Hello Family!
I'm glad I even got an open computer today! We got to the library and they messed up my reservation, but luckily there was one open after just a few extra minuets of waiting. So, its all good. No complaints. I have been absolutely full of gratitude this past week. For my family, my friends, for all that I've learned from each of you. For being in the great Canada Toronto Mission at this time. For being able to serve in Brantford, where I have so many roots. All my life I had been looking to this time of my life. "Where will I go? Will I have to eat weird food? Will I miss my family too much? What is it going to be like wearing that name tag?" I asked myself so many questions and wondered what this experience would be like. But never in a million years did I guess that I would end up in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. A place I knew was important because its where my Mom was born. But never did I expect to serve a mission here. But it has been a very sweet surprise, and it has been so fulfilling to be here.
Random, non-spiritual highlights from this past week: the leaves are changing colors to bright yellows and reds, I ate a real poutine (fries covered with gravy, cheese, and maple-bacon) and not one from Wendy's, and its been starting to get chilly enough to wear thermals. At least, chilly enough for a guy from San Diego. But don't worry, Mom, the thermals are warm and the winter accessories will be good :)
Joseph Smith once said "Brethren [and Sisters], shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward." (D&C 128:22) I've always felt that to be a powerful thought. Be anxiously engaged in a good cause, of your own choice, and always move forward-- don't ever give up! I really, really like something that Mick sent me today in an email: "I am sure you feel small, like a pebble mixed with large boulders, but you are one strategically placed by the Lord. And once in motion will create a landslide." Many times I do feel small, and I'm constantly hoping the Lord can use me for whatever His purposes are. For the past 8 weeks, Elder Pitre and I have been working really hard to repair relationships with the Bishop, ward leaders, and with families & individuals- one at a time. We cleaned up the area book and created a system so people will not fall through the cracks. And we've been trying to work hard to find people. The past couple weeks, however, we have been needing to adjust our finding efforts to be more effective. This week, we are going to be doing a TON of tracting (knocking on doors). Its going to be awesome!! Because that is the most effective way for us in Brantford to find people to teach. Its been an interesting ride since becoming a trainer. I've had a ton of learning to do, but I think its been a great experience for Elder Pitre and for myself.
Well, I am grateful for all of you and for your goodness. One of the motivations for me to be a missionary was to try to inspire people to do good, and be good. If people will be good, then their community will be good. And so will there city, state, and country. We will never be living in a perfect world in this mortal state, but we can be good ourselves and practice for what is in store for us in the future.
Will you all PLEASE watch General Conference this weekend? "Come listen to a Prophet's voice, and hear the word of God." I love you all so very much! you are in my prayers... always.
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Brantford, 9/24/12
Hello Family!
Emails are kind of messed up today... I'm using a different set of computers at the library that don't let me copy and paste, so I don't feel like typing in all of your email addresses. So, hopefully you guys can forward them to whoever would like them. And I will probably only type this one, and not personal ones today... but we will see. I'm on a 20 minute timer and we have to see if people are waiting... please forgive me if I don't! You are not loved less :)
Well... I hope all is well with all of you. I've been thinking a lot lately about doubts that people have. People think they don't need God, and people dismiss the idea of God altogether. They even seem to think "Who is God to tell me what to do?" Well, the truth is, God has always been there. And He is our Father in Heaven, and we accepted His plan to come to Earth, be tried and tested, and learn and grow to become more like Him. YOU accepted that plan. Even after hearing this, sometimes we still wonder why. Why is it like this? Why are we here? What is the point of all of this anyways? I've come to the conclusion, and I have a testimony from the Holy Ghost, that the framework for this Earthly existence and the plan to achieve happiness and fulfillment, is found in this Gospel. The full restored Gospel of Jesus Christ makes life make sense. It is either this Gospel and this plan, or nothing. I know that sounds a little weird to say. But hopefully you can think about that a little bit and come to your own conclusion.
One of my favorite conference talks is by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge, from October 2008, called "The Way." Here are some of my favorite snippets that help strengthen my faith:
"Only God can bless us. Only He can sustain us. Only He can cause our hearts to beat and give us breath."
