Livet er Vakkert

Hello everyone!!

What an amazing week it is!!!  I will first start with an amazing missionary story.  Last Sunday, a family in the ward made an appointment for us to invite an investigator of ours to dinner. The family and this 21-year old guy have been friends for quite some time.  We hadn't had dinner at their home yet, it was actually through another member in the ward how we found this guy.  Maybe a little complicated, but two families in the ward know this investigator, which it results in the best missionary success.  So we had dinner with the family (parents are converts in their youth) and the investigator.  After the dinner, we invited him to learn about the Plan of Salvation.  After the first part, in which we tell that we actually lived with our Heavenly Father before this life, he responded with, "this sounds familiar" and that he had already believed that.  It sort of caught us off-guard.  They talk about 'people being prepared' but this much . . . So we continued through the Plan and answered many questions.  At the end of it, we shared with him 'his potential' as a Son of God.  He had already had the belief that we teach.  He was literally prepared.

So, our investigator went home that night.  Apparently, he talked about our church the rest of the night with his friend.  The next day, we had a sport activity in which he attended.  The following Sunday, he brought his best friend to Sacrament Meeting.  Of course, the talks were all based on nothing other than the Plan of Salvation.  The friend of his who originally referred us to him - gave a talk on that subject.  It was unbelievable, just to see the hand of the Lord in the work!  It is such an uplifting feeling to know that people are prepared.  They are our friends and neighbors.  We just need to have the faith to invite them, then miracles can happen.

Speaking of miracles to happen . . . My sister who was going through IVF, is pregnant.  I came on my mission to be an instrument in the Lord's hands and also to witness miracles.  That I am doing.  I am a witness to everyone that my Heavenly Father lives.  He knows us.  He loves us. He wants us to be happy and to have success.  We just need to exercise our faith in Him.  However big or small that will be, He will reward us for that.

Another amazing thing to report on is the engagement of two of my amazing friends!  Jessica Pool and Richard Mulnix!  That is another miracle which has come to pass.  I knew that it would happen, I just didn't know how.  Just as I didn't exactly know when my Heavenly Father wanted me to be a missionary; I started getting unmistakable impressions and now I am here.  I witness that our Heavenly Father only wants the best for us.  We will never go through trials that are big enough for us to overcome.  A scripture that has taken a lot of meaning to me comes in Luke 22:31-32. "After we have become converted to the Lord, he desires us to strengthen our brethren."  That is what I am here to do as a missionary.  I have been converted.  I know that my Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us.  If we exercise faith in Him and His Son Jesus Christ, we can become instruments in His hands and witness unbelievable miracles!

The Importance of Youth

Hi everyone!! 

I am sorry that this week will have a shortage of responses to my e-mails, but we just got done hiking Preikestolen again here in Stavanger!  What a beautiful country I serve in . . . it is completely unbelievable to be here!  Today was an unbelievable day and it was so perfect to hike to the top.  Hopefully, the pictures do a little justice to what we just experienced.  We were able to hike with the youth in the ward which is so great.  I love the relationships we have built with the youth here in Stavanger.  The youth are so important - so unique and amazing.  I feel like they are the younger siblings that I have never had.  I get to serve them, encourage them, and sometimes teach.  Yesterday at church, we held a 'mini-MTC' for the first 2 hours of church.  We got to explain to the youth that they are highly valued by us when they come on splits.  Something that the mission is trying to encourage very much is having the youth on teaches.  This builds relationships, the Spirit, and our teacher skills as missionaries.  It is a complete win-win-win.  The experience that we had was special.  We got to ask the youth to share their simple testimony on prayer.  They did so, which brought about a special spirit in the gym.  It was then followed up by a fast-and-testimony meeting which made for an excellent Sunday.

This past week, we had some great teaches.  There was a man that we taught whose home was filthy.  We walked in and you could just sense the disconnect this man was experiencing.  One of the first things he told us was, "I drink, and drink, and drink because there is an emptiness that I have."  The gospel fills that.  I know it.  It was such a great privilege to sit and talk with this man who you could just envision experiencing a change in his life that would allow him to fill that void.  The gospel does that.  The Book of Mormon does that.  We left him with that book and our testimonies.  He said, "I know you guys don't just go around and tell about a fairy tale and Joseph Smith."  He is right.  It isn't a fairy tale.  It happened. Joseph Smith really did pray to Heavenly Father to find out truth, and because Heavenly Father loves him - He visited Joseph.  He answered his question and gave him truth that we can share with the world.  The experience that we have as missionaries, to share this gospel and to build up wards - is unbelievable!  I am grateful every day to be a missionary and I hope that everyone shares in the experience to share this gospel with their friends in order to further the work.

I thank you all for the support you have given me thus far.  I have needed it and I am so grateful to wear the badge that I do, and represent who I do.  This work is real and it can touch the lives of many if we open our mouths.

