Fellowshipping

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Annika Bruno Date: Wed, Feb 29, 2012 at 3:51 PM Subject: Progress... To: cebumissionoffice@gmail.com Dear President Schmutz, This week has really been a humbling week. We have stayed close with the members especially those who like to feed us haha... but we used it as an opportunity to get them involved in fellow shipping. Talking with the members many concerns arise. Its sad to see so many people so unwilling to fellowship. We prayed about a fellow shipper for our inactive member with the LOC problem and when we received our answer we talked to that brother and he was unwilling to fellowship because of past things that had happened. We taught from the doctrine and covenants and the doctrine of Christ and his life, and he was still being difficult about it. His wife told him to stop being a drama queen and that he couldn't attend the next time the missionaries taught. She was teasing him, but in a way it was true it was hard to get him to be humble and forget the past and to act as Jesus would. We have realized that we are starting to be blessed in our area through our hard work. I wake up everyday so tired, but excited to start the day. We have many new investigators being prepared for baptism. I don't know how quickly they will progress, but we will be the most obedient we can and do everything in our power to help them understand the importance of baptism. Brother Dave and Sister Avegail are still willing to listen but their schedule is every other saturday. I am not sure why, but that is what brother Dave wants for now. We explained that it would be more beneficial if we were to meet at least once a week if not twice a week so he could understand the doctrine and not forget quickly, but he said he would rather it be every other Saturday. We have an appointment with him next Saturday if you would like to attend President. They said they they are married now. We have taught the restoration, and he said he has been taught the restoration many times. He seems to understand, but still has not received an answer to his prayer. We told him sometimes we receive an answer through our studying the book of Mormon, but he has cardaracs in his eyes so he cant see clearly. We suggested Sister Avegail read for him and we will also read with him the book of Mormon to help him gain a testimony. Brother Ong seems so prepared through listening to previous missionaries for baptism, but his work schedule is the problem he doesn't have a set work schedule so its hard to know when to catch him at home. He has not heard all of the lessons, but he said he believes that Joseph Smith is a prophet.l We will do everything we can to catch him at home, and continue to help his progression. We went to talk to brother Jonclar the other day. He was drunk at the time, but he opened up that he wants to continue to listen. he is growing in his desire to hear the gospel which is a huge improvement from when we first met him. He must have kept his commitment to pray about continuing to listen. We plan to go back on thursday. Word of wisdom will be a top priority to teach. Sister Acain is amazing. I feel she will be ready to train straight away after the training period. She really has a talent for teaching, and I can tell that she prepared before she came on her mission. Although she does not think she has much patience I have found she is a very humble and caring person. She has patience through any trial that has come her way. I have learns so much from her. I thought I was supposed to do the teaching, but I am grateful for the help. Elder Harris gave an amazing workshop for District meeting and it has helped me so much with getting rid of idol time on the mission. I have been growing so much on the mission, and can tell it has shaped me into the person that I want to be and that God wants me to be. My biggest fear is falling away from the church after the mission. I am glad I am being taught how to avoid becoming inactive by teaching the inactive people. Our area has been a challenge, but I have hope for the next couple of months that we will start seeing the fruits of our efforts. We turned over our investigator brother Robert to the Marigondon Elders, because he was not in our area and we had no support from the ward or bishopric since they said he is not in our area and long term he won't be our baptism. I think it was the right decision to start him in a ward that will support him and where he will continue his progression, and I can not wait to see the day that he will be baptized. its just sad that he had no support because he wasn't in our area. He is still a son of God and its the same work no matter where he lives. I am confident that Elder Harris and Elder Encarnacion will help him through his journey since they are such obedient elders. Our zone leaders are great too. I can really see the change in Elder Murillo and the desire to be obedient. Elder Cabrera is a good example for us all. I am excited to see what the next week will bring. Anything that might come I am ready to jump, leap, run, crawl, or any other action it takes to overcome the unseen obstacles that might occur. Like I said before BRING IT ON. Sister Bruno

