Also, Monday November 12, 2012

Sent From Brother Wright:

He's doing great! Took them golfing today :)

Monday November 12, 2012

This last storm didn't affect us personally.  It knocked down a few trees though and this last saturday we helped cut up part of a MASSIVE Black Oak.  This coming saturday we'll be cutting up the rest of it and starting on another Black Oak and a White Oak.  Good burning wood from what I've been told.

We had an awesome week this week.  The Lord blessed us with four new investigators.  Chrissy and her two sons Thomas (11) and Christopher (9).  She also has two daughters Brook and Alyssa who are of Baptismal age that we wish to start teaching soon.

We knocked into Chrissy early in the transfer and never made it back to see her.  The night we met her was homecoming night and she was busy getting the oldest daughter ready for the dance so we just left it at that.  When we went back we taught them the Restoration and talked about Joseph Smith being a Prophet.  After sharing James 1:5 with them, Thomas told us exactly what it meant.  He's 11!  That was totally awesome.  Then we shared the First Vision.  He said, "If its true.  Then God still speaks.  And I want to know.  Can it happen again?"  It was amazing to hear him ask that question.  His mind and heart are open to the gospel and the Holy Ghost.  Here's the kicker.  We asked how they thought it would feel if the Holy Ghost answered their prayers.  Thomas and Christopher described perfectly the promptings of the Holy Ghost without any help from us or their mother.

They were a total blessing from the Lord.

The next one is Chris.  He's 19.  Chris is the grandson of a couple of members.  He hasn't been active in a church for several years.  Church kept getting forced upon him and he just pushed back and turned away from it completely.  He came to church sunday.  One of our speakers was a young man who leaves wednesday morning to go to the MTC.  He talked about repentance and striving to change.  Chris thought about how he though it was too late for him, but then he heard that repentance is possible.  He wants to change his life.  He's on date for baptism now.  Another great blessing.

I don't speak a lot in church actually.  I've only had to give one talk since coming out and that was in Hagerstown.  It was on caring for the poor and needy.  I've born a lot of testimonies though.  I love bearing my testimony.  I want you to bear your testimony this coming fast sunday.  I'll do it too.  It'll be cool.  Dad.  You bear yours also.  Oh hey.  Why doesn't everyone who reads this post to the blog bear their testimony.  It'll be fun.

I miss Grandpa too.  I want to go to the cemetery when I get home so that I can see it.  him and Jay.  The Lord was ready for them both to be on the other side.  I think I've felt Grandpa comforting and strengthening me from time to time.  He took care of me there and he's taking care of me here.

I have a testimony of Obedience.  This week our blessings came only because we were being exactly obedient.  The credit for any accomplishment like this isn't ours.  Its the Lords.  Its his world.  Its his work.  Its his credit.  I know that Christ is the ultimate example of obedience.  Knowing that his mission was to atone for the sins of the world, he didn't shrink when he drunk from the bitter cup.  He submitted fully to laws of his father.  I testify that he is the savior.  This I bear in the name of him.  Even the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Christofferson

"Feed my sheep..."

Monday November 5, 2012

There actually wasn't a lot of damage from Hurricane Sandy.  A couple of roads flooded and some trees knocked down, but nothing too serious.

We only got rain.

I'm not sure what the temperature was.  We weren't that cold.  We turned the heater on and warmed up the apartment in the case that the power knocked it out in the night.

The sun is shining now, but its cooling down.  I wish it wasn't.

There hasn't been much service we can render.  We're cutting up some trees on saturday though.

There isn't much you can do to help except continue praying for the recovery of those that got it the worst in Jersey and New York.

I love hearing conversion stories.  I've heard a lot while I've been out here.  They're so cool.  I think the best one I've heard has been Koko's.  I'll have to tell you that one when I get home, because its a long one.

By the way.  My old Mission President.  President Belliston is now in the Boise Idaho Temple Presidency.  I was doing back flips when I found out.  Okay.  Not really.  I probably would have landed on my head and come home with a spinal injury.

