Transfer 12, Week 5: Back to Kalispell

Hey Everyone, 

        How are we doing this week? It's starting to get slightly warmer once again for us here in Montana, so I'm really happy about that. I'm hoping for another short winter this year. That would be nice haha. Well, I won't hold the suspense any longer...

         So, this week has been pretty good for us in Columbia Falls. For the second week straight, we had exchanges. This time with the zone leaders in Kalispell. Elder Helms and Elder Suckow stayed in Columbia Falls. While Elder Giles and myself went to Kalispell for a couple days. It was a blast. We expereienced a service problem, where we had no service for a while, but that doesn't stop us. haha. We were able to a little bit of everything and saw a couple miracles from it. One of which was while we were tracting. We went down this street, and was talking to a few people. We were able to find 2 new potentials on this street that I heard later turned into 1 new person. That was super sweet. I loved it. 

          After exchanges, the week was pretty service heavy. We split wood for a few people at different times, and we did more at the thrift shop in town. All in all it was pretty busy actually, but nothing really stands out in my mind about the week. 

          We had a lesson with the McBrides this week, a part member Family we are working with. And they were able to make it to church this week. Super Exciting times. I hope they can continue to keep comming. I know it will bless them a lot. 

         So, this week I have been working on understanding the complexities of Issiah. He is hard to understand. But as we follow what he says closely,  we can see that the prophet is continually talking about the Savior in every chapter. That 's really cool to see too. How have you been able to see the Savior in the pages of the Book of Mormon that you've read?

          Well, I think that just about wraps it up for me this week. A shorter one I know, but that's ok. I love you all and will talk to y'all next week. Have a great one!

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Pictures:

These are pictures from last week's hike.

Transfer 12, Week 4: Miracles Abound

Hey Everyone, 

        How are we doing today? It's really starting to warm up out here in Columbia Falls again, which is really nice. I'm not ready for winter weather, and I don't think anyone else is either. But that aside, we did see a few miracles this week that I want to expound upon.

         On Monday we spent the day at the Bigfork area and went on a hike to the top of this short peak. It was cold, and there was snow up the trail, making it a little slippery. But we went up anyway and had a ball. I got some good pictures too. 

         So, the beginning of the week, we went on exchanges with the Whitefish elders. I went to Whitefish with Elder Wright, and Elder Palmer went to Columbia Falls with Elder Suckow. It was a lot of fun. Elder Wright and I did a fair bit of service and worked on what we could down there. 

          Later, on Wednesday, we had a dinner lesson with the Shaffers and a referal that they had for us. His name was Jerry. He is super knowledgeable about the scriptures and has a belief in God. We had a great discussion with him about the Restoration and what we can do to know for ourselves. He said that he would like to learn more, but didn't know his work schedule yet, so we got his number, and are working on setrting up a return appointment. Yay!

           Similarily to that, on Thursday we were getting our haircuts, because that was the only day we had available this week.  Anyway, as we were going, the stylist that was cutting our hair asked us a bunch of questions,  but we again weren't exactly able to set up a return appointment, so we'll have to go back again. Haha.

            We had zone conference all day Friday, and didn't get back untill around 11pm from Missoula. It was awesome. Zone conference was very inspiring and helpful for me. I'm super excited for the rest of the transfer because of it. 

              I'm pretty happy with this week. It went a lot better than I would have expected. I'm grateful for the miracles that we have seen, and pray for many more as we do our best ot serve the Lord. Talk to ya next week.

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

pictures...

I don't have them yet from any of the activities. I''l send them next week.

P.S. This week in the Book of Mormon, I have been reading primarily about the words of Jacob, the brother of Nephi. It is really cool to see that Jacob expounds on Nephi's Teachings alot more than Nephi does. Just like how President Nelson expounds on the teachings of President Monson and other past prophets. It is awesome. 

