Date: Sunday, January 23, 2011, 1:54 PM
Well it has been a week of shoulder to the wheel and harvesting the white field!! Last night as we were reporting stats to the assistants they got our numbers and were shocked at how well we did even though it was Brown's last full week. Since it was on speaker phone I yelled we don't get trunky in Tamaki!!! We beat both of our personal bests with regards to member present lessons we had a whopping 32 which is 12 more than the standard. We have some YSA boys and a few of the Priest age boys that would just spend the whole day with us. Such a blessing and it is really helping them as well. All the boys that got the priesthood last week were preparing, blessing, and passing the Sacrament yesterday it was such a boost to see the fruit of our labors in such a big way!! On Saturday Teresa was Married to her now active husband, and them baptized straight after!! IT was a very simple service since they wanted just a small one, but lets put it this way no girl back home would ever ever ever ever settle for the simplicity of most of the weddings that we have here! She was so happy to have it all done and she was just glowing!
We have a few more baptisms coming up on the weekend one is real solid and the other is a bit shaky because she has some outstanding community service that needs to be finished before she can be fully repentant! We are hoping to get all of that solved ASAP and help here to receive what she has be working so hard to achieve! While on trade-offs Elder Brown and Elder Papalii found these unbaptized kids. Their parents are members, and they have not been to church in a very long time! Crystal is the oldest (16) she is the motherly type that helps her younger brothers in any way that she can. Then there is Matthew (what an awesome name) he is 14 and understands the scriptures better than most adults! Then the youngest Theodore who will be 9 on the 11th of February. They all came to church on Sunday and loved it and keep every commitment we leave with them. As of right now they are set to be baptized on the 18 of February!!! They are so fun to teach because they are just hungry for the truth. The mom who is a Samoan lady came out the first time I went, and growled at us for being in her home, then her attitude completely changes after Elder Brown and I sang her a hymn in Samoan ha ha. She melted in our hands! She now says come over when every you want and insists on feeding us constantly!
Also this week we had our city conference with Elder Bednar. It was of course an event that I will never forget! The last hour we got to ask him questions, and I asked the last one which was, "How has your wife helped you become who you are today, and what did you see in here that stood out to you when you first met." He answer brought tears to his wife's eyes and went some thing along these lines. #1 She always honors her womanhood she understands her role in the Plan of Salvation, and acts just as Heavenly Father needs her to! #2 She is a virtuous woman. She honors and seeks after virtue. Elder Brown and I had the privilege of greeting them as they got our of their car and escorting them into the chapel. When we saw Sister Bednar we both made the comment of just how pure she looked!! Heaps of the Elders came up to me after and said that is what I wanted to asked, but was to scared. It was very inspiring and something that we all needed to hear!!
The zone is doing very well across the board, but there is always room for improvement and what not. Tomorrow I will take Elder Brown to the mission home and he will fly out tomorrow night. My whole mission I always said once that intake is has gone I will have no time left, and here they go. I still feel like I have ages 18 weeks is along time and a lot of time to have miracles and to baptize heaps! I am excited to get a new companion I hope he is young and just all about the work I am tired of killing off missionaries (2 comps in a row). It is the least fun to watch them go and even worse because you feel like you are going too and preparing everything and then the day comes that they leave and you are still here ha ha. Life is good though I am healthy and happy and will give it all I have for as long as I have.
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Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
Life is good!!!
Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 2:25 PM
Kia Ora Whano
I just laugh thinking how all of you will translate that in your head ha ha. It has been another great week with some big progress. I am in ahhh of what the Lord can do if we just rely on his power and now rely on the arm of flesh! This week was interviews with President he was happy as can be with how the Zone is doing and the progress that has been made!!! In my personal interview he talked about what he wants me to do after the mission with regards to career. He talked about a general manager and some other fancy things ha ha. I don't know if you know this, but he used to go into major companies like Pepsi-cola and Gm and he would redefine their management and increase there income in a ridiculous way. When he finishes here in New Zealand he has been asked by the church to move to Alpine Utah, and he will be working with the "business" side of the church improving the structure and what not. He is incredible at what he does and it is crazy to think that the the church has asked him to come and take care of the slack that is costing the church money!! He says he sees a lot of him in me so he wants to help me use the talents that God has given me to make a lot of money quickly for the Lord and help build the church in any way that I will be called. It was definitely spirit led as I have been thinking a lot lately about what I want to do. I feel really good about the suggestions he made, and know that he can get me in with a lot of major companies so that puts my mind at rest. He could really tell that the work is taking a tole on me so he was concerned at first. I told him I am just beat and don't know how I can make in another day let alone another 5 months he smiled and said me either ha ha. He goes home with me so that is good that we can both fight to the end!!! I asked him for a priesthood blessing which was exactly what I needed I really feel refreshed and excited about the work!!! We had 17 new sets this week in the zone which puts us back up to a projected 31 on the month. President said he has never seen a zone beat its best two months in a row so he issued us a challenge. You all know how I love a good challenge. We have a lot of work to do this week, but it will be heaps of fun and sleep will feel real nice.
This week we have a city wide conference with Elder Bednar yes of the quorum of the 12 Apostles! I am very excited and look forward to the revelation that we will receive and what we can do to continue to improve!
Well some investigator updates: Tee-Tee, Dee, and their friend that just moved in with them are all set to be baptized on the 29th of January!! They have really improved, and are now really understanding what we teach, and on a great note they did not think church was boring this week. Partly because Elder Brown and I spoke we talked to their level, but they stayed for all 3 hours and then we had a lesson with them last night. Supposedly outside of church they were confronted by some man telling lies about Joseph Smith they just told him to shut up they did not need his help because they are "Mormons." It is always a good sign that investigators stick up for the church before they are even baptized!!! Zane's baptism over the weekend was very special. As he came out of the water he hugged his uncle and with tears the both expressed their love for each other. Zane, Soni, and Sione all received the Aaronic priesthood yesterday. My joy is full. We also found out Saturday night that BJ who was baptized in Nov after spending a few days with us teaching and stuff has expressed a desire to serve a mission!! What joy filled my heart and my gratitude to the lord in unmeasurable!! I can not put into words what is in my heart I have been a part of changing hearts thus changing the destiny of many many people. Some say we go on a mission to pay back the Lord......Those of us that serve or have served know that we serve and gain a greater debt to our God in his love and mercy. This week Terisa will be married and baptized she is doing well just has to stay strong and keep living the word of wisdom!! Miracles are every where it is just a matter of qualifying for them. Well I am healthy and happy and ready for another week of early mornings and late nights, stressful days and sleepless nights. The life of a missionary there is no better way to live!!!
I love you all and ask that you will continue to pray for me and the New Zealand Auckland mission!!!
P.S. The pics are Zane's baptism and some yuck shrimp I will let you use your imagination and come up with your own story!!
--
Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
Kia Ora Whano
I just laugh thinking how all of you will translate that in your head ha ha. It has been another great week with some big progress. I am in ahhh of what the Lord can do if we just rely on his power and now rely on the arm of flesh! This week was interviews with President he was happy as can be with how the Zone is doing and the progress that has been made!!! In my personal interview he talked about what he wants me to do after the mission with regards to career. He talked about a general manager and some other fancy things ha ha. I don't know if you know this, but he used to go into major companies like Pepsi-cola and Gm and he would redefine their management and increase there income in a ridiculous way. When he finishes here in New Zealand he has been asked by the church to move to Alpine Utah, and he will be working with the "business" side of the church improving the structure and what not. He is incredible at what he does and it is crazy to think that the the church has asked him to come and take care of the slack that is costing the church money!! He says he sees a lot of him in me so he wants to help me use the talents that God has given me to make a lot of money quickly for the Lord and help build the church in any way that I will be called. It was definitely spirit led as I have been thinking a lot lately about what I want to do. I feel really good about the suggestions he made, and know that he can get me in with a lot of major companies so that puts my mind at rest. He could really tell that the work is taking a tole on me so he was concerned at first. I told him I am just beat and don't know how I can make in another day let alone another 5 months he smiled and said me either ha ha. He goes home with me so that is good that we can both fight to the end!!! I asked him for a priesthood blessing which was exactly what I needed I really feel refreshed and excited about the work!!! We had 17 new sets this week in the zone which puts us back up to a projected 31 on the month. President said he has never seen a zone beat its best two months in a row so he issued us a challenge. You all know how I love a good challenge. We have a lot of work to do this week, but it will be heaps of fun and sleep will feel real nice.
