Elder Landon Stevenson is HOME!!!
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Aug. 10, 2015
Dad,
The
drive to young from Tonto is a long dirt road both ways. That's great about Peg
and about grandpa and grandma! I'd be happy to help out getting them down.
Mom,
I
will be more faithful in praying for Mike. For dinner anything except mushrooms
;) ha anything with homemade rolls sounds good. The package still didn't come,
did you sent it to the mission office?
Kamri,
Kamri,
Does
school start soon? The young women's thing sounds cool.
We
had another good week, just a quick summary- the Taylor stake presidency which
contains the young branch got reorganized so elder Lawrence and Southward, both
of whom are general authorities came. Saturday night was good and our mission
president spoke too. Inspired men and called of God.
We
set a baptism date with Anthony for November 21! It's a ways out but I am
excited for him. Had a really good lesson with him on baptism.
We
did a lot of service, raked rocks and did some yard work, replaced a water tank
that went out, helped rebuild a truck and some other stuff.
Had
a lesson with John. Had lessons with other nonmembers and less actives. It was
a good week! This week I plan to apply all the things I have learned in 2 years
into one week.
Well
I love you all.
I
have a testimony of this great work I have had the opportunity to take part in
for 2 amazing years, I have come to love the Lord and his gospel. I thank you
for all the support, encouragement, letter and love, you have each helped me in
a special way. I know that this is the church of Jesus Christ established in
the latter days in the final dispensation and that Joseph Smith is the prophet
of the restoration. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the savior and redeemer of
the world and invite all to follow him.
-Elder
Stevenson
August 3, 2015
Dad,
That sounds like a great couple trips! Thanks for all the
detail. I would like to hear some of your beefs and bouquets growing up! Haha
The Lord knows your trying with the Jensen’s but ultimately the choice is up to
them
Mom,
The new calling sounds like something you will like and
it will keep you young as you gets grow older ;) Kaden told me about him and
Brady both on the 23rd, oh well. Camping sounds good! And if we go on more than
1 week per date are you paying us?? One of our companionship goals for the week
was actually praying more and asking for the HG, funny you mentioned it.
Kamri,
I got a cake, and it was fun to build a fence on
Wednesday! I'm glad you had fun at the splash park, enjoy the new presidency!
Monday- we had a good zone activity, nerf war. In the
evening we did FHE at the Richens, a la family. They are moving so I hope it's
easier to be active in the new place.
Tuesday- we had a 9 appointments planned, but half of
them fell through, overall it was still a great day! In the morning we had a
lesson with John, we read a talk of President Monson’s with him and he is
understanding truth line upon line. We had a lesson with sis Canady, talked
about what she can do to quit smoking and get to the temple. We had a lesson
with the Wynn’s again on patriarchal blessings and daily study and prayer, they
just need to act. We had a lesson with Tom Barkley again (finally) we had
dinner with the Lyman’s (branch
president) and he came, we taught the restoration. It
went well but his ears are old. He has a good heart and I think will get
baptized.
Spent the night at the Haught’s in Gisela.
Wednesday- district meeting in Payson went good. Then we
drove to young and did service for the Varker’s, built a fence and it looks
good! Then they fed us and we had a lesson. We went to temple prep with JP and
Christa, they are all done and now just need interviews! I hope they go within
the next couple weeks.
Thursday- we did service for Vada and Sam. It went good,
mowed and had a good talk. Then we had a lesson with Anthony and read the Book
of Mormon. He needs a little motivation in his life but we are working on him.
Had another lesson with sis Haley, she is getting closer to being prepared for
temple prep. Then we met a new less active, her name is Jan and our visit with
her was very productive, she's got some vices but we are going to get her back
and to the temple.
Friday- we had service with the Van Voorst then taught
the restoration. It went good. JP had us over for lunch and fed us cake, they
invited Anthony so we had a lesson with him too on following the prophet. It
started raining and our lesson was outside so it didn't go that great. Had
another lesson with pat, we started over and taught her the restoration again.
It amazes me how far she has come, of course some of it is her own learning and
understanding but the gift of spirit has given her so much, just asking her
questions it's amazing to see. Had a few other visits and worked on our weekly
planning.
Saturday- finished our wp because we didn't get it done,
had a few la visits then went to Haigler and had dinner with the porters and
got some referrals. Drove back to tonto and it was an amazing drive! There was
a huge rain storm and the dirt road was slick and the Lightning was striking
but the scenery was unbelievable.
Sunday- Church was good, had some good testimony’s, we
taught Sunday school (gospel doctrines) and that went pretty well. We had
dinner with the walls and he turned 80 so we took him some birthday stuff, I
got a pink tie, elder Watson got the same tie in orange and I got brother wall
the yellow version so we will look pretty good! We had a lesson with John and
it was great, read James 2 and talked about faith and works, then talked about
the Book of Mormon, I really felt love for him in our lesson.
Michelle cancelled and she probably won't make her date
cause she's not progressing toward the 15th. Bummer.
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead
Love you! Have a good week Elder Stevenson
July 27, 2015
Dad,
I'm
glad your trip went well, get rested up old man ;) how hot was Vegas?
Mom,
That
sounds like a missionary week being so busy! The Waterton park sounds cool, I'm
glad you had fun at the reunion even though it didn't sound fun beforehand.
Kamri,
Yeah
send me some pics! Teach Lexi how to email pictures too. I'm glad you had fun
with your cousins. Good job hiking, are you still running daily?
This
week went good again!
Monday- Young- we had dinner with a nonmember Greek man named John. he made us a Greek dinner it was really good, he used to own his own restraint in scottsdale. We had a really good chat with him and the other 2 guys who came too.
Monday- Young- we had dinner with a nonmember Greek man named John. he made us a Greek dinner it was really good, he used to own his own restraint in scottsdale. We had a really good chat with him and the other 2 guys who came too.
Tuesday-
Young- we did service again for the VanVoorst. We worked under his trailer then
had a good chat about grace and works and how they relate. Then we taught
Anthony and talked about the articles of faith, his broken femur is making it
hard for him to do anything.. We had a lesson with a lady named Athena,
possible potential. Then saw the titus' and showed them mountains to climb and
talked about trials. They finally accepted book of Mormons. In evening we had a
few la visits, one to a guy named Pete, I think he will reactivate will some
help!
