Miracles Throughout the Mission

I have been trying to figure out a way to have the missionaries more involved in the blog. So I sent out an email this morning to our missionaries asking them to share a miracle of the past week. I was pleased and buoyed up and strengthened as I read these beautiful miracles. ENJOY!

We found an older lady and her family in the area book: so we decided to stop by: nobody was there so we just left a note and went on our way: a few days later we felt like we should stop by again: we did and they were there: we were able to teach them: shortly after her daughter left her: she was heartbroken: but she told us that she knew that God loved her because he had sent us to her when she needed us most:
the family also finding alot of streanfth in the book of mormon: after reading the beatitudes in 3 Nephi12: they cried because the spirit was testifiing to them of its truthfullness: and it seemed to be written for them.

Elder Cowling

Numbers are one of the most difficult things to do right in the Dutch language because they are exactly backwards from English. Where we say thirty five in Dutch it is five 'n thirty. The Lord was able to use this language dislexia to our advantage looking up inactive members this week. Sister Sharp read the address to me as one hundred three and fifty and we took off down the street only to stop mistakenly at one hundred thirty five. The woman of course was not the inactive member we were looking for but would love to have a free video about Jesus Christ and we have an appointment to come back this week to teach her. I am so grateful that the Lord can truly turn our weaknesses into strengths and so long as we are out doing the best we can, he will bring us to people wanting to hear the gospel!
We were also able to make contact with the inactive in one hundred fifty three. Her husband was very antagonistic to the church (and her and her children and life in general) but had passed away less than a month ago and she was so greatful to be visited again by people from the church for the first time in many years. We are going back this week with a brother from the ward who she still remembers visiting her more than fifteen years ago. It was truly a day where the Lord was arranging our schedule!
Sister Wieland

We had a few miralces just yesterday. At church a man decided to walk into the church and see what it was about because he has some things that he doesn't like about the church he is at right now. So we taught him a little bit and then went together to fast and testimony meeting. There he loved how we offered the sacrament and also he loved some of the testimonies of the members there. After sacrament we set up an appoinment to meet with him and he is now a new investigator.
Also after church we went with a joint teach who is preparing to serve a mission and went to a lady who is a student here in the Netherlands. We taught her about Joseph Smith and the Restoration and the Book of Mormon and she absolutely loved it. she said,"I think I need to come to your Church." She is another new investigator and we have a return appointment for this week.

Elder Owens

Things are going great here in Groningen. I love it. The Lord has been really testing our patience and willingness to go and do. However in the past day or two we are starting to see many great blessings. We were headed to the university and I sat nest to a brother from Nigeria, Kingsley, who is studying here for 5 months as a part of his study at Cambridge and he loved what we share. We went back and taught him and hw wants to meet with us as much as he possibly can with school.
Yesterday, we were 15min early for our bus so we talked about if we should call some people or walk into the centrum for a few minutes. We felt good about walking to the centrum and one of te first people we talked to was Oscar from the Dominican Republic and hw was like hey missionaros? Yes He was happy. He has lived here for 13 years and is working. His dad is a member of the church and a bishop in the DR and told oscar when you find the missionaries you need to talk to them. So he said I beleive you are good poeple and can help me come closer to God. Here is my address and number. I have to catch my train call me tomarrow to set up our apt for Wednessday! He had soooo much light and just had that sicere heart that was willing to change and do his best.

Elder LeFevre

Over the last 2 weeks we have been trying to visit a in active member who had moved to leeuwarden but had not been able to find her home and then when one of our appointments fell through we felt to go back and try one more time and see if she was home and she was we talked to her about what had happend and found that she felt that something has been missing in her life since she left the church and stopped going. we asked her if she would like to work with us to build up the courage to go back and that we could bring some of the members for her to meet to help her feel strong enough for that and she said she would love that.
Elder Hymas

We had an AWESOME miracle this week! We went to an appointment that is about 30 minutes away by tram, and after our appointment, we found that our next appointment had cancelled. So, we decided since we were in this 'far away area' that we would look up some former investigators. We went to the tram halte to go a couple of stops further, and without thinking, accidentally went to the wrong side of the halte. We walked up to the waiting area and said hello to a young woman. She said hello back and then asked us if we were from a church. She said that she has been having a lot of problems lately and wanted our advice. We talked with her about the problems going on and were able to testify to her of her worth as a daughter of God and teach her about prayer and how she can get guidance from Him through prayer. She is from Hindu background, so she didn't know a whole lot about Christ--but as we sat and talked with her, the spirit testified to her of the truth of the things we said. She set up an appointment to meet with us this week, and she is really excited to read a couple of the things we gave her about her worth as a child of God. After we talked, we realized we were on the wrong side of the tracks, but by then it was time to head back to the city anyway, so we got on a tram with her and headed toward the city. It was a wonderful experience.