Many Miracles at Home and Here in Norway.

Hello everyone!!

I am so grateful for the letters I have received this week!  Excellent miracles from home, my mom had a hip replacement over a month ago - she is doing a lot better.  My sister is currently going through IVF cycles (ironically, my dad is an Infertility Specialist) - and she has absolutely highlighted my week.  I am so grateful for the Lord's blessings during my time of serving Him.  I also received letters of encouragement.  I just want to thank everyone for those, it is not always easy to be a missionary - and to be reminded and supported by loved ones back home is an absolute blessing to me.  Like my mom said in her letter this past week, "You are living in a postcard . . . not that everything is always easy going inside it, I'm sure."  That is a truth, but the real truth is that as I spend this time serving the Lord and His children here in Norway, my family is directly blessed - I know they are being taken care of.

This past week we had very exciting teaches. We were able to teach the second half of the Plan of Salvation to a man whom we met on the street contacting.  The Plan of Salvation encompasses where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life.  If you have never had the chance to learn about this plan, please contact the missionaries, it gives purpose and meaning to this life.  It has helped me to understand who I am and why it is important for me to share this gospel with others.  Back to the story . . . We shared this plan with a man who was raised in another faith, and attended a religious boarding school.  We shared many scriptures from the Bible and the Book of Mormon with him, to help him to see the truthfulness of this plan.  As we concluded the teach, you can tell the light that we are able to share with this man.  He is very receptive, laid back and relaxed.  As soon as we parted ways he gives me a very strong handshake, almost felt like he was going to break my wrist.  I know that he had felt the influence of the Spirit, and it brings me great joy to help others on their path through this life.

We met another man on the street contacting.  His story blew my mind.  Missionaries will often talk about 'there are people out there, prepared to hear this message.'  I had not quite found someone like that, until we met with this man yesterday.  He sat down with us in the harbor of Sandnes, right next to the Kulturhus (if you can imagine huge mountains in the background, the ocean next to us and many people out walking around, birds flying around - such a beautiful place this is).  We sat down with this man, introduced ourselves, then we asked about him.  He tells us that he was born in Africa, raised one faith - converted to Christianity after he joined the army.  Then, by his own government, was thrown in jail for 3 years because he was baptized.  He met a man in the jail who helped him flee the jail, and the country.  He has eventually found himself here in Norway.  We met him on the street, just as he was on the way to the hospital to be with his sister who had just birthed a baby. We shared the Book of Mormon with this man, told him we have a living prophet and living apostles here on the Earth . . . just like the original church that Christ established.  He said that he felt like one of the Disciples of Christ who were persecuted.  He was and they were too.  The authority that once led Christ's church had been taken from the Earth.  It is now reestablished through Joseph Smith.  The Book of Mormon is evidence of that.  At the conclusion of this teach, the man said that all he knew about Christ, was taught to him from one of his friends in Africa.  That has since led him here.  Now we are telling him more . . . and there is more to share!  He said he needed to hear all about it.  He needs to know, and he needs us to teach him.  So we will, it is our job, and it is a great joy to be a part of this work.

I know that this work is real.  The Plan of Salvation is for all of us on this Earth.  I know that God really has called a living prophet for our time, his name is President Thomas S. Monson.  He has 12 Apostles who help lead and guide His church.  Christ is the center of our church, and I am grateful for the Atonement that He performed for me and every inhabitant on this Earth.  If it weren't for that Atonement, I know that I would not be able to serve a mission, or even be His missionary.  However, for some reason, he sees me fit to perform His work here on the Earth.  I am grateful to know that we are all children of God, and that we are individually loved by Him.

Our Apartment in Sandnes

Hello Everyone!!

This week has been a week of growth . . . constantly stretching.  I became the 'Senior Companion' of my area.  It's the same area I have been serving in, since the start.  This time, we have moved into an apartment in Sandnes in order to be closer to our area and to cut all the travel.  Our apartment is really nice, Norway always has modern interiors.  It has still been an adjustment!!  My companion is a really tall Norwegian guy, we speak much more Norwegian on the streets . . . and in church on Sunday, I practically understood all of the meetings!  I also have started "scarring my R's" (something the West does when speaking Norwegian, and my French has helped me to already have the "scarred R" - I just sound like a French kid trying to speak Norwegian!).  It's a lot of fun!

