Miracles!!
First, District Meeting. As always I was inspired about what I should speak, that being 'Look not behind thee', inspired by the story of Lot and his wife. It went quite well. Again, everyone seemed attentive and was taking notes, so I assume that if I didn't say specific things for them at least the Spirit was present to teach them.
Second, I had an exchange with Elder Kezele and on this exchange we taught Radvile, who is preparing for baptism. We taught the Law of Chastity and the Word of Wisdom, with Tomas. SHe already knew what was required to do, so we quickly reviewed that and focused on why God has commandments. She easily accepted. Tomas was wonderful in the lesson, close to the best behaved I've ever seen him- it was incredible.
Third, about Tomas. I was talking to Tomas yesterday, who is struggling a bit due to his concentrated effort to quit smoking right now. He expressed that it's hard, but this time he has a different strength so no matter how badly he wants to smoke he won't. He also said that the wants to really badly sometimes, but just can't. He doesn't know why, but it just won't happen or he can't do it. Miraculous. That is the power of God.
Fourth, our activity. We were a little worried that there would not be sufficient food for everyone. As it drew closer and closer to starting it seemed less and less likely that we would have enough, but then people showed up with food and the food on the table seemed to keep lasting and lasting, with leftovers. It was not quite as drastic a change as the feeding of the 5000 but similar in happening. THe miracle was not just that the food lasted, but that members brought food, helped prepare, and clean up after. Also Luiza's father, who is not a member, searched and found a turkey for this Thanksgiving feast.
Fifth, we had a lesson with Birute and Zivile, an active mother and recently reactivated daughter. To our surprise the mother's less active daughter was also there, so we adapted our lesson and focused on her. She didn't know we were going to be there, so it was a little weird at first, but that was overcome and it was a nice lesson.
Sixth, we were able to attend the Genocide Museum. It was sobering. Like 9th Fort in Kaunas, worth seeing, but I still don't really know what word to use, since it's not 'cool' or 'awesome'. Anyway, you get the idea. The museum is a building that was used by Nazis and the Soviet Union to house prisoners, torture and kill people. It talked about the freedom fighters from Lithuania, and what happened in the building. A member, actually was imprisoned there during the Soviet Union, we believe we saw his cell. It made it that much more real. At the museum I had some revelation come. First, an excitement for defending liberty and freedom and the right, even if results may not be immediate, as the freedom fighters of Lithuania did. Second, part of the reason why Lithuanians hold so tightly to their Catholic traditions. One, the Soviets tried to remove them, so anyone else that does so becomes linked with the Soviets. Two, they used their belief in God to keep them alive and separate from the Soviet ideals, during the Soviet Union. Now, they would feel almost like a traitor to Lithuania and the freedom they or their forefathers paid for dearly. It helped me be more understanding and therefore more able to be on their level.
We also met with an investigator Aurimas. It was a good lesson. He doesn't believe in God, but wants to find truth, so we testified pretty strongly that this is true and that he can come to know that himself.
I love all of you and pray for you. I love serving and indescribably love Lithuania, her people, language, and culture.
Love,
Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
This week contained a few miracles.
First, my driver's license was extended. Everything worked out.
Second, we were considering moving because our apartment's old and small, but nothing worked out. We all felt that we shouldn't/wouldn't move, so we stopped looking and called the landlord to see if we could get a few changes. He came over and was willing to change things at no extra cost to us. It worked out beautifully.
Third, we met a couple weeks ago with Nijole, who Elders Hengst and Hyer taught a year ago. She expressed that she wanted to be baptized but was afraid of her family's reaction. We gave her a For the Strength of the Youth pamphlet, which President Boswell suggested, and briefly told her about it. Of her own accord, she read and discussed the pamphlet with a friend, shared the Book fo Mormon with her granddaughter, and has a couple of other friends who she would like us to meet with this week. Awesome.
Fourth, happened on an exchange with Elder Tomas. I had previously recommited myself to bus contact. He then bus contacted, without knowing about my goal, which helped give me the courage to do it myself. Later we discussed a goal, and found out that we were both working on the same thing, so we decided to work on it together. I have used my opportunities on buses much more effectively since then. Woohoo!
