Hey Mom!
I got your letter at the beginning of the week and I enjoyed it. Don't think that your boring me with your daily life, I love hearing about it. Also, don't worried about rushing to write me, I understand that you're busy and tired. Just promise that you won't slack or be lazy in writing me. Remember how I used to get excited when I got something in the mail? It's like 10x's more exciting now! Don't deprive me of that happiness!!!! When I talk to older missionaries, they say they wrote and got letters a lot during the beginning of their missions, but now its very rare. I don't want to be like that! Let's make a promise to write AT LEAST once every two weeks, okay? GOOD! I sent you a letter earlier this week, I hope you enjoyed it.
This week has been a tougher one for us in regards to lessons, but we're still trying! We have a Nigerian investigator named Fernandes. This week he fixed us some spicy African chicken with some other weird stuff. I had the intestine, and he made me eat it. It was .......chewy. He's a really good guy, it's just harder for him to believe in some stuff like Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.
There's a family in our ward called the Haji's It's a single mother with three boys, but all of them are in their 20's. One of them is married (he's our Bishop), one is about to get married, and the other still lives at home. The son who is engaged is trying to get his fiancee' interested in the church, so he invited us over for a family home evening for the whole family. Me and the three brothers got along very well so we always laugh and joke around. It makes me wish I had a brother. I blame you guys for that!
We also had something called Zone interview training this week. That's when President Brown comes down and interviews us individually while the zone leaders train us. I love President Brown. He's such a loving and caring guy. You can tell he really cares about every single missionary. He said I'm doing great and gave me some good advice. Since it was a zone activity, I got to see Elder Benesch! It's always a good time when we see each other, laughing and joking. I might not see him for a while because we might get moved. Who knows where I might go!!
Alright, that's it for me. I'll try to do journal letters next week. I hope you, Dad and Maggie have a good week! Love and miss you!
-Elder Austin
Elder Scott Austin
Elder Austin with a 1st Edition Book of Mormon
Monday, October 28, 2013
A Family Home Evening Lesson by Elder Austin
Hello everyone!
I apologize for not coming to family night this past month, I've just been so busy! So to make it up to you, I decided to add something to our minutes:
So I'm sure that my mother has told you all about where I am and all of my crazy adventures. Although I miss all of you, there is no place I'd rather be than here serving the Lord. One of the first few principles we teach as missionaries is that the gospel blesses families. I can testify to this eternal truth. The evidence is in this room (your room, not mine). We have held tight to the rod of iron and have been united through the teachings of Jesus Christ. We have had struggles and weaknesses, as does every family, but I have seen those weaknesses become strengths through the gospel. I am grateful for the righteous examples that our parents have given us, especially the mothers. The stripling warriors had similar feelings. Can someone open to Alma 56:4-48? (Have someone read this please.) Because of their mother's teachings and their dependency on the Lord, God delivered them and I have received the same blessing. I bear witness that we can be together forever with our loved ones who have passed away and also with the ones we still have today. This is the reason why I serve. I serve because I have a loving Heavenly Father who makes that possible. I serve for HIm, I serve for the Lord Jesus Christ, and I serve for you. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love Elder Austin
Friday, October 18, 2013
Balm of Gilead - Letter from Elder Austin Dated October 12, 2014
Hey Mom and Dad!
How is everything? I hope you, Dad, and Maggie are doing well. I'm sorry for not doing journal letters this week, not much happened except a few things I wanted to share. We met with Ian, our recent convert and taught him about the priesthood because he is going to get it soon. At the end of the lesson, he expressed a concern. He said that all of this was happening so fast and that he felt over-loaded by all of this He also expressed that he felt unworthy even though he passed his interview. These concerns made me reflect on my own personal life. Feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness have been battles that I have faced. I've done some things in my high school and college years that still haunt me to this day, but I have found hope! The 3rd Article of Faith states: "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved...." I have a firm testimony of this article because I too have been saved through the atonement. With the help of many bishops, Stake presidents and my Heavenly Father I have been given the gift of forgiveness. Satan tries to make us feel like we're not good enough when we have sinned. He wants to make you miserable like unto himself, so he makes you relive your worse sins. Please do not fall into this trap! If you sin, repent and change your ways. Know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you, that's why we have been given the gift of repentance. YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH! But do not settle, keep changing and progressing and those feelings of love and peace will be even stronger. Be a better person than you were yesterday. I expressed these same feelings to Ian and he said, "Thanks for that, I feel better now. I want to get the Priesthood now!" Immense you and happiness overtook me when I heard these words.
