A Transfer Back To Faso

1. I am back in Fosu but I am in a different area. Fosu is the name of the zone. I am helping in a "group".  A Group is the first building block of the church! We are just starting out here and it will be a growing, busy period for all of us! I am District Leader and I am determined to do my best to help the people here.

2. We have thirty people come to church in one of the units we are over and the other had 35! I am sure going to see how the Church grows.

3. Assin Fosu is a very hot place....... Being close to the Coast was far too nice for me. Now it is time to sweat and sweat and sweat again.  All for a good cause, right? 

4. People call Missionaries over to talk to them here. However most of the time it is because they want to get money out of you or the Church.

5. People do not seem to understand that if a Church does not have the authority of God in it, it is not His Church but they believe it is fine to go to any church, no matter what. This makes teaching them that they need to change, very hard.

6.  My companion is Elder Elliott. He has been out three months and is from Idaho. This is his first area where he has not been being trained.  He was pretty happy to see my suitcase filled with American food!

I have no Idea what to write about today. I gave myself no time to think about this part of the week. I have been so busy trying to get my District ready for a few things that are coming up that I hardly had time to prepare myself to share something uplifting. So I guess I will just write and see what happens.

This week has been really nice, we met with a blind man that is a member of the Church here. He is very powerful and is known for really good referrals to the missionaries. He gave us two referrals this past week!! To put that in perspective, I hardly get two referrals in a six week period, let alone a five minute one. When he gave us the referrals he set up a lesson with them and informed us all of where and when to meet. 

We all met together and had a nice short, sweet discussion about the Church. Then this Sunday he made sure they both came to Church. I could hardly believe it. Usually it takes two weeks or so of teaching to be able to get people to come to Church but because the member really prepared his people and was friends with them, it was so easy. 

It really showed me that the best way to work is through the members. It is not common at all around here. Most of the people that we are teaching are people that have been found by missionaries, not by other members. There is a powerful difference when a member is involved. A member loves and cherishes their referrals so much that it helps those learning about the church to feel welcome. 

I have made sure to concentrate a lot more on the people here right now. I found that I was paying too close attention to the goals and numbers that others have set for me to reach and I was missing so much in the process. I have been trying to look back at the mark a bit and re-focus on loving those around me. Especiallly because it is coming closer to Christmas, so I have been working on changing my mentality to lift more rather than to simply reach goals. I will keep you updated on how it all goes.  And, as District Leader, this is a big step because the paperwork falls into my hands but I have promised myself to avoid getting side tracked on that issue like I did last time.

I can hardly believe that it is nearly Christmas again. I am nearly finished with the Christmases that i will miss away from family, at least for those due to my mission. The Work out here is very difficult but it is Heavenly. As my parents always taught, nothing worthwhile is easy. Being in the service of God is such a blessing. Though days go by and I can see that there was room for improvement, I can tell that everyday there is growth. Either for myself, my companion, or the people that I am teaching. That is what moves things forward. There was a recent talk given about how a root can break through concrete even though that seems impossible (Elder Bednar, I believe), however we know that in the last days the Church will move to all lands. Slowly but surely God's word will spread to all people.  Each and every step we take is pushing our growth and the growth of the kingdom. As we walk, hand in hand, with the Savior, even if at a slow pace, he can help us do great and marvelous things in the lives of those around us.

Love you all so much.  Talk soon

Love, Elder Edison

Pizza - A Significant Joy In Ghana!

So I have had a very strange week this past few days but, hey, they just add to the adventure that I am on right now. I came up with a line to help me understand all that I am dealing with right now: "God calls us to work in ways that we do not anticipate". To be honest, it helped me a lot this past week to know that even though things change and difficulties arise, most likely it is just God making sure we are willing to fulfill our callings. 

Random Facts:

1. I drink out of plastic bags everyday.

2. The dollar in now 5 Cedis (Was 4.3 when I arrived)

3. Most people's homes are about the size of a small room back home... It is really sad to see how cramped and tight they live.

4. Recent converts are powerful as none other (we witnessed a part member family baptism this week and watched the father perform all the ordinances; my companion and I have been teaching and working with and praying for the family - it was a terrific moment to watch God's hand touching their whole family).

5. I am not sure whether I have told you about red red; it is a combination of Gari beans, reed oil and Plantains all mixed together into a paste and then eaten. Tastes nice.

6. Most people believe that if you wear a ring (which I do) you have to be married no matter what finger it is on. Until you explain it to them.

7. Oh Ti Den is how are you. Aya/ Boko is I am well. Na wo sway is "and what about you".

8. There are too many churches in Ghana to count, and many people are far to0 committed to a church that they know is wrong.  The preachers here make it very difficult to leave or look for other options. People feel stuck.