Wednesday-
we did service again all morning. Made a garden, it was fun. Then we had a
lesson with Pat and talked about patriarchal blessings and church callings. She
is excited for both. Then we drove to Tonto basin
Thursday-
we had interviews in Scottsdale, they went really good. I love president
Sweeney. We had district meeting after then came back. It took most of the day
but we had a lesson with John and read 3 Nephi 27. Talked about the
qualifications for Christ church.
Friday-
we went to Gisela and had a few good visits. We had dinner with the wynns and
had a really really good conversation with them, they have fallen off the wagon
the last month or so but are going to be getting back on track. Also had a
lesson with Abigail, she is la. Her son buckee came to church and he's 11 and
not baptized! We also had a lesson with a lady named Jessica, her husband died
a few weeks ago from a heart attack and she is a young mom so we taught the
plan of salvation and turns out her mom got baptized a few years ago and her
uncles is a member and she lived with his family a while ago! So I am excited
to start teaching her. We spent the night at the haughts, they're house was
approved for missionaries to use so that was cool.
Saturday-
we had a lesson with Michelle, kept it simple and read the Book of Mormon. Then
another lesson with a nice couple who aren't interested.. Pin the afternoon we
got to go up to pine/ strawberry for a stake Pioneer Day celebration. It was
really neat to see so many people I served with! I even found 2 people who we
taught and were LA and they are preparing for the temple!!
Sunday-
Elder Watson and I spoke in church. We spoke about the pioneers. I talked about
the faith the pioneers had and how it motivated them to move forward. I was
suppose to talk for 10 minutes and I was the concluding speaker, the first 2
speakers went under so I spoke for 12 but still didn't fill up all the
remaining time. It was fine though. Had a few la visits and saw Lucille. Her
chemo is going rough but she is hanging in there, we read her the all is well
home teaching message, I'm not sure if she will hear the lessons in this life
or the next but I hope it's this life!
All
is well, I love you! Thanks for the birthday wishes!
Love,
Elder
Stevenson
July 20, 2015
Dad,
The
lady with 7 kids is not a member. That's great young men's went so good! Have
fun with both trips!
Mom,
I'm
not sure why she's in a wheelchair.. It's to do with her feet, she may have got
polio.. That's great Hayden is seeking the spirit, there's a good list in PMG
ch 4
Kamri,
The
cake shop sounds like fun, good thing you didn't burn it down. ;) have
fun!
Hey
family, this week went pretty good, here it is
Monday-
had a la lesson, went pretty good and met a pm family who was nice to us!
Tuesday-
had a lesson with John, kept it simple read the book. we taught Michelle the
word of wisdom. She accepted it real well. Saw a couple little miracles, saw a
la and her 10 year old is la, she wants to get back into the church and he
could get baptized! Some members fed us on the spot, our house was like 40 min
away and we didn't have a dinner planned so that was nice. We had a lesson with
Tom, taught him the plan of salvation. He accepted it good.
Wednesday-
we had ZTM, had to go to the valley for it so it took a lot of the day. In the
evening we saw a couple la families.
Thursday-
we did a ton of service for a widow, it was fun cleaning up her yard and
everything. Had a la lesson with the Redd's, then a few other good
contacts.
Friday-
had another lesson with John on prophets, he didn't accept it that good but the
truth is sinking into him, just got to purge all the false teachings of men
he's heard for 60 years.. Had a lesson with Michelle, it went good, reset her date
for August 15th, hope she makes it. Drove to young.
Saturday-
something called pleasant valley days, a huge annual roping event with a parade
and craft show and vendors and things, so we had a table and manned that most
of the day, it went pretty great, sadly most of the people I either already
knew or they were from out of town but still good.
Sunday-
no investigators. Ugg. Church was good though and we had pat and another lady
we are helping prepare for temple. Not sure if there has been lots of talk
about the general conference training up in Idaho but the teachings and about
the sacrament and sabbath observance has been enlightening to me, I've been
over it 4 times now.. We had a lesson after church with carol (the one prepping
for temple) met a crazy catholic guy and some other stuff.
His
morning I caught a fish!
Have
a great week and a fun Canada trip!
2 Timothy 3:
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men
shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection,
trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are
good, 4 Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of
God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such
turn away.
We
are in the last days, prophesy is being fulfilled!
Love,
Elder
Stevenson
July 13, 2015
Dad,
Thanks for the prayers. Hopefully for Michelle her dad will
be able to baptize her but it would be neat if her uncle was also worthy. That
sounds like Idaho weather!
Mom,
That's too bad to hear about Hayden but thanks for letting
me know. That's a neat story!
Kamri,
Maybe next year you will win right? That's pretty cool you
did good at the cake shop, you might get hired!
Hey family,
I just wrote in the middle of last week so this one may be a
bit short but here it is:
Wednesday- Went to Young- We sat in on JP and Christa's
temple prep class, they are getting so close I am pumped! You can really tell a
difference in their home over the last few months and it is great. Then we felt
prompted to go introduce Elder Watson to the branch President (although we had
other things to do) and it was neat cause we showed up and he started talking
about a friend who he felt needed a priesthood blessing for a surgery the next
day and he had tried twice to bring it up to no avail, but he felt like he
should just call her so he did and we ended up going over with him to the
Titus' and helped give her a blessing, she has 7 kids and is a single mom so it’s
a struggle. The blessing went good and it was really good for the kids to see,
they are about warmed up to us to take the lessons! The surgery went good too.
Thursday- We did service for a PM couple, the van voorst,
and he invited us in after to ask us some questions, he was satisfied with our
answers and invited us back! Then we had our second lesson Carol, with a RC who
went LA, it was good. We taught Pat a lesson and got everything set for
Saturday. Saw a few other people, taught Anthony the gospel of Jesus Christ. JP
came and really helped the lesson.
Friday- Weekly planning day. We had a dinner and it was with
an active couple but they had their brother’s grandson over and we taught the
restoration for our dinner message, it was good, but later the kids dad, who is
la, got pretty upset that we gave him a Book of Mormon. We did some wood
service too, that was fun.
