a family reunion...but this time lets go to the south beach!
Christmas is coming! Here in Albania they celebrate new years more. The streets are lined with lights, trees, and santa clauses, reindeer....but all of them represent the new years fest! Ya, kinda backwards, but we are changing it. We have weekly devotionals about Christmas, and a 7 foot poster that says "Ai Eshte Dhurata" with a nice picture of the nativity scene. I hope that you all have shared the gift of Jesus Christ. We go door to door showing the 2 minute film to everyone. One time, the person didn't have a key to the door, so we just showed it through the peep-hole! You can always do more!
Lindsey and Adam! I am so, so happy for you and Sydney and Sarah! (I knew those names a few weeks ago due to my missionary privileges)
Being a missionary is a wonderful opportunity, to talk to so many people about Christ. Day after day I realize that this calling of mine among these people is only for another year. Then I realized that I'll only be here in Vlore for two weeks. aka, it is crunch time.
Crunch time because we have a mission baptismal goal. We are so close to it, so every day we are working and working to reach it! In our district this week, we were blessed with 4 more people that accepted to be baptized in December. Christmas Day we have about 7 planned! It will be a great, great day!
Last Sunday we met a young adult named Donald. We've met with him every other day and he is so prepared. He is an central member at a local church, but after 6 years of membership he asked himself, "where is my relationship to Christ?" We've been so blessed to meet with him. Please pray that he will advance towards his baptismal date!
It may get dark a little early, but the Light of Christ is in our lives.
Last point, I don't have much time. We were able to go to a great Stake Priesthood Meeting in Durres (where the Haymonds served 20 years ago, now they have a beautiful church building) We learned from the Albanian Stake Presidency about being better Priesthood Holder. They are truly hastening the work here! The Stake President said, "The reason we sacrifice is to remember Christ's sacrifice." So ask yourself, what is the quality of your sacrifice? Remember, Cain made a sacrifice, but it wasn't with his heart, he didn't understand. I hope we understand WHY we sacrifice. I've found that this sacrifice of service is the antidote of sin. The reason we hold the priesthood is so that others ''can know to what source they may look to for a remission of their sins" (Alma 13). Are you the type of person through which others see the reflection of Christ? Just like the moon reflects the light of the sun for the earth to see, let us reflect the light of the true Son for our little pieces of the world that have been personally selected for us. I never saw Jesus Christ heal others, or saw him teach. But I did have parents that loved, I've seen Bishops lead. I've seen leaders receive revelation. I've seen sacrifice. IF you want to see Christ, look around you and recognize him. Take a break to go see Syd' and sar' at the Hospital and you'll know what I mean.
I love you and pray for you!
Elder Bangerter
P.S. Talk to you in 10 Days!
P.P.S. meaning, our P-day is on Christmas, so that is when I will talk to you. I will call at 8am Utah time. And we got 40 min!
He is the Gift that keeps on giving (Sent Dec 8)
Dear Family,
My, oh my! It sounds like you all had a great time following your thanksgiving trip! I love the updates and the pictures. Claire, Emma looks so much like Abby when she was born. I am filled with joy as I think about how blessed our family really is. Though some of us have been going transcontinental, and around the world, we've been holding down the fort here in Vlore. Life seems so busy, but as a missionary it is the best kind of busy you can have: busy bringing others to Christ. I look forward to each lesson that we can have, so that I can bear MY testimony of our savior. I get the opportunity each day to ask for his help, to guide us to the elect.
Thanks for all you who watched the He is the Gift Video. It has over 2 million views now, and that doesn't count the translated one here in Albania. Every day we go to the street and say, "Do you have 2 minutes to watch a film about Christmas." After they say yes and we watch it, they response is often, "I have no words". We've also used this tracting, and has proved to be an effective door approach. 4 new investigators have come so far.
But Heavenly Father doesn't just bless us to find people, He brings them to us. Just yesterday, Sunday, we had a nice 3 lessons in a row planned. However, one by one they cancelled. Being slightly frustrated, by knowing that we'd probably be out finding on the street again, we said a prayer to know what to do. We continued with our studies and soon received a phone call from the Sisters. "Do you have an investigator named Skerdi?" Immediately we knew God's will for us and we ran to the church to meet this former-investigator. He said he wanted to talked. We talked. Then we testified. He has now accepted to be baptized. Again, a simple story of relying on the Lord. This story has more meaning in our minds because it happened on a Sunday, the last day of the week. We have a zone goal of getting 1 new baptismal date a week, and we had not accounted one yet. And so, this touch of the masters hand saved us when literally we had 4 hours left in the week. After his lesson we hit our knees, something I've learned many times on my mission. ALWAYS give a prayer of thanks, for we are unprofitable servants and need to let him know that we recognize his hand in our lives.