There is one other event that happened this week that I wanted to tell you about. I went on exchanges with my district leader, so I was in Bray once again. We visited a guy named Andy, he's preparing to go on a mission to France. After eating the wonderful chicken and rice he made, we watched mormon messages on the computer. During one of those videos, the Spirit punched me in the heart. The video was called "Mountains to Climb". It's based on Henry B. Eyring's talk about the challenges and trials we have in this life. I want you to stop reading this, go to YouTube and type in "Mountains to Climb" mormon messages, then watch it. Continue reading after you watch it.
DONE YET? Okay! So your probably in tears. I was bawling like a baby when I watched it. I was inspired to share this with a member from South Africa. She's a single mother with 3 children. We watched it with them, our recent converts, and some other friends that they invited over. When it was over, there wasn't a dry eye in the room. One of the little children said, "Mommy, I need to pray." It was the shortest, but most powerful prayer I have ever heard. She said, "Heavenly Father, thank you for my family, amen." The Spirit was so strong, I was overwhelmed.
We've watched this video with a few members now, and there's one phrase that President Eyring says. He told us to believe that there is a "Balm of Gilead". That phrase has stuck out to me ever since I first saw it. I didn't even know what it meant, so I was confused. Why did that sentence stick out to me? I studied it yesterday and found out why. Balm is an herb or spice that was used for healing wounds. Gilead is the place where it grew plentifully. I immediately understood that balm represents Jesus Christ. President Eyring was telling us to believe that Jesus Christ can heal your wounds and that you find that healing power within this gospel, or Gilead. Sometimes when we use the phrase, "endure to the end", we use it too lightly. It means exactly what it says, to endure. "When I have tried all my life to be good, why has this happened to me?" When I look at people who ask this question, the answer that comes to my mind is because that person's faith needs to grow. That is why we have trials and challenges , to try our faith.
I can testify that there is a Balm in Gilead, His name is Jesus Christ. He can heal us of our pains and help us climb these mountains, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
-Elder Austin
P.S. Share this video with anyone you feel who needs it. Love you!
How is everything? I hope you, Dad, and Maggie are doing well. I'm sorry for not doing journal letters this week, not much happened except a few things I wanted to share. We met with Ian, our recent convert and taught him about the priesthood because he is going to get it soon. At the end of the lesson, he expressed a concern. He said that all of this was happening so fast and that he felt over-loaded by all of this He also expressed that he felt unworthy even though he passed his interview. These concerns made me reflect on my own personal life. Feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness have been battles that I have faced. I've done some things in my high school and college years that still haunt me to this day, but I have found hope! The 3rd Article of Faith states: "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved...." I have a firm testimony of this article because I too have been saved through the atonement. With the help of many bishops, Stake presidents and my Heavenly Father I have been given the gift of forgiveness. Satan tries to make us feel like we're not good enough when we have sinned. He wants to make you miserable like unto himself, so he makes you relive your worse sins. Please do not fall into this trap! If you sin, repent and change your ways. Know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you, that's why we have been given the gift of repentance. YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH! But do not settle, keep changing and progressing and those feelings of love and peace will be even stronger. Be a better person than you were yesterday. I expressed these same feelings to Ian and he said, "Thanks for that, I feel better now. I want to get the Priesthood now!" Immense you and happiness overtook me when I heard these words.
There is one other event that happened this week that I wanted to tell you about. I went on exchanges with my district leader, so I was in Bray once again. We visited a guy named Andy, he's preparing to go on a mission to France. After eating the wonderful chicken and rice he made, we watched mormon messages on the computer. During one of those videos, the Spirit punched me in the heart. The video was called "Mountains to Climb". It's based on Henry B. Eyring's talk about the challenges and trials we have in this life. I want you to stop reading this, go to YouTube and type in "Mountains to Climb" mormon messages, then watch it. Continue reading after you watch it.
DONE YET? Okay! So your probably in tears. I was bawling like a baby when I watched it. I was inspired to share this with a member from South Africa. She's a single mother with 3 children. We watched it with them, our recent converts, and some other friends that they invited over. When it was over, there wasn't a dry eye in the room. One of the little children said, "Mommy, I need to pray." It was the shortest, but most powerful prayer I have ever heard. She said, "Heavenly Father, thank you for my family, amen." The Spirit was so strong, I was overwhelmed.
