26 December 2016 - Elder Milius Week 26

Family and Friends,

I want to first again wish everyone a Merry Christmas! I hope your day yesterday was as great as mine out here! We got to visit several member’s homes, get feed, call family, get feed, and eat food! I’m so grateful for our Savior and for this week that we’ve had! I’m even more so thankful for the gifts, thoughts, and prayers that were directed toward me. They are truly felt and appreciated daily! May we never forget this season and more importantly never forget our Savior Jesus Christ.

On Monday we went on another hike, but it was the same one we went on several weeks ago when Elder Morley and I first got to Fort Payne. However, because of all the rain that we had received, there was actually water in the river! Tuesday was a basic day except we attended a Sign Language Group meeting that evening. Because we are teaching Virginia (who is not getting baptized on the 31st anymore but we are still hopeful for the near future) we decided to go to learn some basic signs that we can use to communicate to her. It was a very cool experience and all the people who were there were accommodating and loved to help us learn. How about that? English called, un poquito espanol, and sign language! 

Thursday was a big day and a highlight of probably my mission so far! Brother Lee Donaldson, former President of the San Diego Mission during the filming of The District 2, and current paid trainer and teacher for The Church came to our mission to help train us on how to better teach. He went over our mission specifically and stressed the importance of prayer. Prayer is something we would consider basic as far as teaching and most people in the South are knowledgeable on the concept. However, most people pray to Jesus instead of to our Heavenly Father. Brother Donaldson explained that if we want them, the investigators, to receive and answer to a prayer I don’t know such as “Is the Book of Mormon true?” then they need to be asking who-God. Our Heavenly Father is the person they need to address. He also went on to help us learn how to better teach the first lesson-The Restoration. He pointed out that The Restoration is all focused on how the investigator can receive personal revelation. Revelation is the theme. So, as we emphasize that we will better accomplish the purpose of that lesson. The last thing Brother Donaldson talked about was the importance of the Book of Mormon, of using the Book of Mormon as a tool. He read the first twelve verses with us, showing us how to make the Book applicable to the individual and how to be more of a “guide” than a “narrator.” When we as missionaries teach people we aren’t simply telling them stuff, or giving them information. We are helping them understand the material in order to prepare them for baptism because if we do it correctly and if they are sincere in listening to our message they will want to be baptized into Christ’s true church and make further covenants with the Father. That meeting was amazing for me to participate in especially so close to the beginning of my mission. I hope and pray I never lose the teaching skills I’m developing on the mission, it’s amazing. Young Men and Sisters who are preparing to serve, if you think you are a bad teacher just wait, the Spirit will use your willingness to minister to whoever you talk to, I promise you that!

Friday we met a LA/PM family who is in an interesting situation. But, there are several people in that home that are ready for baptism, it’s just a matter of time. So prayers going out to the Serabia Family! Also, we went over to another Less-Active’s home to do a Christmas Lesson in which we were asking the kids about the Nativity and the story of Christ’s Birth. We established that Jesus was there, Mary was there, and we were trying to get other answers to people who were there as well. It was a struggle (and just for background information we are very close to this family). But, the 12-year-old when asked “Who else was there?” said excitedly “JOSEPH….SMITH!!!” The response to that was I am sorry to say laughter on our part with my companion stating through his breathes “You guys are Terrible at this!” It was a fun night, and although it was kinda rough, the focus was on the true meaning of Christmas so I think we got our point across! 

Saturday, Christmas Eve, basically all of our plans fell through-life of a missionary. But we were able to go to a family’s home and participate in blowing up 1000 balloons and playing in them. My fingers have a couple blisters from tying balloons, but it was a good time being there with the other missionaries from our District and spending Christmas Eve in a Family setting. Sunday was Christmas, and one of the most interesting Christmas mornings I’ve had. But it was also one of the best Christmas Days, being able to talk to my family, those closest to me, and see how wonderful they are all doing! I’m so thankful for Family and for my knowledge that Families can be together forever! 