I pray that all of you will stay close to prayer. I hope your calluses on your knees are growing. I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord. Temptations lose their power when thou art nigh. We were able to dedicate our new apartment on Fast Sunday, and so my mind has thought a lot about holy places and how we can be a holy place. I read a quote from Brigham young that basically said, "Sanctification is giving all you have to the Lord. It doesn't mean you'll conquer temptation. It is needful that we have temptation, it was in the plan before we came to earth." By reading Jesus the Christ lately I've learned that often we are given weaknesses so that the Lord can make the power of Godliness made manifest through us. If we were all perfect, we'd have no need for an atonement, and in turn would become selfish, boasting in our own strength. Yet, think how great the Fathers plan is for us. We CAN become perfect. But this perfection is only through someone else. This mediator makes us a better person while still keeping us humble. Just like a bridle and a saddle on a horse can channel energies in a positive direction, so can the atonement and prayer use our weaknesses to become strong.
I love you all and pray for you. The weather is now becoming cold. We see many lights....mostly for the New Year, but we are changing their attitudes on that!
Love your son and brother,
Elder Bangerter
♪ Its the most miraculous time of the year ♪ (Sent Dec 1)
Dear Family,
Thank you for all your wonderful, story filled letters. Congrats to everybody with each engagement, I can't even keep up. Good Job Steven with your first dance-date! Now, my first preference date is on a mission, time flies! I'd like an update on that please (and your height as well). From all the emails about the holidays I feel impressed to share with you the video that the church has issued for the Christmas season; an initiative entitled "He is the Gift" please watch:
Ok, now that you've watched it I bet a lot of you are reflecting to your time in NYC. Life can be so busy. I recently realized that most missionaries serve in large cities (growing up, I thought we served in little villages...but not a lot of people live there, so I guess it makes sense). There is always something going on. Usually when talking to people they say, 's'kam kohë' or 'po nxitoj' which mean--I hope you really read them and didn't skip over them like they were some foreign language or something like that--that they have no time and I'm hurrying. Inside my head, and sometimes with my mouth, I say, "Do you not have time for God?" I know that we can accept Jesus Christ as the gift. I hope you EMBRACE THE GIFT as illustrated by the scene of one going to his knees. Embrace it like you would your parents! The atonement can help always!
Although his initiative is in so many languages, it is not in Albanian. Thankfully we have Photoshop and a universal message! We have immediately already started to invite people to Christmas things. Street contacting is super fun when talking about Christmas! We hope to translate it into Albanian this week and show it on the street. And so, for all you with a native language video in your hands, you better be grateful like you just had thanksgiving and share it like Christmas is around the corner (oh, wait it is)! Mom, even you can do it, and even you can use the hashtag #SharetheGift.
Sad news came this week when we found out that our awesome investigator Tomi, who was to be baptized this week, is going to Italy for a month...thankfully he'll be returning, but most-likely after my departure. Good news came as we all gathered together at the mission home for thanksgiving! This was the 3rd trip in 3 weeks up to Tirana, and I'm starting to get to know all the drivers! I'm grateful for a small mission, so that we all can meet together so often, and talk to our mission president so often. I probably told you, but he sends daily, morning texts reminding us of our calling and giving us faith and hope!
The miracle of Thanksgiving came as we left the mission home. Vlore is the furthest south city in the mission and takes a good 2 hours to get home. The meal went kinda late, and we believed that we wouldn't be able to find a furgon that would be heading down to Vlore so late in the evening (about 5 o'clock) On the ride over to the 'furgon station' I said a couple prayers that all would be alright. When we arrived, we found about 10 other people who'd been waiting for 2 hours for furgons, yet none had come. Amazed at their patience to wait, we waited to. We talked about Christmas and the church with them. After 10 minutes, a man approached one of the other missionaries and said, "I have a furgon for Vlore" Assuming it was a small one for just us 6 we all followed him. Pretty soon, the other people waiting followed us, and I thought, "O, boy will there be room for all of us?" The man led us to his BIG furgon, big enough for every person. When I found my seat, I bowed my head and said a prayer of thanks. God had blessed his servants. He'd provided a way. I was grateful that we were late getting out of the mission home, for if we would have been on time, we would have been stuck, waiting for 2 hours (and I know we wouldn't have had the patience to wait that long). I was grateful that in addition to the furgon, God had given us people to talk to, and we gave out a Book of Mormon on the way home. Yes, I had great food, friends, clothes on my back, and all the fun of a missionary life. But, this thanksgiving I was just tankful for a furgon ride home, a true miracle. I wish that every thanksgiving that God will be so merciful to us, so as to give us so much that we become obsessed with being thankful.
