Answers to Questions

I listened to that talk by Elder Bednar in the MTC-- game changer. Thank you for reminding me of it.

 

The Lord blesses His children with opportunities to bare testimony. I am so grateful that He allowed me to bare my testimony to brother Ayo. He attacked the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith the Prophet. He hoped he had us, but he didn't understand the Lord promised that we wouldn't be confounded. It was an awesome time we had to bare testimony. While baring mine I was reminded of Elder Holland's testimony. An evil man couldn't write that book. And a good man wouldn't write that book unless God told him!

 

Mom I love hearing your testimony about the Savior. I wonder what it will be like when we see and remember Him.

 

Allow me to answer some of your questions from last week.

For morning exercises we are expected to run for twenty minutes and do a muscle workout such as push-ups for ten. A mini-mission is a short mission someone goes on to see if they can or want to go on a full 18 month or 2 year mission. I have heard of day, week, and six week mini missions. The person is literally set apart as a missionary (even for the day long ones I think)..........

Life is really good mom. It comes at you fast on the mission but it is the good life. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else on this planet than the five square miles I am assigned to cover by the Lord.

 

Love you

Lots of Family Together at Matthew and Debbie's Wedding

It is so nice when the family gets together and bonds over different circumstances. Matthew had the priviledge of meeting lots of Debbie's extended family in various states. Really nice that he could travel so many places this year! Having Nate and Kelsi travel back to California was a nice time for us too!

Rebekah and Jayson having an eye contact moment

Greg, Kim, Jeffrey, Mike
It only needed Becky!

Life is Good

Weddings are such great times to make connections with extended family!  I noticed many of Debbie's family, though I don't know who is who. Maybe we'll have to start a Matthew and Debbie Blog and name all the players of the team!

For me it is always a treat to have my sister Susan with me

What a treat for Laurie Henderson to have both daughters and a new grandbaby! (Actually 2!)

Here is family togetherness

Communication

The Mormon musical left town yesterday. I decided to try and write an article in the newspaper. I got this idea from Preach My Gospel. Unfortunately, I don't have a whole lot of time to reread what I wrote.  In fact I wrote only one draft. As I read though it seemed a little edgy. You can read over it if you desire. I am open to feedback. I'll put it onto the end of the email.

 

Life is sweet mom--thank you for asking. Elder Johnson is from Utah. He has one older brother who is severely autistic. He is a blast to work with. He had a full ride scholarship to Weber State for his ability to play the trumpet. It would be way fun to play some tunes with him when we get back or something. It would be extremely fun to pay bossa nova with him.

 

The non-tracking is interesting. We are to work with and find through members. It is funny because the members are not aware of most of the change in missionary work. They are not aware that the Lord is hastening His work. I would take a solid referral over a meal appointment any day of the week. It really comes down to believing in the system and believing in the missionaries.

 

It is fun to be on the Lord's team!

 

Love you Mom!

 

 

The Real Mormon Musical

 

Mr. Jones opens his door and steps on the porch. He squints his eyes as the late morning light penetrates the sky. He looks up and sees two young men riding their bikes. One of them is tall and lanky, the other short and stout. Both have a white shirt and tie on. Mr. Jones chuckles to himself and raises his eyebrow in wonder. Who are those boys and why do they do what they do?

 

Hello. I am Elder Adams. I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints-- often called the "Mormon" church. Allow me to give you a VIP, behind the scenes look into my world. Forgive me for not using bright lights and music to say who I am and what I do. No Broadway show could ever give justice to our service and how we actually spend our time.

 

I rise at 6:30 every morning and prayerfully begin the early hours of the day. I do this because of my deep--life changing--belief that God is my Father as He is yours (see Romans 8:16). He wants to communicate with us. He decided to accomplish this through prayer. What a glorious reality! I hope you see how a firm belief in God can shape a young mans heart.

 

Every morning from 8 o'clock to 11 o'clock I devote to studying the word of God. The words of the Lord flowing from the lips of the Prophets. During this time God communicates to me through his Holy Spirit the truths found in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I devote the rest of my day (until 9 o'clock) to inviting people to act on those words -- that is the words recorded in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

 

I sense a questioning look on my reader's face. Perhaps you're wondering why I devote myself -- for two years by the way--day in, day out to this cause. You may ask," Elder Adams why do you spend you're days talking to strangers? Why do you focus on the Bible and the Book of Mormon? And what is the Book of Mormon in the first place!?" Hold on, allow me to explain.

 

I believe the Bible, when translated correctly, to be the word of God. I also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. The Bible contains an Old Testament of Jesus Christ (Genesis through Malachi) and a New Testament of Jesus Christ (Matthew through the Revelation of John). The Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ. The Bible is an ancient record that contains God's dealings with man in and around Jerusalem. The Book of Mormon is an ancient record of God's dealings with man on the American continent. The Book of Mormon contains the fulness of Christ's everlasting Gospel. Many dubb us "Mormons" because of our belief in this wonderful book. Let me explain a little further.

 

My belief in Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, and the Bible lay a foundation for who I am. This is why I do what I do. We as missionaries believe it our duty to "teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (see Matthew 28:18). What an amazing work we do! But how can you know about these truths I've discussed?

 

Don't let bright lights and corny music give you prejudice against the Book of Mormon. Don't let other people think for you. Read the Book of Mormon along with the Bible and figure out the Truth for yourself. If you don't have a Book of mormon or a Bible I'll give you one. I'm with you every step of the way. I tried to answer you're questions in this article but you'll have more. Feel free to call me--713 371 8965.

Matthew and Debbie Adams August 24, 2013

Two Hearts United

The Elders

Adams and Johnson

Adams, Johnson and Schwermmer

short and brief today.........

The ringer went off and I assumed it would be just another phone call. To my surprise President Ashton spoke from the other end. He informed us that Elder Schwemmer needed to pack his things and head off to the mission office. He needed to go to Sugarland. Crazy stuff! Bye Elder Schwemmer-- see you at transfers! And thus ends the tripanionship saga!

 

Elder Johnson spoke truth this morning. "Life is P-day for eternity". I had to agree with him. This life is a time to prepare to meet God (Alma 34:32).

 

Anywho got to go. Take care now y'all! Love you!

"Salt of the Earth"

So Marta Hernandez likes the district? I have to say as of right now that is my favorite reality TV show. I may be slightly biased. 

I hope Rachel's finger is doing better. I wasn't surprised to hear she toughed out the hike despite painful opposition. 

I am looking forward to playing basketball with Elder Schwemmer today, if time permits. Many times I have expressed my intentions to dunk on him and in return he has expressed similar feelings. One of these days we will find time -- in a non-competitive atmosphere of course-- to settle any doubt as to what will happen when such an activity occurs. Both sides seem confident in their view as to what will happen. Only time will tell now. 

Elder Schwemmer is the "salt of the earth" as Dad often puts it. He is very patient and loving. He even let me use his ketchup! What a guy. I"ll give Elder Johnson the same description. It is fun to rub shoulders with young men who have chosen to devote their lives to God. Sometimes I forget this when I'm hungry and tired! 

There will come a day when each of us will stand before God. We will have no excuses. There will only be justice and mercy. Our work is to help prepare people for that day! We must be baptized! We must be washed clean! Our very hearts and desires must be changed to conform with Celestial law! President Ashton opened my eyes to an interesting fact. The keys to convert baptism are given to the mission President. He delegates his responsibilities to us. He explained that it is only though the missionaries that individuals outside the covenant can enter the waters of baptism. I often wonder why this is the case seeing we are young and inexperienced. But there is a reason for all things. I am grateful to be on the team.

Have a wonderful week! As always I love you!