This week wasn't a very eventful week for us because of the Hurricane.  We mostly followed up with people about how they were doing.

I met a lady who isn't an active member of the church anymore.  She told us about her conversion and callings in the church.  Shortly after she joined she received a Stake calling and held one till she became a counselor in the Ward Primary Presidency.  We heard her testimony and about the way she used to prepare to teach.  The spirit was so strong as we sat there and listened.  She told us that when she moved into the area she was headed to church for the third or fourth time and pulled into the parking lot and then said to herself, "What're you doing?  Why are you even here?  Just leave."  She then made a decision that has changed her life.  She drove out of the parking lot and told herself that she was never going to return to church.  Since that day she's never set foot in any church anywhere in the world.  It was rough.  I knew exactly the way that I would address that thought with a less active member of the church.  I knew exactly what to say to her.  But I couldn't say it.  I just couldn't do anything.  My companion, the Branch President, and I walked out of that house feeling defeated.

As I reflected on that experience I realized that I can't worry about those who have or claim to have a testimony of the church.  I knew that applying what I've come to learn spirit to spirit is the most important.  Partaking of the sacrament, reading my scriptures, praying to my heavenly father, keeping the commandments of God.  I believe that strengthening myself first will bring about the ability to strengthen others around me.  But looking to solve everyone else's problems or what I think are their problems wont do any good at all.

I sincerely know that Jesus of Nazareth is the Savior of the world.  He is the light of the world as he so declared two thousand years ago.  I've read and listened to the words and I believe them.  I've had testimony born to me by the spirit.  And as a result, it has become my testimony.  "When thou art converted, strengthen they brethren."  I testify of the scriptures.  That they're true.  I testify of Prophets.  That they live.  I testify of our Father in heaven.  That I love him.  I testify of families.  They are ordained of God.  I love mine dearly.  I bear this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

"Feed my sheep..."

Elder Christofferson

October 30, 2012 (late entry)

Hello from the forefront of Hurricane Sandy!  This is Elder Christofferson with your Hurricane update.  The Hurricane has ravaged the majority of the east coast and is currently moving north at a steady rate.  Those in the Northern Virginia are have been able to escape with surprisingly little damage to homes or people.  There are many who's homes lost trees and blocked driveways including a loss of power for brief periods of time, but still no recorded injuries to report.  Back to you!

Okay.  I'm done being an idiot.  I'm fine mom.  We were locked down in our apartment all day yesterday by order of President Richards, but like I said.  We're fine.  I sent you a few pictures.  Elder Dahl and I bored out of our wits and watching church video's on our church provided mini dvd player.  We never lost power to our place.  Today is freezing cold.  We finally had to wear suits since its so cold.  I took one of mine in to get it dry cleaned since it hasn't had it for months.

We're going to be doing a lot of service soon.  No doubt about that.  We've already been called to help out with a couple of downed trees in the coming days.  I'm not going to be able to email long since we have to get going soon.

I want to finish with my testimony though.  I know that the Lord works in everything.  That his will is brought to pass in every situation.  This hurricane brought many people closer together.  I just wish that the storm had hit in the summer so that I could have gone out in it.  I testify that Jesus Christ is our savior.  That he is our Master and our Teacher. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

"Feed my sheep..."

Elder Christofferson

Monday October 22, 2012 (late entry)

1.  My companion is a nice guy.  He's been out for 15 months.  He'll fly back to Nevada but then probably go off to college.  He wants to finish his masters is Engineering Management.

2. Yes. It is as Beautiful as you think it is.  We're going to try to go to Woodstock Towers and take a picture of the valley today.

Hello from Woodstock.  I love it here.  We've got a beautiful valley and good weather right now.  No we don't go trick or treating.  We don't even go out after 7 on Halloween night.  We find a members house and hang out with them while we hand out candy.

I can't wait for Klynton to get his mission call.  I want to know where he goes.  I might not see him before he leaves either.

