Inconceivable!‏

January 28, 2013

Hello everyone! It's a great day in Missouri, this weeks broadcast specially sponsored by Elder DeFreese!

So this weeks e-mail title is Inconceivable, this was brought about by my wonderful Uncle Chris. It's a pretty popular line from the movie Princess Bride, i'm sure you all remember. Love it! So remember folks, in the coming week, think of a line YOU would like to see at the top, it just might be there! Anyways, I suppose we'll get along with the weeks events eh?

Well... first off actually I just want to say CONGRATS to Breanne and Andrew! I saw one picture of little Kohler, what a cutie pie! You guys are gonna make great parents, I know it! Love you!

This week has actually been SUPER busy. We found 11 new investigators, 5 from one family, 4 from another family, and 2 from a couple. So let's go down the list eh?

The first family is way cool! They are hispanic, but they speak English so i'm ok there! But we met them at their house, 2 of them were outside doing yard work. So naturally we asked if they needed help. Being polite, they said no, but thank you. So we talked about church/religion a little bit and they seemed pretty interested. The lady (Angelica) looked at her 17 yr. old brother (Gabino) and said, I'll go to church if Jocelyn goes! And he agreed, so we went to talk to her, gave her a pamphlet and some scriptures to read and everything, and she agreed that if her mom went, she would go too! So, as we were leaving, feeling pretty good. We decided to ask if they needed help with the yard work, it still wasnt done, and they said no. So of course we said, ah it's alright! We'll do it anyways! So we started working with them and helping them out, and we ended up staying from 4 to around 6 or 7 doing the work. It was a BIG project. Plus we needed a bunch of service hours, so it worked out great. Then as we were about to leave, they asked if we could stay for dinner! We didn't have one for the night, so we said sure why not! As we were eating, we had a chance to meet Angelicas 2 other children, the 10 year old (we call her monkey, because she was climbing trees all day) and the 8 year old (edgar) and they are super sweet! Anyways, while eating we talked to them a lot about our church, and how they should come to sacrament meeting. And they came! Well, Gabino, Jocelyn, and Angelica did. The other 2 had to stay home. But they came to church! It was super awesome! We are going to be meeting with them real soon too, so i'll let you know more about that later.

The other family... doesn't seem too promising. But we're not gonna give up! They are super un-interested. I didn't even get to formally meet them, but all i know is that the husband is an ex marine. And they just didn't seem interested. But we got a return appointment! Elder McBride was teaching them while me and our team up were talking to another person. So that's why I don't know much. But they seemed like nice people and I hope we can see them progress in the gospel.

And then the other 2.... these ones i'm a little worried about. To put it simply, there are 2 kids in this family, and 2 mothers. So we didn't really talk about that problem quite yet... it's kind of a touchy subject. But they seemed real interested in learning more about the gospel and we gave them a Book of Mormon, and a restoration pamphlet. So I hope we can see them again, and help them find the truth.

So that pretty much catches you up on me! How is everyone else doing? I really want to know! As long as I know how you guys are doing, I find that I can focus better, so really when you write me? You're helping me do missionary work! Because I figure, ok, they're doing good, no worries! Let's get to work! :)

So, I really hope you guys back home are still taking my challenge seriously. I haven't heard much from it. But just a reminder, invite people to church! We ALL know someone, at least one person, who needs this gospel in their lives... and Bear Testimony! Let me know how it goes! Next week is Fast Sunday, I hope to hear some good stories about how you bore testimony! I promise that these two things alone, can help you build SUCH a deeper love and understanding of this Gospel, and of Jesus Christ. I love this work, and I want all of you to know that. Talk to you soon!

Love,

Elder DeFreese

BY ALL THAT IS HOLY!!!!!

January 21, 2013

Hello and welcome to another week of woes, and experiences from Elder DeFreese! As you can see up there at the subject line, the title winner this week was my own little brother, Braden! That is a saying that we both used, kind of an inside joke. But it's still really funny!

Anyways, I'll try to make this a long-ish e-mail because I know how you all (Mom really) live for these e-mails! But not too much happened, so I'll do my best with what I have!

