I apologize in advance that this will be short, as is my time. Life in Salida continues! I guess the biggest highlight of my week, is that, the family I mentioned we committed to baptism, gave us a thank you card yesterday for helping us find the Gospel and build their faith. I have never seen anyone so grateful for missionary work. It truly gives me a greater appreciation for what it is I'm doing. Other than that not much is new.
Its getting steadily warmer. In the 80's now, and I'm told its only supposed to get warmer and warmer till it hits its peak in July or August. The average summer day is supposed to be around 110. Yuck. I'm sure I'll survive.
On a real quick note, everyone should send my Mother a happy birthday email. Her birthday is on Wednesday, and she's going to be 50! Isn't that old!? Just kidding, she's still got half her life to live. Its all downhill from here I'm told. Love you Mom. Her email is liz428@earthlink.net. Make her feel special, cause she is.
GGG Everyone! (Gitchee Gitchee Goo (means that I love you))
Elder Keenan Monnett
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
News from Fresno
It has been a rather crazy week! Transfer calls came and Elder Sheppard is... not leaving? Apparently he was extended for half a transfer (3 weeks). So he'll stay my companion for another 3 weeks, which is good, because theres still so much I can learn from him. However, upon asking the Assistants to the President who would be my companion when Elder Sheppard leaves (in the middle of the transfer, when everyone else already has their companions) they replied "we don't know". So, I may be companionless in 3 weeks? That may be lonely.
I've had some fun moments this week. On an exchange, my district leader, Elder Killinger, and I, biked 3 miles to contact a referal, only to find that the referal didn't exist. So we decided to knock some doors on the way back so it wouldn't be a wasted trip, and we found a girl named Crystal, who said that missionaries had been at her house only an hour before. We assumed she meant Jehovah's Witnesses or anything of the like, but she said they were on bikes, wearing white shirts and ties, and had nametags! Weird! We decided it was 2 of the 3 Nephites (the third one was on splits with John.)
But the weirdest things happened on Sunday! That is 1. When we got our transfer calls, and found out Elder Sheppard is staying. 2. I ran into my trainer, Elder Asay! I missed that guy. and 3. I gave somebody the Aaronic priesthood! Something I had never done before. In fact I can see him here at the library! I'm going to have to go say Hi after I finish writing this. But that was really exciting! But the highlight of my Monday so far, is 5 hours ago my companion and I committed a Family to baptism! They are amazingly open, and want to know as much as they can about the Restored Gospel here on the earth today (and so should all of you).
Anyway, guess what? Chicken Butt! I heard from a lot of people that I haven't heard from in forever, this week! That was really exciting! Thank you Mitch, Nathan, and Canada! Everyone else, shame for not writing. Sorry this letter has been all over the place, I have a bit more energy then I usually do when writing this. But! I love you all.
Elder Keenan Monnett
I've had some fun moments this week. On an exchange, my district leader, Elder Killinger, and I, biked 3 miles to contact a referal, only to find that the referal didn't exist. So we decided to knock some doors on the way back so it wouldn't be a wasted trip, and we found a girl named Crystal, who said that missionaries had been at her house only an hour before. We assumed she meant Jehovah's Witnesses or anything of the like, but she said they were on bikes, wearing white shirts and ties, and had nametags! Weird! We decided it was 2 of the 3 Nephites (the third one was on splits with John.)
But the weirdest things happened on Sunday! That is 1. When we got our transfer calls, and found out Elder Sheppard is staying. 2. I ran into my trainer, Elder Asay! I missed that guy. and 3. I gave somebody the Aaronic priesthood! Something I had never done before. In fact I can see him here at the library! I'm going to have to go say Hi after I finish writing this. But that was really exciting! But the highlight of my Monday so far, is 5 hours ago my companion and I committed a Family to baptism! They are amazingly open, and want to know as much as they can about the Restored Gospel here on the earth today (and so should all of you).
Anyway, guess what? Chicken Butt! I heard from a lot of people that I haven't heard from in forever, this week! That was really exciting! Thank you Mitch, Nathan, and Canada! Everyone else, shame for not writing. Sorry this letter has been all over the place, I have a bit more energy then I usually do when writing this. But! I love you all.
Elder Keenan Monnett
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
This will be short. . .
Another week, and another baptism... sort of... the details are much too messy to get into, but I'm counting it as mine anyway. Josh Forsberg finally got baptized! And this coming Sunday he will be confirmed a member of the Church by my companion.
Life here in Salida has been interesting so far. People are generally uncooperative and disinterested, but I've come up with some witty and though provoking responses for those people. Some of my favorite questions to ask were asked by Jesus himself, so that makes it fun, especially when people don't recognize it. One of my biggest pet peeves is when people say they believe things they're really not supposed to believe yet. Like when you ask them if they know that they can be together for eternity with their family and they say "yes, I believe that" Then you ask "how?" and they'll think and rattle off primary answers like "be a good person, go to church, that kind of stuff". Then we try to share that the sealing power has been restored to the earth, and that's usually when they say they're not interested. Drives me nuts!
Other than that, not much is new. Elder Sheppard only has a week and a half left to go on his mission, and its stressing him out! Stressed out Samoans are fun! Thanks for your letters and support,
I love you all
Elder Keenan Monnett
Life here in Salida has been interesting so far. People are generally uncooperative and disinterested, but I've come up with some witty and though provoking responses for those people. Some of my favorite questions to ask were asked by Jesus himself, so that makes it fun, especially when people don't recognize it. One of my biggest pet peeves is when people say they believe things they're really not supposed to believe yet. Like when you ask them if they know that they can be together for eternity with their family and they say "yes, I believe that" Then you ask "how?" and they'll think and rattle off primary answers like "be a good person, go to church, that kind of stuff". Then we try to share that the sealing power has been restored to the earth, and that's usually when they say they're not interested. Drives me nuts!
Other than that, not much is new. Elder Sheppard only has a week and a half left to go on his mission, and its stressing him out! Stressed out Samoans are fun! Thanks for your letters and support,
I love you all
Elder Keenan Monnett
Monday, April 5, 2010
Post Easter Greetings from California!
Easter festivities are over and done with, and OH what an Easter it was. Not much as far as baptizing has gone on in the last week, but I appreciated Conference more over these last couple days than I ever have before in my life, so that's a good thing.
Life with Elder Sheppard continues to be a fast paced one. He's coming up on the end of his mission (3 weeks!), and there are two ways that missionaries react to coming up on the end of their mission. 1. They get "trunky". They recognize that the end is near, and therefore they don't try quite as hard. Their minds are on things back home, and not on things of the mission. Or 2. They shift up a gear. They recognize that the end is near, and feel that they haven't done the best they can yet, so they try suuuuper hard to the best of there ability to do everything they possibly can, feeling like their mission won't be a success if they don't. While this is very much preferable to becoming "trunky", it does start to stress you out a tad. Not that I'm complaining, I just miss lunch a little bit.
So, I've decided that one of my favorite moments from General Conference (not counting the Priesthood session, cause I missed that one....) was Wilford W. Anderson's talk on faith: "The true source of hope is faith. Faith in the lord Jesus Christ and his atonement. The one true foundation we should build our lives upon." We all need to have faith. Without faith, how could we ever make it through this life, much less the next? But he goes on to say "True faith Requires action." To believe is simply not enough. If we say we believe, but we do not act, we do NOT have faith. We must act upon that faith if we are to receive the blessings that our father in heaven has promised us. By not acting upon that faith we deny the blessings he has promised us, and we deny the Atonement. If we are to have faith, we are to repent daily! Even for the smallest things like "I called someone a loser". Once we have taken the steps to ensure our behavior reflects that of Christ THEN we have faith. I encourage each and everyone of you to exercise your faith. Bear your testimony to at least one person every day. Stop doing the things that you know are wrong. Repent, and return unto Christ.