If we were to sit there and think about how many things are commandment then we'd be shocked.  In D&C 42:14 it says  "And the Spirit shall be given unto you ^aby the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the ^bSpirit ye shall not teach."  Shall is used in the Imperative form of the word.  Its not saying "If you don't have the spirit you might not teach" or "you won't teach well" or "Good luck you're on your own".  It says "If you don't have the Spirit, I FORBID you to teach.  You're not allowed to teach.  Don't you dare do it!"  Commandment.  Elder Holland taught that to the missionaries a few years ago and Its a lesson that will never change.

We taught a man this last week named Hal Sharp.  Hal is a historian.  Civil War.  He's also Lutheran.  A few years ago Hal told his congregation (While he was the President) "I don't think Jesus is in this church, so neither am I." and never went back.  Missionaries met Hal and his wife a couple months ago doing service.  After a couple more service opportunities they agreed to talk with us about the church.  So we did.  Hal ate up the Restoration.  We did service again on thursday.  We went to lunch and had a chance to talk about parts of the Plan of Salvation.  He acted as if it was what he was looking for all along.

I saw the spirit work in his heart and open his mind to the fullness of the gospel.  I saw the Restoration bless him with hope and faith that maybe there is more out there.  It was amazing to see it happen.

I have a testimony of Restored Truths.  That they are here.  I testify that God has not abandoned us to be on our own and in darkness or confusion.  I'm grateful for the gospel and the blessings that it brings.  If you have ever taken any of the challenges from the missionaries or the leaders of the church to heart and tried them you've gained an answer of the truth for yourselves.  If you say that you haven't then you didn't try hard enough.  Go back and do it again.  I testify that Jesus is the Christ.  He lives.  I do so in his name.  Even Jesus Christ.  Amen.

"Feed my sheep..."

Elder Christofferson

October 15, 2012 (late entry)

The news about the new missionary age has sparked a ton of people to action.  I hope it'll work out for all of them.  A young lady in our branch has decided to serve a mission.  She's terrified.  I think she started her papers yesterday.  It'll be good for her though.

Its been good to think about the things the general authorities have said this last conference.  If you haven't listened to any of it then you should.  Especially Elder Holland's talk.  I highly encourage it.

I bear testimony of the Savior.  That he lives.  That he's blessed us in so many ways that we can't number them, but we can sure try.  I know that he was born of humble circumstances and fulfilled the prophecies of the old testament times.  I know that he is my Redeemer.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

"Feed my sheep..."

Elder Christofferson

October 1, 2012 (late entry)

The leaves are starting to change here.  If I find out about you coming anywhere near Woodstock (Yes Woodstock.  I'm getting transferred this Wednesday.  Thats the one Branch with Brother Wright.  The author of the Christmas Jar.) 

 You know.  Its funny.  Since I came on my mission I've met a lot of people who think they're scary.  I still think that Dad, Molly, and Shidoshi are still the scariest people I've ever met in my life.  I at least know who they are and what they can do.  We had a 16 year old kid tell us last week, "Your church wouldn't want me!  I pack a 9 millimeter around!"  I pointed out to him that our church has baptized Military Snipers.  He got real quiet real fast. (True story)

No.  We didn't get to go to the temple.  President Richards requested that we try to find a community service project in Front Royal.  I hope I get to go before I come home also.  The District Leaders companion is the District Monkey.  It means I have double the responsibilities since he's taking care of half a million other things.

 I had a dream the other night that I got a call from the Church Office Building telling me that I'm going to be returning home and being trained to be Elder Bednar's secretary.  I woke up screaming.

I want to close with my testimony.  I've talked a lot about families this week.  I talked a lot about the sealing keys with many people and was able to bear at least in a small way about eternal families.  I do know that God wants us to all be together forever.  I know that those powers and keys have been restored through a Prophet.  I testify most of all of Jesus Christ.  That he lives.  I bear my testimony and knowledge of these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

"Feed my sheep..."

