Hello to everyone,
Well everyone that time has come that now I am on my way to being done. Today is my last official day in the mission. I am excited but I am going to miss my mission too much. I know Jeffery R. Holland says he would wrestle anyone who thinks he loves his mission more than he did but I am willing to do that ha ha. I have loved my mission so much and I feel I have grown so much. Mission has been an experience of a life time and more.
Well to start out I want to thank my whole family, Sara, Liz, Mona, Janet, Catia, Emily, Trent and others (sorry so many) who have kept in touch with me this whole time. The letters and everything sent from everyone I truly appreciate and they kept me going strong and with an added strength of desire. Thank you so much.
Well the Lord has blessed me much at the end of my mission and I am so grateful for all he has given to me. This last week we ended the week by teaching a total of 24 lessons and many people preparing to baptized and nine new investigators and 11 referrals contacted and many more left to contact. The branch missionaries have been going out tracting and contacting on Fridays and they have given us many new referrals with many people to teach. I am definitely leaving the area in good hands and I am glad about that because the area deserves the growth it is experiencing.
Then last week I had the wonderful experience to see a wonderful family of mine that I baptized be sealed in the temple. The Dibetsoe family. It was truly one if not the best experiences of my whole life and mission. To see the results from your labors and to be able to see you helped someone is far beyond what I can describe in joy and fulfillment. Now they are sealed for all time and eternity and nothing can tear them apart.
This week the branch held a farewell party for me. We had singing and dancing and talks and testimonies and it was just wonderful. I am so grateful for all that was said and done. I love these people so much it is going to be so hard to say good bye to them all. They have done so much for me and they continue to do so. They have sang 'God be with you till we meet again' so many times I think I have no more tears to cry ha ha.
One of the most interesting/ weird things that happened this week is my final interview with president Omer. It was weird to sit across from him and actually be talking about going home and what my plans are. He gave me so very uplifting suggestions and I definitely am going to fill them out for sure. I love him so mush with all his wisdom and love he shows to each and everyone of us missionaries. He shows it the same way for each of us and yet differently for each of us according to our own needs as well. I am so eternally grateful for him and all he did for me.
Its actually funny now that I am sitting here in the email shop I am typing this and the song 'time to say good bye' came on the radio. ha ha just a funny thing that happened right now.
So for my last day I am going to focus on getting fully ready for tomorrow. Me and my companion are going to be doing stuff together since the other two have to go to the office and so we will do stuff together. Probably just finishing up packing and getting the remainder of the things done. Hopefully the other two will be back soon so we will then go bowling but then we will see what time it is when they get back.
Well again I just want to thank all of you so much and I send my love. I am sorry I haven't been better at writing. Know though I am so grateful.
Let me leave you with my testimony. I know that this church is true. If it were not true I would not be here now at this time. I know it is true because I have felt the spirit of God in my life and I have no doubt about it. I know he has been there to heal me and to lift me up when I am down and to just give me comfort when I need it. That is the whole purpose and reason why we come into this life so that we can learn to have his spirit with us and we can let it clean and purify us but at the same time make us into what the Lord needs us to be. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon. It has a power in it that helps each of us fulfill what we need to get done. I am so grateful to have a living prophet on earth today even Thomas S. Monson. I have been reading his autobiography lately and he is truly the prophet of God. I love his spirit and his example he shows to each and everyone of us. I hope and pray I can become more like him as I live my life. I know all these things are true and that if we live by the standards of the church we will be blessed and be molded in the hands of the lord.
Just one more time I love you all and I will see you soon. THANK YOU!!!
Elder Aaron Giles Lindsay
Monday, July 9, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
ONLY SEND LETTERS THROUGH DEARELDER.COM
Hello Everyone,
So the time is drawing close to the end now I am going to be in my last transfer soon. I am having mixed feelings of coming home I am not going to lie. I cant believe how fast the time has gone. I am going to miss being on mission so much and I am going to miss all the people that I have seen and met. Mission is truely going to be written on my heart for the rest of my life and I will never forget it.
So now that I am back in my first area things are good and changed at the same time. We have been working on some less actives and been getting some new investigators as well. We had ten investigators at church yesterday along with maybe almost five or so less actives. We are planning on having two baptisms this week and then we have 14 more people on date for June. Lots of possibilities and lots of growth in the area that is for sure.
The weather this side has been turning of cooler. I am going to be leaving in the middle of winter and returning home in the middle of summer. Crazy things are going to happen. There are more strikes happening now this side because whenever it turns off cold people then start fighting for electricity and food and such to keep warm. One of the strikes that has been happening is against the post offices. And it has affected the mission because two of our post offices where they collect and get our mail have been burned down. So if any of you send letters or anything I am not sure if I will ever get them now. So if you want in order to contact me please write to me an email or you can go to dearelder.com. and I should get things that way.
I am so sorry for those who I have not replied to who have written me letters. I am making it my personal duty to write back everyone who has written me and getting responses sent off this next week. Although with the mail system going how it is I dont know if you will ever get them but I will try. Thank you all for the love and support you are giving me.