Transfer 12, Week 3: Conference Weekend

Hey Everyone, 
               How's it going? Other than the possibly still Snow Bound friends of Fairfield Montana, is everyone still enjoying the warmer weather?  Or is it starting to get  chilly for you as well? It's definetly back to jacket weather for those who don't already wear one, in my opinion at least. 
                 So... this week has been different for many reasons, let alone General Conference and all the changes there as well. Oh Boy, one can only get excited for the upcoming months. Actually now that I think about it, General Conference was one of the only big differences in the week than previous ones this transfer. 
                  We do a fair bit of service here in Columbia Falls for a Thrift Shop called "Klothes Kloset". It is a lot of fun. During this week, I saw a little cute hoodie that would fit my little brother Max perfectly. But by the time I was going to pick it up, it was no longer there. :(. Welp, you win some some and lose others sorry Max! But I did find a great buy of a lightweight Seattle Jacket that fits me perfectly. So yeah! During this time at the Thrift shop each week, we talk to several nonmembers and have even invited them to the ward family history event this upcoming Saturday, so I hope they can make it. 
                   We had a lesson with a man named Al this week. He is super knowledgeable about the scriptures, and even believes in living prophets, and pretty much everything we do. I can see him being a member someday soon, We just need to figure out what he needs most at this point. 
                  Let's see, we've spent a fair amount of time this week trying to contact recent move ins for the ward. To be honest, I have no idea why we've been asked to do this. It isn't the purpose of missionaries, but the Elders Quorum and Relief Society, but they want us to do it... Not sure why.
                 We had a District Coucil with the Zone this week in Kalispell. I thought it was awesome, and allowed me to refocus. We discussed how to grow our faith, and have the faith to move the work foreward in our individual areas. It was inspiring and helpful as I have needed direction on where to go in my efforts here. 
                  Not only that, but General Conference was huge in that help as well for me. I particularily liked Elder Holland's, Utchdorf's, Johnson's, Anderson's, and Bednar's talks. They each individually helped me boost my confidence in myself and the Columbia Falls Area. I love General Conference for the opportunity to hear the prophet and the apostles speak to us. They are inspired men and allow us to find something within ourselves to change and build upon. Something that I felt was important that I want to share with you all comes from Elder Anderson's talk. In his talk he was speaking on being positive and how Satan can work at us. In specific something that I learned from his talk was that Satan will use negative thoughts and feelings, towards ourselves and others, to attack and distract us. The scriptures say that "what entices to do good is of God". That being said when we are doing our best to stay positive, Satan's influence on us diminishes, and the spirit of God will more easily and powerfully work within us for our benefit and the benefit of others. 
             Other parts of General Conference were great as well. I'm excited for April already based off what President Nelson said. I know that he is being directed by God to lead the Church. He is our prophet, and when we put whatever amount of faith we have in Christ and his ability to lead his Church, we will know and become willing to follow the prophet's divine direction. 
              Well, I think that just about wraps up my week this time. Zone Conference is this upcoming Friday, so I'm pretty pumped about that. I can't wait for the wonderful oppurtunity to come and continue to lean from God's Servants. I urge all of you to review what you have learned from Conference, and make plans to implement something that the Spirit has instructed you to do. I know that it will be a blessing to you. I hope you all have a nice warmer week and I'll talk to you next time. 

Love, 
Elder Sherwood

Pictures:

Companionship selfie at the Klothes Kloset.

Selfie stick selfie #1.

Selfie Stick selfie #2.

Elder Suckow taking a break.

Transfer 12, Week 2: Incoming Storms

Hey Everyone, 
             How are we doing this week? Is it still pretty warm wherever you are? Because it sure isn't right now in Columbia Falls. But I'll explain that a little later. Last week's email was rather short, so I'm going to try to give this one a better length. 
              So let's see, where to start? To be honest as I look through my journal for the week nothing really noteable stands out to me to retell this week. But I'm going to try to make it work anyway. I guess a good place to start would be... Throughout the week, we were kind of stuck to take it slower as Elder Suckow hasn't been feeling well. This week there were multple instances where we were stuck inside as He needed to take a nap so that he was feeling well enough to go to dinner. 
             Also, with the huge storm coming in. So early on in the week, we get advised about a huge Winter Storm warning for the weekend. I don't know about anyone else, but I don't really prefer to see snow before Halloween at the earliest. This storm though was and is supposed to be very snowy and cold for September. I'm really hoping it won't stay at this point. It stayed pretty nice out till about Friday. The winds started to really pick up hard core, clouds came over the Rocky Mountains from the East, and it only got darker and gloomier from there. Sunday the snow started to fall, and as far as I can tell, it's still coming down. But not sticking yet. Thank goodness. I don't want to have to crack out all the winter gear yet. 
          Oh, another thing I just remembered. So, Friday night we go to the home game right? Well It's Homecoming for Columbia Falls and they're playing Browning Montana. The game starts out really well. Columbia Falls takes an early lead in the game. By the end of the half the score is 26 to 8. The fans at this point are super excited. We think that this game is well played and we can keep it up. Well, 3rd quarter happens, Browning doesn't answer. 4th quarter Browning puts up a whopping 24 unanswered points to win the game in the final seconds 32-26. No one was expecting this to happen. Not only was it a fun night in the community, but very different than anyone would have expected. 
           To be honest nothing else really comes to mind for how the week went. All of our lessons canceled, we had a parade on Wednesday which was fun, but it wasn't very big. At the very least, this email is longer than last week's. And I should have a few more pictures. 
             Well, I guess I'll just bare my testimony real quick and wrap this up. Don't forget about General Conference this upcoming weekend. You never know how the spirit will touch your heart through something the prophet says. This is so true. The Work of God is real, and He is moving at a pace to wonder at. Stay happy out there, and don't freeze. Haha. 

Love, 
Elder Sherwood

Pictures:

At the Homecoming Football Game

Sunset before the storm.

A member sent this picture to my mom.