Instruments in the Lord's Hands

Dear Elders and Sisters, It was so good to see you all at the various zone conferences earlier this week and last week. What a happy time for us to be with you, and feel of your Spirit. We visited Negros on Thursday, and Cebu North on Friday for zone conferences. We visited Cebu South on Monday and Bohol on Tuesday for zone conferences and got in late Tuesday evening. We also had the pleasure of visiting in Lamac for a baptismal service last Saturday and we stayed over for Sunday services. We were able to visit the Toledo 1 branch sunday afternoon. It was a busy week full of joy and memories. It was wonderful to be able to teach a workshop on something else instead of Obedience. In each zone, we felt such a strong spirit of happiness, excitement for the successes that are beginning to be seen, and unity in every zone. The last time we visited the zones was for Zone Interviews, about six weeks ago. I cannot tell you how much different the Spirit felt from that time to the zone conferences! It was an amazing transformation. As you know, we were the leader in all the Philippines missions in the number of visits we made to inactive members of the church, and we were second in the number of baptisms that we had as a direct result of visiting inactive and LA members. I feel so much happiness and joy in the work that we are doing together. Each of the last two weeks, I have felt a great surge in the spirit of the work, as if the Lord were beginning to open the windows of heaven to all of us. I feel that the Lord is well pleased with our mission at this time, and we are starting to truly magnify our calling as a mission, as we each individually and by companionship magnify our callings as missionaries. I hope and pray that you will all exercise your agency to become effective and sharpened instruments in the hands of God. I believe March will be a month that will mark the new course of the Mission and we will be able to look back on March to say that is where the blessings really started to appear. Be bold in making promises to your inactive members and investigators. Be filled with faith as you teach and encourage those you are working with to accept the commitments you invite them to make. We are laying a foundation here in Cebu Mission for true faith to take hold among the members, and for brethren to magnify their priesthood callings. The Lord has called each of you to be part of this great work. So stand and be counted! Let every missionary around you know that you have made the commitment, become converted, experienced the mighty change of heart! When everyone is setting an example of obedience, diligence, cheerfulness, and excitement about being a PMG missionary, all the missionaries will feel the same joy of belonging to such an elite group of missionaries. No one will choose to be disobedient. We will truly be like the 2060 stripling warriors, the sons and daughters of Helaman! Because of our schedule this last week, we have had very little time at home for using the computer. So only a few of you will receive personal letters this week. But we are at home most of the coming week, and all of you will receive personal letters for next week. I received word that imos will be down again today, for as much as six hours. You might be able to get on and send me a letter. You could reply to this letter if imos is not working. We love you! President Schmutz Sister Schmutz

Birthday Wishes

Dear Elders and Sisters, President and I returned home late last night after completing the final Zone Conference in Bohol. What a great week! We love being able to travel the mission and meet with all of you. Thank you for the spirit that you brought to each conference. We can't believe how lucky we are to be serving in this place, at this time, with you! Thank you also, for all of your birthday wishes and surprises this past week. You made my first birthday in the Philippines fabulous! One of the Sisters asked me what has been my favorite birthday of all time. Well, after last week I can easily say that 55 now moves to the top of my list. I can't believe how creative, talented, and imaginative you all are. Thank you. I hope you can feel my love for you. Now it is back to work! I think that we are all excited and energized by the good things happening in the mission. The Lord is keeping his promises to us here in the Cebu Mission. We are feeling and seeing the blessing that come when we are obedient and diligent. There is so much true joy and happiness in serving the Lord. So, Elders and Sisters, love the work, love your companion, love the people and most of all love the Lord! Have a great week. I love you. Warmly, Sister Schmutz

