A few weeks ago, I saw a family from Tonga sitting in the congregation
at church. A mother, and 3 children. I felt impressed that I needed to
go talk to them, but after the service, I got busy talking to others
before I had a chance to go up to them, and sadly enough, I forgot about
them.
Luckily for me, she had requested to have us over for dinner,
that very day! ( There is a meal calendar that members of the church get
to sign up to have us missionaries over, since we have limited funds to
provide for ourselves.) So I was happy to see that she too was
impressed by the spirit, and had us over.
So as we went over to her
house, and as we got to know her, we discovered that
she has a husband, who is not a member of the church, and wants nothing
to do with the church in fact! But before we left, we got him to come
downstairs and we talked to him very briefly. He told us he was a Methodist, and isn't interested, but we somehow got him to agree to have
us over to talk to him just one time to tell him just what the church
is all about!
Here is what is so cool... we just recently had a
missionary from Tonga just move to a nearby area in the district. We had
him come over because we just knew he would be our best bet to be able
to work with this dear brother.
So I set up an
exchange to happen, and this missionary, Elder Moala, came to our area
to meet this family. So it was he and my companion (I went to the other
area) and Elder Moala taught him in Tongan. The whole time, he was talking
in Tongan, and my companion was just pretty much praying, and bore his
testimony at the end, saying that he knows that it is true too. At the
end of the lesson, Elder Moala was crying, Brother F. was
crying, his sweet wife was crying, and was just in shock. Brother F. felt a powerful witness that the church was true,
and he wanted to get baptized the very next day!
What!? So coool!!!
So Elder Moala set a baptismal date for the 5th of March, and he will come
over weekly to teach in Tongan. Wow, I am just so amazed with what God
can do, and that He can touch the hearts of anyone, if we are just
willing to listen. I too, know that God lives, and He loves us all. This
church is true, and miracles happen.
UPDATE: I forgot one part! Brother F. works mornings and his wife works
evenings, so they are never home together except on Sunday. On this
morning, Brother F. woke up and didn't get ready for work and he never
takes work off! She was so surprised and asked him, "Why aren't you
getting ready for work today? What is wrong?" He replied, "I just feel
like I need to stay home today. I don't know why, I just feel like
something is gonna happen, and I need to be here."
(Talk about epic! I can't believe I forgot that part!)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Monday, July 25, 2011
Meant To Be In Peckville
As you may remember, I had quite an experience when I was in the area called "Peckville." There, I gained a testimony that the Lord puts people in our paths, and truly, everything happens for a reason. Well, something I didn't mention at the time, but my companion and I found, and began teaching a man by the name of John. We had just happened to walk by his house while he was out on the porch doing some homework. We stopped by and struck up a great conversation about life, challenges we face as humans in today's society, and of course, God. Over the course of us talking, I could feel that John and I had a connection, that I had known him for awhile and we were just some long lost friends. Things just clicked all of a sudden for the two of us, and we became great friends. This conversation lasted about an hour or so, and at the end we gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon, and explained a little bit about what it was, and how it came to be. The next day he calls explaining that he couldn't put the book down all night; that he was in love with The Book of Mormon already. I couldn't believe it, and within 2 weeks, he had completed reading it. Now I was transferred away the following week, but he wasn't lost. He still continued to see the other missionaries in Scranton (since Peckville closed for a time) and he gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon just by simply reading it, and praying about it. I continued to encourage him by sending him letters, and on occasion I would see him and it would be a short sweet reunion for the two of us. (My new proselyting area, Montrose, wasn't too far from Peckville.) He often referred to me as his own personal Joseph Smith, who gave him something that he had been searching for his entire life, that finally brought him real happiness. He had been spiritually re-born.
John was baptized 15 weeks after the day we found him, and I was privileged to have been asked by John to perform the ordinance in the Susquehanna River, where Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Aaronic priesthood and were later baptized themselves.
John felt inspired that Elder Lloyd, the Elder who continued to teach John after I left and confirmed him the next day following his baptism, should be in the water also, because he too had that spiritual connection.
What a miracle! What a blessing! I know that God indeed does has a divine purpose for all of His children, that he truly puts individuals in our lives to bless and uplift our lives. Heavenly Father cares, and I testify that this truly is the Lord's kingdom on the earth today. I know that it is by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we find true happiness in our lives. I am so grateful that I was able to have come across John at the perfect time, so that we would be able to change one another's lives. I was meant to be in Peckville.
John was baptized 15 weeks after the day we found him, and I was privileged to have been asked by John to perform the ordinance in the Susquehanna River, where Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Aaronic priesthood and were later baptized themselves.
John felt inspired that Elder Lloyd, the Elder who continued to teach John after I left and confirmed him the next day following his baptism, should be in the water also, because he too had that spiritual connection.
What a miracle! What a blessing! I know that God indeed does has a divine purpose for all of His children, that he truly puts individuals in our lives to bless and uplift our lives. Heavenly Father cares, and I testify that this truly is the Lord's kingdom on the earth today. I know that it is by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we find true happiness in our lives. I am so grateful that I was able to have come across John at the perfect time, so that we would be able to change one another's lives. I was meant to be in Peckville.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Two Quick Pics
Some ward friends of ours, the Waldron family, got to see Corey while picking up their daughter from the Maryland Baltimore Mission earlier in July. They took pictures (thank you, thank you!) so I thought I'd share my two favorites.
(PS - It really bugs me when blogger arbitrarily decides one photo can be enlarged when clicked on and one can't. I give up. I have been trying to fix it for 30 minutes, deleting, re-uploading, resizing the photo, starting the post all over from scratch in html...but the family photo just does not want to be enlarged. Oh well, it'll be a little bit bigger on Facebook.)
(PSS - AND NOW IT WORKS! Go figure!)
Monday, July 11, 2011
An Example To My Younger Brother
(Photo: Corey and Tyler in early 1993.)
Monday, June 27, 2011
A Week In The Life Of Elder Harris
Alright, so as you know, a lot of crazy stuff happened this week in the life of Elder Harris. I will start in the beginning of the week and work towards the end. I decided it was best to not write tyler a letter to help him along for his talk. I felt impressed that he didn't even need my input, that he would do find without, so i went with that. I am glad to hear though tyler that you did a wonderful job and i am very proud of you. I can tell that you too have grown since i last saw you, which makes me very happy. i will send some stuff to you today that you will like. (make a copy for braeden!) :D
the crash..
![]()
[Obviously the camera's date is incorrect.]
well that happened on wednesday just to let you know. and of course i was driving. here is the story. We had been doing service for a family in the branch that we are working with, and that lasted the entire morning. A tree fell in the middle of their driveway so we were chainsawing that up and moving the tree. it was fun but long. then we stayed over there for lunch and grilled some hamburgers and had a fun time. However we lost track of time and we were running late to another appointment. We had to drive back to our place which took a good 20 min drive, change into regular proselyting clothes, and then drive another 20 min the opposite direction. we were running so late, so i justified it in speeding a little bit. we are on a dirt gravel road, and according to PA law there is no speed limit on dirt roads, which is weird. I was going about 40 mph, maybe 45, and we were on a long curve. (and if there is a speed limit, it would have been 35) so we are driving, surrounded by trees to both sides, we pop up to an open field to our left, and as the road curves and we are turning, there are still a bunch of trees to our right side. i slow down for the slow going turn, and then quickly speed up to make up some ground. bad idea. as we pop around the corner, all of a sudden there is a parked utility trailer that hauls the huge tractors and crawling digger things, (can't remember what they are called) and that is in our lane of the dirt road. and so we have about 40 feet between when we saw the trailer to the truck, that is, us. Now we could have easily avoided the trailer and gone around it, had there not have happened to be a great big ford 350 just parallel to the trailer, blocking that side of the lane. Just our luck. I quickly slam on the brakes, but the dirt road kept me drifting. i had maybe two seconds to decide to hit the truck with other people in it, or just the trailer and possibly harm only ourselves. So i chose the trailer. (which was the best choice) i hit the hitch of the trailer at about 10 mph, and then vear towards the left to the bulky part of the trailer and thats where the most damage is done. somehow i avoided that truck, i swear it wasn't even moving when we came around that corner. it was a miracle. luckily my companion and i weren't hurt. at all! and to be perfectly honest the both of us were super calm before impact and after. all we could do was laugh about it and move on. stay positive. we made some phone calls informing the mission we had been in an accident and all, we called our branch mission leader Bro Liggett, who runs a tow truck company. He comes to the scene, but our truck was still driveable. the state police came. we told them the story and i was honest and told them that i had been going to fast, and he cited the guy who parked the trailer, and his insurance company will pay for the damage of the truck, not the church! what a blessing, i was shocked that i was leaving without a ticket or anything! he told me that i wouldn't had crashed. and he wouldn't have had to drive all the way out here had the trailer not been there. he was an awesome cop, reminded me of my dad who would do awesome things like that. :) we went along with the rest of our day, had to cancel two of our appointments but it was ok. our last lesson was awesome.
the next day. we are on our way to MoTab, driving on I-81 towards Scranton with the zone leaders so a member can drive us to Philly to MoTab. i am not driving, i am currently whats called "red-dotted" which means my driving privileges are revoked. So my comp is driving. The accident the day before shifted a lot of parts in the engine, including the latch that holds the hood of the truck down, so all we have is the safety latch. Well, as we are driving 75 mph down the highway, the hood wiggled loose off the latch, and our hood flies up. on the stinkin highway!! that was the most scariest thing in my life, luckily we were on a straight away, and NO cars were around us, so we pulled over safely, but quickly. We had a ratchet strap to tie down the hood with, luckily, and then we continued on our way safe the rest of the day. lol
Motab, was awesome!! they sound so good live, and alex boye did an awesome solo and was dancing, it was so funny... that was such a long night though. We didn't get back to Scranton til 2:30. we just stayed the night there and left back towards montrose in the morning. i am soooo tired still, that affected the rest of the week, and we were just dead.
another cool fact, we had the opportunity to "bible bash". this church hates mormons. man it stinks to see people so hard-hearted, unwilling to just listen. He was trying to call us on ridiculous things. He would bring up something, we'd disprove him with scripture, (using only the bible too, he would not let us turn to the BoM, only the bible is the word of God, thats all we need. the bible is the authority. lol) so we did that, we braught up about Joseph Smith, and he went off, saying he started his own religion as many others have by mis interpreting the bible. (we were thinking to ourselves, umm hello? you church was started by man dude? haha) and he told us that Joseph Smith was taking James 1:5 out on context, that James is talking about trials and tribulations, not receiving revelation. because there is no more revelation these days. we were just like man this guy is wack, twists everything we say, so we just bore our testimony and left. He didn't dare question that. our own personal experiences. it is such a shame to see people blinded, when if only they would open up there eyes, there is so much more to be achieved in life. so much more truth to instill into our hearts, and find what it truly means to be happy, by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been a very fun filled crazy week.
well nothing crazy planned for this week yet, but maybe there will too. love you guys, hope you have a great week!
