Elder Merrill: Online Missionary

I have never been very tech savvy but I do know how to use a computer. Before coming on a mission I knew that my ties in the cyber-world would be cut off, things such as facebook and other social networks. After I had been on my mission for about 16 months our mission was selected to do a pilot program which would include missionaries using Facebook and writing blogs. I didn't really know what to think of it at first but I was definitely pretty excited.

New Year's: Look Not behind Thee

Joining the Church for the Right Reason

Hey!!

The days are passing by so quickly and my brain hurts. Haha! The language is my major obstacle but it's been good besides that. Today we hiked up to the Tops to the huge cross it was kind of creepy but kind of cool at the same time. It was a district activity!

Yesterday we had a CSP where we cleaned up this basketball court for this neighborhood in Sister Robison's area. Speaking of Sister Robison she has a blog. It's caricebu.blogspot.com. Anyways this place had so much trash. We burned it in a big pile of grass and weeds and trash. There is trash everywhere here. I don't think they have littering laws or anything.

To All The World

I am a Montana boy and lets just say that I am technologically challenged. My parents raised us in a simple home. Together we are computer illiterate. I can barely use a cell phone. I know how to do two things on a computer: 1. Type papers 2. Access email, that is about it. My friends talked me into getting a facebook. I barely knew how to work that. Everyone loved it though. I couldn't see why. When I left for my mission I vowed that I would never get on facebook again. I thought I was through with it forever. I was wrong.

To bring the world his truth

  (Group of Online missionaries in the Santa Rosa Mission)

As a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we have the opportunity to spread the "good news" of the gospel with all the world.  I am currently serving as a full-time missionary in Santa Rosa, CA.  I love being a missionary so much, my testimony fuels me everyday to share what has brought me so much joy with my brothers and sisters here. 

I have such a strong desire to share this with everyone.  This is why I am so excited to be an online missionary for the church as well.  Using the internet enables me to literally spread my testimony to all the world.  I still focus my efforts primarily on the people I serve and teach here in Santa Rosa, but any and all who want to hear this message I do not hesitate to teach. 

Elder Joshua Wood: Online LDS Missionary Work

My name is Elder Joshua Wood, and I'm currently serving in the Michigan Lansing Mission.  A few months ago, our mission president informed us that in addition to serving as full-time missionaries in our proselyting areas, a few missionaries would become part of a pilot program for missionaries, using Facebook and other internet services as a proselyting tool.  I was a little skeptical at first, admittedly, but I have since found the internet to be a very valuable contacting tool for missionary work.

To California or Bust!

My journey to be here began long ago in the year 2008. The day I decided to go on a mission, I knelt in prayer and told Heavenly Father that I wanted to serve. I asked Him that If it was right for me, that He would provide a way.That decision has seen me through some of the happiest moments of my life, and also some of the hardest.

I quit school, and started working two jobs. Those were very hard days for me, and It was filled with uncertainty. What if I quit school and didn't even make it on a mission? How could I possibly save up so much money in the time line I wanted? The price of going on a mission was $7,200. Despite those concerns, I tried to turn to the Lord and put my faith in Him.

Skype Christmas Calling Approved in Philippines Cebu Mission

I received this interesting email from my daughter last week.  In view of the fact that Skype dropped 10 million calls yesterday I wonder if it will be fixed by tomorrow when she calls. I wonder how many other missions were approved for Skype calls.

From: Barbara Hansen <bhh1776@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Dec 14, 2010 at 4:40 PM
Subject: Merry Christmas Phone Calls and curfew
To:


Dear missionaries, 

As you know, Christmas is a special time of year.  We have the opportunity to call home to our families on Christmas! We have a special surprise--the missionary department has approved the use of SKYPE for missionaries to contact their families.  This is a free video conference tool that is on almost every computer at internet cafes.  Your parents would need to download skype for free (email them today and instruct them to go to www.skype.com and download skype--it is free.)  Then on Christmas, you would go to the internet cafe and get on skype.  You would enter your parents' email and they will be added to the skype list. Then click on their name and click on "video call".  Your parent's computer has to have a webcam and speakers for them to see and hear you and vice versa. 