Its been a long time so let me just end with my testamony. I know this church is true. I know there are times when all hope and love and light seem lost. But I know the lord will always be there for each of us. I know there have been times when I have been about to give up that the Lord comes and lifts me up. I know the Lord is mindful of me and of everybody. He knows us each individually and loves us all the same. I know the scriptures are true. I have been reading recently in the old testament about moses and helping the children of israel escape eygpt. I know there are challenges but as long as we hold on I know the lord will strength us to do his will. I am grateful for Thomas S Monson the current prophet today and the example and the words he shares with all of us. I am grateful to all of you and love you all so very much. God be with you till we meet again. or until I write next week. Keep well and the lord near at all times.
Elder Aaron Giles Lindsay
Monday, May 14, 2012
Answers to the Deacons:
1. What do you enjoy the most about your mission?
A: What I enjoy most about my mission is getting to know the people. The people look up to you alot and they treat you like family. They are so easy to get along with. It is true when they say that the lord fits the missionary to the areas. Your heart gets tied around the people and its always hard to leave them.
2. What is the weirdest food you have eaten?
A: The weirdest food I have ate is either chicken head, chicken feet, cow intestines, or mopane worms, I will let you take your pick which one.
3. How many people do you talk to each day?
A: This question is very very difficult to answer. We teach maybe close to 4 or 5 lessons a day but we talk to many different people when we are finding people to teach or when talking to members or whatever the case maybe. We are always talking to people.
4. What has been the biggest surprise on your mission?
A: The biggest surprise of my mission is now just as I am about to finish I have been sent back to my first area and that is where I will finish. Its a great surprise though and its great to see all the growth and the building up of the kingdom of god in the area.
5. Tell us but your favorite companion.
A: My favorite companion is Elder Ray. He just has a good personality about him. He is always striving to do what is right and to help other people. He has a positive attitude and me and him went through a lot together. He is funny but he takes things serious as well. He is from Arizona so I will definately keep in touch after mission.
6. What do you do for fun on P-Day?
A: Well we lately have been eating lunch with the other missionaries and playing board games. In other areas we would play different sports like soccer or volleyball it all depended on the day. Then in other areas we have been able to go to parks and play with lions and other things like that.
7. What General Authorities have you met?
A: I have met Carl B. Cook from the Seventy (He is the one I have worked with closely and well with alot) then I have met Russel M. Nelson, and Jeffery R. Holland and next month we will be meeting C. Scott Grow from the Seventy. I have met in passing Elder Renland and elder briknell as well.
8. Whats the scariest thing that has happened on your mission?
A: The scariest thing... I honestly dont know how to answer that one I havent had too many scarey experiences. Probably the time when I was in my first area and me and my companion one night got out of the car and we walked up to a house and no one answered so we turned around to walk back to the car and right then a group of guys came running by the car and threw another guy against our car and started beating him and mugging him. He started yelling and the lights came on in the house we were at and people came running out and scaring the people away.
9. What mode of transportation do you use the most?
A: We have a car that we use. Once and awhile we use bikes or walking but mainly it has been car.
10. Do you have McDonalds? If not where do you eat out?
A: Yes there is Mcdonalds but its far away. We eat out at a place called 'Spur' its an american indian style type shop and we get buy one get one free burgers and then we eat lots of Romans Pizza as well. That is the closest pizza there is to back home. Then there is also LOTS of KFCs.
11. What Advice do you have for a Deacon who is preparing for a mission?
A: Advice I have is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures and prayers and doing those things missionaries do way before your missions. Gain your testimony now. Your testimony is what is going to be the source of strength and support for you to go throughout your mission and your mission is what prepares you for the rest of your life. Prepare yourself now so you wont give up a single moment. The times when you tend to relax are the times you dont feel the best. Hard work = Sucess and Happiness. Do all that you can and give yourself as much time as you can to prepare. DONT WASTE TIME!
A: What I enjoy most about my mission is getting to know the people. The people look up to you alot and they treat you like family. They are so easy to get along with. It is true when they say that the lord fits the missionary to the areas. Your heart gets tied around the people and its always hard to leave them.
2. What is the weirdest food you have eaten?
A: The weirdest food I have ate is either chicken head, chicken feet, cow intestines, or mopane worms, I will let you take your pick which one.
3. How many people do you talk to each day?
A: This question is very very difficult to answer. We teach maybe close to 4 or 5 lessons a day but we talk to many different people when we are finding people to teach or when talking to members or whatever the case maybe. We are always talking to people.
4. What has been the biggest surprise on your mission?
A: The biggest surprise of my mission is now just as I am about to finish I have been sent back to my first area and that is where I will finish. Its a great surprise though and its great to see all the growth and the building up of the kingdom of god in the area.
5. Tell us but your favorite companion.
A: My favorite companion is Elder Ray. He just has a good personality about him. He is always striving to do what is right and to help other people. He has a positive attitude and me and him went through a lot together. He is funny but he takes things serious as well. He is from Arizona so I will definately keep in touch after mission.
6. What do you do for fun on P-Day?
A: Well we lately have been eating lunch with the other missionaries and playing board games. In other areas we would play different sports like soccer or volleyball it all depended on the day. Then in other areas we have been able to go to parks and play with lions and other things like that.
7. What General Authorities have you met?
A: I have met Carl B. Cook from the Seventy (He is the one I have worked with closely and well with alot) then I have met Russel M. Nelson, and Jeffery R. Holland and next month we will be meeting C. Scott Grow from the Seventy. I have met in passing Elder Renland and elder briknell as well.