Elder Harris
the crash..
[Obviously the camera's date is incorrect.]
well that happened on wednesday just to let you know. and of course i was driving. here is the story. We had been doing service for a family in the branch that we are working with, and that lasted the entire morning. A tree fell in the middle of their driveway so we were chainsawing that up and moving the tree. it was fun but long. then we stayed over there for lunch and grilled some hamburgers and had a fun time. However we lost track of time and we were running late to another appointment. We had to drive back to our place which took a good 20 min drive, change into regular proselyting clothes, and then drive another 20 min the opposite direction. we were running so late, so i justified it in speeding a little bit. we are on a dirt gravel road, and according to PA law there is no speed limit on dirt roads, which is weird. I was going about 40 mph, maybe 45, and we were on a long curve. (and if there is a speed limit, it would have been 35) so we are driving, surrounded by trees to both sides, we pop up to an open field to our left, and as the road curves and we are turning, there are still a bunch of trees to our right side. i slow down for the slow going turn, and then quickly speed up to make up some ground. bad idea. as we pop around the corner, all of a sudden there is a parked utility trailer that hauls the huge tractors and crawling digger things, (can't remember what they are called) and that is in our lane of the dirt road. and so we have about 40 feet between when we saw the trailer to the truck, that is, us. Now we could have easily avoided the trailer and gone around it, had there not have happened to be a great big ford 350 just parallel to the trailer, blocking that side of the lane. Just our luck. I quickly slam on the brakes, but the dirt road kept me drifting. i had maybe two seconds to decide to hit the truck with other people in it, or just the trailer and possibly harm only ourselves. So i chose the trailer. (which was the best choice) i hit the hitch of the trailer at about 10 mph, and then vear towards the left to the bulky part of the trailer and thats where the most damage is done. somehow i avoided that truck, i swear it wasn't even moving when we came around that corner. it was a miracle. luckily my companion and i weren't hurt. at all! and to be perfectly honest the both of us were super calm before impact and after. all we could do was laugh about it and move on. stay positive. we made some phone calls informing the mission we had been in an accident and all, we called our branch mission leader Bro Liggett, who runs a tow truck company. He comes to the scene, but our truck was still driveable. the state police came. we told them the story and i was honest and told them that i had been going to fast, and he cited the guy who parked the trailer, and his insurance company will pay for the damage of the truck, not the church! what a blessing, i was shocked that i was leaving without a ticket or anything! he told me that i wouldn't had crashed. and he wouldn't have had to drive all the way out here had the trailer not been there. he was an awesome cop, reminded me of my dad who would do awesome things like that. :) we went along with the rest of our day, had to cancel two of our appointments but it was ok. our last lesson was awesome.
the next day. we are on our way to MoTab, driving on I-81 towards Scranton with the zone leaders so a member can drive us to Philly to MoTab. i am not driving, i am currently whats called "red-dotted" which means my driving privileges are revoked. So my comp is driving. The accident the day before shifted a lot of parts in the engine, including the latch that holds the hood of the truck down, so all we have is the safety latch. Well, as we are driving 75 mph down the highway, the hood wiggled loose off the latch, and our hood flies up. on the stinkin highway!! that was the most scariest thing in my life, luckily we were on a straight away, and NO cars were around us, so we pulled over safely, but quickly. We had a ratchet strap to tie down the hood with, luckily, and then we continued on our way safe the rest of the day. lol
Motab, was awesome!! they sound so good live, and alex boye did an awesome solo and was dancing, it was so funny... that was such a long night though. We didn't get back to Scranton til 2:30. we just stayed the night there and left back towards montrose in the morning. i am soooo tired still, that affected the rest of the week, and we were just dead.
another cool fact, we had the opportunity to "bible bash". this church hates mormons. man it stinks to see people so hard-hearted, unwilling to just listen. He was trying to call us on ridiculous things. He would bring up something, we'd disprove him with scripture, (using only the bible too, he would not let us turn to the BoM, only the bible is the word of God, thats all we need. the bible is the authority. lol) so we did that, we braught up about Joseph Smith, and he went off, saying he started his own religion as many others have by mis interpreting the bible. (we were thinking to ourselves, umm hello? you church was started by man dude? haha) and he told us that Joseph Smith was taking James 1:5 out on context, that James is talking about trials and tribulations, not receiving revelation. because there is no more revelation these days. we were just like man this guy is wack, twists everything we say, so we just bore our testimony and left. He didn't dare question that. our own personal experiences. it is such a shame to see people blinded, when if only they would open up there eyes, there is so much more to be achieved in life. so much more truth to instill into our hearts, and find what it truly means to be happy, by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been a very fun filled crazy week.
well nothing crazy planned for this week yet, but maybe there will too. love you guys, hope you have a great week!
Elder Harris
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Dear Harris Clan,
(Handwritten letter from Corey dated March 23, 2011.)
We decided to be bums for P-day so I am not doing anything at the moment, but I felt as though I should write to you all. I have no idea what to say but here it goes.
I love and miss you all. It seems the longer I'm away, the closer we get too. I am so grateful for all of you guy's support and prayers. They truly have helped me.
Tyler, I am so proud of you! You choosing to serve a mission will be one of the best decisions you'll ever make in your life. Now you might say it was an easy choice, but I can promise you, your faithfulness will be tested while you're in the field. Tyler, always "choose the right" way, rather than choosing to go the easier route. You're going to have some tough times, but never ever give up hope! Be positive! From personal experience, prayer has helped me to fortify my faith and hope for the best in times of stress. You're gonna do great. There isn't a whole bunch for me to give you advice on, your mission will be completely different. I'll write again before you head out!
So I was just thinking, it's been 14 months now! Holy cow time flies so much! I've been reading the conference talks in the Ensign, Elder Eyring's talk about service. Now I am in an area where we provide much service. I was reflecting more about all the service back home in helping me prepare for a mission. Dad, you're probably the most service able man I know. Thank you for your example, dedication and hard work in helping others in times of need. I can honestly say that my fondest memories where when we had helped someone in need, providing service for others. So thank you! I sure will do the same with my kids!
So being out here in the boonies is quite fun! I've never done so much driving before in my life! We drive a brand new Chevy Colorado. We have to do a bit of offroading. Missionary work is really fun out here! LOL. Speaking of missionary work, Mom I know that you will be talking about that later this week, might I add a few words and my testimony to that lesson you'll be preparing?
Missionary work is perhaps one of the greatest things a person can do. It is only through missionary work that all of God's children can receive the eternal blessings that are in store for us all. It is only because of missionary work that my own family is sealed for time and all eternity. Many of us, including myself, have friends who are not of the faith. It is our sacred duty to "lift our voices as a sound of a trump" and "preach the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, person." As you do missionary work, the Lord has promised that "great shall be your joy". Invite friends to activities and to church. "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." If your loved ones chose not to heed the invite then it is your obligation to "join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls who knew not God." A true friend would "lay down his life for his friends." Do you love your friends enough to do all you can to help them receive the fullness of the everlasting gospel? I know that this is his work and glory. God desires all of His children to return to live with Him. That won't happen unless we do all we can to help them accept this message. As an ordained minister of the gospel, and a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, I bear my testimony that this is the Lord's work, and we are on His errand, and it is one of the most important things we can do in life today. I know that this gospel is true, and that God lives. I love and miss you all, it's my humble prayer that we can all become even more missionary minded! God be with you until we meet again! In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Sincerely,
Elder Harris
PS - Well that's my letter to the youth! I hope it helps! Sorry if it seems random too, I just wrote whatever came to me. I love you guys! You're the best, have an awesome week!
Corey
(Corey back in March 1999 on his baptism day with his Dad.)
We decided to be bums for P-day so I am not doing anything at the moment, but I felt as though I should write to you all. I have no idea what to say but here it goes.
I love and miss you all. It seems the longer I'm away, the closer we get too. I am so grateful for all of you guy's support and prayers. They truly have helped me.
Tyler, I am so proud of you! You choosing to serve a mission will be one of the best decisions you'll ever make in your life. Now you might say it was an easy choice, but I can promise you, your faithfulness will be tested while you're in the field. Tyler, always "choose the right" way, rather than choosing to go the easier route. You're going to have some tough times, but never ever give up hope! Be positive! From personal experience, prayer has helped me to fortify my faith and hope for the best in times of stress. You're gonna do great. There isn't a whole bunch for me to give you advice on, your mission will be completely different. I'll write again before you head out!
So I was just thinking, it's been 14 months now! Holy cow time flies so much! I've been reading the conference talks in the Ensign, Elder Eyring's talk about service. Now I am in an area where we provide much service. I was reflecting more about all the service back home in helping me prepare for a mission. Dad, you're probably the most service able man I know. Thank you for your example, dedication and hard work in helping others in times of need. I can honestly say that my fondest memories where when we had helped someone in need, providing service for others. So thank you! I sure will do the same with my kids!
So being out here in the boonies is quite fun! I've never done so much driving before in my life! We drive a brand new Chevy Colorado. We have to do a bit of offroading. Missionary work is really fun out here! LOL. Speaking of missionary work, Mom I know that you will be talking about that later this week, might I add a few words and my testimony to that lesson you'll be preparing?
