Well I am sorry already because this has to be really short. I am going out with the Zone Leaders, and I have very little time. So let's jump right in the baptisms got puched back a week because the mom was getting married. So we will have 3 baptisms on Saturday!!! James will be married on Thursday. Kyle I want you and Aunt Cassie to know that the NZAM also baptizes Koreans I interview Hyekyoung Stewart This week and she was baptised on Saturday she is on my ward, but the sisters have been teaching her she is way awesome and I now understand partially why you love the Korean people so much. Very humble patient people. Mom the fireside went well it is for all those we are teaching recent converts, and less actives our mission puts one on each month at different stake centers in Auckland. It was great to see scott and many others from old areas that I had taught and are now baptised. Today is Scotts birthday so he was going to come see me but I am too busy wil the ZL's. The Mission tour was great a lot of questions and answers with Elder Neilson of the 70 he is a spiritual giant as well as his wife. Sister Nielson's father was the mission president over Chile Santiago just a couple years before dad went. I sat by them at lunch and had a great talk. It just shows how important the one you marry is. She is so supportive and they strenghthen one another. He was called to be a bishop 6 yrs after his mission crazyt eh? Just before lunch President porter told us that some of us would be interviewed by him. At lunch guess who president chose? Yes me haha. I was interviewed by a general Authority not too many people can say that so I was nervous nervous, but it went really well we mostly talked about the mission in general. He also told me that he had been assigned to go to a stake conference with Elder Stucki (Grandpa's Cousin) so he knew our family name. It was very good to sit at the feet of someone like that!!! This week is transfers who knows what will happen I think I will stay, but crazier things have happend. Things are still going well. It was good to hear about the wrestlers and I am definately proud of them. I can't believe that one wrestling season has already come and gone CRAZY!!! Other that I got Uncle Les's and Aunt Pam's Package this week 27 packages of reeses, 3 huge bottles of Hot Sauce, and a big box of Fere Roche or how ever you spell it. I think Aunt pam forgot I am in New Zealand not AUstralia because she sent it to Ausralia, but it got to me all is well. Well Just some last word of "advice" is to not give up on yourself or others. So many times in my life people could have said ahh worthless and let me go by but they didnt!!! Wrestling work scouting church all of it. I am who I am today because people found a reason to stick with my weaknesses. I exhort all you parents to do the same with your children and with any one that you have power to influence!! Never give up. Remember the Saviour doesnt give up on you!!! Just as Alma when he prayed for Alma the younger through his faith things were made right, and his son became one of the best missionaries this world has ever seen. The worth of souls is GREAT in the sight of God!! I love you all and pray for you often!!!
Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
Work, work, work 2/14/10
Well what a week from heaven that turned into Telestial if you don't understand that, find a missionary in your area and have him teach you the Plan of Salvation also known as the Plan of Happiness. Last night I got a call saying we now have to move in with the elders that moved out from us because the sister's flat is going to take a week to paint and they have to be out!!! It was definitely the straw to break my back, all the things of a new area, companion, double shifting in, becoming DL, seem to just fall on top of me and for the first time in my mission I went to bed completely frustrated!!! Uncle Les it is kinda like the base when they bury the pipes 5 feet in the ground, and they just don't get it. Kinda like our Zone Leaders here there are so many other options, but since it wasn't their idea it is the wrong one. Any ways we have been running around crazy all morning to sus things out and still have heaps to do, but this is just the way Heavenly Father works to refine, and shape us. Fortunately I'm over it and just focusing on other things. Just one experience I want to share happened on Sunday morning we walked with an investigator to church, and just before we got there we walked through and alley way and a man with his dog passed (non-member), and said keep up the good work boys you are doing great. I know what you are thinking, so what, but it was special for this reason. Saturday night before bed I was reflecting on my past years, months, weeks, days, and felt that I needed to have a heart to heart with the Lord, and repent of some things minor of coarse, but I felt the need. That next morning I prayed that as I partook of the Sacrament that I would feel that peace or at any other time. As the man said that to us tears filled my eyes, and I knew that the atonement (Christ's suffering) had taken effect yet again!!! I am in awe everyday of it's power and mercy. We all make mistakes, we are human, but that doesn't give us the right to make mistakes. We recognize that we will slip, but we must do all we can to prepare and prevent rather than repair and repent. It was a great experience for me. As missionaries we are called to cry repentance to the sinner, and to lift and support. How many of you are carrying around extra weight of sin? Why? For me I was stubborn or prideful, but as we humble our selves and call upon Christ to remove the Burden from us I know he will. He invites all to repent and come unto him. Have you? If not don't delay we never know when the clock will strike and Heavenly father needs us more that the world needs us.