8. Whats the scariest thing that has happened on your mission?
A: The scariest thing... I honestly dont know how to answer that one I havent had too many scarey experiences. Probably the time when I was in my first area and me and my companion one night got out of the car and we walked up to a house and no one answered so we turned around to walk back to the car and right then a group of guys came running by the car and threw another guy against our car and started beating him and mugging him. He started yelling and the lights came on in the house we were at and people came running out and scaring the people away.
9. What mode of transportation do you use the most?
A: We have a car that we use. Once and awhile we use bikes or walking but mainly it has been car.
10. Do you have McDonalds? If not where do you eat out?
A: Yes there is Mcdonalds but its far away. We eat out at a place called 'Spur' its an american indian style type shop and we get buy one get one free burgers and then we eat lots of Romans Pizza as well. That is the closest pizza there is to back home. Then there is also LOTS of KFCs.
11. What Advice do you have for a Deacon who is preparing for a mission?
A: Advice I have is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures and prayers and doing those things missionaries do way before your missions. Gain your testimony now. Your testimony is what is going to be the source of strength and support for you to go throughout your mission and your mission is what prepares you for the rest of your life. Prepare yourself now so you wont give up a single moment. The times when you tend to relax are the times you dont feel the best. Hard work = Sucess and Happiness. Do all that you can and give yourself as much time as you can to prepare. DONT WASTE TIME!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Short and sweet
Hey everyone,
Sorry this letter is going to be so short. Things are going very well here in South Africa. We just had transfers and I got moved back to my first area Khutsong. I love being back so much its great. I have been able to see all my converts and they are all doing very well. They all have grown and now preparing for missions or doing other callings in the church and just doing fantastic.
I am with a guy from Zimbabwe. His name is Elder Sithole. I love him so much he is a very great guy and he is very humble and loves the work. He has only been out for about six weeks so I am finishing to train him. Its going to take a little getting used to but things should be great.
Well sorry like I said it is short but I love all of you and thank you so much for your love and support talk to you soon.
Elder Lindsay
Monday, March 26, 2012
Pushing forward
Hello Everyone,
So not much is changing on this side we are continuing to push forward teaching and trying to help people come unto Christ. It really is an amazing work that the lord has us in at this time. It is the only work that I can think of that you are totally one hundred percent devoted to someone else's cause that you dont have to worry about yourself because the lord is there watching over you and loving you.
We are pushing forward and trying to teach lots of people like we usually do. We see them and we teach their families and we are welcomed into their homes but then the trouble comes when we ask them to come to church. They dont mind to come until they find out we are meeting in a school. It is so hard for the people to come and sit in a classroom because they are either there all week or they just feel like it is not a church. I can understand as well because the schools here are dirty and not well kept.
But things are going well. We are seeing a bunch of great families and we love them as much as they love us. My family might have another problem when I get home but a few other families have told me that I need to move back to south africa after I get home so I can live with them haha.
Well I dont have much time this week but I love you all and thank you for the love and support you give. I hope to hear from all of you soon.
Elder Aaron Giles Lindsay
So not much is changing on this side we are continuing to push forward teaching and trying to help people come unto Christ. It really is an amazing work that the lord has us in at this time. It is the only work that I can think of that you are totally one hundred percent devoted to someone else's cause that you dont have to worry about yourself because the lord is there watching over you and loving you.
We are pushing forward and trying to teach lots of people like we usually do. We see them and we teach their families and we are welcomed into their homes but then the trouble comes when we ask them to come to church. They dont mind to come until they find out we are meeting in a school. It is so hard for the people to come and sit in a classroom because they are either there all week or they just feel like it is not a church. I can understand as well because the schools here are dirty and not well kept.
But things are going well. We are seeing a bunch of great families and we love them as much as they love us. My family might have another problem when I get home but a few other families have told me that I need to move back to south africa after I get home so I can live with them haha.
Well I dont have much time this week but I love you all and thank you for the love and support you give. I hope to hear from all of you soon.
Elder Aaron Giles Lindsay
Monday, March 12, 2012
Happy Birthday Elder
Hello Everyone,
Thank you for all the birthday wishes. Sorry I didn't have time to write back to everyone just please give me some time so that I can get you back :) Well today has been a good day. We started out by moving flats and cleaning. Then around noon the senior couples Lewins and Birds took us to lunch at a place called 'Scrooges' and bought all of us a steak lunch. Then after me and my companion came back and cleaned some more then the Leavitts bought us chinese food for dinner and we watched a movie called '17 Miracles' its about the pioneers. IT IS SO GOOD! One of the best movies I have seen. Then on sunday I will be making a roast dinner for the Leavitts and sister Bailey and two other elders to celebrate my birthday even more. Its going to be great.
Well this week has been full and busy. We went from 5 to 12 people on date and we have found some more amazing families to teach. One night we were getting in our car when a boy named 'Offencee" came walking up to us. We were all like great here he comes to ask for stuff like everyone else. Well he came and asked us when we were going to visit him and his family. We were so surprised and said that we would visit soon. so the next day we went to see him and his family and it is a great father led family. We asked him why he talked to us and he said 'It was like a voice just told me go talk to those guys" Pretty amazing.