Zuster Fowler

So this last week we were having a really difficult time and it was raining cats and dogs---the last days, hello!---and we were doing this consecrated hr. and no one wants to talk to us. All about sects and mormons, in short slammed windows.
So we come to this house and this woman opens her window, we pose the question: What would you ask God? And she answered that she would ask him why he took her Dad so early. This unrolled the red carpet for the Plan of Salvation and therefore the pearly gates of the Atonement and all that follows. And we got to seal all of this with our testimonies that we know its true, and not because of being raised in the gospel or what our parents told us was true but because we have been forged and tempered in the Lords oven, and now we have a rock-solid, and may I add, shiny testimony.
The cream on top: We have a return rendez-vous. Inevitable end result. baptism and lasting conversion.
Sr. Curran

This week we found a young man we had seen a few weeks before and wanted to talk to but couldn't. Elder Waldie had been praying to find him, and then we ran into him during a consecrated hour and gave us his address and number. Amazing!
--Elder Bell and Elder Waldie

The miracles that elder thompson and I saw this week were teaching a zr from indonesia about the boek van mormon and how it adds more knowledge of the bijbel and her relationship with heavenly fathjer. We also helped an elderly muslim zuster feed the ducks. She was happy that we helped serve. We chatted with two elderly zusters at a bus stop and thanked them for their smiles. We invited them to chruch and they will continue to be smiling!!! The Saviour loves us and I'm grateful for the members and desires to build and serve where they are. In de naam van jezus chrisuts, amen

Elder Pratt

Yesterday during consecrated finding I was sitting in the tram. A woman who entered the tram at the doors right next to me caught my attention. I felt like I should move over so she could sit next to me. As soon as I moved over, the woman sat down and I began a friendly conversation with her. She had just come from mass and was happy to speak with someone who could appreciate her experiences feeling uplifted through worshipping God. It turns out this woman came to Belgium four months ago from the Philippines where she had many friends and neighbors who are members of our church. One neighbor gave her a Book of Mormon. She is facing a difficult challenge right now adjusting to life in a new land and getting used to her new husband. I was able to testify that God loves her and is aware of her situation. I encouraged her to keep praying and reading the scriptures. It was wonderful to reach out in Christian love to this sweet daughter of God who needed to be reminded that Heavenly Father loves her.

Zuster Bennett

Elder Relitz and I attended a funeral about two weeks ago for the uncle of our ward mission leader. The widow of the man was left alone with two ten-year old twins. our ward mission leader invited them to church. The twins were able to come and had a great experience with the other kids in the ward. before they came to church, one had a dream showing her the location of the church. Our ward mission leader was surprised when he asked them if they knew about the church and the one girl said she knew exactly where it was! When they came home after there church experience they told there mother how great it was and next week they will be coming as a family!

Elder Robert

The Mission Presidency Enjoy An Evening Together

President Brubaker has two wonderful counselors that give him tremendous help. Xvier Estace and his wife Deborah live in France with their three young children. Miriam and Hans Noot are from Holland. They have 4 children. They are both so knowledgeable about the things pertaining to their countries. President Brubaker relies on their judgement and their help with the mission. We enjoyed cooking for them at the mission home the night after our missionaries left. We had a delightful evening with them.

Cooking is a joy here! It is always a feast for the senses at the grocery store. Scott and I walked up and down the aisles of this new discovered store, marveling at the displays and the variety of choices!

Eleven Missionaries Prepare to Go Home

We had a special evening with this amazing group of missionaries that have stolen our hearts! We have learned so many great lessons of life from our missionaries.
Help in the kitchen is ALWAYS appreciated. Elder Ruesch, Elder Lamoreaux, and Sister Miller had a good time helping me in the kitchen. How much food to fix? That is always the question? Missionaries love a good home cooked meal, and no matter how much food I fix, there could always be a little more! They are always so appreciative, and I love to watch the mountains of food on the elder's plates!