Sunday- Church was good; gospel principals was packed. There
was literally room for only one more chair and it’s a good thing 3 of the usual
people just all got called to teach primary or we would have been overflowed.
We had a stake priesthood meeting and it took a long time, we left at 5 with a
long drive and barely made it back in time. It was sure a fun drive though, we
rode with Brother Varker, Waite and Le Fever they are each 65+ but still
fun.
1 Nephi 8:33 ...they did point the finger of scorn at me and
those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not. 34
These are the words of my father: For as many as heeded them, had fallen away.
The world will continue to apostatize and pervert, but the
way we will overcome is to pay them no heed!
Have a good week!
Love,
Elder Stevenson
Friday, July 31, 2015
December 30, 2013
Merry Christmas!!
Well this week was fantastic!! there was miracles everyday
of the week, it may have been gods christmas gift to me and elder oakley! haha
ill start with last monday. we were having dinner at a members house and after
dinner they had some friends over and invited us to stay and play games with
them, so we played games and got to know them (mary and rodger), talked about
religion, missions, there churches, etc. then we asked and they said we could
visit them and share a message with them! so on friday we went over and started
talking and taught the restoration with them! and it went well and they
accepted a challenge to read from the bom and pray about it and said we can
come back. Tuesday we had a lesson with Gwen and were teaching her the
restoration and toward the end of the lesson a soon to be relative walked in to
borrow some ingredients and ended up joining the conversation and she laid down
question after question about life and god and bad things happening to good
people and we answered every one of her questions and she said she would like
to come and join us the next time we teach Gwen, (tomorrow). Wednesday the
miracle was getting to talk to you. Thursday we had a lesson with a less
active/recent convert fam and the lady said she was talking to her mom about
churches and said the were all about hell, fire and damnation but she told her
about our church and that its loving and accepting and good and she said she
would come check it out and let us visit! But we cant visit till the new year
cause shes in the middle of moving homes. On Friday we had that lesson i was
talking about earlier. on Saturday we saw a member family to let them know how
a referral went and a neighbor happened to swing by and we got talking and
shared a message and prayer and she said we could come visit anytime! sunday
she wasnt home so were hoping to swing by tonight. (there weekeneders) so the
only problem is there not always up here but hoping to move up soon. Sunday we
had a lesson with 2 boys who have a hard time learning and a relative was there
and was very curious about what we believe and we ended up having the first
lesson with him! :) we have sky on date for baptism for febuary so we will
continue teacing her and hope the parents will allow it and all will go good
with cps. when we see gqen tomorrow we are going to talk about it and decide on
a date for her too :)
love you all,
Elder Stevenson
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
July 8, 2015
Hi family!
Well today I am emailing from.... Tonto Basin! I have a new companion, his name is Elder Watson, he is from Kentucky and has been out about 3 months. He's tall. Elder Pyper went down to the valley furnace, but it’s not too much cooler here.
Monday- Went to Young- Had a branch FHE movie night where we watched Meet the Mormons. It turned out great and there was a good turnout. Pat went, also Danna, first time she's been in the church in a long while and a lady named Carol who got baptized a year and a half ago but hasn't been active and a few other people!
Tuesday- Young- Saw Van Voorst, PM couple, and set up a return appointment for service. Saw Aldo. I can’t really remember what else it was so long ago… but I remember we were busy that day!
Wednesday- Young- WE had a lesson with Carol, she was the one who came to the movie night, she wants to get back into the church and we talked about temple and what she needs to do to get there, I am excited for that! We had a lesson with Pat, talked about the baptism interview, went over the questions and made some plans for her interview!
Thursday- Lots of service, worked at the community center for a bit then for a nonmember, Karl. His whole family is members so he has heard most of the beliefs before and he believes it but I guess 80+ years ago he promised his mom he wouldn't change religions so we had a good chat about that and he said he would pray and see what God wants! We had a lesson with Anthony and taught him about the Book of Mormon. He's making progress. Had dinner with a member but a LA member was there and that was really good.
Friday- We taught a lady named Rita we did service for a while ago, when we got there she said I don't want to become Mormon but then we still taught the restoration and by the end she committed to read the book and if God answers her prayer she would change! It was cool. Taught Anthony the Plan of Salvation. He soaked it up! Pat had her interview and passed so she is set for the 11th! Then went to Payson for district meeting, Elder Pyper and I gave a good good training on the character of Christ.
Saturday- We spend the 4th in Payson at the park. There was a booth and the 4 Payson Elders plus us plus 4 sisters all did the booth, most of the day me and my comp walked about talking to families and passing out literature, then in the evening we were in charge of the booth. All in all we gave out approx. 120 Book of Mormons and contacted over 500 people! It was quite the day, we were set up at the park at 9:30 am and couldn’t take down until it was done so that was 10 and with traffic and all it was bad until like 11 after that.. Don't worry we were just doing what the district leader had permission to do.
Sunday- Church was good, in the afternoon we went to Gisela and had a lesson with Michelle. Taught her more about the scriptures and read with her and her family. A neat thing that happened is one day when we first went there her uncle (who lives upstairs) opened the door and was pretty rude but we didn't care then during our lesson he got home from work and was standing in the kitchen next to us listening and by the end of the lesson was even participating a bit! He is LA.
Monday- We had a lesson with john and taught him about the Sabbath day, hope we can get him back to church! Had dinner with a little group of the awesome tonto members. They thought I might get transferred so they had an early birthday for me just in case.
Tuesday- Was transfers, it took a lot of the day but I got to see a lot of great missionaries for possibly the last time :( We got back and had dinner with the walls then went to Gisela and had another lesson with Michelle, we tried to show her JSPR but her TV internet wasn't working so we just did the restoration instead.
! Nephi 1:20 But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance. The mercies of the Lord are available to all, just have faith so you may be worthy and chosen of the blessings
I'm glad you all had a good last week and that the 4th was good!
