25 April 2011

Aloha everyone,

 Well Happy Easter that has already passed. But the meaning never will as this passed month the mission has been studying heavily on the atonement. My appreciation and understanding has greatly expanded and I'm so grateful for what Christ himself has done for each and everyone of us. No words can ultimately describe such an act of love.

  I'd like to share at least one story that happened recently. The first week when I entered my new area in mililani we had a Member in Virgina call to ask us missionaries to do all that we can to get her brother a blessing and to encourage him to come back to church and straighten out his life. Well in short all of that happened, Her brother completely changed his life around thought true lasting repentance. It was a remarkable experience to be the tool to help him overcome his major stumbling blocks with the help of the bishop. Sadly right after he made the change he got deployed to the mainland never to hear from him again until Saturday when getting a call from him about his continuation in following Christ. He's now the 1st counselor in the Young men's and the assistant to the scout master. He also mentioned that he goes out with the missionaries each week and is going to hold a meeting for all the military to teach them about what we believe. How cool is that?  But the best part is that his past girlfriend in Hawaii saw his remarkable change and wants to do it her self. her, the mom and the daughter all came to Easter Sunday leaving the chapel with tears of joy. She said that the past week she kept coming up with the number 3:16 in everything she was doing. And in Sunday school we watch Finding Faith In Christ, where at the end it shares the scripture John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son, That whosoever beliveth on him shall not perish but have everlasting life." It was an answer to her prays and I can't wait to continue to teach her. All because of the example of someone changing there life. It was and is quite remarkable.

   Thanks for all your support, I know I say that all the time but I"m really grateful for it. Remember how important our example is for others in helping them stay or enter the straight and narrow path

Love Elder Gardner

18 April 2011

Aloha Everyone!

    Not much to write about, Just a few inside thoughts for this week. But The past month we recieved a packet about the atonement with all kinds of talks given by General Authorities as well as all the chapters we must read in the Boom of Mormon that pertain to the atonment. It's so simple yet so deep. The more I keep learning about the atonement my understanding continues to expand and my desire to press forward in bring God's children, our brothers and sisters, unto eternal life. The understanding of the scriptures has magnified 10 fold and I just can't get enough. Everytime I hit the pillow I can't wait to wake up for another round of Personal Study. It's my motivation to wake up.

   Then this week as well everyday it's been poring. I'm now just used to being soaked. You may be wondering why not use an umbrella. Well we do, but it's hard on a bike plus even when walking it only covers from chest up. But at least it's Super Warm! No need to complain when everyday is Gorgous.

   I'm just so greatful to be on a mission. We had several lessons this week but 1 of them was inspiring. Nothing can or will compare the rest of my life then the moments I have now being set apart from the world and bearing an honest sincere, God Loving testimony to a child of God who so desperatly wants to come closer to our heavenly father. The room was so filled with the spirit and of eternal love for each other, that we all could sense the being filled with angels above. Truly this is the greatest and the hardest work I'm endured in my life. Just like all say but until you face it, then you can relate. Oh how much I've learned this week, especially when things just seem to be so overbearing, but to just do your uttermost best and then remember, "Don't Worry." As my mission pres said to me. I've really been exercising his advise and it has made all the difference. Just do you best and be honest in doing your best and there is no need to be worried. Life is so much easier when living 100% obedient that way you have no need to worry about being on the edge.

   Thanks for all the wonderful letters I got this week. I really enjoyed them

Love,

   Elder Gardner

11 April 2011

Aloha Everyone,

    So here is the update to Elder Gardner's Fascinating life here in Mililani on the island of Oahu. This week after several weeks of preparation, we had a movie night similar to the one in my last area. Yet this time it was planned in better detail and we had a great turn out! We were able to really open the views of those who came to really understand what Joseph Smith really went through in his life to restore the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Even all the members including myself were so moved by the spirit to realize and confirm what I know to be true.

    Also this week we got to more Elders in our pad to make it a 4 man pad now. I didn't know what to expect, but now that it's been a week sense they have come I have really come to enjoy the extra company. Then to be able to exchange our stories at the end of each day. We always have something to give us a good laugh or to hear a spiritual experience.

    This passed Sunday was a great opportunity for Elder Mecham and I. The YM's president asked us to come to the priests in the ward and to bear our testimony on going on a mission. I think I got more out of what I said then those that were listening. But it was so great to share with them how a mission has truly changed my life and my perspective on life; and the expansion of my understanding of the gospel as my testimony has greatly enlarged. I have such a sweet spot in my heart on encouraging others to go on a mission and to be able to experience what it's like to be a tool in god's hand. Nothing can match the priceless lasting spiritual experiences that move you in such a way that your life seems to be a new beginning. I can't express how i desire all to go on a mission as the prophet has directed, being the mouth he is for God.

    Latter this week Oahu and all the islands got Slammed by a huge rainstorm. And of course we were on our bikes trucking along when it just suddenly dumped buckets on us. Ha it was quite the experience to see rain fall so hard in that amount. Good thing our umbrella's were left back at the pad 30 mins away haha.

    Again thank you for all your support and those who have been writing me. It's like a Christmas gift each and every time. There's no doubt in my mind that this is the true church that contains the fullness of the gospel. There is so much to be grateful for, even the many trials I have faced as it's a stepping stone that climbs line upon line precept upon precept as we get closer in developing Christlike attributes. Have a great week and thanks for everything.

    Love Elder Gardner

4 April 2011

Aloha Everyone,

 

    Can words even describe how amazing this week was. The first part of the week was fantastic as we found 3 new investigators. One we found from passed records who was interested but decided to stop a while back. So we decided to go check him out and see if he'd like to be taught some more. But we soon realized that he didn't live there anymore, so we asked the the guy who answered the door if he'd like to be taught. Then next thing we know he has a baptismal date for the beginning of May! That was an exciting moment.

   On Wednesday we were able to go to the temple! I've now been able to go to both temples in Hawaii already and how beautiful that was! I'll have to send some pictures next week. But how enlightening that was as I've come to an even greater understanding of the doctrine where now everything comes together in greater detail. The spirit was so incredibly strong but i soon realized that it was just a building block to prepare for the phenomenal general conference that took place the last couple days!

  I don't know if it's just cause I'm on a mission, though I know that makes a major difference, or that general conference this time was just immaculate. This is how i felt and thought after conference. Oh how i have bather in the fountain of knowledge and spiritual conviction of what i know to be true. For my joy reaches to heaven like the sound of a trump. I see what the prophets in the Scriptures use such adjectives to try there best and describe there utter most deep feelings. Cause that is how i truly felt listening to general conference. My understanding has been stretched beyond my mortal imagination like a sponge that can't retain the excess water from heaven above.

   The conference seem to be just a small moment in time. I'd look at the time and wonder where it all went wishing there would be more. I can't wait to continue to look over my notes but to get the Ensign this next month to ponder each message. I'm so grateful for personal revelation.

   But besides that I would have to say this has been another best week in my records that I won't forget! I Love you all and thanks for your prayers and support.

   Love, Elder Gardne