Last night another miracle happened. I called a number of a man I got two months ago. We met him and his 11 yr old son. They both accepted to be baptized. The Church is True.
I love you all. He is the Gift. Discover it, embrace it, and share it. So, will you EVERY DAY from today till Christmas, share the gift of Jesus Christ? Thanks for accepting. I know I will too.
Love Elder Bangerter
P.S. Mom, thanks for the package! I look forward to all those oreos...I mean, I don't know whats wrapped inside them!
P.P.S. the website you should share is christmas.mormon.org
P.P.S. Proud to be a Cavemen! Please say hi steven to any of my old teachers, especially uncle Steven! Also send pictures of your dance, the new gym, and NYC!
Pictures
-Our district, our senior missionaries (president is the center with the glasses), and a bridge over troubled waters (led to a monastery we visited today)
O ç'mrekulli! (Sent Nov 24)
Dear Family,
Thank you all (Mom and Adam) for your wonderful letters! The family really is growing, and I know all their names now! Congrats to all my cousins and future cousin-in-laws, I'll definitely need a book telling me who's whose! Meanwhile, back at the ranch here in Vlore, the miracles have been pouring out. I have so much to write...I don't know where to start. (Hence the title: Oh what a miracle)
On Monday, after email, we went tracting because our lessons fell through. I was feeling a little frustrated that no one would meet and it was getting cold. But we kept going and I had an impression to tract a certain building. Obeying, we went to the top floor first and worked our way down. Feeling again a little defeated, I started to walk out of the building before the last door, but Elder Fowles and his wonderful faith said, "Hey, this one's lights on, lets knock it!" So we did. It opened. Not only did it opened but the first words out of their mouth were "Come in, really come in". This was the Murati Family, Denis, Ana, and Dena (2 yr old boy-you see the mixture of names?) They said they were just in Vlore for a short time before returning back to Germany. Nevertheless we taught them a beautiful restoration lesson, one of the best I've ever taught. At the end we asked Denis to say the prayer...having never before prayed he got on his knees and offered a PERFECT MEMBER prayer. After the prayer he just felt his arms, shocked at what he'd just felt, and said, "I want to do that again." We later found out that that night he had the best nights sleep he'd ever had! We returned on Wednesday (2 days later) and again taught them prayer, its power, why we pray, and invited them to the baptism on Friday. Ana attended with her son and 3 friends and loved it, however they told us they'd be moving to Germany on Saturday and we prayed that they wouldn't go. We went over on Sunday, and they hadn't left yet. They said, "We are leaving tomorrow". We gave them a lesson on the Plan of Salvation, and it was so perfect and they loved it. They want to be baptized. Though we spent only 3 hours with them in their lives, it changed them. Ana prayed last night and we got contact information to give to them as they move close to Dortmund (close to Essen where Andrew was trained). When we left we laughed and cried and thanked Heavenly Father for sending us a family for only 1 week. They recognized that the reason they came to Vlore was to find the gospel. Please pray that they will find the church in Germany! We will do all we can!
Ok that was miracle number one.
Like I mentioned, we had a baptism of Memet Kashta. He was taught first by the Sisters, and then by us. He and his wife were both baptized and it was so great. They are in their late 50s and very quiet. The lessons with Memet are simple, and they've taught me! He has such desire to be a good person. I was able to confirm his wife on Sunday, so that was a neat opportunity, miracle number two.
Ok, the last miracle's story starts before Elder fowles came with me. That transfer day, I traveled up to the neighboring city (Fier) and worked for 2 days so as to wait for my trainee. I don't know if you remember but I taught one man twice in the two days that I was there (I hope that made sense), his name was Artan. Well, due to a faulty font in Fier they came down to Vlore for the baptism! Not only was I able to see Artan get baptized, but they asked me to give a talk on baptism! It was such a privilege to see someone that I'd found in a different city be baptized!
Finally, this week we had a trainer-trainee Training meeting up in Tirana (the capital city), During the meeting we all prepared for 20 minutes to teach for a role-play lesson that would be in-front of everybody. Well, the APs chose us to do the role-play, and we did it. I mention this because it was a spiritual experience, we had prepared and God opened our mouths and we were able to feel the spirit and there was not a non-member in the room. This just proves (and mom always talked about it) that you can feel hte spirit at ANY time, fake lesson, on the bus, at work, anywhere, even listening to country music.
I am so grateful for all these blessings, especially during this THANKSGIVING WEEK! Here in Albania, it is when they celebrate their 2 independence days (one from the Turks, one from Italy. So, everyone is celebrating! Feel free to read 1 Nephi 13:13-20 to see how Thanksgiving is prophesied in the book of Mormon....making it an international holiday! (cause this is a book for EVERY nation, kindred, tongue, and people)
I love you all and pray for you. May you feel grateful this week for the miracles in your life.