Have a good week everyone and I will be emailing on Tuesday next week because our P-Day got changed due to New Year’s. Take care, and if you need anything from Elder Milius let me know! Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Godspeed, and Much Love,

Elder Milius

-- 

Godspeed,

ELDER MICHAEL S. MILIUS

ALABAMA BIRMINGHAM MISSION

"Behold I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of Him to declare His word among His people, that they might have everlasting life." ~3 Nephi 5:13

19 December 2016 - Elder Milius Week 25

Family and Friends,

First I would like to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS! I can’t believe that Christmas is in a week, and I’m so glad for the time we are given to celebrate our Savior’s birth! The ABM is having much success in our efforts of having a White Christmas and the Lord is definitely blessing His work and His Missionaries, of which I am blessed to be! 

The Work in the Fort Payne Branch is moving forward. Yesterday I was so glad to see several families and individuals who are less-actives come to the block of church meetings. Several things tend to make a missionary happy: baptisms, investigators that "get it," food, and for me less-actives at church. I can't tell you how excited I was and how excited I am for the future of the Fort Payne Branch.

This week was full as always. We are currently trying to work our hardest to get Virginia-our deaf investigator-prepared for baptism on the 31st. She is ready, the trick will be making sure she understands and everything she needs to. We are also working with several others who could be prepared for baptism in the coming month and it’s awesome to see this area grow! I can’t wait to see the Fort Payne Ward! 

Also this week, we met a man named Paul who owns a shop in Fort Payne. I share this with you because it was a testimony to me of how much of an impact we have as missionaries, whether it be for the positive or the negative. This story fortunately was positive and allowed us to have a meaningful conversation with Paul in which he related to us this experience (paraphrasing from my memory):

"I (Paul) play music at different churches around the County and help many different religious groups in their worship services. A couple of years ago my brother was diagnosed with cancer and was very weak and ill. One day my brother turned to me and asked, "Paul, where are all the church people? You play at several places around this area, so why hasn't anyone come to pray with me?" This bothered me and when I got home that night I knelt down and told God that whomever He sent to me and to my brother, whatever religion they were I would accept them." 

The story then goes where you would expect it; two Elders went and found Paul and his brother. They prayed with them, taught them, and eventually offered Paul's brother a blessing of healing. Paul's brother was healed of cancer. And from that experience on, Paul has loved the Missionaries and loved the LDS church. He doesn't agree with everything he says, but his image and view on the Church is with respect and honor because of two missionaries, two boys. 

We represent and stand for more than we think we do. And the way that people see us is going to be the way they see the Church.

I will also share an experience that for me wasn't the greatest...and then the Lord humbled me. Long story short, Elder Morley and I went to contact a referral one night. Michael had requested a Bible and when we got there and started talking to him he told us that he didn't believe in the Bible because it was "written by man" and he believed in God. So, as we couldn't use scriptures from the Bible now let alone the Book of Mormon, we resorted to testimony. Elder Morley shared his testimony of the church, I shared (or attempted to share) the Restoration story and bore my testimony of the First Vision. Without hesitation both our testimonies and Joseph's experience of seeing God the Father and Jesus Christ was shot down. Finding ourselves caught in a hole and being buried with every word we share, we decided to leave with a prayer-which we asked Michael to give because if I had done it the things I would have asked for might not have been the best things for Michael to hear. And out the door we went, frustrated, defeated, and confused. Murmuring like Laman and Lemuel we were saying things like "We just got Bible bashed without the Bible," and "You can't beat an idiot," etc. Recognizing this was wrong for us to think, and that our feelings were only coming from the sorrow we felt for Michael not accepting the things we were teaching and the things that God wanted him to hear we quickly said a prayer for forgiveness. However, we didn't stop our complaining all together. About twenty minutes later we got a phone call from Michael in which he told me that he was sorry we left the way we did, he enjoyed talking to us, and he would like us to come over again to talk with him. I know that Michael felt the Spirit that was there when we were bearing testimony, he just didn't know what it was. I feel terrible for acting the way I did afterwards and I am thankful to our Father for humbling me because you can't be a prideful messenger. 

