Esbjerg Beach!

Hello!!

It's been a pretty good week. Sorry for the short email last week. I didn't have terribly a lot of time, so I had to shorten it a little bit. But Esbjerg has been great! It's good to be back in a Ward. We've got about 80-100 active members every Sunday, (Yeah, sounds like a USA branch) but they're all some nice people. It was nice to greet new people. Some of them I had previously seen in other the other churches I served in, so it was kinda funny! 

Let's see, I don't really know what happened this week because I had no idea what's going on. But I know that we did some knocking in some apartment complexes and found a bit of success with that. We had 7 investigator lessons this week so that was also good. There are several people in this area interested in the gospel, so that's a plus! I've noticed the people here are much more open than in previous areas and we've given out so many Books of Mormon and gotten several potential investigators. We've been finding loads of success recently and our ward mission leader is really pushing for a member-referred baptism, so we've been having lessons with members and giving them commitments. So it's been going well with that! 

The area is really beautiful too. We're right next to a beach and we get to see the nice sunsets and clouds/sun contrast. It sounds like a girly thing, but this type of stuff makes a missionary in Denmark happy haha. I snagged some pics too! 

Anyways, I have a good scripture to share! It's quite the interesting one...  It's in Alma 48. It says, "23 Now, they were sorry to take up arms against the Lamanites, because they did not delight in the shedding of blood; yea, and this was not all—they were sorry to be the means of sending so many of their brethren out of this world into an eternal world, unprepared to meet their God." It talks about the time when the Lamanites king, Amalickiah (or something) went wicked and wanted to take over the more righteous people, the Nephites. The Nephites had to defend themselves, and I think it's interesting to see the amount of love they had for their bretheren. They were coming to kill them, but they were sad they not only had to fend them off and shed their blood, but they were even more upset they had to send their bretheren to God unprepared. That's how we should be. We shouldn't get back at our enemies, but we should just love them and care for them. Everyone is our bretheren. I'm not the greatest example of this, so don't take after me.... But we need to learn this concept and the Lord will bless us when we do that. The Lord blessed the Nephites so much that not a single person died in the Lamanite's attacks. 

I love you all and I'm thankful for your support!! Have a great week!

Love, 

Ældste Taylor Howes

Esbjerg Beach! I look like a bunch of icicles, and I promise, I don't look that chubby in person. I was

pretty numb.

 

 

Transfer #2 to Esbjerg!

Hey!

I hope everyone had a great week. I don't have a lot of time, but here's some pics to sum up the week! 

I moved to Esbjerg, which is southern Jylland. I'm pretty happy about it! It's a pretty city.

It snowed everyday this week! :) The fjord.. I think its like, estuary in english. I have no idea, but that froze, and I got a picture with it! The kids name in Mathias, he was a good friend of mine in the branch! He's a good kid! He's 17. The last picture is the ward mission leaders family! We ate with them on Sundays! They're awesome. 

Anyways, I love you all!!! Have a great week! 

Love, 

Ældste Taylor Howes

New Year in Denmark Round 1

HeeeEEEy!

GODT NYT ÅR MINE KÆRE VENNER! Happy New Year! Danes go crazy for the New Years..if you've ever seen Hot Rod, if you remember the scene right before he does the big jump where they're walking through town and the people around their crew decides to go insane, that's a glimpse of the Danish New Year..the city here is still a mess! But their fireworks blow July 4th out of the water! It felt like a war zone whenever we were in bed at midnight! It was a fun experience!

Anyways, aside from that, we had the opportunity to meet with a few people! One of our friends said she would like to be baptized! She wasn't ready to commit to a date in February, but she said she definitely will! But, she's moving far far away where only a boat can get to...But, missionaries will still go to her anyways! She's been handed over to a different set of missionaries, so that's some exciting news! We're really happy for her and she's happy we asked. As soon as we invited her, she knew it was something she needed to do..that's the spirit working through an investigator! :) 

On the 1st of January, we used the WHOLE day to clean our apartment because we weren't allowed to go outside because it wasn't safe. So our apartment is spotless! We also rearranged it...there's a whole new excitement after things are moved around! But, that was a pretty bummy day! It was nice to have a clean and organized apartment again though! The next day, we were in Silkeborg on splits. We helped them out a little bit so that was good! It's always fun to be together with other missionaries! 

This Wednesday, we'll be in Copenhagen because my companion has to take a language test so he can stay in Denmark an extra year. It's kind of weird to think my trainee is taking a language test before me....and I've been out almost a year now. That's odd! But hey, I'm good with no tests! I'll also find out this week if I'm getting transferred. I'll be sad to leave Randers, but I think I'm up for another challenge at this point. We'll see what happens! :) I'll let you all know next Monday if I'm elsewhere! 