Elder Christofferson

Monday September 24, 2012 (late entry)

I come to you after a very crazy week and facing an even crazier one this coming week.  Things are changing in our mission more drastically and more rapidly than any of us had ever anticipated.  This last week we were so busy that we missed eating a couple of nights.  Elder Brown and I were so tired that we ended up crashing right after planning instead of doing our usual nightly routines.  This week we have a ton going on.  Dinner with the stake president on the southern border of our area tonight.  I'll be on exchanges with the Spanish Missionaries tomorrow.  Wednesday we have to go out to Petersburg to interview the investigator of the Sister Missionaries and work there all day long by order of President Richards.  Thursday we have Weekly planning till noon.  Lunch with Sister Parish at noon.  We leave for Luray at three and work down there all day long.  Friday Elder Brown goes to leadership training and I'll be working in Berryville all day with Elder Salazar. (Who's brother or cousin is a spanish Missionary in the Little Rock Arkansas mission) Saturday we have a day of service with the ward somehow, except that they're going to the temple that day instead of doing the day of service. (They've been doing service the entire month) Sunday is fast sunday and our chance to slow down.  All I know is that our week is swamped.  Since I'm the District Monkey again I feel like I'm a secretary now.  Scheduling appointments, tracking calendars, following up with members and investigators.  I never want to be a secretary or assistant to an executive EVER.

It did feel good to be in the tree.  Except the boot spikes I was wearing weren't attached tightly enough to my legs so they ended up hurting halfway up the tree.  Then I had to cut the limb and get down without killing myself.  Not easy.  If I did that everyday for a week I'd probably lose about fifty pounds.  Service has been one of my favorite parts of my mission.  I get to help everyone.

President Packer is one of my heroes.  He teaches the doctrine so much more simply and straight forward than most people.  He's a very bold individual.  Which is good in the world today.  It'll be a sad day for many of us when he passes.  But I'm sure the Lord will need him there when that time comes.  I was once told that "Every temple built, weakens Satan's power." Don't know if thats actually doctrine, but I like the sound of it.

 Everyone out here is excited that I'm going to be going to college as soon as I get home.  I heard that when Elder Bednar addressed the Stake Presidents, Bishops, and Branch Presidents of the Wards and Branches within the boundaries of the Washington D.C. North and South and Maryland Baltimore Missions he told them that unless someone within their stewardship hates them they aren't doing their jobs right.  Thats how it is with everyone.  A lesson I've learned time and again is that we should be honest and sometimes that honesty offends someone.  Time to get over it.  Move on.  Git er done. (I hear that phrase more out here than I ever have before) 

Jimmy is doing fine.  He's still a nut, but he's growing.  He still thinks that he needs to know the Doctrine and Covenants forwards and backwards before he gets baptized.  President Richards talked to him about it though. (We had stake conference this weekend) I think Jimmy will be able to overcome his issues though.  I learned a valuable lesson from him this week.  I've heard it before, but for some reason it rang so much more true to me.

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we'll ever do.  We never want to do it either and many of us just feel that we cant.  "pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you"  It is my humble prayer that we all learn to forgive a little bit more.  In the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Post this to the blog also. http://mormonchannel.org/mormonmessages?v=1839005837001

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"Feed my sheep..."

