October 3, 2011
"My life is a gift; my life has a plan.
My life has a purpose; in heaven it began."
(my life is a gift, by Vanja Y. Watkins)
These simple words express greatly the way I feel right now. As they run through my head I can't help but think, how great the worth of a soul is in the eyes of God. I can't express in words the way I felt this Saturday listening to Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk this conference. I know without a doubt that I am of great worth in the site of God. He cares about me, me a tiny spec in all the world he has created. He answers my prayers, even if they are to "find a quarter on the side of the road", as another Genral athourity talked about. I am grateful for conference. I hope that you have all watched every session. It will greatly bless you with a happiness you wouldn't know before you do it.
In the subject of happiness, and conference. I received a letter today from my dad that read,
"Buddy, I mean elder Buddy, I thought I would share with you what happened today as we watched the last session of conference, do you remember the story that the Japanese 70 s guy was telling, about the missionaries confirming him after his baptism? Well your mom burst out into tears. She like me was so honored to know that our son was out there touching and saving souls, as these missionaries did many years ago. Keep up the good work. Love ya tons!!! And always love the people you're serving."
I can't help, but to connect this to a passage from Alma 27:
16 And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into the land, that he and his brethren met Alma, over in the aplace of which has been spoken; and behold, this was a joyful meeting.
17 Now the ajoy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the bexhausting of his strength; and he fell cagain to the earth.
18 Now was not this aexceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of bhappiness.
19 Now the joy of Alma in meeting his abrethren was truly great, and also the joy of Aaron, of Omner, and Himni; but behold their joy was not that to exceed their strength.
As my mother and I joined together watching conference, spiritually speaking, her joy was exceeding. If you read this months issue of the Liahona/ensign you will find an article entitled precious promises of The Book of Mormon. There is in this the promise found just a chapter later in Alma, by President Monson, that the Book of Mormon brings "incomprehensible joy". This joy has come into the life of my family. Please let General Conference and The Book of Mormon do the same to you. And when you have "felt to sing the song of Redeeming love" share it with others!!!! I testify from my experiences just this week alone, that this will bring you "incomprehensible joy". This I do in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Conder"
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
September 26, 2011
"Hey there!
This week has been a week of expansive spiritual growth. I was thinking, while driving home from a very disappointing lesson, of how this is the only thing in my life that will never change. In this world of changing values I can rest assured that if I endure I will gain peace and comfort in this life and in the next. I love this hope that entered my heart. I was filled at that moment with hope in Jesus Christ that through him I can live with our Father in heaven again.
We also had one of the most spiritual lessons ever this week! I love missionary work.
Love,
Elder Conder"
This week has been a week of expansive spiritual growth. I was thinking, while driving home from a very disappointing lesson, of how this is the only thing in my life that will never change. In this world of changing values I can rest assured that if I endure I will gain peace and comfort in this life and in the next. I love this hope that entered my heart. I was filled at that moment with hope in Jesus Christ that through him I can live with our Father in heaven again.
We also had one of the most spiritual lessons ever this week! I love missionary work.
Love,
Elder Conder"
September 18, 2011
"Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This week that has taken on a whole new meaning,for the term ' Brothers and Sisters.' I Love the fact that I get to call you my brother and sister.
I love this gospel, I love my mission. This week was great. It was Elder Roberts B Day on the 15th. One of our members threw a big party for Elder Roberts...... she is so great. I love her so much I included some pictures.
President Hendricks came this weekend it was so amazing to have him this week. He is an amazing man.We just had the mission president here talking about it. The First Presidency has asked us to read 365 days straight for the commemoration. I am really excited. I hope that everyone takes that challenge. That would be so great. I love the thought of everyone reading everyday. That would be great. I have been thinking so much lately about progression towards Heavenly Father. It is so great to help someone even if it is the tiniest little step to get closer to our Heavenly Father.
My progression is going really slow at this time, well I guess I should say it seems so through my eyes. I am trying hard, but it seems that all am doing is just building patience. I was talking to the Mission President about it. although I don't recall all the advice he gave me, I would like to say that I felt as though I have moved a mountain in my life. . I want you to know, that I know, that by small and simple things great things are brought to pass. If we read every day there is no telling how much this would effect the world. Your righteous and virtuous choices have blessed my life thank you so much.
Love,
Elder Conder"
This week that has taken on a whole new meaning,for the term ' Brothers and Sisters.' I Love the fact that I get to call you my brother and sister.
