Sveiki Visiems!

First some miracles, as always.

First, some new investigators. We were in the teaching center having a lesson with Tomas, when two guys walked in randomly, who wanted to know about God. There were some Russian elders there as well, so we did a mini exchange and Elder Warner continued to teach Tomas and I went to teach these new individuals, Kestutis and Arunas. We talked about the Restoration and how because of that we can better follow Christ. They wanted to learn more and we set up a return appointment. Woohoo! They live in the other elders' area though, so we passed off their information to them.

Second, Tomas. He wants to be baptized and quit smoking. He has been working very hard to quit, even following the steps in a pamphlet we gave him. One of which is to drink grapefruit juice to cleanse his body of the nicotine, which he has been doing even though he thinks grapefruit juice is gross. We had a very thoughtful and spiritual lesson reading from the Book of Mormon with him. We read and talked about the vverses, in the first part of 1 Nephi 14. It was quite good.

Third, Chandler. The name might sound familiar because it is the same Chandler that I taught over a year ago in Vilnius. Awesome. We had a pass over lesson with the other elders, since he lives in our area. It went beautifully. He really wants to read the Book of Mormon and know if this is true and he needs to follow it. He knows he needs to be baptized, but is a little afraid, but said if he learns the responsibliites, and feels capable of fulfilling them, he will be baptized.

District Meeting went well. I gave everyone in the district a responsibility to fulfill, to help them feel useful and equal. Elder Warner leads the language thought, Elder Sherman provides a joke, Elder Whicker fills the program (prayers and hymns) as well as writes on the board, Elder Rich shares a short spiritual thought, and Elder Hyer leads us in reciting our mission culture. We did all those things, which went well. Then we discussed our vision for the District. I had thought of five points which are as follows:

1. We will be as One.

2. We will experience and recognize miracles.

3. We will not be satisfied with where we are and therefore will continue to progress.

4. We will recognize the skills we have and will further perfect them.

5. Victory.
We discussed them a little and everyone seemed to be in agreeance. We then moved on to talk about miracles. I shared some scriptures about how God is, was, and will always be a god of miracles. Everyone shared what miracles are to them and then I talked about recognizing miracles and what stops us from performing them. I shared that fear is one major obstacle, then discussing what overcomes fear- perfect love, as written in 1 John 4:18. That is one of my favorites, perhaps my favorite. Anyway, it was wonderful. I am also going to have a miracle jar, so we can share our miracles from the past week with the district.

We met with Dedukas and talked a little about God strengthening us in all parts of our lives. It was good, short, but boosted him some.

We also met with Erik and shared with him thoughts on the melchezidek priesthood. He wants to receive it and understands that there is more responsiblity, but also more opportunities to help others. It was a great lesson.

Last night after Church we ran into an interesting character. He stopped us and asked where we were from, we told him. He told us he grew up in Salt Lake, but has lived here for about 10 years. He small talked for a bit and then told us what gets him about the Church. The facsimilies in the book of Abraham. We looked at them with him and he told us all these things he learned while studying Egyptology, which rocked his world. He basically decided to trust in men over the power of God. It's obviously difficult when things seem to contradict, but that's what faith is for, right? After he told us what the facsimlies really mean, he ended like this- "And guess where I was when I was your age? (points to us with his finger) The same place you are. (Puts his hand up in a wave, turns, and walks away saying) Good night" It was a perfect stage exit. He seems to have practice timing his speech, so that no defense can be given. Which is ok, since there is no point in bringing up other ideas with those types of individuals. It's sad to see people that once had the truth in their hands and then for some reason or another rejected it. He was a fairly polite individual, just wanted to share his new found 'light' I suppose.

Well, that was the week. Sounds as if you all enjoyed yourselves. Keep up the enjoyment. Lithuania is wonderful, I am doing wonderful, and pray that you will keep being wonderful.

Love,

Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas

Sveiki Visiems!!