We've watched this video with a few members now, and there's one phrase that President Eyring says. He told us to believe that there is a "Balm of Gilead". That phrase has stuck out to me ever since I first saw it. I didn't even know what it meant, so I was confused. Why did that sentence stick out to me? I studied it yesterday and found out why. Balm is an herb or spice that was used for healing wounds. Gilead is the place where it grew plentifully. I immediately understood that balm represents Jesus Christ. President Eyring was telling us to believe that Jesus Christ can heal your wounds and that you find that healing power within this gospel, or Gilead. Sometimes when we use the phrase, "endure to the end", we use it too lightly. It means exactly what it says, to endure. "When I have tried all my life to be good, why has this happened to me?" When I look at people who ask this question, the answer that comes to my mind is because that person's faith needs to grow. That is why we have trials and challenges , to try our faith.
I can testify that there is a Balm in Gilead, His name is Jesus Christ. He can heal us of our pains and help us climb these mountains, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
-Elder Austin
P.S. Share this video with anyone you feel who needs it. Love you!
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Journal Entries from September 26-September 29, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
So, I totally forgot to write this week, so I'll just sum up the highlights of the week. On Monday, it was a beautiful day so we played football in the park with our district. I'm starting to get better at it. Who knows, it might be my main sport by the time I get home. On Tuesday, we had dinner with our golden investigator named Debbie. She made us ham, broccoli (I have no idea how to spell it!), and cheesy potatoes, yum! She's ready to be baptized, but she's going on vacation for a month, which is like 1000 years it feels like. Hopefully, she has the same desire when she gets back. Yesterday, we visited a part-member Indian family. At the end of the lesson, they gave us some Indian-style chicken. It was spicy! Today, wasn't really exciting, but hopefully the week gets more exciting.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Today, we went on exchanges. For the day, I went to Bray, which is south of Dublin on the coast. You can see the ocean from the apartment and it is beautiful! I exchanged with Elder Thomas, a missionary in my group. We're good friends and we teach very good together. Tomorrow, We'll exchange back and I'll go back to Clondalkin.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Today was actually a really fun day! This morning we exchanged back and went to lunch in the city. Then we changed and went to a thing called the Stake Fair. Everyone from the stake teamed up to help raise money for a charity called Child Vision. They help educate blind kids. Each ward set up booths where people could play games, buy food and much more! It was basically like a carnival and everyone was invited. There was a guy named Jason Smith who won a gold medal in the ParaOlympics, and he's blind! So it was cool to have him there signing autographs and taking pictures. Guess what job I had? Fair parking...... No matter where I go, I always gotta park cars for the fair. I'm sure Dad and Papa would be proud.
After the fair, we hopped on a bus back home. It was packed because there was a hurling match, so we squished next to someone to get a seat. Sitting in front of me were a group of girls and an old priest. The priest was talking to them and I could tell they were creeped out by him because I think he was trying to flirt, even though he's like 60. I decided to rescue them from the creepy priest and asked them if they were American. They got excited when they said yes and when I said me too. They were college students on a study abroad program from universities across the U.S. One was from ASU! One said she was from the University of Minnesota, so I told her about how Ashley went to Wisconsin. They said they had friends who went to Whitewater! They asked me what I did, so I told them a little about the Church. The priest was not very happy with me for stealing all the attention. It's not my fault they liked me better. He was giving me death glares the whole time I was talking with them. So that was fun!
We tracted the rest of the night and taught a very nice Nigerian lady at her door. She promised to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. so that was exciting as well. Overall, it was a pretty good day.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Today was just a normal Sunday. We went to a Phillipino member's house for dinner. The food wasn't that bad. It was minced pork, rice and chicken curry. Phillipino food is either really good or really bad, but today was good.
Hope you enjoy my experiences! Love you! Elder Austin
So, I totally forgot to write this week, so I'll just sum up the highlights of the week. On Monday, it was a beautiful day so we played football in the park with our district. I'm starting to get better at it. Who knows, it might be my main sport by the time I get home. On Tuesday, we had dinner with our golden investigator named Debbie. She made us ham, broccoli (I have no idea how to spell it!), and cheesy potatoes, yum! She's ready to be baptized, but she's going on vacation for a month, which is like 1000 years it feels like. Hopefully, she has the same desire when she gets back. Yesterday, we visited a part-member Indian family. At the end of the lesson, they gave us some Indian-style chicken. It was spicy! Today, wasn't really exciting, but hopefully the week gets more exciting.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Today, we went on exchanges. For the day, I went to Bray, which is south of Dublin on the coast. You can see the ocean from the apartment and it is beautiful! I exchanged with Elder Thomas, a missionary in my group. We're good friends and we teach very good together. Tomorrow, We'll exchange back and I'll go back to Clondalkin.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Today was actually a really fun day! This morning we exchanged back and went to lunch in the city. Then we changed and went to a thing called the Stake Fair. Everyone from the stake teamed up to help raise money for a charity called Child Vision. They help educate blind kids. Each ward set up booths where people could play games, buy food and much more! It was basically like a carnival and everyone was invited. There was a guy named Jason Smith who won a gold medal in the ParaOlympics, and he's blind! So it was cool to have him there signing autographs and taking pictures. Guess what job I had? Fair parking...... No matter where I go, I always gotta park cars for the fair. I'm sure Dad and Papa would be proud.