If they do not have access to a computer, you may still call them.  I will send another attachment with the calling codes for all countries that we have missionaries from.  The best way to call is to buy a phone card and put enough "load" on it to call your family for "approximately" 40 minutes.  It is a good idea to email them today with instructions on how and when you plan to call or skype them. 

If the lines are busy, you can try again--just remember one call (or skype) of "approximately" 40 minutes. 

Remember, the Cebu Mission Curfew for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve is 6 pm. Please be in your apartment by six.  Please inform members and investigators ahead of time so they are not disappointed in their plans.

May you have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!  President ug ako nahigugma ka ninyo!

Love

President and Sister Hansen

Progress of the Work in Cebu City Philippines

So the Philippines is great I'm hot and sweaty all the time but it's an adventure for sure. During lessons ants crawl all over everywhere because most houses are bamboo huts. Some are one room. Some are two. Then we have the regular houses. I'm in the city zone Talamban so its kind of like America except not. We have a McDonalds and can get food imported but its more expensive. I'm not adjusted to the food yet but I figure it will only be a matter of time.

Today I was riding in the Jeepney and a truck passed by and one of the guys stared at me and poked his friend next to him and they both stared at me. I just smiled and waved. I'm the minority here and when I walk by everyone stares. I just say maayong buntag or maayong hapon or maayong gabbii (good morning good afternoon good night). Their jaws drop and they say stuff like you know my language or where are you from!

Trying To Be a Better Me: Elder Vomocil, LDS Online Missionary

The Gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives. I look back on my life and sometimes wonder what I would be doing now, where I would be if I had never come to that knowledge. I am so thankful for the experiences I have had, and have been able to share with people to help them see "a way out," help them find hope. When I met this man down there, he was alone, addicted, broken, lonely and out of hope. He didn't feel like he really was a child of God. Then my companion and I brought him the good news.



My man Eugene



From Mongolia to Montana

My name is Elder Catron. I am currently serving a mission in the great states of Montana and Wyoming. When I originally got my mission call it was to the Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Mission. Myself and others never made it to Mongolia though because of VISA issues. After spending a very long time in the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT, we were reassigned to serve in several missions in the Western United States including Colorado, Utah, Washington and Montana.

The Mission has been very unpredictable so far. That's one reason why I love it. One of the areas that I served in, Lander, WY, was only 170 miles from my hometown Manila, UT. My parents even lived in Lander for a while. It was like serving at home. One benefit of being so close to home was I periodically received very fresh cookies from my mom. I have found that all of my areas eventually feel like home though.

First Philippines Missionary Area: Experiencing the Custom of Alom Pulos

So I'm finally in the Philippines. It's pretty interesting. It's made me realize how much I have in the States. I miss the luxuries of life :) Today we went to the temple I love going because its a place to relax your mind for a couple of hours.

This morning we woke up at 4:30am to go play basketball with the district before it got too hot. But I am way tired now. I don't want to get up that early again, but my companions like to go. It's way good exercise. It's way hot here and I'm constantly sweating. It's some good times. If you couldn't tell by the pictures, I gained a ton in the MTC but its all good. I predict that I will sweat those off. haha...

Elder Meza: LDS Online Missionary

My name is Elliott Meza and currently I am serving as a full time online missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was called to serve in the Honduras San Pedro Sula Mission but due to an injury I was reassigned to serve here as an online missionary. I love to play the guitar, write music and I sometimes try to sing. Very rarely I will sound good, other times I just sit and play without my voice. I spent the first 8 to 9 years of my like growing up in a very poor area in Tijuana Mexico, then my family moved to Las Vegas where I lived before my mission. I had an injury that was way out of the ordinary. My injury was said to have been worse than that of a car wreck by my orthopedic surgeon.
It caused all sorts of problems from my knee to my ankle. I was minutes away from having my leg amputated so I am very blessed to still have it. Also very blessed to live in a time when doctors can fix even some of the worst injuries.

