Terrific Tassie Transfer of Christmas Fun (Dec 14)

G'day g'day, how ya doin?

Elder Sargeant here, just giving a shout out to my mum, because I love her. Mum... I love you. 

Also a shout out to my Dad in Nevada, thanks for the letter! I've meant to write you, but I didn't have your address so now I have it. President Maxwell was very humble about me getting a talk given by him. He laughed and said "watch out for false doctrine." He's the man.

This week was a good week! We had our mission Christmas Conference, wait... TASSIE CHRISTMAS CONFERENCE! We're basically the guinea pigs for these things so it was good. We had a massive feast, sang Christmas carols, watched some uplifting videos, and Elder Worsencroft and I sang a duet off the cuff. It was a really good song called Gesu... something in another language. I really love singing.

OH! One more shout out to a family I love dearly: THE KINGS!!! They came and saw me up in Launcestn Tas, during our Christmas party! MISS YOU GUYS!!

During our week we had some cool experiences, 1 that I would really love to share. One of my favourite promises in the scriptures is "Open your mouth and they shall be filled." I have a testimony that that is true.

We went to go see these potential investigators that we met a couple weeks ago. We walk up to the house in a pretty run-down area called Bridgewater. A Metallica poster was hanging from the window and the lighting was dark. We knocked on the door, and a tall red headed guy opened up and invited us in. His name is Andrew. We met his brother Will previously and that's who we were there to see. So we walked in and there we see Will... chuckling on the couch, embarrassed and unsure how to act. The reason... he was smoking a bong with his mate. I was a bit irritated at first, thinking, "what is the point of trying to teach these people. They won't feel anything at this point." Oh how wrong I was. You gotta learn to bite the bullet and listen to the promptings! Inside something kept whispering ever so slightly, to keep there.

Ended up starting a conversation about Christianity and how Jesus was a Jew and such, which led to other things. My companion and I were blessed with words to say and you could see in their eyes the interest they had in knowing if these things were true. I was humbled afterwards, only slightly because I'm still a pretty terrible person, to see how much we were "filled" when our mouths were "opened." It works! Just open your mouths and speak. It's powerful, if you're doing the Lord's work.

Miracle:

A part member family called the Roach family came to church on Sunday! Sister Roach!

We''ve been working with their family for a while (just dropping in and saying hello). She called us up one day and asked if we could play sports with her 2 sons Solomon and Steven. We did and shared a message. They went on the YM campout, and her oldest son watched 17 Miracles with us. They came to church... We're KEEN AS for them! KEEP SHARON ROACH, SAMUEL, SOLOMON, AND STEVEN in your prayers. They need it.

I Love the Christmas season. I wish it felt more like it here, but it's getting there slowly. Enjoy the snow for me!!!

Love you all!

-Elder Sargeant

Don't let your guard down! (Dec7)

G'day all! Hope all is well in the cold as winter of America/ where ever you find yourself.

Our summer thus far has been quite cold and rainy, but hey we can still wear shorts so not so bad.

This past week was a pretty interesting one. We went up to Melbourne for a meeting with the Mission President and the Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders. It was a spiritual experience and we had CAFE RIO FOR LUNCH! Fetch I miss that stuff. In the words of my mom "Nectar of the Gods (*as she shakes her hands in expression of delight*) All those that know my mum well know that expression and that phrase. Love you mum!

I learned this week to NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN!!!! Why?? After the Meeting in Melbourne, I realized that I needed a haircut. We have some clippers at the flat so about 30 minutes before bed I asked one fo the Elders to trim the sides just a bit, since my hair was getting over my ears--- looking like a dag.

So, Elder Nyanhamo came and was like "Bro, I got you." As he approached my hair.... BOOM THE GUARD SLIPPED AND I GOT BUZZED WITH A 1 on the side of my head.

It was so crack up, but we worked through the disaster to fix my hair. It actually doesn't look bad but every one says I look like I should be in the Navy.