Elder Christofferson

Monday September 17, 2012

More Pictures!  I've already repented of the first three so don't worry about it.  The last one is of Elder Brown and I at a Luau we found in Luray.  Its a branch that we go down and help with from time to time. Its amazing to see an older brother ordain a younger brother to the Melchizedek Priesthood.  I can only imagine what it would be like for a son to do it for his father like Elder Bednar did for his dad.  I don't blame Tyson for not wanting to come home.  Our mission has about four Missionaries with either a sibling or a cousin on a mission in Little Rock Arkansas.  I'm still trying to gather names.  One of them may have been Tyson's companion.  I'll have to email him and find out.  Teancum is still a legend in our mission because of his name.  So many legends in the MBM. I can't wait to see Braxton again.  I can then go back to being "Uncle Jesse".  Did I tell you that Cooter lives just in our Mission Boundaries?  When I found that out I nearly did back flips.  He goes to Luray a couple of times a week to drive laps at the fair grounds in the General Lee.  Braxton sounds like he's doing awesome.  Everyone asks if I have any nieces or nephews.  I tell them that I have one and that he's awesome.  I love that little guy. Thanks for checking out housing for me.  I trust that you'll have everything in order.  I've been so overwhelmed with spiritual feelings and experiences this week that its not even funny. My schedule is never the same from day to day.  This week we did service for two full days.  One was as you can see in the pictures cutting limbs off trees after which we mowed a lawn.  Then saturday we went and moved a deep freeze for our bishop and then moved a couple that is going through a separation.  We had to move both of them out of the house and into different ones.  Very emotionally taxing on the couple and their kids.  This last months we've been so busy that unless we have a dinner with a family we don't get to eat till we get home.  Its a good feeling to be constantly busy.  I ended up giving that Joseph Smith eternity ring to a less active member in my last who ended up deployed to Afghanistan.  We had taught him a lesson using it when we first met him and got him to come to church for the first time in over twenty years.  The lessons you can apply to different things are so amazing.  I figured that it would be a good reminder to him about what he's looking towards these days. Anyways.  We've had an interesting week with our investigators.  Jimmy has some trials that have him really stressed out, but we're going over tonight to try and help him through some of them and provide him with a few things to build his faith.  William and Jennifer had to take their two year old daughter in for surgery this week.  She was born with some heart problems and was going in to have them corrected.  We've done more praying for our investigators this week than we ever had before. I have a testimony of prayer.  We've been the answer to it at least twice this week.  Its been good to know that the Lord called us to do the work that others couldn't.  I've spent many hours this week on my knees and never have I felt so tall and strong than when I turned to our Heavenly Father.  I know that he does hear our prayers and he does answer them.  Of this I humbly testify in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen. "Feed my sheep..."

September 10, 2012

Tell Cameron that I'm not trunky.  It sounds like a quote from him.  If you keep talking about trunkyness then I'll end up that way so STOP MENTIONING IT!!!  Jeez.  When will people learn.

I don't know if that date is for sure.  I've been told that by one of my Zone Leaders who is also going home with me.  Okay.  Just got a message from President Richards.  My group does go home December 18.  It'll be strange.  DON"T MAKE ME TRUNKY!!!  No trunky packages!  Kadee and Kayla!  This means you!   I'm told that the people in the church office building bend over backwards for family.  Also Elder Koelliker is coming and I could just write a letter and have him give it to Elder Christofferson for me expressing my desire to meet him after I get home and see what he says.  Ya never know.  Calm down Kadee.  You'll get the chance to meet them someday.  I'm sure of it.  I've been thinking about visiting him from the day that I went in the MTC.  I'd love to meet all of the Apostles, but I don't think that that will ever be possible.  I've met Elder Andersen and Elder Hales already that I know of and can remember.  I've met Elder Allan Packer.  The Eldest son of President Packer.

We were a little affected by the storm.  We mowed a lawn in it.  I'll have to steal Elder Brown's Camera and send you pictures of it.  We looked like drowned dogs.

Anyways.  This week we were able to visit with some great people.  William and Jennifer is an awesome couple.  William used to play on the Defensive Tackle for the Raven's Practice team.  Jennifer is his Fiance.  They're asking us all sorts of questions that link directly back to the Book of Mormon and its given us a unique chance to get them to want to read it.

We've also taught Jimmy.  He was on date for September 22 to be baptized, but we realized that Jimmy has been pushed so much by missionaries that he hasn't wanted it as badly as before.  We were able to sit down and tell him that if he wants it then its his and we were there to help him.  Jimmy asked to move the date back till he finishes to Book of Mormon and learns more about the church.  We putting together the most unique lessons just for Jimmy now.

I know that listening is more important that talking.  I get it now dad.  "Eyes and ears.  The mouth has nothing to do with it."  I wish I'd learned that sooner.  I get to listen to people all day long and learn to understand them.  I know thats how our father in heaven is.  He listens.  I pray that we will be able to learn to listen also.  I bear testimony of the savior.  He lives.  He speaks AND listens.  I know this and testify of it in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

"Feed my sheep..."