This past week we were able to attend the Christmas Party/Zone Conference for the North half of the mission which was awesome. We were gifted with the opportunity to watch Zootopia and I’ll never be able to watch that movie again the same way...there’s just nothing like watching a movie with a ton of missionaries! Our Branch also had a Christmas party, I saw Santa, and there was a great turn-out of members, non-members, less-actives, etc. I’m more happy that they all made it back for church the next day but exciting stuff nonetheless. 

I love Christmas and I can’t believe it’s here! This will definitely be a Christmas for the books and I hope y’all have a wonderful time celebrating! Take care.

“God bless us, everyone!”

Much Love,

Elder Milius

-- 

Godspeed,

ELDER MICHAEL S. MILIUS

ALABAMA BIRMINGHAM MISSION

"Behold I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of Him to declare His word among His people, that they might have everlasting life." ~3 Nephi 5:13

 Elder Milius and Elder Morley's stockings

Elder Morley's Christmas Tree

 Elder Milius's Christmas Tree (25 Days of Christ)

 Zone Conference Christmas Party

 Santa remembers the missionaries :)

12 December 2016 - Elder Milius Week 24

People,

Hello from Fort Payne, AL. Hope y’all are finally getting into the Spirit of Christmas! The ABM is and we are determined to have ourselves a White Christmas.

This week was one of the busiest weeks, and we barely had anytime to spend proselyting in our own area; but it’s been a good one. It rained for a couple days straight, but it isn’t cold enough for there to be snow-thank goodness. I’m a warm blooded creature. On Wednesday we were blessed with the opportunity to attend the temple as a Huntsville Zone and it gets better and better every time. I can’t wait until I can get back into going to the temple regularly. Being there with a group of Missionaries though, there is a special spirit. I will miss those trips for that reason. But, after going through our session Elder Morley and I were asked to help clean the temple before we left (which is why I don’t have a Zone picture on the steps). All I was assigned to do was vacuum the Men’s Dressing Room, but being able to spend that time alone in the temple was amazing. It definitely is the house of the Lord. Thursday we drove to Huntsville for Zone Training which was good as always. And Friday we drove to Scottsboro for District Meeting. After DM we went straight to our church building for Lynn’s baptismal interview. Wahoo! She passed, like I knew she would and all was well. Saturday we spent getting ready for the Baptism, having the Baptism and then driving to Huntsville again. But before I move on:

Lynn’s baptism was amazing. There weren’t a lot of people there. It wasn’t long. But the Spirit was just the same. I was able to participate in seeing the fruits of the labors of so many missionaries before me who sowed and sowed and sowed the seeds for Lynn. She was ready and she had been ready. She will be the first to tell you it was long overdue, but I am so blessed that I was able to be here for her decision. The road she traveled was long and hard but she made it here, and the best part of the whole thing was not the baptism itself, it was seeing her face and seeing how excited she was to make sacred covenants with our Father in Heaven. Elder Morley and I successfully had ourselves a White Christmas. (A brief explanation of White Christmas: Our goal as a Mission is that every companionship-all 86-baptize or take a recent convert to the temple. So that each companionship can participate in helping one of God’s children get dressed in white). 

After her Baptism we drove back over to Huntsville to see the Christmas Concert that they put on every year and it was amazing. They may not be able to do Christmas Lights in Alabama, but they sure do have something that matches it pretty close. 

Sunday was another fun day. Lynn was confirmed a member of the church, and then that afternoon we set someone else on date to be baptized...for later this month...which may move but it’s still going to be sooner than later. Virginia was a referral we received after the soup kitchen a couple weeks ago. She is deaf. So, not knowing how we are going to communicate we just went for it anyways and I made sure I had a pad of paper. She apparently had a friend who she would go to church with in Oklahoma when she lived there. Her friend was deaf as well so they attended a deaf Ward. Well, when she moved here there wasn’t one, however she contacted the missionaries earlier this year and was being taught. Once the missionaries changed and because of the language barrier, Virginia kinda feel to the wayside. When we got there she had a triple combination, the pamphlets, a bible, the Restoration DVD, etc. that she studied from. After asking her a couple questions about what she had been taught and if she believed it was true we finally asked her to be baptized. She joyfully accepted and so we will be put to the test to see how we are going to help this deaf daughter come closer to Jesus Christ. It was weird planning a lesson in the middle of the lesson, but it was such a miracle that we 1) found her and 2) were able to communicate even a little bit. In our District our vision for this transfer is “Faith to find the one.” Along with that we are all praying for the Faith that everyday we go out we are going to find the elect, the prepared of God. We found her. And I’m excited to see where it goes!

