The Importance of Missionary Work

Dear Everyone,

This week has seem to go by so fast, and it seems like a big blur right now.  I have been pondering this week on the family.  Syracuse almost have a stark difference in family life from Wenatchee.  Children out on streets all day; little kids dressed 'ganster', drugs, alcohol, depression, no where to live, debt, hate, anger.  Negative things that just fill the family with separation and complete sadness.  Satan is out to attack families - more than church meetings, and activities.  He knows that is the root of the tree or branch, and if he can destroy the family, he will effect generations to come.  But righteousness will win.

That is the purpose of the church: to uphold the body of Christ, and more specifically, the family.  The Priesthood is sooooo important.  Packer said that sometimes (more often than not) the Priesthood will be the only thing that protects the family from the darts of the adversary which wages war against the fundamental unit of eternal life.  In the temple we make and keep certain covenants, and given blessing from on high to help protect our families; where families are sealed for time and all eternity.  This is the goal of missionary work: to help those make such covenants to bless their families for time and all eternity.

President Monson said, “Missionary work is difficult. It taxes one’s energies, it strains one’s capacity, it demands one’s best effort—frequently a second effort. No other labor requires longer hours or greater devotion or such sacrifice and fervent prayer.” 

I am so thankful to be out here.  Sometimes I question, what am I doing out here?  I'm I really going to do this for two years?  But, I am constantly reminded and thankful for the realty; that there is no greater work; to serve the Lord and being a tool in his hand in aiding His work and His glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.  to help individuals and families come unto Christ be following the gospel he has given us: to have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end.

I love you all,

Elder Shurtz

The bike took the beating in last week's crash!

Another one bites the dust!

A bike takes a beating!  (Not Matt's real bike)

Dear Family and Friends,

 

I only got about 5 minutes to write.  Today we had a district activity; we went bowling.  It was fun!

 

Well it has been a crazy week.  Wednesday I crashed and burn going down this steep hill.  There are still buttons from my destroyed white shirt on the side of the road.  BUT I AM FINE!  I bent the handle bars on the bike and it looks like it took most of the fall.  I have a little scuff on my cheek and a medium sized burn mark on my elbow.  It seems like I am not the most gracefully missionary, but I must be one of the most heavenly protected.  Elder McCleve, who was right behind me, thought for sure He was going to be dragging me to the hospital.

 

The other day we where tracting a 'less missionary-traviled' area and I had this prompting to go to this house which was not on the street we were on.  We went, and this woman answered the door.  She was very open and said she would love to read and pray about the Book of Mormon.  We are probably going to go see her tomorrow evening.  I am interested to see what happens with her.  The Lord knows what is going on in our live, and knows what we need.  Seeing how many people are prepared to listen to what we have to say (even when they are not ready to be baptized) really shows me his hand in our lives.  We are not some experiment that was left to its own accord; but we have a loving heavenly father who loves us.

 

Have a amazing week!

 

Love,

 

Elder Shurtz

The Road Less Traveled

Walking a less traveled road

Dear Family, and Friends,

It has been an interesting week.  Elder McCleve and I have been trying to branch out into 'less missionary-traviled' parts of the city, yet with bikes we keep being pulled into the main parts with our investigators.  I love to see those investigators who are feeling the spirit willing to work towards what they know to be true.  Too many have read the Book of Mormon, and know that it speaks the true; yet are too scared to change their life for what they know to be right.  It is a concept everyone struggles with I believe (even members of the church): We seem to not like change and refinement, even when we know it if for the better.  It is something that I am wanting to focus on this week in my own life; to try and get rid of of some habits and replace them with better ones.

I am also wanting to recognize farther the hand of the Lord in my life as well as our investigators.  Saturday night we decided to visit someone we have previously visited before, yet was not too successful.  When we arrived, she was on her porch and beckoned us in.  We soon found out that on Friday (the 13th) both her best friend and sister died within a few minutes of each other.  She looked to us for comfort, and we shared with her our testimony of the Lord's plan for us, eternal families, and life after death.  What are the odds that we would catch her at that time, a few hours before she would leave town for the rest of the month, and be able to testify to her of these things???  When we listen to the promptings of the spirit, the Lord will place us where we need to be, when we need to be there.

We also had the opportunity to perform a blessing for the sick for three individuals this week.  I look back, and I recognize what a blessing the Lord has given to us to be able to bless the lives of others through Him.  What a sacred calling it is to hold the Priesthood; what a sacred responsibility.

I hope everyone is having a great week.  Please keep missionaries in your prayers and pray specifically for things you can do to share the gospel with those you are in contact with.

