tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21936775461731784022024-03-04T20:38:24.972-08:00A Staib in Little RockMatthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-81842295060984604922013-10-13T17:36:00.003-07:002013-10-13T17:37:15.793-07:00In the End<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Typed up from a recording taken from the meeting. A rendition of "O My Father" had just been sung, and Ryan Woodfield, a soon-to-be Elder, just spoke before me.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks so much for that beautiful song. Ryan, it was missionaries like you that I looked up to as I served. I have also been asked to speak on serving Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I was called to serve in the Arkansas Little Rock mission. When I got my call, I didn't know where that was. Just thought middle of nowhere – I had been to Kansas the previous spring and I thought it looked exactly like that: flat and barren. But I'm glad that I was wrong. It's such a beautiful place. There's so many trees; so many creeks and rivers. It's just a beautiful habitation. We kinda pass a joke around in Arkansas that the state bird is the mosquito, and I can't tell you how many churches there are in Arkansas because in one little town, West Memphis, Arkansas – population was a little over 20,000 people – there was about 55 churches. So it was quite the experience going from door to door, talking to each person about their beliefs. About what they knew about Jesus Christ. And for us to share the Book of Mormon and help them come closer in their faith to Jesus Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Service has been something that many of our leaders, particularly our prophet, have spoken about recently. And I think it's very important that we get on this bandwagon, that we ride this wave of service for our fellow brothers and sisters. There are many ways that we can serve others, but the three ways I would like to talk about today are to serve the people that we teach (or serve our friends), to serve our companions and to serve Christ. Now I'm gonna be speaking in missionary terms today, but just know that when I talk about our investigators, or missionaries' investigators, that applies to the friends we know in our daily lives; that the companions that we have on a mission can be compared to the companions that we have in life: both our personal friends or our spouses; and then, of course, we serve Christ who is the ultimate source of love and of mercy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I had several opportunities to serve people through physical means. I prepared a short list. So I've up barbed wire fencing, filled potholes with
asphalt, moved people out of roach-infested apartments, ran electrical wire,
fixed dry wall, volunteered at food pantries, installed whiteboards for a
college, helped with gardening, put up chicken wire to keep squirrels from
getting into things, cleared a Boy Scout woodland trail, redirected traffic,
given countless Priesthood blessings, visited nursing homes, helped others overcome drug
addictions, and mowed lawns; and those are just a fraction of the things I was able to do to serve others on my mission. I bet anyone that looks at my resumé is gonna be really excited.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Particularly as an Elder, I had been called to serve under my Priesthood authority. To prepare to serve my mission I was given the </span>Melchizedek Priesthood, and I was able to give my first blessing on my mission as well as many other blessings. I would just like to share one particular blessing I was able to give that will stay with me forever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were friends with a recent convert family that had been baptized by the sisters in Jonesboro, Arkansas. This recent convert family was so steadfast in the gospel. They loved every minute of it. Sis. White, a member of the family, she had a friend named Tamara. Tamara was pregnant with twins. One twin was receiving a lot more blood flow than the other one was, and the twin that wasn't receiving that much blood flow – his kidneys were actually shrinking. I didn't know much about the circumstance before I entered into the White's home, but I was called into the room and they asked my companion and I to give a blessing. Tamara asked me to give that blessing. In the blessing – I remember this because Tamara said that a friend had told her the same exact thing before – but I told her to have faith in Christ. Exercise her faith, and that it is through her faith that all things were possible. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Two days later, she had to go down to Texas to have a blood transfusion for the twins while they were still in her womb.I'm no doctor, but that sounds like an extremely difficult operation and it doesn't sound like there are too many successes. Before the procedure, they had a scan done, and they discovered that not only had the twins been recovering, but that the symptoms of the disease had completely reversed themselves. These twins were healing. I was given pictures of the twins just yesterday, and they're happy and healthy. They are growing as if nothing had happened. That was one of the great miracles I had seen on my mission as I exercised Priesthood authority that was only given to me through Heavenly Father's grace and mercy. That might not be God's will each time, but it was definitely his will at this time to strengthen Tamara's faith and mine.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a missionary you are under certain obligations that you're not under in real life, such as being with your companion 24/7. That can be very difficult. I was just telling my uncle this morning that it's different to sleep alone when you're not worrying about shuffling through your bed and waking your companion and getting him all stirred up so you don't have the Spirit for the next day so you can't proselyte as effectively. It's a very different lifestyle but there's a reason why we have companions as missionaries. One of the great ways we can serve is to our companion. I've had many wonderful opportunities to serve my companion and I'm grateful that my companions were able to serve me and help me.</span></span><br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ether 12:27 says, “And if men come unto me I
will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be
humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before
me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I
make weak things become strong unto them.” My weaknesses were made strong through my companions. I'm not the best finder. I'm not the best door-knocker. But I'm grateful that I had companions that were; that encouraged me to go out and to do that for myself.</span><!--EndFragment--><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But there was one particular time where I had to help out my companion. I was in process of sending him home, basically. He was in his last two transfers of his mission, and he was in an unusual circumstance because he had been driven out to his mission. I guess the church was having some interesting experiment where they would send missionaries directly out to the mission. He was from Texas; he got to get dropped off by his parents. They drove him to the mission home in Arkansas. He hadn't been on a plane since he was six years old. As he was preparing to go home he was freaking out. He just kept asking me, "How's it like on a plane? What do I have to do to get there? I'm just so scared that it's gonna blow up!" I just kept saying, "Elder, there's less percentage chance for you to crash on a plane than there is to crash in a car. It's ok!"I'm glad that I was there to help him; not to necessarily help him overcome his fear, but to be a temporary comfort to him. Especially just flying from Little Rock to Dallas, it's a little over an hour, so it really wasn't too much for me, because I had taken several plane flights in my time; but I'm glad that I was there to be his companion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, as we serve Christ, I believe that the story we quote most often from Gordon B. Hinckley is very important for missionary work and for our own lives as we strive to serve Christ and serve others. As we know, Gordon B. Hinckley, when he was first out in his mission in England, he was very depressed and distraught because he wasn't seeing much success at all. He wrote a letter to his dad, and his dad replied back and said, "I got your letter. All I have to say is this: Forget yourself and go to work." As I served as a missionary, I was stressed multiple times about things that were going on in my personal life. But I found as I entered into somebody's home, and taught them the gospel, I was able to feel the Spirit and it was there as a comfort. It helped me know that what I was doing right then at that moment was right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had many more wonderful opportunities to serve and help people increase their faith in Jesus Christ by simply being there, inviting them to make decisions and to listen to them. As I listened to them I know that Christ was right there, listening to them as well. The Spirit was there to comfort the person as they were telling me what they wanted us as representatives of Jesus Christ to know.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One particular instance was my first area. I was only three weeks out. This was my second time meeting this young man named Blake. He was getting married to a young woman that was a member, and she was off to school. He was living with his soon-to-be parents-in-law. He had been reading the Book of Mormon; he had been studying; he'd been coming to church. His fiancée was doing a good job of staying out of the picture, so it was very much a personal conversion for him. I just remember my second visit with him, we sat down and we said, "Ok, Blake. How has your scripture study been going?" He said, "Yeah, it's been going good." "We've seen you at church, so it's good to see you there." Then I felt prompted to ask him how his prayers had been coming. He said, "I haven't been praying much." That's really, as Moroni 10:3-5 says, how we're going to get an answer – by praying; by asking God if these things are not true. And I told him that. I asked him, "Would it be alright if we knelt down right now and we asked Heavenly Father if these things were true?" He gave such a fantastic answer. He said, "It wouldn't hurt." So we all knelt down and we offered up that prayer. That was the first time in my life – well, I'll say on my mission – where I felt the confirming Spirit, not just for myself but for somebody else; helping them to know that this is true. And I knew it was there, so during his prayer, I said a personal prayer myself, saying, Please let him understand that this is the Spirit trying to confirm to him that these things are true. We just sat there after he finished his prayer. We were kneeling there for a couple seconds. Then I finally asked him, "How do you feel?"He said, "I feel like this is right." So we extended the invitation to baptism, and he was baptized three weeks after that moment on December 10th.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December 10th of the following year, he and his wife were able to go through the temple. I called him before he went into the temple. I said, "How do you feel?" "Oh, I'm really nervous. I don't know what to expect, but I'm so grateful for this church and for the many blessings it had given me." