Elder Martinelli

WEEK 103 TIMES UP

2011-06-22T17:09:00.001-07:00

It still hasn't hit me that I am going home in 2 days crazy. I don’t really want to go. I have made so many friends and had so many good and bad experiences it kind of feels like home here. I said good bye to the ones I love here in Deal and they said if you are ever back this way call us and I definitely will. I love it here but my time has come and a new chapter in my life will begin. I don't know what is waiting me in the future but God does and he can prepare me. I am excited to see you guys but also sad to leave my second family the people I love here in England. I will always miss it but I will come back so it is just a temporarily departure. see ya in a couple days [wow that weird :)]

WEEK 102 THE END IS IN SIGHT

2011-06-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

This week was great but no one came to church.

Not much happening in the coming week, just going to see some people I want to say goodbye to. I am still loving it out here but I guess every good thing comes to an end.

I will probably have to buy a ruck sack and carry a whole bunch of things with me. So weird that Dexter is home already

WEEK 101 WEEKLY RUN DOWN

2011-06-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

On Monday I had a leadership meeting that was fun. Tuesday, we saw loads of people and are helping them come out to church and prepare for baptism. On Wednesday we saw Wicked- it was awesome. I bought the cd. I didn't think I would like plays but Wicked was wicked. On Thursday Elder Hinckley was sick then on Friday we did more work and on Saturday I interviewed some one for baptism and they passed.

We played this zombie board game with the zone leaders. It was probably the funniest board game I’ve ever played. We had a BBQ on Sunday because Elder Gibboins uncle came back from Saudi Arabia for three weeks then we had a lovely time at another member’s house. He is 80 years old and is a health nut and he runs marathons.

I am excited for these last two weeks. There will be a lot happening

WEEK 100 TAKING TIME TO BE A TOURIST

2011-06-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

We did loads of teaching and had loads of new people to teach. We have two baptism dates and I hope they go through. We had a leadership meeting in London yesterday and it was very good and insightful. At the meeting there were loads of young missionaries who are becoming leaders and they are all talking about how I am almost going home. It did get on my nerves, but I am trying to stay focused and help these last people on my mission.

Yesterday we hired these Barclays bikes that you can hire from a machine and then you have it for an hour so we biked around London. Tomorrow I will be going to see Wicked and that’s going to be cool.

WEEK 99 D.A.D.

2011-05-23T09:01:00.001-07:00

We are seeing some new people. We have now 5 new investigators so things are going good and can't wait for the next week to see them again. Hopefully we can still have our car for next month because we are already over miles for this month and we probably have to park it for a week. This week we have loads of dinner appointments with members and we have started a new programme called D.A.D's which is dinner appointment and discussion so we are bringing our investigators to our dinner appointments and it is working really well. The members really love it and most of the time they bring a friend too. It is all really good.

I heard Man U won the premier.

It sounds good to sign me up for football. I miss it so much and can't wait to play a real competitive game.

WEEK 98 A SPORTING GOOD TIME

2011-05-19T17:24:00.001-07:00

We have done loads of stuff on p day .We had a zone meeting and I definitely felt the spirit during testimony meeting. Then we went to the beach and played American football and ultimate Frisbee and then these Spanish people wanted to take their picture with us. We played jackpot and then left to eat at a pub and I had a nice burger then we went to MacDonald’s and had a Mcflurry then we played all these fun games it was a really fun day. It is weird that this is my final transfer and Harrison just got in the MTC. I want to switch places with him, I wish it could last forever but I guess I have to come home.

WEEK 97 “YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE”

2011-05-11T18:17:00.000-07:00

On Monday we traveled down to London and we were out in front of Craven Cottage looking for tickets and guess what!!!!! We got some.

There was still two hours before the game, the Fulham players were soon arriving and loads of people got autographs and stuff then sky sports interviewed me about Liverpool’s season and about the game. It would have been on the pre game show on sky sports, incredible then the Liverpool players came and we all cheered them on. I finally got in and saw them on the pitch - singing their chant all game long. Didn’t sit down once -the English know how to watch sports and guess what the score was 5-2 to Liverpool incredible night. I sang the Liverpool song till the sun came up, loved it.

MOTHERS DAY TELEPHONE CALL

2011-05-11T18:16:00.000-07:00

It was so wonderful to talk with Niall on Mothers day and hear how he is doing. The girls were happy to be included in the call.

He sounds great, loves the weather, the people and the area. All is good.

During the two years in England, missionaries have the opportunity to see a football game or a show (most wanted to see Wicked). Niall, of course wanted to see his favourite team LIVERPOOL. We spent some time trying to arrange that with him. He is looking forward to seeing his nephew, Hunter who will be 18months when Niall comes home.

As always, he is wishing that time did not pass so quickly.

WEEK 96 QUICK NOTE

2011-05-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

We watched the royal wedding at a member’s house and it was lovely. Then we had loads of appointments and played baseball with a family. Went to the white cliffs of Dover - it was beautiful.

WEEK 95 EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA

2011-04-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

We are teaching loads and finding lots of new people to teach. Lots of are investigators are probably going to take quite a while to get baptized, I think it might be a good thing because usually kingdom builders take a while.

This Easter we went to the bishop’s house after church and had a lovely roast dinner and then an Easter egg hunt. We went to a member’s house and had a buffet then played ultimate frisbee with the son and his non member friends. On p day we went back to Rochester where the biggest second hand book store in England is and hung out with some of the missionaries, than we went to Folkstone and had dinner with the Spiers family and played rounders with them - it was a very good Easter holiday.

WEEK 94 CONNECTIONS

2011-04-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

This week I was determined to get over to visit more members in their home and on Sunday it all paid off. We went to the Giboin's home, because Elder Giboin's cousins live in Deal and so do his grandparents so they invited us over for grandma Giboin’s birthday and bbq. It was really fun to built some relations with one of the bigger families in the ward and they were asking me all about Elder Giboin.

We went to the bishop’s for dessert and they asked us all these questions and they said they are looking for the missionaries to teach their friends and they have a lot of friends waiting to get taught so lets hope we are the right missionaries for them

The ward is growing on me. I guess it is just difficult to go from an amazing ward and expect the same elsewhere.

The Canterbury sisters are in my district. One from America- Sister Freeman and one from Japan -Sister Kinjo and one from Burma- Sister Luwin. Being a district leader is not stressful but I guess I never really let anything stress me. I think it is really fun because you get to call a lot of people and build friendships where you couldn't before. Some days I think I could do this my whole life, living the ups and downs of a mission.

WEEK 93 PROGRESS

2011-04-12T16:25:00.001-07:00

We had a goal to get 40 hours of accounted labour and guess what?? We did it. It was such a good feeling to reach our goals. We are finding loads and this week we have lots of people to teach so the area is growing.

We don't get many Dinner Appointments but that will change. The ward is a lot different than Southend. Southend was big and friendly but Deal is small. I did have a chance to introduce myself and hopefully we can try to work with members more.

In answer to some family questions here is the reply ----

My favourite food -I really do like roast beef with horseradish sauce and gammon with English mustard or pork tender loin with mint sauce, the English do know how to make it better with a good sauce.

Being a District Leader is fine. I check up on the sisters every night and the zone leaders talk to me regularly and I strive to make my area an example for others.

We are starting to introduce some missionary programmes in the ward to encourage member missionary work.

WEEK 92 A CHANGE OF SCENERY

2011-04-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

I am in Kent again and it’s okay. We are at the tip of our mission, the lowest part you can go. My zone is pretty cool. I have a trio of sisters and the zone leaders in my district so it’s pretty fun. My companion’s name is Elder Hinckley he is the great, great nephew of President Hinckley and he lives in Seattle. This is a car area but on the way back from London one of the zone leaders crashed our car so I am in another car area with out a car. This week we are having a baptism and I will be confirming her next Sunday.

I still haven't seen the last session of Conference; we will probably see it in sacrament meeting this week. We are going out there and talking to 18 to 30 year olds because we were told that Elder L.Tom Perry said that is where the growth of the church will be.

It is going really well, they are the most receptive. I am having so much fun. Yes, there are hard days but there also are really, really good days. It rains lots I guess because April showers bring May flowers. I will probably see the white cliffs of Dover and Dover castle for P days.

I probably am like Alma and do sin in my wish to make my mission longer. The Lord has given me time and it’s almost up. Its like everything else, you don't appreciate it until its gone.

WEEK 91 ‘ TILL WE MEET AGAIN

2011-04-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

Our investigators didn't progress the way we anticipated so they didn't get baptized. They are still learning more and progressing. Some people progress slower than others.

We saw loads of new people so for the new transfer the area will have a pretty decent teaching pool. I have been in Southend for 6 months now. I said good bye to the Garwood's and tomorrow I will say good bye to the McIntyre’s and to the YSA. It is sad but I knew I would have to leave. I will go on and probably love the people in my other area. This is my favourite area, I love it.

I got the call to become a District leader in Deal, Kent. I am excited for new things and to get down to some good old fashioned hard work. My new companions name is Elder Hinckley.