Alright, so about Transfers. As you know, I am now the district leader here in Vilnius. Elder Warner and I are together again, for his last transfer. He is a zone leader, yes. The district is almost the same as before, Elder Whicker and Elder Rich are together, but now Elder Sherman is here with Elder Hyer. It'll be fun. As district leader, I do have extra responsibilities. I lead district meeting, take attendance in sacrament meeting, coordinate with the branch president, collect numbers from the district on Sunday nights, and go on exchanges with the district members. I lead my first district meeting tomorrow, so I'll tell you how it went next week.

Glad to hear that your weeks went seemingly well. Oh, Alistair, I'm excited to listen to that new Jack's Mannequin CD when I get back, should be awesome. Try and get to their concert, it would be a blast. Glad that thinsg are going better. Was your Chem exam in the testing center? That joyous place...haha. If you go there check out the music room, it's upstairs, kinda hidden, but much better than the normal area. Also, there's a TV screen as you exit that shows your test score, sometimes good and sometimes it's better to wait to find out. Ella, people do wear some shoes that look like slippers, but I don't know if they're the same as what you are talking about.

This week was great. As always I will start from the miracles.

First, with Tomas. He again expressed a strong desire to quit smoking. He was struggling and so we reminded him of the reasons that he wanted to quit, which helped him. Also, his behavior is improving. We had a few successful lessons this week, whereas before it would usually only be one per week. We talked aout healing most recently and how he can be healed through the Savior and his own belief in Him.

Second, Skirmantas. Skirmantas is a less-active young man about 18 or so. I taught him before when I served in Vilnius and it was always difficult to come up with a topic, so Elder Warner and I were stumped. He understands all the right answers with his head, but doesn't really believe it with his heart. We tried to think of a way to make it interesting for him. I thought of music, since he likes music, so as I was pondering what to teach him the lyrics to the song 'Help!' by The Beatles came to mind. We took the meaning and applied it to each of us. That we all need help and the way to get that help is through Christ. We also shared Christ and Peter walking on the water and how Peter needed Christ's help and received it. The lesson went well. Skirmantas knew the words immediately, and agreed to ask Christ for help the next time he needed it.

Third, was about District leader things. I had been thinking of what to do since you called and asked me to serve as District Leader. I felt good about it, but wasn't sure if it was quite right, but as we talked Friday morning with the Assisstants, everything just clicked. Helping me realize that the ideas that I had were actually inspired and I was starting to do what God wanted. It was quite reassuring and comforting.

This week we also met with a recent convert, Vitalis, Dedukas. He wasn't doing very well, but we visited with him and shared a short inspirational thought. He was able to come to Church on Sunday, so we talked to him some more there, which was probably enjoyable for him.

We met with Erik and talked about spiritual gifts inviting him to find out what his are and what he would like to develop and to further develop those. He was pretty excited.

We met with a member Grazvidas, who was recently in a car accident and hasn't been able to attend Church for a few weeks. We talked about the importance of scripture reading and he testified strongly of the blessing it's had on his life. How when he's feeling angry, he'll open the scriptures and read and then it calms him down. Way awesome.

I love all of you and appreciate your prayers in my behalf. Lithuania is the best. I love it beyond description. Oh, mom, Lithuanians are also very bold and open with what they say, so maybe it's just American culture that keeps things back. Don't worry, I won't grow a goatee, even though I have considered it. I was further convinced not to on Sunday. Two former missionaries, from about 10 years ago, were visiting. one was sporting a goatee, and I just thought that there is no reason for that. The general authorities don't, so why should I? Just my personal decision, and counsel from President Dance prior to his departure. I wish you all the best. Enjoy your week.

Love,

Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas

Sveiki Visiems!!

Well, first of all, transfers are this week, hopefully I can remain with Elder Warner, but whatever happens is what should happen.

Usually for the second hour we go the Gospel Principles class, for investigators and recent converts/ youth, so I'm not sure what the schedule is for Gospel Doctrine. We talked about prayer and thought about what prayer and other simple gospel things meant to us personally.