Finally, on a mostly unrelated note. I decorated Easter eggs this Easter! I haven't done that in forever! Then after decorating them, my companion asked if he could eat them! Silly Samoan. So he stuck them in the microwave. And guess what? It exploded! It was so cool! I'll include some pictures. One last item of business. I'm not sure if emails sent to keebemon@myldsmail.net are still getting to me. I think they are, but just to be safe, send them to keenan.monnett@myldsmail.net as well.
I love you all!
Elder Keenan Monnett
Life with Elder Sheppard continues to be a fast paced one. He's coming up on the end of his mission (3 weeks!), and there are two ways that missionaries react to coming up on the end of their mission. 1. They get "trunky". They recognize that the end is near, and therefore they don't try quite as hard. Their minds are on things back home, and not on things of the mission. Or 2. They shift up a gear. They recognize that the end is near, and feel that they haven't done the best they can yet, so they try suuuuper hard to the best of there ability to do everything they possibly can, feeling like their mission won't be a success if they don't. While this is very much preferable to becoming "trunky", it does start to stress you out a tad. Not that I'm complaining, I just miss lunch a little bit.
So, I've decided that one of my favorite moments from General Conference (not counting the Priesthood session, cause I missed that one....) was Wilford W. Anderson's talk on faith: "The true source of hope is faith. Faith in the lord Jesus Christ and his atonement. The one true foundation we should build our lives upon." We all need to have faith. Without faith, how could we ever make it through this life, much less the next? But he goes on to say "True faith Requires action." To believe is simply not enough. If we say we believe, but we do not act, we do NOT have faith. We must act upon that faith if we are to receive the blessings that our father in heaven has promised us. By not acting upon that faith we deny the blessings he has promised us, and we deny the Atonement. If we are to have faith, we are to repent daily! Even for the smallest things like "I called someone a loser". Once we have taken the steps to ensure our behavior reflects that of Christ THEN we have faith. I encourage each and everyone of you to exercise your faith. Bear your testimony to at least one person every day. Stop doing the things that you know are wrong. Repent, and return unto Christ.
Finally, on a mostly unrelated note. I decorated Easter eggs this Easter! I haven't done that in forever! Then after decorating them, my companion asked if he could eat them! Silly Samoan. So he stuck them in the microwave. And guess what? It exploded! It was so cool! I'll include some pictures. One last item of business. I'm not sure if emails sent to keebemon@myldsmail.net are still getting to me. I think they are, but just to be safe, send them to keenan.monnett@myldsmail.net as well.
I love you all!
Elder Keenan Monnett
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Baptizing Ninjas!
Another week, another baptism! A wonderful guy named Paul Johnson overcame all the odds and was baptized yesterday! I would send a picture, but I forgot my camera. He has been investigating the church on and off for almost 2 years! Due to recent events in his life, he realized the importance that this message has.
Over the past 3 weeks I have been able to watch his testimony grow and grow! It's wonderful! Speaking of growing testimonies, We sat down with another investigator named Josh this last week, and we watched the Testaments with him (great movie!). We had been teaching him, and though he was a solid investigator, who remembered most things that we told him, he had yet to pray about the Book of Mormon, so he hadn't decided whether he believed it or not.
Before we started watching this movie, he said that he had prayed about the Book of Mormon, and he felt good, but he wasn't convinced that was his answer. So we sat down and watched the Testaments with him. When the movie ended, Brother Capall (our ward mission leader) was in tears, I was (embarrassingly) in tears! But most importantly, JOSH was in tears! Afterwords Elder Sheppard asked him if he thought the Book of Mormon was true, and without a moments hesitation he said "Yes, I know this is the word of God". AMAZING!
I just wanted to take what little time I have remaining, and talk about Cole Kem. Cole Kem was married to a member of the church, but because she married outside of the Church, she had trouble staying active, and eventually gave in to inactivity. When the missionaries started talking to the Kems, Cole had no belief in God. He was convinced there was no God, and the missionaries struggled for two years to convince him there was. Cole Kem was baptized 3 weeks ago, and he has one of the strongest testimonies I've ever heard. He was even asked to speak at Paul Johnson's baptism, and he did amazingly. I have never seen someone so truly converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ than Cole Kem, who was formerly an Atheist. Its really encouraged me to step up my faith, and recognize all the miracles that God has preformed for me.
Well it looks as if I'm out of time, but I love you all!
Elder Keenan Monnett
Over the past 3 weeks I have been able to watch his testimony grow and grow! It's wonderful! Speaking of growing testimonies, We sat down with another investigator named Josh this last week, and we watched the Testaments with him (great movie!). We had been teaching him, and though he was a solid investigator, who remembered most things that we told him, he had yet to pray about the Book of Mormon, so he hadn't decided whether he believed it or not.
Before we started watching this movie, he said that he had prayed about the Book of Mormon, and he felt good, but he wasn't convinced that was his answer. So we sat down and watched the Testaments with him. When the movie ended, Brother Capall (our ward mission leader) was in tears, I was (embarrassingly) in tears! But most importantly, JOSH was in tears! Afterwords Elder Sheppard asked him if he thought the Book of Mormon was true, and without a moments hesitation he said "Yes, I know this is the word of God". AMAZING!
I just wanted to take what little time I have remaining, and talk about Cole Kem. Cole Kem was married to a member of the church, but because she married outside of the Church, she had trouble staying active, and eventually gave in to inactivity. When the missionaries started talking to the Kems, Cole had no belief in God. He was convinced there was no God, and the missionaries struggled for two years to convince him there was. Cole Kem was baptized 3 weeks ago, and he has one of the strongest testimonies I've ever heard. He was even asked to speak at Paul Johnson's baptism, and he did amazingly. I have never seen someone so truly converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ than Cole Kem, who was formerly an Atheist. Its really encouraged me to step up my faith, and recognize all the miracles that God has preformed for me.
Well it looks as if I'm out of time, but I love you all!
Elder Keenan Monnett
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Miracles Galore
Our God is a God of miracles, of this there is no doubt. Though as stated in Mormon 9:21 we must "...believeth in Christ, doubting nothing..." And its when we show that faith that miracles happen.
Let me tell everyone the story of Diana. Diana is a 12 year old girl, who is part of a part member family (her mom and her 15 year old sister are members, she's not.) When Diana was 9 years old the missionaries tried to teach her, so she could be baptized, but due to lack of motivation on her parents part, all progress stopped, and the missionaries dropped her. When Elder Sheppard and I had gotten to Salida for the first night, we knew next to nothing about the area, and he felt inclined to go visit this house (as Diana was one of the people he had taught when he was in this area a year and a half ago). When we got to the house, the mother invited us in and called Diana out. Little 12 year old Diana came out on crutches, with her leg wrapped in bandages. Her mother then proceeded to tell us the story about how Diana had been riding her bike to school one morning when a car took a corner to fast and hit her. She was care flighted to a hospital in Sacramento. When the Doctors inspected her leg, they saw it was infected, and told Diana's mom that they would have to remove most, if not all, of her calf muscle, and they would have to perform a skin graft on her leg. They told her it would be a long time before Diana could walk again, and her leg would never be the same.