WEEK 90 SUNNY DAYS AHEAD

2011-03-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

This week was really fun. It flew by. We had a nice Saturday, we hung out with the Young Single Adults at Hadleigh castle and they brought some of their friends so we introduced ourselves and had conversations about the church. Lots of fun. Today we went on a 5 hour hike with bro.M., the family that I love. The sun is out and it is a beautiful sunny summer day. I can't believe you guys still have snow, the snow left ages ago. I am trying my best to help the people in Southend. I love it here. Moves are soon and I am not looking forward to that.

Week 89 HAPPINESS IS….

2011-03-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

Right now I am in the apple store writing the email.

We had loads of lessons with less actives this week. One family is coming along really well and hopefully they will be prepared for the 27th of this month. My highlight of the week was when the less active family came out to church I was happy. It seems like that is always the highlight of my week.

WEEK 88 FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER

2011-03-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

We invited two people to be baptized and they both accepted. It is so exciting bringing a family to the gospel and especially a young family. This week we did lots of teaching and lots of finding and my favourite part of the week was when our less actives came to church. It is always so awesome when they come.

Today we will be spending our P Day at President Herbertson’s house. He is from Glasgow and he is the Stake President in Rumford stake.

Mission Pictures

2011-03-06T20:21:00.000-08:00

Niall sent these pictures, which reflect pictures from past areas and companions.

WEEK 87 LOVE LOVE LOVE

2011-03-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

We didn't see many investigators but we did teach loads of less actives and that is always fun.

I had some good experiences. I always love going to the Glaswegian family home. They are so fun. I am really excited for this transfer it is only 5 weeks starting today so gotta get to work.

It is awesome now in my zone. I have loads of people I get along with.

I have noticed on my mission that people don't care what you know until they know how much you care (just like that Mormon ad.) I try to love every one I see on my mission, if it’s an investigator, less active or recent convert or even just a member. I try to build that bond of friendship and trust and that is when I see the work progress so much because this gospel is a gospel of love.

President Thomas S. Monson said if we feel grateful but don't show it its like wrapping a gift and not giving it. That made me think of all the times I felt grateful and I didn't tell the person. Thank the ward for me. I just love my mission because I feel the spirit so much almost every day. I love my studies as well because when I read the scriptures the spirit testifies to me every time.

I do love it out here so it makes it a little easier, even if there are some hard times.

We had a quite fun zone p-day the whole zone came here and we ate at this Chinese restaurant named the Wok ‘n’ Grill. Then we came back and played some football and some other games. All in all it was fun.

WEEK 86 ASK AND YE SHALL RECEIVE

2011-02-26T18:30:00.000-08:00

This week was a little slower since I was sick. We have so many people in our teaching pool now and also a baptism date. We had Jake’s farewell this Sunday and two people from my old ward came so that was quite nice to see them, also another person from another ward I served at. We are teaching loads now and I can't wait to help these people come closer to Christ. The less actives we are working with are doing great and are slowly progressing. I love it out here so much. We got our moves call and I am staying in Southend. I am so excited I definitely didn't want to leave and now I can stay for another 6 weeks. My new companion is Elder Gusty and he is from Italy.

WEEK 85 ANTICIPATION

2011-02-14T20:05:00.000-08:00

We taught some people and some came to church. We did loads of finding and saw some less actives. When I go see those less actives we are working with I love them so much, I feel so good when I am with them. Church is awesome. I talk to every one. I love talking with people.

Next week is a missionary farewell and he is going to Leeds. He will be an awesome missionary. Transfers are coming up and I am dreading it because I kind of know that I am leaving but I don't want to.

WEEK 84 GOSPEL IN ACTION

2011-02-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

We had some lessons with members and talked with one of the ysa's band members and went to their band practice. We also walked with the less actives again I love walking to church. We did loads of things this week and I felt so good, especially when I fasted.

It is so cool when you share your personal experiences with others about a principal in the gospel and they feel the spirit.

WEEK 83 A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS

2011-02-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

I did walk to church again with the M.’s and it is always a favourite part of Sunday. This week was great .We did loads of finding and taught two new people and also met up with some regulars.

It is so nice to hear Harrison’s talk.

WEEK 82 PROGRESS

2011-01-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

We went finding for 27 hours and found some good people. Now we just have to call them and set up appointments. .Yesterday I had interviews with President Patch and it was very good. He told me I probably will be leaving but hopefully not because I love this place, there are just so many good people. I love South end and they will have to throw me out kicking and screaming.

Sunday, we took the bus with our less active family. The dad is now taking the Melchizedek priesthood lessons, also one of the youth who didn’t want to go on a mission is now thinking about it. He is a very nice kid and reminds me of myself. Both of the less active families that we walk with are excited to prepare to go to the temple.

The weather is very good. There are no signs of snow. We have a Dinner Appointment every day this week so that is really good to build friendships with the ward.

We went to a Sikh temple on pday with the zone and there was no body there to take us around so I had to be the tour guide.

WEEK 81 LENGTHEN YOUR STRIDE

2011-01-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

This week and last week was awesome. We walked with the less -actives again on a nice sunny Sunday with also their relatives. Both families come from Glasgow but that’s not why I love them. We are really working hard with the less -actives here in Southend .

On Sunday we had 14 less actives come back to church. President Gordon B. Hinckley said “if we can't retain them why would the Lord give us more”. The benefits of working with less actives is that they have non member friends and one of the less actives referred his friend and invited her to church and also another less active is preparing for the Melchizedek priesthood,. so the weeks have been good. Our teaching pool is growing slowly and we have had many spiritual experiences.

WEEK 80 ASK AND YE SHALL RECEIVE

2011-01-13T16:28:00.000-08:00

We walked to church with a less active family. It took 1 hour an a half and we were 10 minutes late and missed taking the sacrament. So I asked the Bishop to let us have sacrament at their house and he said yes so that was cool.

This week we had heaps of lessons and found 4 new investigators so I am hopefully staying to see progress here. I love this ward so it is difficult to leave for transfers.

WEEK 79 ALWAYS OPTIMISTIC

2011-01-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

We have found lots of people who want to see us and this week I have Elder Potts making the senior decisions. I am sure he will do a good job. I did that because he needs practice making decisions. I think this will give him a growing experience.

I love it out here. We have dropped some of our investigators but I am excited for this week ‘because we have some good people we are going to see.Right now we are in Lakeside and we will see a former investigator tonight. President said that if we look in our area book we would find some one that is ready for baptism. I am hopeful that the people we phoned are ready for the gospel.

WEEK 78 CHRISTMAS CALL

2011-01-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

It was lovely to hear Niall's voice on the telephone during his Christmas call. We were pretty excited as we waited for that long distance ring. He sounds well and happy and is enjoying the whole experience. He had a great day with a member family enjoying all the festivities of the season.
He talked a lot about his investigators and how to better support them. He is in a ward with about 200 members which is very supportive. He likes the people and the area. Loves to do "OYM" ing.
Open Your Mouth - tracting on the street. He meets such interesting people that way.
Disappointed he now gets an interview quarterly with the President instead of each transfer ( 6 weeks). For Boxing day many zones were getting together for a football game. He was looking forward to the exercise. He enjoyed all the treats from home and wishes to thank all for the many gifts and support offered him.

WEEK 77 LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW

2010-12-20T15:41:00.000-08:00

I am very excited for this week leading up to Christmas. I did receive my packages. The snow is okay but nothing like Canada. I miss it so much. For Christmas we are going to one of my favourite families, and they have 8 boys, and on Boxing Day we are going to the Glaswegian family. They will serve roast beef and gammon steaks mmmmm....

I bought a Christmas tree to make it feel a little more Christmassy around here. I hope everyone has an amazing Christmas.

WEEK 76 GROWTH SPURT

2010-12-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

This week was a sick week for me. I caught this bug from one of my less actives and it has been slowing me down, I am on the mend so that’s the good news.
On the mission front we have 4 baptism dates, all in January. W e are also teaching a fine young man who is a member’ friend.
I just love the scriptures now because when you read something you feel the need to change. In this work you are always changing and improving.

WEEK 75 THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE

2010-12-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

We have three people preparing for baptism and we have done heaps of finding and helped some less actives. I am trying to liven up my companionship. I am so grateful for my fun look on life. Some people take life just so seriously.

Today we went to St. Paul’s cathedral then to Hamley’s, the biggest toy store in England. It was amazing. I bought a Harry Potter tie, Hufflepuff, and the store was so cool they had so many cool toys there.

WEEK 74 STAYING FOR CHRISTMAS

2010-12-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

We got to see loads of people and teach them and fellowship some young less-actives.

Probably my favourite thing to do is to try and bring those young men and women back to church. This Sunday was Stake Conference and it was wonderful to see lots of friends from Grays. At Stake Conference we had 4 people come out

It was moves call and I am staying in South end for Christmas but not with Elder Gibion, which is sad, but I'll be spending it with Elder Potts.

week 73 TOO HOT

2010-11-25T14:24:00.000-08:00

We taught a bunch of people and we got 5 new investigators. We only had one investigator at church but it was good because it was a member’s friend and those are always so good because they have a friend in the gospel already.

We are really trying hard to work with the ward and finding some success. When we take our time and thank people for their support they are more than likely to help again. It is just like President Monson’s talk about gratitude: if you are grateful for help than others will be more prone to help you again.

