Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 6:00pm
(If you'd like to leave James a message, Just put a comment at the end of this note and I'll forward it to him next week.)
Hoy Family!
Now begins week six! I only have 3 weeks left and then its the real deal! I have some amazing stories to tell and a lot to write about.
September 22, 2009 at about 3:00 pm Elder James Michael Bullough placed his first Book of Mormon as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was amazing! The lord truely looks after his missionaries. Elder Barker, Elder Carpenter, Elder Feller, Elder Anderson, Elder Gibby, and I were all determined to place a Book of Mormon on our P-day even though it was not required. We just wanted to do it. Shortly after attempting to send my e-mail last week, Elder Barker and I headed back to our room in the CTM to drop some stuff off. While we were talking about what we should do next, Elder Carpenter and Elder Feller burst into our room and told us that placing a Book of Mormon is the best feeling ever! They had already done it. They walked up and down the streets talking to everyone but only getting rejected. No one wanted to listen to them. After being rejected about 10 times they went to take shelter under a big tree (it had been raining). Wet, discouraged, and disappointed they decided to say a prayer. Just seconds after finishing their prayer a man with an umbrella that was walking by told them to hurry and get under it. They walked with the man and talked about the Book of Mormon. They asked the man if he would take a copy and read 3 Nephi 11. The man agreed.
After hearing this story Elder Barker and I became extremely excited. We congradulated them and then took off to try and get our hands on an extra copy of the book of mormon. It was harder than I thought to get a book of mormon last minute but we found one that we were allowed to take and we took off outside. We bumped into Elder Gibby and Elder Anderson who told us that they too were on their way out to place a book of mormon. I had some letters to take to the post office, so we went there first. Once we were done at the post office we stepped outside and I offered a prayer. I asked the lord to help guide us to those who listen to us and talk with us openly. I asked that our minds would be open so that we could understand what they were saying and speak what we had in our hearts. After finishing we stood there, hoping that we would have some prompting as to where we should go. Nothing. So we just decided to head to the stake center that they are building (they are building a beautful 4 story stake center) and try to place a book of mormon around there. We had originally planned to talk to anyone that we could on our way there, but fear had hit us and we didn't know how we should be approaching people. We would pass people and smile and say "Hoy" and they would just keep walking. We were waiting at a red light when we say Elder Gibby and Elder Anderson down the street. They raised their book of mormon in the air and so did we, showing each other that neither of us had placed it yet. We felt a little bit better knowing that they were in the same boat we were. While we waited for the 'walk' sign to come on, we noticed a man just across the street right where we would be heading. He looked mad and I was scared to talk to him, but he wasn't moving so I thought we should take our chances. Elder Barker felt the same way. We crossed the street and approached the man.
"Hoy! Como Vai?" (Hi! How are you?)
He responded, I have no idea what he said.
"Otimo! Eu Sou Elder Bullough e este é meu companiero Elder Barker, Nos somos missionarios de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Ultimos Dias." Great! I am Elder Bullough and this is my companion Elder Barker and we are missionaries from the church of Jesus Chirst of latter day saints.
The man responded. Again I have no idea what he said. Now Elder Barker began to speak, "Nos Temos un mensagem sobre Jesus Cristo. Nos Podemos Compartilhar ele com voce?" We have a message about Jesus Christ, can we share it with you?
The man said yes.
Our conversation continued. We continued talking to him and we couldn't understand him completely but we were able to communicate. I asked him if he believed in Jesus Christ and he said yes and pulled up his pantleg to reveal a giant tattoo of Jesus on his leg. We asked if he would take the book of mormon, but he refused told us to hang on for a minute and ran into the store that he was standing in front of. We were scared, we saw him unlock some glass cabnet and thought that he was grabbing a gun. We thought about running but didnt. He came back out holding a book of mormon. HE ALREADY HAD ONE! He asked us what he should read and we told him to read 3 Nephi 11 and said goodbye. We continued scared to talk to everyone again. We went to the very end of the boundaries that we are allowed to go and were walking down an empty street. There was nobody around. We felt that we weren't going to place it. Elder Barker turned to me and told me, "I doubt that we will be able to place it." I told him not to give up and that we need to remember that we prayed for theLord's help. Though it is true, I also began to doubt. We turned the corner and were walking down some neighborhood. We finally see someone, she is an old lady spraying off her front porch with a hose. This could be good because she is at her house and cant really run away. It could be bad because if she doesn't want to hear us she can just spray us. We both had the same feeling that we should talk to her. As we got closer we noticed that her shirt said Deus (God) and had a scripture on it. We began to talk to her. We found out that she believed in God and in Jesus Christ but she explained that she had never read the bible because it is too hard to read. We explained to this woman that we had more words from god and that they are easier to read! Yes 2 Nephi is hard but for the most part the Book of Mormon is easier to read than the bible. She got excited and asked us if we belonged to the church down the street and we told her yes. She said that she wanted to go to church on Sunday! We wont be there haha but she said she would go. She took our book excitedly and told us that she would read it. Best feeling of my life.
after returning to Mr. Cheney cookies (right across the street from the CTM) We began to tell our story to Elder Carpenter and Elder Feller. As were were telling our story Elder Anderson and Elder Gibby show up and tell us that they just placed theirs.