Any ways that is enough of that. Pam your email was great and I would have loved to have been there to remind the ref that they make mistakes!!! No one messes with my "adopted" sister Stacie. In New Zealand we call those kinds of people EGGS in other words an idiot haha. That is way cool Andrew got a truck now he can start saving for his mission!!! That is also way good that you are back to Palo and Cindy will be close by!!! Stephanie wow you wrote is everything OK hahah? It was great to get your up date, but you need to put your kids on pause they are going to be 30 by the time I get home haha. I'm glad you are doing well and got my card!!! Grandma Tryon I got your card this week I am glad the two of you are healthy and can attend the temple. It is something I way miss. Mom the hair cuts can be a buzz just not too short so like a 3 and we don't need a part. President isn't to big on the minor details of dress as long as we look neat and smell decent he is fine. Dad the Temple in 1.5 hours away no bus we just carpooled with members. and the church payed for Petrol (gas). We are teaching more than I was in D'Ville, just around 25 lessons or so, but I still miss it up there I loved the country life. Estee there is no MTC in Aus, but there is one in New Zealand that feeds the island and Australia missions if you are in the Pacific area. It is in Hamilton a rocks throw from the temple for now. When Church college get demolished so will the MTC. They closed it because of cost to maintain (church College) it definitely served its purposed and heaps of members went there. Now they are opening one up in Africa I believe, to boost the education there. The new MTC will be in Manakau Which is in Auckland and should be done in a few months. It will be interesting to see if they open it to all missionaries that are coming to the best mission in the world, which is N.Z.A.M. if any one was unclear haha.
Well not much else, but to tell you about the next few weeks. This week starts the mission tour where we will be trained by elder Nelson of the 70. That will be great we have 2 baptisms on Saturday, Thomas and Margaret 8 and 10 years old. Then the next week will be a wedding then baptism. For James and his less active wife Violet. We taught Law of Chastity yesterday, and asked at the end what his thoughts were, and he said well I guess I have to get married since I am going to be baptized!!! What a great answer it was!!! They are now planning for that so we are stoked. It will be my first marriage to baptism so far on my mission so it will be fun. Their kids are also learning about the church so we are hoping to have three that Saturday which will be awesome to have another family in the Gospel. Other than that we are still searching for God's children. The work is great Satan is in full force, but with the help of our Heavenly father he is just a wimpy Wiesel. Well time is up and we have lots to do I love you all and appreciative of your support, faith, and prayers have a beautiful week!!!
Love Elder Matthew L. Stucki N.Z.A.M.
Any ways that is enough of that. Pam your email was great and I would have loved to have been there to remind the ref that they make mistakes!!! No one messes with my "adopted" sister Stacie. In New Zealand we call those kinds of people EGGS in other words an idiot haha. That is way cool Andrew got a truck now he can start saving for his mission!!! That is also way good that you are back to Palo and Cindy will be close by!!! Stephanie wow you wrote is everything OK hahah? It was great to get your up date, but you need to put your kids on pause they are going to be 30 by the time I get home haha. I'm glad you are doing well and got my card!!! Grandma Tryon I got your card this week I am glad the two of you are healthy and can attend the temple. It is something I way miss. Mom the hair cuts can be a buzz just not too short so like a 3 and we don't need a part. President isn't to big on the minor details of dress as long as we look neat and smell decent he is fine. Dad the Temple in 1.5 hours away no bus we just carpooled with members. and the church payed for Petrol (gas). We are teaching more than I was in D'Ville, just around 25 lessons or so, but I still miss it up there I loved the country life. Estee there is no MTC in Aus, but there is one in New Zealand that feeds the island and Australia missions if you are in the Pacific area. It is in Hamilton a rocks throw from the temple for now. When Church college get demolished so will the MTC. They closed it because of cost to maintain (church College) it definitely served its purposed and heaps of members went there. Now they are opening one up in Africa I believe, to boost the education there. The new MTC will be in Manakau Which is in Auckland and should be done in a few months. It will be interesting to see if they open it to all missionaries that are coming to the best mission in the world, which is N.Z.A.M. if any one was unclear haha.