This week we have a city wide conference with Elder Bednar yes of the quorum of the 12 Apostles! I am very excited and look forward to the revelation that we will receive and what we can do to continue to improve!
Well some investigator updates: Tee-Tee, Dee, and their friend that just moved in with them are all set to be baptized on the 29th of January!! They have really improved, and are now really understanding what we teach, and on a great note they did not think church was boring this week. Partly because Elder Brown and I spoke we talked to their level, but they stayed for all 3 hours and then we had a lesson with them last night. Supposedly outside of church they were confronted by some man telling lies about Joseph Smith they just told him to shut up they did not need his help because they are "Mormons." It is always a good sign that investigators stick up for the church before they are even baptized!!! Zane's baptism over the weekend was very special. As he came out of the water he hugged his uncle and with tears the both expressed their love for each other. Zane, Soni, and Sione all received the Aaronic priesthood yesterday. My joy is full. We also found out Saturday night that BJ who was baptized in Nov after spending a few days with us teaching and stuff has expressed a desire to serve a mission!! What joy filled my heart and my gratitude to the lord in unmeasurable!! I can not put into words what is in my heart I have been a part of changing hearts thus changing the destiny of many many people. Some say we go on a mission to pay back the Lord......Those of us that serve or have served know that we serve and gain a greater debt to our God in his love and mercy. This week Terisa will be married and baptized she is doing well just has to stay strong and keep living the word of wisdom!! Miracles are every where it is just a matter of qualifying for them. Well I am healthy and happy and ready for another week of early mornings and late nights, stressful days and sleepless nights. The life of a missionary there is no better way to live!!!
I love you all and ask that you will continue to pray for me and the New Zealand Auckland mission!!!
P.S. The pics are Zane's baptism and some yuck shrimp I will let you use your imagination and come up with your own story!!
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Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
Another email...do I have to?
Date: Sunday, January 9, 2011, 2:02 PM
Composing 168 hours of life into an email is not an easy thing to do so I think I just won't even try I hope you all have a good week and keep on keepin on!!............................So I thought about sending that, but then I figured I would not have a very happy mother so I decided to take the challenge and try and give this week some justice.
This week was one of great blessings and many miracles! We, as a zone, are climbing back up the December latter and doing our best to match or beat our zone best of 31. This week we increased to a projected of 24 so plenty of work to still do. Elder Brown and I had an exceptional week with about 33 total lessons and 8 that came to church with 10 new on the week. We have gained a testimony that the new standards of excellence for the mission in 2011 are possible because we hit everyone!! We are striving to be instruments in the hands of the Lord each and everyday so that we qualify for his work and he will take care of the rest!!!
We received a referral this week for a girl named Tee-Tee. We happened to be in the area so we stop in. Come to find out she is a 19 year old girl with a 6 month old son and a baby on the way. Her partner recently left her for his ex and she has been contemplating suicide ever since. Fortunately Heavenly Father was mindful of her and her situation and sent two humble servants to her rescue. We spent the time getting to know her and answering her questions. We also taught her "sister" (no blood relation) Dee-Dee (Both are nicknames). They really like what we shared and when we said that we had to go they wondered why we were leaving so early, but we had been there too long already. We invited them to a lesson that we were having at the chapel 2 hours later at 6 o'clock and they agreed. They came and in the chapel we watched reflections of Christ on the projector and let everyone just sit and feel the spirit. It was great. They then were able to take a tour of the chapel and see where everything was. They both expressed how they just felt warm and welcome in the chapel. Both of them came to church on Sunday and were able to meet with Bishop and he was able to help Tee-Tee with her thoughts of Suicide. Unfortunately they thought church was boring, but that is just because they are used to a rock band and jumping around. We helped them to understand that is not the way of Jesus Christ. We are hoping to set them for the end of the month so they can be washed clean of their past and move forward. It is scary to see the lives that people live when they don't have the gospel in it!! I have a testimony that Heavenly Father will lead us to His children when they are most ready and prepared to make changes in their life!!!