One funny experience we had was - we went by A’s house and taught him and he fed us Pakistani food and it was sooo hot I was sweating. There was a very hot pepper on the side dish and Elder Gibion thinks he is good with hot food so he was going to just eat the hot pepper and we were like “no no no “ ..but he already ate it and they were like ohhh no ohh no and he said” What ?it’s nothing then a few seconds later he was crying and trying to put the fire out. It was hilarious.

WEEK 72 ROADSHOW SUCCESS

2010-11-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

This week was really good and really fun. We taught this woman from Liverpool and we taught this guy from Toronto and he is married to an English lady. He is also a Liverpool fan. We went by our favourite family who are from Glasgow and we did lots of finding and teaching - a very good week.

On Saturday we had the road shows based on the theme “Be strong and of a good courage”. We were in the road show and guess what we won -- yaaa. It was really cool because we got to see all the other shows and Grays ward participated so I got to see the Baptista family who got baptized and all my other friends.

Earlier on Saturday we played football; lots of our investigators came and had fun. On Sunday three people came to church it was really good. Two of them are almost ready for baptism.

Soon it is Stake Conference so I will be able to say hi to a load of people. I love serving and I feel the most joy I’ve ever felt when I see that change in some one over time.

WEEK 71 A LITTLE LIGHT READING ANYONE

2010-11-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

This week was really good. We invited some one to be baptized on the 28th of November and they accepted. He gave up smoking and drinking right away. A really cool story. He is from Pakistan and he has crazy life stories.

I love feeling the Spirit. It is really fun being around a greenie again. The enthusiasm is contagious.

Right now I am reading Revelations and I really have to pray and study to figure out what it is saying. I am back to Mosiah in the Book of Mormon. I love reading the scriptures; it brings you so much peace and joy. I am also reading Doctrines of Salvation by Joseph Fielding Smith and there is a lot of interesting stuff in there. I love studying about the gospel. It is just amazing. Always put the Lord first and he will help.

We are spending Christmas with the McIntyre’s. They are from Glasgow and really fun and cool to hang around.

WEEK 70 HOURS WELL SPENT

2010-11-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

We didn't get to see as many investigators as we would like to but we did do 29 hours of finding. So we talked to lots of good and interesting people. At church this week we were sitting in gospel principles class which was sad cause none of our investigators came, but then a guy who we stopped the night before called us up and said come pick me up so we did. How great is that!. The ward is so cool. There are lots of really nice families. We get feed almost everyday. The ward has about 130 active members. So my biggest ward yet. The joy you feel each day out here is great.

WEEK 69 A WHOLE NEW BUNCH

2010-10-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

This week has been pretty good. We did loads of teaching and I really feel the spirit. The ward is really cool. On Sunday, Elder Gibbon and I gave talks and I talked about “being about our fathers work” just like it says in Moses 1:39, this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

I had a lot of fun playing football again and I kind of feel weird today. I don't know why but I do .I am in a very young zone and all the missionaries that I looked up to have gone home so I feel really weird. It was a very good week and we did a lot of work and we are having loads of fun.

WEEK 68 SCOTTISH AT LAST

2010-10-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Moves time - I was carrying my luggage on my birthday. I did get the Tesco shopping and we did get to eat birthday cake before we left. My new companion is so cool. He has only been out 3 months so he is really green.

I cried when I left Gravesend but there are people here that I will grow to love. We teach a lot in Southend, the teaching pool is huge and I love it. We are running from one appointment to the other and feeling the spirit. Just a couple of days ago we taught this guy and he had some concerns so we answered his questions and then I asked him if he wanted to kneel and pray so we did and he got his answer to his prayer but...... he didn't recognize it as such - he thought it meant that he had to search for the truth but you could just feel and know that was his answer but we will continue to work with him and try to help him recognize his answer.

Elder Gibbon is from Edinburgh and is 6foot 4, very tall, I look really short next to him and also he has ginger hair and a thick Scottish accent. We are having a lot of fun at the moment and enjoying it all. I am back in the same district that I was in when I was in Grays so that is kind of weird. Everything is fine. I am enjoying the work more than ever and can't get enough of it. All I can say is I learn loads and have the funniest time in my life and also feel indescribable joy,. Love it just love all of it. The highs and the lows love it all.

WEEK 68 HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY

2010-10-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

Today we have to email because on Monday we are moving. We got the call and guess what??!!!! I am going to..... South end on Sea . yep South end- back to my old district and back to Essex. I am companions with an elder from Scotland and he has been out for 3 months. I am really excited I have a car now. That’s a first and I have been there on work overs so it is a little bit familiar.

This week has been full of people forgetting appointments or not home as we pass by. We have a really young teaching pool so I am really excited about what is going to happen here as I leave it in Elder Czeisla's hands, but I am excited what is in store for me in South end.:)

Thanks for all the birthday wishes

WEEK 67 FINDING IS FUN

2010-10-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

This week was really good. We did 20 hours of finding and I love finding. We needed to do that because we have to build up our teaching pool. It was really fun and we found some really good people. All we have to do now is to call them and put on appointments and then they will be investigators. It is discouraging when we get stood up but it happened only 4 times this week so it is not that bad.

President said I might stay here another transfer. Every time I have a work over I go see the Shilliber family with the five boys, I just love those guys.

We are going to Canterbury cathedral and a free mason museum today

Hope you are doing well because I am doing great.

WEEK 66 NEW PERSPECTIVE

2010-10-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

This week was really good. I had some revelation you can call it, about my mission and about missionaries. I was thinking last Sunday about our teaching families and the numbers we give our leaders and last week was not so great so I was reflecting on what I did wrong and then I stumbled on it. There are two types of missionaries - the ones that act and the ones that are acted upon and so this week I decided to be an acting missionary and we had a wonderful week. I am so excited for the rest of my mission with a new perspective. I saw General Conference but not the last session so I am excited to read that.

We are going bowling today so that will be fun.

Remember to have an attitude of gratitude :)

WEEK 65 LIFE IS GOOD

2010-09-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

This week we did lots of work some days and not so much other days. The work is still going strong. We went around finding lost and forgotten less actives, there are tons in England. We found one sister and she hadn't come to church since she was 8 and she is now a great grandma and her husband is not a member and he is very interested in hearing more about the gospel. I have learned many things on my mission. I feel closer to the Lord than I ever have in my life.

I will love telling you all the stories that have helped me grow.

WEEK 64 SIGHT SEEING

2010-09-24T14:20:00.001-07:00

Everything is great here. Elder Czeisla has been sick for three days so last week I had time to reflect on the year that has passed. We did some finding and got a step in with a very nice lady so let’s hope there is promise there

Pday is on Tuesday after our zone meeting and President will give us training so I am excited for that.

When we went to Rochester the castle there was lovely and also the cathedral but the best thing was the biggest second hand book store in England. It was huge and they had every book you could imagine, mum would have loved it but I didn't buy any books.

We most often walk or take the trains to appointments and activities.

Thank everyone for the advice. I will be obedient and strive to always have the spirit.

WEEK 63 INSIGHTS

2010-09-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

We decided to start anew and go out and find the many less actives that have fallen away. We had some success. Then we went out finding and found two people who were interested, slowly we will build this area. One thing I learned from my stay at Harlow was the Lord won’t give you more people if you can't keep the ones you have. So I am trying the same thing we did there, to bring back members and strengthen them and then add to the numbers with converts. I know if we strengthen the members and the less active then we will see more success here.

We had many experiences this week that helped us grow. I really love this work and I know I must motivate my self more but it is getting a lot better than before my mission. I am so glad to be on a mission and learn so much for my self and to help others.

Today we will be going to Rochester and going to an armory and a castle and a book shop. One thing that I have seen that has gotten better on my mission is my love for reading. I love to read now.

WEEK 62 REFLECTION TIME

2010-09-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

It is moves and we got the call yesterday and I am staying in Gravesend and so is Elder Czeisla. Hopefully we can do more work and help out this ward. I was so excited when I heard I was staying. I love it here.
The youth are amazing. One of the young men gave out a Book of Mormon I gave him and his friend came to church. His friend is 15 so we will teach him and his family. I am focused and determined to find strong converts. I hope that I turned a corner in my mission because up to now I think that I have been doing some things just for numbers but I am forgetting numbers and just finding people that I know I can love in to the gospel and will be blessed by it. I love this work and hopefully this time around I can help Elder Czeisla more. I can’t wait to get the new transfer under way and finding loads of the elect.
This week Elder Czeisla is teaching me yoga and you actually feel like you did a work out, it’s weird, that means I get more yoga lessons with him.
I saw Ryan and Katie Kirk and we ate at the pizza express and we had a good time. We caught up on some news from home.

WEEK 61 SUNDAY SURPRISE

2010-08-31T10:35:00.001-07:00

Nothing too big happened this week. We taught loads of lessons. We are teaching this elderly Italian man named Mario and he calls me his son because I have an Italian last name. We have a whole family we are teaching and I am so excited for them but we just have to get them to church so it looks like the work is picking up.

We are working with a family who are less active and they have 5 boys and we play football with them on p-days but they don't come to church so we said we can't play unless you come and guess what!!!! They all came. It was so cool because I love that family and to see them at sacrament was awesome, that was the highlight of my week

The weather here has turned to a down pour of rain and windy so it looks like summer is over. This ward is so fun and nice to us.