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blake, to me was a big testimony that the Spirit is what converts us. The best place we can find the power of the confirming Spirit is through the Book of Mormon. The South is a battleground. Everybody is fighting over the Bible, and it's very interesting to see that. You go from house to house and people start bashing you, asking you what you believe about this or this doctrine and saying that's not right because their Bible of a different translation, or what have you, says something else, or how their pastor said something else. So when they start reading the Book of Mormon, they feel something and see something that they have never felt before. It's really the Book of Mormon that, as we focus on it, we can feel the power of the Holy Ghost and the converting power that Jesus truly is our Savior and our Redeemer, and that Heavenly Father has revealed his gospel in these last days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to end by bearing my testimony that I love the Book of Mormon. That I know that it is truly plain and precious scripture for us to understand in these last days, in a time of confusion. We were teaching somebody in my last area, and he said, "I just feel like they're scriptures based off the newspaper. Like it's news for our day telling us how to go through all these bad times." How many times did Moroni say, I know that there will be wickedness in the last days, so these things are for you? That is exactly what the Book of Mormon is. And how much more of a blessing is it that we have modern day prophets and apostles to help us guide us through these last days? That they know exactly how to conquer cigarettes, pornography – all these things that they didn't have back then.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer because he knows exactly what I have gone through in these last two years of my life, and has supported me and helped me in conquering my personal challenges as well as the challenges of those that I've taught and loved. I know that Joseph Smith truly saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, and that it was through that revelation that this building, these scriptures that we have today, our modern-day prophets and apostles are here today, and that we can learn and feel of God's Spirit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so grateful for my family. For the love that they showed me. And for my wonderful friends; for the continuous support they've given me. I hope that I can continue to build my life on this foundation that I have gained these past two years; that these miracles and revelations I have gained will never leave me and will always stay within my heart. It's very challenging to see someone who has served a mission, or who has gone through similar miraculous experiences, that don't attend church anymore. You wonder what happened, but you can't judge them because there are different experiences for each person. I'll admit; there was a time on my mission where I wanted to come home. Things were just too hard. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a man that told me, "You're just another Utah Mormon boy coming out here thinking you can tell us what to do." But I testify that it's through my upbringing in this church that I had the strength to go on a mission like I did. I learned early on my mission that being born in the gospel is the single greatest blessing Heavenly Father can give us in this life. Never let anybody put down your heritage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so grateful for the Holy Ghost and its power in my life and its comfort.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I share these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01713314116898308143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-5502205821837084892013-09-30T13:28:00.001-07:002013-09-30T13:44:25.155-07:00A MiracleAs my first order of business on my last weekly update as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I would like to discuss... THE WEATHER.<br />
<br />
I have never missed home as much as I have these past two days. The weather has been so beautiful. Not a break of sunshine in the sky. Low-lying clouds hover just above my fingertips, and there's a gentle sprinkle that glides around me. I am reminded more than ever of the autumn clouds that graze across the mountains back home, and I can't wait to see them for myself soon. The temperature hasn't gone over 80 degrees these past two days. We've been driving with our windows rolled down. Ah, it's all so fantastic... I LOVE THE FALL.<br />
<br />
I am very content with this week. It's been great. I went on exchanges with Elder Duron Tuesday, and we found a couple of really awesome people that have since turned us down, BUT it was a good experience at the time.<br />
<br />
I'm perfectly recovered from my sickness, which is awesome because I was wondering if I would ever really have the same appetite ever again. No, that appetite came roaring back. I've been snacking a lot lately. I'm such a chub.<br />
<br />
Thursday was a VERY good day. We went out to see the Keeners with a different member than the last time we saw them. We taught them the third lesson on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They absorbed everything. They're excited for Conference, as well. Like I said before, we've kinda been holding back a bit until their crazy schedule winds down tomorrow. After that, it's go time.<br />
<br />
After we saw them, we went to Sis. Groves' place, which was a miracle itself since her son-in-law didn't like us over at all. We managed to have a short visit, though, for only 20 minutes. As we sat down, Sis. Groves said that her granddaughter, Sierra, wanted to sit in as well. We read a short scripture with Sis. Groves and then discussed things like going to the temple and getting a patriarchal blessing.<br />
<br />
As we were finishing, Elder Merrill turned to Sierra and asked, "Do you have any questions?" Sierra asked very shyly, "What's a blessing?" We explained blessings of healing, comfort and patriarchal blessings to her. It was really cool to see that Sierra was paying attention.<br />
<br />
Sis. Groves came to church yesterday, and walking slowly behind in a hoodie and jeans was Sierra. I was so happy to see her there. They stayed all 3 hours. Sierra really seemed to open up in young women's, which only had 3 people in it. I hope they attend General Conference. Apparently, Sierra's parents have no problem with Sierra being involved with the church. They're just kinda keeping themselves out. The Spirit will work on that family, I'm sure.<br />
<br />
We have a new senior couple in the area: The Harris'. They have a unique role in the mission. They've been called as military relations missionaries, the first time that our mission has had any. They're in charge of less-active and inactive work within the Little Rock Air Force Base as well as in Camp Robinson, which is in North Little Rock. They work in the Jacksonville, Cabot and North Little Rock Wards. They've been added to my district.<br />
<br />
Looking back on it, my district has doubled in size since the transfer began. I gave my last district meeting on Tuesday since this upcoming meeting will be a zone meeting. I love my district. They've been good friends. We've been through a lot together, particularly with the Cabot missionaries. I'm excited to spend my last few days with them since we'll be bunkering down in the church for Conference.<br />
<br />
Oh yeah... I was able to play. Y'know, the violin. Yup. Totally happened.<br />
<br />
I guess we're saving Fast Sunday for the Sunday after General Conference. I was put as the musical number for our intermediate hymn. I admit, it wasn't too bad. I was able to add a bit of vibrato to my bow strokes from my nervous shaking, but I kept whatever wits I could. Sis. Allred was my accompaniment, and she was fantastic. She reads piano music, and then makes up her own compositions to 'em! She's really talented.<br />
<br />
We practiced before church, and she told me to flourish. Get my sound out there. I "flourished" the best I could. We're having dinner with them Thursday, so we'll see how she thought.<br />
<br />
We're going to be giving Marty a blessing tonight prior to his appearance at court tomorrow. Please pray for him. There is a lot on the line, and he wants to be with his family.<br />
<br />
Well, I'm honestly not going to talk about much else! There's your mission update from yours truly.<br />
<br />
I plan to work my final few days. All my thoughts, feelings, insights, impressions and warm fuzzies will be fleshed out when I have time to do it at home. My testimony has been sprinkled around this two-year-long blog. If you haven't seen it by now, READ IT AGAIN. It's there.<br />
<br />
I love y'all! I'll be literally seeing many of you next week. Thank you, those who have supported me by emails, or by prayers. I was able to serve these two years because of each one of you. My mission has been a miracle.<br />
<br />
-Elder Staib<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My last district meeting. We got a new senior couple!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elder Duron tried doing some touch-up cutting... but he forgot to put a guard on his clippers!</span></span></td></tr>
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<br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-34669992818041036212013-09-23T23:38:00.000-07:002013-09-25T15:12:14.222-07:00Golden Investigators, Going to the Temple, and a Case of Chicken PoxIt's been an interesting week.<br />
<br />
Last Monday we got a text from a man named Derek Keener. Elder
Merrill taught him and his wife right before I got here, but when the
new transfer started, they suddenly became very busy -- too busy to see
us. This past Monday, however, we got a text from Derek apologizing for
his being so busy and asking us to come over this week to pick up again with
the discussions.<br />
<br />
Elder Merrill has been talking so highly of this family
for a while, and we got really excited to see them. They live on base,
so after our dinner appointment, we had a member come with us to teach
Derek and Nicole.<br /><br />It was a wonderful reunion. They were very
honest with us, and expressed their sincere desire to learn about this
church. They feel that everywhere they turn, they keep meeting Mormons,
so they take it as a sign that they have to investigate deeper. They
went up to Fayetteville a few weeks ago for an emergency preparedness
conference held at our church building up there, and they loved it.<br />
<br />
From
what I had been told, Nicole was going to be hesitant. Quite the contrary. By the end of our visit,
she was pulling Derek along to keep commitments and to come to church.
Derek will be very busy with his job up until October 1, so we'll cut
him some slack until then, but once that day comes, they are ready and
willing to devote everything to finding out more about this gospel.<br />
<br />
I've
never seen GOLDEN INVESTIGATOR as brightly as I do with them. Even
Nicole suddenly blurted out and said, "The one thing I'm gonna struggle
with is giving up tea. I love my tea! It's gonna be so hard!" We hadn't
even taught them the Word of Wisdom yet. They've just been reading
lds.org and other things. What's most important is that they're willing
to change. I'm so happy for them!<br />
<br />
Rebecca and Faith are going to the
temple, and they're getting a personal tour on the grounds by the temple
president himself. It'll be really exciting for them!<br />
<br />
Emily Garrett is
going through some big changes. She came to all 3 hours of church
yesterday. Families in the ward are also having her over for activities and meals.