"The Lord's way is not hard. Life is hard, not the gospel. 'There is an opposition in all things,' every where, for everyone. Life is hard for all of us, but life is also simple. We have only two choices. We can either follow the Lord and be endowed with His power and have peace, light, strength, knowledge, confidence, love, and joy, or we can go some other way, any other way, whatever other way, and go it alone- without His support, without His power, without guidance, in darkness, turmoil, doubt, grief, and despair. And I ask, which way is easier?"
"Life is hard, but life is simple. Get on the path, and never ever give up. You never give up. You just keep on going. You don't quit, and you will make it."
"There is only one way to happiness and fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the Way. Every other way, any other way, whatever other way is foolishness."
Again... it is my firm testimony that this Gospel makes life make sense. To come here for a very short period of time when compared to our eternal lifespan, is like going to school for a little while. Its our most important test. We are to walk by faith, not by sight. We can waste it away, or we can use it as the time "to prepare to meet God" and prepare to live in His presence, with our families... for eternity.
I would add one thing... I know life is hard. It seems impossible at times to overcome our weaknesses, our past mistakes, or feelings of doubt or grief- whatever your struggle is. You need to change the idea of "I can't do that. I can't become strong, clean, and pure." The TRUTH is... You CAN! You must change those thoughts to "Yes, I can do these things! I can become strong, clean, and pure. I can learn and know for myself if the Gospel is true! Because, through the power of Jesus Christ, I CAN DO ALL THINGS." We are all completely dependent on our Savior. For our life, happiness, and salvation. "Get on the path, and never ever give up."
I love you all so much. I am truly grateful for each of you. You are constantly in my prayers.
I hope you will make it a great week!
Laus Deo.
-Elder Brett Simper-
Emails are kind of messed up today... I'm using a different set of computers at the library that don't let me copy and paste, so I don't feel like typing in all of your email addresses. So, hopefully you guys can forward them to whoever would like them. And I will probably only type this one, and not personal ones today... but we will see. I'm on a 20 minute timer and we have to see if people are waiting... please forgive me if I don't! You are not loved less :)
Well... I hope all is well with all of you. I've been thinking a lot lately about doubts that people have. People think they don't need God, and people dismiss the idea of God altogether. They even seem to think "Who is God to tell me what to do?" Well, the truth is, God has always been there. And He is our Father in Heaven, and we accepted His plan to come to Earth, be tried and tested, and learn and grow to become more like Him. YOU accepted that plan. Even after hearing this, sometimes we still wonder why. Why is it like this? Why are we here? What is the point of all of this anyways? I've come to the conclusion, and I have a testimony from the Holy Ghost, that the framework for this Earthly existence and the plan to achieve happiness and fulfillment, is found in this Gospel. The full restored Gospel of Jesus Christ makes life make sense. It is either this Gospel and this plan, or nothing. I know that sounds a little weird to say. But hopefully you can think about that a little bit and come to your own conclusion.
One of my favorite conference talks is by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge, from October 2008, called "The Way." Here are some of my favorite snippets that help strengthen my faith:
"Only God can bless us. Only He can sustain us. Only He can cause our hearts to beat and give us breath."
"The Lord's way is not hard. Life is hard, not the gospel. 'There is an opposition in all things,' every where, for everyone. Life is hard for all of us, but life is also simple. We have only two choices. We can either follow the Lord and be endowed with His power and have peace, light, strength, knowledge, confidence, love, and joy, or we can go some other way, any other way, whatever other way, and go it alone- without His support, without His power, without guidance, in darkness, turmoil, doubt, grief, and despair. And I ask, which way is easier?"
"Life is hard, but life is simple. Get on the path, and never ever give up. You never give up. You just keep on going. You don't quit, and you will make it."
"There is only one way to happiness and fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the Way. Every other way, any other way, whatever other way is foolishness."
