LETTER #78 - NURNBERG

Isaac, Liang, Sam (translator), Elder Nelson

Elder Anderson
Elder Johnson
Elder Puriri
Elder Gassman
Elder Liddle

HI!

 

So one of the picture is from my last appointment with Liang in Frankfurt with Elder Nelson and Sam who translates for us. The other one is from this last Zone Conference. It is from left to right, Elder Anderson, Elder Johnson, me, Elder Gassman, and Elder Liddle. Elder Anderson and Elder Liddle are currently serving in Nordhausen and Elder Johnson went to Elder Gassman after I left. So thats the line back to Nordhausen since I left back in October! Pretty crazy. It was fun at Zone Conference though all sitting together and talking about Nordhausen and the different experiences we've all had there and how the work there is now going.

Anyway the week was good! We were able to get a lot accomplished. There are a lot of cool people we are teaching right now. We are teaching one who is probably around 50 yrs old or so now. But he used to be a professional soccer player. His name is Andre Doubrowski or something like that. He played in Austria and Germany for a while. I juggled with him for a little bit it was way fun. His touch is still way soft and good, I was impressed ha. We are also helping a guy named Willie prepare for baptism. He is really sincere in his desire and its cool to see how he understands the seriousness of baptism and that he wants to be totally ready. We made up a plan on a calendar for him to help him do all the things he needs to to prepare himself.

We also had a pretty cool experience at church. Right before church started these 2 girls in there early 20s walked in and sat down. We were both passing the sacrament so we couldn't go sit by or talk to them. Afterwards I went and sat a couple rows behind them with another investigator. As soon as sacrament meeting was over and I finished talking to the guy next to me the girls stood up and came over and introduced themselves. They said they were just visiting different religions seeing whats good and all and trying to clear up the rumours they've heard about different religions. So I talked to them for a bit then invited them to the gospel principles class we teach. They came and participated and it was way cool. They even decided to stay and go to Relief Society as well. We invited them to institute on Wednesday and we're hoping that they'll come! It was cool to see them there and that they participated so well in everything the whole time.  Our topic in gospel principles was repentance. It was actually a cool topic to teach with them there. And the topic in Sacrament was the Priesthood which was also perfect for them!

The restoration is such a blessing. And another witness that God loves us and is doing all he can so that we have the truth. To do what is described in John 17:3 we need the pure truth. We need continuing revelation. The restoration of the church of Christ with his authority is a necessity.  It is also quite logical if we ask the 3 questions that Elder Callister asked in Oct. 2009. ''First, does God love us as much today as He loved the people to whom He spoke in New Testament times? Second, does God have the same power today as He did then? And third, do we need Him as much today as they needed Him anciently? If the answers to those questions are yes and if God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, as the scriptures so declare, then there is little doubt: God does speak to man today exactly as Joseph Smith testified.''

 

I am very grateful for the Christ and the restoration of his church. I am grateful for the many blessings that are made available through the restoration of the priesthood. If we ask ourselves how our lives would be without the priesthood on the earth, we recognize what a blessing it really is. The fact that the priesthood is on the earth today and we have it in our lives has a very literal effect on us.  It enables us to help others in their journey back to our Eternal Father.

We have a good week ahead of us. We're going to be busy and its going to be tiring and lots of fun. Because thats pretty much how it always is ha. Theres lots of people to help!

I hope you are all doing good. Crazy that the school year is coming to an end already! Be productive in the summer! Use your time to help you grow and others around you.

Hope you have a good week. Be happy!

Love you all,

Elder Puriri

LETTER #77 - NURNBERG

Isaac arrived in his new area the day before mothers day.  He didn't know of a computer where he could skype from so we called him on his cell phone through skype.  We looked up his address on google maps and looked at a photograph of his apartment while we talked to him.  We talked for 2 hours and then he said he needed to go so he could check on the missionaries in his zone.


This was his letter the day after mothers day...


HI family!

It was cool being able to talk to you all yesterday. Seems like everyone is doing pretty good!

I don't really have a lot to say this morning since we just barely talked...