Diana's mom was crushed, and though it had been years since she had been to church, the first person she decided to call was the bishop. She called the bishop, and in tears told him what was going to happen, and requested a priesthood blessing for Diana. The bishop got in contact with missionaries in Sacramento, and sent them over the hospital, so that Diana could receive that priesthood blessing. I'll likely never meet Elder Walker and Elder Grashong, but because of the faith that they, and Diana and her mother had, what happened next is something truly amazing. The morning after Diana received her priesthood blessing, her Doctor came in to check on her leg, before this life changing surgery was to take place. The Doctor inspected her leg, and, finding no trace of infection, called in another doctor to double check. That Doctor called in another, and another, and another, until there were five doctors standing around Diana's leg, marveling. Finally the lead Doctor turned to Diana's mom and said "Ma'am, do you believe in Miracles?" Diana's mom (who was in tears at this point telling the story) then bore her (incredibly powerful) testimony, and said she wanted Diana baptized as soon as possible. Diana agreed, and she has a date set for April 10th. Way AWESOME!
She even showed us her leg, it looked sweet! I told her to give me a picture of it to send home. But now with Diana we've run into another problem, one that we need your prayers for. Diana recently visited with her Doctor, and he told her to keep her leg out of water until the 24th of April. Diana has been promised that if she prepared herself for baptism, her leg would not be a problem, so we need your prayers! Pray that Diana will be healed for her baptism on April 10th! Thank you!
So along with that, things in Salida are going great. We have found quite a few people to teach, all of whom we've committed to baptism! I wish I could say that this was because I'm such a great missionary, but I can't, because a lot of it is Elder Sheppard, who is infinitely more experienced than I am, and a much better teacher, but even more so is the spirit, the greatest teacher of all. Most people we teach don't remember a thing we teach them, but they do remember the spirit that they felt, and that is what is most important. We've just moved into our new apartment, so no more long bike rides to Salida from Modesto. Not to mention that we currently reside in the most expensive apartment in the mission. I am certainly far from complaining.
Thank you all for your love and support. Those who haven't, WRITE ME! I love you all!
Elder Keenan Monnett
Let me tell everyone the story of Diana. Diana is a 12 year old girl, who is part of a part member family (her mom and her 15 year old sister are members, she's not.) When Diana was 9 years old the missionaries tried to teach her, so she could be baptized, but due to lack of motivation on her parents part, all progress stopped, and the missionaries dropped her. When Elder Sheppard and I had gotten to Salida for the first night, we knew next to nothing about the area, and he felt inclined to go visit this house (as Diana was one of the people he had taught when he was in this area a year and a half ago). When we got to the house, the mother invited us in and called Diana out. Little 12 year old Diana came out on crutches, with her leg wrapped in bandages. Her mother then proceeded to tell us the story about how Diana had been riding her bike to school one morning when a car took a corner to fast and hit her. She was care flighted to a hospital in Sacramento. When the Doctors inspected her leg, they saw it was infected, and told Diana's mom that they would have to remove most, if not all, of her calf muscle, and they would have to perform a skin graft on her leg. They told her it would be a long time before Diana could walk again, and her leg would never be the same.
Diana's mom was crushed, and though it had been years since she had been to church, the first person she decided to call was the bishop. She called the bishop, and in tears told him what was going to happen, and requested a priesthood blessing for Diana. The bishop got in contact with missionaries in Sacramento, and sent them over the hospital, so that Diana could receive that priesthood blessing. I'll likely never meet Elder Walker and Elder Grashong, but because of the faith that they, and Diana and her mother had, what happened next is something truly amazing. The morning after Diana received her priesthood blessing, her Doctor came in to check on her leg, before this life changing surgery was to take place. The Doctor inspected her leg, and, finding no trace of infection, called in another doctor to double check. That Doctor called in another, and another, and another, until there were five doctors standing around Diana's leg, marveling. Finally the lead Doctor turned to Diana's mom and said "Ma'am, do you believe in Miracles?" Diana's mom (who was in tears at this point telling the story) then bore her (incredibly powerful) testimony, and said she wanted Diana baptized as soon as possible. Diana agreed, and she has a date set for April 10th. Way AWESOME!
She even showed us her leg, it looked sweet! I told her to give me a picture of it to send home. But now with Diana we've run into another problem, one that we need your prayers for. Diana recently visited with her Doctor, and he told her to keep her leg out of water until the 24th of April. Diana has been promised that if she prepared herself for baptism, her leg would not be a problem, so we need your prayers! Pray that Diana will be healed for her baptism on April 10th! Thank you!
So along with that, things in Salida are going great. We have found quite a few people to teach, all of whom we've committed to baptism! I wish I could say that this was because I'm such a great missionary, but I can't, because a lot of it is Elder Sheppard, who is infinitely more experienced than I am, and a much better teacher, but even more so is the spirit, the greatest teacher of all. Most people we teach don't remember a thing we teach them, but they do remember the spirit that they felt, and that is what is most important. We've just moved into our new apartment, so no more long bike rides to Salida from Modesto. Not to mention that we currently reside in the most expensive apartment in the mission. I am certainly far from complaining.
Thank you all for your love and support. Those who haven't, WRITE ME! I love you all!
Elder Keenan Monnett
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
"Thou shalt not worship idols"
I feel like I'm breaking that commandment when I pray to the porcelain gods. But we'll get to that in a second.
SO! The exciting days of transfers have come and gone, and I am in my new area, SALIDA!!!! So, a little back history on Salida. The Salida ward used to be part of the Modesto 1st ward. Apparently the members of the Salida ward didn't like this too much, and rejoiced greatly when the Wards where split. However, the Salida area was not considered fruitful enough to have its own pair of missionaries, so the Modesto 1st elders continued to cover the Salida ward. Unfortunately, this proved too much area for just two elders to handle, and after several years of investigators falling through the cracks, they decided to make Salida its own area. That's where I come in, or Elder Sheppard and I. We are Salida's first missionaries dedicated entirely to that ward. I felt slightly like a celebrity when going to church for the first time that Sunday. The members are so excited to have their own missionaries, and hopefully this will translate into better member help, because EVER MEMBER SHOULD BE ASSISTING IN MISSIONARY WORK!
Anyway, so because we're the first Elders to only cover this area, we're a little bit homeless. Since Wednesday, Elder Sheppard and I have been living on the floor of Elder Jensen and Elder Hadley's apartment (our zone leaders), and biking to our area every morning. Hopefully we'll be getting our own apartment soon, as the apartment we're in isn't exactly designed to house four missionaries.
So, on to the porcelain gods. On Saturday I developed a lovely case of the flu. This was incredibly frustrating, not only because it impeded my ability to perform missionary work, but also because I spent $20 on a flu shot in the MTC. However, despite this costly step of prevention, the flu found its way to me regardless, and I spent all day lying on the floor of the apartment, only getting up to expel the contents of my stomach. Lovely.
But despite the trials we've been going through (or because of them) we've been blessed to see a flourish of the work, even since we've gotten here. Since Wednesday, we have managed to commit 5 people to baptism! Elder Sheppard is an absolutely solid missionary. He's Samoan, and learned most of his English here on his mission (he's been out for close to two years) and likes to use phrases such as "I want to keel dat person", but he has a powerhouse testimony, and a store of gospel knowledge, and really knows how to work hard and effectively. I'm really excited to see what I can learn from him during this next transfer.
So, the work continues, and I thank you each for your prayers and support, and ask for it to continue so that the work may!
