Weekly Update - Sep. 17, 2007

Sep. 17th, 2007
It is my Brother's Birthday today! Happy Birthday dear Brother!!!

Okay, as promised, I will do my best to sum up last week's events here. So, here I go.

Mon-Tue
We had a Leadership council in the Mission Home. It was the first time I'd been there since the very first night I had in the mission field out here in Missouri and Kansas. There were 55 missionaries present and we were all being instructed by Bro. Steve Allen, Bro. Tracy Watson and Pres. Hacking. They taught very well together. I was watching them very closely and I learned a lot from their example. They are living, breathing examples of Preach My Gospel teachers.

As we sat in a fairly small room and counseled together, we learned much. They asked questions and we would answer. We would ask questions and they would answer. As we did all in our power to participate, understand and learn, the Spirit took over and we were able to accomplish much! We talked about many things, but one of the things we focused on was Phase II of the Truth Restored Campaign. If you don't know what I'm talking about then here's a quick overview of what the Truth Restored Campaign is: (if you already know then, skip this section)

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Overview of Truth Restored Campaign

Truth Restored is the theme for a media thrust that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is testing in three areas of the United States. Las Vegas, New York and Here (Wichita and Kansas City Area – The Missouri Independence Mission[M.I.M.]). Its purpose is to make others more aware of what "Mormons" believe and to get people thinking about what their soul's questions are. Questions like:
1. Where did I come from?
2. What will happen to my family after we die?
3. Does my marriage have to end at death?
4. Why does God allow so much pain and suffering in the World? (Why do bad things happen to good people?)
5. Does God really care about me?
6. What's God like?
7. Does God have one, absolute truth?
8. Why are there so many churches?
These are all questions that many people have and just don't think about or ignore because they haven't found answers that satisfy their soul. Our church boldly declares to the World that we are all the children of God and because God loves us, He's given us answers to these questions of the Soul. These questions about life, death, God, Families, Church, etc. don't go unanswered. The Book of Mormon, along with God's Words today, provide the answers to these questions of the soul. Many of those answers are found on the website: www.mormon.org

The Media Campaign includes magazine ads, Billboards, Radio and Television commercials and internet banner ads. All of them direct all who see, hear or read them to go to www.mormon.org to learn more.

There were two Phases to the six month campaign. The second of which began a few weeks ago.
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We saw the new, Phase II ads and then we practiced using them to find those who are looking for answers to their Questions of the Soul. It was such a good experience! And if any of you haven't been to www.mormon.org in the past few weeks, I highly recommend giving it some of your time. It's very well done!

At the end of the meeting, on Monday night, we were told to go home and ponder (think deeply) about the things that we'd learned so far, determine how we (as the leaders of the mission) could apply and teach them to the other missionaries and prepare to learn more the next day (Tuesday). We did so, and I was greatly blessed as I considered all that I'd just learned and felt.

In a 36 hour period of time, I developed a great love and respect for both Bro. Allen and Bro. Watson and felt that I very much wanted to become acquainted with them. I therefore, found multiple opportunities to speak with them. And each time, I found myself listening, learning and growing as a result. I feel truly blessed to have been in council with and learn from them and Pres. Hacking.

Wed
On Wednesday, we held Zone Conference (A general gathering of about 1/3 of the missionaries in the M.I.M.) at the Stake Center in Independence, MO. We were late because we got our directions messed up. But we didn't miss any of the meeting (thank goodness!), just the little breakfast beforehand. Again, this time as a large mission body, we were learning at the feet of our beloved Mission President (Pres. Hacking) and Bro. Allen and Bro. Watson.

We discussed and role-played many of the same things we did in the Leadership Council we'd had the previous two days. But we did so with less detail. Teaching those details is part of my responsibilities as a "District Leader."

At first, the Spirit was not present in abundance the way it had been during the Leadership Council and it was due to lack of participation. I was devastated at first because it was nothing like it had been and the other missionaries wouldn't learn as much if the Spirit wasn't there. But Pres. Hacking called us on it, we repented and as we participated and did our best, the Spirit came and taught us.

