K

June 24, 2013

For those of you who are wondering about the subject line, let me just say this. If you have ever seen any of the MIB movies, you would know that Tommy Lee Jones is a representative of the letter K. However, my usage of the letter is merely a representation of conversations frequently had between Elder Kempter and Myself. These bouts of the tongue are often finished when I use such a word. As Elder Kempter puts it, "Best conversation ender ever!"

Hahahahahaha, I hope that made at least one of you laugh. Because I did!

Anyways, this week has been a big one!

On Monday evening, we left for Salina, where we met up with the other Elders in my district. We had a few hours left of P-Day so we went and played some Basketball and Baseball, it was pretty sunny out so I got a bit of sun, it was enjoyable!

Then, we came back, got dressed, and headed out for Wichita Kansas! It was a LONG car ride over, but we made it with a bit of time to spare, so we went and had lunch at Taco Bell, where I got 3 Cheesy Gordita Crunches, and a small drink. We then went over to the Wichita Elders home, to stay the night. Before bed we had a few hours still, so we played a "quick" game of Risk! I was able to thwart any and all advances upon my armies, and therefore became the victor. I'm good at Risk.

After a long, dreary night wherewith I wrestled about 4 hours of sleep from my anxious body, we went to the Wichita building, where we met with all of the missionaries who are going to be in the Kansas Wichita mission with us, President and Sister Keyes were there as well. We saw the new Mission Home, the new Mission Office, and then got on the bus and on the way to the Temple!

After the very long bus ride, we arrived! All of the missionaries were assigned what to do in the Temple, as we were doing all of the Temple's work for the day. So, Elder Kempter, Myself, and a bunch of other missionaries went and did a session. It was amazing, I have never felt the spirit so strongly as I did with all of my fellow servants as we were at the house of the Lord. It's just indescribable. I recommend it. :) I saw 2 temple workers there that I knew from my ward back in Independence as well! Brother Christiansen, and Brother Ellibee. They're awesome! I got to catch up with them for just a few minutes. It was great!

After this, we went to the church building just right across the street, where we had a bit of a meeting, where President and Sister Keyes had to say goodbye to us. It was a very tender moment, one that I will never forget. We got to talk to them for just a few precious seconds, and then we got back on the bus, headed back to Salina so that we could get back to work. So now, with us in the Kansas Wichita mission, we have a brand new Mission staff, and a brand new Mission Home, and everything! It's exciting!

Without going into too much detail, as far as the missionary work this week goes... it was a bit disappointing. We got dropped by almost all of our investigators. BUT that's OK, you know why? Because we're still missionaries! We still get to go out and find people who ARE interested in the gospel! It's great! Just because one person stops, that pushes us that much harder to work! I know that it seems real discouraging, but I know of no other work that is more satisfying than this work. That is because this is the Lords work, and he has entrusted me with this particular portion of it. I'm so grateful for this opportunity.

With that being said. I feel impressed to share with those who are reading this, just a little bit about before my mission. This is mainly directed to those who are entering into the age where "missionary" is a scary thought. To those who aren't sure, or perhaps who have already made that decision.

This move that you are to make, is one that THOUSANDS have already made. Whether for or against going on a mission. Let me tell you about myself, before I left, I felt very angry. Nobody cared what I wanted to do, they just wanted me to go on a mission. They never asked if I wanted to go or not, they just assumed I would. This made me mad. I also had some serious concerns that I had to take to the Bishop to even think about going on a mission. This also discouraged me. I had always known that I should go, even if I didn't want to admit it. But this decision looms in front of all of you reading this. Before I left I was going through a lot of trials and struggles, things that were of my own doing. However, as the time got closer and closer for me to make that decision, I felt somehow cheated. I felt like I hadn't been prepared well enough. I felt somehow, that my leaders, my friends, and even my parents, hadn't done what was best for me. I felt that my life was in shambles because they hadn't helped me enough. If this is anything as to what you're feeling, I ask you, are you really upset at your parents? Or are you just upset that you KNOW what you're supposed to do, and yet time and time again you're making decisions that you know you shouldn't? That's how it was for me, my leaders, friends, and parents ALL taught me exactly what I needed. In this church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we teach correct principles, and the people govern themselves. To those of you who are trying to make that decision to go on a mission... what's holding you back? Why are you really afraid? Is it because you have some baggage that you have to get rid of? Is it because you don't have a testimony? Or is it for something trivial, and stupid, like money? Do you not realize that God and his son Jesus Christ are ALL powerful? Do you not realize that all of the Prophets have always encouraged youth to serve missions? So what's really holding you back? Surely the Lord will provide forgiveness where it is needed, money for the poor, clothing for the naked. Surely the Lord can help YOU.
For me, there is no reason why a mission is something that anyone can't do. It's very simple. You who have decided not to go on a mission, I love you unconditionally. But honestly, I am disappointed. I don't care who you are, the Lord wants YOU to be a missionary. And he's waiting for you to make that decision. Don't let that decision looming ahead of you come upon you unawares, meet it head on. This decision is huge, I won't deny it. Sometimes worthiness is an issue, sometimes it's a testimony, whatever it is, the ONLY thing that can seriously hold you back is yourself. It does not matter your background, it does not matter how you feel right now, God is unchangeable. He will ALWAYS want you, and he will ALWAYS love you. Make the decision to serve a mission NOW. Don't hesitate, it will be the best decision of your life, I can promise you that. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder DeFreese

