Dear Family,
So we are staying here in Grand Prairie! I did get a call though on Saturday, I'm district leader for the Grand Prairie district. Both of the other companionships in the district are changing though.
We had a break-through week last week! Things finally started happening. We had a great lesson with Ricardo's brother, Alexander and he came to church. So on Tuesday we taught a lady in our apartment complex for the first time. The lesson didn't go that well but a retired member of the branch presidency came with us to that appointment. The next day he calls us and tell us he called a less-active sister in our area and set-up and appointment to teach the family on friday. He came with us on Friday and we taught the non member father and the two nonmember teenagers.
They all came except the dad to church yesterday! It was a miracle. The lesson on Friday with the family was sweet. He committed the family to listened to the lessons and said that at the end of the lessons that they could decide to be baptized or not. It was perfect!
Saturday, we had a blitz in our area with our district and a zone leader and assistant. We tracked down families that had been taught over the last two years by the sisters but that never got baptized. It was pretty neat. The Lord seems to be pouring out his spirit here in Grand Prairie.
Honestly it really is strange that I only have 3 transfers left. I'm really excited for this area though. After a couple weeks of struggling we've started to figure things out and are on the path to success. The whole mission is "on fire" and has a record number of baptismal date already set for April and May. This week we should be setting a couple in our area!
So many good things are happening. I wish I could tell you all of them. Thanks for the support and prayers. Good luck with finals, Marissa. I liked the epic mountain experience that dad and Uncle mike had though, pretty cool. I love ya'll so much!!
Love,
Elder Wagner
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
General Conference
Dear Family,
I can't believe how big Riley and Andrea are!!! They've changed a lot. That's awesome to see all the family pictures from Utah. Sounds like ya'll enjoyed conference as much as I did. In the last talk by Elder Anderson, he said that there are no assigned topics or coordination in regard to the conference talks. It made me appreciate the repeated focus on the family and the roles of parents and children. I enjoyed all the talks and feel reenergized and recommitted to do better.
Leaving the last session on Sunday, our appointments fell through and none of our contacts would answer the phone. So we went to try some potentials and we talked with all those around us. Something I'm trying to work on is to be more bold and direct with people in committing them to do something. We talked to a guy in an apartment complex parking lot. He has been looking for a church to join, but hasn't found one. We gave him a Book of Mormon and I promised that as he read and learned more he would know and feel it was true. It wasn't too different from many contacts I've done before but I felt more confidence and assurance in myself.
We found several other really good potentials yesterday evening.So this is that last week of this transfer. I'm glad to be here in the mission. I'm hopeful for the upcoming months. I feel and desire to really make a difference. Something that really stood out to me from conference was President Packer's talk on Priesthood and Fathers. His words made me realize that I need to make the effort and take the time to help many of the priesthood holders in the Branch. Too many times have I given a blessing to child when the father should have done it, but that's going to change.
There are some great new members here in the branch who we are going to help advance in the priesthood and gospel. The Lord supports us in trial. If we think of Christ, we'll realize that because he could do what he did, we can complete the task in front of us. I pray for yall and hope for the best. Be missionaries and good examples. I know that we are watched over and protected.
Love,
Elder Wagner
I can't believe how big Riley and Andrea are!!! They've changed a lot. That's awesome to see all the family pictures from Utah. Sounds like ya'll enjoyed conference as much as I did. In the last talk by Elder Anderson, he said that there are no assigned topics or coordination in regard to the conference talks. It made me appreciate the repeated focus on the family and the roles of parents and children. I enjoyed all the talks and feel reenergized and recommitted to do better.
Leaving the last session on Sunday, our appointments fell through and none of our contacts would answer the phone. So we went to try some potentials and we talked with all those around us. Something I'm trying to work on is to be more bold and direct with people in committing them to do something. We talked to a guy in an apartment complex parking lot. He has been looking for a church to join, but hasn't found one. We gave him a Book of Mormon and I promised that as he read and learned more he would know and feel it was true. It wasn't too different from many contacts I've done before but I felt more confidence and assurance in myself.
We found several other really good potentials yesterday evening.So this is that last week of this transfer. I'm glad to be here in the mission. I'm hopeful for the upcoming months. I feel and desire to really make a difference. Something that really stood out to me from conference was President Packer's talk on Priesthood and Fathers. His words made me realize that I need to make the effort and take the time to help many of the priesthood holders in the Branch. Too many times have I given a blessing to child when the father should have done it, but that's going to change.