Missionary work is perhaps one of the greatest things a person can do. It is only through missionary work that all of God's children can receive the eternal blessings that are in store for us all. It is only because of missionary work that my own family is sealed for time and all eternity. Many of us, including myself, have friends who are not of the faith. It is our sacred duty to "lift our voices as a sound of a trump" and "preach the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, person." As you do missionary work, the Lord has promised that "great shall be your joy". Invite friends to activities and to church. "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." If your loved ones chose not to heed the invite then it is your obligation to "join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls who knew not God." A true friend would "lay down his life for his friends." Do you love your friends enough to do all you can to help them receive the fullness of the everlasting gospel? I know that this is his work and glory. God desires all of His children to return to live with Him. That won't happen unless we do all we can to help them accept this message. As an ordained minister of the gospel, and a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, I bear my testimony that this is the Lord's work, and we are on His errand, and it is one of the most important things we can do in life today. I know that this gospel is true, and that God lives. I love and miss you all, it's my humble prayer that we can all become even more missionary minded! God be with you until we meet again! In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Sincerely,
Elder Harris
PS - Well that's my letter to the youth! I hope it helps! Sorry if it seems random too, I just wrote whatever came to me. I love you guys! You're the best, have an awesome week!
Corey
(Corey back in March 1999 on his baptism day with his Dad.)
Monday, May 16, 2011
A Mighty Change Of Heart
Dear Family,
I can't even describe the love that I feel for not only you guys, but for all of God's children. I had an experience this past weekend that written words, and perhaps even verbal, won't do any justice of what I had experienced. Let me explain;
I have realized now that God truly is there for us, and He wants the best for all of His children. He puts certain people in our lives to help us to return to live with Him, and to have Eternal Happiness. My companion, Elder Dynes, who is currently the District Leader gave an excellent meeting discussion about the Doctrine of Christ. Now this is stuff that I know already, but never before had I ever really internalized it into my thick skull. Our purpose as missionaries is to "Invite others to come unto Christ, by helping them receive the Restored Gospel by through Faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End." All are basic principles that members of the Church understand, but for me, I had the knowledge in my head, but never before was it actually in my heart. I help and invite others to change their ways and their hearts, but I realized I need to invite and help myself as well. Then I talked to you guys on Mothers Day, and it seemed so short. Maybe like a minute long it felt, of what was actually an hour long conversation. I miss and love you guys, and I could feel that from you as well. After our phone call, I prayed for probably a good half hour while my companion was talking to his family. I prayed that I could change, if not for God, or even myself, then for my family, because I don't ever ever want to let any of those whom I care most about down. I basically prayed for everyone and everything, and I had been the most sincere about it in a long time. I prayed for a miracle to happen.
So following my prayer I immediately started reading through the Book of Mormon, since scripture is a means where you receive personal revelation from our Father in Heaven. I stumbled somehow to Ether 12:27. Now, I have read this scripture a number of times before but never did I really think about that promise that God actually gives us. It just hit me right then like, "Duh!" haha I realized that if I am to change my character, and fix any flaws, to become somewhat remotely close to perfect as the savior commands us to be, it is through God. He will help us, IF we let Him, and allow Him to. It requires humility.
Then Tuesday happened, May 10, 2011. We had a zone conference, and this is how I can maybe better explain that the Church is so true! Where else would you see 50 or more young men, aged 19-25, who are all weeping, because they felt the Spirit of God, and had so much love toward everyone and everything! I know of no other place where that happens! We were basically instructed about being like Captain Moroni, firm, undaunted, and exactly obedient. He fought the fight with the adversary, Satan, and did the best he could to serve God. We also watched a video of Elder Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in the MTC this past January, instructing missionaries that we are to be like Peter, to not ever go back to our old ways. There is no going back to this evil, carnally-minded world when I return home from my mission. I am to step forward with faith, and preach the gospel to all, full-time missionary or member missionary. After Elder Hollands remarks, all the missionaries bore their testimonies of what they felt, and the Spirit was packed in that small chapel in Nazareth, PA. I felt an overwhelmingly sense of urgency, and such a strong desire to change. I was crying so much, but they were not sad tears, they were answers to my prayers. After the meeting, I sat down with my mission president, President Schaefermeyer for about 20 minutes discussing about my spiritual re-birth. About my desire to change to fully help myself, to rid myself of all pride, and to most importantly, to serve my God. I was then given a priesthood blessing, and now I've never felt this type of fire before to do all that I can. To finally live up to my full potential of a disciple of Christ. I bear my testimony, that I know that God lives and that he does love us, and will allow us to grow and change our hearts, if we humble ourselves, recognize our imperfections and repent, and become "even as a little child." I know that this church that I represent, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's kingdom on the earth today. I know that the Savior died for us all, but only for those that will actually follow Him, as He beckons us to, "Follow Thou Me." I know that change is possible, and it is necessary for all of us if we truly want peace and happiness in this life, and in the world to come. This is my testimony, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I can't even describe the love that I feel for not only you guys, but for all of God's children. I had an experience this past weekend that written words, and perhaps even verbal, won't do any justice of what I had experienced. Let me explain;
I have realized now that God truly is there for us, and He wants the best for all of His children. He puts certain people in our lives to help us to return to live with Him, and to have Eternal Happiness. My companion, Elder Dynes, who is currently the District Leader gave an excellent meeting discussion about the Doctrine of Christ. Now this is stuff that I know already, but never before had I ever really internalized it into my thick skull. Our purpose as missionaries is to "Invite others to come unto Christ, by helping them receive the Restored Gospel by through Faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End." All are basic principles that members of the Church understand, but for me, I had the knowledge in my head, but never before was it actually in my heart. I help and invite others to change their ways and their hearts, but I realized I need to invite and help myself as well. Then I talked to you guys on Mothers Day, and it seemed so short. Maybe like a minute long it felt, of what was actually an hour long conversation. I miss and love you guys, and I could feel that from you as well. After our phone call, I prayed for probably a good half hour while my companion was talking to his family. I prayed that I could change, if not for God, or even myself, then for my family, because I don't ever ever want to let any of those whom I care most about down. I basically prayed for everyone and everything, and I had been the most sincere about it in a long time. I prayed for a miracle to happen.
So following my prayer I immediately started reading through the Book of Mormon, since scripture is a means where you receive personal revelation from our Father in Heaven. I stumbled somehow to Ether 12:27. Now, I have read this scripture a number of times before but never did I really think about that promise that God actually gives us. It just hit me right then like, "Duh!" haha I realized that if I am to change my character, and fix any flaws, to become somewhat remotely close to perfect as the savior commands us to be, it is through God. He will help us, IF we let Him, and allow Him to. It requires humility.
Then Tuesday happened, May 10, 2011. We had a zone conference, and this is how I can maybe better explain that the Church is so true! Where else would you see 50 or more young men, aged 19-25, who are all weeping, because they felt the Spirit of God, and had so much love toward everyone and everything! I know of no other place where that happens! We were basically instructed about being like Captain Moroni, firm, undaunted, and exactly obedient. He fought the fight with the adversary, Satan, and did the best he could to serve God. We also watched a video of Elder Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in the MTC this past January, instructing missionaries that we are to be like Peter, to not ever go back to our old ways. There is no going back to this evil, carnally-minded world when I return home from my mission. I am to step forward with faith, and preach the gospel to all, full-time missionary or member missionary. After Elder Hollands remarks, all the missionaries bore their testimonies of what they felt, and the Spirit was packed in that small chapel in Nazareth, PA. I felt an overwhelmingly sense of urgency, and such a strong desire to change. I was crying so much, but they were not sad tears, they were answers to my prayers. After the meeting, I sat down with my mission president, President Schaefermeyer for about 20 minutes discussing about my spiritual re-birth. About my desire to change to fully help myself, to rid myself of all pride, and to most importantly, to serve my God. I was then given a priesthood blessing, and now I've never felt this type of fire before to do all that I can. To finally live up to my full potential of a disciple of Christ. I bear my testimony, that I know that God lives and that he does love us, and will allow us to grow and change our hearts, if we humble ourselves, recognize our imperfections and repent, and become "even as a little child." I know that this church that I represent, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's kingdom on the earth today. I know that the Savior died for us all, but only for those that will actually follow Him, as He beckons us to, "Follow Thou Me." I know that change is possible, and it is necessary for all of us if we truly want peace and happiness in this life, and in the world to come. This is my testimony, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Monday, April 18, 2011
In Peckville For A Reason
So this past week was pretty awesome. The best week that this area has definately seen in a long time i think. But anyways, i'd like to share with you a veryyyy moving experience I and my companion had. On thursday, we had been complaining about transfers, if this was really inspired or not, and if we were really meant to be here since the area is tough and the lack of success, etc.. Well that night we went and saw a less active family, and the mother bore us her testimony THAT VERY DAY, of how she felt we were there in peckville for a reason, to touch their lives, and other peoples lives, that we are supposed to be right here. My companion and I were totally just struck dumb, the spirit just wammied us in the face like "DUH!" and we started crying, and the family were probably thinking, "what the heck is wrong with them?" we told them that they just answered our prayer, and ever since then, our weekend has just literally been on fire! we have some awesome new investigators, and things are just now clicking. it was just super crazy, we had alot of little miracles, and it was a very spiritually moving week for us. Needless to say, i am pumped for this week to get to work, but i again feel kind of sick, and so does my companion. DANG opposition... im blabbering now, anyways, how was the drive? Quick question, how far away are you from the Mesa temple? random question that just popped into my head! love ya Corey
Monday, April 11, 2011
Dear Mom,
dear mom,
so kind of a lot of crazy things happened too this week. early last week i was sick with the cold, and it was raining a lot so it was just miserable. And later in the week, i even had that crazy feeling that you were actually going through some tough things, i had the prompting to pray for you, like a lot, and i was scared too that something bad had happened, like potentially death. i prayed extra hard, and i am glad that you are feeling well now.
I actually got signed up to be on the stakes choir, because i have an amazing singing voice now.. (lol not really, but i do sound a heck of a lot better) so speaking of music my piano skills are picking up now, i can play with the right hand and read the music and keys and all that, i still have a tough time with all the flats and sharps, but when it comes to the bass, the left hand, i am LOST.... kinda stinks, but practice makes perfect.
this past week has been kind of tough. my companion and i love each other too much, we are like brothers. so because of that all of a sudden we dont agree with something and argue and we lose the spirit, and this week stunk....! terrible, but we decided to take one day at a time, not look at the long term things, because this area is a bit harder and it would get us depressed. we are actually excited, normally i hate tracting, but i am excited and have been talking to and convincing myself that i "like" tracting.. needless to say, im excited to tract all day now.
mom i love ya, thank you for that scripture, that sure did help. [I wrote to him: Daniel 3:16 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. ---When you don't bow to the world, look who you get to walk with... :) which was shared in the Youth Conference closing fireside last night.] this past week was a big test of trials and enduring to the end and to "dont give up"..
conference was great, i keep thinking about Elder Lynn G Robbins talk about DOing things so that we can BEcome who God wants us to be like, and Elder Oaks talk about sorting out our priorities.. I still have a lot of changing to do, but i know i can do it. thank you for your prayers, and support, and the package! that was awesome, all the letters and stuff. i appreciate it big time.. love lots, Corey
so kind of a lot of crazy things happened too this week. early last week i was sick with the cold, and it was raining a lot so it was just miserable. And later in the week, i even had that crazy feeling that you were actually going through some tough things, i had the prompting to pray for you, like a lot, and i was scared too that something bad had happened, like potentially death. i prayed extra hard, and i am glad that you are feeling well now.