Yesterday, I read a scripture in the book of Alma! It's Alma 41:10. It says, "10 ...Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness." It's Alma giving words of advice to his son, Corianton, who had committed a few sins. I read over this scripture and immediately thought that there are those people who are content with their lives. It's hard for me to imagine that because I realize how much happiness I've been blessed with as a member of the church. I can't imagine stepping outside of the church because you can totally notice the difference when you do something against the will of God. The sin makes you feel happy for a short amount of time, but how do you feel days after? Not good! How do we feel when we follow God's commandment and do his will? I feel pretty happy! I've never been happier in my life! I invite you all to think about how much the church and this gospel has blessed you and to remember that wickedness wasn't and NEVER will be happiness! :)

I love you all and happy new year!!!! 

MKH, 

Ældste Taylor Howes

Christmas in Denmark Round 1

Heyy!

I hope everyone's had a good Christmas time and hasn't stuffed themselves to death.. I almost did, but that's how you know you celebrated right! Christmas time has been pretty fun, but nothing's the same as being home for Christmas, that's for sure! But it was great to call home! I was pretty happy for that. It never lasts long enough though... 

This week has been pretty good because the members have taken good care of us! The Danes celebrate Christmas on the 24th. It's kinda different from America! So they start the evening by just eating dinner. Then we clean up and sing some Christmas carols. We sing Christmas carols and dance around a Christmas tree until we're tired (there was old people so it didn't last long) and then we sit down again. Then we play a couple games to pass the time and get some good laughs in. Then we ate some risalamade (you all have seen the picture from weeks ago). After we're stuffed, we have either a Christmas story or a spiritual thought centered around Christmas. After that, all the presents are opened and Santa Claus comes! Pretty fun! It's pretty different too. But they celebrate Christmas on the 24th through the 27th. It's basically several days off and that's about it. I don't know what they do on the other days other than sleep! But that sounds fun too! 

It's been a pretty solid week. We had some lessons before the whole Christmas hullaballo came in. Those went pretty well but there's nothing too noteworthy unfortunately.. There's been progress, which is good..but they have struggles keeping them from commitments.. Hopefully after all these festives we can get out finding again! :) 

There's a scripture I liked this week. It's Alma 32:41-43. It's pretty good. It says, "41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life. 42 And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst. 43 Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you." If we nourish our faith, just the little bit that we have, that will grow. It may not come immediately..it never has for me...but I know if we're patient and diligent in searching for answers to our prayers, seeking for Lord's help, He will give it to us and it will be in accordance to our faith and patience! Don't get discouraged, things will always work out! :) 

I hope you all have a great New Year's! happy 2016! I love you all!

MKH, 

Ældste Taylor Howes

Our Christmas tree and my presents!! :)

4 Days Until Skyping!

Hey! 

I wish you all a Merry Christmas! It feels like last Christmas was just yesterday! But the concept of time on a mission is pretty skewed..maybe some of you feel differently, but I love Christmas! This week has been pretty Christmasy! On Monday we had some snow, but it didn't last very long. Then on Wednesday, our district came to Randers and we sang some Christmas Carols on the townsquare, to investigators and some members. It was pretty fun. I was a little skeptical to sing Christmas songs with 5 dudes in front of whoever would walk by on the most crowded corner of town, but it wound up alright. I wasn't too thrilled to start, but afterwards, it worked pretty well. We got some potentials from it, so it was pretty successful! We did that same thing in Skive the next day, and it worked pretty well again. So that has been semi effective and fun! :) 

On Friday, we were in Århus for Zone Conference, and we had all the missionaries from Jylland and Fyn with us so we could share Christmas together. That was pretty fun! We ate a Christmas dinner for lunch and had some risalamande dessert with that! After, we saw everyone's baby pictures and old family pictures. It was pretty funny. I'm glad mine weren't have as embarrassing as some! Thanks mom and dad! :) Right after that, a return missionary who's Danish showed up as Santa Claus and handed out all the packages our parents and whoever else sent to us! Then, the best part of all, we watched the movie Inside Out! SUPER funny movie haha and super cute. I enjoyed it, and it was good to see a movie as a missionary haha. Well, not good, but you get what I mean. 

We haven't had much time to do too much work in our area, but we had a few investigator lessons and there's not much new with that unfortunately, but the progress is going forward slowly but surely. :) We're still working hard and doing all we can! Hopefully we can have a Christmas miracle this week! I believe it! :) 

Anyways, remember to think of the true meaning of Christmas! I saw an interesting scripture this week. It's in Matthew, 27:46. It says, "46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?." Sometimes, we really do feel like God has forsaken us. Jesus even felt that way. But it was much worse for him. Jesus suffere

d everything. HE even felt like God forsaked (forsook?) him. Him being perfect. It's a good reminder that the Lord knows everything that we go through. And knows exactly how He can help us. Always remember that and be sure to thank him for his sacrifice. It wasn't easy! 

I hope you all have a great week! Jeg ønsker jer alle sammen en glædelig jul og et godt nytår! 

I love you all! 

MKH, 

Ældste Taylor Howes

PS: In other news, I FINALLY got my visa! I'm now legal! 

11 Days until Skyping!

Hello!!