Ella- I am excellent. Church was good. There was a guest, who works for the Church filming things. He was looking for people to highlight on Mormon.org as a part of the I am a Mormon ad campaign deal. He's been touring all over the world, pretty crazy. Crazier is that he used to be Elder Warner's neighbor, long, long ago. I led the lesson in aaronic priesthood, we have two aaronic priesthood holders here, one's 12 and the other's 14, as well as a few investigators about that age, so we have a separate class for them. We talked about eternal families. It went fairly well.

We had a lesson with Tomas on Sunday, which could have gone better, but what can you do. We ate salmon and mashed potatoes for dinner. It was scrumptious.

A couple miracles to share this week.
First, Rita, a recent convert, taught by Elders Warner and Manning, was in Vilnius for one last day, before being fulltime in Kaunas as a student. We were able to meet with her and have a fantastic lesson. Elder Warner was back earlier than expected from Riga, so he was able to help teach, much to his delight. She is doing well and has a great grasp on the gospel and the power of Christ and his Atonement.

Second, Tomas. A small miracle and tender moment that we had this week. We were talking to him on the phone and it was a fairly average conversation, more just to occupy him so he wouldn't smoke than anything else. We then somehow arrived to the topic of prayer and his testimony. He said that he had never really felt anything while praying, as he expressed this concern he began to cry. He really wants to feel and know for himself, but had never had that experience, or if he did, didn't recognize it. It was incredibly touching that it was important enough that he would cry over it. As that began to happen, Elder Warner began to praise him for his good desires and overall goodness. We changed tactic to lifting him and testifying that God does care and love him because he wants to do what's right. It showed that he really does want to know, in the deepest part of himself.

We met more with Tomas throughout the week. Some lessons went well, others not. Elder Warner and I both receive so much revelation for him, it's amazing how much God loves him and wants him to be helped.

Hilarious story to share. First, a little background. There's a man who lives here named Boyd Hale. He comes from the well known city of Preston, ID. He was a doctor there, and came here and is married to a Russian woman. He's a little unique and says a lot of things that would be better left unsaid, but he's an enjoyable character if you don't take what he says to seriously.

Saturday there was a baptism in the Russian branch, which we went to with Tomas. Boyd and his wife were there, because they attend the Russian Branch and his wife was probably friends with the woman being baptized. Afterward, we were walking to the bus stop, which Boyd was also walking to. He comes with us and his wife checks a different bus stop to see which is faster. He then says to me "You should grow a goatee when you get back from your mission. Without mine, I have the exact same profile as you and a goatee is much cheaper than plastic surgery to give you a bigger chin." At this point his wife comes and drags him away to another bus stop. Elder Warner and I laugh about it, because it's a bit amusing.

Sunday morning. We got to church early because we were going to teach Tomas a lesson. When we arrive the Russian branch was about to start their third hour, so everyone was in the foyer. Boyd immediately hooks his arm in mine and leads me to the couch so he can explain himself. We sit down and he starts to explain how he wanted a chance to lovingly say what he meant. He didn't mean to bombard me with some random comment, so he had prayed for the chance to lovingly explain where he came from , so I would understand what he had meant. He then proceeds to explain how when he went to medical school in the Phillipines there was a presentation once by a plastic surgeon. The best presentation he had ever seen in his entire medical career. The surgeon was talking about how the most beautiful face, from the profile, you can draw a straight line from the nose to the chin. He showed some examples and then took examples from the class. one being Boyd's profile. He then asked the class what they could do beautify Boyd. Some suggested to cut his nose or lips, others to break his jaw and slide it forward, etc. Boyd didn't like any of those options, so he grew a goatee. Which gives the illusion that his chin is closer to his nose. A cheaper alternative to plastic surgery. Boyd also told me how flexible the Church is with facial hair, although there are some narrow minded people. 'You have to be some what of a rebel, like me to do it.' Hilarious. So, should I grow one, after graduating from BYU, of course? ;)

That was our week. It was good. I pray for you and appreciate your prayers. I love you and Lithuania. I absolutely adore serving. It is magnificent beyond description. Enjoy further your week. I think I answered all your questions. I was kinda thinking all over the place, so sorry if the email is way jumpy and randomly fit together, but I think I said all I wanted to say.