Moral of the story, don't let your guard down... or let Missionaries cut your hair when it isn't a P-day, even if you are trying to do what is right!

On a more Spiritual note, we've been really blessed to find prepared people here. We tracted in the dodgiest place in Tasmania and were fortunate enough to find a family of 7 that are Searching for the true church! When we met them I was immediately taken back by the feeling of goodness I felt just being in their home. It was an indicator to me of God working in us. They're coming to church!

SANDRA GOT BAPTISED!!! Despite her fears, she was really looking forward to it and it was a blessed experience. She loved getting the gift of the Holy Ghost on Sunday as well. 

NO TIMES!!! LOVE YOU!!!

-Elder Sargeant

[Gabe here-Elder Sargeant ran into the King family this week and they sent us some pictures. You can see Elder Sargeant's new hair cut!]

Wallet Butt (Nov 30)

G'day g'day all, hope you are all going well!

Let's jump right into things here and tell you about our fantastic week. It was really good to be honest! We've seen some miracles and had some cool experiences as well as some laughs along the way. My companion and I have been doing heaps of door knocking as we're looking to find those that prepared! 

So, first of all we were in Ward Council meeting today and out of no where at the end Brother Mackay came up to me and asked a very interesting question, and making an even more interesting observation regarding my pants and the back pocket...

He said in his South African accent, "Elder, has someone been trying to steal from you?"

I was a bit confused, but I replied "No,"

"Well, I've noticed a bulge in your pocket from you wallet I'm assuming? You really should get that fixed Elder."

He then went to tell me that there is something called "wallet bum" for those that keep their wallet in the back pocket for too long and sit on it. It can cause walking problems when it hurts a nerve in your butt. I thought it was funny... "Elder, watch out for wallet butt!"

Lessons to be learned each day!

This is going to be short... 60 seconds left! Couple shout outs

1) Jeff gave fantastic testimony on Sunday!

Yeah.... the Gospel is true :)

-Elder Sargeant 

Glorious gospel! (Nov 23)

G'day all!

What a Glorious day to live! We had a fantastic week of finding, seeing miracles, and being able to use talents and gifts for the purpose of bringing others closer to the truth.

I had to say goodbye to my last companion Elder Cavanaugh as he embarked on his journey to the mainland. My new companion and two other missionaries came down on Wednesday to Glenorchy and we were settled in in a couple hours time.

My companion is 26, stands at 6'5, and loves to play soccer and ping pong. He plays guitar, and is a BEAST at it. He used to teach at a music college in England before he came out. Oh yeah, he's also from Lester England and LOVES the gospel. He strengthens my faith each day. 

We had some miracles happen this week that really made me enjoy the mission even more! We found 2 families!!! 2 and they are keen for learning more. One family we found is obsessed with Michael Jackson, so we pretended to sing and dance to Thriller. It was crack up. My falsetto voice is to be bragged about I reckon. They let us in and we were able to share with them a little bit about what we do and what we share, about families, the restored Gospel, and the blessings of the Saviour in our lives. The kids and mum wanted us to come back, but the father was a bit standoffish. You could tell he had something pricking his heart that made him scared. However, we were able to set a time to come back around. KEEP GRAEME AND HIS FAMILY IN YOUR PRAYERS!! They need their hearts to soften.

Next, I will share shortly.

We went to see one of our investigators named Zack Young. We'd taught him previously and picked him back up. He's 16 and LOVES wrestling. So, we were able to go to their house and sit outside as usual. I've been trying this thing where I ask if I can use the toilet, and I really always do need to, but to get a chance to actually meet the family. I did.. we started talking to the mum named Melissa and dad named Adam, and BOOM WE GOT IN! We started out playing guitar for them because Adam loves guitar. I sang Hey there Delilah because it's the only one I can remember how to play and then my companion just busted out some songs. He knows everything. Then we sang, "My Heavenly Father loves Me" out of the Childrens Hymn book and taught them about God and how He can speak to us if we pray. He wants to hear us. The spirit was so strong. They all committed to pray EVERY NIGHT and Zack said a prayer to close. It was such a cool experience. Finally getting to use some abilities for good and sharing the gospel. What a blessing.

