CANADA Week 61-September 25, 2018

Jimmy and Judithe took a big step towards Christ this week by being baptized. We were so happy to be with them and to help them.

Hullo le monde!

I am excited to say that I will be staying another six weeks here in Little Haiti! I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, donc ca me plait. I also will get to keep practicing my Tahitian with my brotha Elder Purahui. I always have fun with him. Last week he taught the 4 man how to do a haka, and we have all been wearing lava lavas... Who would have thought I would become a Tahitian Prahada here in Canada!

Canada is super weird, as Elder Cook testified, and we have had a range of 35 degrees to 85 degrees this week haha. I have been changing clothes as much as Perry does throughout the day. It feels weird to be back in a coat again, but winter isn't going to wait!

This Sunday was full of new experiences for me. We were helping one of our friends named Sherline come to church, and she is new to Canada, so we had to take the bus with her to help her get to the building. That was my first time on the bus here in Montréal (The last time was in Ottawa), and it was awesome. She also had 2 baby girls with her, so she needed us to push one of the strollers. A bunch of the incredible people at church came up and asked if I was a father haha. 

Today I wanted to share the council of Alma to his son Helaman in The Book of Mormon. He said, "O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever."

Just like in the the time of Alma and Helaman, the world is full of battles and confusion and sadness. But I know that if we look towards Christ steadfastly, our stumbling blocks become stepping stones, and our sorrows are swallowed up in His light. Be anxiously engaged in the good cause of Christ and all things will work together for your good. He loves you and I love you, and lets all make this week awesome!

I put my hairs in the capable hands of my beloved Elder Purahui this week. He actually gave me a really solid haircut though.

My Haitienne grandma Soeur Julian and her daughter Vanessa.

Baby friends.

Yes Mudda we used your baking stuffs and many of the people in our branch are grateful for it haha. They all love you!

Doing service for a sweet Italian lady who literally had us cutting grass with steak knives.

I threw the house keys to Elder Hall, but they ended up getting stuck on the roof... This is him trying to save them.

While Elder Amichia was finishing up a discussion with Jimmy, Elder Hall, Elder Sorensen, and I all went to talk to some people. We found a bunch of creepy apartments, and I learned that trios are fun.

CANADA Week 60-September 18, 2018

The one and only Jean Sand Ford.

Hello des gens!

Mudda je vois que tu veux nous faire grossir haha. I was struggling to get that sentence written in English, but your package was appreciate by the 4 man and the people we are teaching!

Today I wanted to share an incredible story from an incredible man I met in Laval named Halim. We met him when we decided to knock on his door (he had some sweet America shorts on with stars and everything haha) and he immediately invited us in for water. We sat down on his bed and listened to him explain his life. He was born in Algeria, and all of his family are of the Muslim faith. He has a beautiful family, and 3 kids in their early 20`s. He also believes in Jesus Christ.

He said that he had always felt drawn to pray in the name of Christ, and so naturally he started studying and following Christ in his life. As a result he ended up being rejected from his family and even his country. His wife divorced him and his children are still in Algeria. He has no connections here in Canada and he has lived alone for 12 years. 

He proceeded to tell us that that day was especially hard for him, and his boss saw him and just told him to go home early and take a break. He came home early and started to search for a Christian church he could go to to pray at. At that moment, my inspired companion knocked on his door, and he knew with a certainty that God had sent us to him. This Sunday he happily went to church at Laval. 

While speaking with Halim, it was easy to ask myself some questions. What am I willing to sacrifice to follow Jesus Christ? What was Jesus Christ willing to sacrifice for us? How can a man who had no real understanding of Jesus Christ come to love and appreciate Him so strongly?

The answers differed, but at that moment the love I felt for that man and for my Savior Jesus Christ was overpowering. Halim's bedroom became holy ground. He knew where he wanted to go because he knew who he follows.

President Monson cited Alice in Alice in Wonderland, "Which path shall I follow," and the Cheshire cat, "That depends where you want to go. If you do not know where you want to go, it doesn't matter which path you take." (The Three Rs of Choice, Thomas S Monson). 

I can testify with certainty and with my brother Halim that I know who I follow and where I want to go. I know that by following Jesus Christ we can be happy and have hope to be with Him eternally. I hope you all choose to follow Him today.

Sorry I didn't talk too much about the week, but I have some pics for vous autres:

All real Quebecois have their own tractors, so I got mine.

When Canadians really don't want to see you they remove their stairs... But nothing stops Elder Smith haha.

Elder Eggenberger

Life is always interesting with Elder Hall haha.