Love, Elder Stevenson
June 29, 2015
Hey everybody,
This week was pretty good, except with the iPad’s just started using it for our area book too and so every teaching appointment, lesson, sacrament, etc for the last 2 years has to be inputted. It takes forever to do just one person but we have the rest of this week to finish so it’s ok.
Monday- Young- Went crawdad fishing again and caught like 50. We went with a LA and her nonmember boyfriend so that was good. After we cooked them up and had dinner and a lesson with them. We also had a lesson with a catholic lady, it was a good visit but nothing really will come of her. One cool thing was that she said she beliefs her church is wrong about infant baptism so it opened the door for us to teach her the truth.
Tuesday- Young- Had a RC lesson and lunch with the Varkers. We also did service for them and did electric work for his shed, something new for me! We also had a lesson with Pat, where she is a single sister we always have to take a 3rd male with us, Tuesday morning the member we had lined up called and cancelled so we got another member short notice, well 5 minutes before the appointment he called and cancelled to so we were stuck in a rut. So we called every member we could think of and no one could help so we had to call and rescheduled for 2 hours later in hopes that we could find someone. Well we got the right member. Brother Dixon came with us and we taught the law of chastity and law of the land, both very simple for someone who's 80 but then transitioned into temple marriage and families and it was just great how the lesson played out, it was really spiritual and the Lord definitely had a plan even if we didn't see it all at first.
Wednesday- District meeting as usual. Then we went to Gisela, sadly Michelle fell thru. We met a few potentials though, one real good one. His name is Tom. He was a referral we got right when we got here and we tried contacting him like 5 times but we never caught up with him, Wednesday we had some extra time so we went by and he was home and said he wants to learn and take the lessons! He's in his uppers 80's so it’s definitely the time to do or die.
Thursday- Had another lesson with John, taught him the plan of salvation. A little different than what he has been taught and is used to but he was ok with it and has been reading and keeping commitments so that is good. Put in a lot of time to the area book.
Friday- Worked on the area book ipad thing a bunch more, my iPad sometimes looks like a Frisbee when I have to hold it for hours ;) We had a good visit with the Jameson's
Saturday- Saw the Hardies, had a good visit. Went to Gisela again. Our branch president came with for the lesson at Michelle’s, It went good and she said the closing prayer! Big step for her. Saw a few less actives- the Wynn's, Cockrums, and some more. Met a few other potentials too, a lady from Idaho who used to get visits! Had rib-eyes for dinner, it was so good.
Sunday- Tonto- Church and meetings basically all day. Church was pretty good, sadly only Pat came in young. John was sick and Michelle’s dad had the car. After church there was a meeting with the stake president about the Sabbath day and keeping it holy, it was really good; similar to a training from our mission president. Then we had a lesson at the
Redd’s, a LA couple we haven't met with in a while. Then we went to Payson for a stake priesthood meeting, it was really good.
Monday- This morning we had another lesson with John, taught him the gospel of Jesus Christ and things really clicked. We showed him a lot of scriptures and things that helped him understand sin, repentance and baptism by the proper authority. The lord definitely keeps his promise of bringing things to remembrance when needed! Headed back to young this afternoon!
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.... 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Have a good week of freedom! Blow something up and have fun camping
Love,
Elder Stevenson
June 22, 2015
Happy Father's Day!!
Things here went alright this last week-
Monday- Tonto. Had a lesson with a pm couple, the Richards. Took our RSP, had a good visit but they don't want to change. Then we had a lesson with Michelle and taught her following the prophet and scripture study.
Tuesday- Tonto- had a lesson with John, went over the Restoration. It was actually pretty cool, at first he was trying to teach us and kept getting off subject, but we were persistent and moved through the lesson points and once we got about halfway through he really started to stop and listen and learn new things, he was amazed at some of it and knows the bible very well so is now going to learn the Book of Mormon. Found a few new people who said we can come back in an area we hadn't tracked before and had good contacts. Had a good lesson with a LA family. Met the "bible church" preacher. He invited us back, but we have to see if that's ok first.
Wednesday- had ZTM in the valley, it was supposed to start at 11 but didn't and ran late so it took the better half of the day. Elder Pyper bought me cold stone cause he lost a bet we made. We got back about 5 and packed and ate quickly then went to our lesson with Karmyn but she fell thru again. Drove to Young.
Thursday- Young- taught jack about prophets a little and general conference, he was real excited to listen to talks as he goes on walks through the forest. Taught Pat the law of tithing and fasting, she really like the principal of fasting and then that's what sacrament was focused on Sunday too. One cool thing about the lesson was she said I have just realized this week coffee doesn't even taste good and her coffee pot was clean and dry! And she has been drinking it daily for years, the Lord works wonders! Anthony broke his femur and had facial reconstruction from a horse accident so we didn't get to teach him, but he got home from the hospital and we helped make the long walk inside. We were driving by as he was trying to get out of the car so that was a miracle.
Friday- Young- dug part of a crater for an older sister in the branch for a tree. It needed to be 3 foot by 4 foot deep and the soil was so rocky! I thought of Taylor saying faith move mountains 40 pounds at a time. I picked and my companion shoveled. We had dinner with nonmembers, authentic Indian fry bread, it was good food. We made a deal if we won horse shoes they had to come to church, sadly they won but are up for a rematch. Gave Anthony a blessing to get better.
Saturday- worked more on the hole. Cleaned up a wheelchair, now Pat has one at church so she doesn't have to bring it from home and people who can't lift wheelchairs can still give her a ride. Saw some people but it didn't really turn into lessons.
Sunday- Young- Pat was at church in young and John in Tonto! Kind of like Saturday, we had 2 really good chats, one with a LA member who has a family all unbaptized and another nonmember man but they both told us not right now..
2 Nephi 33:12 And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day.
Hope your week goes great!
Love, Elder Stevenson
June 15, 2015
Well this week was pretty grand!
Monday- Young- We met with Pat, she set her own date for July 11th and our lesson was good, we gave her a priesthood blessing to overcome coffee and tea, it was really neat. I shared with her that story you sent mom. Saw some referrals, caught crawdads, that was pretty cool, except by the time you cut off the top and pull of the legs and shell there's not much left to eat but they sure are tasty! Had a FHE at JP's and Anthony was there, we showed the Joseph Smith video.