I actually got signed up to be on the stakes choir, because i have an amazing singing voice now.. (lol not really, but i do sound a heck of a lot better) so speaking of music my piano skills are picking up now, i can play with the right hand and read the music and keys and all that, i still have a tough time with all the flats and sharps, but when it comes to the bass, the left hand, i am LOST.... kinda stinks, but practice makes perfect.
this past week has been kind of tough. my companion and i love each other too much, we are like brothers. so because of that all of a sudden we dont agree with something and argue and we lose the spirit, and this week stunk....! terrible, but we decided to take one day at a time, not look at the long term things, because this area is a bit harder and it would get us depressed. we are actually excited, normally i hate tracting, but i am excited and have been talking to and convincing myself that i "like" tracting.. needless to say, im excited to tract all day now.
mom i love ya, thank you for that scripture, that sure did help. [I wrote to him: Daniel 3:16 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. ---When you don't bow to the world, look who you get to walk with... :) which was shared in the Youth Conference closing fireside last night.] this past week was a big test of trials and enduring to the end and to "dont give up"..
conference was great, i keep thinking about Elder Lynn G Robbins talk about DOing things so that we can BEcome who God wants us to be like, and Elder Oaks talk about sorting out our priorities.. I still have a lot of changing to do, but i know i can do it. thank you for your prayers, and support, and the package! that was awesome, all the letters and stuff. i appreciate it big time.. love lots, Corey
Thursday, March 31, 2011
A Surprise In The Mailbox:
Mom & Dad,
I am officially over the hump and all downhill now. It's crazy how much time flies. I will probably be home in no time.
So I thought I had some things to say but I'm lost for words, so this will be a random letter...
I hope you know your oldest child is changing. For the better of course. This area that I am in I feel has the potential to help me grow a lot. To show my continued obedience to God and desire to work hard to see miracles. I was really down the other day. I had no desire to do anything. But my companion and I had a special fast, and I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I know Satan has been on me constantly. It has really been as easy to feel his nasty presence as it has to feel and recognize the Spirit. I've learned that trials are a part of the growing experiences, but I also learned that they do come from any disobedience too. I want to make sure that doesn't happen out of punishment!
So how have your missionary efforts been? I know Echo just got baptized, were you able to go over and help teach, being next door neighbors? When missionaries come over to your home, do they always ask for referrals? That's what we're supposed to do, and I can tell when members get annoyed by it, LOL. (Since we ask so much!)
My testimony has been so strengthened since I've been here. We may not be teaching many investigators, but we have had success by seeing less active families we work with come back to church. The ward is really nice, but members think that missionary work is just feeding the missionaries and that drives me insane! People don't know how to talk to anyone else that isn't a member and that makes it very difficult as a missionary because that means the load is on you.
Anyways, I'm starting to run out of things to say but there is something that I would like! A box of random junk food, and batteries and a charger for my camera. I've lost mine and my batteries are dead. (By the way, this will be his THIRD battery charger! Ugh!) And a new camera card would be way awesome. I'd greatly appreciate it. That's probably all that I need. Well, in a month and a half I'll be talking to you guys again already.
Love and miss you bunches! -Corey
PS-Too bad that Jimmer Nation is over! :)
Dear Tyler,
Words can't descride how thrilled I am to see that you have been called to serve in Croatia! That is so exciting. Foreign mission! How cool is that bro! So anyways, life in the field is chill. Nothin' really much going on here in my area. There is so much potential though. There is no such thing as a "bad" area. You can make every area you're assigned to serve in a good area. I'll tell you, [certain religions] are tough. Most of them don't really care for their own doctrine, they're only that religion because it's a family tradition! I've baptized only one so far on my mission.
How are you doing? I want to know what you are up to. Any luck on getting another job? You better be reading your Book of Mormon EVERY DAY! Develop that habit now. Also I can tell you if you develop the habit of praying morning and night, if you can do that Tyler, you'll be so much farther along than I was. Believe it or not, prayer is kind of like an art. It takes practice. It's been hard for me, I'll admit, because I'm so tired all the time. Missionary work can be so exhausting, but it's definitely worth all the hard work.
Mom said something to me that rings so true, that it's okay to be disappointed but not discouraged. I battle that at times just because plans change or people choose to reject the gospel, but I know if I pray for strength, God will always provide. Dude, you're a stronger man than me, you're going to a way harder mission than mine. I give you so much props little brother. I am seriously so proud of you. And because of your tough mission, you're going to have a freaking waaayyy HOT wife! :)
Well, I love you man. Keep up the good work, tell everyone I say "HEY".
Love, Elder Corey Harris
PS Alma 32:27
Dear Ryan,
How is school bro? How you been whatcha been up to? :) I heard you're tearing it up in swimming already. That's way cool. So what's up with all the girls now? Like prom stuff? Haha, who is going to be the lucky girl?
So, life as a missionary is rough right now. I'm in a pretty tough area but I'm not complaining, Tyler's entire mission will be like this. Oh well, it's only 2 years! I'm home in ONE year! That's so crazy! The ward I'm in (Scranton) is pretty big. I get fed a lot which is nice. I saw some young women checking me out, and I thought, "Gross, they're all like Ryan's age." Haha. It's all about the older women. (Don't tell mom this, LOL.)
Ryan, I don't think you'd believe it but I have changed a lot since I've been out. I'm definitely not as mean and way more sensitive to people's needs. A mission is like a personal rehab to change who you are and become who God wants you to become. To be in this area, I know I'll grow a lot. I'll have to put my trust in God and act in faith for miracles.
One year left for this blessing. I have to do all that I can to continue to change. I'll be home before you know it. Do all you can to prepare yourself to serve a mission. Become missionary-minded now!! Invite a friend who isn't a member to a combined mutual activity. I promise, if you pray daily for a missionary experience, someone will be baptized from your efforts before you leave. I just felt prompted to share that. Be good Ryan. Take care of Mom. I love you.
Always, Corey
Riley,
For lack of time, this side is yours, Gabby's is on the other side. You're probably thinking, "Wow, Corey actually wrote a letter!" Haha, I'm blown away too right now!...
How has everything been? How's school? And learning to play the saxomophone? ;) Stay away from those icky boys. They have cooties!
My mission has been really fun thus far. I have learned so much. I am also changing a bunch too, you won't believe it. I have only one year left. I want to keep growing all I can. A bunch of "ups and downs" but all the happiness and joy that the "ups" bring make up for all the "downs" we get as a missionary. Riley, always remember to "be strong." There are so many people in the world who hate us for what we are. Always stand up for what we believe in. Never be afraid. I love you Ru. Stay safe, and have fun in all that you do!
Love Always,
Corey
Gabby!!
How are you doing Bean! How is school? Your reading? Are you able to read my terrible hand-writing? I just wanted to thank you for all of the pretty pictures you send me, it means a lot. I love and miss you soooo much too, you have no idea! I wish I could give you a big hug. You are the best. I think about you all the time. I don't have too much time left, but remember to be good in school, and to your family. And pet Cody on the belly for me. I miss that dumb dog too, haha.
Love always,
Your BIGGEST brother, Corey
PS-Also tell Caroline Wilson HI and give her a hug for me. (I'll always remember when she asked me if I wanted to marry her! LOL)
I am officially over the hump and all downhill now. It's crazy how much time flies. I will probably be home in no time.
So I thought I had some things to say but I'm lost for words, so this will be a random letter...
I hope you know your oldest child is changing. For the better of course. This area that I am in I feel has the potential to help me grow a lot. To show my continued obedience to God and desire to work hard to see miracles. I was really down the other day. I had no desire to do anything. But my companion and I had a special fast, and I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I know Satan has been on me constantly. It has really been as easy to feel his nasty presence as it has to feel and recognize the Spirit. I've learned that trials are a part of the growing experiences, but I also learned that they do come from any disobedience too. I want to make sure that doesn't happen out of punishment!
So how have your missionary efforts been? I know Echo just got baptized, were you able to go over and help teach, being next door neighbors? When missionaries come over to your home, do they always ask for referrals? That's what we're supposed to do, and I can tell when members get annoyed by it, LOL. (Since we ask so much!)
My testimony has been so strengthened since I've been here. We may not be teaching many investigators, but we have had success by seeing less active families we work with come back to church. The ward is really nice, but members think that missionary work is just feeding the missionaries and that drives me insane! People don't know how to talk to anyone else that isn't a member and that makes it very difficult as a missionary because that means the load is on you.
Anyways, I'm starting to run out of things to say but there is something that I would like! A box of random junk food, and batteries and a charger for my camera. I've lost mine and my batteries are dead. (By the way, this will be his THIRD battery charger! Ugh!) And a new camera card would be way awesome. I'd greatly appreciate it. That's probably all that I need. Well, in a month and a half I'll be talking to you guys again already.
Love and miss you bunches! -Corey
PS-Too bad that Jimmer Nation is over! :)
Dear Tyler,
Words can't descride how thrilled I am to see that you have been called to serve in Croatia! That is so exciting. Foreign mission! How cool is that bro! So anyways, life in the field is chill. Nothin' really much going on here in my area. There is so much potential though. There is no such thing as a "bad" area. You can make every area you're assigned to serve in a good area. I'll tell you, [certain religions] are tough. Most of them don't really care for their own doctrine, they're only that religion because it's a family tradition! I've baptized only one so far on my mission.