Well not much else, but to tell you about the next few weeks. This week starts the mission tour where we will be trained by elder Nelson of the 70. That will be great we have 2 baptisms on Saturday, Thomas and Margaret 8 and 10 years old. Then the next week will be a wedding then baptism. For James and his less active wife Violet. We taught Law of Chastity yesterday, and asked at the end what his thoughts were, and he said well I guess I have to get married since I am going to be baptized!!! What a great answer it was!!! They are now planning for that so we are stoked. It will be my first marriage to baptism so far on my mission so it will be fun. Their kids are also learning about the church so we are hoping to have three that Saturday which will be awesome to have another family in the Gospel. Other than that we are still searching for God's children. The work is great Satan is in full force, but with the help of our Heavenly father he is just a wimpy Wiesel. Well time is up and we have lots to do I love you all and appreciative of your support, faith, and prayers have a beautiful week!!!
Love Elder Matthew L. Stucki N.Z.A.M.
Kia Ora--2/7/10
Hello again it is good to sit and breathe for a minute and review the week and read things about home. It is crazy to see how time is ticking for everyone, and the pause button has not worked for anyone haha. I was glad to hear that UNLV won and the updates of rain. I feel like I am wet all the time weather it is raining or just humid and hot!!! Things went very well this with with regards to numbers, and spiritual experiences. Brenda's baptism was a huge success, and she bore a wonderful testimony even through all the things that Satan has been throwing at her. She is a very strong woman and will be a great addition to the Papacura 1st ward. We also had a great temple trip with ours, and the sisters investigators. We went down and they got to watch prophet of the restoration, and take the tour and just feel of the great spirit of one of the Lord's houses. It was great. I would love to serve in the visitors center, but I guess that we are just not as pretty as the Sisters. oh well. This week has been a busy one many hours have been spent on the phone with the district trying to comfort lead guide support exhort, and all the onther fun stuff. It has been a humbling challenge that I am truly grateful for. This week we jokingly created a mental list of the roles a missionary takes on everything from wedding planner to bike mechanic to counselor and part time teacher haha. What a blessing it is to be able to adapt, and support in all kinds of situations. I think that it would be a little similar to a parent, the Lord has shaped me since I was young, and it is interesting to see how he continues to shape me each day in ways I can't even imagine!!! What a joy it is to serve and grow. My companion and I are getting along great I haven't worked so hard, and laughed so much since I used to work with Uncle Les (say brotha) he will understand that, but I reckon that most of you wont haha.
Dad you asked why there were so many General Authorities, and it is because the South Pacific Area is so big Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, NZ,Aus and a few other Islands. It just so happend they were in NZ all together since that is where the area office is in Takapuna a block from the mission office. Aunt Teresa You asked how I got the Elder Staples badges... I had to get special permission from the office and they I just ordered them and ya hope they mean a lot I know he never wore them, but they are official :) Pam Gubler it was great to hear an update from your family and that you can go back to PVHS although I am thousands of miles away my blood still runs thick with PANTHER PRIDE!!! It is just mixed with N.Z.A.M. pride, and an intense and unmeasurable love for Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. I also got lots of questions about what we do on P-day here. Not to much today we arew taking the train to Pukekohe which is apart of my district. We will be playing table tennis and volleyball. I will also be cutting hair something that I picked up out here was cutting other elders hair, and my own. It saves alot of money since the average cut is $15. Just another way that we try and save our pennies. Although I hate being broke there is some fun to it. We turn it into a game and just get creative. Other than that we just like to get together as missionaries and relax not too many crazy things to see in this area, but we enjoy the train its like a holiday (vacation as we would call it at home).