I'm really happy about that.<br />
<br />
Elder Duron had the chicken pox from Sunday to Friday, so we had to go on splits with Elder Chapman while someone stayed with Elder Duron. Poor Elder Chapman and Elder Duron got cabin fever bad. It was nice for us, though, because we were technically on "bike week", so we got the car clear up until Friday instead of giving it to the Cabot Elders on Tuesday!<br />
<br />
Yesterday, however, I got really sick.<br />
<br />
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I woke up with stomach pains. I still went to church, but my stomach just wouldn't settle down. After church we had dinner at a member's house, and they gave me something to help me feel better. We walked up the stairs to our apartment after they dropped us off, and once I lay down on my bed, my stomach sloshed up into my throat. I held my mouth as I ran across the hall and vomited into my companion's toilet. I stayed in bed for a few hours, and then when I got up to get a drink of water, I vomited again. I don't have anything left in me. I lost 5 pounds yesterday, so I can't complain about that! I'm feeling better now; still a bit queasy, but nothing serious.<br /><br />Libby called us earlier this week and told us that her daughter won't allow us to stop by any more. I'm really bummed about it. Libby still wants to see us, but we'll have to make visits outside of her home.<br /><br />I wrote a couple things for the mission today: I wrote them a page of my Many Mighty Miracles (the stories of miracles I've seen here in the mission) as well as my departing testimony that will be published in the mission newsletter. It's all wrapping up. Next Monday is my last legit P-Day. I don't really have much to say about any of it, as long as I'm still wearing the name tag. So I'll just keep on!<br /><br />-Elder Staib<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We spent our P-Day with Jesse King. He left this past week for his mission in Canada.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Full Moon!</span></span></td></tr>
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<br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-14455353703491139852013-09-16T20:25:00.000-07:002013-09-18T20:35:06.172-07:00Love Others, No Matter What<br />
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<br />
I've been bombarded with letters from the mission home saying things like, "Thanks for serving! Hope you come again!" and "Be sure you give your mom a hug!" and "Be sure to pay your companion back for all that money you borrowed!" So my mind has been kinda torn apart, so I will try to reconstruct my memories using small notes I wrote in my planner so that I would have something to write about today.<br />
<br />
The other morning, as we walked around to find someone to teach, I noticed a house down the street with a giant Snoopy sitting on a stump. I told Elder Merrill we'd knock on that door. The man at the house was just about to climb into his car when we walked up. We had a nice chat with him for a half hour. He was atheist. He was born Catholic, but it "took him until he was 20 to get indoctrinated out of it." Now he thinks that he's just a blip in the universe, and exists only for pleasure. He'd been depressed his whole life because he felt like he was just working for others to live rich lives. He retired 3 years ago, and he says he's the happiest he's ever been because he gets to do what he wants. He has a wife and no kids. He's living for himself. I have never met someone so selfish in my life. he was nice, certainly. But he was horribly selfish. I asked him what made him happy. He didn't get close to saying family or friends. His happiness came from giving himself pleasure. It was a sad scene.<br />
<br />
One of the sisters in my district has had a really tough time recently. She's been praying to know if she should continue to serve a mission. She's engaged, and many of her friends have been saying they would feel better if she came home and got married. Her parents really want her to serve a mission. The Cabot elders gave her a blessing; I gave her a blessing; she and her companion have had several prayers. Finally, on Tuesday, Pres. Petersen talked with her. She has decided to stay. I'm really happy for her, and I testified to her that it wouldn't be easy, but it would be worth it. She knows some of the heartache that I've gone through myself, and I told her similar counsel that I received before I left to serve. She's a lot happier now.<br />
<br />
When the transfer started, I had 3 sets of missionaries in my district: Jacksonville, Cabot Elders and Cabot Sisters. Two weeks ago, the North Little Rock Elders got put into my district. This past week, we got the Sherwood Sisters. I have to call a bunch of people each night. My stewardship seems to be added unto DAILY. And they all seem so young. I'm so old.<br />
<br />
Also recently, a recent convert from Montana moved in with her daughter and granddaughter on the military base. Her name is Libby. She's here because the daughter, Melanie, has a brain tumor. Melanie had brain surgery on the 5th and will go in for radiation and possibly chemo. Libby is so happy to be a part of the church and wants to serve however she can. We're gonna try and go in to teach Melanie and her daughter, Sierra, as well. I feel a lot of love for them.<br />
<br />
Because of Faith's promotion, she's been very busy lately. She's eager to progress, though. She really wants her family sealed, so we're gonna do what we can to help get Marty on board.<br />
<br />
I'm not putting this next part here to puff myself up or anything, but... especially because this is my last area, and I'm closing my mission, I want to remember this. The Relief Society president was speaking with a less-active woman after church. She pointed to us and said, "These boys will help you with whatever you need." The less-active member needed a blessing. After we gave the blessing, I asked her if she needed anything. The Relief Society president jumped in and said, "They mean it, too. These are the best missionaries that Jacksonville has had since missionaries began serving here again." Jacksonville had been re-opened to missionary work two years ago, and Elder Merrill and I have brought 2 baptisms into the ward since there had been an 18-month drought.<br />
<br />
I'm so grateful that God has brought us miracles. These baptisms happened only because it was the right people at the right time. Elder Merrill and I were only the harvesters after the missionaries before us have already sewn, watered and trimmed each individual for us to reap.<br />
<br />
I love the members here, and I love to smile around them and laugh with them. We really do have to love people into the gospel. I dunno if it's bad to say or if it's the secret to missionary work, but most of the people I have seen progress the most are people I have loved the most.<br />
<br />
Love others, no matter what. That's what I've learned.<br />
<br />
Now I'll continue to finish off my whole loaf of French bread. Love this stuff.<br />
<br />
-Elder Staib<br />
<br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-76928742843633433212013-09-09T18:48:00.001-07:002013-09-09T22:30:47.758-07:00We Had a Baptism!<div dir="ltr">
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I'm gonna try and
write this while Elder Merrill and Sister Jardine are playing a game
involving tennis balls and using hymnals as paddles. Today's been a very
good P-Day. I have some good friends here!</div>
<br />
Let me share a couple experiences, involving baptism, violins and roaches.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Baptism. We had a baptism! Faith got baptized, which was a
miracle. In the middle of the week, she was approached by her uncle. He
asked her if this was what she really wanted, and for her to seriously
consider her decision. Faith still wanted to be baptized, but she felt that she didn't have the knowledge
and faith to back up the church.<br />
<br />
<div>
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<div>
We asked her to pray about being
baptized this weekend, and if not this weekend, which
weekend? We followed up with her the next night. She got a promotion at
work that morning and sees it as a huge blessing from God. Faith got
baptized in gratitude to God for the many blessings she's been bestowed
recently and along her path of life. She was so radiant <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_104182847" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span> and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_104182848" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> She knew that what she was doing was right. She doesn't want the missionaries to leave her alone, though. And we won't!</div>
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Violins.
This past week, we had a dinner appointment with a family, the Allreds.
Sis. Allred is very musically talented. We had a fantastic meal with
them. During the meal, Sis. Allred asked me with a big smile on her
face, "Do you play the piano?"<br />
<br />
I said, "No, but I played violin
for four years in middle school and high school."<br />
<br />
Later in our visit, Sis.
Allred went into her bedroom and pulled out an old violin case. I put
two and two together, and was not ready for her request.<br />
<br />
"Play it," she
said.<br />
<br />
This violin was made in the 60s. It belonged to Sis. Allred's
mother. I tuned it the best I could, even though the A string could not
stay tight. The only sheet music I had at the time was the Arkansas
Little Rock Mission Song in my missionary binder. I played it the best I
could. Good enough for a 4th grade recital, anyway.<br />
<br />
After I was
finished, Sis. Allred got excited to see that the music had a piano
accompaniment. She took the music into her piano room and had me play
along with her. It was nice to know that I could still read music and
play a few notes on my stringed instrument. Thinking back on it, I
hadn't played a violin in nearly six years.</div>
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Well, word gets around fast in the Relief Society. Sis. Allred
and the other sisters have already volunteered me for performing a
musical number during my last sacrament meeting of my mission, with Sis.
Allred as my accompaniment. My whole district wants to sit in and
watch. I am SO nervous for it. I'm getting a different violin to
practice on. I get to choose the song and everything. Heaven help me.</div>
<br />
Roaches. Short funny story. Elder Merrill and I were sitting
on the couch after a long day when he calmly said, "That's a big bug on
the wall." I looked into the kitchen. THERE WAS A 2-INCH COCKROACH ON
OUR WALL. We grabbed a glass bowl and tried catching the thing. Elder
Merrill tried to knock it in, but the roach fell onto Merrill's chest
instead! He screamed. I screamed. We both freaked out. The roach landed
on the ground on its back and became immobilized. We caught it in the
bowl. We proceeded to turn the bowl into slay the roach with fire. Fire
and Repel mosquito repellant. I'll leave those things to the
imagination, but that was the largest roach I had ever seen on my
mission.</div>
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My last district meeting went pretty well. I've been working
on asking my missionaries inspired questions instead of being boring. We had some good interactive lessons
where we shared ideas. In essence, our district meeting was a form of
Socratic Seminar. Hey, school taught me something!</div>
<br />
Well, I'ma enjoy the rest of my P-Day. Hope y'all have a good
week and enjoy school and feel the Spirit in church! CHURCH IS GOOD.</div>
<br />
-Elder Staib</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-60980572652233319092013-09-03T23:31:00.000-07:002013-09-08T08:53:27.338-07:00Miracles May HappenGood morning, everyone!<br /><br />Yesterday was a fantastic P-Day. We went to the ZOO. The Little Rock Zoo, to be exact, which is not quite as popular as the Memphis Zoo. We had a fun time, nonetheless. Some members of the ward took us because they already had season passes. It was fun to see the penguins and the reptiles and the elephants and the monkeys. I took a lot of pictures and a few videos.<br />
<br />
One crazy part was when we entered into the indoor exhibit where they let birds fly around freely around you. There was a large spoon-billed bird perched high above me, and as I was taking pictures of it, it swooped down right over my head! It came within two inches of hitting me. I got a picture of it closing in on my face.<br />
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<br />
