Hey Everyone!!!!!
We had a solid week! We taught like crazy! And we set 3 people for baptism!
We had a lesson with these 2 kids (Buck 12, Charles 13) and we had a really good lesson on baptism and we set them for August! We are really excited!
Then we had another investigator named Grant, 18. And on our list, we ranked him about number 19 on our list. So we were a ways down. But then we had a good lesson with him about baptism and we set him for the end of August! It goes to show, that all of these people are God's children and they all need to be saved, no matter where they are at on the list!
We have been really working hard on getting one of our investigators named Nove to come to church. He's the most sincere/spiritual guy. He knows without a doubt what we've taught is true. But he has been having a hard time committing to church. We set him for baptism a while back. But then he told us how he's having a hard time committing. So on Saturday we had a lesson with one of our really good fellowshippers named Simi Taumololo. He's the man, Simi comes out with us pretty much every day. And he's getting ready to go on a mission. But he's the best, he's 23 and he's really like my best friend... Anyway, he came to the lesson, and Elder Whaanga and I poured out all of our hearts and souls into this lesson, sharing personal experiences, bearing bold testimonies, promising blessings etc... and still no progress. Because in Tuvalu it's a man's heart, not the will or committment. But Simi just jumped right in, and he said in the most incredible way, where the Spirit was clearing putting the words into Simi's mouth, that it's not about our committment, it's about our love for Christ, and that's what makes us go to church (basically that in a nut shell.) It was a really good lesson!
We had another really good lesson with Gail. I felt the Spirit so strongly in that lesson. Like pretty much every word that I said, was put in my mouth by the Spirit. I don't really know what I said, but the Spirit was so strong in that lesson. You could say I totally broke down the Catholic church. Telling her that everything she believes in is wrong, and in the scriptures, it talks about that being a sin etc... But I did it in a way where the Spirit completely guided. And at the end of the lesson, she was like, "Wow." And I asked her if she knew that this is God's church. And she said YES!! I was like, "Boy ya!" The Spirit is the man! But we still are having a hard time getting her baptized. She's like 90% of the way there! I just know that she will get baptized soon! It hurts so bad that I can feel it!
This Sunday was killer for us. We had no one at church!! I couldn't believe it! After such an amazing week, then no one showed up! I was and am still shocked. But this week we are going to go hard out and make sure we get everyone at church. Please pray that our investigators will come to church!
This week we have interviews with President Porter! Can't wait for that!
Thanks for all of your Prayers!!!!
They are truely heard and answered by our Heavenly Father!!!!
I know that this work is His and when we live the commandments, we will Prosper in the Land, and that is my testimony!
Love Always,
Elder Belnap
P.S. :) smile
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Corrin's Baptism!!
HEY EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!
We had an AWESOME week! Corrin Got BAPTIZED!!! It was wonderful! You wouldn't believe everything that she has been through to get baptized, but it finally happened! Remember last week I told you how a miracle happened and she kicked out her partner? That was one of the biggest miracles!!! Well this week we've been working really hard to make sure that everything goes through! We had her baptismal interview on Wednesday. The only day that President Porter could interview her was at our Zone Conference because he was so full on. And so I had to organize a ride for her to get to the chapel. So I was thinking who was the most reliable lady in the ward.... And no doubt, the new relief society President!!! Just called this last Sunday! So I rang her and she was down for it. Well you won't believe what happened! Corrin comes during our lunch break. And next thing I know she is telling us how there was this person in the car that was telling her to really look into the church, this is a big step in your life, the church will change you, we're a cult, and all this stuff! It was crazy! And I couldn't believe it! So we had to calm her down and help her regain her confidence! Then we had a prayer and President Porter called her in... Come to find out, the Relieft Society President brought her sister with her, who is inactive, and no longer believes in the church. And Sister Iosia went in the chapel and left Corrin for, no joke, 5 mintues. And during that time, Satan, using her sister, was trying his hardest to bring Corrin down. And luckily she has a strong testimony and passed her interview! I just couldn't believe it. It went to show me how much Satan is in the detail just as much as we are!