Ju dua shumë,
Elder Bejngëdër
2-Ana and Denis (Dean was asleep)
3-Sister Maxwell, Sister Kelly, Me, Elder Fowles, Sava Kashta, Memet Kashta
4-Me and Artan (baptised from fier)
PS-cool connections. Sister Maxwell wants to go into Landscape architecture and knows Greg at BYU. Sister Kelly was on Seth's dance team during the Christmas around the world last year. Elder Fowles played football with Colin Haymond at Manti High!
A është shumë ftotë? (Sent Nov 17)
Dear Family,
Well, it sounds pretty cold! I kinda ''marr mali'' for it (that means I miss it) Down here it is like a never ending fall. The weird part is, due to the number of palm trees, the leaves don't really change color! But, every morning I look forward to wearing my Albanian socks, so as not to freeze my feet on the tile floors (they don't have carpet).
The city is one of many pallats (the word for apartment, and palace) The central part of the city has many communist pallats made of just bricks on bricks with cement outlining, and not very attractive. However, as you walk in, most houses have 3 couches and bare walls. Bare, except for maybe one or two small pictures of a deceased grandparent. Many have a greek orthodox picture of Christ, or a vista of Vlore's beach and city. Most have a small 1990's TV with some Turkish-translated soap opera playing. As you walk in and sit in the couches, you SINK IN the cushions. Its a toss-up whether or not you'll get springs, wood, or wool! As you sit they'll come out with a little bowl of candies and you HAVE to take one. After a lesson, they usually make you stay seated while they get their bottle of juice, so that each may have a glass. Some families only can afford this tradition once a month.
Though they don't have much, they are so PROUD to be Albanians. I wish I could have half of much country pride as some of those around here, it really is commendable.
The highlight this week was the visit from Elder Timothy Dyches! He is so personable. One thing he talked about was that as he was mission in the Oregon Portland Mission, the missionaries called it the Only Perfect Mission (OPM). Then he suggested a nickname for our Adriatic South Mission: The Always Spiritual Mission. When he said that I said, "YA! I like that, because that is exactly what President is trying to instill in us" Our Stake President Mema described President Weidmanns influence the best by saying. "He has taught us a better way of prayer" Truly, to hear P. Weidman pray is a great privilege. Praying really changes the night to day. Even though sometimes the day and night come together, mesh and I sleep and wake up without even knowing it. I look back and the weeks fly by.
The miracle this week came when one of our RC's that doesn't come a lot called us and said, "Hey, I got an investigator for you!" So, we walked with him for a half hour to a house in North Vlore. Bona and Petrit, his cousins, took a bible class for 2 years and know it pretty well. It was the first time I really ever used someone elses bible, or Amos 3:7, cause most people around here don't have a bible (in fact they often ask us, "can you get us a bible?") Anyway, they are super humble and ready to follow Christ. I was so grateful that the Lord was able to guide us to a family. Every day, I'm looking for that fmaily. I think of Sister Alison Garlicks advice, "you can't see a couple on the street without talking to them!"
Above all, it is such a privilege just to say, "I know that Christ lives and loves you." We can bear testimony of HIm everyday....but first we must study about him. Each day in Personal study, I take 5 minutes to find a new scripture about The Good shepherd. As a result, I've really become a lot more focused on what he's done and is doing for me.
Well, I hope thats not too much for all yall. Happy Birthday Alina! I remember when I turned 6 (that was after we moved into the new house!) Are you in Kindergarten!? I hope that you really don't get 'Frozen' during this cold time on the farm!
Thank you all, I love you.
Elder Bangerter of Vlore
P.S. you know family? I had a cool thought last night as I went to bed about all you brothers and sisters. I was able to classify each of you in my mind and how you've effected my life. It went as follows.
Adam-My Mentor, Claire-My Mother, Lauren-My Teacher, Andrew-My Buddy, Seth-My Mentor, Steven-My Friend.
Each one of you has touched me for good, I love ya so much. I echo what Jake said in his letter, that I am so shocked at how blessed our family is. Let's live up to our privileges!
Souveniers, Prayers, and Journals (Sent Nov 10)
Dear Family,
Wow, what a week! I've been having a great time with Elder Fowles as we hit the half-way point of the transfer, which will end between Christmas and New Years. Thank you for all the updates on the farm, family, football, and all the pictures (you all know I'm talking about Dad right?) But really, I am so happy to see all the happy faces at Garlick or Pony parties. I'm also grateful to see all the great-grandchildren enjoy the farm as much as we enjoyed it (and we still do!)