Again... it is my firm testimony that this Gospel makes life make sense. To come here for a very short period of time when compared to our eternal lifespan, is like going to school for a little while. Its our most important test. We are to walk by faith, not by sight. We can waste it away, or we can use it as the time "to prepare to meet God" and prepare to live in His presence, with our families... for eternity.
I would add one thing... I know life is hard. It seems impossible at times to overcome our weaknesses, our past mistakes, or feelings of doubt or grief- whatever your struggle is. You need to change the idea of "I can't do that. I can't become strong, clean, and pure." The TRUTH is... You CAN! You must change those thoughts to "Yes, I can do these things! I can become strong, clean, and pure. I can learn and know for myself if the Gospel is true! Because, through the power of Jesus Christ, I CAN DO ALL THINGS." We are all completely dependent on our Savior. For our life, happiness, and salvation. "Get on the path, and never ever give up."
I love you all so much. I am truly grateful for each of you. You are constantly in my prayers.
I hope you will make it a great week!
Laus Deo.
-Elder Brett Simper-
Brantford, 9/17/12
Hello Family!
Oops... I sent a blank message to all of you. It was an accident.
I am still here in Brantford! Our next Transfer day is on October
29th, so I will be here at least until that day. We have a shorter
time at the library today, so I might not write too much, or my typing
might be sloppy.
Its been a good week here in Brantford. We have one new investigator
named Karen, who is about 70 years old and is a good friend of a
couple of the members in the ward here. We are meeting with her
tonight, so we are excited about that. It has started to cool down a
bit here. Not too much today, though. But Thursday and Friday were
chilly, rainy days. But its kind of nice to have a change from the hot
and humid weather. And, since I'm trying to get myself excited for
winter... I'm so excited for it to get freezing cold! Its going to be
awesome.
Well, I'm going to cut this one short. Please know that you are always
in my prayers. Make it a great week! I love you.
Elder Brett Simper
Oops... I sent a blank message to all of you. It was an accident.
I am still here in Brantford! Our next Transfer day is on October
29th, so I will be here at least until that day. We have a shorter
time at the library today, so I might not write too much, or my typing
might be sloppy.
Its been a good week here in Brantford. We have one new investigator
named Karen, who is about 70 years old and is a good friend of a
couple of the members in the ward here. We are meeting with her
tonight, so we are excited about that. It has started to cool down a
bit here. Not too much today, though. But Thursday and Friday were
chilly, rainy days. But its kind of nice to have a change from the hot
and humid weather. And, since I'm trying to get myself excited for
winter... I'm so excited for it to get freezing cold! Its going to be
awesome.
Well, I'm going to cut this one short. Please know that you are always
in my prayers. Make it a great week! I love you.
Elder Brett Simper
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Brantford 9/10/12
September 10, 2012
Hello Family!
I hope you are all doing well. It was a good week. Seemed like a short one, since the last time I emailed was just on Wednesday- so there's not much new stuff to share, but that's alright! We have had a lot of opportunities open again- opportunities that seemed to be closed for a while. Elder Pitre and I are always on the look-out on how to improve and how to be more effective and more successful in finding those people who are searching for the truth. Like most things in life, we have to be smart, work hard, do our best, then trust God's plan and timing. So that's what we'll continue to do.
I finally attached a picture for everyone. This was taken this morning at the Six Nations Indian Reserve Tourism Center. It's me next to a pow-wow dancer! It was good to be there, we got a little tour and learned a little bit about Native heritage and beliefs. Which is something I'm extremely interested in now, since I've been here. A couple of little things I learned- Lacrosse is, in some ways, a sacred tradition. Beliefs are that the Creator gave the game of Lacrosse for medicine and for entertainment. This next thing is especially interesting for missionaries: there is a Tree of Peace, I think they call it- or maybe its the Peace Tree- whatever it is, they buried their weapons of war underneath it. The book of Alma in the book of Mormon tells of people burying their weapons of war, for peace, and they covenanted with God to not go to war with their brothers. So that's pretty cool.