So this week, we contacted a lot more people on the streets.  I feel more comfortable doing it!  I have a lot more confidence than I originally had.  It has been special for me to experience.  Not all of our investigators met with us this week; made it a little difficult - but we still filled our time.  Saturday night, we were able to stay up late because of the celebration of the days being so long (Santa Hans).  We were able to hang out with the members and build relationships with the youth.  I am completely in love with Stavanger, the people, the ward - everything about it will make it a difficult day when I get transferred to a different area.  When I was in the MTC - I looked at the map, heard that the West scarred their R's, and that Stavanger was a pretty warm place - I said that this is where I wanted to serve . . . and here I've been!  This whole mission experience has helped me to have a deeper understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I have faith in Christ, I know that God really is there for us.  He is our loving Heavenly Father.  He knows us as His individual children.  He knows our concerns, and He knows what we need most.  When we exercise Faith in Him, real faith, we will receive miracles.

I have received many miracles, and I still continue to.  I know that it is not by chance that these things come to be.  I know that He knows me, and that He wants to help me.  I just need to be willing and ready.  So here I am in Norway, as His servant.

A New Companion and My Norwegian Heritage

Hello everyone!

This week was my 23rd Birthday!  I appreciate all the letters and support from everyone.  Many Gratulere Med Dagen wishes and some amazing gifts.  It's made my 23rd birthday really special to me being able to spend it in Norway!!  I got an external hard drive from my parents and a 23rd birthday book of some great memories I've had here so far, with an awesome member family!

I continue to love this place more and more. We just had a moves call, where my trainer and I are finally parting ways.  I am continuing to serve in my area (Sandnes) and will be getting my new companion Eldste Torjussen - he is Norwegian! (Originally from Kristiansand).  He will be the District Leader and I will be serving as Senior Companion, but the awesome thing about it is that he will be coaching me - so I'll be learning so much from an experienced, Norwegian-native missionary.  I forgot to mention he is 6'7 and I am 5'7, so that foot difference is going to be an awesome dynamic as we serve together.  It's going to be pretty awesome talking to people on the street with a short French kid and a tall Norske kid.  I love it!

This past week I received a letter from my aunt Mary, who lives up in Minnesota ('the closest you get to Scandinavia without being in Scandinavia').  She included a short history of my ancestors who had originally come from Norway.  They were a humble people who grew up working and trying to provide for their families.  They were God-fearing people.  They believed Jesus Christ to be their Savior – through all their trials they learned to trust in Him.  I am grateful to be from this amazing heritage.  I am grateful to represent them back in the land of our heritage.

We've had some good teaches this past week with investigators, less-actives, and members.  We enjoyed a nice traditional Norwegian dinner . . . with fried fish! I have to say that that was my first time eating a traditional Norwegian fish dinner and it was really really good.

The best part of my week was probably yesterday at church when I was able to see all the seminary students being recognized during Sacrament.  It brought back a lot of memories for me.  I used to wake up at 5:50 every morning during high school to attend seminary at 6.  My school didn't actually start until 9:30 - but every morning from Freshman year to Senior year we were at church at 6.  It led to some of the best memories I have, driving some of the kids home and being able to spend time learning about the Gospel of Jesus Christ every day.  It led me to realize that the calling of seminary teacher would be a big sacrifice, but also a large blessing by helping the youth understand the importance of the Gospel in their life.  At times you take it for granted - all that you have, but then you start to realize the importance of it.  This Gospel is important.  It's special.  As we make the necessary sacrifices to strengthen ourselves spiritually, we allow ourselves to become immovable.  I often wonder how I have accumulated so much happiness as a missionary - and I realize it is because I have been able to sacrifice my life, give up what I had - to trust that God knows the best path for me.  Trusting that my Heavenly Father can lead me on a path to unlimited potential and happiness - it's brought a strength that I've never felt before.  I love this work, I know we can all trust in our Father in Heaven - and that He will provide us with pure happiness. 

Growing Norway

Hello everyone!!

Another great week in Norway!  We were able to make great progress with investigators this week and to teach some effective lessons.  This week we taught the young man from last week who bore his testimony in church.  Great guy - we were accompanied by two sisters who are a couple of my most favorite people here in Norway.  It was great because I got to sit back and they basically taught him the lessons.  It's so nice to see the testimonies of the Norwegians, this is not an easy place to grow up - but they understand the doctrines of truth - and you just know that it has blessed their lives.  They are special people.

To add to that, yesterday at church there was a broadcast from Sweden.  It was a broadcast for all the Scandinavian countries with speakers (Bishop Causse, Elder Teixiera of the 70, and Elder M. Russell Ballard of the 12 Apostles).  When I was in the MTC, M. Russell Ballard came and spoke to us.  That was a special moment for me because his presence in the room brought a spirit that was undeniable. You just know that the 12 Apostles called to lead and guide The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, are Apostles of Christ and that they really are prepared and called for this work.

Elder Ballard spoke on 'What Will Your Country Look Like in 20 Years'.  Norway has 4,000+ members here and I want to be fully engaged in the cause to help grow this place.  I instantly fell in love with everything here - the stubborn people - the infancy of the church.  Many things I can directly relate to - it also helps I have a special spot for Europe (my mother being from France) and my ancestors coming from Norway.  I know I was called to this exact place for many reasons, and I am enjoying seeing all of those reasons unfold.