Tuesday- Young- lots of service, built fence. It was fun though. Had a real lesson with Anthony, taught him the Restoration and he committed to read the Book of Mormon and pray and all that and agreed to baptism if he gets an answer!
Wednesday- Payson to Tonto- District meeting in Payson then had exchanges, we had a lesson with a man named John. Had the most sour lemon pie in the world for dinner. But the exchange was good.
Thursday- Tonto- Had the quarterly temple trip in Mesa. Got up at 4:30 cause we had to leave at 5:30, Elder Pyper had some family names so I baptized him and that was neat. Our session was at 8, it was real good. Had a big lunch after and saw lots of people! Had a less active visit to the browns. Then a really good less active visit to the Gressley's, made some goals to get back to the temple and getting back on track, then saw the other Gressley's and had a real good visit with them, hope they can get things worked out and get back to church!
Friday- Tonto- Went to Gisela, had a good lesson with Michelle on the Sabbath and she committed to attending church Sunday. Met some really good potentials. Had to weekly plan and iPad train and that took a while.
Saturday- Tracted for a while, went pretty good. Finally saw Lucille again, she was unloading her car and we helped set up a new A/C unit for them then had a lesson and taught her the plan of salvation, wish her chemo would be over and she could start coming to church. Also was driving past a LA's and her husband had just left her so we got another member and gave her a blessing, it was a miracle we drove by the house as she was outside.
Sunday- Tonto- Church at Tonto was great, there was like 60 visitors for a family reunion, but better than that there was 5 investigators there! Karmyn and her 2 brothers Seth and Ashton showed up pretty unexpected and it was right as we decided we are going to put it in the Lord's hands and wait for a while. And Michelle came with her dad who is LA so that was great, and John who we had a lesson with earlier in the week said he felt like coming. So we had a gospel principal’s class finally in the Tonto branch, and it was full. Had a good visit at the Jameson's, got some apricots and other stuff too.
It was a good week! Romans 5: 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.
Love, Elder Stevenson
June 8, 2015
Hi family!
It's great to hear from you as usual! My week was pretty good-
Monday- young
We went out to Haigler creek for a lesson, but the member who is a neighbor for Rita volunteered us for service instead, so we cleaned up her yard, I was a little upset cause it was supposed to be p-day and we had plans to go fishing, but I humbled myself and had charity and then we were able to have a lesson after and talk about temples and the plan of salvation. Monday night we had a lesson with Trevor on agency and choices, it went alright. Then we had a lesson/visit with Danna (la) and that was good.
Tuesday- Young
Started out with service, helped release a raccoon, that was cool, then split wood. Then went to a members and helped them tear down a chicken coop and move an anvil to the neighbors. Had a RC lesson. Had a lesson with Pat, it was on baptism and it was pretty great, the only bad part was she uncommitted to the 20 of this month but she committed and promised to talk with her son this week and set a date with him since he will be doing it. We have a lesson with her today, so we will see how it goes! Tried to do some family history for our temple trip coming up... Grandmas done it all!
Wednesday- Payton and Tonto
We had district meeting, gave a training on working the whole vineyard, it was good, but got cut short cause we were out of time. Went to Gisela. Had a lesson with Michelle again! She set a date for July 25, a ways off but that should give her enough time to start coming to church and everything. We went over to Nole’s for our lesson and he ran us off. It was quite the surprise, he basically told us his yard was more important than church and the gospel.. Sad, I gave him a copy of good, better, best and we will give him another shot in a couple weeks, and he might have just been overwhelmed. His date is off for now. Satan sure works hard on people. We also had dinner and a lesson with the Wynn’s.
Thursday- Tonto
Our appointments all fell thru but it was still a pretty good day, we saw a LA named Christine who is Karmyn’s grandma and had a really good chat with her. Also had a lesson with the Drummond’s.
Friday- Tonto
Saw the Hardy's, making progress with them! Had a lesson with sister Canady. Then went to Deer Creek and had a lesson with Dana and a LA named Larry. Saw the Browns a PMF and had a good visit, showed them mountains to climb.
Saturday
Great day! The Deleon’s, a family I was teaching in Scottsdale went thru the temple to receive their endowments and were sealed as a family, it was neat! One of the best days of my mission. The sealer was the old Mesa mission president. It was neat to see a lot of people from camel view ward too. I will send a picture!
Sunday- Tonto
Church was good except no one came in Tonto. But 3 people went in Young! After church we drove to Young, had dinner with our branch mission leader, he is getting to trust us a lot more than the previous missionaries so that's good.
In answer to dads question the people we had on date that aren't right now are these-
Karmyn- haven't met with her or her 2 brothers who were also on date in like 3 weeks because her grandma died and they went to Colorado.
Trevor-won't have a date anymore, he was doing good, but moved out of the members home he was staying with and this last week started smoking chewing and getting high again with his mom... What a mom. But he is moving to Illinois to be with his dad in a couple weeks and that's probably not enough time to clean up and get baptized.
All in all it was a pretty good week!
John 16: 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Love, Elder Stevenson
June 1, 2015
Hello family,
Happy birthday Lexi!!
I barely wrote you so this may be a bit shorter,
Thursday we did service- helped an older couple clean up there yard and a huge tree. Then we helped a different widow trim her weeds up. Got another flat tire, the ground was hot too! We had a real good visit with a less active couple, backstory we have tried to see them like 4 times but they always have an excuse then this time when we knocked we heard him say ok let them in today so our persistence paid off and they invited us back. We also had a couple visits with some of the 'Christian' folks in town. Not sure where that will go.
Friday- some service again for a sister working toward the temple, pulled weeds and then she fed us lunch, we watched mountains to climb. Then went to Gisela, tight Nole the word of wisdom, he accepted it a lot better then what he said on the phone about the pamphlet! Just gotta kick the coffee and the rest is easy. He should be good for the 27th. Then we had another lesson with Michelle, taught her the restoration and it went good, she opened up a lot more and committed to baptism. Drove to young
Saturday- made it out to a place called Haigler creek, met some people. Had to do some iPad stuff that took a while too. Found out Trevor is moving back in with his mom... She's not the best influence so hope he can stay strong, we have a lesson with him tonight. We met a less active and showed her mountains to climb, she was crying and even pretty shaky, it really hit home.