On the exchange we met with Tomas. It was so good to teach him again. He's struggling a bit with adjusting to Elder Sherman and Elder Tomas, so I think it was nice for him to be with me, whom he knows well. I love him so much and hope that he can do what he needs to to get baptized.
District Meeting went well. We talked about working with members and had a nice discussion. It was successful.
That was my week. Oh, Ainis, who I taught in Klaipeda and had a baptismal date, but then couldn't get baptized and had some other issues, is set for baptism on December 3rd! Elder Whicker upon his return to Klaipeda called him up and miraculously Ainis had just been thinking about the church and read a bit in his triple combination. They set up a lesson and he expressed a desire to be baptized. Awesome.
I love all of you and love serving. I love Lithuania. I hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving and have a fabulous holiday.
Love,
Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas
First, my driver's license was extended. Everything worked out.
Second, we were considering moving because our apartment's old and small, but nothing worked out. We all felt that we shouldn't/wouldn't move, so we stopped looking and called the landlord to see if we could get a few changes. He came over and was willing to change things at no extra cost to us. It worked out beautifully.
Third, we met a couple weeks ago with Nijole, who Elders Hengst and Hyer taught a year ago. She expressed that she wanted to be baptized but was afraid of her family's reaction. We gave her a For the Strength of the Youth pamphlet, which President Boswell suggested, and briefly told her about it. Of her own accord, she read and discussed the pamphlet with a friend, shared the Book fo Mormon with her granddaughter, and has a couple of other friends who she would like us to meet with this week. Awesome.
Fourth, happened on an exchange with Elder Tomas. I had previously recommited myself to bus contact. He then bus contacted, without knowing about my goal, which helped give me the courage to do it myself. Later we discussed a goal, and found out that we were both working on the same thing, so we decided to work on it together. I have used my opportunities on buses much more effectively since then. Woohoo!
On the exchange we met with Tomas. It was so good to teach him again. He's struggling a bit with adjusting to Elder Sherman and Elder Tomas, so I think it was nice for him to be with me, whom he knows well. I love him so much and hope that he can do what he needs to to get baptized.
District Meeting went well. We talked about working with members and had a nice discussion. It was successful.
That was my week. Oh, Ainis, who I taught in Klaipeda and had a baptismal date, but then couldn't get baptized and had some other issues, is set for baptism on December 3rd! Elder Whicker upon his return to Klaipeda called him up and miraculously Ainis had just been thinking about the church and read a bit in his triple combination. They set up a lesson and he expressed a desire to be baptized. Awesome.
I love all of you and love serving. I love Lithuania. I hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving and have a fabulous holiday.
Love,
Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sveiki Visiems!!
Thanks for the Birthday wishes. It was a good day, a bit stressful, but everything resolved itself, so it was good. Elder Whicker called me and wished me a Happy Birthday and of course sang. I opened the package that morning, so we decorated the apartment. The primary sang to me as well and all wished me something, which is a birthday tradition here- you all wish the person something for the year- happiness, love, money, good luck, those sorts of things. That was very nice. A senior couple, the Flakes, who will be serving in Vilnius, arrived this week. THey are staying in the apartment I was in, so yes, I did move, but the address is the city post box we have, so it's the same for everyone in Vilnius. Anyway, since I was the last one living in that apartment I was kinda designated the one to help them get settled in. We moved stuff up Thursday. Answered many a phone call Friday. They didn't have heat or hot water. We went over Saturday to try and fix that, no luck. Then, they set off the alarm by opening a box of sorts and were unable to turn it off. THe alarm would then sound every time they tripped one of the sensors. We called the landlady, she didn't know about the alarm and said that the heat and water should be working, but she couldn't come until the next day, Sunday to look at it. Sunday we see them at Church, still nothing. We went over to help them after Church. We had no idea how to turn off the alarm, but tried for an hour or two. Then the landlady, husband and son arrive. We stay to translate and act in behalf of the Flakes. They figure out the heat- check. They look at the water, it should be hot now- check. They don't know what to do for the alarm, so they call half of Lithuania, pulling strings trying to get a phone number of someone who would know what's up. They try a bunch of things and finally get the alarm entirely shut off- check. A successful, exhausting day. Crazy. Miracle.