Not much else happened for the remainder of the day since it was Labor Day, but I was very exhausted by the time I got to climb into bed.<br /><br />So I've got news. I am now... a District Leader!<br />
<br />
For my last transfer, I get to watch over two other companionships. Our district used to consist of Jacksonville, the Cabot Elders, the Cabot Sisters and Lonoke, but Lonoke has been pushed into a different district. Now it's just the two Cabot sets and us.<br />
<br />
I'm giving my first district meeting today, and I'm feeling pretty good about it. It's easy to share two years-worth of experience to a bunch of relatively new missionaries. Sis. Jardine is training, as is Elder Chapman. I can tell their new greenies WHATEVER I WANT, and they'll automatically believe me! Think of the possibilities! Heh, kidding. It is interesting to note, however, that several of my missionary friends have asked me if I've made myself a throne or had my district members refer to me as Overlord or something like that. Awwww, where would they get the idea I'd even do that sorta stuff?<br /><br />I'm excited to have two new missionaries in my district, though. One is Sis. Hubbard, 19, from Idaho, and the other is Elder Duron (pronounced dur-OWN), 18, from Arizona. They're both eager to be missionaries and do whatever they can to see miracles. I'll do what I can as a missionary to teach them what I've gained in my two years. I get to teach three district meetings this transfer, instead of only two that occur during a usual transfer. Don't remember how that played out exactly, but I'm excited for it.<br /><br />I'm going on exchange with Elder Boyer today. Faith will be interviewed for her baptism this Saturday. She's excited to be baptized, but not too excited to be interviewed, especially by someone she doesn't know. Elder Boyer will warm up to her, though. He's chill like that (little oxymoron).<br /><br />Elder Merrill and I are still striving to bring others into the gospel, but no one has been clinging on lately. Once Faith is baptized, we need someone else to really focus on, but we can't determine who. Faith's family has been the only family to even come to church since I've been here. I've gotta do some Preach My Gospel studies about inviting people.<br /><br />Two Sundays ago, I gave a talk in church. The topic was on member missionary work. I shared my own missionary experience about Brianna, and again, I shared my dad's experience about his efforts as the ward mission leader in El Dorado Hills. I will just share here briefly what I shared in my talk, along with a few ideas I'm willing to flesh out now.<br /><br />When I got to West Memphis, there was a girl, Katie, that had been baptized the month before I arrived. She was so gung-ho about the gospel. She loved every minute that she got to go to seminary, church, mutual and any other activity.<br />
<br />
I'll honestly say that I was a bit jealous of Elder Kowalk; that he was able to find and baptize such a wonderful spirit. Miracles came about because of Katie's baptism. I hoped at the time that I would be able to find someone as prepared to hear the gospel as Katie was, as well as someone who needed the gospel as desperately as she did.<br /><br />I have a testimony that God calls certain people to certain places at certain times for a reason. Otherwise, I would not wish to ever return to Pocahontas, Arkansas.<br /><br />When I arrived in Pocahontas, the missionaries were in process of working with the Rasdon family to bring them into the gospel. Three of their six family members had been baptized at that point. After about four weeks of in my new area, we found out that a seventh family member would be returning home. Her name was Brianna, and she had her own share of problems and doubts.<br />
<br />
One of the first things she told her parents when she got settled in at home was that she did not want to go to church and she did not want to learn about whatever religion they were studying.<br /><br />Then Bro. and Sis. Musick happened. They went over and watched the Restoration DVD with the whole family. Brianna cried. She wanted to learn more.<br /><br />I don't doubt that Brianna had found peace and comfort in her life as she took the missionary discussions, but most of her change did not come before her baptism. Elder Whetten and I asked and asked and asked before she finally agreed to give a closing prayer to one of our discussions. She had a panic attack after we left because of it. What she did have, though, was a willingness to listen to our message, a willingness to act for herself, and a willingness to understand that the Spirit was testifying to her that these things were true.<br />
<br />
She and her younger brother, Zac, were baptized April 6.<br /><br />As I said, Brianna felt the Spirit and was willing to change. A lot of it was more internal than external at the time. Her true change, though, came after her baptism.<br /><br />She was playing around on her little iPod Touch one day. I think we were having dinner with the Rasdons, so there wasn't a formal discussion going on. But as she played with the iPod, I'm sure that it was an impression that came to me and said, "Tell her about the Gospel Library."<br />
<br />
I helped her download it to her iPod right then and there. She spent the rest of the day reading the Book of Mormon. She spent hours the next day reading it. It took her only a few days to reach 2 Nephi. It was at that moment Brianna began to really be converted.<br /><br />Now she uses her conversion to strengthen and bear testimony to others. Several of her friends are now taking discussions. She knows her purpose in life and her divine potential. She loves God, and has become a huge inspiration to me to know that no matter what happens in your life, you can always find God's love if you seek it. I found the person on my mission that received their own pearl of great price.<br /><br />
Brianna, of course, is one of many miracles I have seen as a missionary. I am so thankful that God has used me as an instrument in His hands. Eternal happiness does not come from personal achievements. For me, it comes by helping a brother or a sister home. It comes from the small smiles you bring to someone's face by showing them love. It comes from the knowledge that you have friends and God by your side to lift you up.<br /><br />I think that we're called to lose our lives for Christ's sake because it requires us to become more Christ-like to those around us as we strive to serve them. That was one little piece of wisdom I picked up recently.<br /><br />I hope y'all have a safe week, and don't neglect a person whose hands need to be lifted and whose spirits need to be strengthened. Miracles may happen.<br /><br />-Elder Staib<br /><br /><br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-33854724093574308972013-08-26T22:04:00.000-07:002013-09-08T08:24:15.482-07:00Humbling WeekThese last few days have been kind of... humbling, I suppose.<br /><br />The short of it is, I'm staying in Jacksonville. So here's the long of it.<br /><br />Like I said, at zone conference, we were told that Elder Merrill was training. Last Monday, I emailed President saying something very similar to the email I posted on my blog: that I was sad to leave Jacksonville, but I was willing to go wherever I needed to, preferably to an area I had served in before. President Petersen "heard my cries" and has allowed me to stay in Jacksonville. I'll accept the unexpected blessing and finish my mission in Jacksonville!<br /><br />But another reason why I'm humbled is the fact that I just poisoned one of the poor Cabot sisters. We were sharing a drink with them that I've grown to love in the ghetto, and as Sis. Cooke took her first sip, I mentioned it had rose hips in it.<br />
<br />
Sis. Cooke's eyes got big and she said, "I'm allergic to roses!"<br />
<br />
We didn't believe her at first, but sure enough, her tongue became so swollen she couldn't speak, and her throat stung a bit. I felt horrible. The effects were severe for an hour, but she's recovering now. She could still breathe and everything. She was just miserable and everyone else was making her speak with her lisp and laughing.<br /><br />This past week has been mostly a blur since I was expecting to leave for most of the days. We found a few new investigators and Faith's coming along nicely. I went on exchange with Elder Cassler on Tuesday. He graduated from Karl G. Maeser (my high school) this past year, I believe. Or the year before. In any case, we had a few things to talk about.<br />
<br />
It wasn't until Saturday night that, as we had dinner with the Warnicks (the office missionaries), Sis. Warnick said, "Oh, Elder Staib, President told me to tell you that you're staying!"<br />
<br />
Elder Merrill and I had many rejoicings, but lots of question marks as well. In the end -- that is, once all the transfer calls had been made this morning -- this seems to be the outcome.<br /><br />So, at long last, this is my final "resting place" in the Arkansas Little Rock Mission. Jacksonville will be my missionary "grave". I will be well-fed and among friends, both missionary and otherwise, to the very end.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our district for the transfer, excluding Zone Leaders.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Elder John Whitney from our ward left for his mission in Mexico City this past week.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Sisters were doing a role play with Elder Draper. As he stretched his arms with the elastic band, he explained that he was training for the world's Unicycle race. We all busted up laughing.</span></span></td></tr>
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By the way, when I say well-fed, I mean the fact that I've gained 5 pounds in the last week. I have decided to do many sit-ups each morning to get rid of this hideous gut that has sprung out of my core. It truly is an unexpected guest.<br /><br />I'll continue to pray for y'all each night, because y'all are precious family and friends that I want to see in one piece in six weeks. I hope everyone's having a good start for school! Catch y'all next week!<br /><br />-Elder Staib<br /><br /><br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-56192797604356277072013-08-19T19:54:00.000-07:002013-09-08T08:09:58.628-07:00Big Surprise for My Last TransferFor some reason, I always seem to talk about the weather when I open these things. So I'll get that outta the way. It cooled down a ton and it's felt like California weather. It feels WONDERFUL. We've been walking around more.<br />
<br />
I'm honestly not in an emailing mood today. We're making pink chocolate-chip waffles today for lunch with the Cabot Elders and Sisters. We have a date set with Faith: September 7. But y'know, I WON'T BE HERE, so I'm a bit bummed about that!<br />
<br />
We had zone conference this past Tuesday, and before the meeting started, one of the assistants came up and told Elder Merrill he would be training this next transfer. I've only stayed in Jacksonville for a single transfer. Both Elder Merrill and I were stunned with disbelief. I don't want to leave a nerdy area, and Elder Merrill doesn't want to be left behind in a nerdy area. I don't want to leave Elder Merrill. But if I return to one of my previous areas, that'd be the bomb dot com! :D<br />
<br />
On a more sober note, there have been several shootings around lately. One of our investigators that hadn't really been progressing was among the victims. His funeral is this Saturday. It really made me think of how short this life is, and how soon our calls home may come, but I also find comfort to know that he's met missionaries in the next world that will continue to teach him. He also won't be doing drug deals while the missionaries are around, so... There's an obstacle that's been removed.<br />
<br />
We had stake conference yesterday, and a family that'd we've been trying to get to church finally came! She and her 5 kids only stayed for the first hour, but she seemed attentive and glad she came. We haven't had a chance to talk to her since, so we'll see how it turns out.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I made these little "Super Sister" pins for the sisters when they were feeling down.</span></span></td></tr>
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<br />
Oh yeah, back to Faith. She has a few things to work on, but only small things, so we're really happy for her. She loves the feeling of the Spirit, and wants to be baptized so that she can have it with her all the time. The Book of Mormon really brings the Spirit into her life. That's one thing I've noticed about my investigators. I noticed it before, so hold on if you think I'm just figuring this out. BUT. The investigators that I've seen the most converted have done it through their consistent reading of the Book of Mormon. And Faith is a perfect example of that. So we're really excited for her! But Like I said, I'll be gone by the time she's baptized. We're working on Marty as well, but Faith is ready right now.<br />