Overcoming Satan

Dear President Schmutz, No matter the things that satan has thrown in my path my goal is still the same. I would really like to extend. I talked to my father and mother before I asked to extend and they gave me permission. I am excited to see what God has in store for me when I extend, because the trials have been many. I am not sure who the trials are from, but I am strong in my faith that this work will go forth. I am proud to say that I am a part of Jesus Christ's true church that no matter what temptation comes I must and will conquer. I am saddened by some decisions of others but with faith all things are possible. God will prepare the way if we just keep our hope alive. I am glad that God gave me many trials as a child to be able to over come the trials on the mission. I know that whatever happens we have the right to choose for ourselves if we remain happy or we let satan rule. Some people act and some are acted upon. I choose to act to remain happy and to overcome anything that satan will bring. I say to satan now BRING IT ON. I am on the winning side I will not faulter or waver in what I know to be true. Someone said I will forgive you because you don't know the reality of life since you are on the mission. I just remember what you had said about the reality of the mission. Hello this is reality we choose there is no other world we live in at this time... We are seeing the blessings of the gospel in the life of Brother Robert who is deciding to go back to his wife, because he knows that what he is doing is wrong he decided to try to court his wife again. He has a great desire to be baptized but he still has many things to work out before he will be prepared to endure the covenants. I hope though because of his great desire it will be quick. We almost have the area working again. We plan to help it run smoother and be a blessing to the ward. We believe we will start seeing the blessings of our labors soon. We are praying for baptisms for our area. Elder Cabrera suggested a zone fast and I think it will be effective. Our zone leaders are great examples for this zone I really see the level of obedience rising. Sister Acain is great. She is so willing to be an obedient missionary. I know when she trains she will be a great leader. She already takes the initiative to lead when I don't understand all that is being said. its like elder Nielson said we need the Filipinos because we as Americans dont always understand the culture. Its a process on the mission with many trials but I know that Sister Acians dental will work out and that she will overcome all challenges. I am so grateful for you President Schmutz and the diligent example and leadership you show to us. Sister Bruno

Extension on Mission

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <2012162-PRS@ldschurch.org> Date: Tue, Feb 21, 2012 at 5:52 PM Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 15 Feb 2012 To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net Dear Sister Bruno, It was good to see you recently at the Mission Home. It's too bad that Sister Acain is having so much trouble with her teeth. We'll try to work it out with her. But I am so pleased with her missionary attitude. It doesn't seem like she is afraid to open her mouth. And I'm glad that you two seem to be doing so well together. So you really want to extend a transfer, right? Okay, I believe that is going to happen. I should be able to let you know by the time of zone conference. But before we can make it official, you need to get your parent's permission. they will be required to pay one more month of support, and they might want you to come home. So have you already discussed this with them in an email? Let me know. If all is in place on your end, I'll call and talk with your Stake President. You need to get all those people married. No more LOC violations! YOu are a great missionary. Did I ever tell you how grateful I am that you are a missionary in this mission? You have a wonderful sense of humor, you work hard, you are completely obedient, and you will do anything the Lord requires of you, make any sacrifice, and you won't stop till its done. That is my kinda girl! So we got your endorsement all done. Let me know if you get in, or if you need anything else done. Have a great week. All my love, President Schmutz P.S. Where did you come up with the password kisskiss28? do we need to have an interview?

Charge to Stay Strong

I changed the password so that president could send the endorsement. But it is kisskiss28 I am sorrowed to the soul to hear that mom would do such a thing. I know that satan is real that he knows our weaknesses, but work things out if you can. I really hope for all of our sakes she has not committed Law of Chastity. I know you have many trials in your life and we have not helped but just so you know I love you and are here for you. Don't let this tear you away from the church but bring you closer to God. If we continue to follow the commandments I know that no matter what happens we will be happy in the next life. You are strong stay faithful no matter what is going on at home. I know it's not easy but continue to pray for the help from God read your scriptures, and go to church. Don't let anything stop you from eternal life. I know this will be a trial for our family, but for now I am focused on the work of God! Dad I know its not the best time to ask, but I would hope to still extend. President Schmutz said its almost final that I can I just need to make sure its okay with you and the stake President financially! I know its hard times but please if there is anyway to extend please let this be my final request before I have to come home to what is happening. Sister Bruno