Sunday- pat was at church her date is for the 20th, Trevor was too. Church was good. One of the kids had a birthday party so we went over to that and got to talk to a family we've been trying to meet with. Saw Dave who is one of the main people running the Christian fellowship church in young. Had a really good chat, he's got an open heart and hope we can pick it open more and he will give us an honest shot. It would be cool to convert him!
This week we have showed mountains to climb to a lot of people so for my scripture watch it! www.lds.org mountains to climb
Love Eder Stevenson
May 25, 2015
Hello!
Today I am emailing you from... Tonto Basin! Elder Pyper and I both are staying together for another transfer here so that's pretty exciting. Here's how the last week and a half went for me-
Tuesday- Tonto- Went and saw a guy who said we could go back, his name is Charlie. Taught Charlie the Restoration, it was pretty good, except for when we asked him what he saw in the first vision picture he said Han Solo in a vest looking up at Luke Skywalker and O.B.one.. Haha. It was Elder Pyper’s birthday day and one of the members had a little party for him. We had a lesson with Ramone and Jane, taught the Plan of Salvation and it went pretty well.
Wednesday- Young- We sanded and painted a deck porch for a nonmember couple who were pretty cool. Then we stacked hay and had lunch and a lesson with a Recent convert couple who are awesome. We had a lesson with Pat and taught her the Sabbath day and obedience, she is doing good and making progress, we just need to get her off that coffee and tea! Got another flat tire, but this time it only took us 25 minutes to fix.
Thursday- Got iPad’s! They are pretty cool. We had a mission seminar with Elder Evans of the 70 and some other people who taught us about discipleship in the digital age. The meeting was in the valley and after we got our tire fixed. By the time we got back to Young it was late but we had some great experiences of sharing the gospel throughout the day, just not in our area. Taught the Restoration to a young gal while waiting for her oil change then got another referral for someone while getting gas, then at Walmart got talking to a guy who builds temples and wants to join but his wife is Catholic and he was thrilled to have his own Book of Mormon. Also in Walmart in Payson saw Gwen who was someone I baptized like a year ago. It was pretty neat.
Friday- Young- We had a lesson with Trevor about the Priesthood and how the church works. Went to the Young graduation, only 2 people graduated from high school, imagine if that’s how it was for you Lexi! They had an 8th grade and kindergarten graduation too so we saw and were seen by a lot of families which was the goal. Have some people we are going to hunt down from it.
Saturday-Young- Did service for a while. Got our iPad’s set up and got the scriptures on them which are great. Had dinner and a lesson with Trevor, Jay R., JP and his family, we went over the family proclamation. JP and Christa just started temple prep classes and I am excited for them! Had a lesson with the Connor’s, but he's not ready to come back..
Sunday- Spoke in church, my topic was sustaining church leaders. I spoke for 17 minutes out of 20 but that was alright, I wrote my talk Saturday night and Sunday morning between PEC and sacrament. Pat and Trevor came to church. There was a bunch of visitors up. After church there was a child baptism and Trevor stayed for it. We had a lesson with Trevor, we went over the baptismal interview questions, and he’s all good… Except he smoked again. UGGG, I want to destroy all the Tobacco! Drove back to Tonto, saw a lion on the way.
Monday- Had another lesson with Charlie, taught him the Pan of Salvation. He soaked it in and hopefully will come to church this week. Went off to Gisela with brother Wall, had a lesson with the Wynn's and taught Michelle the Plan of Salvation, she should start progressing, we just need to get her parents to come back to church they got baptized a while back.
Tuesday- Saw Ramone and Jane again, when we got there they dropped us... We asked if they had read prayed and got an answer about the Book of Mormon and committed them to do so before making a final decision. Bore our testimony's to them so I guess we will see... Showed mountains to climb to a lot of people on the iPad, including Lucille who is the one with cancer going thru Chemo. She is great, the sweetest little old lady ever. When we got to her house she said do you like my hair? They had just shaved it all off. I hope she can get well so she can get baptized.
Alma43:45-46 Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church. And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God. Happy Memorial Day!
Love, Elder Stevenson
May 22, 2015
Brother and Sister Stevenson:
I want to pass on a wonderful compliment I received on the phone this morning regarding Elder Stevenson. He and his companion stopped on the road yesterday to help a man with a flat tire. The gentleman was so appreciative and took the time to call us and let us know what fine young men they were. They even offered him a Book of Mormon. I reminded him these incidents are not coincidental and the missionaries are always glad to help. Thank you for raising such a fine young man! He is the nicest young man. He is a hard working missionary and has an amazing testimony. May you enjoy and reap many blessings as a result of his service and your influence upon him. We love him!
Sister Llewanne Bass
Mission Secretary
Arizona Scottsdale Mission
480-951-8098
May 18, 2015
Hey hey! This week was pretty good-
Monday- Young- We had a zone activity and went to a huge cabin, the owner invented Sky Mall so he is loaded. It was the biggest place I have ever seen. We also had a FHE with Trevor and the people he lives with JP, Christa and Jay R, the lesson was on the Book of Mormon, then I introduced them to the thimble game for the activity and it was great.
Tuesday- Young- Woke up to a flat tire. The worst part was getting the spare tire off, it would come from the bottom, turns out there is a little spot by the license plate, but we got it worked out. Then we had service, we helped a nonmember widow stack wood and get her place looking a little better then we also helped another nonmember couple, the Marts, worked in the garden and helped build a cucumber grower, they are awesome and we hope to start teaching them. She even introduced us to some of their friends who can use a little service. We then had a lesson with Pat, we just read the Book of Mormon with her, and she is so great. We also had a visit at the Varker’s, a recent convert couple and they fed us dinner. We contacted 5 referrals, which is ton for one day!
Wednesday- We left Young and went to Payson for district meeting, it got cancelled because our district leader forgot.. but that was ok. Went to Gisela and had a lesson with Nole, We taught more about the Book of Mormon and how Joseph Smith is related to that. We also finally made contact with Ramone again and met his wife, she is living back up here now, and we have an appointment tomorrow night so hopefully we can really get the ball rolling again!