There are some great new members here in the branch who we are going to help advance in the priesthood and gospel. The Lord supports us in trial. If we think of Christ, we'll realize that because he could do what he did, we can complete the task in front of us. I pray for yall and hope for the best. Be missionaries and good examples. I know that we are watched over and protected.
Love,
Elder Wagner
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Happy Birthday Andrea & Mom!
Elder Wagner and his 3 sonsElder Olsen, Elder Bice, Elder Wagner, Elder Haslam
Dear Family,
Well Happy Birthday mom and happy late birthday to Andrea. Congratulations to Mark, he's the fifth Wagner cousin to get married since I've been on the mission. Its pretty cool that everyone was able to go out to Utah.
How exciting that Brandon is going to Mexico city (D.F.) he'll love it. He'll come back a 'chilango' thats what they call people from the districto federal or mexico city. And thats awesome Jennifer is going to florida and that she gets to speak espanol!!! I'm very excited for her.
Thats good I have a place to live for the fall. I'll have to write Jordan and tell him about it. About fall, I'm pretty sure I have to register for classes soon. Marissa knows how to and mom knows the password and classes, you can probably log in and find out when I can register. As far as distribution, I don't really need anything right now.
So this last week we had Zone Conference. I'm attaching a picture of me and Elder Olson, Elder Bice and Elder Haslam, the three missionaries I've trained. It was a good conference and pretty fun.
We are starting to get things rolling here in Grand Praire. Ricardo, the guy who got baptized a couple weeks ago brought his borther to church and we should start teaching his brother which will be awesome. We found an awesome partmember family that weren't on the records here. The mom is a member but the dad and two teenage daughters aren't. We taught a really bold and powerful first lesson. The daughters are really active in another church, but we made it clear that we were here to help them find out if this is the true chruch of jesus christ. It was a miracle we found them.
Another cool thing was a letter I got from Pedro Zuniga, the 19 year old I baptized in Nacogdoches last year. I hadn't heard from him since I had left, but the elders there had told me that he hadn't been to church in a while. So getting a letter was awesome!!!! He started hanging out with his old friends and was getting into trouble but he had some experiences that reminded him of the gospel and the commitment he made at baptism. He thanked me in his letter. It was really neat to see how I was able to help him find the Gospel.
Well I'm super excited for conference. I really need it and we are going to get every one we can to come and listen to the prophets and apostles. I know that this is the only ture and living church on the face of the earth and that as we listen and apply the teachings of the prophets modern and ancient, we will be blessed. God Bless.
Love,Elder Wagner
Monday, March 22, 2010
Crazy weather = Texas
Dear Family,
Texas officially has some crazy weather. So I honestly thought spring was starting last week. It was warm (70s) and things were starting to bloom (bad for allergies, but exciting). Friday it was like 75 and breezy, just beautiful. There is a saying here in Texas that goes like this, "If you don't like the weather just stay a few minutes, it'll change." Sure enough, Saturday morning was stormy and rainy. Around noon it had stopped raining but it was cold (40s) and really windy. Saturday night it started to snow and Sunday we woke up to an inch or two of snow. So much for the first day of spring. Texas is crazy.
I'm going to be excited for that allergy medicine. I've been using Zyrtec, but it doesn't cut it. Texas has a lot more plants and stuff. I'll tell you if they are still out of control with the Allegra.
So Elder Bice is making leaps and bounds in his Spanish ability. His prayers and communication just get better and better. Crazy to think that less than 3 months ago he knew absolutely nothing in spanish. He is great and we get along well. His dad is a vet and he worked there during high school so he has some crazy animal stories.
Speaking of animals, Friday, Elder Facer (my former companero), who is one of the assistants to president came on exchanges with us. We were tracting a street and this mean little black dog kept yipping at us. It finally chased Elder Facer and bit him in the leg. It wasn't bad, didn't even rip his pants but it was reallly funny.
The mission has lots of fun times. So I'm getting better at bunnyhopping curbs on the bike and I'm just starting to figure out how to wheelie. We ride our bikes at least an hour every day, so you get good. Its a blessing to be on the bikes. It keeps me in shape and you're always super tired.
Tuesday we have zone conference which will be cool. I need to boost in excitment so we can get some things rolling here in Grand Prairie.
I love ya'll and thanks for all the prayers and support.