Elder Anderson and Elder Gibby were suffering the same fears we were and had a hard time opening their mouths. After they had been walking around with absolutely no success, Elder Anderson says, "We're doing this wrong, we need to say a prayer." Right after saying the prayer they turned around and headed the opposite direction from where they had been going. They pass a barbershop and wave and say hello, but keep walking. Elder Gibby suddenly stops. "We need to go talk to them." They turned around walked in and began to share their message. After talking a little bit about it but not finding the right words that they wanted one of the men that was getting a haircut turns around and says, "I speak a little english, you speak and I will translate." They were able to say everything that they wanted to and place the book of mormon.
The Lord blesses those who put his faith in Him. Just remember that in Either, I cant remember what scripture, it explains that you may not recieve your answer until after the trial of your faith.
Things have been going great. I love our whole district. Elder Barker, Elder Carpenter, Elder Feller, Elder Bowerman, Elder DeMille, Elder Anderson, Elder Gibby, Sister Horne, Sister Baird, Sister Hatton, and Sister Christensen. They are great. Recently I had another great experience. Sister Baird seemed frustrated in class the other day and I don't know why. I am always trying to help everyone but we are not allowed to talk to the sister about their feelings because it may create some feeling that we should have for each other as missionaries haha. Anyway, she just got up and walked out of class with her companion while we were all working on something. The teacher, Irma Amato, followed them out. She came back in and told Elder Barker and I to go out into the hall. She told me that we need to give her a blessing. I asked what should I bless her with? Irma Amato responded, "Peace and Comfort"
We went into an empty classroom and I asked Sister Baird who she would like to give her the blessing and she said she wanted me to (that made me feel good!) so I gave her a blessing I blessed her with peace and comfort and explained that the lord is aware of her trials and that he is also aware of her sacrafices and will help her. I promised her that if she remained diligent in her studies and remained faithful to the lord that she will learn portuguese. I blessed her with an open mind and confidence in herself. I didn't feel that I said anything spectacular, but I guess that it was just what she needed. She is doing fine now.
I am working hard and am trying to do my best. We go proselyting this Friday. I am so excited. Things are great here. Happy birthday wishes to Granpa Hurst! I love you Grandpa! Happy birthday to Sarah! I love you sis! Happy Birthday to Dad and Grandpa Bullough! I love you guys!!! I hope everything is well back in the good old state of Colorado. I hope everything is well with Natalie, John and Brandon!
Love,
Elder Bullough
P.S. Yes Dad, I got the picture.:)
Hoy Family!
Now begins week six! I only have 3 weeks left and then its the real deal! I have some amazing stories to tell and a lot to write about.
September 22, 2009 at about 3:00 pm Elder James Michael Bullough placed his first Book of Mormon as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was amazing! The lord truely looks after his missionaries. Elder Barker, Elder Carpenter, Elder Feller, Elder Anderson, Elder Gibby, and I were all determined to place a Book of Mormon on our P-day even though it was not required. We just wanted to do it. Shortly after attempting to send my e-mail last week, Elder Barker and I headed back to our room in the CTM to drop some stuff off. While we were talking about what we should do next, Elder Carpenter and Elder Feller burst into our room and told us that placing a Book of Mormon is the best feeling ever! They had already done it. They walked up and down the streets talking to everyone but only getting rejected. No one wanted to listen to them. After being rejected about 10 times they went to take shelter under a big tree (it had been raining). Wet, discouraged, and disappointed they decided to say a prayer. Just seconds after finishing their prayer a man with an umbrella that was walking by told them to hurry and get under it. They walked with the man and talked about the Book of Mormon. They asked the man if he would take a copy and read 3 Nephi 11. The man agreed.
After hearing this story Elder Barker and I became extremely excited. We congradulated them and then took off to try and get our hands on an extra copy of the book of mormon. It was harder than I thought to get a book of mormon last minute but we found one that we were allowed to take and we took off outside. We bumped into Elder Gibby and Elder Anderson who told us that they too were on their way out to place a book of mormon. I had some letters to take to the post office, so we went there first. Once we were done at the post office we stepped outside and I offered a prayer. I asked the lord to help guide us to those who listen to us and talk with us openly. I asked that our minds would be open so that we could understand what they were saying and speak what we had in our hearts. After finishing we stood there, hoping that we would have some prompting as to where we should go. Nothing. So we just decided to head to the stake center that they are building (they are building a beautful 4 story stake center) and try to place a book of mormon around there. We had originally planned to talk to anyone that we could on our way there, but fear had hit us and we didn't know how we should be approaching people. We would pass people and smile and say "Hoy" and they would just keep walking. We were waiting at a red light when we say Elder Gibby and Elder Anderson down the street. They raised their book of mormon in the air and so did we, showing each other that neither of us had placed it yet. We felt a little bit better knowing that they were in the same boat we were. While we waited for the 'walk' sign to come on, we noticed a man just across the street right where we would be heading. He looked mad and I was scared to talk to him, but he wasn't moving so I thought we should take our chances. Elder Barker felt the same way. We crossed the street and approached the man.