Also Paul and Terisa are planning their wedding for the 28th and then she will be baptized on the 29th. Paul is a LA (less active) member that has made the choice to change in 2011. We have a baptism coming up this weekend with a 14 year old boy Zane who in the Nephew of our ward mission Leader. He is a tower of a boy probably 6'3'' or so. He is so humble and kind, and has decided that it is time to start following Christ in his life!! Ocean was finally confirmed after the 2 week delay after Christmas she is back on track and has been humbled and picked up. Things are really going very well we just have to keep it going.
Well that is about it from me time just keeps flying by. Thank yous all for the updates, love, and support. I couldn't do it with out yous!!! I bare you my witness that this is the work of God. We are in the business of saving souls and the work will continue to press forward until all of His children come home!! I know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ. It is a mirror image of his church in former times, and is led by a living prophet. May the Lord continue to bless us all as we qualify for his mercy and grace is my humble prayer!!! I love yous all!!!
Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
Composing 168 hours of life into an email is not an easy thing to do so I think I just won't even try I hope you all have a good week and keep on keepin on!!............................So I thought about sending that, but then I figured I would not have a very happy mother so I decided to take the challenge and try and give this week some justice.
This week was one of great blessings and many miracles! We, as a zone, are climbing back up the December latter and doing our best to match or beat our zone best of 31. This week we increased to a projected of 24 so plenty of work to still do. Elder Brown and I had an exceptional week with about 33 total lessons and 8 that came to church with 10 new on the week. We have gained a testimony that the new standards of excellence for the mission in 2011 are possible because we hit everyone!! We are striving to be instruments in the hands of the Lord each and everyday so that we qualify for his work and he will take care of the rest!!!
We received a referral this week for a girl named Tee-Tee. We happened to be in the area so we stop in. Come to find out she is a 19 year old girl with a 6 month old son and a baby on the way. Her partner recently left her for his ex and she has been contemplating suicide ever since. Fortunately Heavenly Father was mindful of her and her situation and sent two humble servants to her rescue. We spent the time getting to know her and answering her questions. We also taught her "sister" (no blood relation) Dee-Dee (Both are nicknames). They really like what we shared and when we said that we had to go they wondered why we were leaving so early, but we had been there too long already. We invited them to a lesson that we were having at the chapel 2 hours later at 6 o'clock and they agreed. They came and in the chapel we watched reflections of Christ on the projector and let everyone just sit and feel the spirit. It was great. They then were able to take a tour of the chapel and see where everything was. They both expressed how they just felt warm and welcome in the chapel. Both of them came to church on Sunday and were able to meet with Bishop and he was able to help Tee-Tee with her thoughts of Suicide. Unfortunately they thought church was boring, but that is just because they are used to a rock band and jumping around. We helped them to understand that is not the way of Jesus Christ. We are hoping to set them for the end of the month so they can be washed clean of their past and move forward. It is scary to see the lives that people live when they don't have the gospel in it!! I have a testimony that Heavenly Father will lead us to His children when they are most ready and prepared to make changes in their life!!!
Also Paul and Terisa are planning their wedding for the 28th and then she will be baptized on the 29th. Paul is a LA (less active) member that has made the choice to change in 2011. We have a baptism coming up this weekend with a 14 year old boy Zane who in the Nephew of our ward mission Leader. He is a tower of a boy probably 6'3'' or so. He is so humble and kind, and has decided that it is time to start following Christ in his life!! Ocean was finally confirmed after the 2 week delay after Christmas she is back on track and has been humbled and picked up. Things are really going very well we just have to keep it going.