WEEK 60 BAPTISM IN GRAYS

2010-08-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

We dropped most of our investigators so we will be doing a lot of finding this week to come. It seems like I do that every where I go.
Grays finally had a baptism. It was the Portugese family Elder Pulotu and I found and taught. They are called the Baptista's. I was really excited when I heard the news.
I have had lots of fun here in Gravesend and I hope I can stay here a little longer.
It looks like your summer has been fun but not as fun as mine hahah.
I love this work. oh ya this Sunday just past I had an interesting experience. Two minutes to go until sacrament starts and they asked me to give a 15 min talk. I was like what!!!! but I did it and at least I felt the spirit. I talked about Jesus and his mission. I loved it.

WEEK 59 ANYONE FOR GOLF

2010-08-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

We had two people at church even though we wanted 6 but that is okay and we taught a lot more people and have 6 new investigators but it is still a struggle.
I was finding in town center and tracting, we got a step in and I taught by myself. all in all it was a fun day cause I never had that experience before
Today we are going to play golf in Gillingham hopefully it will be fun and enjoyable.
On the 21st we have zone conference so I will get to see all my friends again. I am excited about that

WEEK 58 TINI OR MARTINI ANYONE

2010-08-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all the support you give. I love the time out here and I know some missionaries can be serious for two years but that’s not me. We did loads of finding and teaching and we brought out this guy named Isaac and he was awesome and bore a powerful testimony. We taught some lessons with some new investigators and I tried to put some more fun into missionary work for my companion. I think he is getting happier in the work. I think it was difficult because he was very serious and doing it all by PMG but as we know there has to be some balance in all things. You need your heart in it and the love for this people. Things are getting better. I love this ward. The ward has giving me a nick name because they can't pronounce my name so people call me Tini or Martini. I think it’s funny.
I do love my time out here.
Today we will play football

WEEK 57 NEW COMPANION

2010-08-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

This week was transfers and Elder Leith left and I got a German whose name is Elder Czeisla. We did some work and we had a lot of finding and taught some part member families, which is always good.
P day was good because I got to hang out with other missionaries and we went to the beach in the seaside town of Deal and had a bbq.
I just have to be more organized and on top of thing so our investigators do not fall through the cracks. We had one part member family come to church. They just moved in and his baby was blessed so we are going to teach the dad and I am excited about that.
I will try to do my best with the time I have left. I can't believe it has already been 13 months ahhhhh. I will try my best every day.
Lean on the Lord. and carpe diem (seize the day)

WEEK 56 HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

2010-08-02T06:05:00.000-07:00

We worked hard this week and saw the blessings for it. On Sunday Helen came to church and she brought all her family, her son and her two little girls. The little ones went to nursery and her son went to the Young Men's programme. Helen went to Nursery but then trusted her girls there and after went to Relief Society. I am so excited for Helen and her family. That was my highlight and we also had to take care of the sister missionaries’ investigator so Sunday was busy. During the week we lost our phone so we contacted the old fashioned way. The office sent us a phone today. We get the call to see who is leaving I hope no one is. Elder Leith has been here for 4 1/2 months so people think that he is leaving but as we know 6 months is a great possibility. This 6 weeks has flown by. I feel really good about this area, it has lots of potential. I am excited to share that success with Elder Leith and the ward. This ward is so ready for baptisms.
We have played rugby three times now and it is way fun.

week 55 I have a story for you

2010-07-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

We had loads of lessons with families and that is just what this ward needs because the ward had a lot of families move out lately and they are struggling to get the numbers back, so I am quite excited. We had two people come to church this week one is an Italian and we really get along. He is 62 and the other is an old lady. We had an interesting Sunday. The elderly lady is full of jokes but after church was done her kids stormed in and said that she has dementia and then she looked at us and said "i don't know how I got here" lol so we spent the next couple minutes apologizing. lol. I can't wait to tell you all the funny stories I have when I'm back.
As I have been looking back at the last year I have enjoyed it so much and learned so much as well and I feel that my relationship with my Father in Heaven and my Savior has grown in so many ways.

Week 54 GOALS MET‏

2010-07-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

We taught a couple of people and invited them to church, but they didn't show up. Some times it is disheartening. This week we have some plans to really get across the importance of coming to church and hopefully people will come. We finally got our 5 less actives that we have been pushing for and challenged one man to read a chapter a day from the Book of Mormon but guess what we challenged him on Tuesday and now he is on Jacob so we will treat him to lunch. I love this work and as we stay obedient then we can see the Lord in our efforts.
I hope that I can work my hardest for this last year and bring some souls unto Christ. We press on and remember to be faithful and blessings come.There is always the calm before the storm. One of my favorite verses in the Book of Mormon is How do you know the master that ye have not served, and I want to do my best that I may came to know the master.
For this is life eternal to know the living God and Jesus Christ the son.

WEEK 53 LOVING GRAVESEND

2010-07-06T04:59:00.000-07:00

Nothing special this week except for one thing we finally shared a message about the Atonement with a family. We also celebrated our year mark and it was fun. I love the ward here. It is a really good ward I just want to help them so they can see some success. This week we had some good finding sessions and found some people who are interested in learning more. I was trying some new techniques out so I brought a Book of Mormon with me and talked about anything and always bring the conversation to the Book of Mormon. That way they see the book. It has been working quite
I have been having the funniest time in Gravesend. I hope I can stay here for 6 months because the ward is amazing.
One of my favourite verses because it tells me to always give thank to the Lord.
Helaman 12:5
Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom’s paths!
Today is p-day and we are going to Blue water, the biggest mall in England. Hopefully I don't spend too much money haha jk. There is a jjb outlet store here and I bought a Liverpool top for 10 pounds. Also they selling sweet football boots for 30 pounds I’m so tempted

WEEK 52 ONE YEAR MARK

2010-06-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

This week has been great. I love this ward and the work here in Gravesend is good and progressing. The program I told you last time is called missionary monsters and we have some pictures of monster missionaries and we ask all the families to pray about a street than post pamphlets with contact numbers on it and than we follow up on them and if they don't do it than we give them a bigger missionary monster to go on their TV so it reminds them. When they post it, than we go and follow up at the doors, and ask at homes if they received one of the pamphlets and tell them that one of our members have posted this in your mailbox. I know it sounds just like tracting but we've had a lot more step in lessons and the ward feels like they are more involved.
This week we have been doing some good work. We taught a Sikh woman and she believes in Jesus Christ. She and her husband were raised as Christians so I am very excited about that. Then we taught this African lady and she has had a hard life but really connects with the Joseph Smith story. So the work is going excellent. The youth here are amazing. We really have a good relationship with the youth and they come out teaching with us often. It is funny being on the other side now.
There are two young men named Joe and Jarom who are cousins and they are preparing for their mission so we bring them out finding and hang out with them lots, it’s very weird because it is like Dexter and I hanging out with Vega and Wilson.
I had to give a talk yesterday and it went well. It was about service in the perspective of temple work. That was a good opportunity to be reminded of the Temple since I haven't been in a year. I was asked on Saturday to talk and the youth before me took three minutes so I had a long time to talk. I think it went quite well. Then we went to a part member’s house. The husband is a member and the wife isn't. But she cooks some great meals. If you missionaries are struggling tell them to look at part member families.
I am doing so well out here I love it and I can't believe that I only have a year left. It goes by so fast. I have learned a lot in a year but I don't want to stop. I want to learn even more and I am excited to have another year. Elder Leith and I are excited to celebrate our year mark together.

I love this gospel and the truths that have been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith.

"Carpe diem"

WEEK 51 NEW BEGINNINGS

2010-06-25T04:26:00.000-07:00

This week has been amazing; I get to serve with one of my good friends and my MTC companion. The ward here in Gravesend is amazing I love the members already. The work here is just on the rise and I hope that I can carry it further. We have this programme called the missionary monster and at first I was skeptical but as we have been doing it we've had lots of success. The programme is like this, we have pamphlets with some info on the back and families pray about a street and the family post them then we go and check what people on the street think and if there is any interest then we have an immediate support system because the member is excited that what they did results into an investigator so it is quite a good programme.
I am keeping the rules and trying to be as diligent as possible. This week has been really good. We have been going around to members all week and I am getting to know the ward very quickly. We have really good youth here in the Gravesend ward. Our teaching pool is on the up swing. Now we just have to be bolder in our invitations to our investigators to change. As it says in PMG people are not likely to change unless invited to do so. I am loving the work and loving the ward. Guess what, Gravesend was Elder Pulotu’s and Elder Young’s greeny area. Kent is very nice and a lot different than Essex. I am some what glad to see another part of England

"HE DIDN'T SAY IT WOULD BE EASY, HE JUST SAID IT WOULD BE WORTH IT".

.

WEEK 50 ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIER

2010-06-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am moving to another area but it is not to faraway. It is just a hop over the Thames in Gravesend, Kent. I will be serving with one of my best friends, Elder Leith, my companion from the MTC so I am quite excited.
On Saturday there was the England vs USA game and President Patch let us watch it because during those hours no one is going to answer the door so we got to go to a members house and watch the game. There were investigators there also. It was a pretty good game but for Green’s fumble. It is all over the newspapers here. It kind of felt weird watching a full football game again but I did enjoy it. Every one over here is World Cup mad. There are England flags every where. The Lord’s work goes on regardless.
Elder Pulotu is getting a greeny so he is over the moon.