CANADA Week 59-September 11, 2018

Old Port is one of the oldest know areas here in Montréal.

Hullo da famille! I am currently typing at light-speed on my phone because the computer is broken, and we spent all of our emailing time trying to fix it...

I wanted to say thank you all for your prayers, we have seen miracles this week, and throughout my whole mission, because of your faith. 

It's funny how intricate the plans of our God can be. For example, yesterday we planned to visit one of our friends named Jimmy we teach at a member's house. The member cancelled, so we called another member to go with us to see Jimmy. When we get there, he was talking with his wife. So we invite his wife Stephanie to join us over the telephone. It turns out that the member we brought had already met Stephanie while serving his mission in Haiti.

Sorry that was a complicated example, but my mind was blown haha. How often do we miss the wonderful miracles that are around us every day? 

My time is gone, and I have made too may typing errors on this phone, so I am rolling out. Have a great week, and appreciate the miracles and time that you have!

Montreal Nord Zone.

Demanagement with Elder Amichia.

Beaver Tails are these thin donuts that Canadian people love that are covered in maple butter.

Mission Leadership Council.

This man casually walking his MASSIVE pig!

Art.

CANADA Week 58-September 4, 2018

Elder Durgante!

Allo les gars

I don't have much time, but this was a sweet week. I got to practice my nonexistent Spanish with Elder Durgante, eat some Tahitian cuisine (hamburgers and fries in a baguette), and get destroyed by rainstorms haha. Our lives are full of experiences that allow us to grow. Whether they be good or bad. I actually have been thinking about a poem lately that I think Sister Spencer gave to me at church one day. It says:

My life is but a weaving

Between my God and me.

I cannot choose the colors,

He weaves so steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow,

And I in foolish pride,

Forget He sees the upper, 

And I the underside.

Not till the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly,

Will God roll back the canvas

And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the Weaver`s skillful hands

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

What we can see of our lives with our limited knowledge and perspective can oftentimes seem bleak and depressive. But God wants us to be happy and receive incredible things. it is explained in Romans that: 

 

 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

So be happy and rejoice in the goodness of the Plan of God. We suffer with Christ and we are glorified with Him as well. I love you all, and I am so grateful for the experiences I have had with you, and here in Canada. I can truthfully say that I have felt the love of God and seen Him change lives. 

Elder Wilson

Mario (aka Einstein).

Parking gets tight in Montréal, But I have got the best copilot in the world.

Les elders. Elder Amichia only has a few weeks left...

CANADA Week 57-August 28, 2018

The legendary 4 man. Elder Purahui showed us some magic method of folding shirts that we thought was Tahitian, but he just learned it from Facebook haha.

Salut tout le monde.

This week slid by in a blink, so sorry in advance if this email is a little sacattered. 

If there has been one thing that this specific area of my mission (Montréal Est) has pounded into my head again and again and again with vivid examples, is the importance and light of the family. I have met literally hundreds of people living here that are separated from their families, and have little hope of seeing them again. I have met men struggling to pay for their families living in a different country by working 7 days a week and shifts that aren't necessarily legal. I have met mothers fighting to balance raising their children and providing for their most basic needs. I have seen bright hope as well as crushed dreams, and I have felt their love and loss.

I love my family. They are the world to me, and I am so proud of them. I will be with them for this life and for eternity, because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. If you would like to learn more about His Atonement you can talk to the missionaries chez vous ;) God has placed us in families because families are an eternal unit. We are all a part of the family of God, and he loves us so much. During my year here in Canada I have literally seen entire lives and futures change because of that simple truth. God is our Father. I can add my simple testimony to that of Nephi`s (I think you just read this Miss Perry) in saying that, "I know that He loveth His children." (1 Nephi 11:17).

I wanted to finish with a quick story of a wonderful family. We met the father of this family a few weeks ago. He has been here in Canada for 5 years, trying to work to pay the way for his family to come as well. He has 2 young children and his wife all living in Haiti. They talk every day, and his wife (being a member of the church) finally convinced him to go to church here in Canada. We recently just had another discussion with our friend and brother Jimy, and we were able to promise him the chance of an eternal family. His eyes were open as he saw the wonderful plan of God, and he said with fervor, "Je le fera". Or "I will make it."

I can say with certainty that the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of God make forever families. I wish you all a great week from the jolly country of Canada, and we will have one as well!

Elder Wilson

CANADA Week 56-August 21, 2018

Allo! eiaha to oe huru (from Elder Purahui) I guess I am an honorary Tahitian now, seeing as I have had 2 comps from the same little island haha.