Love,

Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas

Sveiki Visiems!!

Thanks for the pictures, they were fun to see. Oh, I got the package, last week, or sometime, anyway- thank you.

Happy Birthday ISABEL!!!!!! and

Happy Birthday HENRY!!!!!!

Enjoy your birthdays.

Ella, congrats on your baptism. I'm so excited for you and glad that you felt so good afterward.

This last week was quite good. Here's the miracles.

First- we got a sim card and can now use our phone!

Second- Tomas, on his own, expressed the desire to quit smoking and be baptized. He is working towards the 30th of September. As I mentioned earlier, Elder Warner and I have tried to avoid pushing him towards anything and letting him make the steps, since pushing didn't seem to be working. He seems to be moving forward, of his own accord, not because of some obligation he feels to us.

Third- Virgis became a new investigator. We have been trying for about a month to set up a lesson with him and finally it occured. He is an incredibly faith filled man, who really desires to follow Christ. He has been baptized in another Church, not too long ago and asked if he would need to be baptized again, after we invited him to be. We then said yes, and explained about the Apostasy and following Restoration. He prayed at the end of the lesson, expressing his love for God and his desire to follow him. Asking to know if he needs to do as we said or not. It was beatiful. As soon as he understands authority, he appears to be willing to do whatever it takes to follow Christ.

This week we also met with Erik. We just had a short thought about Christ and using his Atonement in our lives on Earth. It went quite well.

We had a lesson with the Skliutas family, active members. It was wonderful. We talked about missionary work and the joy that comes from it. We committed them to do three things. 1- to write their testimonies in copies of the Book of Mormon, 2- to pray about with whom to share the Gospel 3- to give a copy of the Book of Mormon to that individual God told them they needed to share the Gospel with.

I went on an exchange with Elder Whicker. It was marvelous. He is so caring and wants to help people. We talked about some goals that I had and got around to being ourselves with all people, from the beginning of our interactions. I have been trying to do that, particularly with investigators and members. Our talk helped strengthen my desire to do that and renewed the fire. I have been thinking of more specific ways that I can initially be myself and be more open and social with people. It's a little rough, since it's changing about 20 years of habits, but I'm working on it. It's kinda rough, since I'm more reserved and just keep to myself naturally, rather than chat up a storm with whomever I'm near to. Always, time to change though, right?

In our district meeting we talked about vision. I really enjoyed it, especially the idea that Elder Whicker discussed of a vision including three aspects. 1) Where we were, 2) Where we are, and 3) Where we want to be. I had generally associated vision with looking only forward, but in reality to get there, the knowledge of where you were and where you now are, is essential to get to where you want to be. It was a very enlightening and simple concept. He based his thoughts around a talk Elder Holland gave as President of BYU, However Long and Hard the Road. It is a magnificent talk. I'll send it to you, because it's definitely worth reading and gives motivation for anything. He uses an incredible quote from Winston Churchill. Oh, it's just so awesome.

Elder Warner is amazing. Serving with him is great. I noticed as I've been writing this that I keep putting commas in places that they are unnecessary. Partially due to the fact that I overuse commas in general, but also whenever I pause in my thinking I seem to place a comma in the typing, perhaps to represent the pause in my thoughts. Anyway, random little commentary on what's going on in my head.

I think that's it for this week. I love serving and love Lithuania and the inhabitants thereof. I love all of you and pray for you. I appreciate your prayers. Enjoy another week at school, it'll be fun, if you let it be.

Love,

Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas