Boom!!
Yes, this was another great week and I am so happy to be here in Manaus. So this week I really wanted to talk to all of you about something for which a I am extremely grateful. The Holy Spirit! So far on my mission, I have been so wonderfully blessed to be able to develop an ear and heart that listens for that still small voice and I felt impressed to share with all of you a few things that I have discovered about the Spirit. I hope that what I have learned might be able to help one of you recognize more in your life, these heavenly impressions that I have found to be so vital in my life.
I have noticed that the spirit speaks distinctly different than my own personal thoughts and feelings. When an impression comes I have noticed that the nature of the message, the syntax, and method of logical order is different than what I could come up with personally. I have found that generally the things I have felt prompted to say or do have been very small, normal things that are not really unusual. The distinct difference in discerning the spirit from my own thoughts and feelings was how each impression came, how it felt, and what its consequences are when followed. I have learned that all that is good comes from heaven and that if one performs miracles or receives inspiration, it is through and from the powers of heaven that those miracles and messages are received. Thus, if a man touches the heart of another then he must have touched that heart through and by the holy spirit.
So then if I as a missionary help someone understand the true nature of our Lords gospel, it is only through and by that same spirit that the miracles has been performed. By understanding this I have been able to look back at those moments in my mission and life and see how I felt, how I received that impression, and what happened in direct consequence to what was said or done. By perceiving these things I have begun to understand and notice HOW the spirit spoke to me and how I can see to have that spirit again.
However, in doing so I have also learned that perspective is the key. Just as one mans trash is another mans treasure the one who is looking for miracles will find them in places where others will not. The trash, or everyday coincidence of one man, can truly be an angelic message for the penitent soul. Those who ask, receive; but how shall they receive if they refuse to look.
Because of this, I have been blessed to see the work of God performed through the words of my companion. As he speaks, I trust that what he is saying is the truth, sent from heaven to be heard at that time. I feel the power of his words as they touch my heart, as well as the hearts of others. I see the influence that the spirit has on the people after he speaks. I notice that when I have no more to say, that when the spirit has not told me what is to be done, he has received that inspiration. I am so grateful for Elder Christiansen and how much he has taught me.
The work here has become wonderfully more active now that we are striving more to follow what the president has taught. He has told us to teach part-member families; to bring these families into activity and to help them be come whole in the gospel, also to receive the blessings of the temple. That is our focus and we have been blessed with 3 wonderful families to teach. I am confident all will soon become eternal families through the blessing of the temple in Manaus.
As great side notes; my companion has bought a soccer ball and I can now practice juggling again. I can get about 7 on average, but my record is 17! Elder Christiansen always gets more than 15. We also love masking french toast and yesterday he made 9 slices for himself!! Then, he tried eating all of them in the same bite!!! It was quite funny.
Anyways my mission has been great. I love this people. Really I have been noticing how much Brazil has become a part of me. When I started my mission, so much was new and foreign and it was going to stay that way. Now with one year under my belt I have just come to be apart of Brazil. I love it here. I love the language, the people, the music (well, just bossa nova and samba.) I am hoping that for the rest of my life I can always be a little bit Brazilian.
Eu vos amo,
Elder Asa Laws
Monday, April 30, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Week #54 - "It's more fun if you put your hands in the air Isma!"
Boom!
This week was quite a roller-coaster and I am just amazed at how much one can truly grow on a mission. The Lord really has a plan for all and he is watching out for all of us, even if we feel abandoned, or scared, or lonely. Remember this, GOD IS THERE.
So as for the week it was a bit slower in that we are running out of new people to teach. This area is really different from my last in that not very many people accept the offer to hear us. Most houses have big gates around them and no one is out in the street. So that has been hard. BUT we have been getting a few great references from members and I am sure this next week will pick up. So I am looking forward to a good, fast, work filled week.
We actually had a very successful week this week in that 4 people were baptized!!! Vinicius, who is an 8 year old kid who is full of energy and wants to be an example for his dad who drinks. Luciana, who has been talking with missionaries for months now. She finally just got the courage to take the dip. She loves going to church and has a happy face on, always. Maria and Tayana, who we recently met trough a member from across the city, Warley. These two are AMAZING women who really have grown in the last weeks. They went to church, read the scriptures, abandoned coffee habits in days, and are so firm now that I am in awe of their testimonies. Truly a mission does help you see the small miracles of life.
This week was stake conference and I had the privilege to see my mission president again (for the 7th week in a row). He and his wife spoke there and it was amazing to just feel an incredibly powerful spirit there. They spoke of Christ and his atonement for us. It just confirmed in my heart the truths I have come to know. I imagine that when the scriptures talk about the trumps of angels, I believe that sometimes means through the mouths of chosen servants of God. Their words struck my heart. Then, the stake president spoke and I thought it might have been the best talk I have ever heard in my life. He spoke on the comforting power of the Lord's spirit. His spirit was so moving and the talk was all in Portuguese. He really helped ignite a fire in me to be better. WAY BETTER! I just want to be the best I can.