Well that is about it from me time just keeps flying by. Thank yous all for the updates, love, and support. I couldn't do it with out yous!!! I bare you my witness that this is the work of God. We are in the business of saving souls and the work will continue to press forward until all of His children come home!! I know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ. It is a mirror image of his church in former times, and is led by a living prophet. May the Lord continue to bless us all as we qualify for his mercy and grace is my humble prayer!!! I love yous all!!!
Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
Always learning always growning
Well this week was one filled with challenges and headaches, but we learn the best when put through the refiners fire!!! Due to the holidays everyone in New Zealand or in South side where I am is just drunk for going on a solid week and a half now. New Years was uneventful, we were in bed normal time ha ha, but the neighbors were party hardy all night!!! I reckon that this country puts down more alcohol than the same number of people in any other country. Although it is good because we are here to help them repent...they can't repent if they can't comprehend what you are saying to them. Estee you are right it is a great time for people to make changes so we are hopefully going to find a heap of people this week that are sick of the hang overs ha ha. It has been a week of learning patience and building my faith! I have come to know for assuredly that we go through hard times to help us stand strong and stay humble through the good times! One day when I was struggling a few months ago I was praying and this was my answer I got..."Sometimes Heavenly father will let you walk in the dark to teach you how to walk in the light." I love that answer and find peace in knowing there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Elder Rea well now Steven Rea (my last companion) is staying with members in our ward. he is back for the National YSA conference. It has been so good to see him. He is one of my best companions and has become one of my best mates. He misses the mission heaps and is thinking about going to school in Utah and playing Rugby there. He is from Australia so it would be a good opportunity for him to experience the promise land ha ha. I will continue to encourage him!!
I don't think I have told you this, but there is a Mexican restaurant that has opened up just by where we email. A man from Cali came over and this is his third one here. It definitely is nothing like home, but it is the best we can do! I wonder what percent of my emails make some sort of mention about food ha ha....99.9% I reckon.
My companion now has about three weeks left so that is crazy I never wanted to finish another missionary after Elder Rea, but I guess the Lord had other ideas ha ha. Fortunately he is not trunky and we are just working hard everyday. The only way that I know how to work really!!!
Well that's about it from me I am learning and growing each day. I love the mission and love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for making me who I am today. I love you all and wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!!!
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Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
Elder Rea well now Steven Rea (my last companion) is staying with members in our ward. he is back for the National YSA conference. It has been so good to see him. He is one of my best companions and has become one of my best mates. He misses the mission heaps and is thinking about going to school in Utah and playing Rugby there. He is from Australia so it would be a good opportunity for him to experience the promise land ha ha. I will continue to encourage him!!
I don't think I have told you this, but there is a Mexican restaurant that has opened up just by where we email. A man from Cali came over and this is his third one here. It definitely is nothing like home, but it is the best we can do! I wonder what percent of my emails make some sort of mention about food ha ha....99.9% I reckon.
My companion now has about three weeks left so that is crazy I never wanted to finish another missionary after Elder Rea, but I guess the Lord had other ideas ha ha. Fortunately he is not trunky and we are just working hard everyday. The only way that I know how to work really!!!
Well that's about it from me I am learning and growing each day. I love the mission and love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for making me who I am today. I love you all and wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!!!
--
Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
Hello from NZ!!!
Date: Sunday, December 26, 2010, 2:16 PM
Well things ended very well for the Zone 31 people were baptized coming from all 9 of our companionship's (prior zone best was 20)! As a mission we finished the year with 1724 souls saved. We did what we set out to do earlier this year we doubled our baptisms from when President Porter first came I'm. I forwarded you the email from Sister Porter so you can see all the details. I also forwarded you the pictures of our Stake baptism so they. The only bad part about phone calls is the next email is way lame because all the important stuff was talked about on the phone! It was good to see Evan (Elder Unick's) email he sounds fresh and green and full of energy the trick is keeping that excitement for 2 years. It can be done I am living proof. It was good to Hear from Valerie this week and hope that she is feeling better!!
Mom and Dad I didn't forget about the Agenda yet for your trip here I will get that to you next week after I have had a bit more time to think it all over and plan the best way to take advantage of the time that we will have here!! Craziness though you will be here in 5 months holy cow that is gonna be quick!! Oh be sure to email President Porter today to wish him a happy birthday!!!