Well I'm enjoying my own type of harvesting. Yes, sometimes it does rain on the hay, and field no longer appears white. But, we must have faith and patience to let it dry, and THEN it will be ready to harvest! For example, we had a baptism planned this week. However, the interview became impossible to schedule with work, travel, etc. We thought this was bad, until this extra delay led us to find one of our investigators needs, seeing that they weren't actually ready for baptism. So now, we'll let the rain dry out and the harvest will commence in the near future! Sometimes God works in strange ways!
This upcoming week we have Elder Timothy J. Dyches of the Seventy, and a counselor in the Europe Area, coming to speak at our mission conference. I am very grateful, cause as opposed to hearing 70s speak in the MTC, I'll finally have some real application to do when I return to my apartment!
I am so grateful for the opportunity to touch a life. A smile is the most precious reward. Recently, Elder Fowles and I had a conversation about what really matters in life. After discussing about how all the 'cool little Albanian souvenirs' are neat, yet really unimportant, he said, ''during that one lesson, I realized, 'this is the greatest souvenir. that I can touch this man's life'.''
Time and time again, I am drawn to the words, ENJOY IT! For if you aren't enjoying what you are doing, why are you doing it!? Find what you enjoy and do it, or--maybe more appropriately--find the joy in what you do.
A neat story came from one of our 10 year old recent converts Emanuel. Last week we gave him a prayer rock, so that each night he could remember to pray. This week, as we checked up on him, we asked, "well, how's your prayers?" he said, "Well, I sometimes forget, but when I wake up at 3 in the morning to get a drink I feel the rock under my head and I say a prayer right then!" Yes, he's only ten years old, but I look forward to when he is 12 and he will get the priesthood. Sometimes as a missionary you expect everyone to develop the good habits, even a 10 year old! but then you ask yourself, "Well, when I was ten, did I read my scriptures every day?" After asking myself that, I felt pretty humbled.
The days are still pretty warm around here. I feel like Elder Garlick when I say that I am in awe that I read Nëntor in my planner (that means November, and thanks Joe).
Claire, thank you so much for writing that letter to our investigator. To let you know, she has since come to church twice! She and her little son are just a ray of sunshine!
We have a new investigator named Tomi. He's 64, cleans houses, has a lemon tree (of from he gives us unripe lemons), has come to church the last two weeks, and has a voice like Popeye and a Baptismal Date for the beginning of December! I am so grateful to teach, cause each time I teach I can testify.
I don't know if I've told you that President Weidmann sends us daily texts during our morning workout. But recently, he has counseled us to take advantage of testifying of Jesus Christ, at every moment you have. Some times at a door you think, "Ah man, this fellow really doesn't want to hear from us", but then you remember to bear your testimony. He may slam the door, but you still bore your witness...cause if you didn't, you would've been just like any other missionary from another Church.
Elder Fowles is such a great missionary. For example, he is a real example of writing in your journal daily. As a companionship, we developed a habit: 50 min study, 10 min of journal writing, etc. As the days fly by in a blur, I'm grateful that I have some of the choice experiences written down to cherish. I hope that you can do the same. I recall that after Grandpa Bangerter's passing, we went to his office in Alpine. On the shelves were his now-typed journals. I remember picking one out from 1995. I went to my birthday and found that he had written a little paragraph about my birth, and later in the month, he wrote a little of my baby blessing. I noticed that his entries were only a couple of paragraphs, but it warmed my soul to know that he had thought of me. How many of us, when picking up a journal of someone else immediately turn to our own birthday! I silently wish that I can write every day of my mission, so that one day, my own child can fan through the pages, find his birthday, and create a connection with his father. Thoughts such as these build our hope, and enlarge our perspective.
I love you all so, so, so much
Elder Bangerter
Happy Birthday Jay-boy!
One-on-One (Sent Nov 3)
Dear Family,
Well, the weeks are flying by! Elder Fowles and I can't believe we've been together for 5 weeks! Looking back through my planner, I see a lot of cross-outs, plan-changes, and check-marks that signify lessons taught. Each mark inside shows to me the will of the Lord, and how it was found. My mind often reflects to the experience that Elder Seth Bangerter, and Elder Austin Fullmer had, and which cause them to say, "Sometimes our plan B (or C) is God's plan A." Now, to show you.