I got the letters- thanks. I enjoyed the drawings and notes. Dad, I really liked that article about Religious Freedom. I noticed that he had done a conference in LIthuania- that was sweet. I had the thought to try and volunteer or do something with that International Center for Religious and Legal Studies when I get back. Exciting. Oh, I had a question- did you ever listen to the Lithuanian music or try and watch the movies? Just curious of what you thought.
I'm glad that you were able to go and hear Elder Warner speak. That's excellent. He sent me a quick email saying he was glad that you came and expressed how wonderful you all are.
Answers: I do have some pointy shoes and occasionally wear them here, but will definitely wear them at home.
It can be windy, it definitely is in Klaipeda and is on and off here in Vilnius.
I don't know if I'll ever serve in Siauliai- it seems that most missionaries serve in 3 out of 4 cities. Some only 2, others all 4.
Serving in a threesome is interesting. It does occasionally feel like we totally overpower the investigators or whoever we are teaching, but it's nice. It's much easier to keep conversations going because there are two others listening and able to comment.
Alright, so some miracles from the week.
First, we ahd a lesson with an active member, Viktorija and her less active mother, Liudvika. Viktorija has two brothers who had not wanted or been unable to have contact with the missionaries recently, both members. This lesson both were there. One talked to us for a few minutes and then left, and the other just briefly came in and said hello. Progress. The lesson went quite well. We committed them to daily read from the Book of Mormon together.
Second, I needed to organize some visa work for Elder Hyer and Elder Rich. Got that taken care of and it went smoothly- they are both now legal.
Third, District Meeting. Since it was the beginning of a new transfer I wanted to establish a Vision for our district, that all members wanted to work towards. I compared our district to a Phoenix. As change occurred it might appear that the glory and beauty we had was lost and destroyed, burnt to ash. While that may have been temporarily true, now the Phoenix may rise again from the Ashes. I thought about it and what I wanted, but left it more open, wanting it to be the District's vision, not just mine. In doing so, I didn't know exactly what was going to happen, but it went incredibly well. All participated and shared thoughts, building off of each other to create the following Seven Point Vision.
1. Be Vessels of the Spirit
2. Consistently Focus on Priorities
3. Be Fearless (Cast Out Fear with Love)
4. Look Not Behind Thee
5. Thin the Veil
6. Speak with the Tongues of Angels
a. Speak no evil of the Lord's anointed
b. Build each other up
7. Victory!
And thus shall the Phoenix rise.
Pretty epic, huh?
Fourth, Romune. Romune is incredible. She thinks very scientifically and not spiritually, so wrapping her mind around the spiritual side of things has been a bit difficult. She wants to learn and know about Christ, but can't the same way she does learning math or something, for example. Elder Hyer and I both shared experiences from our lives of making decisions and explaining what motivates them. Afterward, there was a change in her. She seemed touched and recognized the possibility for change and what really she needed to do. She also thanked us very sincerely for sharing those with her.
That was basically the week.
Glad to hear about your weeks and how they went. I pray for you and appreciate your prayers. I love Lithuania. It is beautiful and amazing. Enjoy your next week!
Love,
Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas
Thanks for the Birthday wishes. It was a good day, a bit stressful, but everything resolved itself, so it was good. Elder Whicker called me and wished me a Happy Birthday and of course sang. I opened the package that morning, so we decorated the apartment. The primary sang to me as well and all wished me something, which is a birthday tradition here- you all wish the person something for the year- happiness, love, money, good luck, those sorts of things. That was very nice. A senior couple, the Flakes, who will be serving in Vilnius, arrived this week. THey are staying in the apartment I was in, so yes, I did move, but the address is the city post box we have, so it's the same for everyone in Vilnius. Anyway, since I was the last one living in that apartment I was kinda designated the one to help them get settled in. We moved stuff up Thursday. Answered many a phone call Friday. They didn't have heat or hot water. We went over Saturday to try and fix that, no luck. Then, they set off the alarm by opening a box of sorts and were unable to turn it off. THe alarm would then sound every time they tripped one of the sensors. We called the landlady, she didn't know about the alarm and said that the heat and water should be working, but she couldn't come until the next day, Sunday to look at it. Sunday we see them at Church, still nothing. We went over to help them after Church. We had no idea how to turn off the alarm, but tried for an hour or two. Then the landlady, husband and son arrive. We stay to translate and act in behalf of the Flakes. They figure out the heat- check. They look at the water, it should be hot now- check. They don't know what to do for the alarm, so they call half of Lithuania, pulling strings trying to get a phone number of someone who would know what's up. They try a bunch of things and finally get the alarm entirely shut off- check. A successful, exhausting day. Crazy. Miracle.