President Hendricks came this weekend it was so amazing to have him this week. He is an amazing man.We just had the mission president here talking about it. The First Presidency has asked us to read 365 days straight for the commemoration. I am really excited. I hope that everyone takes that challenge. That would be so great. I love the thought of everyone reading everyday. That would be great. I have been thinking so much lately about progression towards Heavenly Father. It is so great to help someone even if it is the tiniest little step to get closer to our Heavenly Father.
My progression is going really slow at this time, well I guess I should say it seems so through my eyes. I am trying hard, but it seems that all am doing is just building patience. I was talking to the Mission President about it. although I don't recall all the advice he gave me, I would like to say that I felt as though I have moved a mountain in my life. . I want you to know, that I know, that by small and simple things great things are brought to pass. If we read every day there is no telling how much this would effect the world. Your righteous and virtuous choices have blessed my life thank you so much.
Love,
Elder Conder"
Thursday, September 8, 2011
September 5, 2011
"Hello EVERYONE! Well this week started out really well with one of the best preparation days on my mission, a nice nap, and then I looked at some pictures and thanked God for all the good times that I have had, it was probably one of the most relaxing days on my mission. I am sorry to those that I should have replied to your letters in that time so I hope to make that up this P day and next. I am so grateful for your letters!!! I love reading them very much!!!! During this week and last we have been really trying to work on our teaching and it has been going really well especially towards the end of this week. We focused a lot of our efforts on finding this week and by Sunday, President Kanakoa(our branch president) told Elder Roberts he looked about three shades darker. It is so awesome to find people ! We had some great first lessons. Brother Bethal's lesson was really one that stood out to me. We knocked almost every door in this apartment complex not a single door opened and then we walked around back and started knocking on those doors, nothing, finally we saw a door that was already open. We looked inside to see him sitting on the couch watching family guy. So we asked his name and started small talk, "oh you watch family guy ...." ha-ha he was like you can come in and watch it. So we stepped and started talking to him about the church and his relationship with Heavenly Father. He told us that his dad is a pastor and a little about his life. I don't remember to much of what happened, then all I know is, it was taught by the hand of the lord and the direction of the spirit, we taught the restoration to him. By the end he said, I believe everything you said is true. It was amazing to have the spirit direct us in asking inspired questions listening and teach the doctrine. And no we didn't watch family guy with him haha ! We had a similar experience with a lady that told us after the lesson that she had been praying and believes that we are her answers to her prayers. I was so happy after that lesson that I literally shouted yes!!!!!!!!!!!!! after we had walked a safe distance from the house. This week we had also been working with some less actives and it was amazing this sunday to see almost everyone of them at church. Welcome, welcome sabbath morning. This Sunday was so amazing! I loved it so much We came in and started getting the Sacrament ready. While doing this my heart started to fill with joy as members walked in. Then as church neared the start, boom! Bro Cooper walked in, then I spotted Sister Kemp, Then as my smile threatened taring and my face and started hurting from it, the Evans family walked in, and I will admit that I started to tear up. It was so amazing to see them. Then Bro Evans took me aside and told me that the note we left meant a lot to them! Love, Elder Conder P.s. "YOUR ALL AWESOME" Elder Kurt Randle" |
August 29, 2011
 "HELLO IRENE, "Here I am rock you like a hurricane", yes my first experience with a hurricane this week. We went to one of our members house Tuesday morning to go do service for him and he was like, do you have all of your stuff and we looked at him, a little puzzled. "No not yet" he is like you have to go now to get it!!!  This Hurricane is going to be serious. I am thinking holy cow man this must be a big deal. He is like I want you to go shopping before you come back here so, we got back in the car and headed to the store. We approached and there were hundreds of cars and when we went inside it was a mad house, People running into each other, it was almost like a movie that we were in. We got what we needed and then jumped into the line. The line was an 1 1/2hr.'s long, so we waited and waited while people ran and grabbed and sat in line. Then the power went out in the store, it stayed out for a little under 5 minutes and when it came on everyone was clapping. It was such a cool experience I will never forget. I love serving! We ended up spending the night at the church and the next day and the next night. It was really fun to be there, and after waiting for the hurricane we found out that it changed the direction and the only thing that happened here was some wind and rain. Well Family and friends I love you all very much and I can't wait to hear from you all again. Love, Elder Conder P.s. Tell my Grandma Happy Birthday if you see her. and Kyle happy birthday yesterday."  |
Friday, August 26, 2011
The Power of Prayer!