We will miss you!!!

front row:l-r Soeur Rideout, Zuster Miller, Soeur Gagon, Soeur Fritsch,

back row: l-r Elder Borgholthous, Elder Ruesch, Elder Bentley, elder Nelson, and Elder Milliken

Missionaries weigh their bags before leaving the mission home, so we have no surprises at the airport. It was an early morning for these missionaries. I don't think they slept much anyway. All the elders were in the same room where we have 3 bunkbeds. I know they enjoyed all being together for the last night of their mission!

Bon Voyage les missionaries!

A Day All New Missionaries Dream About

(Please excuse this post. Please start from the bottom. Thanks)

The Elders were up early the next morning. After a very appreciated warm breakfast they were on their way to the train station to meet their new companion and head off together to their first assignment.

Elder Bastian is our only Dutch Elder this time. He will be serving in Alkmaar, Holland

Elder Porter is going to Lille, France.

Elder Allen is going to serve in Arras, France

Elder Kirkland is going to serve in St. Quentin, France

Elder Helvey will be serving in Brussels

Elder Walker is going to serve in Brussels.

Elder McQuay is excited to go to Charleroi too.

Elder Crump is assigned to go to Charleroi, Belgium

We reached the Dedication Site and President Brubaker had a moment to share with the missionaries some of the things that Elder Jeffrey R. Holland had included in his dedicatory prayer. We had a moment to reflect and feel gratitude for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that these 8 missionaries have given two years to serve a mission.

We walked back to our cars and drove to the Grand Place and the missionaries had their first experience contacting. the missionaries were excited, and little nervous, but were able to talk with some people about the Gospel. After eating a quick dinner, we headed back to the mission home for the long anticipated time when the missionaries received their first assignment and new companion.

As we continued on our way, we stopped at this large, incredibly straight tree. Elder Simonson and Elder Christensen told the Elders that on the day of the dedication Elder Jeffrey R. Holland stopped and asked what this tree could represent. Elder Simonson asked the missionaries what they felt was the similarity between this tree and the Gospel. Many provoking thoughts were shared.

It was a beautiful day at Tevuren Park. The Elders were enamored with the beauties of nature as we walked to the site.

The Elders were happy to have a meal waiting for them at the Mission Home. After their tummies were full, we put them down for a needed nap. We woke them up two hours later and drove to the Dedication Site.

A New Group of Elders Arrive

What a fine group of missionaries we received today! We received eight Elders from the MTC. Seven of them are French speaking and one Dutch. Elder and Sister Pancratz were there as usual to load all the luggage for us. We first went to the Mission Office and Elder Ferguson briefed them on the Financial information, and Elder Schmutz covered the legality information. President Brubaker interviewed each missionary separately and pictures were taken so parents could be notified that their son had arrived safely in our mission.

We Are Delighted to Have The Skousens Join Us

Elder and Soeur Skousen are excited to serve in Liège, Belgium as they will be starting a Center for Young Adults. They will be an invaluable asset to our mission. They both come with a knowledge of the French language, and many other great assets that will bless the lives of those they serve.

Elder Schmutz, our office secretary is making sure they know the ropes of becoming legal in Belgium. President Brubaker and I are so very fortunate to have Elder Schmutz serving in the office. He has a huge responsibility to keep all of our missionaries legal, and is always ready and willing to do whatever is asked of him.

Zone Conference-Back to the Basics

We were excited to be with our missionaries for the first Zone Conference of 2010! President Brubaker prepared the missionaries by asking them to read and study Chapter 10 in Preach My Gospel. They came prepared to learn how to become better teachers. The Assistants had previously arranged to have new members come and practice with the missionaries. They were divided into small groups and were able to identify where they needed the most improvement, and then worked on this. I think the missionaries were excited to learn and improved their teaching skills. President Brubaker taught the missionaries in the afternoon about making and attaining goals. Missionaries learned secrets of optimism and success in missionary work.

The Antwerp Zone

The Apeldorn Zone

The Brussels Zone

The Lille Zone

Our "Soeurs" in the Lille Zone

A Reflection

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal

is going to waste a lot of time

running around shouting that he has been robbed.

Most putts don’t drop.

Most beef is tough.

Most children grow up to be just people.

Most successful marriages require a mutual degree of mutual toleration.

Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise.

Life is like an old time rail journey –

Delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts,

Interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed.

The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

Gordon B. Hinckley

September 15, 1978

The Best Christmas Present Ever!