After the fair, we hopped on a bus back home. It was packed because there was a hurling match, so we squished next to someone to get a seat. Sitting in front of me were a group of girls and an old priest. The priest was talking to them and I could tell they were creeped out by him because I think he was trying to flirt, even though he's like 60. I decided to rescue them from the creepy priest and asked them if they were American. They got excited when they said yes and when I said me too. They were college students on a study abroad program from universities across the U.S. One was from ASU! One said she was from the University of Minnesota, so I told her about how Ashley went to Wisconsin. They said they had friends who went to Whitewater! They asked me what I did, so I told them a little about the Church. The priest was not very happy with me for stealing all the attention. It's not my fault they liked me better. He was giving me death glares the whole time I was talking with them. So that was fun!
We tracted the rest of the night and taught a very nice Nigerian lady at her door. She promised to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. so that was exciting as well. Overall, it was a pretty good day.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Today was just a normal Sunday. We went to a Phillipino member's house for dinner. The food wasn't that bad. It was minced pork, rice and chicken curry. Phillipino food is either really good or really bad, but today was good.
Hope you enjoy my experiences! Love you! Elder Austin
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Opposition in All Things - Email from September 30, 2013
Hey Mom!
Wow you decide to wait till I'm gone to go on all these vacations!?? That's okay, I'm on a 2 year vacation. I'm glad you had fun in San Diego. How was the beach? Pinetop too?? Wow you are lucky! Was it just our family and Rob's family that went? That's pretty cool! You took Maggie? This is just my opinion, but you have to much faith in her to like other people. You have to understand that she was abused as a puppy and she has a hard time trusting people. Don't terrorize my puppy!!! Journal Entries Dated September 15-22, 2013
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Today was pretty good! We had 3 people confirmed in Sacrament meeting. It was Ian, Yolanda, and Lindi. I personally confirmed Yolanda, it was my first time so I was scared! But I think I did okay. Other than that, nothing really happened.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Today wasn't the best day. All of our appointments AND our backups fell through. We tried teaching people on the street, but nobody wanted to listen. Oh well, there's always tomorrow! The highlight of my day was seeing a drunk guy get thrown off the train, that was funny!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
In my opinion today was pretty good. We taught a lady named Debbie. She was a media referral through mormon.org. She basically said she's been drawn to the Mormon church and has been researching us for a while (aka reading the Book of Mormon, researching all of our beliefs). She said since we responded so fast, she took that as her answer, She wants to be baptized! She's a solid investigator. Later we had dinner with Bishop and his wife. They have a 3 month old baby and she is so cute! We went out and saw one of his home teaching families with him. This lady had just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We gave her a blessing. I anointed it and Bishop sealed it. I got a letter from Papa today and it had a picture of me and him when I was little. I'll take a picture of it and show it to you!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Since this week is transfer week, today was P day. We toured around Dublin and went to a museum, it wasn't that fun. I think it's just because touring and shopping aren't really my thing, I just wanna do something physical! But it was fun hanging out with other missionaries. I got some funny pictures along the way as well. We tried to catch a bus home so we could get to some appointments, but there were riots and protestors and the Garda (Irish Police). They were crowding the streets so no buses could get through. Ireland is a crazy place! I got your package and it was great! The jacket was nice but the pictures made me the happiest! The frame is set up right by my chair were I study.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Today was .....interesting. We had a lesson with a born-again Christian whose sole purpose in meeting with us was to prove us wrong. He was saying a bunch of weird things about the end of the world. He took the parable of the 10 virgins literally and said in the end, we would marry Christ. Weird, right? I just sat back and tuned out because I know it wasn't going anywhere. We had dinner with the 1st counselor in the bishopric and his 4 kids. We shared a message in Mosiah 18:9 and how we need to look for those people who need our help. I was prompted to share the story of Sadie and Barney. I shared how Barney led Sadie to the food bowl every night when she was blind. I also shared how he kept taking her food bowl out to her after she died. I could tell the story touched their hearts. I was grateful that I listened to the promptings of the Spirit and that it helped me know what to say at the right time.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Today was pretty good. We met this guy from Nigeria. His name is Fernandes. He sat down with us and told us he wanted to follow Christ. After the lesson, I committed him to baptism! He's a great guy, he's reading the Book of Mormon, and praying to know if it's true. He asked if the baptism he already had wasn't valid. That is the toughest question anyone can ask but he took our answer quite well. The only other interesting thing that happened was when a drunk guy stopped us. He basically told us we don't know God, so that was interesting.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Today we saw Debbie, our "Golden" investigator. We sat down to teach her the Plan of Salvation when she told us, "I got my answer, I wanna be baptized!" She's already read through all of 1 Nephi and half of 2 Nephi. She is our most solid investigator. Other than that, nothing really happened today.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Today, was pretty good. Instead of Sacrament Meeting, it was Stake Conference. All the missionaries in the zone were there so I got to see Elder Benesch! President Brown was also here too. We had dinner with a member and some recent converts. We had South African barbecue. It was delicious. So overall, it was a pretty good day.