 

1. The Puddin' challenge!
2. Cooking sandwiches!
3. Happy Barn :)

 

 

 

Happy Fathers Day!

June 17, 2013

To my wonderful, awesome, Papa Bear, Terry DeFreese :) Happy Fathers Day!

Even though I never seemed to pay attention to your teaching opportunities, even though I may have rebelled a little more than I should have at times. Even though I thought your counsel was stupid before, I love and appreciate every single memory I have with you. Dad I couldn't imagine being anyone else's son, and I am proud to be yours. Even though I may have made some wrong choices, all of your guidance and help along the way has shaped me into the man I am today. And I will be eternally grateful for that.
Oh. And you're old :)

So, this week has been a kind of slow week, but it's ok! We're keeping busy in the work of the Lord, and it's going great!

I just wanted to quickly recount a story from last week that I neglected to mention. One of the families in our ward has a farm, and they bring fresh farm eggs to the branch every week, whoever needs eggs, gets them! Anyways, one of the kids was transporting those eggs to the building, and dropped about 10 cartons full of eggs. Breaking almost every single one of them. This was just after church and a lot of people were outside. A big group of the youth just stopped dead wherever they were, and went over to help the young man who dropped them. It was a really cool experience, showing how loving these kids can be, they had the perfect opportunity to just laugh and stare as the young man struggled. But they didn't, they showed that they are full of compassion and love, just like the Savior. Without hesitation they all went and helped. It was a very proud moment for me, Elder Kempter and I had been working with one of the young men, who is pretty much the Youth's leader. Every ward/branch has that one youth, who is the undisputed leader. This young boy has been Less Active and slowly becoming reactivated. He led this group to help clean and organize what was left. It was awesome.

Anyways, not much else to tell really, this past week we have had most/all of our appointments cancel... so that's been tough/frustrating. But it's ok! We're doing our best, and making the most of our time here. I'm loving the work, and I can't wait to get back out there!

Really quickly I just want to say to ALL who are reading this. No matter where you are in life, no matter what struggles you are facing... you can make it. You can do it. Do not give up, do not falter, put your faith and your trust in the Lord, seek help from your parents, church leaders, friends, they will help you. As a representative of Jesus Christ, as one of his chosen servants, I can promise you that you CAN make it through whatever you are facing. I do not care what it is, because Jesus Christ atoned for all of mankind, he suffered every pain and every affliction. He will help us, of this I testify, In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,
Elder DeFreese

P.S. I'll hear from all of you soon right?

1. Elder Allen, Elder Moyle, and Myself. All of us are previous companions of Elder Hayes.
2. messing with my camera features :)

 

 

Who's ta say? Who's ta know?

So..... this subject line is something that I used to say a lot to my Dad! Shout out to my pops, hope you're good, and I love ya!

Anyways, this past week has been a pretty good one!

The first thing really exciting that happened this week, which is probably the highlight of the whole week really, is this.

On Tuesday after a long day of work, we came home and got a voice mail from the Mission President to the whole Mission. What he said was because of the mission split, we have received special permission to go to the Temple, on the 18th of this month! All of the missionaries who are in the new Mission will go on that day, and everyone from the Missouri Independence Mission, will go later. How AWESOME is that!?!?!?? It's super exciting! I'm so happy, and I've been hoping to go to the temple again! Boo yah!!!!!! :)

On Wednesday we had some real good team-ups with our members here. Elder Kempter went with our Elders quorum President, and I went with our the Bishops Secretary. It went really well! Elder Kempter had a lot of success, 4 new investigators and a bunch of return appointments. As for Bro. Lucky and myself, we had more Less Active work, and that went real well also. Hopefully those members will remember the spirit that was there, and want to come back to church.