Then Corrin asked me to baptize her! So Saturday moring at 10 o'clock, we went down into the nice warm water. And she had her BIG smiling face, and then Corrin Melva Philipp got baptized! It was wonderful! She has waited a long time for this, 1 1/2 years! And Elder Whaanga and myself were privileged to baptize her! Yesterday, Elder Whaanga gave her the Holy Ghost! And this lady's life has forever changed! I wish I had enough time to tell you all the crazy things that she has been through in her life. But she went from her life being literally turned upside down to a member of God's church we she has truly found that she IS a daughter of God!
We had a really good Zone Conference! The Brethren from Salt Lake have changed some things worldwide for missionaries. We no longer have interviews with President and Zone Conferences every transfer, they have changed it to every other transfer. And have made some other changes that will allow the Miss President to be more hands on, in working with the missionaries!
We took Gail (the Catholic) with us and she thoroughly enjoyed it! She is so close to being baptized, I can feel it! She's come such a long way! So we are praying our guts out for her!
I saw Elder Nipko last night at the fireside, he's doing great! He's just loving it! He's up in the city too, another part of it!
New Zealand is opening up the NEW MTC next month! And they've asked the missionaries to help with it! So we are hoping that we get to go help, we'll see what happens! But it's a once in a life time opportunity!
Things are good!!!!!!!!!!!
The area is doing really well!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE YA TONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XOXOXOXO
Elder Belnap
We had an AWESOME week! Corrin Got BAPTIZED!!! It was wonderful! You wouldn't believe everything that she has been through to get baptized, but it finally happened! Remember last week I told you how a miracle happened and she kicked out her partner? That was one of the biggest miracles!!! Well this week we've been working really hard to make sure that everything goes through! We had her baptismal interview on Wednesday. The only day that President Porter could interview her was at our Zone Conference because he was so full on. And so I had to organize a ride for her to get to the chapel. So I was thinking who was the most reliable lady in the ward.... And no doubt, the new relief society President!!! Just called this last Sunday! So I rang her and she was down for it. Well you won't believe what happened! Corrin comes during our lunch break. And next thing I know she is telling us how there was this person in the car that was telling her to really look into the church, this is a big step in your life, the church will change you, we're a cult, and all this stuff! It was crazy! And I couldn't believe it! So we had to calm her down and help her regain her confidence! Then we had a prayer and President Porter called her in... Come to find out, the Relieft Society President brought her sister with her, who is inactive, and no longer believes in the church. And Sister Iosia went in the chapel and left Corrin for, no joke, 5 mintues. And during that time, Satan, using her sister, was trying his hardest to bring Corrin down. And luckily she has a strong testimony and passed her interview! I just couldn't believe it. It went to show me how much Satan is in the detail just as much as we are!
Then Corrin asked me to baptize her! So Saturday moring at 10 o'clock, we went down into the nice warm water. And she had her BIG smiling face, and then Corrin Melva Philipp got baptized! It was wonderful! She has waited a long time for this, 1 1/2 years! And Elder Whaanga and myself were privileged to baptize her! Yesterday, Elder Whaanga gave her the Holy Ghost! And this lady's life has forever changed! I wish I had enough time to tell you all the crazy things that she has been through in her life. But she went from her life being literally turned upside down to a member of God's church we she has truly found that she IS a daughter of God!
We had a really good Zone Conference! The Brethren from Salt Lake have changed some things worldwide for missionaries. We no longer have interviews with President and Zone Conferences every transfer, they have changed it to every other transfer. And have made some other changes that will allow the Miss President to be more hands on, in working with the missionaries!
We took Gail (the Catholic) with us and she thoroughly enjoyed it! She is so close to being baptized, I can feel it! She's come such a long way! So we are praying our guts out for her!
I saw Elder Nipko last night at the fireside, he's doing great! He's just loving it! He's up in the city too, another part of it!
New Zealand is opening up the NEW MTC next month! And they've asked the missionaries to help with it! So we are hoping that we get to go help, we'll see what happens! But it's a once in a life time opportunity!
Things are good!!!!!!!!!!!
The area is doing really well!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE YA TONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XOXOXOXO
Elder Belnap
Sunday, July 11, 2010
MIRACLE WITH CORRIN!!!!!