I love you all,
Elder Keenan Monnett
SO! The exciting days of transfers have come and gone, and I am in my new area, SALIDA!!!! So, a little back history on Salida. The Salida ward used to be part of the Modesto 1st ward. Apparently the members of the Salida ward didn't like this too much, and rejoiced greatly when the Wards where split. However, the Salida area was not considered fruitful enough to have its own pair of missionaries, so the Modesto 1st elders continued to cover the Salida ward. Unfortunately, this proved too much area for just two elders to handle, and after several years of investigators falling through the cracks, they decided to make Salida its own area. That's where I come in, or Elder Sheppard and I. We are Salida's first missionaries dedicated entirely to that ward. I felt slightly like a celebrity when going to church for the first time that Sunday. The members are so excited to have their own missionaries, and hopefully this will translate into better member help, because EVER MEMBER SHOULD BE ASSISTING IN MISSIONARY WORK!
Anyway, so because we're the first Elders to only cover this area, we're a little bit homeless. Since Wednesday, Elder Sheppard and I have been living on the floor of Elder Jensen and Elder Hadley's apartment (our zone leaders), and biking to our area every morning. Hopefully we'll be getting our own apartment soon, as the apartment we're in isn't exactly designed to house four missionaries.
So, on to the porcelain gods. On Saturday I developed a lovely case of the flu. This was incredibly frustrating, not only because it impeded my ability to perform missionary work, but also because I spent $20 on a flu shot in the MTC. However, despite this costly step of prevention, the flu found its way to me regardless, and I spent all day lying on the floor of the apartment, only getting up to expel the contents of my stomach. Lovely.
But despite the trials we've been going through (or because of them) we've been blessed to see a flourish of the work, even since we've gotten here. Since Wednesday, we have managed to commit 5 people to baptism! Elder Sheppard is an absolutely solid missionary. He's Samoan, and learned most of his English here on his mission (he's been out for close to two years) and likes to use phrases such as "I want to keel dat person", but he has a powerhouse testimony, and a store of gospel knowledge, and really knows how to work hard and effectively. I'm really excited to see what I can learn from him during this next transfer.
So, the work continues, and I thank you each for your prayers and support, and ask for it to continue so that the work may!
I love you all,
Elder Keenan Monnett
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
So long Turlock! This is my exit. . .
My MTC teacher warned me about this. He told me they would put me in an area, wait till I loved it, then rip my heart out. I thought he was exaggerating. If only I had listened. Transfer calls came in this last Saturday, and as I'm sure you have figured out by now, I'm leaving. I'm being transferred to the North Modesto Stake, in a place called Salida, which is Spanish for "Exit". It doesn't seem to be a very large town on a map, but I guess I'll find out for sure this Wednesday. Although I know the Lord is doing with me what he deems best, I can't help but be a little depressed at the prospect of leaving Turlock 2nd Ward. I had just gotten to know almost all the members, and come to love them, and had just gotten to know the Area to the point where I wouldn't need a map. But I know as long as I put my trust in the Lord, that he will never lead me astray, so it's time to make Salida my new home!
I'm also a little sad to be leaving Elder Asay. One of my biggest fears when coming to the field was that I would get a Trainer that wouldn't do a good job at teaching me, or that I wouldn't get along with. But Elder Asay is a weirdo (like me), and is more determined to make the best teacher possible, and more concerned for my well being than I though anybody here would be. It's absolutely amazing! But I've been told that my next companion is a really good missionary as well, so I don't imagine anything bad will come of it. I'm sure he and I will see each other again some day. If not in the mission field, then in some later day.
The work is going great. Just the other day we were teaching a part member family, whose Dad is a member, but hasn't been to church in over 20 years! After we sat down and started talking to them, he expressed a strong desire to have his wife and his 12 year old son baptized. That was so amazing to hear! We started teaching him, and we set a baptismal date with his son. It is so amazing to see the miracles that our father in heaven works, and to see the power of the spirit in action.
So unfortunately this week is a transfer week, meaning that I won't get any letters until next week. Oh well, I suppose I'll survive. I love you all (and I promise to send pictures this next week if possible!)
Elder Keenan Monnett
I'm also a little sad to be leaving Elder Asay. One of my biggest fears when coming to the field was that I would get a Trainer that wouldn't do a good job at teaching me, or that I wouldn't get along with. But Elder Asay is a weirdo (like me), and is more determined to make the best teacher possible, and more concerned for my well being than I though anybody here would be. It's absolutely amazing! But I've been told that my next companion is a really good missionary as well, so I don't imagine anything bad will come of it. I'm sure he and I will see each other again some day. If not in the mission field, then in some later day.
The work is going great. Just the other day we were teaching a part member family, whose Dad is a member, but hasn't been to church in over 20 years! After we sat down and started talking to them, he expressed a strong desire to have his wife and his 12 year old son baptized. That was so amazing to hear! We started teaching him, and we set a baptismal date with his son. It is so amazing to see the miracles that our father in heaven works, and to see the power of the spirit in action.
So unfortunately this week is a transfer week, meaning that I won't get any letters until next week. Oh well, I suppose I'll survive. I love you all (and I promise to send pictures this next week if possible!)
Elder Keenan Monnett
Monday, March 1, 2010
Exchanged, exchanges!
The work continues! So far Turlock (or Turdlock, as it's been so graciously nicknamed) has been wonderful. Despite the faint whifts of cow pies and the thousands of bee's on the outskirts of town, I've enjoyed it here.
Honestly, when you hear about California, the first thing you usually think of is palm trees and beaches, but that's a very small part of California. No, the place where I currently reside has the Largest Cheese Factory in the world, and produces 90% of the worlds almonds. In other words, farmlands. Lots and Lots and Lots of farmlands. More than I've ever seen in one place actually. So many dairy's....
Anyway, so as far as the work goes, I had the pleasure of going on an exchange the other day, which is something Trainee's (since we're not supposed to say greenies) don't usually do. But since my companion is the District leader, it was something deemed as neccesary.
So I went on an exchange with Elder Bowman, who is from Oregon. I had absolutely nothing against elder Bowman, other than the fact that he's a spanish missionary. So the 3 lessons that I taught with him (I use the word "taught" loosely) where all in spanish, and I didn't understand a single word. Fun times. But I'm happy to be back in my own area. But with that happiness comes nervousness. Transfer calls happen this Saturday, and I'll find out if I'm staying in this area who's people I have come to love, or heading out to some new mysterious Area, with a companion I know nothing about. The thought scares me a bit. But what's a missionary if you can't adapt to new situations? I'm sure I'll survive.
So, random fact of the day. I discovered the other day that I'm much more natural with Children than I am with adults. I wonder if that should worry me.... Oh well.
I love you all
Elder Keenan Monnett
Honestly, when you hear about California, the first thing you usually think of is palm trees and beaches, but that's a very small part of California. No, the place where I currently reside has the Largest Cheese Factory in the world, and produces 90% of the worlds almonds. In other words, farmlands. Lots and Lots and Lots of farmlands. More than I've ever seen in one place actually. So many dairy's....
Anyway, so as far as the work goes, I had the pleasure of going on an exchange the other day, which is something Trainee's (since we're not supposed to say greenies) don't usually do. But since my companion is the District leader, it was something deemed as neccesary.
So I went on an exchange with Elder Bowman, who is from Oregon. I had absolutely nothing against elder Bowman, other than the fact that he's a spanish missionary. So the 3 lessons that I taught with him (I use the word "taught" loosely) where all in spanish, and I didn't understand a single word. Fun times. But I'm happy to be back in my own area. But with that happiness comes nervousness. Transfer calls happen this Saturday, and I'll find out if I'm staying in this area who's people I have come to love, or heading out to some new mysterious Area, with a companion I know nothing about. The thought scares me a bit. But what's a missionary if you can't adapt to new situations? I'm sure I'll survive.