Well not to much else to report we are now just into finding mode after 7 baptisms on the weekend so pray that we will be led tot the elect!! There is a never ending supply of souls to save so long as you qualify each day for them!! I love yous all and hope you had a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. 2011 here we come. The sound of that scares me because I remembered Alyssa will graduate this year. We are going to be at college at the same time and in the same "grade" ha ha Funny how life works out!! Well take care and we will talk to you next week!!!
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Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
Well things ended very well for the Zone 31 people were baptized coming from all 9 of our companionship's (prior zone best was 20)! As a mission we finished the year with 1724 souls saved. We did what we set out to do earlier this year we doubled our baptisms from when President Porter first came I'm. I forwarded you the email from Sister Porter so you can see all the details. I also forwarded you the pictures of our Stake baptism so they. The only bad part about phone calls is the next email is way lame because all the important stuff was talked about on the phone! It was good to see Evan (Elder Unick's) email he sounds fresh and green and full of energy the trick is keeping that excitement for 2 years. It can be done I am living proof. It was good to Hear from Valerie this week and hope that she is feeling better!!
Mom and Dad I didn't forget about the Agenda yet for your trip here I will get that to you next week after I have had a bit more time to think it all over and plan the best way to take advantage of the time that we will have here!! Craziness though you will be here in 5 months holy cow that is gonna be quick!! Oh be sure to email President Porter today to wish him a happy birthday!!!
Well not to much else to report we are now just into finding mode after 7 baptisms on the weekend so pray that we will be led tot the elect!! There is a never ending supply of souls to save so long as you qualify each day for them!! I love yous all and hope you had a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. 2011 here we come. The sound of that scares me because I remembered Alyssa will graduate this year. We are going to be at college at the same time and in the same "grade" ha ha Funny how life works out!! Well take care and we will talk to you next week!!!
--
Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
Dad's a funny one!!!
Date: Sunday, December 19, 2010, 2:00 PM
I Just finished reading my emails and I got a kick out of Dad's. He said that Bishop Larkin said if they don't accept missionarie's calls that the ward will double the baptisms. This is a play off of mothers day when I told mom that I wouldn't be calling because President told us that if we didn't then we would double our baptisms!!! Don't worry I called home, but Dad if my phone call is not welcome then so be it ha ha. Things are still just chugging right along, another busy week has come and gone! This week we had another mission conference/transfers. I am still here in Otara (Tamaki Stake) with Elder Brown and will be here for a while because Elder Brown will finish in just a few week (5). I had mixed emotions about the transfer, but there is always a reason that I need to be somewhere so I am here and am to find that reason or reasons.
At our mission conference we had our normal trainings on various topics, but at lunch time we had the missionaries preform. The Samoans, Tongans, Chinese, Australians, and some self made groups all preformed. Earlier in the week President called me to be the MC of the performance. So I came up with the idea to have N.Z.A.M.'s gt talent! I chose three missionaries 1 sister and 2 elders to play the Judges from American Idol. So it was just beyond funny. I was the host and to completely understand you will have to watch the video. Sister Porter recorded it so I hope to get a copy soon and will definitely bring it home with me for all to watch!!! I am thinking of becoming a TV host of some sort ha ha jokes!!
Things are looking really good for this weekend. It truly will be a white Christmas. Our stake is having the baptisms all together at 10am Christmas morning and there are 10+ that will be getting baptized. We have been richly blessed the past couple weeks with new people that have committed to be baptized. It is looking like the biggest Tamaki has ever seen!!! Our investigators are doing very well. We have 7 baptisms set for Christmas Day. Ricky who is a 10 year old boy that has been going to another ward, but lives in out boundaries was passed over to us this week, so we set him for Christmas day. Ocean Knight we just need to get her dead beat partner out of the house, but other than that she is all good to go. Then the miracle Finau Family Mum Nia, and kids Sione (See-o-ney), Leon (Lee-on),and Paia (Pie-uh). They are a miracle because Nia on Friday lost her 2 month old baby so we were so scared that she would want to move here baptismal date, but when we went and saw her yesterday she said... I want to be with my son and all of my children again I believe what you teach is true, and I believe in the plan of Salvation. What a magnificent response, we could not have asked for a better one!!! I know for a fact that we were lead to her by God to prepare her for this sad event in her life. She is so strong and we are stoked for her to continue to make changes in her life. Last but not least is Ana she is part of that same family, in a round about way, she was married to the cousin's son of Nia and they all live together in the Kaufusi's home. The Kaufusi's are members in our ward and have been doing an incredible job with fellowshiping them!!! We are stoked to have a white Christmas this season. Right now it is rainy and hot/humid, which does not go well with shirt and tie ha ha.