Sunday Night arrived and we had a set plan. We hit the road, to walk 20 minutes north to a members house, to grab them to have them help with a lesson, and head to the investigators. However, 15 minutes through the walk we called them and they cancelled, the member that is, and we now had to basically make a hair-pin turn and head to the investigators house. Yes, we could've been discouraged, for now we had to walk another 20 minutes to a new location, however it didn't cross our minds. We pressed forward, knowing that this was the way to go. (Actually, I didn't let E. Fowles know that it was going to be that far :) On the way, we were able to talk to a lady we'd visited earlier. Then as we were continuing down the road, a man was knocking on a gate on our right, we passed him, but then I felt, "lets go back." So, we turned around and went to the man knocking on the door. Well, it turns out that the door was the door of one of our recent converts that we don't get to see often. We'd been to his house before, but had kinda forgotten exactly which one it was. We were able to make simple daily contact with him and continue on our way.
Ok, well maybe you were expecting some amazing new story about finding a lost sheep who'd never been contacted, or the golden investigator. However, this was one of those tender mercies. IF we'd gone straight to our investigators house, we wouldn't have passed this house when we did and would have missed this one-on-one contact. One-on-one contact is the key to missionary work. Just like daily scripture study builds a testimony (and pretty soon you've made it through the book of mormon), simple ''Si jeni"s and ''çfare bëni!"s (hi, how are you) build relationships between people. The power of the word from your mouth to the ears of another is pretty strong. Just like Nephi said,
... for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men. (2 Nephi 33:1)
Think about the last ''thing'' that has effected your life. A conversation? A talk? a movie? Notice that listening was required in all the above. Notice.,when we read outloud we understand much more and become edified. The spoken word has power. What is the purpose of correlation meetings? bishopric counsels? family home evenings? All are attempting to increase the one-on-one communication between people. member-investigator, parent-child, high priests-hometeaching families. As missionaries working with the ward, all we ask is that someone talk to our investigator, thats it! That little communication can bring great things to pass. Sometimes we don't know if we are being led by God's hand, or we think that we are going through the motions. Next time you have this thought think, "Ok, WHO did I talk to today? Did I uplift them?" (You may also ask the contrary) If you don't think you've been ''doing much'', I'll sound like a telemarketer and tell you to pick up the phone and call right now! Wish a happy birthday.Compliment someone. Aunt Dianne and Aunt Annette are good at this. They always give you a thank you card. I'll let them know that I keep those, for they are a representation of someone thinking of me. There are so many things we can do! I pray that we may all say our prayers out loud, and create a one-on-one communication with our Heavenly Father. I pray that we will experience the Spirit of Elijah and create one-on-one connections (of eternal importance) for our ancestors and children. Why do you think the Lord said, "inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the LEAST of these my brethren, you have done it unto me."? He doesn't expect us to always invite to baptisms or to church, or to change a life. We are to serve the LEAST of those we know and in the SMALLEST ways. That's missionary work. That's what it boils down to, and that broth warms your soul.
Thank you dad for sharing with me the wonderful story of a man who'd been to the other side, returned, and stated, "You know the one thing I learned while I was there? The only thing that matters in this life is how you treat people."
Albania, Germany, Portugal and Romania may all sound like exotic places. But those of us who have been there know that the people are just like us, have our same needs, the need of a friend, the need of God. Thankfully the Church supplies both! I'm not saying be a missionary, but be a friend.
Well, I do need to say that by the end of that night we had gotten a new investigator and new baptismal date! So, the Lord will bless you! FTF!
Sounds like life is so EXCITING! I am so glad to be part of a family with great traditions (I can't wait till we can all have a family reunion again in maine!) I'm grateful for all you siblings and your amazing examples to me. I'm proud to tell everyone here, "There are seven in my family, and I'M THE SIXTH!" meaning, I love 1,2,3,4,5 and all their examples and I hope #7 knows I love him more that he knows. I know that God lives, and that the Atonement of Christ can change our lives. It is the most important one-on-one connection we can have. I know that this church is the only true church on the earth, because we have the authority that allows us to meet, collaborate, receive revelation, and act, so as to create more one-on-one connections.
Me Dashuri,
Elder Linkoln Xhej Elia Bejngëdër e Vlorës
Photos Sent November 3
1) Chekow! The Companionship (except we preach with a Libri i Mormonit)
3)Cookies = one-on-one
4)Family History work (see 'Elijah Strikes Again') =one-on-one
5)Our Vineyard (Ionian Sea to the Left, Vlore, then the countryside)
Elijah Strikes Again! (Sent Oct. 27)
Dear Family,
Well, another great week has passed here in Vlore. Elder Fowles and I often look at each other in our short sleeves and say. "Wait, it's October?" That changed this week with cold spells coming in, and I'm glad I get to wear my suits, sweaters, and jackets again (when I pulled them out, they smelled like Prishtina).