Last night, we watched the CES Devotional Broadcast with Elder Holland as the speaker. If you haven't watched it... you should! It was extremely powerful. I've never seen Elder Holland be so bold! He's getting more and more bold as time goes on. But he always balances out the chastening with God's love for us. He gave a beautiful Apostolic blessing at the end. Probably the most powerful one I've ever been able to feel. It was great... I really, really suggest you watch it.
Well, I will try now to send some more personal emails. I hope all is well... I love you all very much, and you are all in my prayers.
Love,
Elder Simper
Hello Family!
I hope you are all doing well. It was a good week. Seemed like a short one, since the last time I emailed was just on Wednesday- so there's not much new stuff to share, but that's alright! We have had a lot of opportunities open again- opportunities that seemed to be closed for a while. Elder Pitre and I are always on the look-out on how to improve and how to be more effective and more successful in finding those people who are searching for the truth. Like most things in life, we have to be smart, work hard, do our best, then trust God's plan and timing. So that's what we'll continue to do.
I finally attached a picture for everyone. This was taken this morning at the Six Nations Indian Reserve Tourism Center. It's me next to a pow-wow dancer! It was good to be there, we got a little tour and learned a little bit about Native heritage and beliefs. Which is something I'm extremely interested in now, since I've been here. A couple of little things I learned- Lacrosse is, in some ways, a sacred tradition. Beliefs are that the Creator gave the game of Lacrosse for medicine and for entertainment. This next thing is especially interesting for missionaries: there is a Tree of Peace, I think they call it- or maybe its the Peace Tree- whatever it is, they buried their weapons of war underneath it. The book of Alma in the book of Mormon tells of people burying their weapons of war, for peace, and they covenanted with God to not go to war with their brothers. So that's pretty cool.
Last night, we watched the CES Devotional Broadcast with Elder Holland as the speaker. If you haven't watched it... you should! It was extremely powerful. I've never seen Elder Holland be so bold! He's getting more and more bold as time goes on. But he always balances out the chastening with God's love for us. He gave a beautiful Apostolic blessing at the end. Probably the most powerful one I've ever been able to feel. It was great... I really, really suggest you watch it.
Well, I will try now to send some more personal emails. I hope all is well... I love you all very much, and you are all in my prayers.
Love,
Elder Simper
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Brantford 9/5/12
September 5, 2012
Hello Family!
It has been a really hot and humid week here in Brantford. I've actually said a lot "I'm excited for winter!" Then people tell me, "You won't be excited when its here!" Which is probably true. :)
This email is a day later than planned because we had Zone Conference yesterday, which I forgot about last week. Next week should be normal as far as I know. Now, I don't think this will happen, but it is possible that my last day in Brantford could be on Monday, September 17. That is the end of this transfer period. So, no one ever knows for sure what will happen until the night before. So just keep that in mind as far as mail and stuff goes.
Mom mentioned that I haven't talked that much about Elder Pitre. He is a super good guy! The funny thing is, he is about the exact opposite as Elder Johnson. He is quite a bit shorter than me, while Elder Johnson was way taller than me. Elder Pitre is really big on being super obedient, which is a good thing. He hiccups a lot. Which is funny. I'm not sure if I spelled hiccups right. I like to joke around with him a lot. The other day I was going to park facing the wrong direction on a street and I was like "It's not THAT illegal." And he was like "Not THAT illegal, are you serious??!!" He was thinking "What is wrong with this guy (me)?" Which, as the brown clown knows, is one of my favorite ways to mess with people. The parking thing was funny to me... it shows how total opposite my companions have been so far. Weird combinations too. Elder Johnson was way loose but not so easy-going, while Elder Pitre is strict but easy-going. As far as the training goes, that is going fine. We follow the program to the tee and Elder Pitre is doing just fine. I learn from him, and hopefully he can get something from me. We get along great! And all is well.