It is cool being able to talk to you all like that though. Its like a boost. I talked to another Elder after on the phone and he told me the same thing. How he feels way boosted after talking to his family and that he wants to be a lot better and do a lot better. I felt the same way. So remember the effect you have. Thank you all for everything. I'm just going to keep this real short because I really can't think of much else and we kind of have a lot to do today. So enjoy the week and be happy!!

Love you all!

Elder Puriri

Letter #76 - Nurnberg

Hello hello!

 

Today begins a new transfer! Transfer calls came on Saturday, they've been doing good on getting them on time. This transfer though I will be spending in Nürnberg! With Elder Durrant. Yes I am leaving Frankfurt. Its always bitter sweet being transferred. I really love the ward here and the people we are working with. I can't even believe I've been here about 6 months. It flew by so quick and now I have to leave. I thanked the ward yesterday for everything and was able to say goodbye to many of them. We didn't have a scheduled eating appointment so as we were leaving the church the bishop's wife grabbed us and asked if we would like to come to lunch. So that was cool being able to be there one last time. I was hoping to stay here for a longer time but Nürnberg will be cool too. I'm excited for whats to come. I hope I was able to learn what I was supposed to learn here and I'm excited to move on and apply the things I've learned in this new area. I've met Elder Durrant once, we talked shortly. I don't really know anything about him though. So I'll tell you about him next week. Nürnberg is in the bayern area though! Its cool serving in all these places I never would have served in had I stayed in Berlin.

 

So yea because of the transfer though I have no idea how to do phone calls on Sunday. I will email you quick on Thursday with that information. New address:

 

Elder Puriri

Wittekindstr.17

90431 Nürnberg

Germany

 

I also did get that first package you sent and the envelope I got today. Thank you all!! I really appreciate the stuff you all do for me.

 

The past week was a pretty good week. Liang and Kimberly are still doing really good and they are making lots of friends in the ward which is awesome to see. We are blessed to work with lots of people who need to feel the love of God and recognize their relationship with him. Like a couple weeks ago we talked to this guy on the street. He was interested in God but thought everything we were saying and believed was a bit ridiculous. He said he would like our book so he can just see and make thoughts about it. So we met with him last week in the church. As we sat and began to talk he explained a little more about what he believed. Then we began with a prayer and Elder Nelson went right into talking about authority. That was not our plan so I was a bit confused. As he kept going it felt good. So we basically taught a short bit about apostasy and restoration and by the end the guy was very sincere and serious in reading the Book of Mormon. It was what the guy needed to hear apparently and it made him seriously consider what we were saying. He started to ask a lot of questions about Joseph Smith and said. If I am supposed to believe this man I need to know about his life; where he was born, what his childhood was like, what kind of a person he was, what he experienced and those things. I want to learn about this person and then it will be easier to understand and know if it is true. If he continues on with an open heart and mind as he studies these things there will be no doubt left in him that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration.

 

I am really grateful for the time I have had on my mission so far. I am grateful for the atmosphere and what is possible for us as missionaries and for the time we can fully commit to the Lord. We are here to serve and help others but we are blessed much more than we often realize from this whole thing. I am seeing the gospel from a whole different point of view now and it is changing my life. It is becoming more and more real to me. I hope to allow this to continually affect me and change me and I know it can do the same thing for every individual who will allow it. 

 

This last week at district meeting right before the closing prayer somebody said something about the spiritual thought and used the word spiritual thought. Then it kind of clicked to me. We use the word 'spiritual thought' quite lightly in the church. You give the assignment for somebody to give the ''spiritual thought'' or you receive the assignment to give the ''spiritual thought''. When we think about it more though we realize how important a spiritual thought is.

 

Spiritual thoughts would come from spiritual minds. To be spiritually minded is life eternal. Life eternal is to know the only true God and Jesus Christ. Spiritual thoughts are steps to being spiritually minded. Which helps us get to know the only true God and Jesus Christ. Which is how we can achieve eternal life. So spiritual thoughts are very important! They should help us to get to know the only true God and Jesus Christ better. They are steps to being spiritually minded. When we are spiritually minded we are focused. We understand better how God and Christ think, thereby getting to know them better. I thought this was really cool. And I thought I would share it with you, so that we remember that spiritual thoughts are more then just a simple assignment or whatever. And that we remember that there are steps to being spiritually minded, and that our spiritual thoughts help us stay focused.