So, random fact of the day. I discovered the other day that I'm much more natural with Children than I am with adults. I wonder if that should worry me.... Oh well.
I love you all
Elder Keenan Monnett
Monday, February 22, 2010
And the green grass grows all around. . .
Apparently I'm stressed!
You would think I would know for certain if I was stressed or not. But apparently I don't. I don't feel stressed out at all. Yeah I'm always busy, but it rarely feels overwhelming. But apparently my body feels differently, as every time I look in a mirror they're new zits for poppin, and every time one of my mouth sores closes, another one opens. But despite the apparent miscommunication between my brain and my body, the work goes forth.
This week was a good week. We found a lot of new people that the lord has humbled enough to hear our words. A lot of people are so willing to listen, it's amazing. It is truly important to remain humble before the lord. To often we get caught up in quite the pride cycle. Which looks a little like this: (I hope this translates well...)
This is a cycle that you see repeat itself over and over again in the scriptures, and in life today. It is so important to never let yourself fall into this cycle. The only way to truly prevent this from happening is to show your gratitude. If you understand that nothing you have has truly come from your strength alone, and you recognize the Lord's hand in all your blessings, and thank him for those, you will prevent yourself from becoming prideful, and eliminate half the cycle. If we all truly did this, we would never have any trouble. We would recognize the Lord in all things, and although it wouldn't eliminate trials, they would be so much easier to bear.
I invite all of you to do your best to show your gratitude to the Lord and to each other. Swallow your pride, and realize that nothing you have is because of your own efforts. Pray and thank him for EVERYTHING!
I love you all
Elder Keenan Monnett
You would think I would know for certain if I was stressed or not. But apparently I don't. I don't feel stressed out at all. Yeah I'm always busy, but it rarely feels overwhelming. But apparently my body feels differently, as every time I look in a mirror they're new zits for poppin, and every time one of my mouth sores closes, another one opens. But despite the apparent miscommunication between my brain and my body, the work goes forth.
This week was a good week. We found a lot of new people that the lord has humbled enough to hear our words. A lot of people are so willing to listen, it's amazing. It is truly important to remain humble before the lord. To often we get caught up in quite the pride cycle. Which looks a little like this: (I hope this translates well...)
This is a cycle that you see repeat itself over and over again in the scriptures, and in life today. It is so important to never let yourself fall into this cycle. The only way to truly prevent this from happening is to show your gratitude. If you understand that nothing you have has truly come from your strength alone, and you recognize the Lord's hand in all your blessings, and thank him for those, you will prevent yourself from becoming prideful, and eliminate half the cycle. If we all truly did this, we would never have any trouble. We would recognize the Lord in all things, and although it wouldn't eliminate trials, they would be so much easier to bear.
I invite all of you to do your best to show your gratitude to the Lord and to each other. Swallow your pride, and realize that nothing you have is because of your own efforts. Pray and thank him for EVERYTHING!
I love you all
Elder Keenan Monnett
Friday, February 19, 2010
Silly Me
Federal Holidays are anti missionary holidays I've decided. Its the one day we're actually able to do things (Mondays) and it's the one day everything is closed. So I wasn't able to go the library (among other places) this Monday, hence the late email.
SO this one is going to be rather short. In my haste to have everyone email me, I failed to anticipate the time it would take for me to read said emails, and since my time was already short, I have very little time to email.
So among some of the first news, apparently I have a new temporary nephew? I've only been gone for 2 months, right? It doesn't seem like that long, at all really.
I had my first baptism on Sunday! A 20 year old girl named Toni, who has decided to take that step to come closer to our Heavenly Father. It was a wonderful wonderful day, now we're working on her friends.
I am officially one chapter away from finishing the Book of Mormon for the first time in a long time (and then starting right over again). Not to sound like a broken record, but it's an amazingly good book, just so you know.
I appreciate everything that you guys have done for me so far. Its so nice to know I have people that actually read what I send home. I'm out of time, but let me just tell you guys that I know this is where I am supposed to be. No doubts in my mind whatsoever. Time seems to be flying, which worries me, because its only supposed to get faster from here. I just have to try to do the best I can in this short period of time.
I love you all
Elder Keenan Monnett
SO this one is going to be rather short. In my haste to have everyone email me, I failed to anticipate the time it would take for me to read said emails, and since my time was already short, I have very little time to email.
So among some of the first news, apparently I have a new temporary nephew? I've only been gone for 2 months, right? It doesn't seem like that long, at all really.
I had my first baptism on Sunday! A 20 year old girl named Toni, who has decided to take that step to come closer to our Heavenly Father. It was a wonderful wonderful day, now we're working on her friends.
I am officially one chapter away from finishing the Book of Mormon for the first time in a long time (and then starting right over again). Not to sound like a broken record, but it's an amazingly good book, just so you know.
I appreciate everything that you guys have done for me so far. Its so nice to know I have people that actually read what I send home. I'm out of time, but let me just tell you guys that I know this is where I am supposed to be. No doubts in my mind whatsoever. Time seems to be flying, which worries me, because its only supposed to get faster from here. I just have to try to do the best I can in this short period of time.
I love you all
Elder Keenan Monnett
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Happy one month!!
Bike Odometer: 71.05
So I wrongfully assumed that my first few weeks in the mission field would go slow, boy was I wrong. The odd time warp that existed in the MTC has seemed to carry out into the field. This last week has just flown by. Its amazing how out of the loop you are once you enter the mission field. For example, I didn't remember the super bowl until somebody mentioned something like 2 days before, and I didn't even know who was playing until the day before. Congratulations Saints on your first Super Bowl appearance and win.
Anyhow, onto more spiritual things. I really wish I had known how much the Book of Mormon means to me sometime before I left on my mission and only had less than an hour a day to read it. If you're not reading it READ IT NOW! I have tried to maximize my time, and have gotten through most of it in the last two weeks, but I've been sacrificing my study time to do so. So that won't be going on much longer. I attended a baptism last week. Not for one of my investigators, but for another companionship's investigators. They had asked us to speak after the baptism, so we taught most of the 1st lesson. I cannot recall another time in my life when I have been able to teach by the power of the spirit as well as I did then. It was truly a remarkable experience. After that baptism, I was more eager to teach than ever. For all of my Non Member friends reading this, you better be wary for my return, cause I'm going to be a baptizing machine.
Speaking of, I have my first Baptism coming up this Sunday. I'm super excited for it. The spirit is so strong at Convert Baptisms. Oh that reminds me! I had my first dog chase me yesterday evening, It was so exciting! Elder Asay and I were on our bikes riding down the road, and we passed this farm, and as we were riding by, these Dogs started barking at us, and one of them took off after us. There was no fence on this farm. The dog quickly fell in step behind our bikes while continuing to bark. I barked back (anybody who knows me should not be surprised by this fact). It was an exciting moment in my mission.
I'll tell you one thing I'm not used to seeing, and that's palm trees and fruit trees everywhere! I had Oranges straight from a tree the other day, and I threw a lemon straight from a tree down my disposal (apparently that's supposed to make it smell better, though I'm not sure that's possible for our disposal). So, the exciting work continues!
I am truly glad to be here in Turlock, California, and the members here are great. And so is my companion! Elder Asay is just a huge goof. I hope when he gets home he gets online and reads this. You hear that Elder Asay? You're a freaking goof! He is a great teacher though, but he doesn't think so.