Elder Purahui is a ton of fun, and he loves the work and the word of God. He has been a member of the church for 5 years, and he has some incredible life stories. He loves people, and it's fun to see how he talks with others. I have a lot to learn from him. 

This week was full of miracles, but we had a moment this week that I will certainly never forget. I'm sure a bunch of you already know, but President Nelson came to Montréal. The members of the church from all over Canada and even from the US gathered to a massive conference center, and we were lucky enough to go. We even got to take the metro to get there, and I love the metro now haha. Throughout the conference, we were addressed by Elder and Sister Bennet, Elder and Sister Anderson, and the Prophet and his wife. They taught us about many things, some of them being revelation, prayer, and Jesus Christ. Also, President Nelson (the prophet) shared with us 10 things that he has come to recognize as eternal truths, because he is a witness and the mouthpiece of God and Christ.

As a missionary i have also been called to stand as a witness of Jesus Christ, and in turn, his Prophets. So I would just quickly like to share some of the things I know.

God loves us

The Atonement (life and death) of Jesus Christ allows us to be forgiven for our mistakes

The Spirit of God and His word changes hearts and lives

The Church of Jesus Christ is restored on the earth today and led by a living prophet of God

God has prepared a plan of happiness for us that leads us to eternal life with our families

The way that I have come to know these things, is by following an invitation repeated often in the scriptures. In the Bible James invites; "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God..."(James 1:5). The prophet Moroni exhorts; "that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true..."(Moroni 10:4). And Jesus Christ Himself; "Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened."(Mat 7:7). 

Sometimes it seems as if the truth is uncertain, or not even there. But as you can see we have received many open invitations to find the truth, if we are willing to ask. I love you all, and I love the light that comes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It changes. 

Have a fun week, and reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in a while! They miss you

President Nelson

Sending off Elder Tueller and Elder Brenchley with a bang haha. I love those dorks!

One of the most incredible members I have ever met (Jhonel) praying with a man he met in the metro and testifying of the love of Christ.

We went to go visit one of our friends this week, and for unknown reasons his stairs were wrecked... so we snuck around the backside.

Our wonderful neighbor just brought us food... He is a legend.

 Elder Hall made us pizzas last night. PERSONAL ones haha. We almost died trying to eat them.

Canadas mounted warriors haha. The Haitian people love it.

CANADA Week 55-August 14, 2018

Je suis en balloon . . . . 

That title doesn't actually make any sense, but it makes me laugh every time haha. It is a Quebec way of saying that I am pregnant . . . Elder Amichia just taught it to me this week. 

I have certainly seen and received a clear knowledge of the fact that by the Lord brings about great and wonderful things by small means (1 Nephi 16:29).

We even had some experiences with that truth this week. Ex 1- We were discussing with one of our friends who recently has been going through a time of change and difficulty in her daily life. We decided to open the Book of Mormon, and we were prompted to let her choose which chapter she would like to read (previously she has only read a few chapters). So she hesitated and flipped some pages and turned to Mosiah 24... So we started to read it, and afterwards she let us know that it was like the book was speaking to her. The word of God is powerful, and brings comfort as well as change. This is one of the verses that she really appreciated:

"And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

Ex 2- A few days ago we met a Haitian lady on the road, and she had to get to her bus, so she kinda just yelled her address at us. We didn't hear too clearly, but we thought we heard a number and a road so we passed by another night. We got there, and it was a large block with 8 apartments... We only had 5 minutes, so we took a moment to think and decided to go to apartment 2. We knocked and it was a man. We asked if Asafie (the woman) lived there, and he said no, but they happened to be friends. She actually lived on an entirely different road, but we started talking with this man, and now not only can we find Asafie, but we will be able to teach her friend.

From my experiences, it has always been through the small ways that the Lord has shown me His love. I love Him, and I know He loves all of you as well, so don't miss the small signs!

Oh and Elder James will be leaving Thursday..... We experienced some incredible things together, and it will be really sad to see him go (the 4 man will never be the same), but the things he taught me will stay with me forever. And I will be receiving Elder Purahui, another Tahitian! It will be a great 6 weeks.

And thanks everybody for your support with the live Facebook discussion! We will continue to figure out better and more effective ways to teach with the tools we have received, so thanks again for your feedback! I love you all, and make this week awesome! 

Elder Wilson

We moved a massive fridge out of a stairwell with minimal casualties. Il faisait chaud...

Elder James working on the setup for the Facebook video.

Canada is beautiful!

Missionary work makes even the hardest of floors feel like a cloud.

You are only a real Haitian if you drink this Haitian malt stuff that Elder Amichia is holding. People always think that he can speak Créole when they see him.