Love,

Elder Shurtz

Our apartment building

Working hard on a dinner break

We woke up to a thunder storm this morning, and my companion took this picture

And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

Hey Everyone!

 

This week has been one of the trying ones for me.  My new companion, Elder McCleve, is awesome.  He is willing to work hard.  He is a little more mellow than Elder Call, but he is bold when talking with people.

 

Sister Stevens went home on Thursday, and Sister Livermore is now training Sister Woodmansee on the other half of Syracuse.

 

I feel a little flustered trying to take over the area after only one transfer; trying to remember everyone, figuring out the best people to see as well as the most effective travel plans on bikes so we don't waist time nor energy.  But, with the help on my companion, we are slowly getting better at it. 

 

It is intersting/frusterating to see Satan's influnece, expecially with those we are helping prepare for baptism.  We have been reciently been helping someone quit smoking.  But, he has been so discuraged that he is wanting to quit meeting with us and prepairing for his baptismal date.  Also another investigator with a baptismal date, moved, and we have not been able to contact him for the past two weeks.

 

We hope to continue working with these people.  A little at a time, I try to focus on who they truely are: Childen of our Heavenly Father.  We have all the potental to become like Him.  We have the power to overcome Satan through our courage, determination, faith, humilty, and acceptance of Jesus Christ and the Atonement. 

 

But, like the Lord always does, when you pray and ask with sincerity for peace, he will send it.  I love the scripture in 2 Kings 6:16 (subject title) which we went over in Sunday school yesterday.  It is true.  If you are on the Lord's side, there is no reason to fear.  President Bulloch also sent some encouraging words, about how this is for our reifenment. 

 

Friday, we went to go visit someone that I thought was an inactive member.  It turns out Donna was not a member, but someone the missionaries met on the streets about 10 years ago!  She is awesome.  She has really felt the spirit in her life guiding her, and from what she has been sharing, God's hand directing her towards us.  I hope she continues to learn and to progress.

 

I hope everything is going great for everyone!  I love reading your letters/emails.  Expecially about the kids, and how much they are growing.  No wonder the Lord said to be like little children.  They are the ones who learn the most, trusting (most of the time) in their parents.  I love you all!

 

Love,

Elder Shurtz

  

Elder Call and I goofing off last P-Day

 

 

Elder Call and I in Utica on Transfer Day

 

 

 

 

Elder McCleve and I this morning

 

 

 

Part of Our Apartment

 

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!!!

Hey Everyone! It is transfer week, so apparently P-days are on Tuesday. Elder Call and I are both surprised with transfer calls: Elder Call is going to Rome and becoming a Zone Leader! He is going to do great. He has only been out for 7-8 months, but he his personality and his drive is what i think will make him a great zone leader. I am staying in Syracuse and Elder McCleave** (i don't know how to spell his name yet) is coming. We will be switching tomorrow.

Last week was an amazing week! We are finding we have little time for finding because we are struggling to fit in enough time to teach everyone! It is a testimony to me that the Lord hand's are in all things. Elder Call and I have been working hard to talk to people and find people to teach. Last week we found 3 new investigators, and just yesterday we found 3 more! A sweet Porto Rico lady by the name of Jannet with our first visit with her accepted a baptismal date! She is amazing! Her favorite book in the bible is Isaiah, and when we told her about Joseph Smith, she said she knows it to be true because the spirit has testified that to her. She puts God first in her life, and she is excited!

Also yesterday, when we were seeing an investigator found her at her neighbors, and the neighbors basically said without asking she wants to become a Mormon! Apparently her mother and daughter are both members in a different state, and she has seen how they have both changed, and how wonderful the church is. Her husband is also interested in learning more. I am so excited to go back and teach them about how through Jesus Christ, life can change, and bring happiness.

Ruth's baptism went amazing! I had the opportunity to perform the baptism (my first time!). It was a sweet experience. The program went wonderful, and the spirit was strong. Elder Call performed the Confirmation the next day at church.

Sister Vest (Mom) had a "greeny" meal for me yesterday. EVERYTHING WAS GREEN. She is so great, and serves everyone!

This work is amazing! I love being out here. Not because of the location (though that is nice too) but mainly because of what we are doing here. We meet a lot of people, and people in Syracuse are (more a good part) friendly. It is such a blessing to watch the changing affects in someones eyes and pose as they accept the gospel into their lives, both investigators, non-investigators, and members. Everyone is an investigator (including members) - some are just farther along than others.

Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Shurtz

Renae, had a good idea! I spend about half of my time reading all the emails I get, so maybe try sending more snail mail every once in awhile, instead of email. But whatever works for everyone! Thanks!

Water, Road, and Sweat

Hey Everyone!