Then another time we were teaching a guy named Milton and we walked out after the lesson and his neighbor stopped us to talk and he asked us when we would come to see him and his family. We have only seen him but he is great and prepared as well. Also this week was the first week when we would be talking about the apostasy and then our investigators would cut us off and say 'Oh so that is why there is so many churches!!!' It is an amazing feeling to see and feel the spirit working through you.
I am so grateful to be here in South Africa and now is the time for us to do all that we can. Now is the time for Africa. Well I am short on time today but I love you all and hope all is going well. I know it is great on this side. I hope to hear from you all soon. Love you much and thanks for all you do.
Elder Aaron Giles Lindsay
Thank you for all the birthday wishes. Sorry I didn't have time to write back to everyone just please give me some time so that I can get you back :) Well today has been a good day. We started out by moving flats and cleaning. Then around noon the senior couples Lewins and Birds took us to lunch at a place called 'Scrooges' and bought all of us a steak lunch. Then after me and my companion came back and cleaned some more then the Leavitts bought us chinese food for dinner and we watched a movie called '17 Miracles' its about the pioneers. IT IS SO GOOD! One of the best movies I have seen. Then on sunday I will be making a roast dinner for the Leavitts and sister Bailey and two other elders to celebrate my birthday even more. Its going to be great.
Well this week has been full and busy. We went from 5 to 12 people on date and we have found some more amazing families to teach. One night we were getting in our car when a boy named 'Offencee" came walking up to us. We were all like great here he comes to ask for stuff like everyone else. Well he came and asked us when we were going to visit him and his family. We were so surprised and said that we would visit soon. so the next day we went to see him and his family and it is a great father led family. We asked him why he talked to us and he said 'It was like a voice just told me go talk to those guys" Pretty amazing.
Then another time we were teaching a guy named Milton and we walked out after the lesson and his neighbor stopped us to talk and he asked us when we would come to see him and his family. We have only seen him but he is great and prepared as well. Also this week was the first week when we would be talking about the apostasy and then our investigators would cut us off and say 'Oh so that is why there is so many churches!!!' It is an amazing feeling to see and feel the spirit working through you.
I am so grateful to be here in South Africa and now is the time for us to do all that we can. Now is the time for Africa. Well I am short on time today but I love you all and hope all is going well. I know it is great on this side. I hope to hear from you all soon. Love you much and thanks for all you do.
Elder Aaron Giles Lindsay
Monday, March 5, 2012
"Now is the time for Africa"
Hello Everyone,
I am sorry I didnt write last week. The past few weeks have been very hard and stressful and I just got in a downer mood last time. Well the main reason why I was so down is because I have been getting so confused and mixed on what my focus should be. They have been having me bounce between back and forth from the office and my new area. It was hard because I would have to put my focus on one thing and then switch it and then switch back and it just got too much for me. So now me and President Omer have talked about it and we both agree it would be better if I just stayed out of the office and be focused just on the area and getting myself back to where I should be.
Well things have been going better from there. The study and time I have spent trying to get back into focus have been true blessings for me. And I am so grateful to Elder Bangerter my companion for having patience and giving me the love and support I need. Without him I would be a total mess.
On Saturday night me and him had a fire. It is tradition in the mission to burn a tie at six months and then a shirt at a year and then a pair of pants at a year and a half and then a full suit at two years. Well to catch up I burned a tie and a shirt but as for the pair of pants I need to buy another pair first before I do that haha. As for the suit I only have one left so I dont think I should burn it at my two year mark.
Well the last thing I can really think to write about is this morning we got up and went to another lion park. It was alot of fun. I got lots of pictures that I will be sending off to my family soon.
Well now that things are getting more leveled out and things are getting better I should be able to write each and every week...but every time I say that something comes up so maybe I should just say I hope I will be able to. Thank you all for the love and support you give me and I hope everything is going well for all of you. Things are great in Africa and as people say "Now is the time for Africa" It definately is. Hope all is well and I will talk to you more next week. Keep well and the spirit of God near by at all times.
Elder Aaron Giles Pule Lindsay
I am sorry I didnt write last week. The past few weeks have been very hard and stressful and I just got in a downer mood last time. Well the main reason why I was so down is because I have been getting so confused and mixed on what my focus should be. They have been having me bounce between back and forth from the office and my new area. It was hard because I would have to put my focus on one thing and then switch it and then switch back and it just got too much for me. So now me and President Omer have talked about it and we both agree it would be better if I just stayed out of the office and be focused just on the area and getting myself back to where I should be.
Well things have been going better from there. The study and time I have spent trying to get back into focus have been true blessings for me. And I am so grateful to Elder Bangerter my companion for having patience and giving me the love and support I need. Without him I would be a total mess.
On Saturday night me and him had a fire. It is tradition in the mission to burn a tie at six months and then a shirt at a year and then a pair of pants at a year and a half and then a full suit at two years. Well to catch up I burned a tie and a shirt but as for the pair of pants I need to buy another pair first before I do that haha. As for the suit I only have one left so I dont think I should burn it at my two year mark.
Well the last thing I can really think to write about is this morning we got up and went to another lion park. It was alot of fun. I got lots of pictures that I will be sending off to my family soon.
