Transfer 8: November 21, 2016

Well we just got gyped out of our hour and a half of emilaing today because we had a lesson cancle and then it was postponed for another hour, but we were outside street contacting while we should have been emilaing, but we were not aware that our changed had influenced our emailng time so much, so this week is going to be really small I apologize. This week has been really hard, I'll be honest, we have been seeing ways that the Adversary is trying to stop our investigators from progressing towards baptism by giving them more work, or by making them have hard hearts, or even one of our investigators was stopped by her parents from coming to Sacrament Meeting this week. We had seen her outside and had said hi, we had previously been trying to get a hold of her, and then we saw her on Saturday. She was so happy to see us, and we talked about how school is going for her and stuff. She told us, without us asking, that she wants to wait to be baptized until she knows for sure that it is the right thing. "good" we told her. We then asked her if she had prayed yet, seeing as she was expressing so many concerns in her life right now, and she said that she had not tried yet, but then FINALLY after weeks and weeks with nothing, she finally said, "I don't know how, but you can teach me tomorrow when I come to church." . . . . She didn't come to church, her parents, both of them stopped her and don't want her associating with us. Cm'on Parents!!! So this week's been quite tough. But through it all, we have definitely seen how the Lord has a plan for everythign that he needs to achomplish, particularly His work and His glory, which is to bring to pass the imortality and Eternal Life of man. We sometimes think we have much more control over our lives than we think we do... I've noticed that when we're doing the Lord's work, we're actually just in control of a few things, and they are things like, "what will I study today?" or "Will I chose to listen to the spirit today?" When it comes to the work, He is very much involved behind the scenes, and will not give up on anyone. Sorry for no pictures this week, I have them but no time. This thursday we'll be haveing thanksgiving lunch at the sister's appartment with our entire district which is 4 elders and 2 sisters. We're all making a bunch of food, and of course a turkey. I'll get more pictures and send them all next week. Love you all, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! S Laskou, Starší Dean

Transfer 8: November 14, 2016

I love this area. I love my companions. The Lord has taught me so many things here, and I believe that He has many things yet to teach me. This area is doing so well right now, and the members are so strong. We are working together with them, and we are seeing so many blessings. I know that when we leave ourselves in the Lord's hands, we are taken, and shaped, and humbled, and it hurts sometimes, but He takes us and uses us for His perposes, and saves us. I am at a point where I don't even want to hang onto any pride anymore. and I've found that pride is anything that stops us from doing the Lord's will too, even if it's something small. I have found that I cannot walk with God, if I am not receiving His individual help. And that means, I cannot have the faith, hope, humility, patience, or Charity that I desire without His help. I must pray for these things, otherwise we will have a much harder time achieving them. Let's use the enabling power of the Savior's atonement, to enable us to be faithful, to be charitable, to be patient. Let's pray for Humility, if you're scared to pray for humility then you need to be humbled. If you are worried that you need more faith it's probably because you want more faith, and you need to pray for a gift to have faith. I find myself constantly needing to pray for such spiritual gifts, to have charity, to have faith, to have patience... we can even pray for a gift to be happy, and our Heavenly Father will help us. I have found that praying in this way, and trying to do everything I can to live up to my desires to be humble, and to be patient, and to be happy, and to be charitable after praying for these gifts, I have found that I have received Heavenly Father's help to make changes, to become better, and He continues with me, it is amazing. This week, the sisters got here. It's awesome to have sisters serving in UH. They have not had sisters here in over 2 years, so the members are very excited. The winter markets are already begining to pop up around the country, and things that are only seen at christmas and during the winter are coming around, like Frgaly, my favorite Czech desert, and also the Trhy, little booths on the town squares where they sell treats and fun things for the hollidays. Thanskgiving is next week, and we'll be spending it together as a district. There are 6 of us in our district, and the Zlín Elders are going to come down here to UH and we'll probably go to the Sisters' appartment and have thanksgiving, or we'll go to the church building, but we're not sure. There are some miracles happening here. We are still working with our friend M, who is excited to get baptized. We have given him a new Baptismal Date, the 17th of December. He is excited. Yesterday at church, m came up to me after Sacrament meeting and asked, "What do I have to do to go to the temple?" Bishop Dynka has spoken a little about the temple in Frieberg during Sacrament meeting, and M was interested. Together we went and talked to the bishop who explained to him about the temple and about how only members who are baptized and have temple reccomends can enter the temple. M is now excited to go get the priesthood and go to the temple. Also, a woman who we contacted has been coming to church for several weeks, her name is S, and she is awesome. She speaks English and has been learning Czech for 4 years, and we gave her a Book of Mormon one day after church. Last week, Elder Andersen and I called her up and asked her if she had read the Book of Mormon. She replied that she had not, and then we asked, "how is it going with work?" she replied by telling us that she was still searching for work, and that she was not sure what she was going to do. She was stressed and we knew that she needed work because she has a 6 year old boy. We thought for a second and then we told her, "S, if you read the book of mormon, we promise you will find work." She accepted the challenge to read the book of mormon, and has been reading it, a few verses a day. She came to church yesterday. I asked her how her reading is going and she looked at me with a big smile and said, "I start work tomorrow!" She said that she'll still keep reading, laughing as she said, "it wouldn't make sense to stop reading now that I have work." We have an English student, her name is E, and she has been coming to english for quite some time. We have always had a feeling that she had potential, but whenever we approached her with the Gospel, she was not interested. We prayed for her, and then right before Elder Andersen left, she came up to him after english and said, "I have a question..... you can say that it's about your church." We set up to give her a solid answer to her question which was, "what happens after we die?" The sisters met with her in the building and now she's the sisters' investigator. She never wanted anything to do with the church, and now her heart is being softened. We have a friend named R. He's from America. He met the missionaries about 6 months ago, and then went back to america. Last transfer he randomly stopped us as we were coming home one night and said, "are you guys the Elders?" We've been working with R, and he shared with us that a missionary who served here 6 months ago shared a verse in the book of mormon with him, and R said that this verse helped him answer some very tough questions. This Elder probably had no idea that this verse helped prepare R to receive us here now. We met with R in a resturaunt and ordered dinner, we pulled out the book of mormon and talked about it. R said that he will be going back to america for a week. We promised him that If he reads the Book of Mormon, every day, he will be able to find even more answers to his questions. He is excited about this, and when he gets back here next week, we're going to put him on Baptismal Date. There are amazing things happening here in UH, and in the Czech Republic as a whole. Preparing for the hollidays and such, we're all looking forward to seeing what comes out of this work here in UH. S Láskou Starší Dean