It has been a good week. Things are picking up here in Brantford. There is one member here who I have been thinking about a lot. His name is Dan, he is about 20 or 21 years old. He was away from the church for many years, starting when he was about 14 years old. His sister is currently on a mission in Korea. His sister had been through college, started a career as a teacher, then felt prompted to drop everything and serve a mission... With the primary intention to bless her family, with hopes that they would return into the light of this Gospel. In her farewell talk, she said blessings would pour down from heaven upon her family. Dan decided he would really watch for those blessings. "Yeah, okay... let's see if any 'blessings' come." I imagine that's probably what his thoughts were like. To Dan's suprise, he saw many blessings. Many "coincidences" began happening, time and time again. All the way to the point to where he has the desire to leave his old life behind and come back into the light of the Gospel. He is leaving behind drug addictions, drug dealing, and other things that the world offers as temporary escapes from pain.
To be completely honest, my primary intention to serve a mission was not to bless my family. Of course its something that I hoped for and continue to hope for, but it was not my primary intention. With that being said, I would be lying if I said I didn't care or didn't want my entire family to come back in, or enter into, the light of the Gospel. No one can force anyone to do anything, for even God Himself cannot and will not do that. However, I can beg and plead with you to do whatever needs to happen for you to come into the Gospel light. I know a lot has happened with all of us, a lot of things have pulled us apart. But I also know that we have a love and care for each other that never really fades away. Anger, grudges, bitterness may get in the way. But nothing ever extinguishes that true love we have for each other. I know I am guilty of offenses. As we all are. Our older brother Jesus Christ suffered so much pain that we can't even imagine... so that we don't have to carry these burdens. The journey to understand Him and His love begins with prayer. Does God care about me? Is He even there? Did Jesus really die for me? For what purpose? Ask God, and He will answer. He is our loving Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ is our loving Brother, and He stands with his arms open: "Come back, come home... come unto Me."
I love you all so very much. I hope you have a great week :)
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
Hello Family!
It has been a really hot and humid week here in Brantford. I've actually said a lot "I'm excited for winter!" Then people tell me, "You won't be excited when its here!" Which is probably true. :)
This email is a day later than planned because we had Zone Conference yesterday, which I forgot about last week. Next week should be normal as far as I know. Now, I don't think this will happen, but it is possible that my last day in Brantford could be on Monday, September 17. That is the end of this transfer period. So, no one ever knows for sure what will happen until the night before. So just keep that in mind as far as mail and stuff goes.
Mom mentioned that I haven't talked that much about Elder Pitre. He is a super good guy! The funny thing is, he is about the exact opposite as Elder Johnson. He is quite a bit shorter than me, while Elder Johnson was way taller than me. Elder Pitre is really big on being super obedient, which is a good thing. He hiccups a lot. Which is funny. I'm not sure if I spelled hiccups right. I like to joke around with him a lot. The other day I was going to park facing the wrong direction on a street and I was like "It's not THAT illegal." And he was like "Not THAT illegal, are you serious??!!" He was thinking "What is wrong with this guy (me)?" Which, as the brown clown knows, is one of my favorite ways to mess with people. The parking thing was funny to me... it shows how total opposite my companions have been so far. Weird combinations too. Elder Johnson was way loose but not so easy-going, while Elder Pitre is strict but easy-going. As far as the training goes, that is going fine. We follow the program to the tee and Elder Pitre is doing just fine. I learn from him, and hopefully he can get something from me. We get along great! And all is well.
It has been a good week. Things are picking up here in Brantford. There is one member here who I have been thinking about a lot. His name is Dan, he is about 20 or 21 years old. He was away from the church for many years, starting when he was about 14 years old. His sister is currently on a mission in Korea. His sister had been through college, started a career as a teacher, then felt prompted to drop everything and serve a mission... With the primary intention to bless her family, with hopes that they would return into the light of this Gospel. In her farewell talk, she said blessings would pour down from heaven upon her family. Dan decided he would really watch for those blessings. "Yeah, okay... let's see if any 'blessings' come." I imagine that's probably what his thoughts were like. To Dan's suprise, he saw many blessings. Many "coincidences" began happening, time and time again. All the way to the point to where he has the desire to leave his old life behind and come back into the light of the Gospel. He is leaving behind drug addictions, drug dealing, and other things that the world offers as temporary escapes from pain.