 

Little steps help us reach the big goal! 

 

I hope everyone is doing well. Enjoy the week, be happy! Thank you all for everything.

I love you!

Elder Puriri

LETTER #75 - FRANKFURT

Dear Family,

Another week gone by! ...and I'm 21. I don't really know what to think about that, its kind of unbelievable. I don't feel like I'm 21, maybe I do. I don't know what your supposed to feel like when your 21. Its weird though, I feel old!

Last week was a good week though! Then at the end of this week is transfers. Ridiculous time moves too fast. It would be awesome to stay here in this area, and it'd also be cool to keep a companion for a little longer then one transfer. We didn't have any tausches last week so we got to spend all the time in Frankfurt. It was a lot of fun being able to just work here. We worked a lot with the members which is always good. One member, Sam, is helping translate when we teach Liang. It is lots easier to have him be able to speak mandarin and make sure Liang is getting it all. Liang is starting to learn way faster and is understanding things really well. We are looking forward to the next few appointments we have with him and helping him better understand his relationship with God. We are also working with a girl named Kimberly. She's read tons since we've met and each lesson is very spirit guided. Its been cool to teach her.

On that sunday before church started 2 kids in their early 20s walked into church in normals clothes with backpacks. 2 byu students doing a Europe tour for a couple weeks. One served his mission in Germany, the other in New York spanish speaking. Then during preisthood this guy walked in and sat in the back, so I got up and went back there. He is a Nigerian by birth but grew up in Uruguay, and his name is Blessing! I thought that was pretty cool ha. So he could only speak english and spanish since he has been in Germany for 20 days. He said he got here and asked around where the church was but nobody knew and he finally figured out where it was on the internet. He's been a member for about 7 years now. Then the other elders in our ward had 2 investigators who came but mainly only speak spanish. As soon as preisthood ended the byu kid came over and went off in spanish with Blessing and the other 2 people. Then he translated for them during class! It worked out wonderfully. It was funny and cool that all of them showed up on the same day.

Pday yesterday was moved because of Easter. Easter here closes things on Friday before and Monday after. This morning at the beginning of pday we were able to go to the temple. It was a nice break. We also went to the temple last Wednesday with Shahab and did a temple tour. It was really cool to take him there. As we walked onto the temple grounds there was a totally different spirit. Its kind of just right there in the town but as you walk up the sidewalk out of the town and onto temple grounds everything changes. As we finished the tour and were leaving we didn't want to walk of the grounds back into the town because the feeling is totally different. It was a good experience for Shahab though and it was cool to share that with him.

I am grateful for all the things on a mission. I have never felt more humbled before and had to rely more on God. I always liked the scripture Mosiah 4:11,  throughout my mission though I continually experience it ha.

And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.

Experiencing your own 'nothingness' is usually not your favorite thing. But its been a good thing to experience. Keeps you from getting too reliant on your own skills and whatever else. Plus in the end what can you really accomplish alone? Alone we can't overcome sin or death. If we can't overcome these things we don't come much farther after we die. Then everything we have accomplished in our lives here, has no affect on us. Through Christ ,overcoming these things is possible. Giving us purpose to accomplish things. Helping us along the way through the hard things we encounter. I'm learning to better accept my nothingness. To do my best but to rely on God and recognize that those things that I have done are only because of him. I've experienced too many blessings that have helped me do things to even try to take the credit. Pres. Ninow said a while ago 'There is no limit to the amount of good someone can do when they don't care about who gets the credit''. When we recognize the blessings we have and the things we can accomplish and the help God has given us, burdens are lifted.

Sorry this is kind of short, we still need to get some stuff done before pday is over. I hope everyone is doing good though. Thank you for everything!! Have a good week and be happy!

I love you all

Elder Puriri

LETTER #74 - FRANKFURT

Hello Family!