First off let me tell you all that I'm a little dissapointed, I didn't get many votes/thoughts on what car tracting is. I know it sounds simple but really it's very complex! All 1 of you that mentioned it... got it wrong. This is an exercise that we use to cope with our area. We don't have a lot of success when tracting, so while tracting and walking next to a busy street, we talk to the cars that drive past us. As they drive past, we teach a gospel principle and leave them with a commitment! (They are driving too fast to really get anything, but it makes us feel better) And that is how car tracting came to be! We jokingly say things like "Other lesson!" Or "Baptismal invite extended!" Stuff like that, it's really fun, and we cope with unsuccessful days better this way.

Oh! Last week you remember that I wrote about how I only got 1 letter? From another missionary!? Haha... well just an hour or 2 later, I went to the mission office to check for mail! And lo and behold, I got 6 letters AND a package!!! WOOO! Haha, that was really great, I love it! Thanks to all of you for the support that you sent me. And I'm sure that I'll get some more letters this week right??
So I'm REALLY running low on experiences to share this week. But so far in my mission, this week we had a memory that i'm not sure i'll forget for a loooooooooong time. Possibly forever! Anyways, me and Elder McBride were tracting just the other day, and we were riding our bikes up a BIG hill. We were just on our way back to the apartment because it was about dinner time. And while we were riding, we heard a very loud, "SATAN!!!!!!!!!!!" And we turned and were like, "What??" And this guy kept yelling things at us like, "We love SATAN!!!!" And "Who needs God when we have Satan!!!" And as we were contemplating whether or not we wanted to deal with this guy, his neighbor came out and told him to shut up! So we went and talked to his neighbor, and she has a family, they are all investigating the church now! We have only taught them once, but I think these guys are pretty promising. Anyways, as we left their house, the neighbor came out again and started yelling at us! So, we starting walking towards him to talk to him! As we did, he got really scared and started saying, "No, we're not interested! Go away please!" Stuff like that. So we said, "What? I thought you wanted to learn about why we need God!?" Hahahaha, it was super funny! He ended up slamming the door in our face, but it was fun.
So the last thing on my agenda to write about is exchanges! We are going on exchanges tomorrow, i'm going to be going with Elder Stephens to Blue Springs for the day, so it's going to be my first time working in another area! Haha, so more to come on that!
Sorry this e-mail was short, the work lately has been really slow. I'll try to work harder this week though! Also, Make sure you keep up those challenges that I have given you all! Bear testimony, Invite someone to church! We are ALL missionaries! Even if you aren't serving full time. Anyways, I guess I better run. I love you all! And I hope to hear from you REAL soon OK?
Love,
Elder DeFreese

Wow... I feel like I really need to send out my love and support to the Bate family. I have all the sympathy in the world for them, and I just hope that they will be OK. I wish I could be there to give them a hug, and a bit of encouragement. But this is the best that I can do. I'm sorry, for all that has happened. But I know that God has a plan for all of us. Even for those of us that get taken from this Earth, I know that he's keeping them busy up in Heaven! There is always work to do, don't lose heart! Put your trust in God, and push onward. I love you all!

Holy Moses!

January 14, 2013

I know, i've used it before. I think i've run out of titles to put! So for the next e-mail, let's hear from our readers! What do you want to see in that title bar? Don't forget to vote, your entry could be up there!

Anyways, another Monday! First I have some bad news, next week being M L K day, the Libraries are going to be closed. So that means i'll have to e-mail at some point during the week, probably Wednesday.

I'm getting real excited to hear about Breanne and the new baby! I'm betting he'll be here this week right? That's awesome, she's gonna be a great momma, and Drew will be a great dad for sure! Make sure to send me pictures or e-mail them or whatever k? Cool.

So this week has been REALLY slow. So it's gonna be a short e-mail. Sorry about that guys, most people just hadn't been prepared to hear about the gospel this week ok? Haha, but this week we'll get out there and get em!

Anyways, let me tell you about the teaching appointments that DIDN'T fall through ok? First, we had Jeff Mark. That went really well, he has some deep doctrinal questions, so we're studying up on that stuff, but it's hard. He has a real problem with the prophet Brigham Young, and polygamy. Those are his biggest concerns. But our fellowshipper Sis. Beck has a book on Brigham Young and she says it's really good, so hopefully that helps. She's a great fellowshipper to him.