<br />
That's all the news I have this time around. Hope y'all are enjoying your first few days of school, and safe, and all those other things little kids pray for during their family prayers. I pray for my friends and family whenever I pray, and that's a lot of people!<br />
<br />
-Elder Staib<br />
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<br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-36140321143439395102013-08-12T21:25:00.000-07:002013-08-19T05:44:08.951-07:00Great Progress with Two Families, and SpidermanThis week was really hot. Really. Really. Hot. I guess, it wasn't so much hot as it was humid. We're not talking record-breaking highs here, but 95 degrees with 90% humidity is enough to make someone's shirt drenched after 4 hours.<br />
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I will begin with some serious news, and then I will discuss the humor that has occurred this past week. I find I have been lacking in the silliness department.<br />
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Good news is, Marty's court date has been pushed to October so that the lawyers can gather more evidence concerning the event. I was on exchange on Tuesday (AND WEDNESDAY. Talk about exhausting!), so I was informed that night after Elder Merrill talked to them. We're now taking this opportunity to allow the Spirit to mold their softened hearts. Faith and Marty have truly become humble. They came to church yesterday, and it seems like they're committed.<br />
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We're also working with a part-member family, the Garretts. Emily Garrett has been in the church her whole life, and her husband is a non-member. I get along with the Garretts extremely well. They consider us their friends and gladly have us over whenever we ask. They're getting back into reading the Book of Mormon and have grown a trust with us that I feel is the key to any progress occurring. Last night, we took a member family, the Dinkles (who I also have become very good friends with for nerdy reasons), to meet with the Garretts. Fantastic match-up. We're excited about the whole thing. Friends all around!<br />
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Now for the silly antics. We were stopped by a young African-American man that Elder Merrill knew in a previous area. He approached us as we walked down the road and was really friendly. He began to ask us questions. About spiders. This guy was anxiously engaged in hunting for spiders. We told him to look in gardens and stuff. He finally got to his point. He wants to be Spiderman. He seriously wanted to find a spider to bite him so that he could turn into Spiderman. We suggested he find a wolf spider. I taught him how to make a small ecosystem and everything. He wanted to catch a brown recluse spider at first, but those things eat away at your tissue when you get bitten. We also advised him to avoid black widows. He wondered if he should be bitten on the hand or the neck. We suggested the back of the arm. We spent a good half-hour discussing how this gentleman could actually acquire Spidey powers. It made me think of Elder Carter and the kind of conversations we had.<br />
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Elder Merrill had an interesting experience on exchanges, and the sisters in our district asked him to write a story about it. Then they asked me to illustrate his story. I'll type up the story when I get home, so I'll leave that story open for a couple months until I get home. But it was a very fun experience to draw up pictures for the story. I've had a couple chances these past two weeks to revive my creative abilities, and it makes me excited to unhinge them when I come home! Until then, I gotta work, work, work.<br />
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Love y'all! Have fun getting back into school!<br />
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-Elder Staib<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got to feed a bunch of really pretty goldfish! It was so much fun!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elder Merrill and Jesse, from the Cabot ward, pretending to fly!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elder Wheatley, who's in my district and was follow-up trained by Elder Kowalk, went to the same Tough Mudder my sister and brother-in-law went to!</span></span></td></tr>
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<br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-36332518003020998832013-08-05T17:07:00.000-07:002013-08-19T05:24:11.900-07:00Rebecca was Confirmed on SundayLet's see... This week was very simple. There were only a few important events that occurred, so I'll just fill in the rest of the details by saying that we drove everywhere and talked with a bunch of people. Those people made commitments and then didn't keep them. So that defines about 86% of our work this past week as far as time spent goes. But good things still happened, regardless.<br /><br />The first good thing that happened was that I went GOLFING!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We went golfing last Monday! These are the zone leaders and some members from the Cabot ward, with whom we share a building.</span></span><br /></td></tr>
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Every missionary needs to golf at least once on their missions, and I finally got to do it. It was really freaky, though. The course is owned by a bunch of old people that live out in the country, and the moment we walked into the clubhouse, they started going through the rules and saying that the slightest deviation would mean being banned from the course. We went out to get our carts, and an older gentlemen got all of us to hear him say that any reckless driving would not be tolerated. He assured us that he would be mean if necessary as he rubbed the pocket that held his pistol. He was not shy about that pistol. Apparently, they'd never had a group of 20-year-olds come through that were Mormon before. I was a nervous wreck before we even made it to the first tee box, making sure that I wasn't breaking any rules or doing anything to get us yelled at. <br /><br />It was a very fun time, though. I played decently and found strengths and weaknesses. Let's just say I'm good at popping the ball onto the green and getting it in the hole. I struggle at getting off the tee box, where I miserably shoot into the woods. Yup, I need practice.<br /><br />Rebecca got confirmed yesterday. She is now completely Mormon, and she loves it. She's already come out with us to teach a neighbor of hers. I'll just say Rebecca is very eager to know that her baptism counted in heaven this time around. I was talking to Elder Merrill about Rebecca some time this week. Usually with missionaries, after someone is baptized into the church, you get really nervous that the ward will take good care of their new member and that there is a smooth transition from missionary to member. Elder Merrill and I aren't worried in the slightest about Rebecca. She's never leaving the fold.<br /> <br />
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And lastly, I'll talk about a family that's been visited by missionaries for a few months now. The parents' names are Faith and Marty, and they have an 8-year-old daughter named Maya that has some mental problems. Elder Carter and Elder Rushton found them in the spring. They're fun to be with and we love them a lot. This week, though, they need extra prayers.<br /><br />I won't get into details, but the thing that is worrying the family the most is a court case coming up this Thursday. Marty is facing charges that might put him in jail for up to 6 years, even though he was only defending his family. We visited Faith and Marty on Friday and taught them how to fast, since it was fast Sunday yesterday. Marty had been hard-hearted since the missionaries had seen his family, but he has softened up so much these last few days. They're riding on faith right now, and any prayers on their behalf that the charges pressed against him will have minor consequences would be greatly appreciated by us and Faith and Marty.<br /><br />We have another week ahead of us. We don't have too many solid people on our list, like I said, so we're still fishing for the elect. They'll come around soon, though.<br /><br />-Elder Staib<br /><br /><br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-52610531866652257702013-07-29T19:52:00.000-07:002013-08-06T11:14:23.890-07:00A Miracle!This is going to be a brief one this week.<br />
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To put it simply, we experienced a miracle this past week. Our investigator Rebecca was scheduled to be interviewed by our mission president on Friday. She had to be interviewed by him, as well as get approval from the First Presidency, to be baptized. The process, our mission president told us, could take upwards of 6 weeks. So President Petersen interviewed her, and after the interview, he said that Rebecca was completely ready to be baptized. There was still the matter of bringing it to the First Presidency. On Saturday, as we were teaching around the neighborhood, President called us and said that Rebecca was cleared to be baptized. Everything that had to be done was done.<br />
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And then he added, "She could even get baptized tomorrow if she wanted to."<br />
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When we told Rebecca she could get baptized, she shouted for joy in the hair salon she was standing in. She was so excited! We visited her that night, and she was jumping up and down in her seat, singing a little diddy like, "I'm going down so I can go up!" We then told her she could be baptized the very next day if she wanted, and she quickly consented. She wanted her family and friends from out of town to attend her baptism, whenever it was, but with this opportunity, she said, "I'll have to tell them all I'm sorry, but I just can't wait another minute."<br />
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Rebecca was baptized yesterday and she'll get confirmed next Sunday.<br />
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This was such a blessing to Elder Merrill and I. We worked hard this past week. We were on bikes, but since my bike is missing a nut on the front tire (which I can easily replace once I get funds for the next month), we walked everywhere. We had many prayers with people and set a couple baptismal dates, but none of the people we met came to church yesterday. It seemed like every ounce of our labors were sucked down the drain. We had been casting our pearls before swine all week, essentially.<br />
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But Rebecca proved us wrong., and I'm so grateful for that.<br />
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I'll wrap up here. Pray that we have success in finding the elect in Jacksonville! I know they're here somewhere.<br />
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-Elder Staib<br />
<br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-50667801245497162542013-07-22T19:48:00.000-07:002013-08-05T05:13:13.712-07:00New Area! And pictures again for the first time in a while.I have made it to a new area! This will probably be my last place before I go home in October.<br />
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I am now in Jacksonville, Arkansas, which is about 15 miles northeast of Little Rock. Our church sits on a service road right next to the freeway, and directly across from the building is a large lingerie shop. It's pretty easy to tell people directions to our church, if you know what I mean.<br />
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The town has about 30,000 people in it. I'm still confused on how the demographics are set up. There is a LOT of diversity, some trailer parks, a lot of college-age kids (which I will explain in a sec), rich folks and country people. Basically, I feel like my entire mission has been put into a blender and spit back out in the form of Jacksonville. It doesn't even end there. Elder Carter finished his mission here a few months ago. Elder Fry was here a while ago as well. Elder Merill was companions with Mayberry at one point. Jacksonville feels like everything in these last 2 years has come together.<br />