The experiences I had at Zone Conference sealed all that I had learned on Monday and Tuesday. I realized that now, I understood how to do missionary work effectively… the Lord's way. I understood before, but now I "got it!" It is now a part of me! As I thought of just how little time I had left, I sorrowed and desired to have it last a little longer now that I "got it."

After Zone Conference, I thanked Bro. Allen and Bro. Watson for the instruction and the Spirit they'd brought with them and told them that because of them, I now "got" Missionary Work. They were open with their comments and spoke very kindly to me and made me feel special just like President Hacking. I know that this will not be the last time I see them. Also, after the Conference, I asked Pres. Hacking if I could extend my mission just a little longer. Don't worry mom. He said: "No. The Prophet has asked you to serve for two years and that's it. So, that's what you'll serve." I agreed with him and told him I'd do my best to take my understanding (my "got it!") and implant that into the missionaries in my District. He expressed his confidence in me and thanked me.

I returned to Higginsville, MO on Wednesday night a different missionary. And it has had a profound effect on me, how I do missionary work and the progress of those we've been teaching here. We now have three people set for baptism (different from the last three I reported; only one of which has been baptized so far), four people came to church my companion and I are more powerful, spiritual teachers and more people are responding to our message as we use Questions of the Soul along with the Truth Restored Campaign.

How I love being a missionary!!! With all the ups and downs you experience as a missionary, it all pans out for the good in the end. And if no one else, I am a beneficiary! These last few weeks are going to be my BEST!

My companion and I are getting along much better now. I'll tell you what, communication is the key!!!

I love the Lord. I love Jesus Christ! I KNOW he is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon is true Scripture just like the Bible.

I love each of you and keep you in my prayers.

Your Son, Brother and Friend:
~Elder Garn Mosiah Penrod

P.S. If you want to review past weekly updates, you can go to where all of them have been posted for the past two years. http://letstalkme.blogspot.com/

Please note that I have not done anything but email posts to this site. I have no idea what it looks like right now.

Weekly Update - Sep. 13, 2007

Sep. 13th, 2007
Oh my goodness! I honestly don't think I've had more happen in a week's time then has in the past seven days!!! I've been spiritually enlightened. I have changed as a missionary! What I've learned in the past three days has changed how I think of missionary work and who I am. I don't think I can adequately express the change that I've felt. Let me just say, It's amazing!

Last night, we set three people for baptism! Kenton Daugherty, Bill Fuehring and Barbie (last name?). The Spirit was there as we boldly testified that Jesus is the Christ. That it is ONLY through Him that we can be forgiven of our sins. I am so excited for these last few weeks!

On Monday and Tuesday I had a meeting with all of the Mission Leadership (Zone Leaders, District Leaders, Assistants to the President, Visitor Center Sister Leaders) at the Mission Home. It was the First time I had been there since my first night in the Mission. There were 55 people present is what President Hacking told us. And it was our job to listen, learn and deliver the things we were going to hear to the rest of the Mission! No small task, because the things we talked about were taught with such a powerful Spirit that I have been praying that I can duplicate that power so the other missionaries that I'm supposed to teach will feel the change that I felt. So they can understand the things that I've learned. *deep breathe* I'll do my best and if I'm successful in doing that with just one of the other five missionaries, then I will consider myself successful.

So, after the two day meeting, we had a Zone Conference. Which is another full day meeting. And there, we learned many of the same things (just not as in depth with some of them) and I felt that same Spirit. And President Hacking informed us of a change in the Mission. Preparation Days have been moved to Mondays. So, I will organize my thoughts and do my best to be more detailed then.

I'm sorry if this seemed scattered. I'm usually a bit more graceful in these updates. There's a lot on my mind right now. I heard from two friends that I haven't heard from in a while today and I haven't been able to stop thinking about the things they told me.

So, just know that there is MUCH that is happening. All is well and moving forward and I couldn't be happier. I am so happy to be here. And I am so happy to be a missionary!

Your Son, Brother and Friend:
~Elder Garn Mosiah Penrod

Weekly Update - Sep. 05, 2007

Here it is, my last transfer (six weeks)!!! I can hardly believe it's here!