Also, Jessica, ALL this past week has been unable to meet with us. But we're not giving up! I think she'll be coming to the visitor's center with us tonight, so that's good. But she doesn't really have a lot of questions or concerns yet, which kind of worries me. I think there may be something REALLY bothering her, but she won't say. Hopefully she can open up soon so that we can help her.

And we met a nice young man (about... 25) who's name is Mark. He's really cool, we only taught him once, and that was on the street in the pouring rain! Haha, but we taught him the restoration right there, while he was waiting for the bus. And he accepted a pamphlet, and a Book of Mormon, and committed to read and pray about it! And we are going to be seeing him again real soon, so that's awesome.

Other than that though, we didn't really get any other teaching appointments. It has definitely been the slowest week of my mission so far. But not to worry! We have some promising investigators and we'll be workin' em like no other! Haha, it'll be great.

Hmmm.... OH! Let's play a little game, shall we? Me and Elder McBride have gone car tracting a little bit. Whoever can guess what exactly I mean by car tracting, will get a personal e-mail about it, in full detail! And the general e-mail will be a general description of it. Sound like fun? Ok cool!

OH! How could I forget the best thing that happened all week?! I finally finished the Book of Mormon all the way through! Haha, it took me forever since i've been trying to memorize my lessons and everything, but I did it! I have such a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon, it's so amazing. I love it! Anyways, I thought everyone would like to know that. So my challenge for you all this coming year or several months or WHATEVER. Is to read the Book of Mormon again! I don't care if you've never read it, or you've read it 100 times, do it again! Set a goal to finish by the end of the year, or the end of the spring, whatever, and DO IT. I can promise you ALL the Lord will bless you for it. I love you all and I hope to hear from you REAL soon! Ok? I only got 1 letter last week, from a fellow missionary! But it's all good, I'm sure I'll get something from you guys soon.... right?

Love,

Elder DeFreese

P.S.

Does it make me sound really trunky that I ask for letters so much? Because really I am perfectly fine. I just like to hear from everyone!

Here we go!

January 7, 2013

First, anyone who doesn't know what I mean by Here we go! It's what I used to say when I wanted a high five! Haha, So getting that out of the way... What's up Utah!? And... other places around the world? I have no idea where this all goes. But I would bet a good 90 percent is in Utah.

Anyways!

Super cool I'm about to be an Uncle... again.... so excited for you Breanne! You better teach that little guy how to play ball, he might be big enough to play me 1 on 1 when I get back! HA! Just a bit of mission humor, these guys tease me all the time about that.

I love hearing that you guys are starting school soon! That just reminds me of the fact that... I don't have to yet! Although I suppose that you would say something to the effect of, "Yeah but that just means i'll be done sooner!" But it's all good. Neener neener and what not.

Mom it's also funny that you mentioned how "cold " it is over there. It may be 1 degree ONE time! But over here we have the wind chill factor, and we get to work outside all day! You get to stay inside where it's nice and warm. And... I really just go out in my suit. I haven't really used my coat, but I do wear a scarf and little gloves, but it's all good, it is what it is, as my good frend Jeremy Querido would say. Hahaha, I feel funny today! Sorry this is a silly letter. Back to business, no more laughs ok? NONE!

Ok, since it's business from here on out, I can only talk about what is going on over here. So let's just assume that everything good going on back home, i'm super happy about. And everything shaky? I'll pray about it. Everything bad? I'll be sad about it, as well as pray about it. And when i'm happy about something, in my prayers I thank God for it, so don't worry about me praying. Anyways, on to business.

First off, I forget how much I told everyone about Jessica, I think I pretty much just told all of you how we met and everything, but for a quick update all I can really say is.... she is going through a VERY rough time in her life. And we are teaching her almost every day. Also, she is set to be baptized in the middle of February (probably around the time Don gets home... wha?!?!??) Just realized that... anyways. She is super cool, but she's in need of a lot of help. So that's definitely a sign that we are messengers from God, he is aware of all of us, and sends people to our aid when we need help. But she came to church yesterday! That was super awesome! She felt a bit overwhelmed and the meetings weren't... very normal. But she didn't get scared off! So that's exciting.

