Monday, February 26, 2018

If All Men Were Like Captain Moroni, The Very Foundations of Hell Would Shake

Dear Fam,

Today was such a good week! we got to play ball earlier today, and we did our shopping. After we got into the office at noon, We stay here for today because we have to prepare for MLC. we are writing our training. The mission has been a long ride. We are really working to change the culture in Philippines Tacloban Mission. so far, we have seen great changes and miracles here in Tacloban mission. a lot of bad cultures existed here before, but they aren't here anymore. The mission has grown so much. there is so much that I would like to tell you, but unfortunately I don't have the time for that. I'll keep it brief

We have 2 new investigators that we met it at the church with their less active friend. the next day, the less active friend came to church with those 2 new investigators, and they both said that they would like to come back! they are so progressing and curious to know what this church is about. the rest of our investigators are also doing well. We haven't had a lot of time to visit, but we are still doing well with our new companionship. Elder J is the best! He just loves to work and really loves the mission. He's power. 

This week, I have been focusing my personal study towards my investigators. I have read a lot of the war chapters in Alma, and I have learned a lot of lessons from Captain Moroni and his men. the scriptures say that if all men were like Captain Moroni, the very foundations of Hell would shake. I want to be that kind of person, and It is possible to be that person. I know it. That kind of growth is possible and obtainable in this life. 

I miss you all. I hope that all is well at home. Love you!!!
 
Elder Kuehne





 

Monday, February 19, 2018

"Knowing is Not Enough, We Must Apply. Willing is Not Enough, We Must Do"

Dear Fam,

This is the big one. Transfer day. With Elder D preparing to go home, I am now the senior assistant. I am so nervous, and I don't Know why!!! I can do all things through Him who strengthens me, so why do I worry? You don't need to answer that, That's a question that I ask my doubts. it really helps. I will be asked to do a lot. But, I can do it. I am also blessed to have a companion that is the best! his name is Elder J, from Zambales, Philippines. He is a convert of maybe 3 years, and was assigned in Palo, my 3rd area. He is so humble, and relies on God for everything. He is also very quick to thank Heavenly Father for everything that happens. Not to mention that he is a persuasive teacher and does well in lessons. He is the perfect assistant. I am glad to be his companion.

Last week was mostly work, with some meetings. Elder D and I decided to keep it simple for his last week, and we spent it working. we visited a lot of members homes in hopes of referrals. we actually got some! and the ward is currently making their ward mission plan, which they haven't done in a while. The work is moving! we met sister J, and her family is all less active. But she is so good and wants to be baptized! we are also preparing to teach the son of sister K, and her niece and nephew. It's a little hard to teach them due to attention span, but they are still progressing and going much faster. we're still working to find new investigators, and we did met some people and got an appointment with them for Saturday. 

when I came in the mission, I had 3 Filipina sister missionaries in my batch. Now, they have all finished their missions and going home. That's just a little reminder to me that My time is coming pretty fast. The mission is so special, because I am on the Lord's errand of teaching the gospel full-time. once I go home, I will be only part-time. 

I have been working hard on reading the Book of Mormon and understanding and applying what it says. one of my favorite quotes is from Bruce Lee, who said "Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do." applying my scripture study in my day has made a big difference. I notice that I am more kind, more generous, and more ready to take on the challenges of the day. I encourage everyone to try it. It really helps me keep my head and stay cool in times of struggle. 

That's all for this week. Love you all, and I am anxious to see what this next cycle will bring.

Love Elder Kuehne



Monday, February 12, 2018

Living the Life!!!!!

Dear fam,

A road trip to Catarman, a conference in Calbayog, A night in the fanciest hotel in Region 8..... That's the week I had. I saw a less active member from Sta. Margarita at the restaurant where we ate. It was so good to see him! we had trainings in Catarman and Calbayog, followed up with the zone conference in Calbayog. we spend the night in Ciriaco, a 4 star hotel next to the beach. Living the life!!!!! after that, we worked. We had a baptism, sister K, who was practically glowing with joy during the service. I had often time been guilty of under planning, of just winging something. I now know that that usually isn't the right thing to do. The baptismal service was rushed, and not many people showed up. that wasn't good. showing love and support to each other, even if we don't know them, even if they aren't in our circle or quorum, is something that Jesus Christ would do, so I need to do it too. I have been expanding my friend circle, allowing others in, and I have gained some great lasting friendships from it. Even missionaries who are hard to love, I have somehow been able to feel love and brotherhood with them. It was a lesson that I am grateful Heavenly Father taught me.

This is Elder D's last week. He is freaking out!!!!! it's understandable though, he has been on a mission for 2 years. He's a little unsure how to move forward. but he can do it

For this week, We are only working. next week is transfers, we'll see what happens

Until next week

Elder Kuehne

Monday, February 5, 2018

When I Go Home, All is Not Done

Dear Fam, 

Last week, we got to work! We went on splits with the Tolosa zone leaders. I went with Elder M, from Oregon. yes Tyler, THAT OREGON. He came in the mission 6 weeks after I did, so we got to go work. We didn't get in a single house for a couple hours. then we decided to visit an active member family. We did, and then got introduced to the sister of the member who is not baptized. She was hesitant to accept a lesson, but we asked her, and she said yes. We asked her that before we come for the lesson, She needs to write down her questions about God, Jesus Christ, religion, and other things like that. She accepted it! then we retaught sister J, who was baptized a couple weeks ago. a simple day, but a great chance to work with the leaders. 

We then gave a training to the Tolosa zone, and followed that up with a ROADTRIP!!!!!! on Friday, we went to Sogod and gave a training. After that, we spent Saturday and Sunday in Hinunangan, in southern Leyte. the Hinunangan district is only 3 years old, and has 2 branches in it. It is the smallest district, by far. they had their district conference, which had as many people as an average sacrament meeting in Tacloban. still, it was great. Some of the highlights were the training from the 1st counselor in the mission president, president Alban. He trained about Alma 13, about how the priesthood members were ordained, trained, and chosen before the world began. It gave me chills. he talked about our divine destiny and the responsibility we have to be worthy. he gave another training about home teaching. As we all know, home teaching is a rough subject to talk about. only 9% of the members did their home teaching. He said "you all need to repent." in the middle of his training. he said it very seriously, and the whole room went completely silent. it was a reminder to me that when I go home, all is not done. It's only beginning.

not a lot more to say. this week, We go to Catarman and Calbayog. When I was assigned in Sta. Margarita, there was a member, Brother E, who worked with the missionaries every day. he was the greatest. Last week, I had to sacred opportunity to take him to the airport so he can go on his mission. He recognized me immediately, and we talked a lot. In addition, brother N came and brought him to Tacloban. He thanked us for our work, thanked me for the blessing I gave him almost a year and a half ago, and then said that when we got to Calbayog, He has a "token" for us. Being around brother N is a blessing by itself. I'm excited to see what will happen there. 

Mom, you ran right by our apartment. It's right before the chapel, coming from the CocaCola. you nailed it. That's not our area, but we spend a lot of time there, so you got it! technology is great. I have been hearing a lot about the super bowl right now. I'm trying my best to not care, but it's not working too well ðŸ˜‚😂😂😂😂😂😂. I'll be there for the next one, don't worry. 

that's about it. I miss you all, and love each one. until next week

Elder Kuehne