Well, I'm about to get kicked off. I'm ending my mission here in Higginsville, MO with elder Haderlie. He's a good companion and I'm excited.

Well, take care. I'm sorry this was short. Today was a crazy day! We were going to go paintballing, but all the plans went to the windand we lost a lot of time!

Your Son, Brother and Friend:
~Elder Garn Mosiah Penrod

Weekly Update - Aug 29, 2007

Aug 29th, 2007
Well everybody, here we are already. We're going into the last week if the transfer and I can hardly believe that it's here.

Elder Haderlie and I have been working hard to help the work progress here in the Concordia Branch. There is still much to do and I'm not sure if President Hacking will leave me here or not. He sometimes transfers missionaries to places they've never been before for their last six weeks. But, He also leaves missionaries in the area where they've been often enough that I really don't know what to expect. If I had a choice, I would like to stay. But that's always what I want. I'm glad I've had these chances to be moved from one place to another, because this way, I meet so many more people and get to learn so many new things. It's exciting, really.

The Weather here is starting (very slowly) to cool off. I'm excited about that too.

Well, I'm so sorry. But once again I am out of time. (We've been all over the place today!) Know that I am alive and well and loving life!

Take Care.

Your Son, Brother and Friend:
~Elder Garn Mosiah Penrod

Weekly Update - Aug 22, 2007

Aug 22nd, 2007

I want to Thank all of you again for offering so freely suggestions and ideas for helping my companion and me grow closer in friendship and unity. It has worked. We've found what helps us get along and we just need to make sure that we keep doing that and I know that the Lord will see our honest efforts and make up the difference. We are strengthening our friendship. So, Thank you all!

While we've been here in the Concordia Branch, we've really been looking for chances to serve the members here. We've found plenty of opportunity to serve the community (service at the Senior Center) but we wanted to serve the members of the Church too. So, this week we have a few projects to accomplish. The first of which is mowing a lawn. Which we will do later today. So, I'm excited about that. I love the members and the people here.

Well, we've had a baptism here this last week. Her name was Jane Rhodes. There's another one scheduled for this Sunday and ANOTHER one on the 7th of September! The Lord is POURING out His blessings! And I KNOW it's because of our obedience! I have learned so much on my mission about obedience! I'm so happy that I came.

May I share something with you? I realized, while thinking back on it, that right before my mission was the most unfocused, unmotivated, confused, distracted time of my entire LIFE!!! I realize now that the Adversary was doing all in his power to keep me from serving my mission. I must have looked and seemed very foolish to some of your who were watching me. And yet, you all loved and encouraged me to go and Serve the Lord. Thank You! Know that I wasn't always that unfocused, unmotivated, confused and distracted. And that I have since regained and enhanced those skills. I have grown as a missionary. And soon, you will SEE that! I have greater love and respect for Sacred things and, in like manner, encourage others to "let sacred things remain sacred."

There is much more I'd like to say and share but I have not the time to get it all in.

You are all in my prayers and I long for the day that I can again be in your company.

Until then, I'll remain a Faithful, Full-Time Missionary!!!

Your Son, Brother and Friend:
~Elder Garn Mosiah Penrod

P.S. Thank you family for the packages! That'll sure make turning 22 something fun and different from the normal routine. I love you!

P.P.S. If this message ever finds you: HAPPY Birthday! Jenny (from California!), Richard Ethington (an old companion) and Allison (spelling? - From California. The awesome artist!)

Weekly Update - Aug. 15, 2007

I wanted to thank everyone for the tips and pointers. I got a few ideas that will totally help me with my companion. I think a LOT of it is really just we need to talk more. Get to know each other a little better, does that make sense?

Anyways, so the work here is still going well. We still have three people who are set for baptism and they're going strong! I'm so proud of them! They are exercising so much faith as they Act on what they have found to be true. I'm way excited for the rest of this transfer. I can't believe that it's already half-way finished! I hope that President lets me stay here my last transfer. But most missionaries are assigned to an area that they've never been before for their last transfer. So, I wouldn't really be surprised if that happened to me.