I got the letters- thanks. I enjoyed the drawings and notes. Dad, I really liked that article about Religious Freedom. I noticed that he had done a conference in LIthuania- that was sweet. I had the thought to try and volunteer or do something with that International Center for Religious and Legal Studies when I get back. Exciting. Oh, I had a question- did you ever listen to the Lithuanian music or try and watch the movies? Just curious of what you thought.
I'm glad that you were able to go and hear Elder Warner speak. That's excellent. He sent me a quick email saying he was glad that you came and expressed how wonderful you all are.
Answers: I do have some pointy shoes and occasionally wear them here, but will definitely wear them at home.
It can be windy, it definitely is in Klaipeda and is on and off here in Vilnius.
I don't know if I'll ever serve in Siauliai- it seems that most missionaries serve in 3 out of 4 cities. Some only 2, others all 4.
Serving in a threesome is interesting. It does occasionally feel like we totally overpower the investigators or whoever we are teaching, but it's nice. It's much easier to keep conversations going because there are two others listening and able to comment.
Alright, so some miracles from the week.
First, we ahd a lesson with an active member, Viktorija and her less active mother, Liudvika. Viktorija has two brothers who had not wanted or been unable to have contact with the missionaries recently, both members. This lesson both were there. One talked to us for a few minutes and then left, and the other just briefly came in and said hello. Progress. The lesson went quite well. We committed them to daily read from the Book of Mormon together.
Second, I needed to organize some visa work for Elder Hyer and Elder Rich. Got that taken care of and it went smoothly- they are both now legal.
Third, District Meeting. Since it was the beginning of a new transfer I wanted to establish a Vision for our district, that all members wanted to work towards. I compared our district to a Phoenix. As change occurred it might appear that the glory and beauty we had was lost and destroyed, burnt to ash. While that may have been temporarily true, now the Phoenix may rise again from the Ashes. I thought about it and what I wanted, but left it more open, wanting it to be the District's vision, not just mine. In doing so, I didn't know exactly what was going to happen, but it went incredibly well. All participated and shared thoughts, building off of each other to create the following Seven Point Vision.
1. Be Vessels of the Spirit
2. Consistently Focus on Priorities
3. Be Fearless (Cast Out Fear with Love)
4. Look Not Behind Thee
5. Thin the Veil
6. Speak with the Tongues of Angels
a. Speak no evil of the Lord's anointed
b. Build each other up
7. Victory!
And thus shall the Phoenix rise.
Pretty epic, huh?
Fourth, Romune. Romune is incredible. She thinks very scientifically and not spiritually, so wrapping her mind around the spiritual side of things has been a bit difficult. She wants to learn and know about Christ, but can't the same way she does learning math or something, for example. Elder Hyer and I both shared experiences from our lives of making decisions and explaining what motivates them. Afterward, there was a change in her. She seemed touched and recognized the possibility for change and what really she needed to do. She also thanked us very sincerely for sharing those with her.
That was basically the week.
Glad to hear about your weeks and how they went. I pray for you and appreciate your prayers. I love Lithuania. It is beautiful and amazing. Enjoy your next week!
Love,
Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas
Monday, November 7, 2011
Sveiki Visiems!!!
This week was crazy. It was sad saying goodbye to Elder Warner, but it wasn't a permanent goodbye, so not to bad. Elder Whicker was transferred as well, back to Klaipeda. I am now in a threesome with Elder Hyer and Elder Hengst. In the area that I started in. Crazy. It's been good so far. Being in a threesome is a little different than a normal companionship, just because there's two other people instead of just one. Elder Hyer is from Logan, Utah. Elder Hengst is from Germany, one of my MTC companions. He and Elder Hyer served together in Vilnius about a year ago. It's quite the group. I'm still the District Leader. It should be good.
As always, here are some miracles.
First, Tomas, who I am no longer teaching. Elder Warner and I had a very emotional lesson with him. Elder Warner shared ALma 38 making it his last instructions to Tomas. Tomas cried for a long time. He didn't want to meet with other missionaries and said he wouldn't, but as the time came he has, almost daily met with Elder Sherman and Elder Tomas, the Elders now in charge of that area. I'm glad that he's meeting with them and know that they can help him do what he needs to.