Love,
Elder Wagner
Texas officially has some crazy weather. So I honestly thought spring was starting last week. It was warm (70s) and things were starting to bloom (bad for allergies, but exciting). Friday it was like 75 and breezy, just beautiful. There is a saying here in Texas that goes like this, "If you don't like the weather just stay a few minutes, it'll change." Sure enough, Saturday morning was stormy and rainy. Around noon it had stopped raining but it was cold (40s) and really windy. Saturday night it started to snow and Sunday we woke up to an inch or two of snow. So much for the first day of spring. Texas is crazy.
I'm going to be excited for that allergy medicine. I've been using Zyrtec, but it doesn't cut it. Texas has a lot more plants and stuff. I'll tell you if they are still out of control with the Allegra.
So Elder Bice is making leaps and bounds in his Spanish ability. His prayers and communication just get better and better. Crazy to think that less than 3 months ago he knew absolutely nothing in spanish. He is great and we get along well. His dad is a vet and he worked there during high school so he has some crazy animal stories.
Speaking of animals, Friday, Elder Facer (my former companero), who is one of the assistants to president came on exchanges with us. We were tracting a street and this mean little black dog kept yipping at us. It finally chased Elder Facer and bit him in the leg. It wasn't bad, didn't even rip his pants but it was reallly funny.
The mission has lots of fun times. So I'm getting better at bunnyhopping curbs on the bike and I'm just starting to figure out how to wheelie. We ride our bikes at least an hour every day, so you get good. Its a blessing to be on the bikes. It keeps me in shape and you're always super tired.
Tuesday we have zone conference which will be cool. I need to boost in excitment so we can get some things rolling here in Grand Prairie.
I love ya'll and thanks for all the prayers and support.
Love,
Elder Wagner
Monday, March 15, 2010
Poor, poor Elder Bice
Hi family!
So I'll explain the panda blanket. Last year it was the last day I had in Nacogdoches and a member gave me that blanket. I was so surprised I didn't know what to do with it. So I kept it with me. I would use it on exchanges and in Longview I used it at my comforter when our heater broke. Since winter is over here in Texas, and the case the blanket came in was broken, I sent it home. Pretty sweet blanket, but it sheds fluff; so be careful. After I taped up the box I realized I should have explained what it was.
Our second week in Grand Prairie was better. Saturday, Ricardo got baptized and confirmed Sunday. The difference in his countenance for Saturday before the baptism and Sunday after church was pretty incredible. He looked like a completely different person. Today we are going to make him a cake since its his birthday.
Elder Bice is great. He is easy-going and full of desire. On Friday we had interviews with President Smith. Sister Smith as usual gave a training. It was on 'worrying'. So I realized that I have a bad habit of worrying about this that don't matter or that I can't change. She said that often we worry ourselves sick and miserable. My interview with President Smith was really good and comforting. I understand better why I'm here and why I'm training again. After interviews we ate at a little taqueria in a gas station with the other missionaries of the zone.
That would prove fateful.Saturday morning Elder Bice awoke to stomach pains and the 'turnsies.' Use your imagination to understand what that means. He was pretty sick. We got picked up by a member who helped us make the baptismal program. He dropped us off at some apartments about a mile from the church. We visited some people but Elder Bice was really sick. He had a headache and was really nauseous.
So we went to a fast food place so I could eat something because I hadn't eaten lunch (we went to A&W). He drank some water and we went to the church. He crashed on the couch for the nest hour and a half. By now he had a fever, headache and nausea. I played the piano and started filling up the font. He survived the baptism but slept afterwards for the next 12 hours at least. He is getting better but still has a stomach ache. Don't worry I kept on him about drinking lots of fluids (aren't you proud dad?).
I love being a missionary. Saturday was sobering since it means I have 5 months left. The blessings of serving the Lord with all your time are great. I see how much I've learned and the people I've helped and it makes me so glad that I had parents, extended family, friends and leaders who made a full-time mission one of my goals. There is a young man in the branch who is my same age, 20, who isn't on a mission, isn't going to school, and isn't working. One of my goals is to get him on a mission while I'm here. He's a little bit older but that doesn't matter. There is nothing that can compare with serving a full-time mission. Military service, college, work won't change you the way a full-time mission will. I know thats true because its changed me.
Love,
Elder Wagner
So I'll explain the panda blanket. Last year it was the last day I had in Nacogdoches and a member gave me that blanket. I was so surprised I didn't know what to do with it. So I kept it with me. I would use it on exchanges and in Longview I used it at my comforter when our heater broke. Since winter is over here in Texas, and the case the blanket came in was broken, I sent it home. Pretty sweet blanket, but it sheds fluff; so be careful. After I taped up the box I realized I should have explained what it was.