WEEK 49 MUSCLE POWER

2010-06-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

My week was alright. It looked good in numbers but I think we need to be bolder as we help people to progress towards the gospel. We have challenged two people to be baptized on the 27th of June. One is a Ghanaian and the other is a young single mum who is about 20, that is a good start. I find we must be bold so investigators know why we are here serving the Lord. The joy I feel out here is indescribable.
While praying I had an impression to look up Doctrine &Covenants 52. There is a pattern that the Lord gives us so we may not be deceived, and how we can have spiritual discernment. Just a little thing I was impressed to read, you can too if you want.
For service this week, you would be proud of me for this, we cut down a tree yes a whole tree right down to the trunk. I felt like a real Canadian lumber jack.
Elder Pulotu loves the space pen and can't wait to use the maple syrup.

WEEK 48 GOOD COUNSEL

2010-06-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

We had lots of lessons and lots of hours of finding. We also had Zone Conference. This week has been very spiritual. The Portuguese family we are teaching said that when we come they feel good and also peace, when we leave that feeling goes away. In Zone Conference, President said that we should lose ourselves in the work and forget yourself and pray for your investigators and pray for yourself last, also to study the Atonement. Study again and again because it says in Preach My Gospel that when we understand the Atonement more then our desire to share it increases. I really enjoy it here and I can't describe the joy and sorrow that I feel as a missionary. As we are diligent then we will show to the Lord our desires and then miracles can happen.
The weather has been very hot for almost a week and to day we are seeing an air show and this is the only day that is cloudy and cold.

WEEK 47 INTERVIEW TIME

2010-05-25T20:11:00.001-07:00

I had an interview with President Patch yesterday and I asked him some questions. Now I need to be bolder in my approach. Sometimes it’s hard but it is what the investigators need. After every first lesson I give the investigator a conditional B-Date which is (when you find out these things are true will you follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by someone holding the proper authority.) and I think it will make our investigators more solid and it separates the wheat from the tares a lot quicker.
We had stake conference and all the talks were good. The stake president talked about giving praise and likened it to a trampoline and how you can make some one bounce higher or still their bounce.
Everyone over here is getting ready for the World Cup. I have had a few offers to go see the England vs U.S.A game but we will go and do the Lord’s work.
President Patch told me that I will be leaving and that I will have many new experiences. It will be totally different. This week I had a work over in Ilford and that’s close to London and there were so many Muslims, it was interesting. Now I am excited for the rest of the transfer and for new beginnings.

WEEK 46 UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITIES

2010-05-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

Sadly to say that Charlotte did not get baptized. Hopefully she has learned that she is a Child of God and He loves her dearly. This great man, named Ade loves his bible and he came to church and the ward embraced him with such enthusiasm it was a very good church service. At the moment I love my studies and all the knowledge I receive but I should focus my studies to help my investigators and not just me.
My week has been good. We saw Quinton L. Cook. He came to Romford for a fireside because this is one of his former areas. Did you know one of his companions was Elder Holland? We have had lots of lessons and we are teaching a Portuguese family so I am having so much fun here. I am feeling the spirit so much out here. I love it. One cool experience I had was on a work over in Southend and at the dinner appointment there was a member from Harlow that I really got along with so we chatted for ages, now I miss Harlow. I love the church and the wonderful gospel that we so treasure.

WEEK 45 MOTHERS DAY CALL

2010-05-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

It was great to hear from you and know that every one is well.
I can't wait to get the work done today. It is p-day but we are not going to take a day off. We are going to loads of appointments and just email and shop quickly. I think it will be a good week this week. When I keep focused and get everything out of my mission that I can it is a great experience. I love it out here.

As parents we were so excited to hear from Niall. He sounded just the same. No accent yet. Not a whole lot of information from him. Mum wanted to know how his health and diet are, are his clothes worn out - one suit is and he bought another at a Charity shop. How is his companionship and other trivial things. Dad wanted to know what lessons he has learned along the way, how his studying is helping him and what he is doing to support the ward.
With the election just over in Britain he mentioned how the people are reacting to the government. He is still enjoying Essex. The challenges he faces there are bringing him closer to the Lord as he relies on the spiritual strength of the power of prayer. He has had many spiritual experiences that have helped his testimony grow as he teaches the gospel.

WEEK 44 REFLECTION

2010-05-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

Yep I am staying in Grays with Elder Pulotu. That means I’ve been in Essex for a year and had two 6 month areas. I love it. I know there is something I still must learn here or from Elder Pulotu. So the work moves on. It seems like mission life stands still when there are transfers. I am glad I am staying. Charlotte, from Latvia has a baptism date for the 16th of May so hopefully she will make it. She is quite nervous but she has lots of fellowship from the ward. That is so vital in missionary work.
This week has been a crazy week First we had a mission conference with Elder Snow and it was good then we got to talk with all our friends and we took group pictures (MTC group) so it was fun, then the other day we had a crazy experience, this young puppy (bull terrier) was running all over the road and was going to get run over but there was no owner in sight so we had to take it to the police station. After that crazy week now we have a couple of more people we are teaching. I’ve been doing excellent. I am loving it out here I can't believe I will have my year mark in this transfer. It’s so crazy but I think I could do this for two more years it is just such a good experience. It has gone so fast. It is true missions go by quickly and if you don't lose your self in the work you will lose your mission.
I have come to love my country more and more as I have had to defend it and think of how much opportunity life offers there. I will always be Canadian I love Hockey and I love the wide open spaces.
Serve God faithfully and Be Cheerful.
"Please no empty chairs" -quote-Elder Eyring

WEEK 43 SCRIPTURE POWER

2010-04-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

This week has been really good. We did loads of finding and we prayed about a street and we found this lovely lady who is just really prepared for the gospel. I love the work and everything that comes with it. I must strive to be a better missionary and not just complacent in where I am now because I can see how far I have come I hope in this next part of my mission I can grow ten times more. Moves are coming soon because it is a shorter transfer period; if I stay in Grays then I would be in Essex for a whole year crazy eh! As I carry on in my labour of love then I feel the great love that the Lord has for me. We finally heard the last session of conference this Sunday and I loved Elder Hales talk. I am so excited to read the May ensign.
I love the scriptures and the words in them. I never really read the bible before but it is awesome. One of my goals now is to memorize more of the Preach My Gospel manual. I always look up to the missionaries that just know Preach My Gospel inside out so I am studying a lot in there and love it. Tell your youth that are preparing to go on missions to study PMG not just read it but study it and love it. Here are a couple of good scriptures.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Moroni. 7: 13 Everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
I love the standard works, they are such an upliftment in my life but I must study them more and more to get a deeper understanding of them and also a greater love for them.

Today we had a big bbq with a bunch of missionaries and played football, it was so fun.

WEEK 41 FINDING JOY IN SERVING

2010-04-15T14:29:00.001-07:00

Lots of finding, lots of teaching and maybe some football
Elder Pulotu and I are finding loads of people and getting lots of step ins. When we are tracting and some one just invites us in right a way, I love those lessons because you don't have time to prepare so we let the spirit direct the lesson. Chukaka or Chucks for short looks like he will be baptized on the 24th and Charlotte is coming back from Latvia. I am having loads of fun with my new companion. He is just like me, almost - we are similar. On Saturday we went to Southend to play football and all the members played this 16 year old team and we won and it was 2-1 and I scored 2 goals.
A mission is a great opportunity, it is a lot of work and if you are doing it for anyone else but your love for Jesus Christ than it probably will be really hard I can’t believe all the growth I’ve seen in me and all the spiritual experiences I have had .One really cool experience I had, I might have told you already but I will tell you again. When I was in Harlow I was teaching this man and I was reciting the first vision and this was one of the first times I was doing this not in a mock situation so while I was reciting the first vision I felt the room flood with the spirit. The only way I can describe it was that if a window was open under water and instead of water the spirit was coming in. It was a great experience and I know that he felt it as well but he has his agency and chose not to act on his feelings. I have seen missionaries come out for the wrong reasons and the work is too hard for them but if we just remember why we are out here, for our love for the Savior the work will become not work but a joy.
I loved the talks at conference especially on Easter Sunday and when the apostles who are special witnesses of Jesus Christ testified of Him and his atonement and his ministry. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ

WEEK 40 CONFERENCE WEEKEND

2010-04-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

I got my new companion but not with out some trouble. Elder Kligler and I stayed in Grays while the other elders went to pick up the transfer. By the way, Elder Kligler knows the Snell family. While tracting we got a call that said” can you guys come and pick us up” because my companion packed too many bags and could not carry all of them. So we traveled into London and picked them up. Elder Kligler and I got lost in West ham, so it took us a little longer than we thought. My companion’s name is Elder Pulotu, he is from Arizona and has a Tongan back ground. He is the District Leader. On Saturday we went to South end and played football because we have this 16 year old Nigerian boy we are teaching and he came with us, and it was so much fun and we are probably go again next Saturday. My new companion is a really fun guy and we are really getting along.
On Saturday we had the first session of General Conference at 5pm and then we slept over at the Ilford missionary flat. Priesthood session in the morning and then we had Saturday afternoon and then we had the Sunday morning and I haven't seen the Sunday afternoon session yet. My favourite session was Priesthood and my favourite talks were Elder Eyring’s, President Monson’s and Elder Holland’s. Now that I’ve been on my mission I find that I recognize the spirit more and cry more often. I just want to learn as much as I can while I’m out here. When you are doing the work and being obedient is when you are the closest to the Lord.
So Butler won on Saturday. I was thinking you probably have watched the final four already and had the sub spectacular. It was so fun playing football again. It reminded me when we used to play with the missionaries and now I’m on the other side. It is all just passing by too fast. I want to have more time to learn. One of my favourite scriptures for this season is 1 Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” and another one is in St. John 15:13 "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." and I know that the only way that I can live with my family forever is through Jesus Christ and the only way I can have my sins forgiven is through Jesus Christ and I am eternally grateful to Him.