So as of February 6th I've been on my mission for one month. I bought sparkling cider to celebrate. Only 1 year and 11 months left to do the Lords work. I better make it count. One thing I didn't touch on last week was Church Tours. Its a program that was piloted by the Washington Tacoma mission, and has since spread forth to select few other missions. California Fresno is one of them, and as of right now we're going through training and plan on taking non members through as of March 1st.
Here is what a Church Tour consists of: First, we meet the participant of the church tour outside the church building and tell them about how the world is a noisy place, and as they go in the building they may notice a change, because the building is a place that has been dedicated to Christ. Then we take them in, and we talk to them about how Jesus Christ is the center of our church, and how he is in almost every single painting you'll see in one of our church buildings. Then we take them to a picture of the robed Christ, and we ask them what comes to their mind when they look into the eyes of the savior. Then we teach them about Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end. Then we take them into the chapel, we tell them about the different size benches and the importance of bringing your whole family to the service, small children and all, then we tell them about the Bishop, about how he's not paid, and we tell them about how all the talks are done by members of the congregation called upon in advance, and not just the Bishop. Then we take them to the sacrament table, and explain to them about the importance of it. About how Jesus did it with his apostles, and about how take it to remember him, and to remember and renew our baptismal covenants. Then we take them into the hall and show them a picture of Jesus and his Apostles, then We show them a picture of Jesus coming to the Americas, then we show them a picture of Jesus being baptized, then we show them the baptismal font. Then we sit down and teach them the rest of the first lesson. Through out the whole thing we commit them to come to church, come to a baptism, pray to know that the Book of Mormon is true (it is), and then we wrap it all up by committing them to be baptized. And now you know more about church tours then you ever cared to know. But yeah, that's what we'll be doing in a few weeks. Sorry to go into so much detail, but they said that in areas where they started church tours, baptisms tripled, so you can see why I might be exciting.
The Church is true. I can now say that without a shadow of a doubt. The words I teach are true, the book I read is true, the prophet I follow is true. The work I am doing is ordained of God. For those of you who question the sincerity of my message, or the religion that I preach, I exhort you to find out for yourselves. Read the Book of Mormon, talk to missionaries, and most importantly, pray to God, in the name of Jesus Christ, and ask him if it is true. I can promise each and everyone of you, that if you are sincere in your desire to know, if you truly want to know, then God will testify to you of the truthfulness of this Gospel, through the power of the Holy Ghost. What could you possibly have to lose? I bear to you my testimony, In the name of our savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
I am a Missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and I love you all.
Elder Keenan Monnett
So I wrongfully assumed that my first few weeks in the mission field would go slow, boy was I wrong. The odd time warp that existed in the MTC has seemed to carry out into the field. This last week has just flown by. Its amazing how out of the loop you are once you enter the mission field. For example, I didn't remember the super bowl until somebody mentioned something like 2 days before, and I didn't even know who was playing until the day before. Congratulations Saints on your first Super Bowl appearance and win.
Anyhow, onto more spiritual things. I really wish I had known how much the Book of Mormon means to me sometime before I left on my mission and only had less than an hour a day to read it. If you're not reading it READ IT NOW! I have tried to maximize my time, and have gotten through most of it in the last two weeks, but I've been sacrificing my study time to do so. So that won't be going on much longer. I attended a baptism last week. Not for one of my investigators, but for another companionship's investigators. They had asked us to speak after the baptism, so we taught most of the 1st lesson. I cannot recall another time in my life when I have been able to teach by the power of the spirit as well as I did then. It was truly a remarkable experience. After that baptism, I was more eager to teach than ever. For all of my Non Member friends reading this, you better be wary for my return, cause I'm going to be a baptizing machine.
Speaking of, I have my first Baptism coming up this Sunday. I'm super excited for it. The spirit is so strong at Convert Baptisms. Oh that reminds me! I had my first dog chase me yesterday evening, It was so exciting! Elder Asay and I were on our bikes riding down the road, and we passed this farm, and as we were riding by, these Dogs started barking at us, and one of them took off after us. There was no fence on this farm. The dog quickly fell in step behind our bikes while continuing to bark. I barked back (anybody who knows me should not be surprised by this fact). It was an exciting moment in my mission.
I'll tell you one thing I'm not used to seeing, and that's palm trees and fruit trees everywhere! I had Oranges straight from a tree the other day, and I threw a lemon straight from a tree down my disposal (apparently that's supposed to make it smell better, though I'm not sure that's possible for our disposal). So, the exciting work continues!
I am truly glad to be here in Turlock, California, and the members here are great. And so is my companion! Elder Asay is just a huge goof. I hope when he gets home he gets online and reads this. You hear that Elder Asay? You're a freaking goof! He is a great teacher though, but he doesn't think so.
So as of February 6th I've been on my mission for one month. I bought sparkling cider to celebrate. Only 1 year and 11 months left to do the Lords work. I better make it count. One thing I didn't touch on last week was Church Tours. Its a program that was piloted by the Washington Tacoma mission, and has since spread forth to select few other missions. California Fresno is one of them, and as of right now we're going through training and plan on taking non members through as of March 1st.
Here is what a Church Tour consists of: First, we meet the participant of the church tour outside the church building and tell them about how the world is a noisy place, and as they go in the building they may notice a change, because the building is a place that has been dedicated to Christ. Then we take them in, and we talk to them about how Jesus Christ is the center of our church, and how he is in almost every single painting you'll see in one of our church buildings. Then we take them to a picture of the robed Christ, and we ask them what comes to their mind when they look into the eyes of the savior. Then we teach them about Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end. Then we take them into the chapel, we tell them about the different size benches and the importance of bringing your whole family to the service, small children and all, then we tell them about the Bishop, about how he's not paid, and we tell them about how all the talks are done by members of the congregation called upon in advance, and not just the Bishop. Then we take them to the sacrament table, and explain to them about the importance of it. About how Jesus did it with his apostles, and about how take it to remember him, and to remember and renew our baptismal covenants. Then we take them into the hall and show them a picture of Jesus and his Apostles, then We show them a picture of Jesus coming to the Americas, then we show them a picture of Jesus being baptized, then we show them the baptismal font. Then we sit down and teach them the rest of the first lesson. Through out the whole thing we commit them to come to church, come to a baptism, pray to know that the Book of Mormon is true (it is), and then we wrap it all up by committing them to be baptized. And now you know more about church tours then you ever cared to know. But yeah, that's what we'll be doing in a few weeks. Sorry to go into so much detail, but they said that in areas where they started church tours, baptisms tripled, so you can see why I might be exciting.
The Church is true. I can now say that without a shadow of a doubt. The words I teach are true, the book I read is true, the prophet I follow is true. The work I am doing is ordained of God. For those of you who question the sincerity of my message, or the religion that I preach, I exhort you to find out for yourselves. Read the Book of Mormon, talk to missionaries, and most importantly, pray to God, in the name of Jesus Christ, and ask him if it is true. I can promise each and everyone of you, that if you are sincere in your desire to know, if you truly want to know, then God will testify to you of the truthfulness of this Gospel, through the power of the Holy Ghost. What could you possibly have to lose? I bear to you my testimony, In the name of our savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
I am a Missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and I love you all.
Elder Keenan Monnett
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Turlock!
Where do I even begin? SO much has happened since the last time I emailed home.
So my last day at the MTC was exciting, we drove out to the airport, boarded a tiny plane and flew into an even tinier airport in Fresno, CA. We passed missionaries who where heading home on our way to meet the mission president. Once we met with President and Sister Gonzalez they took us to the mission office, gave us each a temporary companion, and told us to get to work!