We had a pretty cool past week. We had a couple tausches which were good experiences and we were able to work a lot more in our own area. We had a cool girl in her 20s just show up to the YSA fhe on monday. She found us on the internet and wanted to come see. So we were able to teach her 3 times actually last week. We gave her the Book of Mormon on Monday night and met again Tuesday night and she had already read from the title page to 1 Nephi 3. We met again on the weekend and she had almost finished 1 Nephi. Its amazing to see the progess somebody can make when they want to. And how much somebodys personal progess depends upon them. Upon what they decide to do to get something. Or what they decide not to do. She is solid though and it will be cool working with her more.

We had a few cool lessons where it again stuck out to me how dependent we are on the spirit. A few lessons where we were really prepared and everything flowed very well and the spirit was very strong. Other lessons where we thought we were prepared then the person would throw something at us we hadn't expected. Then at that point we had no idea what to say. I took a minute to think and just opened my mouth and began and things just came. Ideas, examples, things to say to help the person better understand. I sat there with no idea how I should answer, Elder Nelson looked like he was in the same situation, the member with us was the same. I thought about the promises we have as ordained teachers, said a quick prayer, and just opened my mouth and started to talk. I began talking not really knowing what I should say, but figured it would come while I was talking. And it did! A couple examples came to my mind that were simple to understand and scriptures to help, it was another cool experience. 

I am really grateful that we are not in this work alone. I am also very grateful that God wants to help. He wants his children to receive the gospel. Like in Jacob 5:72, he is laboring with us. When we sit there clueless, his understanding surpasses ours and he knows what to do. If we rely on the spirit it will reveal to us how to minister perfectly to others as Christ does. Sometimes its a little weird to open your mouth and start talking even though you know you have no idea what to say. But its always amazing to see that what to say is given to you. This whole process is very humbling and very real. Without things like this, we wouldn't be able to do this work. God calls and allows 52,000+ young men and women mostly under 25 to go and do this important work. We are not in any way fully qualified teachers who know all the doctrine. Many of us just got out of High School. He qualifies us for the work through the workings of the spirit. We are able to learn and grow as we try to share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. It is an amazing experience. I don't know how else to describe it.

I was thinking this week more about how things depend upon us. I found this quote a while ago that Elder Cook used once. ''There is no chance, no fate, no destiny, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.'' We can affect things much greater then we know. Each of you individually has a power in you that can honestly change the world. The principle of free agency is very powerful. You can choose. You set your whole being on something and you do it. Even when somebody tells you no, or to stop, or its not possible. That seriously doesn't matter. Think about it, when you decide you want to do something, somebody tells you its not possible or no. What do you then do? When I was younger I would think that was it. When somebody said no or whatever that was it. But I would always recognize this like fire in me still burning hard. Not wanting to give up and wanting so much more now to prove it, telling me that wasn't it. Then I thought about it and realized my choice is so much more powerful.

We need to be careful about which direction we determine our soul, or check whether its determined in any direction at all. Because if we don't have a firm resolve and direction, we will be influenced and blown around by the winds of the world so much more then we know. Take time and recognize where your resolve is. Realize the power you have in you. This firm resolve of your determined soul. NOTHING can take that away from you. As we set this firm resolve of our determined souls in line with God our possibilities become much greater, our boundaries are done away with. Our confidence grows and we know we can do anything.

You all have this potential! We are all going through different experiences in life, but that doesn't matter. As we develop this firm resolve and a determined soul all things are possible. A quote from Joseph Smith in PMG says that great things depend on your individual exertion. Gain confidence while doing that which is asked of us by our Heavenly Father, develop this firm resolve of a determined soul, move forward and make these great things a reality. Remember YOU are the only thing holding YOU back. Don't let this be the problem. It is a waste of time. Make the decision now, move forward now, make great things a reality now.

I love you all with all my heart, and I know you all can do this. I pray for each of you every night. Be happy and don't ever doubt yourself or God. For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Elder Puriri

LETTER #73 - FRANKFURT

Hi!