Hope you enjoyed my experiences! Love you! Elder Austin
Today was pretty good! We had 3 people confirmed in Sacrament meeting. It was Ian, Yolanda, and Lindi. I personally confirmed Yolanda, it was my first time so I was scared! But I think I did okay. Other than that, nothing really happened.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Today wasn't the best day. All of our appointments AND our backups fell through. We tried teaching people on the street, but nobody wanted to listen. Oh well, there's always tomorrow! The highlight of my day was seeing a drunk guy get thrown off the train, that was funny!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
In my opinion today was pretty good. We taught a lady named Debbie. She was a media referral through mormon.org. She basically said she's been drawn to the Mormon church and has been researching us for a while (aka reading the Book of Mormon, researching all of our beliefs). She said since we responded so fast, she took that as her answer, She wants to be baptized! She's a solid investigator. Later we had dinner with Bishop and his wife. They have a 3 month old baby and she is so cute! We went out and saw one of his home teaching families with him. This lady had just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We gave her a blessing. I anointed it and Bishop sealed it. I got a letter from Papa today and it had a picture of me and him when I was little. I'll take a picture of it and show it to you!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Since this week is transfer week, today was P day. We toured around Dublin and went to a museum, it wasn't that fun. I think it's just because touring and shopping aren't really my thing, I just wanna do something physical! But it was fun hanging out with other missionaries. I got some funny pictures along the way as well. We tried to catch a bus home so we could get to some appointments, but there were riots and protestors and the Garda (Irish Police). They were crowding the streets so no buses could get through. Ireland is a crazy place! I got your package and it was great! The jacket was nice but the pictures made me the happiest! The frame is set up right by my chair were I study.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Today was .....interesting. We had a lesson with a born-again Christian whose sole purpose in meeting with us was to prove us wrong. He was saying a bunch of weird things about the end of the world. He took the parable of the 10 virgins literally and said in the end, we would marry Christ. Weird, right? I just sat back and tuned out because I know it wasn't going anywhere. We had dinner with the 1st counselor in the bishopric and his 4 kids. We shared a message in Mosiah 18:9 and how we need to look for those people who need our help. I was prompted to share the story of Sadie and Barney. I shared how Barney led Sadie to the food bowl every night when she was blind. I also shared how he kept taking her food bowl out to her after she died. I could tell the story touched their hearts. I was grateful that I listened to the promptings of the Spirit and that it helped me know what to say at the right time.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Today was pretty good. We met this guy from Nigeria. His name is Fernandes. He sat down with us and told us he wanted to follow Christ. After the lesson, I committed him to baptism! He's a great guy, he's reading the Book of Mormon, and praying to know if it's true. He asked if the baptism he already had wasn't valid. That is the toughest question anyone can ask but he took our answer quite well. The only other interesting thing that happened was when a drunk guy stopped us. He basically told us we don't know God, so that was interesting.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Today we saw Debbie, our "Golden" investigator. We sat down to teach her the Plan of Salvation when she told us, "I got my answer, I wanna be baptized!" She's already read through all of 1 Nephi and half of 2 Nephi. She is our most solid investigator. Other than that, nothing really happened today.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Today, was pretty good. Instead of Sacrament Meeting, it was Stake Conference. All the missionaries in the zone were there so I got to see Elder Benesch! President Brown was also here too. We had dinner with a member and some recent converts. We had South African barbecue. It was delicious. So overall, it was a pretty good day.
Hope you enjoyed my experiences! Love you! Elder Austin
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