Our second week in Grand Prairie was better. Saturday, Ricardo got baptized and confirmed Sunday. The difference in his countenance for Saturday before the baptism and Sunday after church was pretty incredible. He looked like a completely different person. Today we are going to make him a cake since its his birthday.
Elder Bice is great. He is easy-going and full of desire. On Friday we had interviews with President Smith. Sister Smith as usual gave a training. It was on 'worrying'. So I realized that I have a bad habit of worrying about this that don't matter or that I can't change. She said that often we worry ourselves sick and miserable. My interview with President Smith was really good and comforting. I understand better why I'm here and why I'm training again. After interviews we ate at a little taqueria in a gas station with the other missionaries of the zone.
That would prove fateful.Saturday morning Elder Bice awoke to stomach pains and the 'turnsies.' Use your imagination to understand what that means. He was pretty sick. We got picked up by a member who helped us make the baptismal program. He dropped us off at some apartments about a mile from the church. We visited some people but Elder Bice was really sick. He had a headache and was really nauseous.
So we went to a fast food place so I could eat something because I hadn't eaten lunch (we went to A&W). He drank some water and we went to the church. He crashed on the couch for the nest hour and a half. By now he had a fever, headache and nausea. I played the piano and started filling up the font. He survived the baptism but slept afterwards for the next 12 hours at least. He is getting better but still has a stomach ache. Don't worry I kept on him about drinking lots of fluids (aren't you proud dad?).
I love being a missionary. Saturday was sobering since it means I have 5 months left. The blessings of serving the Lord with all your time are great. I see how much I've learned and the people I've helped and it makes me so glad that I had parents, extended family, friends and leaders who made a full-time mission one of my goals. There is a young man in the branch who is my same age, 20, who isn't on a mission, isn't going to school, and isn't working. One of my goals is to get him on a mission while I'm here. He's a little bit older but that doesn't matter. There is nothing that can compare with serving a full-time mission. Military service, college, work won't change you the way a full-time mission will. I know thats true because its changed me.
Love,
Elder Wagner
Monday, March 8, 2010
A Trainer for the 3rd time!?!
Dear Family,
Another crazy transfer week!!! So I'm training again. We got doubled into the Pioneer Branch (south). We are on bikes. Previously there were sisters here in a car. Our area is in a city called Grand Prairie which is Southwest of Dallas. It is on the west boundary of the mission (our apartment is about a half-mile from the Fort Worth mission. And there isn't a rivalry between the two missions, I was just joking about it.
So my new companion is Elder Bice from Southern Utah!!! He is from 'La Verkin'. It is a small town by Hurrikun which is by St. George. Its a big change going from an experienced companion to a greenie again. His spanish isn't as good as Elder Olson or Elder Haslam when they got here to Texas, but he'll learn. Elder Bice went to Utah State for a semester and then came out on the mission.
We are speaking spanish which is awesome!!!! The branch here is bigger than my last two wards, they have more people at church. I really like the area. Its not as ghetto as Garland but there are still lots of hispanics. My legs are sore from biking since we live kinda far from where are work is.
Well the sisters before us have an investigator who is scheduled to get baptized this weekend which should be good. Besides him they didn't really have many other solid investigators. Honestly its been a crazy week trying to get to know the area, find, and make sure my companion is doing alright adjusting to mission life.
Honestly I'm puzzled to be training again and getting doubled into an area for the fourth time of my mission. Elder Olson and I got doubled into the same situation in Garland and we didn't have much success. I don't understand why I'm here with a new missionary again. It doesn't make sense, but I guess Lord needs me here.
Good luck with your fun week and I pray for the best for y'all.
Love
Elder Wagner
P.S. new Address: 3103 Parham Drive #130 Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Another crazy transfer week!!! So I'm training again. We got doubled into the Pioneer Branch (south). We are on bikes. Previously there were sisters here in a car. Our area is in a city called Grand Prairie which is Southwest of Dallas. It is on the west boundary of the mission (our apartment is about a half-mile from the Fort Worth mission. And there isn't a rivalry between the two missions, I was just joking about it.
So my new companion is Elder Bice from Southern Utah!!! He is from 'La Verkin'. It is a small town by Hurrikun which is by St. George. Its a big change going from an experienced companion to a greenie again. His spanish isn't as good as Elder Olson or Elder Haslam when they got here to Texas, but he'll learn. Elder Bice went to Utah State for a semester and then came out on the mission.