Well, I'm about to get the big boot [I'm getting kicked off! :( ], so I'll wrap this up. I love you all and I'm learning and growing so much as I serve the Lord!

To all young men who are thinking about it, to all those who know young men who are thinking about it... I RECOMMEND A FULL-TIME MISSION TO EVERY ABLE-BODIED YOUNG MAN!!! (not to mention it is a commandment from the Lord to serve if possible) IT IS WAAAYYY WORTH IT!!!

Take care and know that I love you all!

Your Son, Brother and Friend:
~Elder Garn Mosiah Penrod

Weekly Update - Aug 08, 2007 (from elder Penrod)

August 8th, 2007
Okay everyone, this one's been long overdue! (Especially for some of you in beloved Olathe, KS!!! - Hi!!! Let me know how you all are doing. I love you and can't wait to see you again soon)

Before I say anything else, I'd like to announce something way cool!!! MY DAD GOT HIMSELF A PRIVATE PILOT'S LICENSE!!! That is so cool, dad!!! I can't wait for my turn. Okay, now that I'm done bragging about my dad. On to the Update.

It is August and it is hot, hot, HOT! Not to mention Thick! Now, I don't mind hot weather, but I will be glad when it's over. This Sunday will mark my 22 month mark!!! I can hardly believe it! It's going by so fast! I'll be home on October 19, 2007 unless something changes. (Mom, I can almost see you beside yourself with excitement!!! I'm also getting excited, but I can honestly say, I'm not getting "Trunky."... Yes, that's totally possible! I can hardly wait to see you too, Mom... and Dad... and Family!!!)

So, I'm the District Leader here in Higginsville, MO!!! Which means, I'm the one that makes sure that everyone is doing the things they need to do and being the best they can be. I'm really no different than the other missionaries, other than I am the one that has the responsability to watch over and look after them. But I have a GREAT district. I don't have to "babysit" anybody. I am truly blessed. I like it! There's so much to do as a District Leader, but it's all worth it. The Lord really does help us magnify our calling. I've noticed that when I'm doing my best, the Lord, literally, makes up the difference! It's great. I love being a missionary!

I would also like to say that I'm feeling GREAT! I am happy and even though, every now and again, we are ill-received; for the most part, we are treated very well! The Branch here is Wonderful! I love them so much. They are full of Faith and Hope and Love. They also help with the missionary work so much! It is my desire to do all in my power to help them grow and feel the love I have towards them. They're great. They really are.

Well, we have been witnessing some amazing miracles here!!! Just yesterday we saw a wedding proposal, someone accept baptism, three friends gather up their cigarettes, crush them and throw them in a garbage can and we saw one of our Part-Member Family, "eterni-gators" accept a challenge to pray and ask God if he should be baptized this month!!! And we're fasting (and praying) for all of these people right now!

It's amazing!!! It's not just in our area either. The other companionships in the District are on fire! I was asked by the Zone Leaders (via elder Whittier's message -He's one of the A.P.s) to find out WHY?! In speaking with them yesterday (for media updates) I had the distinct impression that our success is directly associated with our concern for exact obedience. I felt that the elders are concerned with and striving to be exactly obedient and that's why the Lord's been blessing us so much.

It's so exciting to be a part of this. I spoke with Elder Crandall and told him: "You wanted to see a miracle and now they're all around us!" He said: "I know, it's amazing! I'm so excited."

I'm going to wrap this up, but before I go, I do have a question. My companion and I get along. But I don't feel there's really a good friendship yet. Now, I understand that it takes time sometimes. But I was wondering... What are some things that have helped each of you? I do love him and we pray for each other, I just feel something's missing. Does that make sense? So, send your ideas of little things that I can do to serve him and let him know that I love him. Because I do! He is AMAZING on the Piano!!! In case that bit of info helps at all.

Okay, did I get everything?... Weather, Miracles in the Missionary Work, how I'm feeling... Okay. I think that's it. Take care.

Your Son, Brother and Friend:
~Elder Garn Mosiah Penrod

P.S. Cynthia Johnson (one of my friends) says "hi!" - she's a friend of one of the members here in the Branch.