As a side note, I have officially run out of candy in my house. (Sad face) But that is okay. Yessiree, I have been maintaining my weight and feeling really good. All is well. I have had pancakes 3 times this week, and french toast another time. We love to eat breakfast at random times throughout the day. So dinner often means a quick pancake stop at home! Also, I am so glad my companion is so cool. I was starting to run out of Disney quotes for my letters but he has let me bounce a few ideas off him and I have discovered many other great ones!!
Eu vos amo,
Elder Asa Laws
This week was quite a roller-coaster and I am just amazed at how much one can truly grow on a mission. The Lord really has a plan for all and he is watching out for all of us, even if we feel abandoned, or scared, or lonely. Remember this, GOD IS THERE.
So as for the week it was a bit slower in that we are running out of new people to teach. This area is really different from my last in that not very many people accept the offer to hear us. Most houses have big gates around them and no one is out in the street. So that has been hard. BUT we have been getting a few great references from members and I am sure this next week will pick up. So I am looking forward to a good, fast, work filled week.
We actually had a very successful week this week in that 4 people were baptized!!! Vinicius, who is an 8 year old kid who is full of energy and wants to be an example for his dad who drinks. Luciana, who has been talking with missionaries for months now. She finally just got the courage to take the dip. She loves going to church and has a happy face on, always. Maria and Tayana, who we recently met trough a member from across the city, Warley. These two are AMAZING women who really have grown in the last weeks. They went to church, read the scriptures, abandoned coffee habits in days, and are so firm now that I am in awe of their testimonies. Truly a mission does help you see the small miracles of life.
This week was stake conference and I had the privilege to see my mission president again (for the 7th week in a row). He and his wife spoke there and it was amazing to just feel an incredibly powerful spirit there. They spoke of Christ and his atonement for us. It just confirmed in my heart the truths I have come to know. I imagine that when the scriptures talk about the trumps of angels, I believe that sometimes means through the mouths of chosen servants of God. Their words struck my heart. Then, the stake president spoke and I thought it might have been the best talk I have ever heard in my life. He spoke on the comforting power of the Lord's spirit. His spirit was so moving and the talk was all in Portuguese. He really helped ignite a fire in me to be better. WAY BETTER! I just want to be the best I can.
As a side note, I have officially run out of candy in my house. (Sad face) But that is okay. Yessiree, I have been maintaining my weight and feeling really good. All is well. I have had pancakes 3 times this week, and french toast another time. We love to eat breakfast at random times throughout the day. So dinner often means a quick pancake stop at home! Also, I am so glad my companion is so cool. I was starting to run out of Disney quotes for my letters but he has let me bounce a few ideas off him and I have discovered many other great ones!!
Eu vos amo,
Elder Asa Laws
Monday, April 16, 2012
Week #53 - "Hurry up man, the pizzas are getting cold!"
Boom! -
This is it!! ONE YEAR has passed!
It is true. As of the 13th of April, 2012, Asa Richard Laws has been on his mission for 1 year. The middle mark has been past and what a ride it has been. It has had its ups and its downs; its days of laughter, and days of despair; days of growth and more growth. As I have had a few moments to look back, I have realized that this year has truly been the best year of my life. Sorry dad, that motorcycle trip has been supplanted. Sorry BYU, you have been demoted. Europe Trip 2008, relocated. My mission has meant EVERYTHING TO ME and I love it! I want everyone to know that I love it!
FUN FACTS:
# of companions: 5 ( 2 American, 3 brazilian)
# of areas: 3 ( Mauazinho, Jorge Teixeira, Cidade Nova)
# of missionaries trained: 1 (Elder Costa)
# of times cried: 4 ( 2 in the CTM, 2 in-field)
# of pages read: 2841 ( From the Book of Mormon, Bible, Jesus the Christ, Preach my Gospel, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Lectures on Faith, The Great Apostasy)
# of packages received: 8
# of insoles used: 3
# of miles walked just last week: 47 ( True story. No more complaining from other missionaries!!!)
# of socks lost: 1 pair (but another missionary gave me a pair, so I am even.)
This last week was a HARD week. We really just turned on the work juice. We started the week kind of slow but the President came to do interviews with us and he gave me some great advice. Basically he told me to stop messing around and that I have to be more focused than I was before. He stated' "This area is not like your last area, so doing the same things won't work here. You have to be better." Well, he said to work more with members of the church.... and I was a bit lost. I felt like I was just told I was a bad missionary and that I was doing nothing right. However, light came.