How are you doing? I want to know what you are up to. Any luck on getting another job? You better be reading your Book of Mormon EVERY DAY! Develop that habit now. Also I can tell you if you develop the habit of praying morning and night, if you can do that Tyler, you'll be so much farther along than I was. Believe it or not, prayer is kind of like an art. It takes practice. It's been hard for me, I'll admit, because I'm so tired all the time. Missionary work can be so exhausting, but it's definitely worth all the hard work.
Mom said something to me that rings so true, that it's okay to be disappointed but not discouraged. I battle that at times just because plans change or people choose to reject the gospel, but I know if I pray for strength, God will always provide. Dude, you're a stronger man than me, you're going to a way harder mission than mine. I give you so much props little brother. I am seriously so proud of you. And because of your tough mission, you're going to have a freaking waaayyy HOT wife! :)
Well, I love you man. Keep up the good work, tell everyone I say "HEY".
Love, Elder Corey Harris
PS Alma 32:27
Dear Ryan,
How is school bro? How you been whatcha been up to? :) I heard you're tearing it up in swimming already. That's way cool. So what's up with all the girls now? Like prom stuff? Haha, who is going to be the lucky girl?
So, life as a missionary is rough right now. I'm in a pretty tough area but I'm not complaining, Tyler's entire mission will be like this. Oh well, it's only 2 years! I'm home in ONE year! That's so crazy! The ward I'm in (Scranton) is pretty big. I get fed a lot which is nice. I saw some young women checking me out, and I thought, "Gross, they're all like Ryan's age." Haha. It's all about the older women. (Don't tell mom this, LOL.)
Ryan, I don't think you'd believe it but I have changed a lot since I've been out. I'm definitely not as mean and way more sensitive to people's needs. A mission is like a personal rehab to change who you are and become who God wants you to become. To be in this area, I know I'll grow a lot. I'll have to put my trust in God and act in faith for miracles.
One year left for this blessing. I have to do all that I can to continue to change. I'll be home before you know it. Do all you can to prepare yourself to serve a mission. Become missionary-minded now!! Invite a friend who isn't a member to a combined mutual activity. I promise, if you pray daily for a missionary experience, someone will be baptized from your efforts before you leave. I just felt prompted to share that. Be good Ryan. Take care of Mom. I love you.
Always, Corey
Riley,
For lack of time, this side is yours, Gabby's is on the other side. You're probably thinking, "Wow, Corey actually wrote a letter!" Haha, I'm blown away too right now!...
How has everything been? How's school? And learning to play the saxomophone? ;) Stay away from those icky boys. They have cooties!
My mission has been really fun thus far. I have learned so much. I am also changing a bunch too, you won't believe it. I have only one year left. I want to keep growing all I can. A bunch of "ups and downs" but all the happiness and joy that the "ups" bring make up for all the "downs" we get as a missionary. Riley, always remember to "be strong." There are so many people in the world who hate us for what we are. Always stand up for what we believe in. Never be afraid. I love you Ru. Stay safe, and have fun in all that you do!
Love Always,
Corey
Gabby!!
How are you doing Bean! How is school? Your reading? Are you able to read my terrible hand-writing? I just wanted to thank you for all of the pretty pictures you send me, it means a lot. I love and miss you soooo much too, you have no idea! I wish I could give you a big hug. You are the best. I think about you all the time. I don't have too much time left, but remember to be good in school, and to your family. And pet Cody on the belly for me. I miss that dumb dog too, haha.
Love always,
Your BIGGEST brother, Corey
PS-Also tell Caroline Wilson HI and give her a hug for me. (I'll always remember when she asked me if I wanted to marry her! LOL)
Monday, March 7, 2011
Dear Harris Clan
First, sorry i am just emailing now, the way we planned p-day today it wouldnt work out to email til just now since we planned to go to philly with some sisters who go home next week. i knew that tyler would have been getting his call and you'd be so anxious to see my reaction., but i am not sure if i got the email to where he is going? soo where is he going?! i want to know so bad!
just kidding.. holy cow slovenia/croatia that is so crazy! i never would have guessed it! a european mission, alright, ryan is going south america for sure! one kid on each continent! that was a cool video, so tyler had trouble saying the country's name, just imagine him trying to learn the actual language! haha! so sorry this will have to be a short one for lack of time, but remember how i said that we had a ton of appointments scheduled for this week? yup, well we had a whopping 14 appointments fall through. so sad, but my comp and i have high hopes for this week, a lot of faith exercising but it'll be all good. so transfers are next week. i'll know by friday night what happens. sorry i really want to discuss the exciting news, ...and braeden is going to London. ;) i love ya guys, i never could have been happier right now, i just feel so great. i hope that you guys have an awesome week and i'll talk to you later!
-corey!
ps the blog looks great! i didnt know that you were keeping track of literally everything!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Through Faith Miracles Do Happen
What an amazing week we had pertaining to the work! I feel great right now, my companion and I really accomplished a lot of things. Our baptismal service yesterday was probably the best that I have ever been to. Such a spiritual experience. I am really grateful for the Holy Ghost, because without it, yesterday never would have happened. Let me explain:
We have an investigator, and her name is Sunnay, she is from Liberia. She has gone through many hardships throughout her life, has felt as though she had made too many mistakes, and desired to be baptized so her sins could be washed away forever and have a fresh start. She first met with missionaries about 8 years ago through Brother Luseni, (we baptized his 5 sons over a month ago) but lost contact with the church and with Brother Luseni after she moved. This past August, I believe, she saw a pass-along card on the ground walking home from work, so she called the number hoping that missionaries would show soon. They did, and they baptized Sunnay's daughter (Wonsier 18) and grandson (Emmanuel 14), but unfortunately Sunnay could not be baptized because she has been living with another man, and they together had Wonsier back in Africa. (They aren't married by the way thats why she cant be baptized) So she was stuck in a pickle and could not progress. (Wonsier and Emmanuel were baptized right before I came into Camden.) I and many others felt bad for Sunnay, because she wanted to be baptized so bad but couldn't, and she couldn't just leave this man because she wasn't making enough income to be able to support her and her family.
3 weeks ago as my companion and I were doing our weekly planning session, my companion was new to the area so he did not know much, asked me what is it that Sunnay needs. I had no idea, she had been taught everything, but I wanted to help her to progress in the Kingdom of God so I desired to know what she really needed. I felt very impressed to ask her what exactly the situation was with her and this other man, and what was needed to be done and what her family struggles were. She had been asked these before, but I felt very strongly to ask again. And so we did, and she told us something new that she didnt tell us before, and that she and this guy and more like roommates, they dont sleep in the same room at all! She also told us that she had not been sexually active with this man since she had Wonsier in Africa. My companion and I investigated this, and it turns out that the rule states that a person must not be co-habitating, (meaning as a couple) in order to be baptized. We counseled with our mission president and we received the thumbs up to be able to baptize her. What a miracle it was, and I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of it.
She was baptized last night and the Spirit in that room was so full. Elder Robertson and I gave a beautiful lesson on the Restoration while she was changing, (that is based on what the members told us) and when she returned, we sung the primary hymn number 100, 'Baptism'. It was awesome. A story I will never forget.
-So another spiritual experience that we had that I learned alot from, Thursday afternoon we get a call from a girl who currently resides at the Ronald McDonald House and she is a member, and told us of a family who just had a tragedy with their son from Ohio. Their son, Kyle, was driving and the car spun on black ice and he ran into a telephone pole. The impact had such a force that his head whiplashed around the pole and caused his entire brain to literally rotate 180 degrees. He was in critical condition and was on life support here in Camden. We talked to Kyle's parents about what exactly a blessing is and about the plan of salvation, about how families can be together forever, and talked about when we give a blessing, it is by faith and God's will. As we walked in the hospital room, Kyle looked terrible, and I could only look to love him and feel remorse for the pain that he must have been going through. I annointed him with the oil, and my companion actually gave the blessing. Both of us felt impressed during the blessing that Kyle was going to die soon and return to the Spirit World, so we blessed him that he would be pain free and at ease. As we left the hospital, the Spirit hit us hard like a football player and taught us how this life is a temporary state, and that anything that we possess in this life, anything pertaining to temporally, just did not matter, and how God's ways are Eternal and Everlasting. It was an intense feeling, something I wont forget either.
Miracles do happen. I witness it for myself. I know that this is God's work and his purposes for all of His children are eternal.
I love all of you and I hope and pray that you may have a fantastic week.
Love, Elder Corey J. Harris
Monday, January 24, 2011
10 Months
(Last week Corey sent pictures of his apartment and he isn't in one of them, LOL. Well, he did send us the Chinatown pic a week before.)
1) Corey's closet...ya think he has enough ties?
2) His companion, Elder Wilson.
3) His bed with his big down comforter...that we finally got sent to him.
4) His study area.
5) A close up of his study area and a picture of the family, awwww.
6) Corey in Philly's Chinatown.
7) The Victor, where Corey is living currently.
8) Their apartment living room.
Dear Mom,
What a wonderful email that was, thank you. It was exactly what i needed to hear. I have changed a lot i feel, and learned so much. President Hinckley once said that he learned more about the gospel in the two years he was serving a mission then the next 70 some years after his service. I too feel that way. Probably the biggest thing that i have learned is that of the eternal perspective of all things that God sees. Being on a mission is so hard sometimes, just because i cant see you guys or i guess do "worldly things", such as playing basketball everyday or dating, etc.. I have learned since being a missionary that this is truly a privilege to be here. God could use a much more effective way if he truly wanted too, but he allows us to come out for two years so that we can work that change within ourselves, and see who God sees us as, that is, as sons and daughters of God.
I received a letter from Craig the other day, and it was fantastic! Since then I have been reading a hymn everyday to fill myself with the spirit, to help me to become virtuous, and i have been memorizing the scripture masteries. One a day. I've got 5 down so far. I'll continue to memorize a scripture everyday until i go home. Its been really cool my studies have been fantastic lately, and we had interviews too on Tuesday, that was another cool experience to be able to learn from President. I feel that my skills as a missionary have shot up, but with that I fear my pride has too, thinking that i am a good missionary and such. Mom, what can i do to counter attack pride? I don't necessarily go around boasting about myself but i think so in my heart, how can i better develop more pure motives? I know of some things, but i would like your input. Its been kicking my butt lately. Also I've been doing a lot of studying about what it means to be charitable and loving, how can I embed this attribute into my heart? I feel that if i can learn these things, then i will have come home very different from before. These are what I've been trying to iron out since day one. Its super tough. And i only have 14 months left. Idk it feels like sometimes that i need to be some perfect guy when i do come home and there is so much to work on and its mind boggling!! Anyways, yes i have changed a lot but i feel like there is so much to improve on.