Dear family, I am writing this to tell you that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. That anything that happens in life through obedience to our Heavenly Father we will be blessed. Satan is real his attack is on the family. We must over come all temptation to follow the cunning one. He is lower than us. We have God's power to over come anything that satan may tempt us with. Our family must continue to fight. Just do your best and rely on God to do the rest. Stay close to Him and He will bless you. Be faithful and believing. Don't do anything that will jeopardize your eternal happiness. I have seen that the law of Chastity is the biggest problem with our investigators right now. We are teaching them to once again come unto Christ. Anything that we have done we can be forgiven of, but we must forsake the sin and return to the right path. I don't know what all will happen in life but I know with faith anything is possible. I know that God has a plan for all of His children, and that we can overcome the sadness and feel comfort when we seek God. He is always listening He will always help you through anything. We must continually seek for His spirit. Do not do anything that will cause the spirit of God to withdraw itself. I am not perfect on the mission, but I wake up everyday trying to reach that perfection, and when I fall short I repent pick myself up again and continue to seek that high level of perfection. I wake up again everyday close to Heavenly Father. We know we are close to God when we feel His spirit. Continue, be faithful, and until we meet again. I am always your sister in the faith. Love you all until eternity, Sister Bruno

Refined in the Furnace of Affliction

From: 2012162-PRS@ldschurch.org Date: Thu, Feb 9, 2012 at 4:28 AM Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 1 Feb 2012 To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net Dear Sister Bruno, How are you today? Are you enjoying your first week with Sister Acain? I hope she is coping with some of her medical / dental problems and she will be okay. That first week can be a little bit of an adjustment as you know, so love her and support her, and show her the way. I liked your reference to 1 Nephi 19 and 20. The fact that you were moved by the idea that the Lord chooses us and refines us "in the furnace of affliction" to do his work lets me know a lot about your spiritual progress and your willingness to see that these missionary experiences are very much designed for our own growth and development. As you look back on your mission, I'm sure that you can easily see how you have been refined, shaped and fashioned by the Lord in his furnace to do his will -- not just in this mission, but in the life you will lead in the years to come. It is so interesting, Sister Bruno, that we are all very different from one another. The Lord knows this. He designed and created us, after all. He takes all these wonderful differences, and if we allow him, he molds us and continues to "create us" into the creatures he desires us to be. You have your share of differences :). I think that is why I love you so much, and I'm sure it is part of the Lord's great love for you. I was inspired by your ability to see how important is the stark difference that will mark the lives of those who hearken and obey ("peace as a river, and righteousness as the waves of the sea") and those who reject the Lord and his commandments (no peace to the wicked). Why is it that so many many people never can put that clear warning into practice in their lives? Thanks for your statement of commitment and conviction. I believe this is a day of choosing. And I hereby acknowledge that you have chosen to side with God, to stand by me and all others who are willing to lay aside their weapons of rebellion. I am gratified that it is many who will stand together with us. There is no force that can oppose us because we will stand with our Master in this great cause. I'll love you forever, Sister Bruno. Keep up the good work. Show Sister Acain through love and example what it is all about. President Schmutz Your understanding of the gift of commandments and the blessings of obedience gives you such an advantage in this life. It has made you into a great missionary, capable of doing so many things.