We got the best Christmas present ever! Our daughter Rachel came from Philadelphia to spend a few days with us! It looks like Santa Claus found Rachel all the way in Belgium! She brought lots of sunshine with her and she loved touring our mission with us.

Rachel went to Apeldorn, Holland with us for interviews. She enjoyed meeting Zuster Sharp and Zuster Wieland in Zwolle! What a pleasant surprise to be walking down the street and pass them on their bikes!

A trip to Holland wouldn't be complete without stopping at Kinder Dijk. It was beautiful, but a little on the chilly side! We documented this stop quickly!

After interviews in Rotterdam, we spent the 31st of December in a hotel next to the Erasmus bridge. We celebrated the New Year from our hotel window. We welcomed the New Year in a big way!

Rachel was the "Queen" for the day as we celebrated Epiphany. Twelve days after Christmas celebrates the visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus. In Belgium the bakeries all sale a an epiphany cake, and inside is a special surprise. The one who finds the surprise in their piece of cake is the king for the day. Rachel was the lucky one!

Rachel enjoyed having her dad with us in the evenings. Lots of hugs were in order!

Elder Fritzler Finally Arrives From the MTC

We were happy to receive word that Elder Fritzler was over his ear infection and could safely fly to Belgium with not complications! He is from North Carolina and is ready to serve in Holland. His first assignment is in The Hague.

It's A Winter Wonderland

The snow continues to fall! We feel right at home as if we were back in Utah! It is very amusing to watch the Belge, French, and Nederlanders try and remove snow. Snow shovels are hard to come by here, so they use the next best thing or whatever they have on hand. I don't think the squeegy will be quite the same when they try to clean their windows! Brooms work well, but garden rakes and shovels I would not recommend! They can be a little bad on the back!

Elder Harper and Elder Clawson in Lille, France

The beautiful forests just outside of Brussels!

We were excited to see that they really do have snow snowplows in Holland! What a relief!

It is a mystery to me how the people in Holland ride their bicycles on the icy and snowy streets! Somehow they have it all figures out.

Christmas Eve At the Mission Home

With lots of help we pulled off a great Christmas Eve dinner! We had turkey, stuffing, potatoes and gravy, corn and beans, fruit salad and lots of smiles around the table. We had 15 of us! Soeur Grand Fils came to join us, from the Brussels I Ward The Elders put on a nativity for our Christmas program! It was like no other nativity we have ever had before in our famiy! They were very creative!

Elder Wells and Elder Waldi were my helpful elves in the kitchen! They were wonderful, and willing to do whatever was needed to be done!
We had a special guest arrive just in time for Christmas Eve! Our daughter Rachel arrived today for Christmas Eve! The best Christmas present ever! She fit right in and enjoyed getting to know some of our missionaries! She is sitting between Sister Burgoyne and Sister Rideout.

We enjoyed the French tradition of Bûche de Noël for dessert.

Elder Simonsen was our narrator. Elder Christensen and Elder Mitchell listen intently to Luke II, as they played the parts of the Shepherds.

Elder Schmutz and Soeur Burgoyne played the part of Mary and Joseph.

Our angel missionaries, Soeur Rideout, Elder Kent, and Elder Wells.

Elder Wells, Elder Ferguson, and Elder Berlin were our very wise Wisemen bearing gifts.

Elder Waldi and Elder Ferguson were good sports to be our sheep for the kind Shepherds.

What a Surprise!

President Brubaker and I drove to Lille, France to prepare for interviews the next day. We went to the Centre to get a bite to eat and who should we run into! Our missionaries! They were caroling and it was such a nice surprise and to be in the right place at the right time!

Soeur Fritsch is one of our gifted trainers. Soeur Gappmeier was trained by her ands also Soeur Nielson is being trained by Soeur Fritsch. She is from the region of France called the Alsace. President Brubaker served in her home town of Strasburg when he was a young missionary. It was great to see soeur Kohler, who was transferred from Brussels. All these sisters are serving in Lille and are enjoying the French side of our mission.

Two New Missionaries Arrive

We spent the day in Arras, France with our missionaries. President Brubaker interviewed the missionaries in the Arras district. Elder Bertrand and Elder Scott provided a gourmet Chinese lunch for us! Our missionaries have so many talents, and these two elders were happy to share their love for cooking with us.

Elder Bertrand and Elder Scott putting their talents to work!