I have been wanting to write President Dayley and Wilson a letter but i haven't had the time to, so just know that is on my To Do List very soon. So last pday we ended up not playing basketball at all. We got free tickets to the aquarium just right by where we live, so we went there instead. We're playing today though for sure, it has been a very long time.
This morning i cut my own hair. Its not too bad, but my hair has definitely looked better before lol, my hair was getting pretty long so i took care of it.
Next week are transfers. Its a good possibility that my companion will be getting transferred since he has been here longer but anything is possible. I can't believe that today it 10 months. The time has flown by sooooo fast. its crazy. How are the Allens and Pictums doing with their boys out too?
And I almost cried when you said that Riley cried, and said she missed me. That really touched me. That picture, I remember that day perfectly. That is a memory that I won't ever forget. I love you guys, and I hope that you all have a great week!
Love, Elder Harris
In my email to Corey: Thought I'd attach a picture that makes me smile and remember that day whenever I see it. You had a little bit of a different companion back in the day. I caught her crying the other day and didn't know what was wrong and she said, "Oh mommy, I just miss Corey."
-Corey with his sister Riley about 2002.
1) Corey's closet...ya think he has enough ties?
2) His companion, Elder Wilson.
3) His bed with his big down comforter...that we finally got sent to him.
4) His study area.
5) A close up of his study area and a picture of the family, awwww.
6) Corey in Philly's Chinatown.
7) The Victor, where Corey is living currently.
8) Their apartment living room.
Dear Mom,
What a wonderful email that was, thank you. It was exactly what i needed to hear. I have changed a lot i feel, and learned so much. President Hinckley once said that he learned more about the gospel in the two years he was serving a mission then the next 70 some years after his service. I too feel that way. Probably the biggest thing that i have learned is that of the eternal perspective of all things that God sees. Being on a mission is so hard sometimes, just because i cant see you guys or i guess do "worldly things", such as playing basketball everyday or dating, etc.. I have learned since being a missionary that this is truly a privilege to be here. God could use a much more effective way if he truly wanted too, but he allows us to come out for two years so that we can work that change within ourselves, and see who God sees us as, that is, as sons and daughters of God.
I received a letter from Craig the other day, and it was fantastic! Since then I have been reading a hymn everyday to fill myself with the spirit, to help me to become virtuous, and i have been memorizing the scripture masteries. One a day. I've got 5 down so far. I'll continue to memorize a scripture everyday until i go home. Its been really cool my studies have been fantastic lately, and we had interviews too on Tuesday, that was another cool experience to be able to learn from President. I feel that my skills as a missionary have shot up, but with that I fear my pride has too, thinking that i am a good missionary and such. Mom, what can i do to counter attack pride? I don't necessarily go around boasting about myself but i think so in my heart, how can i better develop more pure motives? I know of some things, but i would like your input. Its been kicking my butt lately. Also I've been doing a lot of studying about what it means to be charitable and loving, how can I embed this attribute into my heart? I feel that if i can learn these things, then i will have come home very different from before. These are what I've been trying to iron out since day one. Its super tough. And i only have 14 months left. Idk it feels like sometimes that i need to be some perfect guy when i do come home and there is so much to work on and its mind boggling!! Anyways, yes i have changed a lot but i feel like there is so much to improve on.
I have been wanting to write President Dayley and Wilson a letter but i haven't had the time to, so just know that is on my To Do List very soon. So last pday we ended up not playing basketball at all. We got free tickets to the aquarium just right by where we live, so we went there instead. We're playing today though for sure, it has been a very long time.
This morning i cut my own hair. Its not too bad, but my hair has definitely looked better before lol, my hair was getting pretty long so i took care of it.
Next week are transfers. Its a good possibility that my companion will be getting transferred since he has been here longer but anything is possible. I can't believe that today it 10 months. The time has flown by sooooo fast. its crazy. How are the Allens and Pictums doing with their boys out too?
And I almost cried when you said that Riley cried, and said she missed me. That really touched me. That picture, I remember that day perfectly. That is a memory that I won't ever forget. I love you guys, and I hope that you all have a great week!
Love, Elder Harris
In my email to Corey: Thought I'd attach a picture that makes me smile and remember that day whenever I see it. You had a little bit of a different companion back in the day. I caught her crying the other day and didn't know what was wrong and she said, "Oh mommy, I just miss Corey."
-Corey with his sister Riley about 2002.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Question And Answer Session
1) Did you get your Christmas box (finally) and was it okay?
i got the christmas box last monday after i was done emailing you, and i thought it was great! and the blanket too...
2) Did you have the 5 baptisms on New Years Day? How did it go? Do you guys usually give talks, etc...?
we had the 5 baptisms yesterday actually. it was a hectic week, we didnt take any breaks we were just so busy and i am very tired today. i like p days on monday to just relax after a week long of hard work. if i havent told you sunday is by far the most stressful day for missionaries to see if your investigators come to church, the fruit of your labors for the week so to say lol it was an awesome baptism. and we have another one this coming sunday as well. and something that president wants us to do is to teach the restoration at baptisms. while they are getting changed. an hour long lesson cut down to 5 or 10 minutes. really hard. i felt like when i bore my testimony to the people, (and among us was all of their extended families and friends, maybe 20 or 30? yea alot) of what they just witnessed, (5 baptisms) they felt the spirit then, and it was great.
3) How did your exchange with the assistants go?
my exchange with the ap's was amazing. one of them, Elder Elwood, i have a tremendous amount of respect for. he helped me figure some things out that would have taken me forever to recognize and fix. he was my zone leader from wilmington and i had already had a very powerful spiritually moving experience with him before. (it was when i wouldnt tell you guys but i had written it in my journal) he has a facebook account and a im a mormon account too. from bountiful utah, first name brendan, i think. he is a little guy but he is a spiritual giant, he is a future general authority for sure.
4) What did you end up doing the rest of Christmas day? Where did you go, what did you eat? etc...
christmas day we were so lazy. we just felt so sluggish, and just sorta hung out. and we went over to a members house that wasnt even in our branch that heard we had nowhere to go so she invited us over and we ate lasagna :)
5) How was New Years? Where you able to go see the fireworks from your roof or was it packed up there? And did you go buy a new camera card with the giftcard from Grandma?
there were fireworks at 6 which were cool, we slept through midnight though. it was cool. and it was packed. all over the waterfront was just full of people, looking up from the rooftop it was like watching ants just squirming everywhere lol and no, i have not bought a new camera card yet.
6) What's your favorite scripture (or study topic) from this past week?
my favorite topic and goal that i have been doing an extensive amount of study on,
is that of love and charity. i have been through 1 Corinthians 13 alot lately... Elder Elwood helped me to realize that even though i have all of these weaknesses of mine, there is only one way to erase them, and that is through the atonement and the first key is love. if i can develop love towards literally everything, i will be someone completely different when i get home. i havent finished studying, but i will send home my notes about it when i am done.
so anyways, the pictures were great. i am glad that you guys had a good week and sunday. looks like you guys had alot of fun [playing in the snow]! and i will definitely study out how to best help [that certain person], surprisingly, he has been on my mind lately for some reason, and now its obvious. brynnie-lou looks so adorable! she is a true baby, looks and all... i look back to pictures when i was that young, i didnt look like a "true" baby. haha i had figured that [the ward] dads would have had a huddle session talking about their phone calls with their boys. and we start our church at 12:30 now, so when you start church, we basically will too. :) President Schaefermeyer was at our branch yesterday just to see what it was like, and he got to meet our investigators. (we had a total of 9 investigators at church, and some that committed to come didnt!) but all is good, i have been feeling alot better, almost as if a weight has been lifted. it feels real good. well, i love you all very much, i know that i owe people alot of letters but we will see, ive been real tired. hope you guys have a great week!
love always,
-Elder Harris
(He's right, he never really did look like a baby. He had so much hair he was born looking like a little boy. Here's Corey at one month old.)
i got the christmas box last monday after i was done emailing you, and i thought it was great! and the blanket too...
2) Did you have the 5 baptisms on New Years Day? How did it go? Do you guys usually give talks, etc...?
we had the 5 baptisms yesterday actually. it was a hectic week, we didnt take any breaks we were just so busy and i am very tired today. i like p days on monday to just relax after a week long of hard work. if i havent told you sunday is by far the most stressful day for missionaries to see if your investigators come to church, the fruit of your labors for the week so to say lol it was an awesome baptism. and we have another one this coming sunday as well. and something that president wants us to do is to teach the restoration at baptisms. while they are getting changed. an hour long lesson cut down to 5 or 10 minutes. really hard. i felt like when i bore my testimony to the people, (and among us was all of their extended families and friends, maybe 20 or 30? yea alot) of what they just witnessed, (5 baptisms) they felt the spirit then, and it was great.
3) How did your exchange with the assistants go?
my exchange with the ap's was amazing. one of them, Elder Elwood, i have a tremendous amount of respect for. he helped me figure some things out that would have taken me forever to recognize and fix. he was my zone leader from wilmington and i had already had a very powerful spiritually moving experience with him before. (it was when i wouldnt tell you guys but i had written it in my journal) he has a facebook account and a im a mormon account too. from bountiful utah, first name brendan, i think. he is a little guy but he is a spiritual giant, he is a future general authority for sure.
4) What did you end up doing the rest of Christmas day? Where did you go, what did you eat? etc...
christmas day we were so lazy. we just felt so sluggish, and just sorta hung out. and we went over to a members house that wasnt even in our branch that heard we had nowhere to go so she invited us over and we ate lasagna :)
5) How was New Years? Where you able to go see the fireworks from your roof or was it packed up there? And did you go buy a new camera card with the giftcard from Grandma?
there were fireworks at 6 which were cool, we slept through midnight though. it was cool. and it was packed. all over the waterfront was just full of people, looking up from the rooftop it was like watching ants just squirming everywhere lol and no, i have not bought a new camera card yet.