Third Anak Child

Dear family, I am in my third open area. I am also training my third 'Anak' child on the mission. We are having fun in our new area, and finding many people ready to hear the gospel. My companion and I have the same birthday 24 Aug 1989! we think its funny because our personalities match so well. I really do love her lots. We are in an open area so the schedule is kind of hard to figure out still. We are still getting to know the area and the members, but Sister Pangue my first anak on the mission is in my ward lapu-lapu 1st and comes with us to teach almost everyday. She has extended going on her mission until march since she is still waiting for her visa, but i am glad she is still here to help us with the area. We have really good leaders that help us a lot. People have even made dinner appointments with us. Earlier we played basketball with the elders. They didn't guard us but it was still fun. Me and sister Acain guarded each other. I really hope that you all are doing okay. I love you Sister Bruno

New Companion in Lapulapu

Dear President Schmutz,

This week has been really good.  I love my companion Sister Acain.  She is very knowledgeable about the lessons, and its as if I do not have to train her much in the way to teach.  Her background in teaching is an advantage to her.  I can tell that she has worked with the missionaries before.  I almost feel that our companionship is more as equals.  We are continuing to be diligent about the studies, and although I have been over the material two times before I know there is so much more to learn if I stay focused in this program.  I feel Sister Acain is more than capable of training even after one transfer.  For sure she will be ready in two transfers after the training program.  I have given her some room to lead starting just after a couple of days.  We have become equals, but continue to correct when needed.  She really seems like she knows what she is doing.  Our personalities match so well together, and even our birthday is the same 24 August 1989...  

President Schmutz I was just wondering if you have been thinking about my request to extend.  I would understand if not because there is a possibility that there would be a threesome in this case it would be noneffective for me to stay, but if at all possible I am willing to stay if it would help the mission.

We are still getting to know the area, and the ward is supportive in our efforts.  We have a ward mission leader who is fresh off the mission so that helps a lot.

We have some new investigators and we are hoping they will become progressing investigators soon.  We are still meeting a lot of the members and inactive members so it might take a few weeks before we can get a set schedule going.  We plan to clean up the CMIS and work with the ward to visit all the members and the list.  We will let you know of our progress.

Thank you President Schmutz for your words of encouragement we were all sad not to have a chance to see you at our zone interview this past Wednesday, but we understand the circumstances.  Thank You for your words of love.  I just want to echo you in saying I love you both as heros and examples. 

Sister Bruno

Moving to Lapulapu

Date: January 25, 2012
Area: Lapulapu 1st Ward
Companion: Sister Taylor

Dear President Schmutz,

Can I just point out that this is my third open area. I want to say I accept that the Lord is trying to humble me. Its not easy opening an area its stressful, and it takes time to learn the area. I think though when I transfer in March to Negros ;) (just kidding but if its the Lords will...With faith hehe) that Sister Taylor will be much more prepared to lead since we are learning the area together.

PRESIDENT!! I think that Sister Schmutz needs to have a discussion with the elders about cleaning their apartments again. We came into the apartment shocked. Luckily we didn't have time to look around
since we went straight to work with the zone leaders. We luckily went to the store before coming home to the apartment and bought cleaning supplies while we were there It took me 6 hours to clean the bathroom. Can I just say its bad when you find a bottle of Domex and Zonrox bleach full, unused with mold growing on the out side. We thought it was pretty ironic! Supposedly the best cleaning product in the world Dormex with mold growing on the outside! Thank you president for the humbling experience.

We still estimate it will take about 3 weeks to clean the whole house it's a work in progress, but at least we have a spotless bathroom!!  Have I ever mentioned that I like a clean house almost to the point of OCD. I think I have discovered the reason the elders are getting sick so often. I think it has something to do with their mattresses. When I took the mattress cover off to be cleaned I discovered a black mattress pad underneath that smelled stale. I don't know how many elders have slept in that bed sick, and I am sure never washed the mattress cover after.

When I washed the mattress cover the first two rinses the water was black. Then next rinse cycle the water was brown. Then the next two rinse cycles the water was yellow!! I let the cover soak for about one full day then washed the years of dirt off of the cover. I refuse to sleep on the mattress pad and have just been sleeping on the wood part of the bed. It's not very comfortable, but at least I wont get sick.