What are missionaries doing online?: Elder Colby LDS Online Missionary

For the longest time missionaries have been told not to get on the Internet. It has been something that has been taboo. But now there are quite a few missionaries online. (I don't know exactly how many.) So what are we doing? We are taking back the Internet from all the filth that is on it by promoting Christ centered blogs and conversations; and inviting people to come to Christ and learn about His restored Gospel. This is in an effort to stay the tide of negative, and frankly disgusting, content on the Internet. While we can get rid of it, we can defiantly make it easier to find uplifting and spiritually filling content for the starving souls of this world. I have been surprised at how much of a positive response we have found and how much the online community wants the truths of the Gospel. As online missionaries we are available to chat and answer questions, to help people learn about the Gospel, and to try our best to strengthen people’s faith in Christ. We are on blogs, Facebook, and Twitter, and we are eager to help you on your personal journey to find the Savior. If you have any questions you can find me on Facebook.

 Elder Christopher M. Colby


Montana Billings Mission


Check out my blog:  Disciple of Christ

Christmas: Elder Horspool, an LDS online missionary.

 

     It's good to be a missionary.  My name is John David Horspool Jr, and I'm a missionary currently serving in the town of Thermopolis, Wyoming.  The people here are wonderful, especially the members of the church.  They make missionary work away from home and family much more bearable during the holiday season.  Why are we away from home? Why are we here, apart from our families for two years, teaching people about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ?  Because we know it's true. We know it will bless your life.  I've met so many people while serving a mission who are struggling, trying to figure out what they're doing with their lives, wondering why they're unhappy, or what is missing.  I've met people who are directed, accomplished, and have much to be grateful for, but still aren't truly happy.  I've also met people who have purpose, who are finding great satisfaction in life, and are happy.  The common factor: They know God.  In the Montana Billings Mission, here in Thermopolis, Wyoming, I want to help anyone I can have that same purpose, that same happiness. Living the principles of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is how each of us can find purpose and have true happiness in this life.  That's why I am here serving a mission, and that's why we're all here on earth.  Learn the Gospel, and live it.

Why I am here today!!!!!: Sister Barras LDS Online Missionary

I was talking to the Elders after our district meeting on Wednesday and they wanted to know why I decided to come on a mission. The answer is a pretty easy and simple one. Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to serve a mission. In fact, I would dress up in my dad's suit and wear his name tag pretending to be a missionary. Then when I was in high school my seminary teacher would have the return missionaries speak to our seminary class, and during my 4 years of seminary only 2 girls served missions. When they spoke to our seminary class I felt a wonderful and peaceful feeling come to me as they spoke. One would later serve as my Relief Society president at the singles ward I attended and the other became my neighbor. Their examples and talks with me will never be forgotten. While at college I took quite a few institute classes, but the one that I will never forget is Sister Atkinson's Old Testament class. It was around conference time and she challenged us to have a few questions we wanted answers to and then to take notes as we watched conference to find our answers. I decided to take the challenge and what I found was the answers I was looking for.

I got my answer from the talk by Silvia H. Allred who is a counselor in the General Relief Society. Her talk was called, " Go Ye Therefore," and she talked about how she came into the church, her own mission, and the importance of missionary work. As I was listening I felt a warmth come over me and I knew then that serving a mission was the right choice for me. You might wonder what all this has to do with personal revelation? The first step in recieving personal revelation is to have a desire and once you have that desire seek for experiences that will help you learn more. The last part is to pray to know if the decision is right and then search for the answer. I know that if you do those steps that you will recieve answers to questions and prayers. I also want you to know how grateful I am to be a member of this church and how it has brought me such joy and peace into my life. This is truly a great cause in which we are involved in and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

With love,

Sister Sara Barras

Michigan Lansing Mission

Check out my blog:  By Small and Simple Things

Determined: Sister King LDS Online Missionary

I never thought that I would one day be a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of latter-Day saints. It was something that I never planned on or had in store for myself but I am so happy that Heavenly Father had it in store for me. I instantly loved being a missionary the day I entered the MTC (missionary training center). I was nervous to be one of the Lord's missionaries because I was just young girl who I thought for sure no one would listen too. An amazing thing began to happen though, I began to understand more and more the importance of this church being that this is truly Jesus Christ's church. I began to understand how important it is that all must hear this message and that here in his church is where anyone can find the most happiness that our Father in heaven has for us. That was it, I was determined to continue on and serve the Lord and his children.