Hello Whanau (family)
We had a GREAT WEEK!!! Heavenly Father was pouring out the blessings for us!!! We hadn't seen Corrin in like a week and a half. I've been so upset with her because she didn't get baptized, but I knew that it wasn't God's time, yet... All of our lessons were falling through and we were talking to tons of people, but then I was like, "I am sick of talking to people. I want to go teach a lesson, because that's what I got called to do." lol! So I was like, "Corrin! We'll go see her." And when we were walking over to her house I said, "We'll probably just read a chapter with her and make sure that she comes to church." We get in, and I asked how her week had been. And she tells us all about her crazy week! How she kicked out her partner!!! And I was like, "WHAT!!!!!!!" So I asked her to turn off the TV and the music and stuff and start over lol! And sure enough, I did hear her right! Because it was her partner that was holding her back from getting baptized! But now with him gone, she is going to get baptized THIS SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was one of the biggest miracles!!!!! So I'm stoked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for your prayers, they were and are being answered!
I got a special invitation to go to the Leadership Training last Thursday! I was like, "WHAT!" The Zone leaders told me that President wanted to give me a special invite and to attend. This meeting is only for the Leaders of the Mission, District Leaders, Zone Leaders, and Assisstants to President. And as I found out, for future leaders... So I was excited to be a part of it. And because there is a big turnover at this upcoming transfer President wanted his future leaders to attend the meeting. And guess what, Elder Keyes was there as well! Along with Magleby! It was really good. This mission is doing some AMAZING things and the Lord is blessing us like none other! Remember when President Hinckley said that we can DOUBLE our baptisms?! Well I believe he said that in 07 or 08? So President Porter put on the slide show the numbers for that year. And you won't believe it! But we are on track to DOUBLE, yes, I said DOUBLE the baptisms that they had during the 07-08 year! I remember when everyone thought that was impossible, but all things are possible with the Lord's hand in the work! We baptized 156 souls last month, and we have roughly around 180+ set for this month! The goal for the mission, and from the President Monson is for EVERY COMPANIONSHIP TO BAPTIZE MULTIPLE SOULS A MONTH! And were are getting around 72% of the companionship doing that! I am so blessed to be a part of this mission. This mission is growing so fast! And I am lucky to say that I am in the New Zealand Aukland Mission! So continue to pray for our mission, that we can fulfill what the Prophets have said! Pray that the Lord will continue to prepare people for the missionaries to teach and baptize! I know that as you pray for us, that the Lord will see the effort of His children around the world praying for us here in New Zealand and we WILL be blessed for it!... At the end of the conference President was talking to Keyes and I and said that we are his future leaders! Man my stomach dropped! It's really exciting, but it's so much work. And lots of responsibility. But if the Lord calls me to a leadership position then that's what I'll do. And I serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.... So pray for me lol!
I got in a stupid bike accident. I hit a tree stump and crashed and I bruised up my left wrist. It was a bit swollen but I think I really sprained it. Because I can move it slightly, so I think it'll be okay, Whaanga gave me a blessing, so I will be fine.
We taught 27 lessons which is the most I've taught in this area, and we found 11 new investigators, we almost reached my record lol! Like I said the Lord blessed us so much!
We had another cool experience where we were teaching this Tuvaluan and I didn't know if he even understood what we were teaching or if he liked what we were teaching (we taught the restoration) but at the end we asked him if he would pray about the Book of Mormon, and he said yes. So we knelt down and he said a prayer, and he said it in his Tuvaluan language. And afterwards I asked him how he felt. He said, "I know the book is true." I said, "The Book of Mormon?" And he said yes, and I knew he knew it, because both Whaanga and I felt the Spirit as he was praying! It was such a cool experience! In a different language the Spirit is still the same, it was awesome to be a part of that!