Sister Taylor has braved it and just put her sheet on the bed she has yet to try to wash the cover she says if she doesn't look its like its clean, but she has gotten a small cough I told her its from sleeping on the
mattress. We texted Elder Ernstrom about getting new mattresses and hopefully they come soon. President I won't even tell you about the rest of the house! At least one positive thing is that I have only seen one dead cockroach under the fridge in the last week we have lived in the house. Unlike the last house when we had to fortify the house against the big roaches getting into the house. Ahh the life of a missionary. Maybe that's why they don't require the sisters to go on a mission they are afraid we will be scared for life when we get emergency transferred into elders' apartments. I hope that this will bring a smile to your  face remembering the time when you were an elder in the mission field president.

I would only hope that you weren't this bad about cleaning!! Also I  would like you to know Elder Hardin mentioned how clean the apartment was when he gave us the key. That's when you know your in for a big surprise!!

At least President I have Sister Pangue YEY!! She has been working with us for the last 4 days. She will work with us again tomorrow. Who trained that girl she is ready for her mission :) One concern of Sister Pangue though was that the elders would not go back to the basics they just did Book of Mormon share every lesson. I think that it's not a bad thing, but it would be more effective to review also especially since the ward has not done any new member lessons. I looked at the teaching records and almost all of the progress records were Book of Mormon share. I am not sure if this was laziness in filling out the progress record or if they really just do Book of Mormon shares. On the other hand it might be a good thing because they are focusing on the Book of Mormon. I am not sure yet since we are new into the area.

We have had the opportunity to teach one of their recent converts Sister Aileen (recent convert) and her husband Brother Brian Millang (member since child) and they had a strong testimony. We reviewed the restoration with her and have talked with the bishopric during PEC meeting about getting the ward members to do new member lessons. We also taught the brother Adrianne who is on and off active.He is 19 years old and has no desire to serve a mission. We plan to focus on getting him on a mission.

We visited the Commendador family. Sister Cesarnie is a recent convert. her son James has listened to the missionaries but he is just 15 years old going to school near Bogo. The father Brother Wilson has listened to the missionaries but likes to debate.

We have decided next time we visit we will try to get him to try to find his answers himself. Many of the bishopric have met him going to FHE's and they even agree he only likes to debate. We will continue to visit with him. He is a drinker though and we could not teach him last time since he had been drinking.

We visited the Ybanez family. Sister Wella the daughter walked us out of  the house after the lesson and opened up about her father. He has LOC problems for many years. She had just found out about it since they changed cell phones and she read his text messages. She is having a hard time, but we encouraged her rather than just sit in her house to come with us to work. She worked with us yesterday. We also have been encouraging her to serve a mission. She is 28 years old, and has a nonmember boyfriend. I hope that she doesn't take a wrong step in her life.

We visited the Jacob family who is active in the church. They inspire me for the future. We don't often visit faithful families, but when I got the chance to visit the Jacob family and share with them I could feel the hope in their house rather than the feeling going into the fallen and lost members houses.

We also visited Mary Fe Sorono, Christina Ngujo, Rustan Lamban, and Rose Cosip. They are all members. Sister Mary Fe and Christina have live-in partners. Sister Rustan is a returning member. Sister Rose is preparing to enter the temple. We discussed the importance of preparing ourselves to enter into the temple. It's interesting to see people in so many different stages.

We attended the PEC meeting yesterday and it was very helpful. We are starting to work with the bishopric to help the ward progress.

Sister Taylor is quiet. We don't talk much, but she is willing to lead the lessons, and follow the training program. I would say that we don't really relate, but we just co-exist. It's not a bad relationship. You realize on the mission that you don't have to relate to someone it's still possible to co-exist and do the work of the Lord. If you just serve them and be diligent in the work. I had hoped though that we would have a great relationship, but to be honest President we just go together like oil and water. Although you can put them into the same jar they will immediately separate into their individual sections of the jar. They can still co-exist and stay in the same jar without fighting, and sometimes you can get some cool effects like those toys with the blue water effect that drips into the bottom part and you can flip it. I don't know if you know what I am talking about but the point is we are doing our best. I am not sure we are the most effective together, but will we both stay diligent that I know for sure. Maybe we will be best friends after the mission. I am trying to be a good example, and so at least she can fly on her own. I am glad  I have learned patience through other companions for this period when I am having to train To quote you president with leadership comes a great responsibility.That with pressure on our shoulders it helps us stand.