This week, I realized that I needed to utilize my 2nd middle name and spread the spirit of Elijah. In priesthood meeting, I said that I knew how to help with family history and one of our recent members said he was interested. Well, when we went over to his house, he pulled out a stack of 20 papers, each one containing a name birth and death date, of his parents, grandparents, and deceased aunts and uncles. I was shocked and we went right to work! His sick mother was in the next room, so he would spryly jump up--He's about 50--, run into his mom's room, and run back in saying, "Pashaj! Her last name is Pashaj!" We were able to complete up to his great-grandparents and will go back this week and get the rest done! The best part was that he started committing himself to come to church, and to meet again. I don't know how it works, but working with your ancestors does something to ya! Actually I do know! And I take great comfort from Alma which says:
''For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.''
From this scripture, not only do we learn that angels are among us, but that they are preparing all the hearts of the children of men, member and non-member alike for the truths that the gospel offers. Who are those angels. I think our ancestors. So if they're all baptized, all the better right?
And so with this as one of our tools in our side-bags, we talked to 2 other families about this, and one has already scheduled a time to meet with her father to gather all the information. Again, the best part is then seeing these families' countenances change, their attendance to church increase, and their testimonies grow. Really, anytime I wonder, "What should we teach them, we've tried everything?" I feel the eternal connection of family come into my mind. Now, this isn't for everyone, but it can be. First, you've got to make the tool usable in your hands, and then God will use it. Thankfully, right now, Heavenly Father has placed 2 Elders in a companionship, who both have LARGE families, so the spirit really is behind our message.
Also, thank you so much for your faith and prayers. Kristi is progressing well towards his baptismal date on Nov 7. He asked last lesson, "So, this authority, how can I get it!" Our answer (simply and commitingly put): 1)come to church for 3 hours in a white shirt in tie 2)come a half hour early 3)and you'll serve 2 families when you receive it 4)and it has to be your DESIRE to serve! I've realized that by giving him things to DO, that he will do it and then, with time he starts to understand why. When we decided to do this with him, I thought back to my own priesthood service and all the things I DID. Because of the things I did, I have a testimony of why we serve, how we serve, and can in turn teach others.
On the subject of Priesthood, this week we got a complete bishopric! We are excited to work with a full functioning ward (almost). The past two days we've been able to go out with a couple 14yr priesthood holders and have showed them how to teach and serve. I'm so grateful for all that I've been taught. I'd like to publicly (or however public this letter is, by the way it sounds, mom sends it to everyone) thank brother Ralph Van der Beek, my first home teaching companion. He taught me to love and prepare for our families. Because of those visits, I know how to teach, I know WHY to teach. Like President Eyring said in his talk about the Preparatory Priesthood, experienced priesthood holders truly can effect the minds and hearts of those they serve with. I'll always have a love for those families. Please give my love to the Parrishes, sister Muriel Aldrige, the Mills, and the couple ( I can't believe I forgot their name) that lives in California during the year, but here during the summer, (he's a math teacher, but retired, and they are close to the Taylors who live next door)
I know that prayer can change the night to day. I know that God will answer because he is bound to do so...if you are obedient. So thats the real question. Am I obedient? What more can I do to be more converted? Lord, is it I? If anyone is looking for help/answers to prayer, have that interview with yourself in Alma 5, repent, and ask again, this time with love. I know it works, I've done it, and I pray I'll continue to do it. Oh, o o I believe there angels among us!
I love you all, It sounds like life is happening back at the farm (literaly) Paç fat with everything (good luck). I pray for you all.
Love your son and brother,
Elder Bangerter
P.S. Happy happy birthday Lauren!
Pictures- 1) Claire, the little boy of Alida's (She wrote a letter to this mother that is investigating the church)
2)Yellow on the 26th
3)A banner is unfurled!
4)Filling up the font!
His Promises are Sure (Sent Oct 20)
Dear Family,
Well, every time I sit down I am just filled with gratitude for all that you ALL do and all that you mean to me. This week we did a lot of street contacting with pictures, mainly pictures of family. I brought one of the farm so the contact is like this, "Ya, we have a farm, we learn to work. Here is my dad, he taught me to work. He taught me through this book. When he teaches me from this book I know that it is true. Do you want to strengthen your family? That's what we do here in Albania, we are here to help families..." (A little inspiration from Elder Joseph Garlicks letter, but not as good. I recommend reading it (and his coach pep talk)). I love street contacting when talking about my family. The choice favorite contact is when Elder Fowles reveals his picture of his 12-child family. Everyone is just SHOCKED. They all think that American families have 2 kids. Not in my America!