Well that is about it you will hear from me this week in my phone call home if you choose to answer or I can find someone else to call ha ha. I love yous all!!! Please continue to pray for those that are being taught, for the missionaries in New Zealand, and through out the world!!!
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Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
I Just finished reading my emails and I got a kick out of Dad's. He said that Bishop Larkin said if they don't accept missionarie's calls that the ward will double the baptisms. This is a play off of mothers day when I told mom that I wouldn't be calling because President told us that if we didn't then we would double our baptisms!!! Don't worry I called home, but Dad if my phone call is not welcome then so be it ha ha. Things are still just chugging right along, another busy week has come and gone! This week we had another mission conference/transfers. I am still here in Otara (Tamaki Stake) with Elder Brown and will be here for a while because Elder Brown will finish in just a few week (5). I had mixed emotions about the transfer, but there is always a reason that I need to be somewhere so I am here and am to find that reason or reasons.
At our mission conference we had our normal trainings on various topics, but at lunch time we had the missionaries preform. The Samoans, Tongans, Chinese, Australians, and some self made groups all preformed. Earlier in the week President called me to be the MC of the performance. So I came up with the idea to have N.Z.A.M.'s gt talent! I chose three missionaries 1 sister and 2 elders to play the Judges from American Idol. So it was just beyond funny. I was the host and to completely understand you will have to watch the video. Sister Porter recorded it so I hope to get a copy soon and will definitely bring it home with me for all to watch!!! I am thinking of becoming a TV host of some sort ha ha jokes!!
Things are looking really good for this weekend. It truly will be a white Christmas. Our stake is having the baptisms all together at 10am Christmas morning and there are 10+ that will be getting baptized. We have been richly blessed the past couple weeks with new people that have committed to be baptized. It is looking like the biggest Tamaki has ever seen!!! Our investigators are doing very well. We have 7 baptisms set for Christmas Day. Ricky who is a 10 year old boy that has been going to another ward, but lives in out boundaries was passed over to us this week, so we set him for Christmas day. Ocean Knight we just need to get her dead beat partner out of the house, but other than that she is all good to go. Then the miracle Finau Family Mum Nia, and kids Sione (See-o-ney), Leon (Lee-on),and Paia (Pie-uh). They are a miracle because Nia on Friday lost her 2 month old baby so we were so scared that she would want to move here baptismal date, but when we went and saw her yesterday she said... I want to be with my son and all of my children again I believe what you teach is true, and I believe in the plan of Salvation. What a magnificent response, we could not have asked for a better one!!! I know for a fact that we were lead to her by God to prepare her for this sad event in her life. She is so strong and we are stoked for her to continue to make changes in her life. Last but not least is Ana she is part of that same family, in a round about way, she was married to the cousin's son of Nia and they all live together in the Kaufusi's home. The Kaufusi's are members in our ward and have been doing an incredible job with fellowshiping them!!! We are stoked to have a white Christmas this season. Right now it is rainy and hot/humid, which does not go well with shirt and tie ha ha.
Well that is about it you will hear from me this week in my phone call home if you choose to answer or I can find someone else to call ha ha. I love yous all!!! Please continue to pray for those that are being taught, for the missionaries in New Zealand, and through out the world!!!
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Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
ZOOM ZOOM Zoom!