We had a member call us who had a friend who wanted to meet with us. Warley, the member, told us of Tayana, his friend, who wanted to visit the church that week. So we went over there and found her and her friend, Maria, that lives with her. WHAT A SPIRITUAL LESSON! They loved it, as did I. We have been visiting them almost weekly. They even went to church and to see another baptism. GUESS WHAT? They want to be baptized this week and so we have 4 potential baptisms this week. What a surprise for an area that has been pretty dry since I arrived. We started to do exactly what the President said and things just improved. We had a great last week and I am so excited for this new week.
Also.... MY PACKAGE ARRIVED MOTHER! Yes, I now have PLENTY of socks and Portland Timbers gear. I think a Jersey, hat, pin, sweat bands, season schedules, and a bumper sticker (where do I put that?) show enough to the world that I love soccer. Seriously I love soccer. It is just awesome. I love talking with members or our investigators about Brazilian and European games. It really helps connect with some people. Sometimes I feel missionaries can be so dry and I try to avoid that. I want people to feel comfortable around me, instantly. The books you sent, mom are great!!!
A few weeks ago I sent out a declaration for all the world to send me pancake mix. I would like to retract that. I have, with the help of Elder Clive (who is from Camas, WA) , shared a homemade pancake mix recipe with Brazilian ingredients. So... my new declaration is.... SEND SYRUP!!!!!!!!!! Or at least maple extract so I can make syrup!!! I now know how to make pancakes, scones, and french toast. All I lack is sweet sugary liquid/paste to lather over the top.
As for me and my companion, we are having a good time. We have finally connected and found a good rhythm in which to march. So we are feeling quite shnazzy.
I love you all for the great first year of support that I have received. I truly do feel your prayers and love.
Eu vos amo,
Elder Asa Laws
It is true. As of the 13th of April, 2012, Asa Richard Laws has been on his mission for 1 year. The middle mark has been past and what a ride it has been. It has had its ups and its downs; its days of laughter, and days of despair; days of growth and more growth. As I have had a few moments to look back, I have realized that this year has truly been the best year of my life. Sorry dad, that motorcycle trip has been supplanted. Sorry BYU, you have been demoted. Europe Trip 2008, relocated. My mission has meant EVERYTHING TO ME and I love it! I want everyone to know that I love it!
FUN FACTS:
# of companions: 5 ( 2 American, 3 brazilian)
# of areas: 3 ( Mauazinho, Jorge Teixeira, Cidade Nova)
# of missionaries trained: 1 (Elder Costa)
# of times cried: 4 ( 2 in the CTM, 2 in-field)
# of pages read: 2841 ( From the Book of Mormon, Bible, Jesus the Christ, Preach my Gospel, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Lectures on Faith, The Great Apostasy)
# of packages received: 8
# of insoles used: 3
# of miles walked just last week: 47 ( True story. No more complaining from other missionaries!!!)
# of socks lost: 1 pair (but another missionary gave me a pair, so I am even.)
This last week was a HARD week. We really just turned on the work juice. We started the week kind of slow but the President came to do interviews with us and he gave me some great advice. Basically he told me to stop messing around and that I have to be more focused than I was before. He stated' "This area is not like your last area, so doing the same things won't work here. You have to be better." Well, he said to work more with members of the church.... and I was a bit lost. I felt like I was just told I was a bad missionary and that I was doing nothing right. However, light came.
We had a member call us who had a friend who wanted to meet with us. Warley, the member, told us of Tayana, his friend, who wanted to visit the church that week. So we went over there and found her and her friend, Maria, that lives with her. WHAT A SPIRITUAL LESSON! They loved it, as did I. We have been visiting them almost weekly. They even went to church and to see another baptism. GUESS WHAT? They want to be baptized this week and so we have 4 potential baptisms this week. What a surprise for an area that has been pretty dry since I arrived. We started to do exactly what the President said and things just improved. We had a great last week and I am so excited for this new week.
Also.... MY PACKAGE ARRIVED MOTHER! Yes, I now have PLENTY of socks and Portland Timbers gear. I think a Jersey, hat, pin, sweat bands, season schedules, and a bumper sticker (where do I put that?) show enough to the world that I love soccer. Seriously I love soccer. It is just awesome. I love talking with members or our investigators about Brazilian and European games. It really helps connect with some people. Sometimes I feel missionaries can be so dry and I try to avoid that. I want people to feel comfortable around me, instantly. The books you sent, mom are great!!!
A few weeks ago I sent out a declaration for all the world to send me pancake mix. I would like to retract that. I have, with the help of Elder Clive (who is from Camas, WA) , shared a homemade pancake mix recipe with Brazilian ingredients. So... my new declaration is.... SEND SYRUP!!!!!!!!!! Or at least maple extract so I can make syrup!!! I now know how to make pancakes, scones, and french toast. All I lack is sweet sugary liquid/paste to lather over the top.
As for me and my companion, we are having a good time. We have finally connected and found a good rhythm in which to march. So we are feeling quite shnazzy.
I love you all for the great first year of support that I have received. I truly do feel your prayers and love.
Eu vos amo,
Elder Asa Laws
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