This past week was pretty good. We were busy with zone conference and austausches but it was a ton of fun. We had 3 tausches and zone conference so Elder Nelson and I were only together for zone conference pretty much. It was cool though being able to work with so many different missionaries. It made the week feel like it didn't exist though. We've tausched so much in the last little bit Elder Nelson has been in Frankfurt for like a total of 7 days or something out of like 2 1/2 weeks ha. I feel bad he's always packing and going but thats what happens sometimes when your new in the area. We have lots of time now ahead of us to spend working here in Frankfurt together so I'm excited about that.

We've been working with this chinese kid for the last little while and he's been doing really good. He used to not even believe in God, now he is praying and reading and coming to the youth activities and church. Its been awesome to see the change. His life was filled with stressful problems the last little while. To see how he went to God for help was pretty awesome. He needed a new apartment, he needed a visa renewal, figure stuff out with german class and school, looking for work. Lots of random things that are just frustrating. He lost his public transportation ticket to add to it and his computer wasn't working. Through prayer and diligence in his own efforts he has seen miracles. His computer basically fixed itself, he found his ticket like a few hours after he called us and asked us to look for it in the church. Told us later it has been ''surpising'' how prayer works. Something goes wrong and he can't fix it, so his last resort he goes to prayer. Minutes later he finds his ticket and his computer works. He was hoping for a 3 month visa extension so that he could stay and figure out what he was going to do. He said he prayed the whole time during the discussion with the people and leading up to it and in the end to his total surprise he walked out of there with a year and a half visa extension. He also found a new apartment and moved last weekend. Problems he has been having are slowly being swept out of his way. It has been amazing to see. He has been a great example to me in his faith in prayer and how he applies it in his life. We are excited to continue to work with him and hopefully help him take the next step to come closer to his father in heaven. It has also helped me realize even more how much God cares for each person individually.

Our problems of course are not always simply solved. He does however love each person and cares fully for that individual and their hardships. He will give us the assistance and help we need to make it. He will allow us to struggle. Which hopefully leads us to humility and recognize our reliance on him. Not the other way, to the hardening of our heart, to the doubting that he is there. The bitterness must be avoided. 

I read a cool talk again this last week that I read at the beginning of my mission. It is called Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by Elder Pearson from the April 2009 conference. I would like you all to read it and to think about the 6 Destructive Ds. We need to avoid these things! Discouragement is a waste of time!! It just slows you down. Like on the soccer field. Getting discouraged, or having that self pity on the field. Waste of time, slows you down, you end up doing worse and worse. I dont remember when but I do remember while growing up and making mistakes on the field. Someone told me as soon as I make the mistake, recognize what I should have done, then forget it. Don't let it bother me anymore, don't dwell. Then do better next time! Same in life and in the gospel. Making mistakes and dwelling on them or dwelling on the bad things that happen to us drag us down, draw us away from God. I remember as a freshman not playing as much varsity as I wanted and being super nervous all the time because I would get down on myself or think negatively then Mom told me to stop thinking the way I was at practice on the field. I started thinking more positively and not dwelling and made progress quickly!

In the gospel as we have confidence in ourselves being able to make the right decisions and achieve good things, and have confidence in the atonement of Christ, and the love of God, we will move forward quickly. We will better avoid the destructive things of life, and we will come closer and closer to our father in heaven. Getting to know Him and his son Jesus Christ better and better. Reaching eternal life. John 17:3. 

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Get to know them. Be positive, bring yourself closer to God rather then distancing yourself from him. I have realized, you are the only thing holding you back. I love the things we get from this gospel. I love the knowledge we can receive, I love truth, and I love that I am in control of whatever happens with me.

I hope you are all doing well. Enjoy your week and be happy!

Elder Puriri

LETTER #72 - FRANKFURT

Family!

 

Another General Conference! It is such a blessing we have. I can't believe another one has come and now is already done. I am nervous about how fast the next one will come. We were able to see all the sessions this weekend except the Sunday afternoon one. Elder Nelson and I watched it just barely though before we started emails (which means we also don't have a lot of time now for emails sorry!). Elder Holland explained well why we have conference and how we can get what we need out of it.