I was touched by the scripture that is on my mission plague back home.

Alma 26:3.

I read them this this morning and it filled my heart with the realization of the multitude of blessings that have come into my life since I've been a missionary. I'd lost sight of them... what I had been able to do in the strength of the Lord. I saw, as Ammon did, my own "nothingness" but I can say... With God we can do ANYTHING. He strengthens me and has helped me be an instrument in His hands to do good and become better. I still have many... MANY more things to improve on and I know what they are, but I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help me. And They will help you, IF you let Them.

I love you all. Stay safe! KEEP WARM! I hear there is heaps of snow in the states at the moment?

-Elder Sargeant

TRANSFERS....OF DEATH! (Nov 16)

G'day all!!

What an epic week of craziness. I'll let you know that the best part about being a missionary is learning about who you are and helping others along the way to find out that same thing about themselves. 

We were blessed with the opportunity to have a ZONE P-DAY in TASMANIA!!! It's been the second time in the 6 months I've been here... that's more than the past 3 years I reckon. We went to the Bishop of Deloraine ward's home--who lives on 50 acres of land. It was a crazy day for me personally because you get heaps of missionaries together, (19-21 year-olds) and people are very hard to handle. BUT IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!! WE did a video for the Christmas Party we are having in Tasmania on the 9th of December.

This week was much of the same as last week. We were blessed to help out some missionaries and then to help out one of our Recent converts. She is in a bit of a hard spot at the moment... her partner who was recovering from drugs and was 4 weeks sober, got sucked into some bad stuff and got abusive. We were in the area and she texted us to help her, drive her away, or just take her some place. We were pleading for help of knowing what to do! Calling the cops would mean they'd be arrested and lose any chance of getting their son Tyson back from CPS (child protective services). We ended up calling a member from the ward and having him pick her up--- she is doing okay now. She's alive, that's what matters! the blessings of the Spirit and the guidance SHE received helped her stay as safe as she could in a very dangerous situation.

On a more happy note.... we were blessed with the Sandy Bay sisters setting... 9 BAPTISMAL DATES in the week. They are helping so many people come to Christ and they are all excited to be baptised. We're so blessed to work with such faithful sisters

My favourite part about the week was the Saturday-- we went finding and knocked on two doors before dinner. Doesn't sound like much but one of them was a Nepalese girl who said as after we opened the door... "ARE YOU CHRISTIANS?!?!? I AM TOO!!! I COME TO CHURCH WITH YOU!!!" It was hilarious! She was so outgoing and happy and she came to church!!! She's coming next week and we'll be going to see her again.

I am very grateful for Jesus Christ--- I've come to know Him and His endless love a little bit more this week. Transfers brings anxiety, but I'm staying in Tasmania again! I'm keen---more work to be done. I'm grateful for the chance to keep learning and growing and helping others. I love to learn to love others more. It's a great blessing being able to change and become better, and for that I am eternally blessed.

I hope that you all have a fantastic week!! Thank you for your notes, thoughts, prayers and emails. You have no idea what they mean to me, even on those days I let them slip my mind.

THE WORK IS TRUE!!

SHOUT  OUT---Sam.. my boy. Love you heaps man. You served valiantly. See you in 3 transfer buddy!

-Elder Sargeant

Crashed and burned (Nov 9)

Mum and everyone that reads it!

 

Well let me tell you the beginning of this week was fantastic. We went up to Melbourne for our monthly meeting and it was an exciting time. I won't go too much into detail because it'd bore you to tears, however I'll say that I was awakened to a new sense of HOW MUCH I LOVE THE GOSPEL AND SHARING IT!!!! I'm definitely not perfect at it, but I sure want to be.