I Love the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ

Today there was a baptism of a younger girl here in Havre, Montana. There was a spirit of joy that brought tears and smiles to all of our faces. Baptism is just the first step of a long journey, but the first step is a big one. Jesus Christ told Nicodemus "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:5 What does this scripture mean? Nicodemus asked, "How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?." (John 3:4) Jesus wasn't talking about a literal rebirth. He was talking about something different but related in many ways. Today there was a daughter of God reborn.

The Reason Why: Elder Eccles LDS Online Missionary

Have you ever felt strongly about something that you know has changed your life??  Whether it be the a speech, a speaker, a book, a soap opera, an acne cream, or whatever that something may be, you want to share it with everyone that will lend you an open ear. Thousands of people share their stories over the media to uplift and help others live better lives and have courage to stand for what is right. That is exactly how I feel about the message that we share as missionaries. This message has changed and sculpted my life in such a way that I know this can and will help anyone who applies it in their life. Henry David Thorough once said," Grief can take care of itself, but to have a fullness of joy there must be somebody to divide it with."

Why I'm a Missionary: Sister Kenemore LDS Online Missionary

My Journey to being an online missionary started way back on May 4th 2009 when I went with my best friend Dianna to have breakfast at IHOP at about 11 o'clock at night.  I asked her all about her mission that night, I don't know why but I was very curious about her life as a missionary, so my questions began and didn't end till about 1:30 in the morning.  I had felt the spirit prompt me to prepare for a mission, when I got home I woke up my mom to tell her what the spirit had told me.  She perked right up and we talked for about another hour in my room about what all this meant.  I had later talked to my bishop and had gotten discouraged, he didn't seem as excited as I was at the time.  So I put it on the back burner.  I found out 3 weeks later that my dad had take a job offer in Salt Lake City, Utah and was planning to move up there with the rest of the family.

Missionaries on Facebook?!

One of the greatest tools of our world today must surely be the world wide web.  We have at our disposal almost limitless access to a multitude of information.  What a fantastic blessing!  But one thing we learn from the scriptures is the there must be opposition in all things. In the words of Jeffery R. Holland, "Tragically, the same computer and Internet service that allows me to do my family history and prepare those names for temple work could...allow my children or grandchildren access to a global cesspool of perceptions that could blast a crater in their brains forever."  We quickly become well aware that the internet is used for all kinds of evil.  How wise for the Church, and for us as its members, to do our best to use it for good.  To use opposition to our advantage. 

Elder Miller: LDS Online missionary?????

The decision to serve a mission has been the greatest decision thus far in my life. It has been such a blessing to be able to serve the Lord. I have learned so much out here in Connecticut, and my understanding of the Gospel has increased dramatically. I really didn't have a clue how important it really was until I came out and learned it for myself. The things that are learned on a mission cannot be learned in any classroom. They have to be experienced first hand. In doing so you learn so much about yourself and others. By losing yourself in the Lord's work you allow him to shape and mold you into the person he wants you to be. It then prepares you for the rest of your life.

Online Missionary Purpose: Elder Tabor LDS Online Missionary

As a missionary for the lord Jesus Christ our purpose is to invite everyone to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel. Every day we go around and try to share the gospel with everyone we meet. We talk with them and teach them about Jesus Christ and how he has again called a prophet to the Earth today, Joseph Smith. And how through him Jesus Christ restored his church to the Earth. The same church that he set up when he was here.

Fooling the MTC Mail Room

KAMUSTA KA!!