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My companion, Elder Merill, is a couple inches shorter than me, but with a heart 5 times bigger than mine. He's such a great guy and a hard worker. I think I have the best companion to finish my mission with, if it is our destiny to finish the mission together. He goes home six weeks after I do. We love sharing mission stories together (since we're both veterans and have been through so many things) and talk about how our missions have been, and we also enjoy teaching and seeing changes in people.<br />
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Now, I said there are many younger people here. There are lots of young families, which is a sharp contrast from how Pocahontas was. Well, that's because Jacksonville is hone to the Little Rock Air Force base. Neener neener, Michael. We go into the base about once a week for dinner appointments and other things (we get fed EVERY night here. I'ma get so fat...) and we're trying to find more people to teach inside the base so that we can get more members involved. The requirements for getting in and out of the base have changed drastically since 9/11, as I was told by a member, so it's really divided the ward as far as home teaching and missionary work. We cope with it the best we can.<br />
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I don't have many investigators to talk about just yet since I'm trying to get my footing in this area still. I'll definitely have people to talk about next week, but until now, pray that we can find good investigators. Our investigators are pretty...wishy-washy right now, so Elder Merill and I are trying to find the elect. There is one woman, Rebecca, who is 70 and trying hard to get baptized, though. She has to go through a couple interviews first, but I will definitely see her baptized here. That's all I'll say for now.<br />
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There are 6 missionaries that share this building (the Cabot ward meets here as well), so I gotta get off to let the sisters email. Love y'all! Hope your summer ends safe!<br />
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-Elder Staib<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Farewell, Elder Mayberry</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-15789616748834868462013-07-15T19:41:00.000-07:002013-08-04T07:47:29.202-07:00My Last Week in Pocahontas?We've had several great lessons with Jon, Jennifer and Creanne this past week. We watched "Mountain of The Lord" with them, and they loved it. They want to visit the temples in Memphis and in Utah when they get the chance. On Thursday, we also helped Jon receive his own personal revelation about a job opportunity. He learned to recognize the Spirit and felt a lot more confident about his actions. Jon and Jennifer are also doing what they can to finalize Jon's divorce so that a marriage can happen. Things at just truckin' along.<br /><br />Brianna spilled her soul out to her family and invited them to church so that they could build their family on the foundation of Christ. The entire Rasdom family (except Brianna. She was out of town) came to church this past Sunday. This came as a huge relief to the Musicks and to us. We're glad that the desire has been sparked in them and we're hoping this is their first return visit of many.<br /><br />As for transfers... I'm pleading with my mission president that I get moved somewhere else for multiple reasons, but I do not want to end my mission like this. I only have 2 transfers left. Please keep me in your prayers.<br />
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I love y'all, and hope to hear from many of you next week. I haven't heard from many friends lately.<br />
<br />-Elder Staib<br />
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Oh! Elder Kowalk's homecoming is on July 28 at 1 p.m.<br />
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<br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-86817670733305140072013-07-08T17:12:00.000-07:002013-07-15T05:19:46.322-07:00Faith in Christ is What It's All AboutHot. Hot. Hot.<br /><br />Today is a boiling day. We played tennis this morning and I was dripping with sweat. I always hated the heat. I feel extremely lazy and beat down in it.<br /><br />This week was a blur. The heat muddled up my mind, I guess. We delivered a Bible to a woman and her husband waaaaaaaay out in the boonies. We asked her if she'd like to hear a lesson about the restored gospel. She explained how her dad was her own pastor, and that their church building was a little white building in the field right next to her trailer. They took a Book of Mormon, though, and were very nice. As we left, we saw a large sign nailed to a tree that said, "Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy." Her father sounded like a good, Christian man.<br />
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Sometimes in the church, we can look at other churches as not worthy, or something of that nature. It's an extreme way to put it, but essentially, that's how I have admittedly esteemed people of other religions. This experience added to an idea that I've been trying to adopt since I've been in the South. After seeing this sign, along with other examples around me in the mission, it's become clearer to me that even though the Priesthood is essential to being sealed into heaven, there are still people that will receive wonderful rewards on Earth and in heaven just for being the best they can be. Faith in Christ is what it's all about. We gotta focus on the pearl instead of the beautiful box that holds the pearl, figuratively.<br /><br />Transfers are next week. I'm most likely leaving, but we'll see. I'll go or stay wherever I need to.<br /><br />Oh! Tonight we're going over to John, Jennifer and Creanne's to watch "Mountain of The Lord". They're excited to learn about temples, and that movie does it better than anything I've seen.<br /><br />For the Fourth, we went to the nursing home that Jennifer works at. They had free food and a live band. A clogging team came by a bit later. The fireworks show was fantastic. We were so close that everyone got covered in cardboard pieces and dust. After that fireworks show, the city had another show down by the Black River. We could see the fireworks from the nursing home since it was up on a hill.<br /><br />Well...my brain is fried from heat. We have some more things to do today, but it's going to be a good day nonetheless. I hope everyone is having a fun summer!<br /><br />-Elder Staib<br /><br /><br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-52563765169122951642013-07-01T17:26:00.000-07:002013-07-08T05:26:46.542-07:00Branch Conference...Just a Good SundayYesterday was branch conference. We had a fantastic turnout, including a
lot of people that came from the stake. I got to see some old
friends from the Jonesboro Ward, which was nice. We had many
investigators come to church and all the lessons were good. There was a
big potluck after church and everyone had a good time. Just a good
Sunday. <br />
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Can I take a holiday? A serious, stay-in-bed-and-relax holiday? Because my body muscles are all sorts of "in pain" from the service we've given in past few days. And my mind has been all sorts of "grossed out" from said service.<br /><br />The first project we aided in was helping a sister in the branch move. She's older with two grandchildren living with her. She was moving from a 2-room house to a second-story apartment. Most of what needed moving was a whole bunch of heavy furniture. You remember those stereo system that were basically a large table with a speaker built into each end, and then a record player hidden in the middle? Imagine someone my size carrying that up two flights of stairs. It happened. That, along with dressers and armoires and other things that caused blisters, sweat and aching.<br />
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We worked from 7am to 12pm, and Elder Mayberry and I were the only ones doing it.<br />
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Ah! MIGHT I ADD that everything in the home was covered in COCKROACHES!? Whenever we picked a table up or moved a couch, a flurry of cockroaches spread from that point. I found a Bible on the ground and even checked it to make sure nothing was in it, and when I got it open, 5 cockroaches plopped all over my lap. The skin-crawling experience, combined with the heavy lifting, WAS NOT FUN.<br />
<br />The following morning (Saturday), our branch had what we called an "Awful Waffle" get-together. All the waffles you want along with any topping imaginable. It was delicious. We had games afterward, along with more service to clean up the outside of the church. We had many investigators show up, and I became a croquet champion. It was a fun morning.<br /><br />That EVENING, however, we had to put up metal fencing around a poison ivy patch so that goats could come in and eat the itchy infestation. I didn't get any rashes from the ivy, thankfully, but I'm pretty sure dozens of chiggers had a hay-day on my legs.<br /><br />So in short... I'm tired. But when you're the only young people in an area where older people need to take care of their homes, you're in high demand.<br /><br />Ray is warming back up to us. He's been coming to family night and talks to us again, despite his concerns over his son. He's living day to day on a prayer.<br /><br />
Please pray for Brianna. There's been a misunderstanding in the family, and she is looking for housing right now in Paragould, just east of Pocahontas. She just needs a lot of prayers right now...<br /><br />It's hard to see so many hard things happening to the people here in Pocahontas. And as missionary, it all seems to funnel our way. People want us to solve their problems, but we simply can't. One family we're teaching is getting off their government support because of a recent court trial, and now they're asking us to take care of them, basically. We help how we can, but there are things (like paying gas bills) that simply cannot be done. It's overwhelming...<br /><br />We'll see how this next week plays out. So many people's lives are teetering on the edge of a cliff, it seems. We're doing what we can to have them tied to Christ's sturdy foundation. Prayers at this time would be appreciated. I love y'all, and hope you can be examples to those around you wherever you are.<br /><br />-Elder Staib<br /><br /><br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-750631767633631632013-06-24T20:29:00.000-07:002013-06-24T20:29:03.134-07:00Exciting Changes in Missionary WorkThis week has been... all up-and-downy.<br /><br />Let me just get the sludge outta the way. One of the members of the branch doesn't want to be a member of the church any more. He says there are things he notices that bother him. I have my own personal thoughts on his reasons, but for now, he is not in a good place. We'll try what we can to show him love no matter what.<br /><br />Now, about the broadcast. That was so cool! I'm glad they saved everything onto a single website, or else I wouldn't remember it all. But we got some exciting announcements! Digital missionaries are on the rise, both on part of the full-time missionaries and the members. The brethren are right; door-knocking provides just the opposite affect nowadays. I don't know how many times I've knocked on a door and people look kinda scared when we say, "Can we come in and leave a blessing on your home?"<br />