Also, with it being the first Sunday of the month. I wore my Fast Sunday tie! It's a really nice, white paisley tie, Elder Hayes, Myself, and Kapono each got one because of an experience we shared. He was really down because he wasn't able to start his mission papers for a long time, and so we fasted and prayed about it. The very next day his bishop gave him the ok after a quick meeting, Kaponos faith has increased in Fasting greatly. So that tie means a lot to all of us, and we wear it every Fast Sunday now. Very cool :)

Last but not least, I wanted to just quickly mention the McDaniels family that we have been seeing for a WHILE now. I'm not sure what I told you about them if anything but heres a quick summary. Their house burned down this past year just after one of the kids was baptized, they had to move out of our ward but we were asked to continue to see them. We have gotten close with them and really like them, however, since they are out of our ward boundaries, we aren't supposed to teach them. So this past week, we have been trying to switch them over to the missionaries assigned to their ward. This is kind of sad for us, because we aren't supposed to see them. But it's ok, they're in good hands.

Anyways, that about does it for this week everyone, I sure hope to HEAR FROM YOU SOON! Hahaha, 50 percent kidding, 50 percent serious. Ha, I hope all is well back home, and I'll talk to you guys next week! Love ya!

Elder DeFreese

Happy Christmas/New Years!!!!!!!

January 2, 2013

First off, sorry about not writing for 2 weeks, I know how you guys LIVE for my e-mails right?? Hahaha, just kidding, it's probably not quite so special. Anyways, I gotta catch you up!

First off, I just wanted to let you all know that the Holidays are really.... not so different than any other day as a Missionary. We do the same work, teach the same gospel, and visit people. Sure there is a theme and everything, but this year... just felt like another day really. We went caroling and teaching people as a district on Christmas Eve, after having a great meal and playing a little ping pong. That was really fun, and that was the only... different thing that we did really. Other than that... Nothing too special. We definitely felt the spirit more strongly, at least I did. But really it was another day as a missionary. Kind of weird being away from home, but nothing too crazy this year. Maybe next year eh?

I'm going to be going pretty out of order as far as what's been going on in this e-mail, I just have a list of things I want to cover.

So just last week me and Elder McBride had a LONG day. We didn't have any appointments, and our investigators were busy. So we had a full day of tracting! In total I think we tracted for a good 5 hours or so. Just knocking door after door after door, and that last door? Nothin. I hope 'yall got that reference just now, it's from the Best Two Years. Haha, great movie. Anyways, we didn't have any success that day, really. We passed out some pass along cards but really that was it. Nobody let us in, nobody wanted to hear what we had to say. And I actually just recently found out that the ward i'm serving in is usually REALLY slow as far as the work goes. All of last year this ward has only had 2 baptisms. So we're going to keep working but the stats don't look too great! Haha.

2 weeks ago, we got a referral for a girl named Tara. We contacted her and she seemed REALLY enthusiastic about learning the Gospel and reading the Book of Mormon. We were getting really excited about it, and then we talked to some other missionaries about her and guess what? Apparently she's clinically insane. And she is a missionary hopper, she takes lessons from anyone and everyone, and doesn't really commit to anything. However, Pres. Keyes has said that we cannot deny someone else's salvation. So we are going to continue teaching her but... it doesn't seem too promising anymore. So that's a bummer :(

OH! 2 weeks ago, on the 23rd. Kapono (the future missionary i've talked about?) had a super cool video presentation going on at the visitors center. He made a video of himself, about his family, and about why he's going on a mission. It's a SUPER cool video. Anyways, he had his entire family there, as well as a bunch of extended family. The spirit was so strong there, it was incredible! After the video he bore his testimony to them, and they were all VERY moved. The whole place was crying. It was awesome, he's going to be a fantastic missionary!