LOVE YA TONS!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND ALL YOUR SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XOXO
Elder Belnap
P.S. Smile :)
We had a GREAT WEEK!!! Heavenly Father was pouring out the blessings for us!!! We hadn't seen Corrin in like a week and a half. I've been so upset with her because she didn't get baptized, but I knew that it wasn't God's time, yet... All of our lessons were falling through and we were talking to tons of people, but then I was like, "I am sick of talking to people. I want to go teach a lesson, because that's what I got called to do." lol! So I was like, "Corrin! We'll go see her." And when we were walking over to her house I said, "We'll probably just read a chapter with her and make sure that she comes to church." We get in, and I asked how her week had been. And she tells us all about her crazy week! How she kicked out her partner!!! And I was like, "WHAT!!!!!!!" So I asked her to turn off the TV and the music and stuff and start over lol! And sure enough, I did hear her right! Because it was her partner that was holding her back from getting baptized! But now with him gone, she is going to get baptized THIS SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was one of the biggest miracles!!!!! So I'm stoked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for your prayers, they were and are being answered!
I got a special invitation to go to the Leadership Training last Thursday! I was like, "WHAT!" The Zone leaders told me that President wanted to give me a special invite and to attend. This meeting is only for the Leaders of the Mission, District Leaders, Zone Leaders, and Assisstants to President. And as I found out, for future leaders... So I was excited to be a part of it. And because there is a big turnover at this upcoming transfer President wanted his future leaders to attend the meeting. And guess what, Elder Keyes was there as well! Along with Magleby! It was really good. This mission is doing some AMAZING things and the Lord is blessing us like none other! Remember when President Hinckley said that we can DOUBLE our baptisms?! Well I believe he said that in 07 or 08? So President Porter put on the slide show the numbers for that year. And you won't believe it! But we are on track to DOUBLE, yes, I said DOUBLE the baptisms that they had during the 07-08 year! I remember when everyone thought that was impossible, but all things are possible with the Lord's hand in the work! We baptized 156 souls last month, and we have roughly around 180+ set for this month! The goal for the mission, and from the President Monson is for EVERY COMPANIONSHIP TO BAPTIZE MULTIPLE SOULS A MONTH! And were are getting around 72% of the companionship doing that! I am so blessed to be a part of this mission. This mission is growing so fast! And I am lucky to say that I am in the New Zealand Aukland Mission! So continue to pray for our mission, that we can fulfill what the Prophets have said! Pray that the Lord will continue to prepare people for the missionaries to teach and baptize! I know that as you pray for us, that the Lord will see the effort of His children around the world praying for us here in New Zealand and we WILL be blessed for it!... At the end of the conference President was talking to Keyes and I and said that we are his future leaders! Man my stomach dropped! It's really exciting, but it's so much work. And lots of responsibility. But if the Lord calls me to a leadership position then that's what I'll do. And I serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.... So pray for me lol!
I got in a stupid bike accident. I hit a tree stump and crashed and I bruised up my left wrist. It was a bit swollen but I think I really sprained it. Because I can move it slightly, so I think it'll be okay, Whaanga gave me a blessing, so I will be fine.
We taught 27 lessons which is the most I've taught in this area, and we found 11 new investigators, we almost reached my record lol! Like I said the Lord blessed us so much!
We had another cool experience where we were teaching this Tuvaluan and I didn't know if he even understood what we were teaching or if he liked what we were teaching (we taught the restoration) but at the end we asked him if he would pray about the Book of Mormon, and he said yes. So we knelt down and he said a prayer, and he said it in his Tuvaluan language. And afterwards I asked him how he felt. He said, "I know the book is true." I said, "The Book of Mormon?" And he said yes, and I knew he knew it, because both Whaanga and I felt the Spirit as he was praying! It was such a cool experience! In a different language the Spirit is still the same, it was awesome to be a part of that!
LOVE YA TONS!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND ALL YOUR SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XOXO
Elder Belnap
P.S. Smile :)
Sunday, July 4, 2010
New Comp!!
Kia Ora Whanau (family)
Hey everyone!