This week we were asked to hand over any work that was not of our own gender over to the Sisters. For some Elders it could be hard, but even though we 'lost' a lot of work, we know that it is the will of the Lord, for we are truly focused on finding fathers and families. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to receive confirming revelation this week, especially after talking about it last week! It is a testimony of what Brother Elaison on HT would say, "Bear testimony of something, and THEN you will know that it is true. Without testifying, you can't really know!" Do any of you have doubts!? Take Elder Anderson's challenge, and record yourself bearing a true testimony about what you Do know, and your testimony will grow. I get to do it everyday, and my testimony has shot through the roof! Also, do as Hyrum Smith said and Study the simple principle of the gospel, study them over and over again. The promises are SURE.
Yes, the promises are sure. This is a doctrine that has distilled upon my soul this past week. In every scripture we read, in every talk we hear and in every BLESSING we receive there are promises. Go find your favorite scripture, chapter, or doctrine and list out the promises, the give and take (personally I did this with covenants). Then hold to the words of the primary song. "I am a child of God, his promises are sure. Celestial glory shall be mine, if I will but endure" In that simple verse sung by thousands of little kids and adults is a doctrine that billions have no clue about. His promise is sure.
Ok so how do I know this. Well I get to test promises every day. I've talked a lot about prayer in the last few weeks, because it is essential. Honestly, not every time, but often enough we as a companionship pray together and feel the SAME thought come over us. He will talk to us if we ask him. His promise is sure.
During a lesson this week with Kristi, he asked us about fasting. We decided to fast Saturday to Sunday morning with him. Now the blessings were great, and so was the opposition! First, I must preface by saying that all 3 of us ate something during the fast, but it did not take away from the power of it. So we started the fast via phone. Kristi went on the church-youth trip to a local national park and so we couldn't meet, but the prayer phone-call worked fine. Halfway, through the night and got a call from Kristi, "Elders, I just got back from hiking a mountain and I think I'm about to die. I don't want to lie or deceive, but can I eat something?" We told him it was OK IF he went and read his scriptures. (I know its more than that, but it was a good way to keep up on commitments!) Then when we went out tracting a lady asked if we wanted some Raki (moonshine/homemade alcohol drink that everyone loves). We wouldn't even smell it as she almost poured it onto us. (Don't worry, that's not what I ate). In fact we gave her a Book of Mormon and hope to follow up with her and her family! Then our final appointment of the night was at a Recent Converts house. This poor family is, like I said, poor. And yet, when we walked in, the hostess walked out and came back in with a cake she had baked. At first we told them we were fasting, but that gave me a pit in my stomach. Wait! Why should I feel bad not eating while I'm fasting. My mind reflected to Nephi who killed a man to save a nation. I know I was only eating a piece of cake to honor a destitute family, but I feel the principle is the same. Sometimes the ox is in the mire. The real question is ''Who is growing closer to Christ because of my decision?" By showing them our love for them, we were then able to have a wonderful lesson about family history and loving our ancestors.
These were not the only blessings of the fast. In the morning, I had some of my best personal studies that I'd ever had on my mission. Then at church Kristi came in a white shirt and tie! We were so happy! We broke our fast, full of thanks for what we'd been given. Me: a testimony of fasting, studies, and prayer. Kristi: ward friendship, a step towards baptism and conversion, and unity at church. Yes, his Promises are Sure.
The final thought came from thinking of the ''enabling power of the atonement''. Often, this phrase has just flown way over my head, but, because of my fasting attitude I realized I needed it take it word by word. My little nugget of truth? What does it mean to enable? a pen enables you to write, a book enables you to read, a computer enables you to type, legs enable you to walk. Notice, things enable us to DO, to ACT. So now, I see the atonement as a tool, something I can't just set on the shelf, but something I gotta read! What happens when I read, I learn! You see, everything testifies of Christ!
[Read Slowly, like Elder Scott] I am so grateful for the daily opportunity I have to exercise the atonement. His love enables me to testify, His love enables me to repent, His love enables me to cry, His love enables me to desire. I don't wanna sound deep, but it is just so fun to talk about. Now, maybe some of you think, "Well, man! Everybody talks about the atonement and I can't understand any of it!" Well, I'm hear to tell you, I hardly understand it at all either. But rejoice in the times you feel something. That SOMETHING is the atonement. or in other words, it is you doing something right in your life and your exercising it. It has worked in your life, and it always will. Maybe its the appreciation of a sunset, the love of family, the ability to hold your tongue. For me, it is anytime I recognize that God has given me anything, and then me acting on that recognition. And if that is not enough rely, on the promise, "If you ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, I will tell you the truth of your question by the power of the Holy Ghost...through which you can know the truth of all things." His promises are Sure!
Love you all so much!
Elder Bangerter
Happy Birthday Sally, Emily, and little Page! Wish Grandma Bangerter a Happy Anniversary!
P.S. Count the number of times you see the word 'will' in scriptures or in your patriarchal blessing you read: I will bless.. it will help....They are sure!
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