Date: Sunday, December 12, 2010, 2:24 PM
I blinked, and now I am back at the library sending home my weekly email. My goodness where does the time go? This week was slow in comparison to past weeks, but we were able to set 5 for December 25. Yes Christmas day. It is that Tongan family that moved in with a member family in our ward!! They are pretty shaky, but we are excited to help them on their journey. The kids absolutely love church, and the lessons we teach. They are looking good we are just not too sure about the Mom. Elder Brown was sick a couple of days this week with cold/flu stuff so we did some trade-offs so I could go out and work and other missionaries could stay with him. That sounded heartless, but the work must go on ha ha. i had similar symptoms a couple days before, but it didn't get as bad. I reckon that it is because I don't have my tonsils anymore and I sure don't miss them either! I am grateful though that he is feeling better it is not easy to try and run the zone solo!
So crazy enough this week is transfers. As usual I have no idea what is going to happen. It is kind of stink because it falls so close to Christmas, so I really don't want to spend it in some random ward, but all is well I will go where ever!! Things are still looking good for the month of December, but there are still way to many that are shaky through out the mission! President called us this morning, and reminded us of the how vital this month is to finish the year the way that we want. No pressure of coarse ha ha. It is a nerve recking time for all of us, but we have God on our side so we can do it. Please pray you guts out that all those that are set will go through on their scheduled day!!! When we pray in specifics we get specifics, but when we pray in generalities we get generalities.
This week Soni (Sunny) is going to be baptized he is a 16 year old young man that is just incredible never misses an appointment and is just thirsting for knowledge! Hopefully I will be here to see it or if I get shifted I will get to come back for it! So Transfers is usually on Thursdays, but it is moved to Friday and we will be having another mission conference/Christmas program. It is going to be good. We spent Thursday organizing the parking and transfer stuff since it needs to be at a different chapel then it usually is at. It should all go very very well!! Well that about all from me I hope my emails are good enough ha ha, but if not I will be holding weekly story tellings when I get home ha ha. I love this work and I am doing GREAT. I love yous all!!! Have a great week!
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Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
I blinked, and now I am back at the library sending home my weekly email. My goodness where does the time go? This week was slow in comparison to past weeks, but we were able to set 5 for December 25. Yes Christmas day. It is that Tongan family that moved in with a member family in our ward!! They are pretty shaky, but we are excited to help them on their journey. The kids absolutely love church, and the lessons we teach. They are looking good we are just not too sure about the Mom. Elder Brown was sick a couple of days this week with cold/flu stuff so we did some trade-offs so I could go out and work and other missionaries could stay with him. That sounded heartless, but the work must go on ha ha. i had similar symptoms a couple days before, but it didn't get as bad. I reckon that it is because I don't have my tonsils anymore and I sure don't miss them either! I am grateful though that he is feeling better it is not easy to try and run the zone solo!
So crazy enough this week is transfers. As usual I have no idea what is going to happen. It is kind of stink because it falls so close to Christmas, so I really don't want to spend it in some random ward, but all is well I will go where ever!! Things are still looking good for the month of December, but there are still way to many that are shaky through out the mission! President called us this morning, and reminded us of the how vital this month is to finish the year the way that we want. No pressure of coarse ha ha. It is a nerve recking time for all of us, but we have God on our side so we can do it. Please pray you guts out that all those that are set will go through on their scheduled day!!! When we pray in specifics we get specifics, but when we pray in generalities we get generalities.
This week Soni (Sunny) is going to be baptized he is a 16 year old young man that is just incredible never misses an appointment and is just thirsting for knowledge! Hopefully I will be here to see it or if I get shifted I will get to come back for it! So Transfers is usually on Thursdays, but it is moved to Friday and we will be having another mission conference/Christmas program. It is going to be good. We spent Thursday organizing the parking and transfer stuff since it needs to be at a different chapel then it usually is at. It should all go very very well!! Well that about all from me I hope my emails are good enough ha ha, but if not I will be holding weekly story tellings when I get home ha ha. I love this work and I am doing GREAT. I love yous all!!! Have a great week!
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Elder Matthew Lee Stucki N.Z.A.M.
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