Well now that things are getting more leveled out and things are getting better I should be able to write each and every week...but every time I say that something comes up so maybe I should just say I hope I will be able to. Thank you all for the love and support you give me and I hope everything is going well for all of you. Things are great in Africa and as people say "Now is the time for Africa" It definately is. Hope all is well and I will talk to you more next week. Keep well and the spirit of God near by at all times.
Elder Aaron Giles Pule Lindsay
Monday, February 13, 2012
Two weeks in a row!
Hello Everyone,
YES IT IS A MIRACLE I AM WRITING TWO WEEKS IN A ROW I KNOW haha. Well I do have to keep this short though because my time is almost up. So Cosmo City that is my life :). It is going great we are teaching five or more father led families and the people are so kind and welcoming which helps out so much. We have been going out a little bit each day teaching and finding more people to teach. We had mtc missionaries come with us on saturday and we found at least one person haha. On friday they missed me so much at the office that they called me in to help them haha. No really a missionary there was sick and had to be taken to the hospital so I went to fill in for them so they were not left with out the help. But things are really good around cosmo we are keeping busy that is for sure. And I couldnt do all of this with out Elder Bangerter. He is my best friend here on mission and he is so loving and supportive. He knows what I am going through and he is always there to help and lift me up whenever I need him. I love him so much he is a great companion. I hope we will see each other alot after mission. Well I am sorry this is so short but I will give more details next week. I love you all and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for the love and support you give me. :) LOVE YOU MEAN IT!
-Elder Aaron Giles Pule Lindsay
By: Elder Lindsay
We recently have been instructed by Elder Cook that we must establish the church rather than simply build the church. Lots of experiences come to mind when I think about what this means and how it should effect each of us. The experience that resounds most on my mind and heart is the opportunity I had to teach Lucky (one of our security guards) and his family with Elder and Sister Watts. It was a special opportunity for the Watts and I which made us want to know if it had the same meaning for Lucky and his wife Mpho so we went and talked with them about their experience.
Lucky has been a security guard at the front gates of the mission office/MTC/chapel for some time now. Countless times missionaries have passed the guardhouse without talking to Lucky or his co-workers. However, their influence was still felt when Lucky said, “I have never seen a missionary cross. They are always loving and open to everyone.” One day Elder Watts decided that they too deserved a chance to hear the Gospel so he opened his mouth. “To my side when he started giving DVDs and pamphlets he showed me love and he welcomed me in and in a way I knew the church of Christ was true” says Lucky about the experience. This shows that, “by small and simple means are great things brought to pass.”
As Elder Watts continued building on this love, Lucky’s desires for knowledge grew. This led to a teaching appointment and Lucky excitedly went home to tell his wife. “At first I thought it was a joke. I thought it would pass. When they first started coming to visit I thought they were like angels. There was a feeling I don’t know how to describe but there was some kind of light. When Lucky first told me we would have people visiting I thought it was a joke because I didn’t know what they would bring. And also when they were first supposed to come they had to reschedule so then I really thought that it was a joke, but the warmth they brought into my home was more important. That is where we have seen that the missionaries are more important. Around them I don’t feel shy or shame about where I stay or what we have. The lesson they brought us was more important than anything. First impressions count a lot. Theirs counted for me and my family.” Mpho expressed. Lucky lovingly added, “First time they entered they showed us love and tried to show us that we didn’t need to feel fear and we could do whatever we felt and not be forced. They introduced us to the Lord and they were sincere. Whatever they did they did it deeply in their hearts and it showed love. I now have a family in Utah. I have a mother and father (Brother and Sister Watts) that I love a lot and miss too much. I also have two brothers here in South Africa. One has returned home because his time was up (Elder Ephraim Ndlovu) but the other is still around and I can gratefully see Elder Lindsay every day.” Lucky and Mpho have both expressed their love for the church, its members, and Jesus Christ our Lord. Mpho expressed, “It brought peace in my family and respect too. When you go to the chapel you feel at peace. I like the Lord Jesus Christ.” Mpho is the visiting teaching coordinator, has given the opening prayer in sacrament meeting, and given a talk on faith. Lucky has the Aaronic Priesthood, passes the sacrament, and has given a talk. He has not yet received a calling but he is hopeful for the future. Often, Lucky will be reading the Book of Mormon and he will see a verse he feels that Mpho should know so he will call her and ask her to turn to that scripture and read it with him. They expressed goals for their future together in the church. Mpho wants to go to school again and rewrite her matric because she feels like it will help her get a better job to help Lucky support the family. Lucky works hard to make sure his family is at church every Sunday. He occasionally gives up his work transport money so that she can go to church. He doesn’t want the family to have any reason not go to church. Lucky communicated, “It’s not the same if you have a family that should be attending church. It’s like people will look at me and say ‘he is lonely today’ also blessings come for all of us when we are all there.
Sometimes I get distracted when I am there alone, I sit there and I think ‘what would it be like if she was here’ or ‘would I be sitting here with my son like this?’ I want my family to be there. When I read in the book of Mormon they did everything they could and God blessed them. If you put God first you can go through anything. I want my family to stay together as we are and grow together as we are. I have been thinking of starting my own security company to better support them, but I know God is with me and I am praying.” As a family, Lucky and Mpho both want their son to grow up and to serve a full time mission for the church, they joke about him serving in Orem Utah so he can see Elder Lindsay “as an old man” according to Lucky. They want to serve the Lord Jesus Christ with all of their hearts. They talk about going to the temple as a family and the butterflies it brings because of their excitement.