I would like to close with thanking all of you from the bottom of my heart for the thoughts prayers, and love that come from all over. Missionary life is tough, but most things that are worth it are ie wrestling, life, children (so ive heard), and the list goes on. I am truly enjoying serving it is a big blessing and am grateful that the Lord is taking care of all of you. Keep doing whats right and loving the lord. Continue to be examples , and let the people you love know it. This is a great time to be alive and we are apart of a chosen people. May we all be humble, and moldable in the hands of Heavenly father I pray always!!!
Elder Matthew L. Stucki N.Z.A.M. (Records are made to be broken)
Dad you asked why there were so many General Authorities, and it is because the South Pacific Area is so big Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, NZ,Aus and a few other Islands. It just so happend they were in NZ all together since that is where the area office is in Takapuna a block from the mission office. Aunt Teresa You asked how I got the Elder Staples badges... I had to get special permission from the office and they I just ordered them and ya hope they mean a lot I know he never wore them, but they are official :) Pam Gubler it was great to hear an update from your family and that you can go back to PVHS although I am thousands of miles away my blood still runs thick with PANTHER PRIDE!!! It is just mixed with N.Z.A.M. pride, and an intense and unmeasurable love for Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. I also got lots of questions about what we do on P-day here. Not to much today we arew taking the train to Pukekohe which is apart of my district. We will be playing table tennis and volleyball. I will also be cutting hair something that I picked up out here was cutting other elders hair, and my own. It saves alot of money since the average cut is $15. Just another way that we try and save our pennies. Although I hate being broke there is some fun to it. We turn it into a game and just get creative. Other than that we just like to get together as missionaries and relax not too many crazy things to see in this area, but we enjoy the train its like a holiday (vacation as we would call it at home).
I would like to close with thanking all of you from the bottom of my heart for the thoughts prayers, and love that come from all over. Missionary life is tough, but most things that are worth it are ie wrestling, life, children (so ive heard), and the list goes on. I am truly enjoying serving it is a big blessing and am grateful that the Lord is taking care of all of you. Keep doing whats right and loving the lord. Continue to be examples , and let the people you love know it. This is a great time to be alive and we are apart of a chosen people. May we all be humble, and moldable in the hands of Heavenly father I pray always!!!
Elder Matthew L. Stucki N.Z.A.M. (Records are made to be broken)
What a week--1/31/10
Well January has come and gone what a crazy thing that is 8 months of service to the Lord with many many many years to come!!! This past week has been one of firsts for me!!! I will share the good stuff first. As Elder Christopherson (of the 12 Apostles) Man this must be a amazing mission it takes 7 general authorities to match up. Yes we were at the feet of 7 General authorities in our Mission Conference this past week. They included Elder Cook and Elder Christopherson of the 12 then The Presiding bishop of the Church Bishop Burton, the President of the 70 Elder Jensen, and the Pacific Area Presidency, Callister, Hamula, and Nielson. We got to shake each of their hands, and all but one made mention of President Stucki the former Las Vegas Temple President, or as we know him Grandpa's Cousin. They said I have a Legacy to live up to, and a name that has done much for the church. That was very humbling. Speaking of humbling experiences the day before the conference was probably the worst day I have had in a long long while with regards to teaching, as we got home that night we were in the pits, but I later realized that it was humbling us so that we could recieve greater instruction the following day at the conference. It was a lesson of great importance. I forwarded an email from president stating that we beat the mission record of monthly baptism with 119 I feel like a New York Yankee. Sorry brother Madsen, but there is also great power in converting to the Lord's one true baseball team the Yankees hahah. It is great to serve the Master in an area where hard work pays off in so many ways!!!
Just this morning I baptized an 8 year old girl whose father was baptised my an American Missionary, and felt like he needed tradition in the family so he asked me, The American missionary to do it. What a great experience to start the day!!! I feel truly blessed to be one of so few that have the power and Authority give us from God to do his work!!! As for the coming week Brenda will be baptised on Saturday. After a very hard week for here we decided to move it back a bit. Her house was robbed, and some other things that were satan's way of trying to get her, but she is alot like you mom, determined strong and loving. She knows the church is true and right and told satan right where to go!!! We also have 3 others in Feb and many miracles yet to be had!!! The is going to be an amazing month for the mission as well!!!