Just this morning, I was reading a talk from Elder Andersen from October 2012 (I believe) called Trial of Your Faith.  It was not after my faith had been tested that I have received answers of why the Lord always desired me to serve a mission, but for many personal reasons it had to be 'at the appropriate time'.  I had never felt that appropriate time until about 10 months ago.  I was always told by members of the church 'you should serve a mission' or even asked the question, 'why haven't you served a mission?'.  I did not know why - I had a slight desire - but not the conviction I expected to have.  I know that when I want to do something it usually comes back with a determination and motivation.  That didn't come until 10 months ago - it really turned into the appropriate time.  So many blessings have come for me - a happiness I've never felt before.  A love for complete strangers that I never knew I could have.  A confidence in the Lord that through Him, I can accomplish unbelievable things.  It really has been my faith that has been strengthened.  It's been through diligent study of the scriptures - several prayers throughout the day - and the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, which has lead me to where I am.

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, we have a living prophet today.  He receives revelation to lead and guide our church for our happiness and prosperity of God's church.  I know that the Book of Mormon is true - it relates to my life every day I read it and helps me learn to be a better person.  I know commandments are not restrictions, but guidance for our lives to help us receive a fulness of happiness.  I know Jesus is The Christ, and that through Him we can all find redemption.  I know that God loves us each individually and I hope for the world to have the same kind of assurance that can be found as a servant for this work.

I hope that everyone has an excellent week and I appreciate all the many prayers for missionary work!  It is well felt!

Eldste Holden

Love of God and Spirit of Christ

What a week it has been!!

I just first want to start off by saying, "This is the most fulfilling work I've ever done in my life!"  The e-mails I receive, the feedback from everyone - it's everything I've ever desired.  To inspire and encourage others to trust in faith that tomorrow will be better than today.

One of my many dreams is to have a positive impact on friends, family, youth - basically everyone I come in contact with. Knowing I am not always perfect, I apologize to people I have offended in my past - and I hope you find forgiveness towards me.  This past Thursday, I was asked by our Ward Mission Leader to write a short 5-minute talk to prepare for the youth (på Norske) about how going on splits really influenced myself before coming on a mission.  I had to think back to when I was 16-years old.  Every Sunday, for about 2-months, I went out with a companionship:  Elder S and Elder W, in downtown Rockford, IL.  We contacted people on the streets, knocked on doors, and taught lessons.  We spent the whole day meeting people with so many different backgrounds and I loved every person we spoke with, because I was able to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them.  Regardless of their background or the trials they were going through, little by little the Spirit of Christ was working in me to see past what they were going through and to understand the potential that they had.  Every one of us has unlimited potential.  I fast forward this story to about a year ago.  I was visiting my sister and brother-in-law in Las Vegas for Spring Break.  A few months prior, I had gotten back in contact with Elder T S., who then was living in Henderson, NV.  We spent several hours that night walking around the neighborhoods, discussing life, the Gospel, and our experiences we had when he served in Rockford for his time.  He then encouraged me to serve my own mission.  It was a blessing to me to be able to go on splits, so I encouraged the youth to come out with us so that they too could experience similar blessings.

Towards the end of this week, we had a miracle happen.  One of my most favorite people in Norway M.S. - gave us a couple referrals; her friends who she had grown up with or who she knew that would be receptive to the Gospel.  She is my age here in Norway, and has been a huge help to me as I perform my missionary labors.  She invites people to sport, gives us referrals - the best example of a member missionary.  We tried one of her referrals a week ago, with no success (no one home).  The following week (this past Saturday) we knocked on the friend's door and he took us in.  He knew a couple members of the church, had great experiences with them, and wanted to come to church on Sunday (yesterday). So he came.  It was our Sacrament Meeting and Testimony Meeting. Those members who he had known from the church bore their testimonies, as well as M.S. the member missionary who gave us the referral.  The Spirit was so strong in the meeting, that after it all - D.H. (the referral) brought himself to the stand to explain the feelings he had felt that day.  He stood at the pulpit and talked about the similar smile the missionaries possessed in relation to the Mormons he had already known.  He talked about the feelings he had felt and that it was a special day for him.  He truly felt the Spirit in that Testimony Meeting, to the point where he stood at the pulpit and expressed those feelings to all.  After church, he told me that there were some very nice people in this church.

The Spirit is real, it can be felt by all.  It is through faith and a determination to overcome the fear of rejection from friends and family.  The love of God and the Spirit of Christ is alive in all.  If we open our mouths and serve others - so that they too can feel that same love, I know that the lives of many can be blessed.  This has been the most incredible work I have ever been involved in.  I feel a partial fraction of the love the Savior has for us individually.  If we act in faith, we can accomplish all things.