Thank You President I know that your burden is far heavier than mine, and for that I am grateful that you are so willing to serve us missionaries with a permanent smile on your face.

Sincerely,

Sister Bruno

Companion Ready to Train

Dear President Schmutz, This week has been really good. i love my companion Sister Acain. She is very knowledgeable about the lessons, and its as if i do not have to train her much in the way to teach. Her background in teaching is an advantage to her. I can tell that she has worked with the missionaries before. I almost feel that our companionship is more as equals. We are continuing to be diligent about the studies, and although I have been over the material two times before I know there is so much more to learn if i stay focused in this program. I feel Sister Acain is more than capable of training even after one transfer. For sure she will be ready in two transfers after the training program. I have given her some room to lead starting just after a couple of days. We have become equals, but continue to correct when needed. She really seems like she knows what she is doing. Our personalities match so well together, and even our birthday is the same 24 August 1989... President Schmutz I was just wondering if you have been thinking about my request to extend. I would understand if not because there is a possibility that there would be a threesome in this case it would be noneffective for me to stay, but if at all possible I am willing to stay if it would help the mission. We are still getting to know the area, and the ward is supportive in our efforts. We have a ward mission leader who is fresh off the mission so that helps a lot. We have some new investigators and we are hoping they will become progressing investigators soon. We are still meeting a lot of the members and inactive members so it might take a few weeks before we can get a set schedule going. We plan to clean up the CMIS and work with the ward to visit all the members and the list. We will let you know of our progress. Thank you President Schmutz for your words of encouragement we were all sad not to have a chance to see you at our zone interview this past Wednesday, but we understand the circumstances. Thank You for you words of love. I just want to echo you in saying I love you both as heros and examples. Sister Bruno

Blessings of Obedience

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <2012162-PRS@ldschurch.org> Date: Thu, Feb 9, 2012 at 4:28 AM Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 1 Feb 2012 To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net Dear Sister Bruno, How are you today? Are you enjoying your first week with Sister Acain? I hope she is coping with some of her medical / dental problems and she will be okay. That first week can be a little bit of an adjustment as you know, so love her and support her, and show her the way. I liked your reference to 1 Nephi 19 and 20. The fact that you were moved by the idea that the Lord chooses us and refines us "in the furnace of afflication" to do his work lets me know a lot about your spiritual progress and your willingness to see that these missionary experiences are very much designed for our own growth and development. As you look back on your mission, I'm sure that you can easily see how you have been refined, shaped and fashioned by the Lord in his furnace to do his will -- not just in this mission, but in the life you will lead in the years to come. It is so interesting, Sister Bruno, that we are all very different from one another. The Lord knows this. He designed and created us, after all. He takes all these wonderful differences, and if we allow him, he molds us and continues to "create us" into the creatures he desires us to be. You have your share of differences :). I think that is why I love you so much, and I'm sure it is part of the Lord's great love for you. I was inspired by your ability to see how important is the stark difference that will mark the lives of those who hearken and obey ("peace as a river, and righteousness as the waves of the sea") and those who reject the Lord and his commandments (no peace to the wicked). Why is it that so many many people never can put that clear warning into practice in their lives? Thanks for your statement of commitment and conviction. I believe this is a day of choosing. And I hereby acknowledge that you have chosen to side with God, to stand by me and all others who are willing to lay aside their weapons of rebellion. I am gratified that it is many who will stand together with us. There is no force that can oppose us because we will stand with our Master in this great cause. I'll love you forever, Sister Bruno. Keep up the good work. Show Sister Acain through love and example what it is all about. President Schmutz Your understanding of the gift of commandments and the blessings of obedience gives you such an advantage in this life. It has made you into a great missionary, capable of doing so many things.