This is an email my mom received from the mission presidents wife about hurricane Irene! Pretty amazing!!
"Dear Sister Conder,
I spoke to Elder Conder this evening about 7:00 p.m. Bahamas time. Freeport missed the center of the storm. Irene had turned to the east when it left Nassau and so Freeport experienced just the outer edge of the hurricane. All the missionaries in Jamaica had prayed for the Elders in Turks and Caicos, Nassau and Freeport that the storm would weaken or not hit those areas with the core of the hurricane. We were blessed with an answer to those prayers.
Elder Conder is well and the church was not damaged by the storm. They slept there last night and spent today at the church. There is a generator there so they did have power most of today. They had prepared their 72-hour emergency supply of water and food. The branch president in Freeport is originally from Hawaii so he contacted the missionaries as soon as he knew they were in the hurricane's path.
The Freeport Elders have been very obedient during this time. We have been able to remain in contact with them in the morning and evening for the last couple of days. According to the news, Hurricane Irene has left the Bahamas and is headed towards the eastern seaboard of the United States. There may be more rain but no storm danger for the Bahamas.
Elder Conder is a wonderful, obedient missionary. I enjoy being with him - and worrying about him for the last few days. Please be assured all is well with him and his companion.
Thanks for sending your son. He is a blessing to this mission.
With appreciation,
Sister Hendricks"
"Dear Sister Conder,
I spoke to Elder Conder this evening about 7:00 p.m. Bahamas time. Freeport missed the center of the storm. Irene had turned to the east when it left Nassau and so Freeport experienced just the outer edge of the hurricane. All the missionaries in Jamaica had prayed for the Elders in Turks and Caicos, Nassau and Freeport that the storm would weaken or not hit those areas with the core of the hurricane. We were blessed with an answer to those prayers.
Elder Conder is well and the church was not damaged by the storm. They slept there last night and spent today at the church. There is a generator there so they did have power most of today. They had prepared their 72-hour emergency supply of water and food. The branch president in Freeport is originally from Hawaii so he contacted the missionaries as soon as he knew they were in the hurricane's path.
The Freeport Elders have been very obedient during this time. We have been able to remain in contact with them in the morning and evening for the last couple of days. According to the news, Hurricane Irene has left the Bahamas and is headed towards the eastern seaboard of the United States. There may be more rain but no storm danger for the Bahamas.
Elder Conder is a wonderful, obedient missionary. I enjoy being with him - and worrying about him for the last few days. Please be assured all is well with him and his companion.
Thanks for sending your son. He is a blessing to this mission.
With appreciation,
Sister Hendricks"
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
HELLO I Love You Won't You Tell Me Your Name
August 22, 2011
"Hello Friends and families and respected readers,
I hope you love these pictures and they are worth a 1,000 words for you because these are some of the coolest most priceless events that have unfolded in my life. I have a deep gratitude for this sacred calling. I am loving it and for anyone considering a mission the answer is yes! If you asked Nike they might even say "just do it". The mission is the greatest thing ever!!!! I wish I could explain how good it would be for you to go if you have the chance!!!! I also would like to let you know how much your neighbor needs you. I have been your neighbor at sometime in my life, whether it was living in the room next to you, down the street or 1,000's of miles away, you have left something with me that has helped me, I want you all to know I am thankful for your positive impacts in my life and say that if you can't serve a full time mission serve a full time life, always help others to come unto Christ.
I love you all.
Love,
Elder Conder"
"Hello Friends and families and respected readers,
I hope you love these pictures and they are worth a 1,000 words for you because these are some of the coolest most priceless events that have unfolded in my life. I have a deep gratitude for this sacred calling. I am loving it and for anyone considering a mission the answer is yes! If you asked Nike they might even say "just do it". The mission is the greatest thing ever!!!! I wish I could explain how good it would be for you to go if you have the chance!!!! I also would like to let you know how much your neighbor needs you. I have been your neighbor at sometime in my life, whether it was living in the room next to you, down the street or 1,000's of miles away, you have left something with me that has helped me, I want you all to know I am thankful for your positive impacts in my life and say that if you can't serve a full time mission serve a full time life, always help others to come unto Christ.
I love you all.
Love,
Elder Conder"
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