One of my favorite talks was from Elder Lynn G. Robbins. About being and doing. We will be happiest in being and doing. The gospel of Christ is being and doing. A thought I had during the first session makes me think about this. Peter was asked by Christ 3 times in a row if he loved him. Each time he answered yes. The next thing Christ said to him was an invitation to do. Feed my sheep. Peter was ''being'' in that he loved Christ, but without doing, it was still questionable. Do we prove better in doing then simply answering yes 3 times?? Both sides must be there for it to have its full effect. And as Elder Christofferson mentioned we are judged also by the final effect of out acts and thoughts. For the final effect to be something of God, inspiring others to do good, we must be doing and being. Doing making the impression, being making it last.

I encourage all of you to act on the simple thoughts and feelings you have to do good. As well as the simple thoughts and feelings you have to change something in order for you to come closer to God. Do not question or second guess. Do not hesitate. There is no need to wait. Act now, be, and you will notice the blessings. If we hesitate and wait, then later decide to act, we will have lost a lot of time we could have used much better. It would be sad to think back and say ''look where I am now, what I have been able to help accomplish. I wonder where I would be had I acted earlier''. Make the best of what you have. Do not complicate things in over thinking or second guessing. If it is good, it is of God. Act and see what else he has waiting for you. In this we will move the blessings of the gospel forward much quicker and spread them to many more people.

I am sorry this is so short but we spent 2 hours watching conference just barely. It was of course worth it.

I am grateful for my Savior. He has made everything possible. Applying what he has given us not only improves every aspect of our lives, but also of everyone elses. Approach things with an eternal perspective.

Have a good week and be happy!

I love you!!

Elder Puriri

LETTER #71 - FRANKFURT

Hi! 

So on Monday last week while Elder Amandoron and I were in the city President Ninow called. He told me quickly he had decided to change some things with transfers. He then told me that Elder Münzer was now going to Heidelberg to serve with Elder Gassman and that I would be getting Elder Nelson. So my new companion is actually Elder Nelson! Elder Matthew Nelson from St. George, UT who I went to High School with ha. Elder Nelson and I didn't know each other very well but we would see each other around and knew who each other were. It’s pretty funny though now when members or other people ask where we are from. They all think its pretty funny. It was a good week last week though and we are looking forward to the transfer.

Last week was good but super busy, we were all over the place. Wednesday was transfer day, then Thursday we had to move. The Elders that take care of the mission apartments got a 3rd elder and their apartment wasn't big enough for all 3 so we traded them apartments. Still same building and all so still same address. Just a new apartment. But that was Thursday and for some reason took a whole lot longer then we expected. Then Friday we went to Wiesbaden and tausched with the Elders there. I was here in Frankfrut with Elder Vail. It was a fun tausch. We were able to get a lot done and I learned a lot from him. Saturday morning Elder Vail and I went to go help Elder Ence. He was going to help somebody move so we went with him. That also took almost all day. There was a baptism in Wiesbaden that night at 6 so we were a little worried about that. Elder Vail was supposed to be there to give a talk but we were still in Frankfurt helping unload a moving van at 330. We met a cool family though and lots of their friends who were helping as well. So we'll keep in contact and hopefully be able to help them develop a relationship to their Heavenly Father and come closer to him through baptism! We rushed home showered, changed, and hoped on a train up to Wiesbaden. Then hurried through town to the Church and came running into the church right at 6! We just walked right into the chapel breathing heavily from running and sat down then the service began! It was a cool baptism though. The man getting baptized had been referred by his friends 3 weeks earlier! He had never even known the church before. In 3 weeks he changed his life, quit smoking, and was baptized. It was pretty awesome.We talked to a lot of people last week who had interesting views on life. Interesting opinions about the purpose of why we are here and the state of humanity. 

I always find it interesting to talk to these people. You can tell pretty quickly about whether or not the person has interest or wants to find out about what you're saying. Sometimes though it’s interesting to hear their arguments or thoughts about something. Often times as you listen you can understand where they are coming from and what they mean. Then you realize their reasoning behind this opinion or thought is a result of the lack of truth in their life. Or I guess the denial of truth in their life.