It doesn't really dawn on you how grossly unprepared you are to teach until you walk up to your first street contact. Luckily, one, the lord provides, and two, Elder Hancock, my temporary companion for the day, knew what he was doing, and led most of the conversation with people we talked to. So that night I stayed in an apartment with 15 other new missionaries, and then we headed back to the mission office to get our new companions.
So, I got to say hello to my new companion for the next six weeks (or longer), Elder Asay (pronounced A-C, just so you know) and we where sent to the Turlock 2nd ward area. Never heard of Turlock before? Neither had I! But its about an hour and a half north of Fresno. And let me tell you, we've been freezing our butts off in this 50 and 60 degree sunny weather. (Jealous? You should be.)
So, fun fact about Turlock. It used to be in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most religions per capita. Let me tell you, that makes tracting so much fun. It is a lot easier for people who don't have religion, or aren't strong in it, to hear the truth than it is for people who are already strong in their own faith. Let the door slamming begin. I can at least take solace in the fact that despite how many people yell at me, or slam doors in my face, or try to confound me in my words, that Alma and Abinadi and Ammon and so many other ancient prophets and missionaries went through much harder trials and tribulations than I probably ever will, and they where still successful.
So, despite my area's name of Turlock 2nd ward, very little of our area actually covers Turlock. We cover small towns nearby, like Delhi, and Hilmar. Did you know that Hilmar is home to the largest cheese factory in the world? See? We're all learning! Let me tell you something else, you know what it smells like on a farm? That's what all of Delhi and Hilmar smell like, all the time! Mmm mmm good.
But despite the religiously intolerant people, and the faint aroma of animal dung in the air, the people of Turlock and surrounding areas are actually good people, and the work has been progressing well. We have a goal of 12 baptisms in this ward this year, and we already have one scheduled for 2 weeks from now! Through no help of my own, but I count it regardless.
Here are more fun facts about the California Fresno mission. The average mission baptizes about 450 people a year. Last year the Fresno mission baptized 936 people. Why so successful? Obedience. The missionaries in this mission are some of the most obedient missionaries you will find anywhere, including Elder Asay, who has done wonders to help show me the ropes.
I know I am where I am supposed to be, and know that what I teach is true. I encourage all of you, whether you've done it or not, whether you are a member of the church or not, to read or reread through the Book of Mormon, and pray to know if its true. It has been promised that God will testify to you that it is, and that promise never expires no matter how many times you use it. The work shall progress. Should we not go on in so great a cause?
I love you all,
Elder Keenan Monnett
So my last day at the MTC was exciting, we drove out to the airport, boarded a tiny plane and flew into an even tinier airport in Fresno, CA. We passed missionaries who where heading home on our way to meet the mission president. Once we met with President and Sister Gonzalez they took us to the mission office, gave us each a temporary companion, and told us to get to work!
It doesn't really dawn on you how grossly unprepared you are to teach until you walk up to your first street contact. Luckily, one, the lord provides, and two, Elder Hancock, my temporary companion for the day, knew what he was doing, and led most of the conversation with people we talked to. So that night I stayed in an apartment with 15 other new missionaries, and then we headed back to the mission office to get our new companions.
So, I got to say hello to my new companion for the next six weeks (or longer), Elder Asay (pronounced A-C, just so you know) and we where sent to the Turlock 2nd ward area. Never heard of Turlock before? Neither had I! But its about an hour and a half north of Fresno. And let me tell you, we've been freezing our butts off in this 50 and 60 degree sunny weather. (Jealous? You should be.)
So, fun fact about Turlock. It used to be in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most religions per capita. Let me tell you, that makes tracting so much fun. It is a lot easier for people who don't have religion, or aren't strong in it, to hear the truth than it is for people who are already strong in their own faith. Let the door slamming begin. I can at least take solace in the fact that despite how many people yell at me, or slam doors in my face, or try to confound me in my words, that Alma and Abinadi and Ammon and so many other ancient prophets and missionaries went through much harder trials and tribulations than I probably ever will, and they where still successful.
So, despite my area's name of Turlock 2nd ward, very little of our area actually covers Turlock. We cover small towns nearby, like Delhi, and Hilmar. Did you know that Hilmar is home to the largest cheese factory in the world? See? We're all learning! Let me tell you something else, you know what it smells like on a farm? That's what all of Delhi and Hilmar smell like, all the time! Mmm mmm good.
But despite the religiously intolerant people, and the faint aroma of animal dung in the air, the people of Turlock and surrounding areas are actually good people, and the work has been progressing well. We have a goal of 12 baptisms in this ward this year, and we already have one scheduled for 2 weeks from now! Through no help of my own, but I count it regardless.
Here are more fun facts about the California Fresno mission. The average mission baptizes about 450 people a year. Last year the Fresno mission baptized 936 people. Why so successful? Obedience. The missionaries in this mission are some of the most obedient missionaries you will find anywhere, including Elder Asay, who has done wonders to help show me the ropes.
I know I am where I am supposed to be, and know that what I teach is true. I encourage all of you, whether you've done it or not, whether you are a member of the church or not, to read or reread through the Book of Mormon, and pray to know if its true. It has been promised that God will testify to you that it is, and that promise never expires no matter how many times you use it. The work shall progress. Should we not go on in so great a cause?
I love you all,
Elder Keenan Monnett
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The time is far spent. . . .
Thank you so much for everyone that has sent me letters. It really does encourage a missionary to get letters. To anyone who hasn't sent me letters; shame on you. To anyone who has; I promise I'll write you back eventually, its just that the time is far spent, there is little remaining. I only have 2 full days left here at the MTC. I can't believe that time has gone as quickly as it has. I guess when your brain is working as hard as it has been here, time just seems like a menial thing that your brain stops keeping track of.
I can't believe that in 2 days, I'll be in the field, with a companion, talking to real investigators. I'm so excited. Don't get me wrong, the MTC is amazing. I'm not sure of any other place where you can learn this much, surrounded by so many worthy priesthood holders, and a gym so nice to work out in. Seriously, I've lost 4 pounds, even though I've been stuffing my face everyday. So leaving the MTC, and all the missionaries in my district, and my teachers, will be hard, but its almost completely overshadowed by the fact that I'm about to do what I set out to do. Be a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. To help bring the restored gospel to thousands of people who need it. "Should we not go on in such great a cause?" I really love that Joseph Smith movie.
So, the spiritual thought I will share with you today is about the power of prayer. "Pray always, that ye may come off conqueror, yea, that you may conquer Satan..." Prayer can help every aspect of your life. Everyone of you should be praying the minute you wake up, right before bed, over every meal (even if you're in public! In fact, especially if your in public!) You see, God tends to like when we tell him we're thankful for things he has blessed us with, just like a parent likes hearing that from a child, and He is more likely to bless us with more if we show him that we're thankful for what we have.
One of the apostles said that the power of miracles is brought on through the power of prayer. It couldn't be more true. I wouldn't have made it through these last few weeks if it weren't through the power of prayer, and our Heavenly Father's grace. He truly loves everyone of us, and wants to bless us, we just need to ask for it before he will, because he won't pour out his blessings upon people that don't show appreciation for what he's already done. So keep that in mind, and pray right now!