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Everyone's on edge these days. There were some excellent stories shared, though. I've seen many similar examples of members reaching out in my mission. One things is for sure: as members more actively show love for investigators, less-actives or recent converts, those people want to stay. And as they stay, they become more solid as they build their faith and foundation on Christ. Member work is half the work.<br /><br />For example, John, Jennifer and Creanne are very much loved by our branch. Even though they can't make it most Sundays, they come to the activities, and anywhere these three are, the members smile and chat with them. They have found a home here in the branch.<br /><br />It's about the middle of the transfer, isn't it? I realized a short while ago that at the end of this transfer, I will have as much time as Elder Whetten did when I first got together with him. That's unnerving. Elder Kowalk goes home at the end of this transfer, too. I saw him for possibly the last time this past week. Last time until I get home, anyway. I love that kid. And then Elder Owen and Elder Rich, two of my other friends, leave the transfer after that... and then me. It's tough, having mostly senior companions. Many of my companions are home now. This must be what death feels like, I think? Heh, dunno.<br /><br />Can I brag for a bit? Kinda like an Ammon brag? Brianna. She's as golden a recent convert as JT and Blake are. She'll be moving back to Fort Smith soon, probably around the same time I (might) leave Pocahontas at the end of the transfer, but it has been such a delight seeing her faith and testimony grow. She's been a great ally in trying to bring members back, and she loves to come with us to teach John, Jennifer and Creanne and others. I'm excited for her to return to Fort Smith where her small children are. In short, she, along with other converts on my mission, fulfill this scripture given by Paul (1 Thes. 2:13, 19-20):<br /><br />13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.<br /><br />19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his acoming?<br /><br /> 20 For ye are our glory and joy.<br /><br />Love y'all! Hope you're having a good summer. Oh, let me finally include a cool poem that was read to us in church a couple weeks ago.<br /><br />I asked God to take away my pain.<br />God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give up.<br /><br />I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.<br />God said, No. Her spirit is whole and her body is only temporary.<br /><br />I asked God to grant me patience.<br />God said, No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.<br /><br />I asked God to give me happiness.<br />God said, No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.<br /><br />I asked God to spare me pain.<br />God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.<br /><br />I asked God to make my spirit grow. <br />God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.<br /><br />I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.<br />God said, No. I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.<br /><br />I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me.<br />God said, Ah, finally you have the idea.<br /><br />-Elder Staib<br /><br /><br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-22964660856700002632013-06-17T21:52:00.000-07:002013-06-23T21:54:09.707-07:00Personal InsightsHey everyone. Another week passes by.<br /><br />There's not much to speak of in terms of news. We're still teaching John, Jennifer and Creanne, along with Ray's mom. Their faith continues to grow. We're helping them make minute changes. Changes such as praying as a family, reading more and knowing how to feel the Holy Ghost.<br /><br />I would like to share, briefly, impressions that came to me this past week that I found were very neat.<br /><br />I have yet to asked anyone to be married as a step to keeping the law of chastity. I just haven't run into those situations as often as, say, the Memphis missionaries. So on Tuesday, we were in a zone meeting with a bunch of other missionaries. For the role play we did in the meeting, I asked a couple Spanish missionaries to teach me the law of chastity to an unmarried couple. Not only did I receive revelation for my investigators, but I received revelation for myself. It was something very simple, but it meant a lot to me. The revelation I got was this:<br /><br />A marriage centered on Christ cannot fail.<br /><br />Now, I'm not saying every marriage centered on Christ is perfect. No, I can't expect anyone to be perfect. However, I know that couples that have faith in Christ and make Him their foundation from which to raise a family can endure anything through His grace and love. I'm so glad I learned that.<br /><br />I think...that's about it for me. I have a little less than 4 months left here, but I don't dwell on it. I'm still serving, just as I've always been. Why should that change?<br /><br />Love y'all! Talk to ya next week!<br /><br />-Elder Staib<br />
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<br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-23046244064893405082013-06-10T18:48:00.000-07:002013-06-17T06:49:15.414-07:00Welcome Elder Mayberry!Hey everyone!<br /><br />I've got a new companion this time around. Well, kinda new. This is actually his second time serving in Pocahontas.<br /><br />His name is Elder Mayberry from Arizona. He opened the Pocahontas area back in November with Elder Whetten and only stayed one transfer. President has sent him back to baptize. I pray we can accomplish that. He played high school football, baseball and basketball, so he's very competitive. It's been good getting him back into the area. He remembers a lot, knows some people he used to teach, and is getting to meet all the new people that have been baptized since he's been gone. He focuses a lot on sharing his testimony along with doctrine, and I feel sincerity when I'm with him. He just takes a few moments to open up to new folks, is all.<br /><br />We've been spending a bit of time with the Rasdons and Ray and his mom. John, Jennifer and Creane are moving forward as well, but they've gotten very busy schedules recently that make our visits more scarce.<br />
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The summer's coming on. We went fishing with Ray today for a bit, because fishing is his favorite thing to possibly do. I didn't catch anything.<br /><br />Recently, I've been contemplating a scripture that my mission president had me read not too long ago: Jacob 1. I've been slowly seeing how it applies more and more to my mission, and my goals have not become goals to build me up, but goals to build those around me up. I want to help Elder Mayberry have a baptism here, and I want my converts to progress in the gospel. I'll be honest, I need to make a few changes myself to truly see miracles take place, and I'll be striving to make those changes. For now, though, my goals are there, and my desire is there.<br /><br />I don't have much to say this time around, I guess. Oh, Elder Talbert went to Paragould, right next door. So we're still in the same district. <br /><br />-Elder StaibMatthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-87214272636797484352013-06-03T22:12:00.000-07:002013-06-10T06:13:52.400-07:00Ray was Baptized on SaturdayWe had a baptism.<br />
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The water was very warm, and I got him in one, smooth dunk. Sounds good for a river, right? That's because we didn't have it in the river. It started raining on Thursday and kept raining for the rest of the weekend. I called Ray and asked if he wanted to push it to the next week...again. Ray said the covenant was more important than the location, and he was wanting to make his life better. The entire baptism scenario became immediately easier without having to worry about guiding everyone to the baptismal site and getting dressed outdoors and stepping on alligator snapping turtles and it was just all-around better.<br />
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I'm not disappointed in any way. In fact, I feel really bad about asking for a river baptism now since there was a lot of preparation for it on the landowner's part.<br />
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At the baptism, a young family showed up. Their names (if I have not talked about them before) are John, Jennifer and Creanne. I won't get into details, but the missionaries basically have a permanent place in their home. Their faith has done nothing but build since we've been there, and they're relying on Christ more in everything they do. They decided last week to read more often as a family. They're now coming to family nights just about every week. John was recently blessed with a job soon after quitting his other one. They came to church for the first time yesterday and loved it. I can see them as the next additions to the branch. They're wonderful and I love them very much.<br />
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Elder Talbert is leaving Pocahontas. I'm following the same trend I've followed for most of my mission, at this point. Stay with a companion in my first area for two transfers, and then as I stay, only have a companion for one transfer at a time.<br />
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Something cool is happening, though. This is only speculation, but we'll see what happens. Elder Kowalk is probably going back to serve in West Memphis for his last transfer. :D This means he'll be in my same zone. We have zone meetings in West Memphis. Elder Kowalk and I can have lunch together after zone meetings. Oh, that would be so nice! We have two zone meetings this transfer as well. I'll also be able to see his departing testimony. Talk about an end-of-mission dream scenario. I'm excited.<br />
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Well, that's it from me. I hope everyone is having a good summer so far. It's getting pretty warm here. This is transfer 15/17. The end still seems forever away, though.<br />
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-Elder Staib<br />
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<br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-51902149414300136662013-05-27T18:04:00.000-07:002013-06-10T06:05:30.466-07:00"The biggest change I have seen in myself is my testimony."I'll get the news part out of the way. Not much has happened, really. Ray is still on board for baptism. I've been dying of allergies all week. My eyes are sore from all the itching. We're doing some more fishing today, and this is the last week of the transfer. Next week I'll see if I'm staying in or leaving Pocahontas.<br /><br />I was asked by my mission president to step up my game, especially for these last few months. It made me really reflect on many, many things. It also forced me to humble myself for the sake of these next months.<br /><br />I'm almost four months out until I get on the plane. My mission truly has been mine, testing my own personal beliefs, talents and personality. But I've also been able to use those beliefs, talents and personality traits to bring others into the gospel. I'll be expected to keep on using them until the final second has been fulfilled.<br />
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The biggest change I have seen in myself is my testimony. I never thought I would know Christ so well as I do now. Even though I have a mortal mind, it has nonetheless been opened to taste Christ's redeeming power and mercy over all His children, particularly me. My hope for eternal change is in Christ and nothing else. If it wasn't for the gift of repentance, I would not be able to change into who I am. I would live with files and files of sins tucked away in my head, harrowing me up until judgement day when I hand all the reports to Almighty God and say, "These are my mistakes. Every one. And they're here, just as fresh as when I first made them." At least, that is how any of us would live without the hope of forgiveness through Christ.<br /><br />I am not burdened by those sins any more. I have mistakes I've recently made that I need to repent of, sure. But there are parts of my life that just don't matter to me any more because that is not who I am now. It might be hard to ask forgiveness from some, and I might never receive forgiveness from others. If they want to hold onto my past, fine. But I let go a while ago.<br /><br />Listen to the prophets. Read the scriptures. Everyone is saying the same thing I'm saying right now. Look at Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah. Look at Paul. Some of the greatest missionaries of all time once destroyed hundreds of souls, yet Christ's love and hope changed them, and they never let their pasts weigh them down with shame.<br /><br />Of course, after saying all this, I'm not saying I'm perfect at forgiving myself, and maybe there are some skeletons I need to get out of my closet. But I have moved on from so much, and it truly has been a blessing. Right now, my leaders are asking me to keep cleaning up my act for the sake of the souls God has prepared for me. I'll do my best.<br /><br />Not sure what else to type, other than I love y'all! Thank you, friends, for the love and support you give me. Thank you, family, for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. Elder Kowalk goes home at the end of this next transfer, which makes me really sad, but I'll see him again soon.<br /><br />-Elder Staib<br /><br /><br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-83524912676755115862013-05-20T17:27:00.000-07:002013-05-27T08:28:37.468-07:00Busy Week in Our AreaA LOT OF THINGS HAPPENED THIS WEEK.<br />