To be completely honest, my primary intention to serve a mission was not to bless my family. Of course its something that I hoped for and continue to hope for, but it was not my primary intention. With that being said, I would be lying if I said I didn't care or didn't want my entire family to come back in, or enter into, the light of the Gospel. No one can force anyone to do anything, for even God Himself cannot and will not do that. However, I can beg and plead with you to do whatever needs to happen for you to come into the Gospel light. I know a lot has happened with all of us, a lot of things have pulled us apart. But I also know that we have a love and care for each other that never really fades away. Anger, grudges, bitterness may get in the way. But nothing ever extinguishes that true love we have for each other. I know I am guilty of offenses. As we all are. Our older brother Jesus Christ suffered so much pain that we can't even imagine... so that we don't have to carry these burdens. The journey to understand Him and His love begins with prayer. Does God care about me? Is He even there? Did Jesus really die for me? For what purpose? Ask God, and He will answer. He is our loving Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ is our loving Brother, and He stands with his arms open: "Come back, come home... come unto Me."
I love you all so very much. I hope you have a great week :)
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
8/28/12
August 28, 2012
Hello Family!
Its been a good day thus far, and we have some good appointments lined up for the rest of this day. Thinking of "good days", I always think of one of the cashiers at the Vista Target who always said "Everyday is a good day, just some days are better than others. Yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery, and today's a gift- that's why its called the present." I always liked that guy. Even though it was a rote thing, he was sincere when he said that to everyone. It was his sincerity that brightened my day. Its been a really good week, and I look forward to making the most out of this next week too. I will have my preparation day on Tuesday next week too, just so you all know. So, emails will be on Tuesday again. But I'm guessing the following week will be back to normal.
This past week was full of learning opportunities. I learned that I was believing a lie for quite some time. A very subtle lie. The lie was that I shouldn't be too "pushy" or bold when meeting strangers on the street or at their doorstep. But the truth is, we are representatives of the Savior. He suffered and died for us, so that we don't have to suffer for our errors. If I don't give people a clear choice, if I don't invite them and give them that opportunity to clearly say yes or no, then I have not fulfilled my purpose as a missionary to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored Gospel." Just to say "hey, hows it going today?" then to say nothing if they say nothing, that is not clear enough. So, what I've learned is that there is a difference between being bold and being over-bearing. I was believing that being bold was being pushy, but that's not true. We shouldn't fear man more than God. That's one of the things I've learned. That's been really effective for me and Elder Pitre to put into practice and apply it in our real life situations. Its going to make both of us more effective, and that's exciting to me!
The Gospel of Jesus Christ makes life make sense. Before going on my mission, I questioned everything to the core. But there was a point where I stopped, because if you come to the conclusion that there is nothing, no plan, no organization, then it is utter chaos. If its utter chaos, what's the point of existing? I'm happy to know that there is a purpose to our existence. It is a beautiful plan. Its a simple plan, even when you dig a little deeper. And I'm grateful for the plan, no matter how naive or silly the world will falsely say it is. The truth is, the plan shows us how things really are, how they really will be. Its a plan of Happiness! "Jesus Christ is the way, the only way to happiness and fulfillment. Every other way is madness." (That's a paraphrased quote from one of my favorite general conference talks)
I truly am grateful for every single one of you. I love you! Work hard to center your life on the Gospel. And everything will fall into place. I promise you!
Much love and gratitude,
-Elder Brett Simper-
Hello Family!
Its been a good day thus far, and we have some good appointments lined up for the rest of this day. Thinking of "good days", I always think of one of the cashiers at the Vista Target who always said "Everyday is a good day, just some days are better than others. Yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery, and today's a gift- that's why its called the present." I always liked that guy. Even though it was a rote thing, he was sincere when he said that to everyone. It was his sincerity that brightened my day. Its been a really good week, and I look forward to making the most out of this next week too. I will have my preparation day on Tuesday next week too, just so you all know. So, emails will be on Tuesday again. But I'm guessing the following week will be back to normal.