And now onto my topic for the day. This past week an Elder in my apartment had a motivational speech on his speaker so I listened in. It talked about the normal "You can do it", "Do it yourself", all that good jazz. However, one part actually stood out to me. It talked about "push vs pull motivation" It did not go too in depth but I decided to expand on it today with all of you, my good people and missionary letter audience. 

It discussed how a push motivation comes from within, or in other words, our own will power. It then made the statement that this will never last. As it goes on it explains that pull motivation is a sensation or feeling of a heavy desire to follow something. Pull was described as the goal getting you to fulfill your purpose. A pull gets you out of bed early and keeps you up late because you have to take your goal to the next level. This stood out to me a lot. I expanded it and asked myself what my end goal is?  I wanted to see what I should focus on to make sure each morning I got up with energy even when I rather be sleeping. I tried all of the spiritual answers but none of them seemed to be one that stuck with me, as a result I tried a more temporal outlook on things. What I came to was a desire to leave this world with my hand print glowing on  it.  I found that what really motivates me is a desire to Change the world even for only a few people. Now this is somewhat self-centered but as I discovered it branches off and allows me to see the spiritual outlook: though I can change the world in many ways, the best way to change it is by sharing the truth that I hold so dear and that I know to be true with others. I can share the message I have because it changes the world for a few people who I can contact or cross paths with in my life. So far, looking at my end goal in this way, has already helped me, I wanted to talk about this today because I wanted to challenge you to find your "Why". Find the reasons that make you get up and let that drive you to take it to the next level. Never let yourself fall short of the miracles that you can see just because you want to sleep or want a break. Work past your weaknesses because nothing lasts forever in this world (besides things spiritual) so might as well make the most of every moment. 

Many obstacles are brought before us every moment but as long as we work to surpass them we are moving. Just as sharks must always move to stay alive. For us to become amazing we cannot let ourselves become comfortable. "There is no growth in the comfort zone and no confort in the growth zone" Elder Holland. Do not become alright with where you are; find something, anything that allows you to take yourself to the next level. Move up, become better. When you are the best you can be, look to those above you and see them beating your time, your ideas, your abilities and remember that there is always somewhere above you that you would rather be and push for that exemplary level.  Your Father will always be there to help. He has not left me and even when I have felt at the very pit of the bottom, He managed to find a bit of strength and pushed me on. I am grateful for that.

And.....I got pizza this week!!!!

Love, Elder Butters

Photos From Ghana - This Boy Can Smile!

A bit of a treat for these guys who managed a pizza dinner at a fancy restaurant near the mission home! Edison had pizza this week!!!!

A new friend on his shoulder.....Edison has met some interesting faces since he arrived in Ghana and none more interesting than this friendly monkey who perched on his shoulder.

The guys had fun playing with this little monkey and took photos of each other to remember the moment.

Edison visited the Cape Coast Castle with his zone several weeks ago - this photo is just now materializing and I love that smile, that tie, his desire to serve and his determination to make these moments count!

Push and Pull and Be Motivated

So I have had a very strange week this past few days but, hey, they just add to the adventure that I am on right now. I came up with a line to help me understand all that I am dealing with right now: "God calls us to work in ways that we do not anticipate". To be honest, it helped me a lot this past week to know that even though things change and difficulties arise, most likely it is just God making sure we are willing to fulfill our callings. 

Random Facts:

1. I drink out of plastic bags everyday.

2. The dollar in now 5 Cedis (Was 4.3 when I arrived)

3. Most people's homes are about the size of a small room back home... It is really sad to see how cramped and tight they live.

4. Recent converts are powerful as none other (we witnessed a part member family baptism this week and watched the father perform all the ordinances; my companion and I have been teaching and working with and praying for the family - it was a terrific moment to watch God's hand touching their whole family).

5. I am not sure whether I have told you about red red; it is a combination of Gari beans, reed oil and Plantains all mixed together into a paste and then eaten. Tastes nice.

6. Most people believe that if you wear a ring (which I do) you have to be married no matter what finger it is on. Until you explain it to them.

7. Oh Ti Den is how are you. Aya/ Boko is I am well. Na wo sway is "and what about you".

8. There are too many churches in Ghana to count, and many people are far to0 committed to a church that they know is wrong.  The preachers here make it very difficult to leave or look for other options. People feel stuck.

And now onto my topic for the day. This past week an Elder in my apartment had a motivational speech on his speaker so I listened in. It talked about the normal "You can do it", "Do it yourself", all that good jazz. However, one part actually stood out to me. It talked about "push vs pull motivation" It did not go too in depth but I decided to expand on it today with all of you, my good people and missionary letter audience. 