Converted to Become Great

Dear President Schmutz, When I decide to make a great change in my life it seems like satan just pounds me down. But I will go on despite discouraging words from anyone I will change. I was studying in Nephi today. I like how Nephi talks about likening the scripture unto ourselves in 1 Nephi chapter 19. Then in chapter 20 I read verse 10 it says "For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." I was thinking of your words President Schmutz from yesterday about how we are fern bushes that we are cut down to become what He wants us to be. This scripture adds to this point. We are cut down or refined through affliction because we were chosen and we accepted this calling. We knew before in pre-mortal life this would happen and so, its a time of choosing. The questions are: Will I live up to my potential? Will I hearken unto the Father and the Son? Or do I choose to be cut off? As missionaries we must choose where our loyalty lies. If we are obedient we will live up to our full potential because we are guided by the spirit, and we will be able to declare His word. Also looking at verse 14 I really like what it says "All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; who among them hath declared these things unto them? The lord hath loved him" when guided by the spirit we can feel that love. I know I have felt that love the strongest when I am most obedient. Obedience is the key to happiness when we go on to verse 18 we can see how being obedient brings a great blessing it says "O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments--then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." then we see the opposite if we don't obey Nephi goes onto say in verse 22 "there is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." we are building a culture of obedience on the mission, and I am inspired to be a part of that culture. I am grateful for the chance to train again for the third time and I hope this time I will never falter from being 100% obedient. I officially give up my weapons of rebellion president. I am converted to become great. I have chosen my side and these is no going back to neutral ground. I can remember a quote that talks about being on neutral ground. Not on Satan's side and not on God's side. I want to apply this to the missionaries right now. We are standing on metaphorical neutral ground and in the last week the call has been sent out. This call is the call of choosing sides. To stay and be obedient or to go home and figure things out. To keep fighting on the side of God or to give up give into satan. The quote said once we step off of neutral ground there is no going back. We can only make a betrayal. If we choose God we must stay faithful or the consequences will be severe. I am stepping off of neutral ground. I have chosen my side. I am on your side President. It's a fight to the death now. Hurrah for Israel. Sister Bruno

Peace In My Heart

Dear Elders and Sisters,

 

It has been a very hard two weeks, and right before that the zone interviews.  So I guess it's been a very difficult four weeks.  But right now, I feel peaceful and excited.  I want all of you to know that I am exceedingly optimistic about the future.  For out of small things comes that which is great.  If all of you will realize how very important you are to the work, each of you, you will become a much greater part of the vision of the mission.  In D&C 123:14-17, the Lord teaches us a wonderful principle of the importance of a single person in bringing to pass his great work:  "These [things] should then be attended to with great earnestness.  Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lies in futurity pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things. You know, brethren [and sisters], that a very large ship is benefitted by a very small helm in the time of storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves. Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

 

If we will all do our parts, in the little things, we will be able to steer the large ship of this mission to its destination.  We will see the salvation of God come into the lives of those we teach and one another, and we will see the arm of the Lord revealed through miracles in our areas and companionships.

 

I know that you all look for my letters. I know that you like to receive personal letters more than letters sent to everyone.  But you must realize that sometimes events are such that it becomes impossible to find the time needed.  Such has been the state of affairs in the last couple of months.  Last week I started on names with letter "A" and wrote until I had no more time.  This week I am starting on "Z" and going backwards in the alphabet.  You should be reading this letter on Thursday.  All of you who did not get a letter from me last week should have one this week.  If you look for it on Wednesday, you are too early.  Check for your letter on Thursday.

 

In the future, I am going to write at least half of you every week.  So you should get a letter at least every other week.  But I want you to write me a letter every week :)  The only weeks when you don't need to write a letter is on Zone Interview weeks, when we have an interview.

 

We love all of you.  PLEASE REMEMBER TO FAST FOR THE MISSION THIS FAST SUNDAY.  Thanks.

 

President Schmutz