This past week was full of learning opportunities. I learned that I was believing a lie for quite some time. A very subtle lie. The lie was that I shouldn't be too "pushy" or bold when meeting strangers on the street or at their doorstep. But the truth is, we are representatives of the Savior. He suffered and died for us, so that we don't have to suffer for our errors. If I don't give people a clear choice, if I don't invite them and give them that opportunity to clearly say yes or no, then I have not fulfilled my purpose as a missionary to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored Gospel." Just to say "hey, hows it going today?" then to say nothing if they say nothing, that is not clear enough. So, what I've learned is that there is a difference between being bold and being over-bearing. I was believing that being bold was being pushy, but that's not true. We shouldn't fear man more than God. That's one of the things I've learned. That's been really effective for me and Elder Pitre to put into practice and apply it in our real life situations. Its going to make both of us more effective, and that's exciting to me!
The Gospel of Jesus Christ makes life make sense. Before going on my mission, I questioned everything to the core. But there was a point where I stopped, because if you come to the conclusion that there is nothing, no plan, no organization, then it is utter chaos. If its utter chaos, what's the point of existing? I'm happy to know that there is a purpose to our existence. It is a beautiful plan. Its a simple plan, even when you dig a little deeper. And I'm grateful for the plan, no matter how naive or silly the world will falsely say it is. The truth is, the plan shows us how things really are, how they really will be. Its a plan of Happiness! "Jesus Christ is the way, the only way to happiness and fulfillment. Every other way is madness." (That's a paraphrased quote from one of my favorite general conference talks)
I truly am grateful for every single one of you. I love you! Work hard to center your life on the Gospel. And everything will fall into place. I promise you!
Much love and gratitude,
-Elder Brett Simper-
Brantford, 8/20/12
August 20, 2012
Hello family!
Real quick to clear up confusion I saw in some emails from you- my Preparation Day is still on Mondays. There are sometimes some weeks where the day will change due to holidays or other reasons. Like next week, for example, we will probably do emails on Tuesday instead because the Brantford library will be closed on Monday for some reason. I'll try to be better at letting you know ahead of time :) Also, I will be doing emails as early as 1 or 2 PM eastern time from now on. At least while I'm here in Brantford :)
Well, it has been a great week. We have visited many homes and talked to many people. We started a weekly hour of volunteering at a long-term care facility when they bowl on a shuffleboard table on Friday afternoons. We have met with the bishop here in Brantford to re-commit to him and make sure he knows we are on his team, and we have set goals to meet with many members and help make the spirit of missionary work spread like wildfire. We don't coerce or persuade anyone to "join the church." We are to create an atmosphere where people may feel the spirit of the Lord, and we are to teach, testify, and invite them to come unto Christ. How do we create atmospheres where the spirit can be felt? We share love, we share the Gospel. The love must be real and genuine, not phony. If it is phony, the spirit will not be there. And we teach simple truths. At the foundation of everything we teach, is the simple but powerful truth that God is our loving Heavenly Father. Everything He has done for us, every purpose for having the Gospel plan, the reason why we are here on this Earth, the reason for all the good and bad experiences we have, is because our Father in Heaven loves us. We are here to learn and grow. Ultimately, to learn how to LOVE the way HE loves us. So, love is the foundation of what we teach and how we teach. We're trying to use the same template to share spiritual messages with members of the ward, not just to those who are investigating the church. We're trying to create atmospheres for the members where they can feel the spirit of God. This is how we are hoping to spread the fire of missionary work! We are working really hard, and I am really coming to know for myself how fulfilling it is to be diligent in doing the Lord's work. I have faith that, as long as we are diligent and faithful, Elder Pitre and I will find those who are prepared to hear and receive the gospel of Christ! It is exciting!