Hey everyone I am leaving the MTC in two weeks and will probably go silent except for email when I get there I am not sure yet what it is like so everyone should pass on the emails to everyone so that they don't think i am ignoring them!! I heard mail takes like a month to get to the US!! I heard that North Korea is fighting South Korea right now is this true that is crazy if so... I never get real news in the MTC so when we hear something its crazy!! Also it was supposed to snow yesterday so all the teachers were sent home and we didn't have a teacher for the rest of the day and also the bookstore closed which everyone was annoyed about, but today is P-day and tomorrow is Thanksgiving so we get two chillax days which is cool!!

So dad asked for a funny story so here it is I have a story book and this is one I thought was kind of funny! Elder George got a package and it came with an orange slip. Turns out his dad tried to send him a chocolate cream pie. Elder George was super mad about it. He made a list of MTC villains one was the mail room, then juggernot (the security guy for the devotionals), the Spanish district that stole our comfy chair, and the others (the English district). They devised a plan of ordering poop from an animal then put it in a box with packing peanuts, and sent it to the mail room. When Brother Atagi found out he devised a plan of putting ex-lax in a pie and sending it then wait and watch until someone runs out of the mail room. Elder English was like "YOU ATE MY PIE"

Online Proselyting: Elder House LDS Online Missionary

 I have really learned to enjoy the online work we are doing. When I was first told the idea I was shocked, but excited to be able to reach out to more of God's children, because everyone needs a chance to hear the glad message that The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints has to offer. I haven't seen many chances to teach but I know that people read these blogs and that it will hopefully be able to help someone out there. That as I share my personal experiences and testimony that it may effect someone in their life.

I know the work that we do is important. Wither it be online or in person. We can all do the same work. I am glad that we are able to begin to use the Internet for the cause of proclaiming the gospel. I am not a person of many words so I will leave with my testimony that I know that God lives. I know that He speaks today through a modern day prophet. That the authority that Christ had given to His apostles is on the earth today so that miracles can and are performed now. The scriptures will bring us closer to God as we apply and act upon the things that they tell us to do. Don't ever forget that God knows you and whats to hear from you. I leave this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With love,


Elder Kevin House


Montana Billings Mission 

Check out my blog: Missionary Life

Kids and Christmas

The Christmas season is HERE! It is my favorite time of the year. This is a great video with some cute kids and their thoughts about Christmas. We can learn a lot from Children! During this Christmas season I hope we can all direct our thoughts and actions towards Jesus Christ.

With love,

Elder Jordan Catron

Montana Billings Mission

Check out my blog: Elder Catron's Blog

Until We Meet Again: Elder Rogers LDS Online Missionary

I easily could say that I never had the perspective before my mission of what good-bye meant! Leaving a host of family and friends behind in Colorado I thought was a big deal and hard enough. Little did I realize that other members of the church, investigators, recent converts, fellow missionaries, and various others would mean so much to me through my journey as a missionary! Let it be known that this is why the mission is the most bitter sweet experience of my life! I call it the DREAM :) !! Last night our mission just sent home a group of faithful returned missionaries and it was another time to "tear off" a band-aid. As I contemplated on this reoccurring pattern of "saying good-bye" this video illustrates the feelings that are felt in such occasions!




With Love,

Elder Tristan Rogers

Connecticut Hartford Mission (LDS Online Missionary)
Check out my blog Radical Rogers

Missionary Excited to Leave MTC and Go to Philippines

Dad!

Yeah the light saber pictures I first took weren't very good.  We were still experimenting and also the flash on my camera doesn't do very well.  But we took a bunch more today and they came out really good.  So hopefully you think these are better.  We took the Matrix one today but in our P-day clothing.  We are going to take one in our dresses another day.

I am way excited to be going to the field.  We got our flight plans today. It was more exciting then getting my mission call! Haha.  We have been super intense in Cebuano and I have learned a lot in the MTC. I am having a way good experience in the MTC and will be sad to leave but I am ready to get out of here!