I fully believe that the acceptance and application of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is the only thing that will solve the problems of the world. There are many quick fixes that will last for a while. Fixing the surface problem. Eventually that quick fix will be stretched or pushed past its effectiveness or depth. Then the problem will be there again. The core is where the changes must happen or where things must be fixed. The core of humanity is the heart of each individual person. The pure gospel of Jesus Christ is the only thing with the power to change or fix the heart forever. Everything else will be a quick fix, which will wear away. Then the person will have to look for another quick fix again. The Gospel however is eternal. It will not go away. Denying this or not accepting it will lead to simply more questions, doubts, pain, and a search for instant gratification or worldly joy. Both of which pass with time, meaning another search for another quick fix. Like elder Packer said, denying these things is like denying gravity. You can go ahead and deny and do what you want. But it is still there, it is still true. Someone’s opinion against or denial of eternal truth will not change a thing. It is simply postponing the inevitable. Close your eyes, turn your back to it, do what you will. The Gospel is still there, it is still true. Eventually each person will have to open their eyes and face the truth.

I wish I could explain this to people sometimes. Each person must be open and ready to hear it though. I have tried a few times but it doesn't click with some people. It’s so simple, and so logical. The simple principles of the Gospel alone are obviously the greatest problem solvers of the world. Repentance, forgiveness, love and charity. The principles like these though are not the things that will enable us to return to our Heavenly Father. For

this he has given us authority to act in his name, the Priesthood. With this things can be done on earth which have effect in heaven. Preparing us and making it possible for us to reach our ultimate goal, to live again with our Father in Heaven. The is the purpose of being here.

All the things we go through here are ways for us to learn and grow. We progress hopefully throughout life, helping others along the way. Pride and Selfishness are the most stupid things. There is no point to put others down, to cheat or lie in order to improve your life now. In order to have more money, a better worldly reputation. You are simply slowing yourself down as well as others. It is sad to see that instant gratification causes so many to deny truth. To see people deny who they truly are, to fall short of their potential. All we can do is our personal best. Making the most progress we can as fast as we can, thereby becoming more and more capable to help others. Moving forward with those around you to that which God has prepared for you and them.

I know I have a lot to learn, and lot more to understand. But I do know that this Restored Gospel which God has given back to us through the Prophet, Joseph Smith, is true. That God honestly loves us, and his son Jesus Christ performed the atonement to make everything possible for us. I am very grateful for these things, and I love them with all my heart. I hope to help others understand these things so that they may receive and embrace the things God is holding ready for them.

I love you all and am grateful for all you do and all that I have been able to learn from you. You can't comprehend the effect you each have had on me in my life. Thank you!! 

Elder Puriri

LETTER #70 - FRANKFURT

Hello! (Picture from yesterday at the Bishop's house. Bishop and Me!)

Another transfer is gone! Another companion is gone ha. Elder Amandoron leaves on Wednesday and I get a new companion. My new companion will be Elder Münzer. He is from northern Germany. We were in the Berlin mission together, and he also served with Elder Killpack. His mom is from Arizona if I remember right. So his English is basically perfect. It will be fun though. 2 basically Germans back to back. I can continue to get good tips on improving my German.

The transfers just pass by its strange. During them and all the days and weeks all the things you do, then all the sudden it’s the last week. This last transfer was good though. We found a lot of cool new people who we can hopefully continue to teach and work with. We were also able to work more closely with the members, which will hopefully only get better. There is a lot to do!! I'm excited to be here in Frankfurt. Especially since its getting warmer, more people will be out, we won't be so layered up, and everyone’s a bit happier! There is a good feeling here. So many people, definitely many being prepared.

Yesterday after sacrament I was walking around talking to members. Right before we left I went and talked to Br. Amelong I think is how his name is spelled. He is the stake patriarch. Its so cool talking to him, he always just tells me different stories about Matthew Cowley and the miracles he was able to perform in New Zealand because of the great faith of the Maori people. The topic in one of our classes was the life of Jesus Christ, and we talked about the story when he walks on water and Peter walks out to him. The topic of discussion turned into faith. So it was cool talking to Br. Amelong about that afterwards as well.