Transfer 8: November 8. 2016

I don't have a lot of time, but I'll start by saying this. It has been an honor serving with Elder Andersen, he is a strong priesthood holder, and a worthy son of God. He magnifies his calling. I also have the privilege to serve in UH for another Transfer. Elder Andersen will be going to Liberec, and will be serving with Elder Lanham. My new companion will be Elder Geier. Elder Geier actually was in my first district over a year ago while I was serving in Zlín. At that time he was actually already serving here in UH, but then when I went to Jihlava, he also went somewhere else. 6 Transfers later, we are brought back to serve, not only in the same district again, but as companions. At the Stake Conference yesterday in Prague, Elder Geier showed me a page in his journal, where I had signed my signare, and had written something to the effect of, "until we serve to gether..." so here we are! Elder Geier is serving his final transfer, I'll be "killing" him, which suggests that I will likely be staying in UH for another transfer even after this one. I am thrilled to be serving with Elder Geier . He is serving his Last transfer... I only have 3 more transfers! EEEEKKKK! What has happened??? Last transfer we served alone in UH, elder Andersen and I. We both felt like the Lord wanted us to "restart" the area, and we did just that. With the Lord's help, and with the combined faith of all the members, we succeeded in achieving our goals, which were very high. I am convinced that the Lord wants me to push member work for the rest of my mission. It is truly the best way to do missionary work, hands down. This last transfer we received 13 referrals from the members, it was a miracle. our teaching pool has gone from 3 or 4, to around 20 people. Some are progressing others not, but we'll organize that all in a day or two. Elder Geier and I are going to talk, and pray together about our Goals for this Transfer, what we hope to accomplish, and what the Lord plans to accomplish, and then we're going to make it happen. This is going to be a good start. Now that the Lord has restarted the area here in UH, it seems that He is bringing to pass more of His plans. The Other apartment up on the hill behind our apartment, will be used this transfer. The're bringing in two Sisters to our city, which has not happened for about 2 years. So we'll now be able to visit all those members who are single women, because the sisters will take care of them. We are so blessed in this area and in this mission!