Elder Christofferson

September 4, 2012

I knew my anticipated date of release in the MTC.  It was supposed to be for CHRISTMAS DAY.  Thats not the case.  The church doesn't allow Elders to be out for three Christmas'.  They just don't do that.  Instead we go home December 18th.  Does that answer your question?  I need more college details so that I can inform President Richards of whether or not I need to move the date up.  I never told anyone a date because I don't want anyone getting trunky during the last months and weeks of my mission.  Trunkiness is an infection.  I do have one request to make though.  I want to stop at the Church Office Building on the way home from the airport. There is a missionary in my mission who's little brother is serving in the Arkansas Little Rock Spanish speaking mission also.  Small world.  Very small world.  My current companion's older brother served in Little Rock many years ago. I know very well the difference between bold and overbearing.  I've met many former investigators who have said they want nothing to do with the church because of overbearing missionaries.  I'm bold when I need to be and I say only what needs to be said.  It does no good telling an investigator "Unless you join this church your life will be hell."  No you tell them "Joining this church is going to bring you such great blessings in your life.  Knowing that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith is and was a Prophet will bring eternal happiness for you and your family."  Then you bear testimony of the Savior's love.  I've only ever been overbearing once and because I did that I'll be help accountable because that person threatened the missionaries when they went back later.  You teach boldly because you love them.  Not overbearing because you want a baptism.  Anyone planning on serving a mission who's reading this blog or will read it in the near future better learn that lesson now, because its a hard one to learn once on a mission. We haven't seen Dave since we met him.  We haven't been able to get down to Luray. If we're lucky we get to go to the temple before we come home.  Usually those that go home at the beginning of January don't get to because the temple is closed for cleaning.  I might not get to because we'll probably be going to the mission home on a Monday.  We'll have to see what happens though.  I'm honestly trying to take more pictures before I come home. We hiked to the top of Harpers Ferry yesterday and studied on the Mountain as a Zone.  It was a pretty good hike.  It had a great view.  I'll try to get the pictures the Zone leaders took of the group.  My battery died after a couple of them. Remind me to give you a copy of the Divine Companionship when I get home. I'm going to close with my Testimony.  I know that Jesus Christ lives.  That he loves all of us.  I know it because I've felt it.  I'm not a perfect person, but Christ helps me out where he see's that I need it.  Never forget that.  I bear you this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen. "Feed my sheep..." Elder Christofferson

August 27, 2012

I'm absolutely loving Front Royal.  This is quickly becoming my favorite area.  The women here are the same as the men.  Sister Stickley is probably the sweetest sister in the ward.  I opened the door to her car for her and she said, "Well aint you a right gentleman!"  I said, "Momma raised me to be a gentleman and dad forced me."  "Well thank ya son!" was her response.  I love the people here.

I'm still spoiled and don't have to ride my bike.  I get a car all the time and I'll use it where I can.

I'm not worn out I'm just wearing out.  Maybe this'll put it into perspective.  President Hinckley said that he felt like a sign he saw on a barbwire fence in texas.

Burned out by sun.
Washed out by flood.
Ate out by Jack Rebbits.
Sold out by Sheriff.
Still here.

I feel the same.  And I'm happy to still be here.  D&C 123: 12, 13, 17  says
"12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are ^ablinded by the subtle ^bcraftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to ^cdeceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they^dknow not where to find it—

 13 Therefore, that we should waste and ^awear out our lives in bringing to light all the ^bhidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—

 17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us ^acheerfully ^bdo all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the ^csalvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

I saw a rebel flag license plate that says "Not hate, herritage" the other day.  It was hilarious.  I wanted it.

My new companion is awesome.  Elder Brown from Ft. St. John British Columbia Canada.  He used to drive a service truck on the Al/Can Highway for people who's tires would blow out.  He likes Jeeping.  I told him that if he comes to visit me in Utah that we'd take him to Moab so that he can see what real Jeeping is like.  He kind of reminds me of KJ.  I'll have to send pictures of him later.  In the Front Royal are we have us and Elder and Sister Carlson who also do a lot of work in a Branch just down the road from us.  We have a total of Six Companionship's in our district.  There is Front Royal (us), Luray (Carlson's), Petersburg (Sisters Walker and Sorenson), Woodstock (Elders Dahl and Holden), Wichester Spanish (Elders Holm and Occasio) and Shenandoah Valley the Zone leaders (Elders Mace and Tiatia)  Its a big district.  Zone Conference is once a quarter.