I have only a short time to write. But thank you for all your letters and emails! Sounds like the girls had fun on their trip, and everyone is doing great! Congratulations to Erin! BOY!

Ryan's Baptism went amazing! The spirit was strong, and he had a lot of family members there who are not members. Elder Call had the opportunity to baptize him, which he loved (being his first baptism as a missionary). It is amazing to see the difference in somebodies life after they are baptized. Elder Call and I are so happy for him. Yesterday in Sacrament Meeting Bishop Fairbank Confirmed him. I think he will do great, and I hope he continues to progress.

This Saturday, we have Ruth planned for baptism, so it is an exciting time right now. She is so excited, proclaiming (and singing) as she is leaving the church parking lot: "I'm gonna be a Mormon! I'ma gonna be a Mormon!"

Elder Call and I are now trying to find more people to teach to replace those that are getting baptizeed. We are trying to focus on this week as one of our goals is to work more with the members. I am excited to try and work at this, and find new people to meet and teach.

So Wednesday: I totally biffed it on my bike and 'superman' it on the concrete. I am fine, but now a pair of my pants are ripped (beyond repair). So we will have to get another pair this week sometime.

Friday, I had return and report which signifies the one month in the field. I was able to see everyone from my MTC District and we had a great training from the AP's and President Bulloch. It was great to see everyone, but weird seeing them too. They seem to have all changed so much, and I wonder if that is what is happening to me too.

Serving a mission is such a blessing and I am so thankful to be out here. I love reading Alma 17-26 as a missionary! It is a perfect example! and you can learn so much on applying principles.

Sorry for such a short week. Hope everyone has a good one. I love you all, and hope to be able to write more to you, both on paper and email. One thing I noticed this week is how much God loves us and I testifies that he does.

Love,

Elder Shurtz

July 19, 2010

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has been a great one! Tuesday we had Zone Conference up in Liverpool. The theme was balance and being well rounded. Zone Conference is great just lift everyone spirits up. We also talked about self-mastery (based on Elder Russell M Nelson's talk entitled "Self Mastery") and how that's basically our goal here on earth.

Elder Call and I took much from Zone Conference and have continually been applying it into our teachings and lives. The picture in this email was taken at Zone Conference. It is my District! (the two sisters, Sister Stewart and Sister Livermore, District Leader: Elder Villagomez, and Elder Robinson, then Elder Call and I. I had my first exchange! Tuesday after zone conference my discrict leader and I switched and I went to Cortland with Elder Robinson. It was fun to work in a difference city for a bit, and with a new personality. Great people we met, but I am glad to be assigned to Syricuse.

On Wednesday, Elder Call and Elder Villagomez (Distric Leader) found a sweet new family to teach who I am excited to meet this week. Then that night, when I was back in Syracuse we found two more awesome people to teach. One of them (Yvonne) was driving by, flagged us down, and when we pulled up to her car on our bikes she proclaims 'Finnally! After two years I have found you guys!' Apparently, she moved from the Bronx about 2 years ago, and was meeting with the missionaries back there. We are going to see her tonight!

Thursday I finally met Jeff. Jeff is amazing, we had a hard time catching him at a good time since I got here. He is really smart, and verry logical. He loves to reason every point based upon the bible, which is good for Elder Call and I to work through and find those points. At some point though, it will have to come by faith, and I hope he find interest.

Saturday the sisters had a baptism! His name is Li Bo and he has a great personality, and always smiling. he is will be attending the singles branch. The sisters have found some great individuals from China to teach on campus. They seem so prepared and willing to learn. I guess since we can't go to China, God will send China to us!

Yesterday we found a great family who have been inactive and have a interest in comming back to church! Elder Call and I feel good about this family. They have even mentioned having us over for dinner and teaching to family (only the mother is a member)! Ryan is scheduled to get babtized this Saturday! We are so excited for Him! We will be talking with him tomorrow more about the service and who will do what.

The Lord really does show is love and miricles in everyone's lives. People know he is there. They have seen his hand in their lives. He loves all his children.

Thank you for all your support and love.

Love,

Elder Shurtz

PS - I guess I never really explained where I was living and some other details by the sounds of dad's email. I am living in an apartment (one of the nicer ones it sounds like). We are borrowing bikes from some members here, so luckily we did not have to by them. The members here are wonderful. They feed us probably 3-5 times a week, which is a lot considering the size of the ward, and considering we also have a set of sister missionaries.

Brent asked if you can send pictures by email: I believe you can so feel free to.

In the last email, I sent a picture of a group of us, but I never explained what it was about. It is a 4-generation family picture (me, my trainer, his trainer, and his trainer's thrainer) which is awsome because normally you cann't get that many togeather at the same place.