Oh my gosh! To close my letter I just have one more story to share. Super cool! We had a miracle happen to us! So, we were just walking back to our apartment, no more appointments and it was about 7:30 or so. As we were walking back we saw a girl walking the opposite direction, she was smoking a cigarette and didn't look too happy to see us. But, we both felt the spirit tell us that we needed to talk to this girl, so we did. It turns out that she was going to the bar! So, we talked for a little while and ended up walking and talking with her, as we made our way to the bar. When we got to the bar, we asked if she wanted to go in, or come to the Visitors Center with us. She decided to go to the VC!?!?!! Way cool! So we got to talking about church and everything even more on the walk to the VC. And we had an amazing lesson with her. She is going through a lot right now, and she really needs God in her life. Her name is Jessica, and she doesn't have a job, and she is getting kicked out of her place real soon. So we found a few places that can help her get a job, and find housing and all that. She enjoyed our message so much that she wants to meet us even more! We are actually meeting her today going to the VC again, as well as the mission office/employment center. So we are super pumped about that!

Anyways, I hope that all is going well with everyone there! Make sure to keep my challenge going, invite someone to church! And keep those letters coming OK? I need all of your support! I love you all,

Elder DeFreese

Holy Moses!!!

Dec. 17, 2012

What's up everybody!?

Another week come and gone already!?!??? Hahaha, it's crazy! Although I can't help but keep looking at the bigger picture and saying to myself "I have a looooooooong ways to go still!" Haha, but it's all good. Just take it week by week, and it's going pretty quick when I'm able to focus! So let's get started! Haha

Just one week 'til Christmas! That's definitely exciting, i'm interested to see just how Christmas is done for missionaries out here. It's gonna be sweet for sure! And only 4 weeks until Breanne is gonna pop? That's crazy!!!!! And so exciting! I can't wait to see pictures!

So mom mentioned the RLDS and I can't remember what I said last time to be honest. But there's some other things that I think I missed. The must frustrating thing that I've run into with them is that they ALL believe that "we're on the same page" or that we believe the same things. And when they have that mentality, they aren't willing or open to accept the TRUE gospel into their lives. So they make for some TOUGH investigators. We just got a new couple that we are teaching. We found them just a few weeks ago, I think I mentioned it? Manuel bought Elder Stephens and I lunch at McDonalds. But they haven't been free until just 2 days ago. So we're teaching them a little bit right now. It's very tough because they just want to talk about the similarities between our religions. I tried asking some inspired questions but they seemed like they weren't interested too much in talking about OUR side of the gospel. So we'll see if we can get somewhere with them.

We also found 4 new investigators this week, so the Lord has definitely blessed us! Hopefully now we can do our part, and teach them the way He would want us to. But we took them to the visitors center on Saturday, and they were all REALLY interested. We took them through God's plan for the family. It's a short presentation, about 15 minutes. But anyways, it was a super good lesson, we plan on seeing them again real soon!

So the people want to know if I ever serve on the visitors center grounds? I'm not sure exactly what you mean, but let me see if I can make it clear. As far as I know the only people that take people through the presentations are the Sister Missionaries. They train for that for a long time, because I guess there's some memorizations required. And the only other people that serve IN the visitors center are the Senior couples. However, we can bring in as many investigators as we want, and come through the presentations with them to answer questions. But as far as like... working at the visitors center? We don't do that. So I hope that helps you guys! I probably should have mentioned that huh?

LETTERS!!! Holy Moses! I got 6 letters on Saturday!!!!! 6!?!?!? Way to go! Hopefully you guys can keep that up eh? Hahaha, just kidding. But I REALLY appreciate it! I love all you guys! I'm going to write back just as soon as I can ok? That was sweet. Let's try and keep that going! I need all of your encouragement! It really helps me out! Thank you guys so much!

OH! One last thing, I met Elder Walker just yesterday. He trained my MTC comp. Elder Norton! It was definitely great catching up with him, and talking about good ol' Elder Norton. It was awesome! We got the chance to work with him too, he leaves tomorrow so he was just with us for a day. But that was a super cool experience, he's a great guy, and a great missionary too!

Uhm.... lets see... I think that's all that I wanted to share with you guys. I sure hope that's enough info to keep you going for the week! And if not, please feel free to write me! That way I'll know what more I can say!

I love you all!

Elder DeFreese

P.S. Let's keep that challenge going ok? Invite someone to church this week! Bring someone that Christmas spirit!