I love you all,
Elder Keenan Monnett
I can't believe that in 2 days, I'll be in the field, with a companion, talking to real investigators. I'm so excited. Don't get me wrong, the MTC is amazing. I'm not sure of any other place where you can learn this much, surrounded by so many worthy priesthood holders, and a gym so nice to work out in. Seriously, I've lost 4 pounds, even though I've been stuffing my face everyday. So leaving the MTC, and all the missionaries in my district, and my teachers, will be hard, but its almost completely overshadowed by the fact that I'm about to do what I set out to do. Be a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. To help bring the restored gospel to thousands of people who need it. "Should we not go on in such great a cause?" I really love that Joseph Smith movie.
So, the spiritual thought I will share with you today is about the power of prayer. "Pray always, that ye may come off conqueror, yea, that you may conquer Satan..." Prayer can help every aspect of your life. Everyone of you should be praying the minute you wake up, right before bed, over every meal (even if you're in public! In fact, especially if your in public!) You see, God tends to like when we tell him we're thankful for things he has blessed us with, just like a parent likes hearing that from a child, and He is more likely to bless us with more if we show him that we're thankful for what we have.
One of the apostles said that the power of miracles is brought on through the power of prayer. It couldn't be more true. I wouldn't have made it through these last few weeks if it weren't through the power of prayer, and our Heavenly Father's grace. He truly loves everyone of us, and wants to bless us, we just need to ask for it before he will, because he won't pour out his blessings upon people that don't show appreciation for what he's already done. So keep that in mind, and pray right now!
I love you all,
Elder Keenan Monnett
Monday, January 18, 2010
MTC- Week 2
Has it really only been a week since my last letter? That shocks me, in that it both seems like it was only a few days a go, while at the same time seeming like it was months ago. That's the weird way that time works here at the MTC. As of tomorrow, my district will be the senior district in my zone. That seems crazy to me, though I guess I'm only here for 3 weeks total...
So, The other day my district had the opportunity to work in the Referral Center, or the RC. Ever wondered who you're calling when you call those numbers on the back of Mormon pass-a-long cards, or Mormon TV Ads? You're calling the RC! Where many young missionaries are working hard to answer your calls and help you with your needs. We where working on calling people back to confirm deliveries of things like movies and DVD's. You get a fair share of people who seem to not like you... its crazy! But I suppose that's life, and how it will definitely be when I'm out in the field.
On Wednesday we'll get the opportunity to be hosts to newcomer missionaries. Normally this invitation isn't extended to English speaking missionaries, but I'm pretty tight with Brother Jarman, the head of hiring services here at the MTC, so he pulled some strings for us. So I'll be bringing in new missionaries who are scared out of their minds, sort of like I was just a few weeks ago.
So I'm happy to say that I haven't gained any weight yet. Haven't lost any, but I'm still counting it as a win.
On a completely different note, the spirit here is simply amazing. I have nothing to compare to, because it blows everything else out of the water. We get the chance to go to the temple once a week, and that is amazing too! It is simply wonderful how much love our Heavenly Father has for us, and how much he blesses us, even though we truly don't deserve it. I simply cannot wait to go out to the field to help people understand that.
Until next time,
Elder Keenan Monnett
So, The other day my district had the opportunity to work in the Referral Center, or the RC. Ever wondered who you're calling when you call those numbers on the back of Mormon pass-a-long cards, or Mormon TV Ads? You're calling the RC! Where many young missionaries are working hard to answer your calls and help you with your needs. We where working on calling people back to confirm deliveries of things like movies and DVD's. You get a fair share of people who seem to not like you... its crazy! But I suppose that's life, and how it will definitely be when I'm out in the field.
On Wednesday we'll get the opportunity to be hosts to newcomer missionaries. Normally this invitation isn't extended to English speaking missionaries, but I'm pretty tight with Brother Jarman, the head of hiring services here at the MTC, so he pulled some strings for us. So I'll be bringing in new missionaries who are scared out of their minds, sort of like I was just a few weeks ago.
So I'm happy to say that I haven't gained any weight yet. Haven't lost any, but I'm still counting it as a win.
On a completely different note, the spirit here is simply amazing. I have nothing to compare to, because it blows everything else out of the water. We get the chance to go to the temple once a week, and that is amazing too! It is simply wonderful how much love our Heavenly Father has for us, and how much he blesses us, even though we truly don't deserve it. I simply cannot wait to go out to the field to help people understand that.
Until next time,
Elder Keenan Monnett
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
MTC- Day 5
So, Day 5 at the MTC and it has been quite an amazing experience so far. It truly is amazing how much my testimony has grown just in these last few days alone! The MTC grounds are a place where the spirit is constantly residing. So, I'm special here at the MTC, in that instead of just one companion, I get two! It can make things pretty complicated, when you want to go somewhere you have to have all 3 of you go at the same time. But I imagine it will be a pretty good learning experience for later in the field. My companions are Elder Anderson, and Elder Dicky (I'll send some pictures home when I have the chance.)
So they feed you here, ALL THE TIME. No joke, the food is delicious, and you can have as much as you want. I've been cutting myself back down to one plate a meal as of recently. See, I've started working out for the first time in months, and I don't want to counteract all that muscleness with fat.
So my district is probably the coolest district to ever roam the halls of this wonderful institute, and I was made District Leader over them! I was pretty shocked when I found out, but its been a pretty good learning experience so far. Its amazing how much more in tune I am with spiritual things since ariving here. Even just singing hymns sometimes I have to choke back tears. In a manly way of course. I've joined the choir here, and on tuesday we're going to be singing "Jesus, once of humble birth" for all the other MTC's.
We had an MTC fireside last night, and the MTC Director spoke to us. I am partially certain it was broadcasted on BYU tv. So on Sunday and Tuesday nights, look for MTC broadcasts on. I may be singing in one of them if Elder Nielson and I have our way.
Last night I had the oppurotunity to watch the Joseph Smith film again. If any of you haven't seen it, I implore you to find a temple or visitors center now an watch it! Theres a qoute at the end, and this isn't verbatim, but it says "Joseph Smith lived and died for this work, and now is being spread all over the world. Should we not go on with such a great work?" I am now part of that work. Nothing has hit me so hard before. I have never been more proud of any work I've ever done than what I'm doing now. The good kind of pride that is. For the last three years I've been doing the same thing, wondering if I living the way I should. But here, there is no question, I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
Write ME!
Elder Keenan Monnett
So they feed you here, ALL THE TIME. No joke, the food is delicious, and you can have as much as you want. I've been cutting myself back down to one plate a meal as of recently. See, I've started working out for the first time in months, and I don't want to counteract all that muscleness with fat.
So my district is probably the coolest district to ever roam the halls of this wonderful institute, and I was made District Leader over them! I was pretty shocked when I found out, but its been a pretty good learning experience so far. Its amazing how much more in tune I am with spiritual things since ariving here. Even just singing hymns sometimes I have to choke back tears. In a manly way of course. I've joined the choir here, and on tuesday we're going to be singing "Jesus, once of humble birth" for all the other MTC's.
We had an MTC fireside last night, and the MTC Director spoke to us. I am partially certain it was broadcasted on BYU tv. So on Sunday and Tuesday nights, look for MTC broadcasts on. I may be singing in one of them if Elder Nielson and I have our way.
Last night I had the oppurotunity to watch the Joseph Smith film again. If any of you haven't seen it, I implore you to find a temple or visitors center now an watch it! Theres a qoute at the end, and this isn't verbatim, but it says "Joseph Smith lived and died for this work, and now is being spread all over the world. Should we not go on with such a great work?" I am now part of that work. Nothing has hit me so hard before. I have never been more proud of any work I've ever done than what I'm doing now. The good kind of pride that is. For the last three years I've been doing the same thing, wondering if I living the way I should. But here, there is no question, I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
Write ME!
Elder Keenan Monnett
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