Lucky and his family are a strong example of establishing the church. I know that as we are obedient and seek to find those who will stay true, then we will be blessed for our efforts and find that happiness that can be found nowhere else. I know teaching Lucky and Mpho will always be a blessing for me. I will always cherish my time with them.
YES IT IS A MIRACLE I AM WRITING TWO WEEKS IN A ROW I KNOW haha. Well I do have to keep this short though because my time is almost up. So Cosmo City that is my life :). It is going great we are teaching five or more father led families and the people are so kind and welcoming which helps out so much. We have been going out a little bit each day teaching and finding more people to teach. We had mtc missionaries come with us on saturday and we found at least one person haha. On friday they missed me so much at the office that they called me in to help them haha. No really a missionary there was sick and had to be taken to the hospital so I went to fill in for them so they were not left with out the help. But things are really good around cosmo we are keeping busy that is for sure. And I couldnt do all of this with out Elder Bangerter. He is my best friend here on mission and he is so loving and supportive. He knows what I am going through and he is always there to help and lift me up whenever I need him. I love him so much he is a great companion. I hope we will see each other alot after mission. Well I am sorry this is so short but I will give more details next week. I love you all and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for the love and support you give me. :) LOVE YOU MEAN IT!
-Elder Aaron Giles Pule Lindsay
By: Elder Lindsay
We recently have been instructed by Elder Cook that we must establish the church rather than simply build the church. Lots of experiences come to mind when I think about what this means and how it should effect each of us. The experience that resounds most on my mind and heart is the opportunity I had to teach Lucky (one of our security guards) and his family with Elder and Sister Watts. It was a special opportunity for the Watts and I which made us want to know if it had the same meaning for Lucky and his wife Mpho so we went and talked with them about their experience.
Lucky has been a security guard at the front gates of the mission office/MTC/chapel for some time now. Countless times missionaries have passed the guardhouse without talking to Lucky or his co-workers. However, their influence was still felt when Lucky said, “I have never seen a missionary cross. They are always loving and open to everyone.” One day Elder Watts decided that they too deserved a chance to hear the Gospel so he opened his mouth. “To my side when he started giving DVDs and pamphlets he showed me love and he welcomed me in and in a way I knew the church of Christ was true” says Lucky about the experience. This shows that, “by small and simple means are great things brought to pass.”
As Elder Watts continued building on this love, Lucky’s desires for knowledge grew. This led to a teaching appointment and Lucky excitedly went home to tell his wife. “At first I thought it was a joke. I thought it would pass. When they first started coming to visit I thought they were like angels. There was a feeling I don’t know how to describe but there was some kind of light. When Lucky first told me we would have people visiting I thought it was a joke because I didn’t know what they would bring. And also when they were first supposed to come they had to reschedule so then I really thought that it was a joke, but the warmth they brought into my home was more important. That is where we have seen that the missionaries are more important. Around them I don’t feel shy or shame about where I stay or what we have. The lesson they brought us was more important than anything. First impressions count a lot. Theirs counted for me and my family.” Mpho expressed. Lucky lovingly added, “First time they entered they showed us love and tried to show us that we didn’t need to feel fear and we could do whatever we felt and not be forced. They introduced us to the Lord and they were sincere. Whatever they did they did it deeply in their hearts and it showed love. I now have a family in Utah. I have a mother and father (Brother and Sister Watts) that I love a lot and miss too much. I also have two brothers here in South Africa. One has returned home because his time was up (Elder Ephraim Ndlovu) but the other is still around and I can gratefully see Elder Lindsay every day.” Lucky and Mpho have both expressed their love for the church, its members, and Jesus Christ our Lord. Mpho expressed, “It brought peace in my family and respect too. When you go to the chapel you feel at peace. I like the Lord Jesus Christ.” Mpho is the visiting teaching coordinator, has given the opening prayer in sacrament meeting, and given a talk on faith. Lucky has the Aaronic Priesthood, passes the sacrament, and has given a talk. He has not yet received a calling but he is hopeful for the future. Often, Lucky will be reading the Book of Mormon and he will see a verse he feels that Mpho should know so he will call her and ask her to turn to that scripture and read it with him. They expressed goals for their future together in the church. Mpho wants to go to school again and rewrite her matric because she feels like it will help her get a better job to help Lucky support the family. Lucky works hard to make sure his family is at church every Sunday. He occasionally gives up his work transport money so that she can go to church. He doesn’t want the family to have any reason not go to church. Lucky communicated, “It’s not the same if you have a family that should be attending church. It’s like people will look at me and say ‘he is lonely today’ also blessings come for all of us when we are all there.