Second, with English class. English class was held on Saturday at the same time a regional conference was going on. Miraculously both were able to occur without problems. Everyone was satisfied. Woohoo!
Third, we were near a member's house so we thought we would stop by and say hello. They weren't home, so we went and worked a bit nearby and then passed again, tried their number, still no answer. We walked away, running into the member and her less active son, who recently returned from Spain. We talked for a bit and then they invited us in. We shared a short thought with them and then on Sunday, the son came to Church!
We met with a family this week, Saulius and Marina, and their three children. THe lesson went well. We shared a short thought about being courageous and ending the conflict with sin. It was quick and powerful.
We also stopped by an investigator that Elder Hyer and Elder Hengst taught last year, Nijole. She's doing well, wants to be baptized, but is afraid of her families reaction. We read from the BOok of Mormon with her and she said she would come to Church the next week.
For District Meeting, I had people share things they had learned throughout the transfer and then shared some things I had learned and noticed all of us learning. I came up with five points- 1. God guides and cares about the details
2. All of us have Potential for Greatness inside us
3. Inside every Challenge is an Opportunity
4. THe Power is in The Word
5. Recognizing the Many Faces of Victory
It went well. The spirit was definitely present as all shared what they had learned.
Serving is amazing. That's all there is to it. I love Lithuania and all things Lithuanian. I'm excited to be able to serve with Elder Hengst and Elder Hyer, it'll be good.
I wish all of you a great week. I pray for you and appreciate your prayers.
Love,
Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas
PS They are building a new stake type center in Riga!
This week was crazy. It was sad saying goodbye to Elder Warner, but it wasn't a permanent goodbye, so not to bad. Elder Whicker was transferred as well, back to Klaipeda. I am now in a threesome with Elder Hyer and Elder Hengst. In the area that I started in. Crazy. It's been good so far. Being in a threesome is a little different than a normal companionship, just because there's two other people instead of just one. Elder Hyer is from Logan, Utah. Elder Hengst is from Germany, one of my MTC companions. He and Elder Hyer served together in Vilnius about a year ago. It's quite the group. I'm still the District Leader. It should be good.
As always, here are some miracles.
First, Tomas, who I am no longer teaching. Elder Warner and I had a very emotional lesson with him. Elder Warner shared ALma 38 making it his last instructions to Tomas. Tomas cried for a long time. He didn't want to meet with other missionaries and said he wouldn't, but as the time came he has, almost daily met with Elder Sherman and Elder Tomas, the Elders now in charge of that area. I'm glad that he's meeting with them and know that they can help him do what he needs to.
Second, with English class. English class was held on Saturday at the same time a regional conference was going on. Miraculously both were able to occur without problems. Everyone was satisfied. Woohoo!
Third, we were near a member's house so we thought we would stop by and say hello. They weren't home, so we went and worked a bit nearby and then passed again, tried their number, still no answer. We walked away, running into the member and her less active son, who recently returned from Spain. We talked for a bit and then they invited us in. We shared a short thought with them and then on Sunday, the son came to Church!
We met with a family this week, Saulius and Marina, and their three children. THe lesson went well. We shared a short thought about being courageous and ending the conflict with sin. It was quick and powerful.
We also stopped by an investigator that Elder Hyer and Elder Hengst taught last year, Nijole. She's doing well, wants to be baptized, but is afraid of her families reaction. We read from the BOok of Mormon with her and she said she would come to Church the next week.
For District Meeting, I had people share things they had learned throughout the transfer and then shared some things I had learned and noticed all of us learning. I came up with five points- 1. God guides and cares about the details
2. All of us have Potential for Greatness inside us
3. Inside every Challenge is an Opportunity
4. THe Power is in The Word
5. Recognizing the Many Faces of Victory
It went well. The spirit was definitely present as all shared what they had learned.
Serving is amazing. That's all there is to it. I love Lithuania and all things Lithuanian. I'm excited to be able to serve with Elder Hengst and Elder Hyer, it'll be good.
I wish all of you a great week. I pray for you and appreciate your prayers.
Love,
Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas
PS They are building a new stake type center in Riga!
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