6) What's your favorite scripture (or study topic) from this past week?
my favorite topic and goal that i have been doing an extensive amount of study on,
is that of love and charity. i have been through 1 Corinthians 13 alot lately... Elder Elwood helped me to realize that even though i have all of these weaknesses of mine, there is only one way to erase them, and that is through the atonement and the first key is love. if i can develop love towards literally everything, i will be someone completely different when i get home. i havent finished studying, but i will send home my notes about it when i am done.
so anyways, the pictures were great. i am glad that you guys had a good week and sunday. looks like you guys had alot of fun [playing in the snow]! and i will definitely study out how to best help [that certain person], surprisingly, he has been on my mind lately for some reason, and now its obvious. brynnie-lou looks so adorable! she is a true baby, looks and all... i look back to pictures when i was that young, i didnt look like a "true" baby. haha i had figured that [the ward] dads would have had a huddle session talking about their phone calls with their boys. and we start our church at 12:30 now, so when you start church, we basically will too. :) President Schaefermeyer was at our branch yesterday just to see what it was like, and he got to meet our investigators. (we had a total of 9 investigators at church, and some that committed to come didnt!) but all is good, i have been feeling alot better, almost as if a weight has been lifted. it feels real good. well, i love you all very much, i know that i owe people alot of letters but we will see, ive been real tired. hope you guys have a great week!
love always,
-Elder Harris
(He's right, he never really did look like a baby. He had so much hair he was born looking like a little boy. Here's Corey at one month old.)
Monday, December 6, 2010
Hit By A Car (But OK!)
Mom's Note: I'll admit it's a little difficult to update Corey's (ahem, Elder Harris's) blog. Sometimes there are things in his emails that shouldn't be public and sometimes he's discouraged and I don't want that all over the internet. And sometimes we happen to be online at the same time and our emails are more conversations, mostly too boring to post here. So I guess that's my excuse for not posting for awhile, and the reason why I'll probably be more selective in the future as well.
(You can probably tell parts of this were a conversation, but I'm not posting my part.)
Its good to hear that everything was awesome this past weekend! (It was Gabby's baptism and Corey's Grandma Sherrie's 60th birthday on Saturday.) i do wish i could have been there too, and no we did not have a baptism. So ironically enough, this happened to be another one of those "trial weeks".. i'll explain, for example;
an investigator who was very promising and had loads of potential gets shot in the head for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. (drug dealing, and i myself have seen a few exchanges on the fly) or when your on your way to do some service work, you ride your bike and see a car parked at an intersection, and it just so happened as i am about to pass her by she hits the gas and t-bones into me. yup, i got hit by a car. my bike was trashed, luckily we were getting new bikes that day! and i have a testimony of helmets and i know that i was being watched after, because my feet went high above my head, and i did a backflip onto my head and shoulder blade. lol it was such a rush, i am okay, except for my left foot, its a little swollen, because it hit hard on the concrete ground when i landed. all is well though, there were alot of witnesses and i kid you not, all of them were telling me to press charges! and the they looked at me as if i were stupid or something because i refused to do so! i thought it was funny, i have had the worst luck crashing my bike, but i just laugh it off, and so does my companion.
ive just been icing it and taking ibuprofen and the swelling has gone down. I'll be okay. :)
She did feel bad, was surprised that i was even asking about how her car is and stuff, and i could tell she was grateful that i wasnt going to press any charges. i never even entertained that thought. and i didnt even think to give her a pass along card, because we were in service clothes, not in a suit and tie with all of our stuff..
i really am fine and dont need anything, but what i would like is maybe a few new ties, and some letters from the entire family or something, just give me something to do on christmas day (but specifically into detail any questions they may have, or challenges in their life, etc..)lol and also i plan on writing a long letter or email for the entire family can read as my gift to you guys.
ps's..
dad should be expecting a letter this week from me. (He's turning the big 4-0.)
has tyler had any luck with progression in his mission papers?
hope school is going good for ryan and riley!
and i am very proud of gabby for her decision to be baptized.
tell everyone i love and miss them
Below are pictures of the kids with a 6 foot tall cardboard cutout of Corey that a wonderful ward member had made for the Ward Christmas Party (which was also this past Saturday.) He surprised us with it on Thanksgiving day so Corey could "be here" for the holidays. We LOVE it! (Especially Tyler and Ryan because they are taller than his cutout!)
(You can probably tell parts of this were a conversation, but I'm not posting my part.)
Its good to hear that everything was awesome this past weekend! (It was Gabby's baptism and Corey's Grandma Sherrie's 60th birthday on Saturday.) i do wish i could have been there too, and no we did not have a baptism. So ironically enough, this happened to be another one of those "trial weeks".. i'll explain, for example;
an investigator who was very promising and had loads of potential gets shot in the head for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. (drug dealing, and i myself have seen a few exchanges on the fly) or when your on your way to do some service work, you ride your bike and see a car parked at an intersection, and it just so happened as i am about to pass her by she hits the gas and t-bones into me. yup, i got hit by a car. my bike was trashed, luckily we were getting new bikes that day! and i have a testimony of helmets and i know that i was being watched after, because my feet went high above my head, and i did a backflip onto my head and shoulder blade. lol it was such a rush, i am okay, except for my left foot, its a little swollen, because it hit hard on the concrete ground when i landed. all is well though, there were alot of witnesses and i kid you not, all of them were telling me to press charges! and the they looked at me as if i were stupid or something because i refused to do so! i thought it was funny, i have had the worst luck crashing my bike, but i just laugh it off, and so does my companion.
ive just been icing it and taking ibuprofen and the swelling has gone down. I'll be okay. :)
She did feel bad, was surprised that i was even asking about how her car is and stuff, and i could tell she was grateful that i wasnt going to press any charges. i never even entertained that thought. and i didnt even think to give her a pass along card, because we were in service clothes, not in a suit and tie with all of our stuff..
i really am fine and dont need anything, but what i would like is maybe a few new ties, and some letters from the entire family or something, just give me something to do on christmas day (but specifically into detail any questions they may have, or challenges in their life, etc..)lol and also i plan on writing a long letter or email for the entire family can read as my gift to you guys.
ps's..
dad should be expecting a letter this week from me. (He's turning the big 4-0.)
has tyler had any luck with progression in his mission papers?
hope school is going good for ryan and riley!
and i am very proud of gabby for her decision to be baptized.
tell everyone i love and miss them
Below are pictures of the kids with a 6 foot tall cardboard cutout of Corey that a wonderful ward member had made for the Ward Christmas Party (which was also this past Saturday.) He surprised us with it on Thanksgiving day so Corey could "be here" for the holidays. We LOVE it! (Especially Tyler and Ryan because they are taller than his cutout!)
Monday, October 4, 2010
Dear Family,
Alright, so was conference great or what?! I took a legit 10 pages of notes. I learned so much. The following sheet of paper has my favorite notes that I had jotted down that I thought you guys could benefit from. Please read the scriptures I wrote too. I don't know if you want to hold a family home evening about it or what but this stuff is legit. Thank you for your letters. I'll definitely study the doctrine of "Declaring Repentance" my next study. So we get interviews from President on Wednesday! They are more like a PPI. Oh, by the way, I'm putting back on some weight again. I've been exercising like crazy lately. So, a mission rule, we have to wear our suit jackets til the next conference. I don't mind though because I think I look rather sharp! :) So, something I didn't have room to write from conference, -would I sin or make a mistake if Jesus were right next to me, - that struck me deep. Love you, miss you guys!-Elder Harris
PS- I know that Dad was a very proud father during the priesthood session. When Russell M. Nelson told the missionaries wherever they may be in the world, to stand, I was thinking of Dad and Tyler and Ryan, wishing that you guys could see me stand. I love you guys!
Highlights from Oct 2010 conference notes:
- Keep ourselves clean, pure, and worthy to represent the Lord.
- Every able young man should serve a mission. Tyler and Ryan :)
- Give thanks in all that you do and you will learn humility.
- Consistency is better than speed.
- Follow the prophet. He will never lead us astray.
- What matters most in learning/teaching is the attitude about what is being taught, or learned.
- Successful gospel teachers love the gospel and live it.
- Immerse ourselves in the scriptures! We must know the gospel in order to teach it. (D&C 11:20-21).
- Apply in your life what you learn.
- Seek heaven's help! (D&C 42:14). *August 2009 Ensign Yoshihiko Kikuchi article.
- Exercise our agency and act on the principles of righteousness. Obey what the spirit says. (Proverbs 3:5-7).
- Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Not these complex trick-plays. Master the fundamentals.
- Our strength comes from a steadfast faith in Christ!
- We progress and opportunities arise when we submit our will to the Father.
- To obey is better than to sacrifice. (1 Samuel 10:8, 13:8-13, 15:2-23 especially verse 22, D&C 130:20-21).
- Be in the world but not of the world. (Romans 12:1-2).
- Choose faith over doubt, fear, or the unknown.
- In our weakest moments, the adversary strikes.
- Our character is dependent upon how we act during times of trial. The bedrock of character is integrity.
- We become what we want to become when we consistently BE what we want to become.
- The Book of Mormon is key to everything you do, and we are called to gather the Lord's elect. (D&C 29:1-8).
- Be thou an example of the believers. (1 Tim 4:12).
- You can find peace through the Savior.
- Harden not your heart, stiffen not your neck, I promise that you will find peace through him.
- Our home must be a place where the holy spirit can dwell.
- Put off the natural man and be full of love! (Mosiah 3:19).
- Beware of pride, it brings self elevation and puts others down.
- It is impossible to be puffed up when we are full of charity, when we serve others our pride diminishes.
- When we ponder it invites revelation from the spirit, after we have prayed and read the scriptures.
- If and when we make a wrong choice, we have no one to blame but ourselves. (Study Preach My Gospel, pages 150-151, Accountability and Scripture Study section.)
- It is easier to keep the commandments 100% of the time than 98% of the time.
- A prayerful life is the key to expressing gratitude.
- Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
(Photo is of Corey, in the Conference Center, the day before he reported to the MTC.)