Sometimes I get distracted when I am there alone, I sit there and I think ‘what would it be like if she was here’ or ‘would I be sitting here with my son like this?’ I want my family to be there. When I read in the book of Mormon they did everything they could and God blessed them. If you put God first you can go through anything. I want my family to stay together as we are and grow together as we are. I have been thinking of starting my own security company to better support them, but I know God is with me and I am praying.” As a family, Lucky and Mpho both want their son to grow up and to serve a full time mission for the church, they joke about him serving in Orem Utah so he can see Elder Lindsay “as an old man” according to Lucky. They want to serve the Lord Jesus Christ with all of their hearts. They talk about going to the temple as a family and the butterflies it brings because of their excitement.
Lucky and his family are a strong example of establishing the church. I know that as we are obedient and seek to find those who will stay true, then we will be blessed for our efforts and find that happiness that can be found nowhere else. I know teaching Lucky and Mpho will always be a blessing for me. I will always cherish my time with them.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Back to the field
Hello Everyone,
Boy things change really fast even when we dont expect them too. But one thing is for sure the Lord is always in what we do and I know that. So let me just start out AGAIN by saying I am sorry for not writing as often but things really got switched around this time and things got a little crazy.
So the past few weeks in the office things were getting very stressful. I would work and work but it seemed like nothing was getting done and nothing I did pleased the 'head couple' Well what eventually happened is the couple got upset with me and they slow but surely took away responsibilities from me and to the point I was just sitting there and not doing anything. Then they would get mad because I wasnt doing anything and yet they wouldnt let me. Well I talked with president about it and he got some of my stuff back from him but the couple was even more upset with me. It just got to a point where I was torn and president told me he was thinking of sending me back out to the feild.
Well a few days later I had an appointment with Elder Hartman (the mission Psychiatrist) and he was telling me it wasnt worth it to stay in the office and all that and that I should go back to the feild. But I didnt want to because I didnt feel complete. Well what happens is in the middle of the appointment Elder Hartman's wife comes in and says she is going to get someone to help give a blessing to my companion. And I get out of the appointment and it was Elder Carl B. Cook the one I went on mission tour with. He went in with elder Hartman to give my companion a blessing and while I sat with sister Hartman she tried to convince me to get one too but I kept saying no I was fine. Well when elder cook came back out she said 'Wait he needs a blessing too' pointing to me and if it was anyone else I would have refused still to get a blessing but I couldnt say no to elder Cook. So we go in and he gives me a blessing.
In the blessing he said things like 'Now is your time to go back to the feild' and 'Now that you will go to the feild' and after he gave me the blessing he just turned me around and put both hands on my shoulders and said 'I have never ever given a blessing and ever been that bold and straight forward as I was. So I should appologise for that' I told him it was probably what the spirit wanted although I didnt know why because I still had a whole transfer before I got out of the office.
Well the very next day I got called into a meeting with president and he told me that he was taking me out of the office. The lord definately works in misterious ways. I know that I was sent out into the feild because that is where the lord wants me but its hard because I dont feel like I completed everything I was suppose to with the office but president has talked to me and told me not to feel that way because I did all that I could do. But now I am out in the area of Cosmo City (Yes just like BYU) The people are so happy and accepting there and they will help me get back in the grove lets say.
I know that the church is true and the lord puts us where he needs us although it doesnt make sence necissarily. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of God and we will get closest to God through him. I love him and want to be like him. I know the book of Mormon is true and I learn something new everytime I read it. But most of all I know the lord gives us challenges to help us grow but he will not give us more than we can handle.
Well I dont have as much time to write but I hope to hear from you all soon. I love you all and hope you the best.
-Elder Aaron Giles Lindsay
Boy things change really fast even when we dont expect them too. But one thing is for sure the Lord is always in what we do and I know that. So let me just start out AGAIN by saying I am sorry for not writing as often but things really got switched around this time and things got a little crazy.
So the past few weeks in the office things were getting very stressful. I would work and work but it seemed like nothing was getting done and nothing I did pleased the 'head couple' Well what eventually happened is the couple got upset with me and they slow but surely took away responsibilities from me and to the point I was just sitting there and not doing anything. Then they would get mad because I wasnt doing anything and yet they wouldnt let me. Well I talked with president about it and he got some of my stuff back from him but the couple was even more upset with me. It just got to a point where I was torn and president told me he was thinking of sending me back out to the feild.
Well a few days later I had an appointment with Elder Hartman (the mission Psychiatrist) and he was telling me it wasnt worth it to stay in the office and all that and that I should go back to the feild. But I didnt want to because I didnt feel complete. Well what happens is in the middle of the appointment Elder Hartman's wife comes in and says she is going to get someone to help give a blessing to my companion. And I get out of the appointment and it was Elder Carl B. Cook the one I went on mission tour with. He went in with elder Hartman to give my companion a blessing and while I sat with sister Hartman she tried to convince me to get one too but I kept saying no I was fine. Well when elder cook came back out she said 'Wait he needs a blessing too' pointing to me and if it was anyone else I would have refused still to get a blessing but I couldnt say no to elder Cook. So we go in and he gives me a blessing.
In the blessing he said things like 'Now is your time to go back to the feild' and 'Now that you will go to the feild' and after he gave me the blessing he just turned me around and put both hands on my shoulders and said 'I have never ever given a blessing and ever been that bold and straight forward as I was. So I should appologise for that' I told him it was probably what the spirit wanted although I didnt know why because I still had a whole transfer before I got out of the office.