 

 

Wednesday was the highlight of the week. We had a really good district meeting in the south town of Glen Huon, Tasmania. It was a rainy day and the streets were slick. After we finished up our once a week meeting, we were going out to lunch in town and were on Glen Huon Road. It's a bendy and pretty crazy one at that which reminds me of driving back home. Some of the Elders were two cars infront of us. All of a sudden, we saw their car was gone. Where did they go?? The Sisters infront of us slammed on their brakes. We were close to smashing into them, but luckily we skidded to the side of them in the middle of the road. Sister Bennion's face was in a state of shock and she yelled "they went over the side!!"

 

We raced up, pulled over, and ran back.

 

The Elders rolled twice over a guard rail and into a massive ditch about 10 feet below on top of a blue berry patch. Luckily, the back end was crushed and the front was completely fine where they were sitting. They climbed out, unharmed, but very shaken up.

 

All is well with the Elders... but goodness me it was surreal. It didn't even seem to be something that would happen. Luckily, they were protected.

 

 

We spent the rest of the week going out and working to make up for our lost time, and helping the Elders who were sick and recovering from their accident. It's a blessing to look after so many people sometimes.

 

 

We had a cool experience with someone named Ty Fellowes He is Daniel Fellowes brother! He reached out to us and asked us to come around to him in the psych ward, as he had attempted to take his life. He broughwo things: His phone and a copy of the Book of Mormon.

 

He wants to change. What a little miracle! We were able to talk to him and help him see what he needs to do and that it's possible for him to change. He is the man!!!

 

 

Other than that, all is good. I'll let you know what of release date ASAP so you can plan.

 

 

SHOUT OUT TO PAPA GISH!!!! He's sent me letter after letter and I've sent 0. I'm slack.. please forgive me, but chances are I probably won't get back anytime soon :\ Mondays are our worst days as we travel up north often.

 

 

LOVE YOU!!!

 

-Elder Sargeant

The Power of Yes (Nov 2)

G'day all!!!!

What a powerful week of adventure and experiences!! LET JUMP STRAIGHT INTO IT!!!

First of all, just a shout out to my brother Sam Gish! What a stud! He finishes his mission soon as and I'm so excited for the things he will be doing in the future. You must have had an amazing mission, and many wonderful experiences because I've seen you grow heaps. I'm stoked to see you again brother!!! Enjoy all those ladies that will be fighting for you tooth and nail ;)

So, this week started with a trip up north. 4 hours up, to exchange with the District Leader and his companion. I was blessed to go with Elder Hynds. We had some really cool chats with each other about our goals, experiences, the mission, and were yelled at a few times by some grumpy as old people who said we didn't know Jesus. I just laughed. We had a good chat at the end of our exchange and I've seen how the Spirit has influenced this missionary to change for the better. He has seen the impact that working has vs the impact of not working! HE WANTS TO BECOME BETTER. That made my heart sing.

Then we were blessed to have Zone conference where we were taught about Power of knowing who we are and what that means. We've been focusing heaps on this idea dn it's been a blessing to me for sure. My companion and I did a training on Teaching with Power, but we did an exercise that was so spiritual that I had never done before. We lined everyone up like so:

1   2    3   4  5   6   7  8  9   10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Even our Mission President and his wife joined. We took each other by the hands for 10 seconds and just looked into each other's eyes. What a cool experience. I have never done it before... and I felt so much love for each missionary. I felt their qualities, experiences and who they were. I saw the things they had that made them the person I had known, and the person that Heavenly Father knows. I was filled with something I've haven't felt in ages. It was awesome! 

Well, please save your prayers for our investigator named Malcolm. He wants to be baptised, and knows he should but he's scared and doesn't think he can do it. We had one of the most powerful lessons I've ever been in with him and his fellowship Anker and Kelly Fuglsang.

HE NEEDS HELP OVERCOMING HIS FEAR!!! PLease pray for him to find strength. He WILL do it! :)

I bear my witness that this gospel is true.

LOVE YOU ALL!!

-Elder Sargeant