So we went with the Carlson's to Luray on friday to help them with some Proselyting.  While we were there we got a call from a member who said he had a referral for us.  We went and taught Dave.  It was the most BOLD lesson I've ever taught to anyone, but he understood perfectly what we were talking about and he understood that everything he thought he knew or did about Christianity hung on our lesson.  He said that we flipped his world upside down and that he was going to read the Book of Mormon and find out if we really were telling the truth because he doesn't lie to anyone and he doesn't like being lied to.  I was about to die from sheer terror.  I was thinking, "Oh shoot.  I messed up big time.  I've completely blown our chances of teaching this guy again", but as we were wrapping up our lesson I couldn't help but feel calmed by the spirit and I just knew that I did everything I was supposed to do.  I knew that if I had sugar coated anything to him that he would never find out the truth nor would he want to find out the truth.

I want to bear my testimony that our Father in Heaven is bold with us.  Any other way and we wouldn't get the message.  He tells us what we need to hear and it always works out even if its not what we need to hear.  I know that he loves us enough to hurt us.  We grow from it.  We learn from it.  If we aren't willing to do whats necessary when we're in the situation to do it then God's purposes wont come to pass.  I bear you this in the Holy name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.


Elder Christofferson

"Feed my sheep..."

New Companion August 22, 2012

Got a new companion today.  His name is Elder Brown.  He's from Fort St. Johns, British Columbia Canada

Monday August 20, 2012

 I've finally reached that phase in my mission where I'm starting to feel a little worn out.  I feel like a baby about it though because this last week I met a man who's been a Branch President here for ten years.  Talk about burned out.  He was called when the Branch was first formed and has done it since then.  Did I mention that everyone in Virginia is just a Good ol Boy or Gal?  That's what everyone out here is like.  I love Virginia.  MOST people are polite here.  Except for the media referral we got one day.  We went to see him and as soon as I stepped out of the car he said, "You can get back in that car and drive off my property."  I told him who we were looking for then he said the same thing.  Both times in probably the most colorful language I've heard while as a Missionary.  Oh well.  There must be opposition in all things.  If there wasn't, righteousness couldn't be brought to pass in this life.  One of these days he'll come to understand though.  Other than him this place has some very polite people.

Dang.  I was hoping that my Christmas Present when I got home would be an iPhone 4s.  Just kidding.  I'll buy my own phone once I save up enough money for it.  Thanks mom.  If you find any information about room mates let me know so that I can have my contacts pull up background information on them.  I want to know if I'm going to be rooming with any possible serial killers.  Just kidding.  But for real.  Let me know.

If you buy a car.  Don't buy it from the Missions in the church.  They may be sold cheap, but they've had so much stop and go traffic that its a terrible car.

Sister Richards takes a lot of pictures.  I think its because she's a mom and that's what she does.  We'll have to see about me ending up in more pictures.  I can't make any promises though.

So I've found out that Horse owners in Maryland and Virginia are haters.  They keep referring to Arabians as "the Brainless Wonders".  Just because they're more intelligent than the owners and trainers.  Oh well.  I met a lady who has some show horses.  She likes to pick on me for dad's family owning and training Arabs in the past.

I don't have any cool stories to tell this week, but I will close with my testimony.

I know that this church is true.  No doubt about it.  I testify of the Savior.  I testify of Apostles and Prophets.  I know this church and its members hold the priesthood.  I testify of these things in the name of the savior.  Jesus Christ.  Amen.

"Feed my sheep..."