Christmas is almost here, keep spreading the Light, we are getting tons of media referrals from the Christmas Initiative and I know the missionaries in your areas appreciate it as well! Keep up the goods work and home and keep having a wonderful holiday season! Hope your Christmas is as white as the ABM! If you need anything from me let me know!

Much Love, and Godspeed,

Elder Milius

-- 

Godspeed,

ELDER MICHAEL S. MILIUS

ALABAMA BIRMINGHAM MISSION

"Behold I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of Him to declare His word among His people, that they might have everlasting life." ~3 Nephi 5:13

 Alabama Birmingham Temple

 Elder Morley, Lynn, Elder Milius

5 December 2016 - Elder Milius Week 23

Amigos y familia,

Hola! How are y’all doing this fine Monday? I hope well! Looking forward to Christmas coming up as much as I am! This week was pretty normal but there were a few fun stories that I will share with you!

On Tuesday we were able to go serve at the Bread of Life soup kitchen that they have here in Fort Payne and what an amazing experience that was. As a missionary you have this weird ability to talk to people on the street and so when they were all blocked in a room it made it that much easier. Within the first moments of being there we participated in giving a lady a Priesthood Blessing. After which there were several people who pulled me to the side and confided in me the feelings that they were having and the struggles they were going through. I love to be in that position, because I felt as if I was standing where our Savior stands for all of us. And, as the Savior points all the glory to His Father-our Father, I directed all those conversations to Jesus Christ. Along with that, we were able to show the #LIGHTtheWORLD video as people were eating and it brought such a sweet Spirit into that crowded room (like it always does). I always get emotional because I’m a cry baby but I know that we are all Lights pointing one way or the other, and as we follow the Savior we can beckon others “Come, Follow Him.” We’ve received several mormon.org referrals from this campaign and it’s amazing to see how the work is hastening and to be a part of it.

Later that night, as some of you might know, a tornado came through the Northeastern corner of Alabama and hit 30-45 minutes west of Fort Payne. The damage was unbelievable and on Saturday we drove through it to see if anyone needed help as far as clean-up went. I have seen destruction like this on the news before, and I’ve lived in the Mid-West long enough to know what a Tornado does, but driving through a ghost town with foundations of buildings left was an interesting feeling to say the least. It made me so grateful for what I have and I hope we can all recognize the blessings that we have before they are all taken from us in a matter of seconds. 

One last story happened on Sunday afternoon. We were out contacting and went up to a house where there was a guy outside working. When we walked up we realized that this man spoke very little English...and Elder Morley speaks zero. So as I called upon the powers of my High School Spanish education I walked back to the car to grab a copy of El Libro de Mormon and a REstoration pamphlet I had in Spanish. I tried to the best of my abilities to speak and teach this man about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration. We left him with the libro and the pamphlet and will be going back on domingo (sunday) afternoon. I better get studying my Spanish….we’ll see how far I can take it! 

Also, as I remember, we were able to watch the Worldwide First Presidency Christmas Devotional! I loved the progression of the talks and I love how the messages shared were not aimed towards The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; they were for the world, and the things that were shared went right along with the campaign to #LIGHTtheWORLD and focus on Christ and the gift He gave all of God’s children. May we remember our Savior during the Christmas season and always! 

Wow, the work is true! I’m excited for this upcoming month because it is packed full of trainings and temple trips and Christmas parties and Baptisms! We will be having our baptism for Lynn on Saturday and we are super excited for her and the covenants she is making with our Heavenly Father. What a Christmas present that is! Y’all stay safe and have a wonderful season celebrating Christ’s birth!

Much Love,

Elder Milius

-- 

Godspeed,

ELDER MICHAEL S. MILIUS

ALABAMA BIRMINGHAM MISSION

"Behold I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of Him to declare His word among His people, that they might have everlasting life." ~3 Nephi 5:13