WEEK 39 NEW COMPANIONSHIP

2010-03-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Today was Elder Young’s last day in Grays so we went to say goodbye to a couple of families. Elder Young is going to North London and I am staying and getting Elder Palotu. He is from Tonga and I am so excited to work with him. We will get along just fine. I have met him here and there but now I can become better friends with him. I am so glad about the new opportunity. Elder Palotu has been out three transfers more than me and I’m excited to get focused on the work. I am progressing and looking forward to sharing spiritual experiences as a companionship.
I have been studying in the New Testament - in Romans and I just love reading the standard works. I love reading about the life of Jesus Christ, reading about him and coming to know Him. Looking forward, I really hope that I can grab my mission with two hands and really learn and grow from it and have no regrets. I pray every day for strength to do the work and I really pray I can change and be a better person and serve God better. I just see my life compared to those we teach and I just desire so much for them to have the blessings that I have. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for all that I have.

WEEK 38 IT IS ALL WORTH IT

2010-03-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

This week has been a regular week in missionary work. People slam doors in our faces and scream at us and also tell us that we are brain washed, but it is all worth it when you find people who are interested and you can change lives, especially when you find a family because I can share with them the blessings that I have received from living in a family that has the gospel.
One experience that happened this week - Richard has difficulty coming to church because all of his friends are going to another church. He knows that the church is true and that this church is the only church he can continue progressing closer to his Heavenly Father and while we were at his place he almost cried as he said the closing prayer and asked Heavenly Father to give him strength to make that decision and he also said that he wanted to. ahhhh crazy. But this week has been good all around ups and downs but with missionary work it is expected.

It is soo cool that Jane gave a prayer and Chang bore her testimony, at Ward Conference in Harlow. ahhhh I’m so chuffed about that I am jumping for joy. That is why we do the work right there. I love it.

I always love reading mail and feeling your support and encouragement from the ward. This week I had a sore throat but its all better because I made my self some citrus hot drink and my throat is better. Elder Young and I get along and when it comes to missionary work we can move forward and try to help each other because you learn something new from every companion.

WEEK 37 THE 'BOBBIES' ARE CALLED

2010-03-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

This week was an interesting week. We had zone conference and learned lots. We had a lot of workovers, also we had the police called on us.
Zone conference was interesting because the Mission President talked about how a day for Heavenly Father is like a thousand years for us and he talked about that our life is only 3 hours and our missions are only 3 minutes.
On Sunday, we arrived at one of our investigators house and her partner was swearing at us and threatening to call the police and then he did so then we just left and went to church.
I really like my studies in the morning. Hopefully it helps me to study hard when I return. We are probably going to do loads of finding because I want to refresh our teaching pool.
Today we are going to the mini putt as a zone so hopefully it will be fun.
I can't wait to hear where Mario is going

WEEK 36 SPRING IS IN THE AIR

2010-03-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

This week has been okay. We did some work nothing to memorable but we got 3 new investigators, I guess I should be thankful for all the success I have already in the mission field. I strive to do the best I can and there is so much that I can learn from my companions. In my studies so far I have re-started the Book of Mormon and I am also in Romans in the New Testament.... Not looking forward to the OLD jk.
Zone Conference is on Wednesday in Hyde Park (which is in South Kensington). I really like my district it has President Patch’s son in it and also a very nice Idaho boy who knows the Snell’s.
Yes spring is here and no more coats - back to the suit and put the pull overs away. It is quite nice and there is only a slight breeze.
I am so excited for conference when we can hear the prophet and the apostles.

WEEK 35 THE WORK MOVES ON

2010-03-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

This week has been good. We got three new investigators and a step in, which is when we tract, some one just lets us in right there and we teach them. I love step ins because it forces you to rely on the spirit. We had a work over with one of the President’s Assistant (AP) and he is really nice. We are helping Simon Macumba to progress in the gospel. He is that man who just walked in to church. I really love my district leader (DL). I want to be just like him as a missionary. He is from Rexburg and he teaches us and helps us gain the experience to be good missionaries. Every week we recite the purpose of missionary work and I love reciting my purpose because that is exactly why I am here: to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel though faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement, baptism, repentance, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. I am here to do that because I know we can gain never ending happiness by focusing our faith in Jesus Christ.

That’s so funny that you guys have vimto because I have one huge vimto squash at the flat all the time. I love vimto.
The hockey game must have been so exciting. In district meeting all the USA missionaries were saying we beat you at your own sport… but not when it matters, ahh good old Crosby. Love you lots and proud to be a Canadian

WEEK 34 FAVOURITES

2010-02-23T16:45:00.000-08:00

This week has been the same old missionary stuff. We tracted some streets and saw some interesting people, also got two new investigators. This Sunday the chapel was packed because the Bishop was blessing his baby.
I try to be obedient with exactness because I know that through my obedience I will be blessed and also gain spiritual power.
One of my favourite quotes is from David O. McKay and he said that "the rich rewards only come to the strenuous strugglers" and I know if I endure to the end joyfully then I will gain those rich rewards. I love when I read the General Conference talks on love and law and see how it fits so perfectly into my life as a missionary.

p.s. one of my favourite verses in the New Testament, bear with me I’m trying to do it by memory. "O, Jerusalem, Jerusalem how oft would I have gathered you like a Hen gathers her brood and you would not." Luke 13:34

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Week 33 BLESSINGS FROM ABOVE

2010-02-16T18:49:00.000-08:00

We got our moves call yesterday and guess what..... I am staying in Grays and so is Elder Young that means that he will be here for 6 months and I will probably stay for at least another transfer later. No one is really progressing but we can change that. I try to phone our potentials and formers so we can set up lessons with them.
On Sunday a guy walked in to church, off the street. That was crazy, so now we got his details and we will teach him.

If we endure our trails then the Lord will bless us.

p.s. D&C 121:7-8

WEEK 32 TIME IS FLYING BY

2010-02-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

Our district went ten pin bowling for district p-day it was so fun. A lot better than bowling back home. I got a few strikes than had to move on with the day. This week we taught Charlotte, a Latvian, who is 20.
My mission seems like it is flying by. The weeks feel like days and months feel like weeks it’s crazy. I had a couple of work overs this week.
We finally got on the bikes and that was fun. We have to wear those bright neon yellow jackets. The jackets the police officers wear. People are a lot nicer to us when we wear those jackets, because they think we are police officers.
I have learned so many things thus far it is amazing and I love teaching.
I have a really cool story to share -- on Saturday we were tracting in Tilbury, a small town in our area and we knocked and knocked and every door was slam slam, but something told us to go on and finish the street and on the second last house we knocked on this guy’s door and he opened and we just started teaching him on his door step so he let us in right there. When we finished the lesson he said we could come back. We asked him how old he was and he said 14!!!!! I couldn't believe it. It shows me some people are so ready to hear the gospel and hopefully we will teach his family. I love it out here in the mission field serving in the best mission in the world the England London Mission.

"The rich rewards come only to the strenuous strugglers"
-David O. McKay-

Week 31 A PRODUCTIVE WEEK

2010-02-02T19:02:00.000-08:00

This week has been good. We went to Colchester for Zone Conference and that was excellent. I had a work over in Basildon with our zone leaders then we committed one of our investigators to a baptism date and he accepted. He will be baptized on Feb 20. I went on a work over to Southend and finally played football, which was fun and then I came back and did a whole bunch of tracting and found loads of people so it sure has been good.
The weather is starting to warm up again. This transfer is almost over, its crazy how fast time goes when you are a missionary. I want you to know that I love being a missionary. Today is p-day and we are going to Lakeside to shop at one of the biggest malls in England. I just want to say that I am starting to love this ward, not as much as Harlow yet, but there are good people here. There are lots of Africans in Grays and they all love hearing the gospel. Our mission president said that every day we go out, there is always one elect to find.

WEEK 30 PROGRESS

2010-01-25T11:11:00.000-08:00

Today I am in an internet cafe. I can see most of the pictures and they look great.
My week has been up and down. On Tuesday I was sick so I rested. For the remainder of the week we tried to do the best we could and the Lord blessed us for that. We were tracting in a place called Tilbury, next to Grays. We tracted this street and in just 10 doors we had 5 return appointments and then we went to teach our investigators with a baptism date. On Sunday, we walked to church with the man from Nigeria, Lekke, and he is very interested and liked it all. Also two other of our investigators came to church and they enjoyed it so much that they said that they will come again. We taught Lekke at our WML's house and I taught about the restoration and when I recited the first vision I could feel the spirit so strongly. We will teach him again later. This week we have had lots of potential investigators so hopefully they will become new investigators. I love teaching the gospel and also helping people feel of the great peace and happiness the gospel brings.