Elder Lamoreaux, Soeur Curren, Elder Cabrera and Soeur Carson are more than willing to do the dishes after a feast!

We were notified just a few days earlier that we had two new missionaries coming! We were excited, and after interviews we met them in Charleroi. They were delivered to their first assignment by the assistants. Too bad we couldn't be in two places at once! We were so happy to welcome Soeur Clark and Elder Boudhaine to our mission!

Soeur Clark hit the jackpot! She has two companions, Soeur Hulet and Soeur Bagwell!

The Concerts Continue

The choir members enjoyed getting some photo shots before the concert in Rotterdam.

Zuster Bennett put together a beautiful Christmas Program

On the 17th and 18th of December the Choir performed in the afternoon in The Hague and Rotterdam. The wards were very supportive and invited many investigators to enjoy and evening of beautiful Christmas music. There was a sweet feeling of warmth and love as the missionaries shared their talents and their love for their Savior Jesus Christ at this Christmas season. Hearts were touched, souls were softened, and testimonies were strengthened by all who were in attendance.

Our missionary choir with a ward member

Elder LeFevre with the Rotterdam Ward Mission Leader

Stropwafels not only tasted great but also were great hand warmers!

Out With the Old and In with the New

Does this car look like it has almost 200,000 km on it? Today is the day we get a new mission van. The Espace has become like a family member. We have had a few challenges with the car, so I guess it is for the best!

Back to Basics-Theme for Leadership Council

Leadership Council covered "Back to the Basics," our theme for this transfer. What does that mean? We are going to focus on some of the basic skills as taught in Preach My Gospel. The missionaries were inspired and excited to become more "Preach My Gospel Missionaries." President Brubaker taught them from Chapter 10 of Preach My Gospel, and each missionary learned and contributed to the day of training.

The missionaries are always so excited to have a home cooked meal. I think they were especially excited to have Hot Taco Salad!

Two sister missionaries are invited to come to Leadership Council. They always have so much to offer and spiritual insight to contribute to the training. It was a joy to have Soeur Powers and Soeur Shannon from Liege, Belgium join us!

The Christmas Concerts Begin

For several months the missionaries have been preparing for the Missionary Christmas Concert Tour. Antwerp was the 2nd concert. The first one was held in Brussels. The choir is made up of missionaries from the Dutch side of our mission. We have very talented missionaries! Sister Bennett is our choir director and Sister Robbins accompanied the choir on her violin, and Elder DeMass played his bagpipes. Many people would stop and listen as he played Christmas Carols on his bagpipes! We had missionaries talking to the people passing by who stopped and listened to the choir. They invited them to come to a missionary concert in the church, and gave them a flyer with the name and address of the church. Many people seemed very interested. It was a great way to share the message of Jesus Christ at this Christmas season.

A young little boy was enamored by the choir! He was one of the best admirers of the choir, and stayed for almost the whole concert! He kept us entertained as he did a little jig to the Christmas music.

Beautiful Antwerp all aglow with Christmas lights!

Zuster Vels has no problem communicating in her native language as she shared the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with this nice gentleman.
Elder DeMass has been playing the bagpipes since he was 12. We found that not many people have not heard the bagpipes played before. They were so interested, and stopped to listen. We had a large audience gather to listen to Christmas songs played and sung by the choir.

President Brubaker enjoyed a half meter during the concert break for lunch

Snow in Every Nook and Cranny of Our Mission!

We were told that it was very rare that we would see snow on our mission. We felt we were back in Utah! The problem is that they don't know what to do with the white stuff! We got caught in a big snow storm on our way to the missionary concert!

The ducks seem to be frozen into the ice!

A Big Transport to the Brussels Airport

Elder and Sister Pancratz were at the mission home early to pick up all of the luggage for 12 missionaries. We are so grateful to them for their willingness and service to our mission. Where would we be without the Pancratz? I think they have the secret to the Fountain of Youth!

Elder Monson has blessed the lives of many of our missionaries. We will miss his forever positive attitude. Please keep in touch Elder Monson!

Elder Riley was happy to meet his parents at the airport. They will travel together throughout the mission before returning to the states together.

The other elders were all successfully checked through...........

Elder Hoskyns was happy to find his passport, but not in time to catch his original flight. We were given a few extra minutes to visit with him, while the ticket agent and Salt Lake arranged for him to catch the next flight out to America. We love you all and look forward to hearing great things as you start the next exciting chapter of your life.