Wednesday- Tonto We had a LA lesson with Sister Drummond, then got to drive down and go to the mesa temple with sister Decker. It was amazing! Elder Swaner (my last comp) and his companion were there too.
Friday- Tonto- Had a lot visits, a lot of rejections, their loss. We did have one good visit though at the Browns, a PMF, at first Bill, the dad was just trying to get us to argue but then my companion bore his testimony and it really touched his heart so I bore mine too and there was definitely a different feeling in the room after, we are going to try some service work (they are farmer/ranchers) and see if that can get the door open a little wider.
Saturday- We had a concrete service project planned I was excited for so I could use some of my old skills but it rained a bunch so it fell thru, we went service tracting anyways, not too much success. Worked on the new branch mission plan with Brother Wall, but it's still in the making. Saw the Bauers, a PMF. It was really good so hopefully we can get the ball rolling their too.
Sunday- Church was good, Elder Pyper talked. Nole came again! He rode with the Haughts, a real old couple that are his neighbors. During sacrament Sister Haught passed out, luckily we had a Doctor from the stake pres. and a sheriff a few other people but most importantly priesthood holders. We gave her a blessing.
We didn't get to meet with Karmyn, Seth and Ashton this last week, but hopefully this week.
Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife.
A simple verse, but one to ponder.
Love you, have a good week
Elder Stevenson
May 11, 2015
This week has been a good one! Here's the basics
Last Monday (Young) evening we went to Snowflake for a baptism of someone Elder Pyper taught. It was good, Trevor came with us and we rode with a member so it gave us a good car ride to talk too.
Tuesday-Young- We helped the Varkers (RC) with some service of getting a sewing machine set up and had a good visit with them. We had another lesson with Pat, we taught her the Word of Wisdom, she loves her tea and coffee but is going to start working toward overcoming. It was a good lesson though. We also saw Cliff again (he was the one who fed us dinner and is Jewish), such a neat man, has plans to read the whole Book of Mormon so that will be great. Had a lesson with Trevor and taught him the law of chastity.
Wednesday- we left Young, had district meeting in Payson then Elder Cox came with us to Tonto Basin. He's awesome so it was good to be with him again, we had a real good lesson with Karmyn, she is the 16 year old we have been trying to meet with. We taught the restoration and about halfway thru she says, so what do I need to do to be baptized? It was great! She cried and could really feel the spirit, sadly her mom had the flu so she didn't join the lesson, next time.
Thursday-Tonto- We had another lesson with Nole, we taught him the Plan of Salvation, he had a lot of light bulb moments! Hard to keep him focused on the doctrine and basics but we did our best. He committed to church but when we called him Saturday he was hacking up a lung and said he will be there next week. I think I mentioned his cousin who was a bishop in California, what a tremendous impact he has made in preparing Nole!
Friday-tonto- We met a PM couple, the Richards, as time went on our conversation got better and we went over the articles of faith, prayed and they want us to come back!
Saturday-Tonto- The stake President had us for breakfast, that was nice. Then there was a community yard sale in Deer Creek so we went around to all the people house to house and they were much nicer than just knocking on doors, a couple even said come back! We had a lesson with Sister Canady on Patriarchal blessings. Then a lesson with the Tweeds on Church.... They didn't come Sunday so they are officially dropped :( Always stinks dropping people.
Sunday- Tonto- Church was pretty great! Bore my testimony. Karmyn came with her brother and they enjoyed it. After not having a YW's presidency the whole time I've been here we got one Sunday and that was the same day a YW investigator came! Not a coincidence. Trevor and Anthony and that whole group went in Young too so I was pretty happy people are finally coming to church. We went to see a LA couple and were having a pretty good talk and landed on tithing. This man had some beef with it and said "in Oklahoma if your 65 or older you don't even have to pay tithing" I replied telling him that wasn't true and in a slit second he was up out of his chair yelling get out! Don’t call me a liar! It reminded me that the wicked do take the truth to be hard.
Well there is the brief rundown of my week, I'm glad you all seem to be having good weeks too! I will see you on Sunday!! Alma 26:20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! Always seek the joy that comes from Jesus!
Love, Elder Stevenson
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
May 4, 2015
This week has been a good one! Here's the basics
Last Monday (young) evening we went to Snowflake for a baptism of someone Elder Pyper taught. It was good, Trevor came with us and we rode with a member so it gave us a good car ride to talk too.
Tuesday-young- We helped the Varkers (RC) with some service of getting a sewing machine set up and had a good visit with them. We had another lesson with pat, we taught her the word of wisdom, and she loves her tea and coffee but is going to start working toward overcoming. It was a good lesson though. We also saw Cliff again (he was the one who fed us dinner and is Jewish), such a neat man, has plans to read the whole Book of Mormon so that will be great. Had a lesson with Trevor and taught him the law of chastity.
Wednesday- we left Young, had district meeting in Payson then Elder Cox came with us to Tonto Basin. He's awesome so it was good to be with him again, we had a real good lesson with Karmyn, she is the 16 year old we have been trying to meet with. We taught the restoration and about halfway thru she says, so what do I need to do to be baptized? It was great! She cried and could really feel the spirit, sadly her mom had the flu so she didn't join the lesson, next time.
Thursday-Tonto- We had another lesson with Nole, we taught him the Plan of Salvation, and he had a lot of light bulb moments! Hard to keep him focused on the doctrine and basics but we did our best. He committed to church but when we called him Saturday he was hacking up a lung and said he will be there next week. I think I mentioned his cousin who was a bishop in Cali, what a tremendous impact he has made in preparing Nole!
Friday-Tonto- We met a Part Member couple, the Richards, as time went on our conversation got better and we went over the Articles of Faith, prayed and they want us to come back!
Saturday-tonto- The stake President had us for breakfast that was nice. Then there was a community yard sale in deer creek so we went around to all the people house to house and they were much nicer than just knocking on doors, a couple even said come back! We had a lesson with Sister Canady on Patriarchal blessings. Then a lesson with the Tweeds on Church.... They didn't come Sunday so they are officially dropped :( Always stinks dropping people.