Transfer 7: October 31, 2016

A quick update: Our Investigator M is amazing. After having completed the book of mormon he wants to be baptized as soon as possible. His desire to do the right thing has brought about some opposition in the form of work. He has been looking for work, and he is busy because now he has to be gone all week long each week in Slovakia, doing the little work he can do. It's hard to teach him, and is almost impossible to sit down with him and actually have a full lesson. We decided with him yesterday at church (he is faithfully attending church every day though) that we would try to talk over the phone ever day to stay in contact and to help him to keep his commitments. He's expressed that the Word of Wisdom is hard to keep. We're continuing with him, keep him in your prayers. The Transfer will be ending next weekend. That also happens to be the Weekend of the Stake Conference in Prague. This will be the first official Stake Conference after the formation of the Stake just a few months ago. Everything will be running smoothly under the direction of the Stake leaders, no more outside influence in the support of the Czech saints anymore, this is a full fledged Stake of Zion! It has been an absolute privilege to serve with Elder Andersen. He is such a faithful son of God, and a powerful priesthood holder. The other day, we were called by a member, he asked us to come over and give his three children blessings. These kids are sick with something like Chicken Pox, but it is only here in the czech republic or something like that. Adults are imune... mostly... We were not able to go over at first, we have been soo busy the last several weeks. But we came over the day afterwards. We blessed his 2 year old son, and his 4 year old Daughter, and their newborn baby, all three are sick. We felt impressed to tell this fine brother that if he would seek for missionary opportunities and heed spiritual promptings, even if they are small, his Children would heal quickly. We, that same morning had been feeling the need to talk about a certain area of town, an area which made us feel uncomfortable. We had been experiencing a lot of opposition from this part of town during the entire transfer, and we decided to talk about it more when Elder Andersen asked me, "Why do you think that there is so much opposition there?" we'd been shoved and punched there in the past, always in the same place... We both prayed about it and I felt like maybe there is someone there who the adversary is trying to keep away from us, but I also felt like we needed to avoid the area. Elder Anderson felt like we needed to go in there as soon as possible for some reason, we talked together and ultimately decided that the plan is for us to wait, to stand fast for as long as needed, but as soon as we have ANYTHING come out of that area of town, whether that be a refferal, an investigator, an English student, whatever, we decided that as soon as something comes out of that place, it was a sign that we needed to get our tails in there and do whatever we need to do. So after blessing this Bother's children, we asked him, "So who are you guys working with?" we asked this question to get information about what people/friends they are sharing the Gospel with. Whether they are aware of their work or not, when we talk to the members about their friends, we can know what we need to do to help them to make progress. When we visit members, they know why we're here, they should not be suprized to hear us ask them who they're working with, and what we can do to help them. This fine brother told us that they have a friend who is a good friend with his wife. They have known each other for several years, ever since they were little actually, and they had last talked to them about a year ago. We asked them where they lived and he said the name of the place of town which we were thinking about. After he said that they live there, we jumped on the opportunity and explained that we have been feeling that somebody there needs the Gospel and that it may be her. We went out there, a back way, came in from behind following the river and tracted the targeted building. We went straight for her name, after some short conversation, the speaker went silent, we thought we had been rejected, and I was about to turn back. But my companion stayed, and we decided to ring again. Thank goodness, because she came downstairs and talked to us, and we set up to come again this friday. Miracle.