 

Me and Elder White, he dies this week. (goes home)

 

Sweet car we saw outside of Wendy's!

No way!!!!

Dec. 10, 2012

Hey there! This message brought to you from the land of the frozen chosen! Haha, I heard that term a couple times this past week. Pretty funny! Ha, anyways. Lets get started!

So to talk about those new investigators that I found with Elder Stephens, no we haven't seen either yet. We tried to contact Becky but she hasn't been home when we came. So we'll keep trying. And Manuel is super busy right now, and he has asked that we come next Saturday (not this coming one, but the one after). So hopefully we'll be able to get in touch with him and start the journey! Haha. There are a lot of RLDS people out here, and I thought that would be tough. But it's... different. They believe in the Book of Mormon and everything, they believe in Joseph Smith. So for the most part we just have to get them to read the B.O.M. More, and pray about it. And pray about our teachings of the prophets that WE have. (for those who don't know, they believe that the prophet should be a descendent of Joseph Smith). So it's a whole lot of praying and hoping. Kinda different than most other investigators. In some ways it's a little easier. But in other ways it's a LOT harder.

My mom said she loved what I said about Fast and Testimony meeting last week. And she said something interesting. She said that the silence can be good, because everyone is just feeling the spirit and being still. But I just wanted to say that, when you feel the spirit, and it's telling you of the truth of something... Testify of it! Get up there! The time is yours to help others come unto Christ. I know for me it's real hard to get up there, but think of it this way. All you do is testify of the truth right? How hard is it to get up there and testify about the truth of Gravity? Try your best to get up there and testify with the power and knowledge you have, because it helps not only yourself grow, but everyone else that can hear you. Hopefully that makes sense, I have no idea.

I sure hope everyone is taking my challenge to invite and find others in your ward boundaries to come to church! When we bring others to church, we are that much more in tune with the spirit, and that much more happy, because of what we are bringing to these other people. Do what you can to get others involved. I can promise that as you do, you'll feel that joy and happiness that comes from bringing the Gospel to others.

Glad to hear you guys got snow! I really miss the snow! We haven't gotten any snow at all yet. Some rain, some mist and stuff. But that's about it. Up until about Thursday we have been having really mild weather. Around 60 degrees most of the time. But the past couple days has been more around the 20's. Every single day is super cold, and it's pretty windy out here too, so the wind chill comes into effect. Apparently it barely ever snows here, that's what i've heard. So i'm a bit dissapointed, I really miss it! But I really love it out here too. There's squirrels all over the place out here!!!!! Have I mentioned that?? It's ridiculous!! Haha, super cool though!

Glad to hear that Braden passed his Motorcycle driving test and everything. Would have liked to hear that from HIM though! Hahaha, jk I get it. You highschoolers are "super busy" hahahaha! Nah, I bet he's pretty busy with everything.

Mom said something about the sister missionaries, about how they're increasing a lot? Oh trust me, we've HEARD! Haha, in the MTC that's almost all anyone talked about. I'm not sure if I told you guys, but the number of applicants jumped 471% from the day of the announcement, to the 24th of October. Super crazy. But while I was there, there were about 25 18 year olds already in the MTC, so that was way cool! And we've heard that we are getting a huge influx of 18 year olds around March. So that's going to be very exciting.

So this week has been pretty slow to be honest. Most of our teaching appointments fell through, and a couple investigators dropped us. So our teaching pool is REAL low right now. So this week we are going to hit the streets hard and try to find some investigators. Hopefully the Lord will bless us this week. Or perhaps we need a bit more than a week of trials? We shall see! I suppose that's all, I keep forgetting my notebook to tell you guys all about my week. I'm sorry! But at least we kind of have the pictures figured out right? Anyways, I'll try to be more informative next week. Also, I got ONE letter this last week. Kinda dissapointing, my comp. got 2 packages and 6 letters, so I honestly felt a little left out. But hey! I know you all have a LITTLE bit of time, so don't be scared... WRITE ME!!!!!! Hahahaha, I could use all the support I can get! I love you all, and please take my challenges seriously. Bear strong testimony, and invite others to church.

Love,

Elder DeFreese.