Aunt Teresa you asked about where I slept before the other elders moved out, it was on the floor, and no the bombing dint work for the fleas I have bites up and down my body, but I will survive many people have it much worse than I. I got a letter from Paul Turner which was great!!! Mom did you ever get that NZAM dating itinerary it is a great joke that we as missionaries send out to "daughters of our Heavenly Father" the best part is I have gotten some back if you don't know what that is shoot me an email and I will send one straight away haha.
In closing I leave you with something I wrote this week:
God is our loving Heavenly Father oh let me count the ways
He sent his beloved son to brighten all our days
Each day we slip or fall flat out
But needn't we worry and need not doubt
From on the Cross to Gethsemane
He paid the price for you and me
Our Savior our Redeemer will stand strong
In the days of trouble he won't be long
The day will come that we meet our God
And still by our side he will trod
So let us be grateful for Christ all year
For his example we must mirror.
-Elder Matthew L. Stucki N.Z.A.M. Jan. 2009
My friends and family I want each of you to know how much I love you!!! The past 8 months I have felt every emotion in the book and some that had to be added, but I want you all to know that Christ lives and that we have a Heavenly Father that lives and Loves us all!!! It has been great to see my progression and the progression of NZ. How are you progressing? Are you working alone? If yes then involve got whether it be great or small, family issues or needing to find a job God can do all things and as we learn in the Book of Mormon in Mormon chapter 9:
10 And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God of miracles.
11 But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are.
• • •
15 And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles.
I add my testimony that he is a God of Miracles I see them daily, and I am proud to be a servant of him so work in this part of his Vineyard, to do and say what he himself would say if he were here serving this very people!!! Again I send all my love from my heart to yours!!!
Elder Stucki
Just this morning I baptized an 8 year old girl whose father was baptised my an American Missionary, and felt like he needed tradition in the family so he asked me, The American missionary to do it. What a great experience to start the day!!! I feel truly blessed to be one of so few that have the power and Authority give us from God to do his work!!! As for the coming week Brenda will be baptised on Saturday. After a very hard week for here we decided to move it back a bit. Her house was robbed, and some other things that were satan's way of trying to get her, but she is alot like you mom, determined strong and loving. She knows the church is true and right and told satan right where to go!!! We also have 3 others in Feb and many miracles yet to be had!!! The is going to be an amazing month for the mission as well!!!
Aunt Teresa you asked about where I slept before the other elders moved out, it was on the floor, and no the bombing dint work for the fleas I have bites up and down my body, but I will survive many people have it much worse than I. I got a letter from Paul Turner which was great!!! Mom did you ever get that NZAM dating itinerary it is a great joke that we as missionaries send out to "daughters of our Heavenly Father" the best part is I have gotten some back if you don't know what that is shoot me an email and I will send one straight away haha.
In closing I leave you with something I wrote this week:
God is our loving Heavenly Father oh let me count the ways
He sent his beloved son to brighten all our days
Each day we slip or fall flat out
But needn't we worry and need not doubt
From on the Cross to Gethsemane
He paid the price for you and me
Our Savior our Redeemer will stand strong
In the days of trouble he won't be long
The day will come that we meet our God
And still by our side he will trod
So let us be grateful for Christ all year
For his example we must mirror.
-Elder Matthew L. Stucki N.Z.A.M. Jan. 2009
My friends and family I want each of you to know how much I love you!!! The past 8 months I have felt every emotion in the book and some that had to be added, but I want you all to know that Christ lives and that we have a Heavenly Father that lives and Loves us all!!! It has been great to see my progression and the progression of NZ. How are you progressing? Are you working alone? If yes then involve got whether it be great or small, family issues or needing to find a job God can do all things and as we learn in the Book of Mormon in Mormon chapter 9:
10 And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God of miracles.
11 But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are.
• • •
15 And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles.
I add my testimony that he is a God of Miracles I see them daily, and I am proud to be a servant of him so work in this part of his Vineyard, to do and say what he himself would say if he were here serving this very people!!! Again I send all my love from my heart to yours!!!
Elder Stucki
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