It discussed how a push motivation comes from within, or in other words, our own will power. It then made the statement that this will never last. As it goes on it explains that pull motivation is a sensation or feeling of a heavy desire to follow something. Pull was described as the goal getting you to fulfill your purpose. A pull gets you out of bed early and keeps you up late because you have to take your goal to the next level. This stood out to me a lot. I expanded it and asked myself what my end goal is?  I wanted to see what I should focus on to make sure each morning I got up with energy even when I rather be sleeping. I tried all of the spiritual answers but none of them seemed to be one that stuck with me, as a result I tried a more temporal outlook on things. What I came to was a desire to leave this world with my hand print glowing on  it.  I found that what really motivates me is a desire to Change the world even for only a few people. Now this is somewhat self-centered but as I discovered it branches off and allows me to see the spiritual outlook: though I can change the world in many ways, the best way to change it is by sharing the truth that I hold so dear and that I know to be true with others. I can share the message I have because it changes the world for a few people who I can contact or cross paths with in my life. So far, looking at my end goal in this way, has already helped me, I wanted to talk about this today because I wanted to challenge you to find your "Why". Find the reasons that make you get up and let that drive you to take it to the next level. Never let yourself fall short of the miracles that you can see just because you want to sleep or want a break. Work past your weaknesses because nothing lasts forever in this world (besides things spiritual) so might as well make the most of every moment. 

Many obstacles are brought before us every moment but as long as we work to surpass them we are moving. Just as sharks must always move to stay alive. For us to become amazing we cannot let ourselves become comfortable. "There is no growth in the comfort zone and no confort in the growth zone" Elder Holland. Do not become alright with where you are; find something, anything that allows you to take yourself to the next level. Move up, become better. When you are the best you can be, look to those above you and see them beating your time, your ideas, your abilities and remember that there is always somewhere above you that you would rather be and push for that exemplary level.  Your Father will always be there to help. He has not left me and even when I have felt at the very pit of the bottom, He managed to find a bit of strength and pushed me on. I am grateful for that.

And.....I got pizza this week!!!!

Love, Elder Butters

A Letter of "Lasts"

Hello Everyone:

Everyday in Ghana brings surprises - some are good and some are not so great but we manage to deal with all of them and come out better on the other side (or at least we try).

Today, because of the frustrating internet and all the crappy connections and computers in Ghana, I, again, have hardly any time to help lift you spiritually and enlighten your minds about Ghana.  But, I will do my best in the time remaining.  And, thank you for all your letters and notes. To my grandparents: I will not have time today to read your letters from start to finish but I will read them during the week and I am so grateful for the time you take to keep me in your minds.  Thank you!

1. Taxis are now rising in price due to an increase in fuel prices which has been fun to balance on the funds we receive (next to impossible so lots of walking again).

2. Washing our clothes by hand (which I am doing once again because of broken machines and lack of water) can cut and rip your hands open, making washing in bleach water or soapy water very difficult and painful. I will appreciate every single time I press a laundry button when I return home.

3. As the days get hotter more water must be taken into the body but on fast Sundays this is an extra challenge all on its own. It gets pretty difficult when we add walking in humidity and sunlight for hours.  But, I guess the whole point of fasting is growing from going without.

4. People love mentioning how amazing my hair is because it is different from all hair in Ghana. I have had people ask if they could receive some if i went to a barber.....maybe an extra income earner when I finish my mission!

5. People with phones here only turn them on when they need to call someone so calling someone and having them actually answer your call  takes incredible luck and the Spirit.  We actually feel like it is a direct blessing from our attempts at obedience when one of our phone calls to someone gets answered!

So today I want to talk about a very weird subject, Lasts. Let me explain:  I am not scared of death and do not usually think of it but something came to me this week that I wanted to share. When I am going to die, which could be at any time, I want to be okay with all my lasts: The last movie I watched (not while on my mission, don't worry), the last words I said to my family, the last food I ate, the last good deed I did, the last calling I fulfilled, the last service I participated in, etc. All these are things that I want to be satisfied with being the last thing I did or had in that category. I realized that even though there are bucket lists of good things to do,  I want to make sure that if something crazy happens I am always satisfied and comfortable with my lasts. I want to be able to look back right before everything finishes and know that I fixed things, made stories and changed the world with my last moments. We all have a life to live but why not live worthy of every moment being our very last that we may have. This is not meant to be a dark or creepy thought. It is suppose to be something to help motivate and inspire us to live so that we can be happy. If every last is worthy to be the final, then when that final comes there is nothing that blemishes our record. You can live knowing you have done the very best you could at every moment. 

I love looking back, yet looking forward should be more important, with this new thinking I have found a way to make looking back change the future:   if there is a last that I do not like, then I better find a way to change it to make it something I am happy with. I love you all I am sorry that this email is so short but as I said before internet is somehow disruptive in Ghana so I hope all of this makes sense and that you will work hard, with me this week, to make all of your actions worthy of being your last.

Love, Elder Edison

(Can't believe my brother is home from his mission!!!)