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Wednesday, we went to see Gladys Knight and the Pi- I mean, Saints Unified Voices choir. It was really good! Several people "caught the Spirit", I'm sure, and it was a jolly good time. The first song they sang began kinda quiet and slow, with a bit of an African-American vibe, then suddenly an old white guy stood up in the back and started cooing out soul music like he was an African brotha. It was so unexpectedly entertaining. All of the music was energetic and we got to clap along. A couple speakers talked about the apostasy, and how this is Christ's church on the earth again. Gladys and her husband bore their testimonies towards the end. We'll be talking to the guests this week that came down from Pocahontas to see the show.<br />
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On Friday, the branch planned to have a camp out to celebrate Aaronic Priesthood Restoration Day, but the weather said there was a 10% chance of rain, so it got cancelled. Ray was really looking forward to it because he loves to fish, so we took time that evening to fish with Ray. Ray caught 4 small catfish. Elder Talbert caught 2 big catfish. I was reeling in my line and happened to notice a tiny perch on the end of it. LAME.<br />
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On Saturday, because of recent rainstorms, the river we planned to have the baptism in flooded. Ray's baptism has been pushed to June 1st (he has a family reunion this weekend), but the situation is still the same. I'll still have a river baptism. Ray will still become a member. And we'll all be happy in the end. Ray is very eager to be at church every week. He loves the spirit he feels there and learns a lot. He always comes up with a couple good questions about what he's learned, and we're happy to answer him. His mom is coming along, too. She'll just need a bit more of a conviction, is all. I can see Ray being able to baptize her, too.<br />
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So instead of having a river baptism Saturday, we went down to Memphis to listen to Elder Suarez of the Presidency of the Seventy. He spoke about how we need to do our effort as missionaries, AND THEN ask God to step in. He shared the story of the brother of Jared, and how God didn't just give him the answers as far as finding light for their ships. The brother of Jared had to think it out, take the effort to molten out the rocks, and then asked God to fill the rocks with light. So our investigators are like those rocks. It was a cool way to look at that story I never thought of before.<br />
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On Sunday, both Elder Talbert and I gave talks on D&C 88:118. He spoke more about teaching others, and I spoke about applying wisdom. I hope our talks were able to influence others to act more instead of doing the same thing. Of course, that applies to me as well. I need to break out of my shell. I need to do the things I really don't like doing as a missionary just because it's what God wants me to do.<br />
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On a spiritual note, I've recently been reading the missionary story of Ammon and his brothers in Alma 16 and so on, and I've been able to draw a ton of parallels to the way we do missionary service today. One cool thing I noticed was this: read Ammon's way of teaching King Lamoni, and then read Aaron's way of teaching Lamoni's father. IT'S EXACTLY THE SAME, with some slight deviations only on the part of each individual asking questions important to their needs. I thought that was really cool.<br />
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Transfers are...2 weeks from now? Man, it's gone by fast. We honestly don't know what transfers will be like, but we know this much: Elder Talbert will be training in July. That could mean, we stay together another transfer and then I leave, or he could leave the area this transfer and I'll be here for a while. We'll see.<br />
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Love y'all! I keep you in my prayers, and I hope everyone has a safe and good beginning to summer!<br />
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-Elder Staib<br />
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Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-25028445113828107832013-05-13T20:21:00.000-07:002013-05-27T08:22:48.125-07:00Happy Mother's Day!Well, I got to speak with my family a bit yesterday, so I don't feel too story-telly today. I told my family that right now, it feels like I'm a major cog in the branch's clockwork. I got to this point in West Memphis as well towards the end of my stay there, but we're able to help even more in this branch. Yesterday was all sorts of hectic and I had to go from member to member, answering requests for service and getting some stressful situations sorted out.<br />
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Good news, we're planning on a baptism this weekend. Ray is getting baptized. I say we're planning because Ray hasn't been interviewed yet, so that'll happen tomorrow. He's getting baptized in a river by yours truly! One of my mission dreams was to baptize in a river, so I'm really stoked!<br />
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This week, we get to see Gladys Knight and her Grammy award-winning choir perform in Memphis. We're taking some investigators. It's gonna be a blast. It's been a hassle getting all the tickets passed out, but we got it settled. That was part of the reason for the branch drama recently.<br />
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This is going to be a very busy week. I'll have pictures and stories next week, so look forward to that. I love y'all, and I hope everyone enjoys the first days of summer! Bring on the humidity!<br />
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-Elder Staib<br />
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Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-12912704877165395542013-05-06T16:37:00.000-07:002013-05-13T04:39:22.328-07:00Drought in the Midst of FloodingPeople, people, PLEASE.<br /><br />Someone put some poison in the investigator pool, and we've only got a half-dozen fish left. We have to do some hardcore finding these next couple of weeks, because once we get the few people we DO have baptized, we're not going to be left with much of anything. But like...that's how it usually works, right? But I'm talking a serious teaching drought here. It just goes to show that sometimes people get more attached to missionaries than the gospel.<br /><br />Ironically, the work is in a drought, but Pocahontas is pretty flooded. It's been raining nonstop since Thursday. I like rain myself, but no one else is very eager for the river rising and flooding nearby parks and other things. Today, Elder Talbert and I are going to explore Pocahontas' historic features and tourist attractions. It's gonna be fun!<br /><br />Brianna has come with us to teach several lessons. She's so golden. Our baptismal dates are progressing along. Jay asked me to baptize him. I gladly accepted, and maybe I'll finally be able to fulfill my mission-long wish of baptizing someone in a river. That's about the coolest thing any missionary can do as far as a baptism goes. In my book, anyway. I'm so excited.<br /><br />Elder Talbert and I work very well together. We both have horrible senses of humor (i.e. shallow jokes sprinkled throughout the day) so we keep each other entertained. We know how to see the light in the dark, or just brighten things up a bit when they get gray.<br /><br />These next couple weeks are gonna be craaaaazy. Gladys Knight is coming to Memphis with her choir called Saints Unified Voices. They won a Grammy, they're so good. It's a huge missionary opportunity for our mission. Wherever SUV goes, the mission work in that area increases a bunch. Many members of our branch are bringing investigators and less-actives to the fireside event, so we hope and pray that we'll get some referrals after the fireside.<br /><br />OH! We had stake conference yesterday. It was cool because it was broadcast from Salt Lake City. We got to hear from Elder Gay, Sister Wixom, Elder Robert D. Hales and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. It was wonderful. They all spoke about strengthening the family and ourselves. Jay and his mom came, and I felt like it all was speaking directly to them. It was very good. The broadcast stretched the entire Eastern United States district of the world, which encompasses 64 stakes. I'll have to ask Levi what he thought about it.<br /><br />That's about it in the news.<br />
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Congrats, Kristen, on your marriage! Happy Birthday, Ashley! I hit 19 months in 2 days! D:<br /><br />-Elder Staib<br />
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<br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-62382801125698414712013-05-06T04:32:00.000-07:002013-05-13T04:45:54.625-07:00A Picture for My Sister's Wedding Reception May 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Matthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2193677546173178402.post-61077411480741276212013-04-29T20:17:00.000-07:002013-05-06T05:16:27.324-07:00A New CompanionSpring is in the air.<br /><br />I've got a new companion. I am officially a "mother", because I'm follow-up training him! His name is Elder Talbert, and he was trained by Elder Jacobson, a good Elder and friend that served in Frayser when I was in his district as I served in West Memphis. Elder Talbert is from Orem and worked at the Cinemark there right before he left. Elder Talbert is a survivor of many heart problems, including a heart transplant that was performed on him 5 years ago. Despite these problems, he performs and acts like any other 19-year-old.<br />
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We're getting along just fine. He's quiet, but has a good wit and is just as nerdy as I am. In fact...and it scares me to admit... he is the middle child of a family of 5. The youngest in his family, his little brother, is almost 15 years old. He's a bit shorter than the other kids his age, he wears glasses and has very blonde hair. I saw his picture. I freaked out. I then showed him the pictures of me and MY little brother. We both started freaking out.<br /><br />Our numbers (as far as "key indicators" go) weren't too great this week from all the traveling, as well as the fact that I wasn't even in Pocahontas half the week. I'm making it a point, however, to visit the progressing investigators more often throughout the week, so we can keep the Spirit around them instead of letting Satan have his way with 'em. I'm also trying to give Elder Talbert some more speaking time, because I can't keep my lid shut when I get in the groove. I feel like Jacob, when he says (and I may have shared this scripture before), <br /><br />"Behold, my beloved brethren, I will unfold this mystery unto you; if I do not, by any means, get shaken from my firmness in the Spirit, and stumble because of my over anxiety for you."<br /><br />Jacob was anxious to share his message and solve everyone's problems, and I'm the same. Sometimes I just have to pause and hand the discussion to my companion. I'll get ahead of the Spirit and trip up, which ain't the best thing.<br /><br />Everyone is progressing...smoothly, I guess you can say. No one with a baptismal date is moving backwards, which is good. Just need to get good habits going, like READING, PRAYING and COMING TO CHURCH. People gotta do those things! Little, if any, revelation comes without those divine channels in our lives.<br />
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Our recent convert, Brianna, has found love for the Book of Mormon, though. Ever since she began consistently reading, her life has become so much better. Maybe her situation hasn't gotten better, but her outlook on life certainly has. It's a huge testimony to me that the Book of Mormon truly "healeth the wounded soul" (which are also Jacob's words).<br /><br />As for me, my weight has balanced to be around 135, so that's probably what it's going to be for the rest of my mission. Every day I'm living on Ramen and frozen burritos, and I've got enough snacks to never be hungry when I'm in the apartment. I've got granola bars, fruit snacks, pasta, Gardetto's, a bunch of candy... I'm a happy camper. No complaints here! I haven't gotten a letter in forever, though, but that's about it.<br /><br />Love y'all! Just riding the missionary wave, and it's fun. Now I have to go help the senior missionaries burn some CDs and DVDs. One thing I've realized on the mission is that you'll find out how to utilize your talents. I've been able to use my talents by distributing media EVERYWHERE. People are being blessed by the messages and videos provided by Mormon.org or LDS.org, and it's been fun giving it to others.<br /><br />-Elder StaibMatthew Staibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09361952857544837414noreply@blogger.com0