Transfer 7: October 24

This week's been good. As human beings we, by nature, continuously are learning new things. This is true for us as we learn the Gospel as well. We however as members of the church, we have a gift. It is a gift to remember, a gift to learn, a gift to understand, and a gift of God's love inspired correction. This gift has been given to God's children since the dawn of time. It was given to Adam, it was used by Moses. It is the key to a constant flow of personal as well as worldwide revelation to a fallen and thirsty people. It has been called the Unspeakable Gift, the comforter, the Spirit of Revelation, and of truth. It is the Third member of the Godhead, which is comprised of three beings, namely God The Father, Jesus Christ (or Jehova) the son, and the Holy Ghost. This gift of the Spirit of God, is given to us after Baptism by proper and complete authority. This gift is kept as we are obedient to God's commandments, as we are willing to repent and as we humble ourselves, and put off the natural man and follow the Light of the World. When we live the Gospel to the best of our ability, the Spirit provides us with direction and guidance from our Heavenly Father, who Himself is the epitome of truth, knowledge and love. When some things in our lives are not in harmony with the inspired teachings of the Gospel the Spirit will cause our hearts to burn, but this is a different kind of burning. this burning comes as we make mistakes, and we feel bad about them, and wish to repair them, repent, and never make the mistake (sin) again. This burning is painful, and is a gift... it is the spirit telling us that we are better than whatever our mistake was, it's the spirit telling us that we Abhor sin, and that we do not wish to partake of it anymore. It is a sign that our hearts are changing, that we are becoming more like our Savior. And these feelings need to be brought to heavenly Father in sincere and heartfelt prayer, that we may lay hold on the blessings of the atonement, which have already been provided, but that we need to reach out and take. Sometimes we over complicate the Gospel, perhaps like I may have just done above... It is not that complicated. The Gospel is to be explained and understood in such a way that an 8 year old can understand it. When was the last time you asked an 8 year old to tell you about the Atonement? The Book of Mormon tells us that even babes often have words given to them which confound the wise and the learned. I have been challenged by my companion to study with more intent the simple truth's of the Gospel. These truths are the foundation of testimony because we bear testimony of them. I know that the Church is true, I know that the Scriptures are from Heavenly Father, I know that Jesus Loves me, I know that He understands. I know that He knows me. There are a lot of clouds in our minds and in our hearts related to pride, and stubbornness which often stunt our growth and begin to make us forget the simple truths of the Gospel. We reject the spirit because we don't want to embarrass ourselves or because we think that our ways are better, or that something was somebody else's fault. We need to put off the Natural man, and become a Saint. Do you know what that word means? Saint... A Saint, is someone who is striving for perfection. Are you striving for perfection? Yes? Great, but who are you striving with? Yourself, or God? Enos, in the Book of Mormon has what he calls a "wrestle with God". We need to do this, and reconsile ourselves to Him. I wrote this as a weekly email, but I think I need to hear this and remind me of these things myself. I will print this off and use it during some of my studies. I am no prophet, so don't trust too much in my words. But I leave my testimony with you that I know that the Gospel is simple, if we allow it to be. I know more than ever before in my life that there is a Savior, and that He is very active in all of our lives. His Spirit is real, because I have felt it, and His peace is real, because I have it. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Transfer 7: October 17

The Priesthood.... By Wednesday Elder Andersen and I were sick of being sick, so I asked Elder Andersen for a blessing. When he gave me my blessing he said to me, "Do you have faith in Jesus Christ?" "Yes." I replied. "Do you believe that I have Authority to do this?" he asked. "Yes." I responded again. During my blessing Elder Andersen said the words, "according to your faith, be whole" and then he clarified, "by tomorrow." As soon as he said, "be whole" I felt a literal "click" in my stomach and I suddenly started feeling better. The next day I felt almost completely better. Elder Andersen was still feeling sick on Wednesday so when Wednesday night came, he asked me if I could give him a blessing. I layed my hands on his head, and wanted to tell him to be whole as well. not sure about it, I hesitated during the blessing. I stood there not knowing if It was the right thing or not. As I stood there perplexed with this, thinking that the Holy Ghost should be telling me whether or not this is okay, I realized that I too needed to be excising my faith. I made the decision that I would proceed forward, but that I wanted to Holy Ghost to stop me if I was about to do something that I wasn't supposed to do. After what must have been about 15 seconds of silence, I said the words, "Be Whole." I then felt prompted to tell him how he can exercise his faith to secure the blessing, and when the blessing was over, he had a similar experience. We're both doing well now. Our friend Milan is progressing well. Today we just met with him, and we determined with him that it will probably take a few more weeks before everything is done so that he can be baptized. During our lesson today we taught him the Word of Wisdom. I was anxious thinking that we were going to have to explain a ton about why we have the Word of Wisdom, and why we keep it, and what it means, and why it's important, and then I was worried about us having to plead with him to keep it, but when the lesson happened, He sighed a little and would ask a few questions but at the end he just agreed, "okay, good, I guess I can't drink tea anymore." I am continuously blown away just how easy it is to teach an Elect Person. When God prepares somebody to receive the Gospel, he PREPARES them. Milan is literally just accepting everything. His opposition is coming in the form of Work, and stuff pulling him away from Uherské Hradiště into Slovakia, but ever with this, he is still finding time to meet. As we prepare for the winter season the ward is also going to be doing their Halloween party (put on by us the missionaries because they don't have Halloween over here) as well as the Christmas concert that the ward is putting on. What a great time to be here in UH! Love you all!