I'm getting all ready for Christmas, I don't know about you all! It's been starting to feel like Christmas season! Only like 11 Days til Christmas aka 11 days to Skype home! I'm pretty excited. It only happens 2 times a year!!

Anyways, this week has been packed. We've been pretty busy! On Tuesday, the Relief Society had a Christmas party and they asked us to wash their dishes, so we said yes, and they promised us some food in return. That was good! Then on Thursday into Friday, we had splits with the Zone Leaders. That was pretty fun. We got some good work done. Our power also went out on Thursday because our chandelier had a short... So we were with some electricians for a good part of the day as the fixed our power... Luckily it was free! :) But that wasn't too fun! Then on Saturday, we had the Branch Christmas party! That was pretty fun and had some good Christmas food too. It was nice to get to know the branch a little bit better too!

We met with some investigators this week to but not too much progress with them.. One progressing investigator is moving to a tiny island in Denmark called Samsø.. Where there are no missionaries nor church buildings... But, that's alright! We'll see if we can't have missionaries sail on a ferry to teach her! But, no new news... We're hoping for some change in our investigators this week. We think it can happen. This week we won't be in Randers too much. We'll be out of it from Thursday - Saturday, but we have a Christmas party with our mission on Friday, so that should be fun! :) I'm really excited. I love coming together with other missionaries.

Anyways, it's been a pretty good week. Hopefully we can get more work going here in Randers! We've been working our tail off but not many people wanna talk! But we're pressing forward anyways! There's a scripture I wanna share though. It's in Mosiah 24: 9-16.

It says, " 9 For Amulon knew Alma, that he had been one of the king’s priests, and that it was he that believed the words of Abinadi and was driven out before the king, and therefore he was wroth with him; for he was subject to king Laman, yet he exercised authority over them, and put tasks upon them, and put task-masters over them.10 And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God.11 And Amulon commanded them that they should stop their cries; and he put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death. 12 And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. 15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage."

It's quite long, but its worth reading. I had an experience yesterday that makes know this is true. Contacting last night was not a walk in the park. Let's just say the people weren't the nicest last night. I didn't get discouraged, but of course I was like, "What the heck?" We had about 10 minutes left before we had to go in for the night and I just prayed in my head that we'd find someone who'd be interested after this brutal day and for the Lord to help me get my spirits up again. I remember walking down the road and seeing a girl smoking and I felt inclined to talk to her, but we took a different road the eventually turns into that road. We eventually got to that road she was on so I turned up the hill and saw her still standing there. Turns up, she was interested and got her number. I could have just went inside, but I knew as soon as I saw her she'd wanna talk. And she did! As long as we're patient, endure and rely on the Lord, he'll free us from our bondage. So do it! :) It works!

Anyways, I love you all! Thanks for all your support! I appreciate it a ton!

Have a great week,
Love,
Taylor

PS: That's Risalamande! Good stuff. The white stuff in the bowl. We got the left overs from the Christmas Party! The other picture is Hobro. Beautiful city!

GOD JUL!

Happy December! 

I hope everyone had a great November and I hope everyone enjoys this month! The most wonderful time of the year! 

It's been a pretty good week. The winds been blowing and it's been raining everyday all day, but what's new? At least it's not snowing! 

I don't really know what new happened this week! The mission has been focusing a bit on Family History finding, but the world has been focusing on "A Savior is Born." So, that's primarily what we've been focusing on! I really like that website. You all should check that out though. I could spend days on it....but don't worry, I wont.. There's like tons of videos and .gifs and stuff. It's really sweet and social media share friendly. You all should check it out! We've been doing quite a bit of knocking and contacting this week to show people this video. Not too many people want to see a two or three minute video though... Whatever! It'd be much easier with iPads too, but we're not so lucky...go figure. But, it really has been going well! 

Two of our friends we meet with will come to church this week! They're also going to the Ward's Christmas parties! That'll be pretty exciting. We found one of our investigator's dad's knocking on some doors and had a pretty interesting story! This guy said the reason why he's such a religious born again is because he prayed at religious men would come talk to him and the mormon missionaries knocked on his door that same day. That was like 40 years ago, but loves our church because it began his religous journey. He said he's been praying for his daughter that she'd find a religion..... little does he know that we've been meeting with her for the past month! So that's pretty miraculous! We'll tell them that we've been meeting with their dad/daughter soon enough... We'll let that sit for now...

Anyways, since were weeks shy from Christmas, I thought I'd share a good ole Christmas scripture. It's Alma 7:10-14. It says, "10 And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God. 11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me." I really like this because it helps us remember what the Savior did for us so that we could be free from sin, relieved of sickness and helped in our struggles. He made it possible so we could return and live with our Heavenly Father again. We need to remember that and just say a prayer of thanks. It wasn't an easy task, but it shows us the undescribable love both God and Jesus Christ had for us. Let's cherish this gift! It's the best gift ever! And we can use it our whole lives!! :)

Anyways, I love you all! I hope you all have a good week! :) 

Med Kærlig Hilsen, 

Ældste Taylor Howes