Big News on the block.....Keyes got transferred and I got a new companion! His name is Elder Kevin Whaanga (funga) he's from New Zealand, from the bottom of the North Island. He's full Maori. He's a really cool guy. Hard worker, so that's a great thing! Well President lied about keeping me and Keyes together for another transfer LOL! He went to the area right next to me. Which is funny, so I'll still see him all the time which is cool! In fact he went Senior companion! He's the man, and he was definitely ready to go Senior..... I don't know what it is with me getting a new companion every transfer. I guess I scare off my companions or something lol! Or we get along too good LOL! And I got another companion from another country. Only 2 legit American companions. But I don't mind having foregien companions. So That's the big news!!!
I'm doing great! We had a stellar week! We set 5 people for baptism! And we set a family of 4 all for the 24th of this month! They'll be a handful, but we'll get them there! A LOT OF PRAYER!
There is this one investigator named Gail. She's from South Africa and we've been teaching her for quite some time. She has read the whole Book of Mormon!!! She's a stanch Catholic, like for 62 years of her life all she's known is her religion. And it's hard for her to go to another church. But I know that she has felt the Spirit and that's why she still has us over. We invited her to be baptized, but she said that she wants to come to our church first and see what it's like! And yesterday she came to church!!!! And she stayed the whole 3 hours! We are seeing her tomorrow and hopefully we can set her!!! At least that's the plan! She's awesome! And she asks all the right questions! Just a really fun investigator to teach because she knows her Bible and she really tests us! So it's pretty fun!
The weather isn't that great. It's the middle of Winter! I just need to make it through this month and I'll be fine, because then we'll be heading into Spring! Can't wait for August and September!! It's really windy and rainy, but I know that the Lord will bless us for going out and working in it!
Last Monday I gave my first hair cut to Keyes! And I have to say it wasn't that bad lol!
On Tuesday I wasn't feeling that great. I felt really sick to my stomach, so I laid down for a bit and then I had Keyes give me a blessing and we went to work. And I feel much better now! I have a very strong testimony of the Power of the Priesthood!
THINGS ARE GOOD IN NEW ZEALAND!!!!!!!!
LOVE YA TONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XOXOXO
Elder Belnap
Hey everyone!
Big News on the block.....Keyes got transferred and I got a new companion! His name is Elder Kevin Whaanga (funga) he's from New Zealand, from the bottom of the North Island. He's full Maori. He's a really cool guy. Hard worker, so that's a great thing! Well President lied about keeping me and Keyes together for another transfer LOL! He went to the area right next to me. Which is funny, so I'll still see him all the time which is cool! In fact he went Senior companion! He's the man, and he was definitely ready to go Senior..... I don't know what it is with me getting a new companion every transfer. I guess I scare off my companions or something lol! Or we get along too good LOL! And I got another companion from another country. Only 2 legit American companions. But I don't mind having foregien companions. So That's the big news!!!
I'm doing great! We had a stellar week! We set 5 people for baptism! And we set a family of 4 all for the 24th of this month! They'll be a handful, but we'll get them there! A LOT OF PRAYER!
There is this one investigator named Gail. She's from South Africa and we've been teaching her for quite some time. She has read the whole Book of Mormon!!! She's a stanch Catholic, like for 62 years of her life all she's known is her religion. And it's hard for her to go to another church. But I know that she has felt the Spirit and that's why she still has us over. We invited her to be baptized, but she said that she wants to come to our church first and see what it's like! And yesterday she came to church!!!! And she stayed the whole 3 hours! We are seeing her tomorrow and hopefully we can set her!!! At least that's the plan! She's awesome! And she asks all the right questions! Just a really fun investigator to teach because she knows her Bible and she really tests us! So it's pretty fun!
The weather isn't that great. It's the middle of Winter! I just need to make it through this month and I'll be fine, because then we'll be heading into Spring! Can't wait for August and September!! It's really windy and rainy, but I know that the Lord will bless us for going out and working in it!
Last Monday I gave my first hair cut to Keyes! And I have to say it wasn't that bad lol!
On Tuesday I wasn't feeling that great. I felt really sick to my stomach, so I laid down for a bit and then I had Keyes give me a blessing and we went to work. And I feel much better now! I have a very strong testimony of the Power of the Priesthood!
THINGS ARE GOOD IN NEW ZEALAND!!!!!!!!
LOVE YA TONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XOXOXO
Elder Belnap
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)