I also received very nice news. Do you remember the Chinese girl I was teaching and gave her a baptism date for Jan 23rd? I got news that she got baptized and confirmed and now her fiancé wants to know more. It is such a great feeling knowing that you help some one come closer to God and help them live with their family forever.
In Harlow Elder Botha and I helped 4 people come unto Christ and it just feels so good you want to tell every one about the gospel. In Grays there hasn't had a baptism in over a year so we are hoping to change that with faith and perseverance as we are teaching some great people here.

p.s. My favorite scripture so far is on pg 100 and I’ll let you guess which verse it is. It is good:)

WEEK 29 OR 200 days

2010-01-20T19:37:00.000-08:00

I love it out here because you get so many experiences. Yesterday Elder Young and I gave talks at sacrament meeting and I thought it went quite well. After church we went out to find people and we decided to tract this street and we had door after door slammed in my face and on the last door we found a young man from Nigeria and he loved what we had to say and he wants to come to church and every thing, it was so cool. I love those experiences. After that, Elder Young and I were on such a high that we went finding for the rest of the day. It is just so cool that the Lord puts people in your path and it is our obligation to talk to them.
The new place is going great and the people are really nice. The Elders Quorum pres. knows Derek Palmer. He was in his MTC group. That was so fun to chat with him. There are Cryers in our ward and one of them knows Jay, not related. It is like every time I go to a new area people know who I know.
At Grays Beach some people play a kick about and the missionaries have joined in, in the past, so I might do that and also one of our investigators is really big in to Football.
Grays is right next to Lakeside which had one of the biggest shopping centers in the UK. We take the train almost everyday. It is quite a small ward again, they are friendly so that’s good.

2010-01-13T19:51:00.000-08:00

2010-01-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

Week 28 New Experiences await

2010-01-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

My new area is Grays and it has been pretty good so far. Elder Young is a very nice guy and very funny. He is from Sheffield. It is hard to get used to a new area and also a new companion and especially one as unique as Elder Young. He doesn't do things the same as other missionaries, so it is quite difficult to adapt to the way he handles appointments. As a companion, Elder Young is very good. We are already good friends. He has a very different approach to missionary work. I’m doing very well trying to adapt to and learn the area and the people. The other day we taught someone in the library the first lesson and it went very well, a little "unorthodox" but good. I just have to get used to his teaching style.
Elder Young is also an amazing artist and is 24 years old. He is a nice guy just like when I met him at the Mission Training Centre, he hasn't changed a bit.

Travel to Grays was fine because the trains weren't affected by the snowstorms. I will be walking again and that’s fine because I love walking but we also often take the train. We go to Tilbury and Purfleet. I am still in Essex.

I miss the people in Harlow but I am excited to make new friends in Grays. The Ward Mission Leader is a great guy and is very excited about the work. His son is serving a mission in Boston.

WEEK 27 TRANSFER TIME

2010-01-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

My 6 month stay in Harlow as come to an end and what a great way to end it. With a lovely baptism of two girls that have been investigating for one year. And where am I going you may ask! well ...

I am going to..... Grays yes Grays. It is a little closer to London, on the river Thames, and I am ready and hopefully prepared for new things. I am serving with Elder Young from my group at the Mission Training Centre. I said good bye to all the friends I have made in Harlow over the past 6 months and I am hoping to say hello to a bunch of new faces on Wednesday.
I am quite excited to serve with someone in the same MTC group as me. I know that the Lord has plans for me there as I serve with all my heart and try to follow the prompting the Spirit will give me as to what to do and what to say.

Remember "even though we may find ourselves lost without a compass. God’s love encompasses us all" -Deiter F. Uchtdorf-

TELEPHONE CALL

2010-01-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

It was just so wonderful to be able to talk with Elder Martinelli on Christmas day.
He called at noon, MT, which was 11am for Alena in Seattle. We set up a conference call so we all could all participate.
It was so good to hear his voice. Quite emotional in some spots as we listened to him bear his testimony of how he just loves missionary work and the people of Harlow. It will be difficult for him to leave after six months. He is very happy living the gospel and finds support and strength from the scriptures and prayer.
Of course, being Mum, I asked all the boring questions about health and cleanliness. He cooks and washes and he cleans the flat just fine. He is managing his finances really well. He had a fabulous trainer to help him succeed. It is so good to know all is well with him. Elder Martinelli enjoyed some counsel from his brothers-in-law, much encouragement from his sisters and lots of love from his parents.
He sounds so focused and positive in all he does. It is a tremendous experience for him as he serves his mission.
Catherine

WEEK 26 BAPTISMS

2010-01-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

This week we went to loads of members and had a very good holiday season but it is just not the same without family. We are preparing for the baptisms coming up and transfers are almost here.
I love it over here and I am glad to hear all the news back home.I love this gospel and the principles that we have and the authority to do the saving ordinances so that I can live with my family forever.
I am very anxious and excited to see what the Lord has in store for the future.

p.s.When I was studying in the New Testament I came across a verse that I loved. It talked about living the commandments and you will have true joy in your life . love you all.
Elder Martinelli

Week 25 Happy Christmas

2009-12-24T20:25:00.000-08:00

I am really excited for Christmas. We will be celebrating with ward members for the day. I look forward to hearing from you later.

The week has been busy with many getting ready for Christmas so teaching is slow.
I have enjoyed receiving mail from many friends and family. It makes a missionary’s week to have mail to read. Thanks for uplifting me with your support.
Focusing on the life of the Savior gives special meaning to the season as we remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The snow gives an extra special feeling of Christmas for me. It reminds me of home.

Take care everyone and make the Savior a priority in 2010.

WEEK 24 Highlights

2009-12-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

This week has gone by so fast because we were so busy. First we had interviews with the Mission President in South Kensington then we went to the British museum. That was really cool. We had President Kopischke from the Quorum of the Seventy come to speak to us in zone conference, it was amazing. He is a real nice guy and a super teacher. He told us we receive spiritual power based on our personal righteousness. Also, enduring to the end is actually enduring from Sunday to Sunday. I really liked that. Those were the highlights of my week.

I love being a missionary talking about and studying about the life of the Saviour everyday.
Elder Martinelli
Happy Christmas.

WEEK 23 OPTIMISM

2009-12-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

WEEK 23 OPTIMISTIC

We have been finding in the rain all week and no one wants to know more. I am still hopeful that people will want to hear our wonderful message as they embrace the Christmas season.

I get along well with the ward members and I have made really good friends here. I am excited to see new places but I really love the people that I taught and confirmed. I will miss all the funny appointments we have. Yes, there is good things happening and I do love being on a mission but there are also the trials. After the trials there are blessings so it is worth it.

Week 22 Let the Festivities begin

2009-12-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

On Monday we went around and visited heaps of people because we thought one of us was leaving but it turned out that we are both staying. On Tuesday we had p-day and went to see a young couple, they just had a baby boy and the father is South African. On Wednesday it was back to work and now I have a new District Leader. He is from Holland and his name is Elder Speksnieder. He is a nice guy. That now leaves me the last person from my first district. I will be in Harlow for 6 months after this transfer and I can't believe it because that’s a quarter of my mission. I don't know if I told you already but one of our investigators accepted a baptism date for Jan.23. She is 21 and is from China and speaks Mandarin, she taught me how to say my name in mandarin and wrote it down. It is so cool how they write. I can’t imagine how Dexter is doing it. This transfer we are going to try and build up our teaching pool and do a whole load of finding and I can't wait.
I am learning so much out here it is crazy. I love the gospel. With out the spirit I can do nothing so I am striving to have it in my life.

We had a ward film night and it went well, we showed Mr.Krueger’s Christmas on a projector and served popcorn and had Disney movies for the kids in another room. Every one liked it because it starts the Christmas season off very nicely.

There is no snow over here just wind and rain.

week 21 staying put

2009-11-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

I am staying in Harlow for another transfer so I will be here for Christmas and for a total of 6 months. I can't believe it, time seems to go by so fast. I am still with Elder Botha. The Lord still has work for me to do here. My week has been good. We saw loads of less actives and members, we are trying to strengthen the ward and so the work moves forward.
We had stake conference, over here as well, in the St.Albans Stake and Elder Kopischke came because our Stake Presidency changed. His talk was excellent, on the Atonement. To get close to the Savior, I suggest studying in Preach My Gospel because every missionary has to do this study for his first 12 weeks and when I did it, I felt the love the Savior had for us. I love the Savior and his ministry for organizing the church and for teaching us and also for completing the greatest act ever done, the Atonement.

We have a couple of people we are teaching. A girl named Chang who is 21 and we are going to commit her to be baptized and also a guy named Shadrach, so cool to have an investigator named Shadrach, he is a very nice guy from Nigeria. He is very receptive to our message. We have others but they aren't all as solid.
I love talking to people and bearing my testimony to others because no one can deny your testimony. Cheers Elder Martinelli

Send my love to the ward. We are already booked for Christmas

WEEK 20 SUCCESS

2009-11-17T17:52:00.001-08:00

This week was excellent. At the end of last week I decided to phone everyone on our phone list and this week we had 20 lessons. I am enjoying teaching. We had many appointments and lots of teaching and I love it. My teaching is becoming a lot better but we can always improve, I feel more relaxed and it is easier to teach now. In my studies I finished the Book of Mormon and I am now in the New Testament in the book of Mark. I love reading about the Savior’s life and all that He taught and did.

