Weekly Email - 20 May 2019

Hey Everyone!

This week was incredible. We were able to find about 11 people or around 5 in each ward which has been super cool and gave away a ton of Book of Mormons. One cool moment was when we were tracting and I wasn't really feeling it and not really having a good time. And then we took a break and went to the bathroom and I opened the scriptures to Luke 22:68-69

 "68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.

69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God"

And obviously this is about Christ but to me it told me to work and you will receive your payment or blessings for working and trying. Reading this really boosted my faith and moral. And after that we found a ton of people! It was cool to see the drastic change in my attitude and the miracles after my attitude changed. It was sweet! That's my little tidbit for this week. Have a great week. Love you all!

 

Love Elder West

Weekly Email - 13 May (Titled: Careful or Casual)

Hi everyone,

 

My week has been busy with to many meetings and whatnot but it's been a good week. We worked hard and had fun and saw the miracles. It's been really good. It's been really good to learn a lot of really cool new things and apply them and see how they work. This week the biggest thing I learned is just as Sister Craven said in General Conference to be careful in all things and never be casual. I have truly seen the blessings of doing this and know if you are observant and careful in the way you are always you will be blessed. I invite you if you have not read the talk "Careful versus Casual" by Sister Becky craven, to read it and ponder it. 

 

Love Elder West 

Zone Conference - 8 May 2019

It was zone conference time again on Wednesday, May 8th. This day had three zones present from the mission and included the San Clemente (Michael's first zone), Newport Beach (this is where he is now) and Irvine zones.

Sister Clark (she is the mission president's wife) had them doing some type of hand-on activity, Michael didn't really explain why they were spinning plates but it looked like fun.

There is always a great meal provided for them when they attend zone conference.

Michael had the opportunity to see Elder Martins, whom he trained.

Weekly Email - 6 May 2019

Hi

I hope your all doing good. My week was great we worked really hard and were exhausted at the end of each day! This week we started retracting (knocking doors) again in areas we finished and we found 3 new people to teach and gave 10 Book of Mormons away. It's been good to work hard and talk to everyone and improve everyday. The past week or so I have been really thinking a lot about the question what is my personal relationship with Jesus Christ? And I have been thinking about it as I read in the Book of Mormon. And there is a chapter that I think really heads it off. Mosiah chapter 5 to me is all about knowing our Shepherd because that is an essential thing to do. We need to know who to look to and how to look for a remission of our sins and to receive full and lasting salvation. In Mosiah 5, I love verse 13 which says 

"for how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?" 

Do we have Him close to the thoughts and intents of our hearts at all times? Are we trying to be like Jesus and follow in His ways at all times, in all things, and in all places that we may be in even until death, that we may numbered with those of the first resurrection, and receive everlasting life? Is the way we act, what we say, what we think, and the way we treat others that way the Savior of us all would? I invite you to ponder what your personal relationship with the savior is KNOW and think what you would like if to become and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. We must act now. As President Eyring says "there is a danger in the word someday, because what it means is not this day" my friends and family don't procrastinate the day of your salvation and repentance. Act now and let the Atonement of Jesus Christ take effect and guide you. I know He lives and thinks of us all individually and lovingly and wants us to become better than we were yesterday. In His name whom we all need to look for salvation and exaltation and to make our weakness strength. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Love Elder West

Music Devotional - 5 May 2019

The California Irvine Mission frequently has a musical devotional. Michael sang in a quartet for a previous devotional. This devotional he sang a solo. I can't find the link to his video. As soon as I find it, I will add it to the post. Here he is with other missionaries at the devotional.

Missionary Trio - 29 April 2019

Here is a pic of Michael with his trio companionship. He is still with Elder Archibald and now also with Elder Campbell. Hopefully they have enough room in there apartment.

While in traffic, they saw a license plate that made him laugh.

District Leader - 29 April 2019

Michael was called to be a district leader in his zone. This is an awesome responsibility and great way for him to continue developing leadership skills while he is on his mission.

“Our leaders were mighty men in the faith of the Lord; and they taught the people the ways of the Lord” (Jarom 1:7).

Mission presidents assign missionary leaders to help him direct the work and to help the other missionaries successfully fulfill your purpose. Among the leadership assignments in the mission are trainers, senior companions, district leaders, zone leaders, and assistants to the president. Leadership assignments are opportunities to serve others, to develop greater love, and to learn. Among the most important training opportunities are companionship planning sessions, district meetings, and zone conferences. In these meetings, senior companions, district leaders, and zone leaders, under the direction of the mission president, train the missionaries and coordinate the work. Normally at least once every transfer cycle, a district leader works with each elder in his district and zone leaders work with district leaders in their zone. District leaders interview baptismal candidates taught by other missionaries in their district (including those taught by zone leaders in the district).

So far, Michael has been a trainer and now a district leader. So proud of him.

Weekly Email - 29 April 2019

Hi everyone,

My week was good we did a lot of finding which was fun even though no one ever seems to be home. One really great thing that we did was we went on a walk with this woman we are working with and were able to talk to her about all her concerns and questions and things she is kinda scared of it was a really cool miracle to be able to do that. Well transfers are today and great news I'm not leaving and neither is my companion, again. We are district leaders and getting a 3rd elder into our companionship. It is going to be a lot of fun and we are going to do a lot more good this transfer. Thanks for all your support and prayers I can feel it daily! "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you, let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid" John 14:27.

 

Love Elder West

Easter - 21 April 2019

Michael and his companion Elder Archibald were invited to a Church member's house for Easter. Looks like they had an amazing dinner. He is enjoy his companion and loves Southern California.