I have been really bad at taking and sending pictures lately. I will try to be better! One thing I've noticed lately is how well I know my way around here in Brantford and in some surrounding cities. When I first arrived, I thought I would never get to know my way around! I actually wanted to buy a GPS. But I'm glad I didn't- its nice to just learn your way around. It also lets me think of this area like a second home. It was pretty chilly this morning. I guess it actually starts getting cold in Canada around this time. Not that cold, and its only in the mornings for now-- but its definitely just around the corner! I've also taken some time to realize more of how Canadians talk. People always say "Pardon?" or "Pardon me?" instead of "What?" or "Huh?" like Americans like me do. I've also noticed how "Mmm-hmm" is something people say, or hum, much louder and much more often in conversations than I notice in the States. I am still hanging on to my American vocabulary, the only Canadian (or non-So-Cal) thing that I've started saying a lot is "pop" instead of "soda." Because I felt weird saying soda when everyone says pop. Sometimes I do the "mmm-hmm" thing just to try it out, but I don't like it.
I better get going. I miss all of you, and I love you. I'm grateful for all of you. You are in my prayers. I hope you all have a great week!
Laus deo.
Love,
Elder Simper
Hello family!
Real quick to clear up confusion I saw in some emails from you- my Preparation Day is still on Mondays. There are sometimes some weeks where the day will change due to holidays or other reasons. Like next week, for example, we will probably do emails on Tuesday instead because the Brantford library will be closed on Monday for some reason. I'll try to be better at letting you know ahead of time :) Also, I will be doing emails as early as 1 or 2 PM eastern time from now on. At least while I'm here in Brantford :)
Well, it has been a great week. We have visited many homes and talked to many people. We started a weekly hour of volunteering at a long-term care facility when they bowl on a shuffleboard table on Friday afternoons. We have met with the bishop here in Brantford to re-commit to him and make sure he knows we are on his team, and we have set goals to meet with many members and help make the spirit of missionary work spread like wildfire. We don't coerce or persuade anyone to "join the church." We are to create an atmosphere where people may feel the spirit of the Lord, and we are to teach, testify, and invite them to come unto Christ. How do we create atmospheres where the spirit can be felt? We share love, we share the Gospel. The love must be real and genuine, not phony. If it is phony, the spirit will not be there. And we teach simple truths. At the foundation of everything we teach, is the simple but powerful truth that God is our loving Heavenly Father. Everything He has done for us, every purpose for having the Gospel plan, the reason why we are here on this Earth, the reason for all the good and bad experiences we have, is because our Father in Heaven loves us. We are here to learn and grow. Ultimately, to learn how to LOVE the way HE loves us. So, love is the foundation of what we teach and how we teach. We're trying to use the same template to share spiritual messages with members of the ward, not just to those who are investigating the church. We're trying to create atmospheres for the members where they can feel the spirit of God. This is how we are hoping to spread the fire of missionary work! We are working really hard, and I am really coming to know for myself how fulfilling it is to be diligent in doing the Lord's work. I have faith that, as long as we are diligent and faithful, Elder Pitre and I will find those who are prepared to hear and receive the gospel of Christ! It is exciting!
I have been really bad at taking and sending pictures lately. I will try to be better! One thing I've noticed lately is how well I know my way around here in Brantford and in some surrounding cities. When I first arrived, I thought I would never get to know my way around! I actually wanted to buy a GPS. But I'm glad I didn't- its nice to just learn your way around. It also lets me think of this area like a second home. It was pretty chilly this morning. I guess it actually starts getting cold in Canada around this time. Not that cold, and its only in the mornings for now-- but its definitely just around the corner! I've also taken some time to realize more of how Canadians talk. People always say "Pardon?" or "Pardon me?" instead of "What?" or "Huh?" like Americans like me do. I've also noticed how "Mmm-hmm" is something people say, or hum, much louder and much more often in conversations than I notice in the States. I am still hanging on to my American vocabulary, the only Canadian (or non-So-Cal) thing that I've started saying a lot is "pop" instead of "soda." Because I felt weird saying soda when everyone says pop. Sometimes I do the "mmm-hmm" thing just to try it out, but I don't like it.
I better get going. I miss all of you, and I love you. I'm grateful for all of you. You are in my prayers. I hope you all have a great week!
Laus deo.
Love,
Elder Simper
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