We are speaking spanish which is awesome!!!! The branch here is bigger than my last two wards, they have more people at church. I really like the area. Its not as ghetto as Garland but there are still lots of hispanics. My legs are sore from biking since we live kinda far from where are work is.
Well the sisters before us have an investigator who is scheduled to get baptized this weekend which should be good. Besides him they didn't really have many other solid investigators. Honestly its been a crazy week trying to get to know the area, find, and make sure my companion is doing alright adjusting to mission life.
Honestly I'm puzzled to be training again and getting doubled into an area for the fourth time of my mission. Elder Olson and I got doubled into the same situation in Garland and we didn't have much success. I don't understand why I'm here with a new missionary again. It doesn't make sense, but I guess Lord needs me here.
Good luck with your fun week and I pray for the best for y'all.
Love
Elder Wagner
P.S. new Address: 3103 Parham Drive #130 Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Monday, March 1, 2010
Leaving Longview...
Dear Family,
I'm getting transferred!!! But not only am I leaving, Elder Jensen is as well. They are combining the area with another ward here in Longview. It will be Longview 1,2,3. We were and still are really suprised. We both thought Elder Jensen would stay for like 4-6 months, but the Lord has other plans for us. It was heart-breaking to say goodbye. Yesterday we had 3 investigators in 1st ward and 5 investigators in 2nd ward. The Lord is pouring out his spirit on these areas.
I had a lot of neat experiences last week. Everyone in the wards was shocked to hear we were both leaving. Bishop Bayles, in the second ward, who is 76 years old and been the bishop about 8 months was sad to see us leave. He gave us both hugs with tears in his eyes. He said in 6 weeks we did more work in his ward than had been done in the last 6 months. It was a neat experience.
We committed Sheryl, from the first ward to baptism on Saturday. She had previously had a baptismal date but couldn't come to church enough or quit smoking. In the past two weeks she came to church and made some friends in the ward!!! It changed everything and she'll get baptized march 27th.
Martin Basquez also accepted a commitment to get baptized when he knows its true.
Lots of amazing things are happening here. Its sad to leave but the Lord is in it.
So tonight Elder Jensen are driving into Dallas in our car, since its being retired :). We might visit some people in Garland along the way..
So I'm going to be training this transfer!!! Which implies that we will be doubled into an area. President Smith assured me I'll be speaking spanish though!!! I have four transfers left and my goal is to baptize 12 people in that time. I know it will happen if I do all I can to be diligent and obedient.
I loved the package and cookies and pictures!!!! Sad to hear about Mike Murer. I hope all goes well with you all. I think it'd be awesome to take new testament together Marissa, but I want to take the last half class (about Acts-Revelations). Try and sign up for the list of classes I gave mom. Good luck everyone.
God Bless!
Love,
Elder Wagner
I'm getting transferred!!! But not only am I leaving, Elder Jensen is as well. They are combining the area with another ward here in Longview. It will be Longview 1,2,3. We were and still are really suprised. We both thought Elder Jensen would stay for like 4-6 months, but the Lord has other plans for us. It was heart-breaking to say goodbye. Yesterday we had 3 investigators in 1st ward and 5 investigators in 2nd ward. The Lord is pouring out his spirit on these areas.
I had a lot of neat experiences last week. Everyone in the wards was shocked to hear we were both leaving. Bishop Bayles, in the second ward, who is 76 years old and been the bishop about 8 months was sad to see us leave. He gave us both hugs with tears in his eyes. He said in 6 weeks we did more work in his ward than had been done in the last 6 months. It was a neat experience.
We committed Sheryl, from the first ward to baptism on Saturday. She had previously had a baptismal date but couldn't come to church enough or quit smoking. In the past two weeks she came to church and made some friends in the ward!!! It changed everything and she'll get baptized march 27th.
Martin Basquez also accepted a commitment to get baptized when he knows its true.
Lots of amazing things are happening here. Its sad to leave but the Lord is in it.
So tonight Elder Jensen are driving into Dallas in our car, since its being retired :). We might visit some people in Garland along the way..
So I'm going to be training this transfer!!! Which implies that we will be doubled into an area. President Smith assured me I'll be speaking spanish though!!! I have four transfers left and my goal is to baptize 12 people in that time. I know it will happen if I do all I can to be diligent and obedient.
I loved the package and cookies and pictures!!!! Sad to hear about Mike Murer. I hope all goes well with you all. I think it'd be awesome to take new testament together Marissa, but I want to take the last half class (about Acts-Revelations). Try and sign up for the list of classes I gave mom. Good luck everyone.
God Bless!
Love,
Elder Wagner
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