I love Harlow and I love the ward and I’m not ready to move yet.
The weather is really windy and rainy now but I like my coat. It works great.

Week 19 "The Field is White Already to Harvest"

2009-11-12T14:23:00.000-08:00

The past week has been up and down because we have been stood up so many times. We got in touch with heaps of less actives and past investigators and lots of them are still interested. It just shows you that some times the time is not right for that person just yet.
This week will be better because we phoned every one on our phone list and we now have loads of appointments. Just pray that they won't back out.
Our recent convert is very good, she is really quite but on fast Sunday she said she wanted to bear her testimony but she was too shy.
I also finally got my self an English poppy.

WEEK 18 It’s a small world after all

2009-11-05T16:44:00.000-08:00

Last week when I was sick, some members helped me. Actually the members are Greg Holden's brother-in-laws parents. Greg's brother-in-law used to be bishop of Harlow and he come down from Manchester and I saw Greg's sister. They were so surprised to see me and hear that I knew Crystal and Greg. We went to their cousins' house and talked about Crystal and Greg and how they like Canada, I guess Canada isn't such a bad place to live.

So far I'm loving it here and I can't believe that I have been out for 4 months already, it goes by so fast, tell me how people are back home and how Mario is.
Today we are going to Stevenage and going to play some sports, it will be way fun.

Week 17 Week in review

2009-10-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

My week this week has been eventful. Monday, we went to South Kensington for interviews with President Patch and it went really well and he is really nice. I asked him if I could get my drivers license over here and he said yes. On Tuesday I was sick and on Wednesday we had District meeting and had lunch together, then we went on a work over with the Elders that serve in Hitchin. On Thursday, Sis. Bowsher had her baptism interview. On Friday President phoned us. On Saturday Elder Botha baptized Sis. Bowsher. On Sunday I confirmed Sis. Bowsher and it was a really nice experience and it was also the Primary Presentation. The baptism went smothly and so did the confirmation, it was lovely.

I am so happy to feel the spirit every day and to teach.

We went to London as a zone one Monday and went to Convent Garden and Piccadilly Circus. It was fun because there are many street performers on Convent Gardens.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes and gifts.

week 16 Birthday

2009-10-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

My Birthday was really good and I was very surprised on Sunday to have a surprise brithday party.

This week has been excellent, so many good things happened. The baptism is coming up and I am so excited. Elder Botha will baptize and I will confirm. I can't wait.

Tell the Young Men if they are just thinking about a mission a little bit, to just do it because it is the best experience of your life and you meet so many new friends.

always thinking of you, Elder Martinelli.

Week 15 Staying

2009-10-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

Elder Botha and I are both staying in Harlow for 6 more weeks, maybe longer. The week went pretty slow because we thought one of us would be transferred out We visited less actives and members but finding is more of a challenge, but I love it so I always am enthusiastic about it ,because if we don’t find we don't teach.

Now that moves call is over we can get back to work. Our baptism is on October 24^th. And I am really excited for it.

Yesterday Hyrum, a youth in Harlow, was turning 16 and so they had a duel party for me and him. It was fun, we ate dinner, a chicken roast and then we shared a message about duties of a priest and then played a game like cranium. We all had a laugh. I got two cards and a tie which was very nice of them.

I think my favourite talk from conference was Richard G. Scott, about the Spirit. I did get to hear the last session, all the talks were excellent.

p.s. favourite quote from conference - Jeffrey R. Holland "if people wish to leave the church they must crawl over or under or around the Book of Mormon!"

I love that man and also the gospel of Jesus Christ

Week 14 General Conference

2009-10-05T22:13:00.001-07:00

This week has been good and so was conference but we couldn't see Sunday afternoon cause it started at 900pm and finished at 1100pm but Mrs.Bowsher came to Saturday afternoon and Robert D. Hales talk was perfect for her. My favourite talk was probably Neil L. Anderson about repentance and the Lord’s forgiveness.
We also did heaps of stuff during the week; we went around visiting our investigators. We also had a work over and an Elder who just came out to Harlow so I had to show him around and it was really fun. It is raining more now. The days pass quicker and quicker.

Just keep sending me emails and letters cause I love to read them.

Here are some pictures from the baptism that he mentioned in last weeks email.

Niall had to test the temperature of the font water, as he leaned over everything in his top pocket fell in! including his authority to proselyte signed by the Prophet!
All ok now and dry after he waded in to get everything!

This is the contents of his pocket floating in the font

Week 13 AWESOME

2009-09-29T16:29:00.001-07:00

This week has been awesome. We first had zone conference and that’s always a spiritual time. It is fun to see familiar faces again, my MTC companion from New Zealand got transferred in my zone conference so we caught up and had a laugh. We had an 8 year old in our ward get baptized and I had to give the talk on baptism. It was such a good evening there was about 15 non-members there.
The Big Thing Happened Elder Botha and I were ready to extend a baptism commitment to Mrs.Bowshire (Jane). We asked her by extending the commitment they have in PMG and guess what, she said yes so she will be baptized on Oct 24. Hopefully I won’t be gone by then but I might. When she said yes I just could not help but have a HUGE grin, I love inviting people to come unto Christ. So my week has been amazing.:)
I love the Harlow ward.

P.s. "When you fall, fall on your knees" -Elder Uchtdorf I love that quote
P.P.s "Take the credit, lose the spirit"

week 12 teaching‏

2009-09-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

My week has been excellent. Elder Botha and I have been teaching a lot. We taught a Ghanaian named Freddy the first lesson and I did the restoration part and I love doing that part because when you recite the first vision the room feels like it is filling up with the warm spirit and I love it. I also love when they have questions because that is exactly what we study so we can answer them. He asked why do we need the Book of Mormon if we have the Bible and we gave him a scripture in John that says" I also have Sheep that are Not of this fold, them too I must bring and there will be one fold and one shepherd" and he accepted that so I think it went amazing. We are also teaching other people. I am very excited to teach more and more because the more you do it the more you feel the spirit.

cheers,
Love Elder Martinelli

WEEK 11 Elder Botha

2009-09-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

We taught this old lady up to the third lesson and she came to church. She said she liked it but it was too long for her. I suggested fasting for inspiration so we will be more in tune with the Spirit and can know what Heavenly Father will have us do during the week, so we did and I know that this week will be better.
Elder Botha is a nice guy and we are getting along. We have different opinions but that always happens.
Yesterday I started and finished "Our Pursuit For Happiness" by M. Russell Ballard. I highly recommend it. I couldn't stop reading it. It is a good easy read and I think it helps you have a better outlook on life.
One scripture I came across in my studies was in Alma and it is when he is talking to Heleman and tells him to “learn the gospel in thy youth” and when I read that I thought of my parents who taught me the gospel in my youth. I am so grateful for what you did for me. I also was reading King Benjamin’s sermon and he says “even me being your king served you and so what need you have to serve one another”. When I read that, it reminded me of all the times Dad served me and taught me by example how to be of service.

week 10 new new new!!

2009-09-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

Elder Wood and I went to all the families he wanted to see before he left then we traveled to Liverpool Street and saw heaps of missionaries and loads of my friends. Then went to Hyde Park Chapel where I picked up Elder Botha. I had to take him back to Harlow on the tube and train and that was fun. On our first day we taught an old lady that Elder Wood and I found.

Elder Wood farewell on Friday and I met his Mum and Dad and said goodbye to him for the last time. Today is Monday and now it is our P day and I have to set Elder Botha up with a Library card and all that. I am always happy to receive post and to hear how Dexter is doing. Elder Botha and I are getting along really good and trying to get solid investigators, some things we do differently but it is always good to try it another way, no problem there.

This Sunday they wanted Elder Botha and I to talk about how seminary prepared us for a mission at their seminary fireside and it was good even though they only had three young men out to it.

I was reading one of Jeffery R. Holland's talks about member missionary work it is really good. It talks about how missionaries can't do it by themselves and to get strong members you have to have good fellowship in the ward. I also read Joseph Smith's last sermon when some one died and he talked about God's characteristics and the after life in depth.

Love you Cheers.

Elder Martinelli and Elder Botha from Johannesburg,South Africa.

Week 9 First transfer and second companion

2009-09-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

This week in Harlow has been crazy and I pick up my new companion tomorrow and say good bye to Elder Wood. My new companion's name is Elder Botha from South Africa. He has been out one transfer more than me so we will be co-senior companions so it looks like things are moving along just fine. People say that he is a nice funny guy and so I think I will get along with him just fine.

I love Preach My Gospel and all it has in it. If you study it a lot you will find that almost all of it is from the scriptures and there is so many things in there. I really recommend using it daily. Quote PMG:(our purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by his Atonement, repentance, baptism and enduring to the end)

Elder Martnelli arranging his missinary work!

Elder Martinelli on the tube wearing his new Harlow Town Football top!