"Hoy! Como Vai?" (Hi! How are you?)
He responded, I have no idea what he said.
"Otimo! Eu Sou Elder Bullough e este é meu companiero Elder Barker, Nos somos missionarios de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Ultimos Dias." Great! I am Elder Bullough and this is my companion Elder Barker and we are missionaries from the church of Jesus Chirst of latter day saints.
The man responded. Again I have no idea what he said. Now Elder Barker began to speak, "Nos Temos un mensagem sobre Jesus Cristo. Nos Podemos Compartilhar ele com voce?" We have a message about Jesus Christ, can we share it with you?
The man said yes.
Our conversation continued. We continued talking to him and we couldn't understand him completely but we were able to communicate. I asked him if he believed in Jesus Christ and he said yes and pulled up his pantleg to reveal a giant tattoo of Jesus on his leg. We asked if he would take the book of mormon, but he refused told us to hang on for a minute and ran into the store that he was standing in front of. We were scared, we saw him unlock some glass cabnet and thought that he was grabbing a gun. We thought about running but didnt. He came back out holding a book of mormon. HE ALREADY HAD ONE! He asked us what he should read and we told him to read 3 Nephi 11 and said goodbye. We continued scared to talk to everyone again. We went to the very end of the boundaries that we are allowed to go and were walking down an empty street. There was nobody around. We felt that we weren't going to place it. Elder Barker turned to me and told me, "I doubt that we will be able to place it." I told him not to give up and that we need to remember that we prayed for theLord's help. Though it is true, I also began to doubt. We turned the corner and were walking down some neighborhood. We finally see someone, she is an old lady spraying off her front porch with a hose. This could be good because she is at her house and cant really run away. It could be bad because if she doesn't want to hear us she can just spray us. We both had the same feeling that we should talk to her. As we got closer we noticed that her shirt said Deus (God) and had a scripture on it. We began to talk to her. We found out that she believed in God and in Jesus Christ but she explained that she had never read the bible because it is too hard to read. We explained to this woman that we had more words from god and that they are easier to read! Yes 2 Nephi is hard but for the most part the Book of Mormon is easier to read than the bible. She got excited and asked us if we belonged to the church down the street and we told her yes. She said that she wanted to go to church on Sunday! We wont be there haha but she said she would go. She took our book excitedly and told us that she would read it. Best feeling of my life.
after returning to Mr. Cheney cookies (right across the street from the CTM) We began to tell our story to Elder Carpenter and Elder Feller. As were were telling our story Elder Anderson and Elder Gibby show up and tell us that they just placed theirs.
Elder Anderson and Elder Gibby were suffering the same fears we were and had a hard time opening their mouths. After they had been walking around with absolutely no success, Elder Anderson says, "We're doing this wrong, we need to say a prayer." Right after saying the prayer they turned around and headed the opposite direction from where they had been going. They pass a barbershop and wave and say hello, but keep walking. Elder Gibby suddenly stops. "We need to go talk to them." They turned around walked in and began to share their message. After talking a little bit about it but not finding the right words that they wanted one of the men that was getting a haircut turns around and says, "I speak a little english, you speak and I will translate." They were able to say everything that they wanted to and place the book of mormon.
The Lord blesses those who put his faith in Him. Just remember that in Either, I cant remember what scripture, it explains that you may not recieve your answer until after the trial of your faith.
Things have been going great. I love our whole district. Elder Barker, Elder Carpenter, Elder Feller, Elder Bowerman, Elder DeMille, Elder Anderson, Elder Gibby, Sister Horne, Sister Baird, Sister Hatton, and Sister Christensen. They are great. Recently I had another great experience. Sister Baird seemed frustrated in class the other day and I don't know why. I am always trying to help everyone but we are not allowed to talk to the sister about their feelings because it may create some feeling that we should have for each other as missionaries haha. Anyway, she just got up and walked out of class with her companion while we were all working on something. The teacher, Irma Amato, followed them out. She came back in and told Elder Barker and I to go out into the hall. She told me that we need to give her a blessing. I asked what should I bless her with? Irma Amato responded, "Peace and Comfort"
We went into an empty classroom and I asked Sister Baird who she would like to give her the blessing and she said she wanted me to (that made me feel good!) so I gave her a blessing I blessed her with peace and comfort and explained that the lord is aware of her trials and that he is also aware of her sacrafices and will help her. I promised her that if she remained diligent in her studies and remained faithful to the lord that she will learn portuguese. I blessed her with an open mind and confidence in herself. I didn't feel that I said anything spectacular, but I guess that it was just what she needed. She is doing fine now.
I am working hard and am trying to do my best. We go proselyting this Friday. I am so excited. Things are great here. Happy birthday wishes to Granpa Hurst! I love you Grandpa! Happy birthday to Sarah! I love you sis! Happy Birthday to Dad and Grandpa Bullough! I love you guys!!! I hope everything is well back in the good old state of Colorado. I hope everything is well with Natalie, John and Brandon!
Love,
Elder Bullough
P.S. Yes Dad, I got the picture.:)
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