Sunday- Tonto- Church was pretty great! Bore my testimony. Karmyn came with her brother and they enjoyed it. After not having an YW's presidency the whole time I've been her we got one Sunday and that was the same day an YW investigator came! Not a coincidence. Trevor and Anthony and that whole group went in Young too so I was pretty happy people are finally coming to church. We went to see a LA couple and were having a pretty good talk and landed on tithing. This man had some beef with it and said "in Oklahoma if your 65 or older you don't even have to pay tithing" I replied telling him that wasn't true and in a slit second he was up out of his chair yelling get out! Don’t call me a liar! It reminded me that the wicked do take the truth to be hard.
Well there is the brief rundown of my week, I'm glad you all seem to be having good weeks too! I will see you on Sunday!! Alma 26:20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! Always seek the joy that comes from Jesus!
Love, Elder Stevenson
April 27, 2015
Hi family,
This week has been ok, not as good as the last one but hopefully things will pick up again, Ramone seems to be avoiding us for some reason and cancelling. Lucille did start chemo so we aren't going to be able to meet with her either.
Tuesday- I spent in Pine with Elder Watts, got to see a lot of people, it was really neat! When I left there was a RC couple who were awesome but going back and seeing how living the gospel for the last year has helped her change so much was very neat! Also saw some people who haven’t lived the gospel and how their lives are still struggling so it was just a reminder the gospel works!
Wednesday- Had district meeting and met back up with Elder Pyper, we went to Tonto and Elder Obrien was with us because his companion was on other exchanges. It was an ok afternoon, lots of rejection. Our lesson fell thru with Karmen.
Thursday- We went to Gisela with Brother Wall and saw a man named Nole we did service for a couple weeks back, we actually had a real good chat about the priesthood and its importance, his cousin was a bishop in Cali which was a good way to find a place to start teaching him. We helped build a ramp for a PMF who is getting to old to walk
Friday- We worked more on the ramp. It was with Brother Wall and Brother Smith. Bro Smith who's 80 got mad at one point because the lady's walker was in the way and he picked it up and threw it while mumbling, I was laughing pretty hard. Met some LA's and found a family who said we can go back after the Disneyland trip.
Saturday- We made Ramone cookies but when we went to take them to him he was in Phoenix, we hope we can meet with him more. Had a good little visit with a man named Nate who is 88. We talked about the Book of Mormon and he said I believe it’s true so now we just need to help him understand more about if it’s true, the rest of what we teach is true too.
Sunday- Trevor came to church with the clan, we came to young yesterday afternoon. We met with Trevor and had to cancel his date because he smoked... but we gave him a blessing and some things he can do to say no.
Ether 4:17 When ye shall receive this record, ye may know that the work of the Father has commenced upon the face of the land. I want to testify the work of that has commenced and the Book of Mormon is a portion of the great work!
Love Elder Stevenson
April 20, 2015
April 20, 2015
Hello hello,
Another good week as always, I guess I will just run through like I have been doing-
Tuesday- We went to the temple with the Tonto branch temple trip! It was great, then we did service, cleaned up an old man's yard. Went to Gisela and didn't have a ton of time but did have a good LA visit of someone we are helping get back to go to the temple. Then we cruised back to Tonto and had a lesson with Ramon. It was great, we taught the Restoration and it was very good, when we extended a baptism invite asking if when he came to gain a testimony he paused for a minute..... then said "Absolutely!" I would totally do that. It was cool. His wife loved the stuff he told her about the plan of salvation too!
Wednesday- We left to Heber pretty early for Zone Training Meeting, it was good. We then went to Young all the way to this morning. Had a visit with Aldo, helped him better understand why the Book of Mormon and Prayer are key. Had a lesson with Trevor and Jay R. we taught about how the Book of Mormon and Bible complement each other and used the Sermon on the mount and The sermon in the America's.
Thursday- Knocked some doors, met one family we are excited for! Met a man who turned out to be a member we hadn't met yet and helped him with his garden. Had another lesson with Pat Meredith, it was good, last week she went to her grandson’s mission farewell! We taught her the Restoration and invited her to baptism, she said when I'm ready, then we taught some more and invited her again and she said she will be baptized when she gets a witness of all this! Had another lesson with Trevor, taught the gospel of Jesus Christ, he is on date for the 9th of May!
Friday- Tracted for a quite a bit, had a good door step visit with a la who hasn't been for years. Taught Trevor the Word of Wisdom, he hasn't smoked for 2 months, Yippie!
Saturday- Had a lesson with a la, Harold, pretty hard hearted but oh well. Met some more members, one took us out and we had a good lesson with a guy we helped who was stranded on the side of the road a while ago. Taught Trevor the 10 commandment and used Elder Ballard’s Mormon message about it.
Sunday- Church was good! Trevor came and the people he lives with who are reactivating. Branch council was pretty good but we didn't get to talk about the quorum of the 12 plan like we wanted too. Had another lesson with Pat Meredith, we taught her about temples and it was really neat! Her husband dies a few years ago so we focused in on that. She committed to church next week! She was sick so we gave her a blessing and she was crying. We had dinner with a nonmember couple, one is Jewish and the other is catholic. And their friends, another couple who one claims to not be a member anymore and the other non-denominational. It made for quite the conversation, they asked us to tell them what we belief which was a perfect opportunity to bear testimony, it was mostly centered on the restoration and the spirit was very strong, they asked some questions and we talked about the great apostasy and the last dispensation, it was actually very neat. They wanted a book of Mormon too so that was good. We saw JP, and his family again and blessed the house, there is some evil spirits in there and stuff.
Monday- This morning we did a little service and left young, now we are in Payson, tonight we Elder Pyper will go back to Tonto and I will be on exchanges, I get to go to pine for a couple days!! I'm way excited, the missionaries there now are white washing it and since I have served there and am in the same district I get to show him around!
Matt 19:26 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Have a wonderful week, no one told me about anyone they shared the gospel with while out of Rexburg so I'm waiting to hear something!
Love,
Elder Stevenson
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