Hey Guys, 

         How are you all doing today? We're getting hit by a huge storm right now, and it's pretty rough. Honestly, I hope we don't get left with too much snow , because it will make it a lot more challenge for both me and my companion. But none of that now. On to the important part of the email. 

           This week in the Book of Mormon, I have been reading in 1 Nephi, around the time where Nephi's trying to learn what his dad has seen. What stuck out to me this week was how the Savior is doing His best to not inhibit our ability to choose. He always allows us to chose our own path, even if it hurts Him. I love how willing He is to work through that. And how patient and how much Faith He has in us to make the right choice. 

              Well, I hope all of you have a great one. I love you. Keep up with the reading. You're doing great. 

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Transfer 12, Week 1: Hello Small Towns

Hey Everyone, 
        How are we all doing this week? It is really chilly and windy right now. Brr. Winter might be starting earlier than I would like. :( But either way, it has been a pretty crazy week for me. Let me start to tell you all about it. 
          So.... the big news of the week is transfers. Once again I have been transfered away. This time not too far though. I am currently in Columbia Falls with an elder named Elder Suckow. He is different. Kalispell First ward is being replaced by sisters as well. Just like Missoula First ward. Man, this made me sad to leave. But at least I'm not too far away.  Because of this the beginning of the week kind of sucked as we packed and re deep cleaned the apartment in preparation for transfers. Boy it was tough. 
         This new area is full of a lot of small towns. And we cover a part of Glacier National park. It is cool, but definetly going to be a bit different to work in these towns again. It's going to take a little bit of getting used to once more. 
          Other than that, there isn't much to talk about. We are focusing on learning the area, and starting up the work. I hope that you all have a great and warmer week. Have a great one.

Love, 
Elder Sherwood

Pictures:

Fountain of Everlasting Water

Elder Suckow and I

Service at the Klothes Kloset.

Transfer 11, Week 6: The Mission Technology Change

Hey Everyone, 
       How's the week been? Mine's been absolutely hectic and worrisome. But even then, personally I do not have the energy to write a lot this week, so this one may be a tad short. 
          For the most part of the week, we've been working with Elder Giles in his area as he hasn't been able to all that much with his companion situation. That, or working on aquiring me a new phone. My old one broke like 3 months ago, so I have a Tablet. But recently the church came out with some news that they are removing ALL mission issued telephones by the end of the month(except for a few loaners). So, I've been given a little grace period to pick up a new device by November. But that doesn't stop the worry period that I'm going through. 
             To be honest that just about covers the whole week. There has not been anything exciting happening this past week, other than excitement for transfers in a few days. I'll let you all know next week.  But untill then, I love ya, 

Love, 
Elder Sherwood

From a text on Tuesday night:
Just wanted to send transfer news ... I'm transferring across the zone to Columbia Falls.
My new address is:
3660 Hwy 206
Columbia Falls, MT 59912

Transfer 11, Week 5: It's Raining, It's Pouring!

Hey Everyone, 
         How's the weather treating everyone?  I'll say the weather this weekend has been quite out of the ordinary for us. It started raining Sunday night, and is still going right now. To make matters even better, the forecast predicts that it won't stop until Wednesday. That's a lot of rain. 
           The week has been decent. It would have been a pretty ordinary week, if it wasn't for Elder Giles companionship hopping all week. It made it interesting trying work out his schedule with ours. Many days we were running 2 areas instead of 1. It was both a blessing and a curse for us. 
             As I look back at the week, there wasn't much that stands out about how the week went except for Elder Giles. It was a standard week. We had a lot of finding time, a small bit of service. There were a few exciting parts about the week though, so I'll explain those.
               We finally were able to meet up swith a couple of our investigators. Becca, and Sugar, and Debbie. We had a lesson with Becca and Sugar and got them. It was great to finally meet them after a month of unsuccessful attempts of contact.  Becca even came to church this week, so that was a mini miracle for us as well. 
                 The other cool thing was that we had a ward BBQ on Wednesday. Not only was it really fun, but there were some nonmembers there as well, and we were able to meet them and start planting those seeds there as well. 
              I know this email is short, so I'll end off with a little thought I guess.  As I was doing my personal study week, I was working in Helaman, around the Story of Samuel the Lamanite, who prophecies of the Savior's birth to the Nephites. I came across something that I really liked a lot. Of the 3 chapters where he is speaking, Samuel only spends a very small amount of time describing unto the Nephites that they need to repent. Instead of focusing on the bad, he spends his time proclaiming the good news that Christ will shortly come. This was cool to me because Our modern day prophet follows a similar pattern. When we focus on the good, and not as much on the bad, our willingness to follow Christ will definetly increase, and our ability to follow him should as well. What a little blessing that is. 
               Well, I think that is it for the week. Stay dry, and happy. See you all Next time. 

Love, 
Elder Sherwood

Pictures:

Selfie with the Tacoma

Some sweet old cars we saw at Becca's place.