On Friday I had to lead my first District Meeting! It wasn't bad to be honest, I could have done a lot better. But we focused on our purpose as a missionary, and what makes us successful missionaries. If any of you have a Preach My Gospel, I would strongly encourage you to read chapter 1. It applies to EVERY member. Wanna know why? President David O. McKay said very specifically that EVERY member is a missionary! So... Preach My Gospel isn't just for us full-time missionaries, it's for all of you back home! So please read it. But my favorite part is that it tells us not to compare our efforts to others. And I think that really has helped me in my life. Our success is not determined by what we can physically see as "Success" it is determined by our commitment to serve the Lord, in whatever capacity we can. If we do our best, we are JUST as successful as the missionary who baptized 93, even if we got big fat zero. That DOES NOT MATTER. If you understand Preach My Gospel, and the Scriptures, then you understand that the numbers don't matter at all. It's all based on your own personal commitment to serve, and if you have done your best, how can the Lord condemn you for it? Answer: He won't. He loves us, and he KNOWS EVERYTHING. Don't forget that.

Anyways, that about does it for this week!

I hope and pray that all of you are safe, and doing well.

Have I mentioned my challenges recently? Everyone! Remember! 1.Read your scriptures! 2. Bear Testimony! 3. Invite someone to church!
The Lord will bless you, I can promise you that. Don't be afraid, don't wait for tomorrow. Because, "Tomorrow never comes"

Love,
Elder DeFreese

1. BOOM! Look at that tie!
2. You jealous? (Home made burger, with Monterrey cheddar, White American cheese, bacon, lettuce, Ranch, Ketchup, and lots of love!)

3. Ooooh.... a Nova!

4. How 'bout that tie? :)

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers...?

June 3, 2013

As I alluded to in the subject line, this past week was transfers! "Elder DeFreese, what area are you serving in now?" You might ask, I might reply, "Same place!"

Ok, yeah I'm in the same place, Concordia Kansas. Serving with Elder Kempter! Boo Ya! We're super excited for this coming transfer, lots of work to do, and lots of people to help! Oh, on a very very small not, barely worth mentioning. I got made District Leader, so... yeah. Anyways...

This past week has been pretty great! Fairly slow, as Elder Kempter recovers we are able to get out and work more and more, but it's a process and we don't want to rush it.

We have a new family that we are teaching, the Brants, they are super cool, and very willing and open to learn about the Gospel. Very inquisitive, and super happy too! I could see them progressing quickly!

Our Recent Convert, Michael, has been coming out with us and teaching other people about the gospel as well! THAT is SUPER exciting, while we're still teaching him and his family, he's already reaching out and helping others, the exact same way that we helped him! We're SO excited because of him, and he's really getting involved in the Branch, it's really awesome to see.

Oh, Something that I forgot to mention. With this most recent transfer being the deciding factor of which mission I'll be serving in, I am proud to say that I am now a part of the Kansas, Wichita mission! I had a fantastic 7 months or so serving in the Missouri, Independence Mission, and now it's time to make my mark in the Kansas, Wichita Mission!

This week in Fast and Testimony meeting I felt very strongly that I needed to get up there. So up I went. (After some hesitation, I'm still human after all) And the message that I shared was one that I think could benefit all of you back home. As well as everyone in this church. In Matthew chapter 5, verses 14-16. It talks about how we are the light of the world. "Let your light so shine before men, that they me see your good works and glorify your Father, which is in Heaven." Let your light shine, be the example that the Lord would have you be. That is my message to you. It does not matter what trials you face, as you do your very best to be that light to others, to the world, the Lord WILL bless you for it. I can promise each and every one of you that as you put your faith in the Lord, and try your best to be that light, the Lord will have no choice but to bless you for it. "I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise" He will bless you. No matter what trial you face, or hurdle that is in your way, Jesus Christ WILL help us. As His servant I promise you these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I love you all! Please remember me in your prayers, as I remember you in mine. Love,
Elder DeFreese

1. Burgers... Home made?!?!?
2. Oh yes, they're delicious :)
3. Just lookin' good is all...

4. I got a new tie!

5. We've been playing some card ball...

P.S. I got 2 other new ties, those photos to come next week!