Faith is an amazing thing. As I read talks about Elder Cowley and the things he experienced. And as I read about Christ walking on the sea and Peter walking towards him I thought a lot about faith. Its cool to picture Christ walking towards their boat, then Peter asking to come to him. I can picture him climbing over the edge of the boat and putting his foot down on the water, then the other foot, then letting go of the boat. I can't imagine what he must have felt like. He was walking on water! His faithwas powerful. As we read though the waves and the winds picked up and he became afraid and began to sink. There are many lessons we can learn from this but keeping it simple is that with faith anything is possible.

Peter being courageous enough and trusting enough in Christ climbed over the edge of the boat and stepped onto water with the full belief that he would be able to stand on it. How cool is that! That seems to me like it would have been the hardest part. To actually put your feet down on the water and let go of the boat. Once you're on the water and walking your set. You are walking on water! In that alone your faith is confirmed and the reality of the power of it. When the winds pick up and the waves as well remember simply that you're walking on water. Have confidence in that and in the one in whom you have set your faith. There is no need to doubt or worry, because you are standing on water! You can continue walking towards your Redeemer with the full trust that these winds and waves will not cause you to sink. Keep your eyes set on Christ as you walk across the water. Looking away at the wind tossing the sea will simply cause worries, as you stare and dwell on the thought that the winds and waves are becoming stronger you will begin to doubt you will really be ok. Why even doubt though, you are standing on water!!! Push doubts aside with the assurance that through your faith in Christ you are walking on water, and that because of that he can help you do anything, withstand anything, and overcome anything. I haven't finished my study on that story yet, maybe tomorrow or so. It’s so cool though. I want to strengthen my faith like my Maori ancestors.

Sorry this is short, Elder Amandoron has got to go run a few more errands.

I love you all though!! Thank you for everything. Enjoy the week and love everyone!!!

FAMILY STAYS CONNECTED DESPITE LAND AND SEA

While reading through letter #69 it is clear to me that our minds and souls are connected even though we are physically apart. It's spring and that means soccer season in the Puriri household.  I think Isaac is feeling a bit of soccer fever as he continues his missionary service and compares the work of a missionary to the work of a soccer player.  His words will be a great benefit to his brothers as they work towards a successful season.  

Isaac speaks of the power of work.  Ammon gave a talk in sacrament meeting on Sunday.  His topic was blessings that come through scripture study.  Ammon focused on a few character traits that can be learned in the scriptures and then if applied can bring great blessings.  One of those scriptures was 2 Nehpi 9:51

Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.  

Ammon's focus of this scripture was "do not labor for that which cannot satisfy" and the blessing that comes from "feasting" on work is that "our soul will delight in fatness."  Isaac rejoices in the "fatness".

Every Sunday when I send Isaac an email I include a spiritual thought.  This week my spiritual thought was on the subject of success being an endless journey (see below).  Isaac speaks of this as he explains how once "you obtain possession of the ball you do not stop and say 'I won'.  Instead you have created more work for yourself and it is satisfying to delight in that work.

This morning the spirit speaks to my soul that even though we are separated by land and sea the waves of our brain flow on the same current and the beat of our heart pumps at the same speed.  One more reassuring factor that we are spiritual beings having a human experience.  I accept that we are connected to our Heavenly home and that Heavenly Father is very aware of the needs of our family.  It is such a blessing to have a son serving a mission in a most diligent and obedient fashion.      

It is the whole story of a man's life that must ultimately determine whether or not he is successful, and not any single page or chapter of it.  And there are none so young but what their performance has its effect upon the whole of their lives, and none so old as to place them and their actions beyond judgment.  A little foolishness may destroy a long-standing reputation for wisdom, and a little brilliance may seem to cover a multitude of sins.  But life is not a thing that begins and ends at two definable points.  It is an eternal journey, to endless destinations; and the highest reward is for consistency of performance--not merely for occasional flashes of brilliance, or isolated acts of goodness, or brief periods of dependability.  It is still true, as it was when it was anciently spoken, that he "that endureth to the end" has the greatest assurance of success and the greatest promise of having the labors of his life pronounced "well done." -Richard L. Evans