Conference Rocked!
ok, the photo card i think i'll have to start lookin for. dad emailed me, and it sounded like you guys didnt get the letters, because he was askin me to hand write them or something. but anyways, conference rocked! i took over 10 pages of notes to study and learn from. they said stuff that i was lookin for. my prayers were answered. and the spirit, man the spirit whispered to me so many things!
i wrote a letter today to the family, and i sent a page about conference from my notes. i took out what i had liked most, and added scriptures to them as well. priesthood session was awesome too! i dont know if dad and the boys told you or not..
thats cool that riley is being engaged in the scriptures! and yes, i gave ryan that stamp on purpose. ryan is just a dating machine isnt he? tee hee hee..
so guess what my new companion is like?
my comp has been out over 17 months now, and he is an apostate missionary. i wont say too much, other than he has literally been wasting his time being out here. He is very lazy, sleeps in willingly, complains all the time, whines all the time, and whines some more. says the word, "freaking". and i want to punch him everytime he says it. He knows that President doesnt trust him, (which means why he stuck him with me, because i am an obedient hardworking missionary) I know that President trusts me, so thats why i was put with him. i am just afraid that the work will suffer here, ESPECIALLY after i leave. i've finally have gotten all of these members to trust us, to get excited about missionary work, and its gonna get shot down now. i am a little bit bummed right now, kind of looking forward to transfers already, but i know i have the choice whether to think positive, or negatively about this experience.. :( i've got a trial transfer ahead of me...
so i have to start to get goin now, time is almost up, but i just wanted to say that i love you very much, and miss too. we have our interviews on wednesday with president schaefermeyer, so dont worry about me, i'll be just fine. i hope that you guys have a great week, and i am looking forward from hearing back soon. oh and i also wrote ali and grandma sherrie this mornin. i'll write a letter to jared and jeff too. tell shawn i said hey for me! love ya!
i wrote a letter today to the family, and i sent a page about conference from my notes. i took out what i had liked most, and added scriptures to them as well. priesthood session was awesome too! i dont know if dad and the boys told you or not..
thats cool that riley is being engaged in the scriptures! and yes, i gave ryan that stamp on purpose. ryan is just a dating machine isnt he? tee hee hee..
so guess what my new companion is like?
my comp has been out over 17 months now, and he is an apostate missionary. i wont say too much, other than he has literally been wasting his time being out here. He is very lazy, sleeps in willingly, complains all the time, whines all the time, and whines some more. says the word, "freaking". and i want to punch him everytime he says it. He knows that President doesnt trust him, (which means why he stuck him with me, because i am an obedient hardworking missionary) I know that President trusts me, so thats why i was put with him. i am just afraid that the work will suffer here, ESPECIALLY after i leave. i've finally have gotten all of these members to trust us, to get excited about missionary work, and its gonna get shot down now. i am a little bit bummed right now, kind of looking forward to transfers already, but i know i have the choice whether to think positive, or negatively about this experience.. :( i've got a trial transfer ahead of me...
so i have to start to get goin now, time is almost up, but i just wanted to say that i love you very much, and miss too. we have our interviews on wednesday with president schaefermeyer, so dont worry about me, i'll be just fine. i hope that you guys have a great week, and i am looking forward from hearing back soon. oh and i also wrote ali and grandma sherrie this mornin. i'll write a letter to jared and jeff too. tell shawn i said hey for me! love ya!
Monday, September 27, 2010
In Wilmington For One More Transfer
Hey i know that i have been blowing through my personal like stupid, and im actually thinking about chopping it up so i dont spend any of it. It gets tough though we dont get fed and we dont really have time to make something good. I just need to stop eating out! I promise that i will. i need to. also i have a new companion. He has been out about 17 months now so i wont be killing him but he definitely does have some experience under his belt. he has actually already served in my ward before, so he already knows alot of the members and the area, so i dont imagine me being here too much longer. I might be headed out in November. :) we'll see though. So we had three confirmations yesterday! and it was an awesome fast and testimony meeting! Everyone pretty much bore their testimony about missionary work, and you can see how the ward is getting really excited now! (it only took 9 baptisms lol) we've been really blessed lately, and this transfer i want to get more involved into the community some how.. but anyways one of the baptisms we had her name is Jocelyn, she is Puerto Rican (i think i spelled that right..?) and she is 17. Awesome young woman, she had asked me to baptize her. :D And our ward mission leader Brother Hooper baptized our other convert Kervin. He is from Liberia. Being on a mission is so much fun!
So i am very glad to see that you received the box? What did everyone think? It was pretty cool i got the note from dad in the box about sending pictures with little notes on the back, (and i did, and yes that is Hockessin, but no members in that neighborhood, yet) did dad like his coke and new cup? i have some time today to write letters, my new comp will be unpacking. I'll also talk about my mad bribing skills. So hows life in Las Vegas? How did Ryans date go with Jessica? :) And so some quick advice that Elder Oldham had given me, pack up food in those glad containers or somethin. Those cookies that i got were powder, i opened it up and the first thing i remember sayin was was this supposed to be some type of powder? it might have been cookies my comp says lol so sorry but the rolls are good still. the box that i got though must have been tossed around a bit, it looked real trashed. :( oh well, i know they were made with love still. ) Thank you for the cord though, i forgot my camera today, but next week i'll try and send out some stuff online. so my big goal this transfer is to work on humility. Last transfer was all about obedience and diligence. Well i am all out of like shaving cream and soap and shampoo and toothpaste so i will be spending some money today i am sorry, when we get more money next month, i am going to try really hard to keep myself on a very strict budget. Well dont really know what else to say, no we do not live with any other missionaries, but we do live pretty close to other Elders though. Love ya guys very much, hope to hear from ya soon, and take care.
all my love Elder Harris
Monday, August 30, 2010
A Funny Baptism Story
its way crazy to think that riley is in middle school right now. that is sooo crazy! she'll like it though, it will continue to give her an extra challenge in schooling. so how has gabbys reading been going? i have been praying a lot about that.. oh so yesterday was an amazing day! i baptized a guy named Tim. hes a HUGE guy, about 6'2 or 3 and weighs 338 lbs! he has a lot of health and leg n knee problems, so i baptized him forward. but i had my companion in there with me to help since hes a big guy. so the first time i dunk him in the water and his head pops up. so i did it again one more time. people said it looked like i had jumped on top of him, like my shoulder and elbows were in his back and i nearly went under the water with him. (only like my whole body and half my face) so i was baptized with him, and then since hes so big there wasnt a jump suit that fit him so we had like a dress choir robe, that you'd see baptist singers wear or something, and while we were under the water his robes float up so my companion was struggling to shove his clothes under the water and he nearly jumped on him too. tim was under the water for like 4 or 5 seconds, it was so funny, we could not stop laughing! but yea im at 6 baptisms, and 5 more have a date right now. yesterday was awesome, a high councilman spoke at sacrament meeting and kind of rebuked the ward. basically saying its the missionaries job to teach, and not to go finding, and tracting all day. its the members job to find people for us to teach, the members need to be more missionary minded, etc.. it was awesome. everyone who has been baptized so far has been through missionary efforts though, so hopefully we can get the area even more rollin..
so how was treys farewell talk? what did he talk about? did he and bishop go on like a bro date to the temple the day before? and who was the other speaker? thats way cool that he had pres gillins play the same song, did he do it because it tied in with his talk as well? random questions i know.. so just let me know when your back online.. love ya
so how was treys farewell talk? what did he talk about? did he and bishop go on like a bro date to the temple the day before? and who was the other speaker? thats way cool that he had pres gillins play the same song, did he do it because it tied in with his talk as well? random questions i know.. so just let me know when your back online.. love ya
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Be Exactly Obedient
hey you probably aren't online but i loved the rappelling pics! riley has gotten so pretty and gabby is growing up so much! i miss rappelling but id rather be doing what im doing.. so some new news, salt lake is making us change our p-day to monday, so its on monday again this week, and not next thursday. prez schaeffermeyer pretty much rebuked the entire mission at transfer meetings for not being exactly obedient, and thats this transfers focus is exact obedience. im pumped. its 'exact'ly what i need too. my new comp is Elder Oldham, from Orem Utah. He goes home in six weeks as well, so im killing again! so ill be here in wilmington for awhile. But like Gillman, Oldham is an ex Zone Leader, so i have been getting a lot of awesome training from the studs in the mission. I was talking to one of the assistants in the mission, he told me that the Lord is preparing me for something, and its extra important i learn as much as i can from these older experienced missionaries. im way excited. yesterday was a miracle day. so our day is pretty full as usual, we contact a former investigator. she usually drops appointments when give her an opening to. our ward mission leader called us and asked if we had confirmed the appointment and i said no. (i instantly had the feeling that if we called her to confirm an app, she would bail and drop us) he asked if he should call her and i said dont because she will cancel if we call, we just need to show up and teach. he said ok, he'll just meet us at her house. well about 30 min later, he calls us and said he had called and talked to her on the phone, and shes gonna have to push back the app another day. i was sooo frustrated, good thing Elder Oldham was talking to him, i was ready to give a not so friendly well why would you do that?!(way to go corey to let my pride settle in and choose to get mad) so i decided i needed to pray and ask for help. i immediately felt that we needed to go over to her house to teach her anyways, so we did just that. turns out she was just waiting for an important phone call for some property and we told her she could take the call at any time during our lesson. well we taught her, our member present wasnt there though, and she committed to come to church and we have another app set up to see her. the next app our 17 year old investigator Jocelyn (who reminds me a lot of Ashley) was asking about baptism, and she wants me to baptize her! so we set a date for her on Sep 26.
we took a very short break because we just felt like we were on a spiritual roll, we had a full night, but for some reason it fell through? dang, i hate dropped cancelled app's.
well turns out a couple weeks ago we had a texted media referral that i never knew about. my zone leader (Elder Bertrand) called me and said we needed to update this referral. well we decide to contact this guy, we called him, he wanted us to come over right away! we taught the entire first lesson, and it was so spiritual! we nearly gave him a baptism date! we see him again tomorrow, and he has an uncle who is a member of the church in south philly.
and then another miracle, all of our app that had dropped came back! and we gave another baptism date to another investigator, and re contacted a less active who wants to get a patriarchal blessing! way amazing day, we didnt get back til 9:30, and we were physically and spiritually exhausted! Elder Oldham said he has never had an area like this, with so many awesome people. i love being a missionary. blessings pour out when we are diligently seeking to do good, and being exactly obedient.
i received an email from prez from my last email to him that he was going to be watching me very closely. im way nervous but stoked at the same time. well that was my day yesterday, we are going to be playing some basketball today, and i want to thank you guys so much for all that you guys have done. i miss and love every one of you. sorry for any short comings that i have.
all my love, Elder Harris
ps dad, when im going through trials, and always tired and i need an extra boost, the best medicine is to pray. pray for strength. i promise it will work ;) love ya
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