Well the very next day I got called into a meeting with president and he told me that he was taking me out of the office. The lord definately works in misterious ways. I know that I was sent out into the feild because that is where the lord wants me but its hard because I dont feel like I completed everything I was suppose to with the office but president has talked to me and told me not to feel that way because I did all that I could do. But now I am out in the area of Cosmo City (Yes just like BYU) The people are so happy and accepting there and they will help me get back in the grove lets say.
I know that the church is true and the lord puts us where he needs us although it doesnt make sence necissarily. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of God and we will get closest to God through him. I love him and want to be like him. I know the book of Mormon is true and I learn something new everytime I read it. But most of all I know the lord gives us challenges to help us grow but he will not give us more than we can handle.
Well I dont have as much time to write but I hope to hear from you all soon. I love you all and hope you the best.
-Elder Aaron Giles Lindsay
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Blessings from the Lord
Hello Everyone,
So another week has come and gone and today I have officially hit my 18 month mark is that crazy or what? So how is everyone doing? I hope everyone is well. There really hasn't been much different going on here around in the mission office. I have been busy this week with setting up a system on the computer for referrals. We have been getting them from all over lately. From Paris and London and the Durban mission and Provo and salt lake and many other places its really cool to see how the church brings us all together and makes it look like the world really isn't that big of a place at all. The system on the computer is just where I can type in the information on someone as it comes in and then it saves it on a computer sheet thing and then also puts it on a chart automatically so that way I can look and see what I have done and what I need to do and when is the last time people have updated me or things like that. It is very great.
This week I also got another companion his name is elder Osmotherly he is from Australia. He has had some problems here in the mission and he is trying to adjust to everything and so president feels like it would be best right now if he works in the office with me and the other staff. Elder Ray is still around until the end of the transfer and then they will be moving him out so it will just be me and elder Osmotherly. We are still without a shower so we have to go to the Senior couple's everyday that way we don't stink and scare everyone away.
We had another interesting car accident up in Botswana the past few weeks. So what happened is some elders decided to try to pass a guy with a seventy foot long trailer while they were in a round about. Well what happens is as they were passing the corner of the trailer hits the back left corner of the car and makes a huge smash and broken back window and everything. Well no one was hurt but the amazing thing is the way the trailer hit it should have run over the car and smashed it to bits but the reason why it didn't is because in that corner of the trailer there was a small tool box and when the trailer started going the tool box caught and stopped if from going any further. If it wasn't for that small tool box the whole car would have been smashed and four of our elders would have been gone. Its amazing how the Lord watches over us and protects us. Thank goodness my parents don't need to worry about me because all of us missionaries had a personal promise and blessing from Russel M. Neilson that we all will return home safely to our families back home when he was here. So no need to worry about me. Well there really isn't that much to say this week because there really hasn't been much going on. Just working in the office trying to help the elders improve their areas and getting them the things they need in order to function. But things are good no reason to complain. Well I probably should get going but I love you all and thank you for all you do for me. I hope to hear how things are going from all of you. And I cant wait to see you all again.
Much Love,
Elder Aaron Giles Lindsay
So another week has come and gone and today I have officially hit my 18 month mark is that crazy or what? So how is everyone doing? I hope everyone is well. There really hasn't been much different going on here around in the mission office. I have been busy this week with setting up a system on the computer for referrals. We have been getting them from all over lately. From Paris and London and the Durban mission and Provo and salt lake and many other places its really cool to see how the church brings us all together and makes it look like the world really isn't that big of a place at all. The system on the computer is just where I can type in the information on someone as it comes in and then it saves it on a computer sheet thing and then also puts it on a chart automatically so that way I can look and see what I have done and what I need to do and when is the last time people have updated me or things like that. It is very great.
This week I also got another companion his name is elder Osmotherly he is from Australia. He has had some problems here in the mission and he is trying to adjust to everything and so president feels like it would be best right now if he works in the office with me and the other staff. Elder Ray is still around until the end of the transfer and then they will be moving him out so it will just be me and elder Osmotherly. We are still without a shower so we have to go to the Senior couple's everyday that way we don't stink and scare everyone away.
We had another interesting car accident up in Botswana the past few weeks. So what happened is some elders decided to try to pass a guy with a seventy foot long trailer while they were in a round about. Well what happens is as they were passing the corner of the trailer hits the back left corner of the car and makes a huge smash and broken back window and everything. Well no one was hurt but the amazing thing is the way the trailer hit it should have run over the car and smashed it to bits but the reason why it didn't is because in that corner of the trailer there was a small tool box and when the trailer started going the tool box caught and stopped if from going any further. If it wasn't for that small tool box the whole car would have been smashed and four of our elders would have been gone. Its amazing how the Lord watches over us and protects us. Thank goodness my parents don't need to worry about me because all of us missionaries had a personal promise and blessing from Russel M. Neilson that we all will return home safely to our families back home when he was here. So no need to worry about me. Well there really isn't that much to say this week because there really hasn't been much going on. Just working in the office trying to help the elders improve their areas and getting them the things they need in order to function. But things are good no reason to complain. Well I probably should get going but I love you all and thank you for all you do for me. I hope to hear how things are going from all of you. And I cant wait to see you all again.
Much Love,
Elder Aaron Giles Lindsay
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