Elder Christofferson

Monday August 13, 2012

I didn't get very many emails this week.  Last week I had tons of them.  Oh well.  I'm happy to see that YOU survived the Christofferson Family Camp Out.  Now how about the rest of the family?  Who's year was it to get hurt this year? We're not going to count baptisms before they occur.  Just saying.  Klynton will be a good Missionary.  I have no doubt of that.  The sooner that he gets out the better.  It'll be good to see him at his homecoming.  I'm guessing that he's going to Brazil or Germany.  No wait!  Boise.  Then he'll get to serve in the Mission that President and Sister Belliston live in. So here's my current plan (I'm not trunky) for college.  Get my associates done at snow and then see what happens.  Depending on what my options are I might transfer to Boise State for business school to work on an MBA in Marketing and Finance.  We'll have to see what ends up happening.  All the Missionaries out here are trying to convince me to go to BYU-I.  Not going to happen right now, but we'll see.  Associates first then next step.  But yes I'll want an institute class.  President Monson said that it should be made a priority and I've enjoyed learning about the scriptures and the gospel so I figure that I'll follow the Counsel given by the Prophet.  I'm going to apply anywhere that I can in Ephraim and the surrounding area's.  If need be I might see if I can get Troy to help me out at one of the Mavericks.  Not a guarantee, but its an option.  Thats the plan for now. I love Front Royal.  DON"T YOU DARE COME VISIT  ME WHEN YOU'RE OUT THIS WAY!!!  >:(  If you do then I'll never forgive you and it won't be a full Mission experience.  I'll get too trunky and thats not fair to my companions.  Front Royal is so Redneck that I definitely stick out.  I decided to embrace my Redneck Utah Mormon roots though so I've started wearing a hat with a Rebel Flag on it.  I'll have to show it to you when I get home. So this week we went to Baltimore for Mormon Family Night at Camden Yards.  The Orioles stomped the Royals 7-1.  It was a good game.  I watched more this year than I did last year.  We ended up spending the night in Essex Maryland because the family that brought us didn't want to drive back home that night.  It was awesome. We were able to teach our investigator Nathan this last week.  It was amazing to hear most of his concerns.  He has so many worried that the gospel can help him with and we're excited to share them with him. I know that this gospel is true and can calm a troubled heart and mind.  I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and redeemer.  That he is the Living Son of the Living God.  I know that he takes care of us and that is something that I cherish.  I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen. "Feed my sheep..." Elder Christofferson

Monday August 6, 2012

I haven't been able to get any good pictures to send home yet in this area because we're always in a hurry and rarely do we ever stop for anything.  I think we stop to eat and sleep, but I can't remember half the time.   I haven't been able to do any kata lately, because my companion is on this tennis kick right now and you can't really play tennis by yourself.

This last week was a blessing though.  We were able to find and teach three new investigators.  The first is a guy named Merlin.  He went to church two weeks ago with the Missionaries in Berryville.  They weren't able to give him a Book of Mormon so he just downloaded it onto his phone.  By thursday when we taught him he said, "I haven't gotten very far yet.  I think my next book is Enos."  We were in shock.  Five day and already on the book of Enos.  The next one was a referral from some members from England.  His name is Nathan.  Nathan is dating a less active member and says that he wants to get married to her in a church so he suggested hers.  Not realizing that she was doing missionary work she said that they couldn't be sealed until a year after he was baptized.  He said, "Well lets hurry.  I want to go as soon as possible."  We were in shock again.  The last one was a guy named Jim.  He'd met with missionaries once before, but then went on a road trip for a couple of weeks.  When he got back we called him up.  Taught him the Restoration, invited him to be baptized and he said yes.  It was an awesome week.  Many blessings were received.

Don't worry about me getting sick.  It happens about once a month during the winter months, but I'm able to push through it usually.

I want to close with my testimony.  I know that Missionary Work is the lifeblood of the kingdom.  We give up our families for two years so that others can have theirs for eternity.  God the Father and Jesus Christ live.  They watch over us.  I testify of Prophets alive.  Not just something to be thought of as outdated and of the past.  I know these things of myself.  I know them by the Spirit.  I testify of them in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

"Feed my sheep..."

Elder Christofferson