Happy New Year

WOW,

I uh don't really know what to say. I have all kinds of mixed emotions! I think I will just stick with; I love my family so much! 

It was nice to get to talk with y'all! Sara sent me a picture of Christmas Eve pajamas, Sara is so big! Not cool! I'm not going to be able to pick on her as much! ;) Well Emailing after talking to you 5 days ago, isn't the easiest. 

Some area updates: The part-member family we have been working so hard with finally came to church! They had a great experience and will certainly be back! I also had to play bad guy and withhold candy from their 4 year old. It was so hard!!!!! I'm usually the one sneaking candy to the kids behind the parents back, but not only did the dad catch me, our ward mission leader caught me. They then said if he wants another mint he has to say please first. It was so hard for me! The little guy was crying telling his dad that he needed to say it for him. I'm a big sucker for the kids. I think it was because he reminded me so much of Landon. By the end of church he finally said please and got the mint. I was happy to give it to him! I know this is a long way off, but I can't wait for the day I have a little brat running around raising heck! I know I know, careful what you wish for, but we all know children bring the greatest happiness! 

There was supposed to be a baptism out in WA state, but due to some logistic things it was not able to happen. He gets back Wednesday and we will be planning his baptism for out here when he gets back. He's a good guy, I just wish he could have done it out there where family and friends are.

Yesterday we had dinner at the former Stake Presidents home, and we had some delicious brisket and chicken sandwiches. HOWEVER, I don't know what it was, but when I got home an hour or so later the toilet became my best friend. I was throwing up. This has been the roughest time of the mission (health wise) It is driving me crazy. I'm trying to recognize God's hand in it, but I'm not sure. Maybe he is trying to tell me something. I'm working on the deciphering. If you could send me a urimm and thummim that would do the trick ;) 

So a while back I told you about wanting to return in may for the sealing of the Wilsons. Well I was able to go back to the city for a civil wedding this last Saturday. While I was there I was able to see 3 of the sister missionaries that I served with while in OKC. They are all home now, but they came back. I had the opportunity to chat with them and we are thinking of doing a road trip out to OK for the sealing. I don't want to exclude the family, and I want to do what Brianne had the opportunity of doing with us in Michigan. There are peoples I want y'all to meet. I know it's in the future a ways, but before I forget I wanted to tell ya. 

I love you so much!

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Tough Week

This week has been tough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Bueno and I are doing very well. We are seeing so many miracles! However the night of the Christmas Conference I got sicker than a dog. I think one of the member was trying to kill me. I was out for 4 days! It drove me insane! BUT, I lost some weight and needed to put another hole in my belt! :) The Christmas Conference was full of great training about finding people to teach. Apparently the mission attitude about finding has become stinky. I haven't seen it in the districts I've served, but I guess these soldiers are just not getting out to work! President, and to instruct all leadership to encourage tracting! It caught me off guard. I also think it has a little bit to do with the He is the Gift initiative! It make Tracting so much more fun, festive, and non-intrusive. I love tracting actually! It's so exciting. You can always find some crazy person or story by just talking to everyone and knocking on random doors! I'm not gonna lie, talking with my black brothas is the best! I just always have a ball when I talk with them.

A Modesto Mission??????? Sweet!!! That's awesome! I'm so excited for that! You can't stop the stone cut without hands! 

I am glad you are keeping me up on Sean and Melissa, because he sure doesn't. I actually got Melissa's email from Sean, and I have written and heard from her once. She sounds very nice. All I know is that it can be tough to be out here, hearing all about these major family events and not being there to sit down with the family and jest about them. I'm missing the opportunity to be that typical little brother...... AHHHHHH I now see the big picture. Heavenly Father is occupying me here in this out of the world place so I can't harass and torment. Bummer. I guess I will have to make up for it when I return. ;)  I love the great love that comes from these emails! It always just makes me so happy for the family I have!

So for the Phone call, would 3:00 p.m your time work? 5:00 Oklahoma time?

let me know soon!

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Thanksgiving

I will make sure I send something for the newsletter. It may be a written letter though. I hope that's okay?

We haven't heard anything about skype, I think it all worked out for the mission, but we will see. Elder Bueno and I working through things. We are just completely different people besides the name tag, which I'm trying to let be the foundation of our relationship. We both are willing to work, but he keeps telling me that the way I do things is the wrong way. It gets me all flustered. I know what I need to do, and I'm doing all I can to work with him. I'm trying to keep a good attitude and do all I can to learn from him. I'm looking for any opportunity to serve him. I pray it works. I've been really studying meekness and how I can apply that characteristic. 

So with this new initiative...... Have you read your ensign? He is the gift! I'm soo excited for this! This is going to be a great opportunity to bring others to Christ! How will you share the gift? I expect all 9 of those pass along cards to be distributed!

Our Thanksgiving was decent. We were not allowed to proselyte on Thursday. We had a dinner with a family who has three sons who all have mental handicaps. The father is Italian and really loves to cook, and boy did he! We had so much food! It was fantastic! After that we got together as a district and played games and socialized. We had fun, but I felt like we were wasting time. So, I took some time to call just about everyone and wish them a happy Thanksgiving, and try to set up appointments. It wasn't too successful, but I felt like I was being productive. I got the gifts from Aunt Laurie and and loved them. One companionship didn't get anything from family for Thanksgiving so I actually re-gifted the basket. We also got a pie from the family we ate dinner with, so we went around to the companionship's in my district and doorbell ditched them. (Which is really hard to do on bikes, but we worked it out) We weren't found out! I'm a ninja! Just like that time I snuck up to Girls-Camp! ;) 

Other than that, it's been a week of meetings. We received some formal instruction on the He is the Gift initiative. If you don't hear from your missionaries this week, tell them I'm ashamed! This is something that needs to reach every home! They need to get on the ball and talk with all members, active and less active. This is a great tidal wave of goodness! If you don't hear from them soon invite them over to spend at least 15 minutes talking about it with y'all! Will you do that? This goes for all who read this email!

Well I love ya! I'm doing the best I can out here! There is a rumor that we may get a car soon. So if you want to pray for that, I would not be mad at all!

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

GROSS PICS!!!

We fed a spider a lizard. 

 

 My companion after working on his bike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Beau's infected knee. I think it's called Marsa. It's got gauze hangin out!

Hard Times

First off I feel terrible that you feel bad for your longer emails. I love receiving updates! I did not ever mean to come across as ungrateful for your descriptive letters. They are wonderful! This week was very unproductive. We have not been able to really see anyone! It's been very difficult. Those we have been teaching have all of  sudden gotten sick! It seems like everyone is getting sick around here! 

We had one very memorable lesson, We taught a lady named Melinda. She is Filipino. The language barrier is bad! Anyway, we found out why it's been so hard to get her and her husband in the same room. We set up an appointment and James will show up, then the next one just Melinda, and it goes back and forth! We finally sat down with Melinda and put the beef on the table! We found out that the reason she and James are married is because he got her pregnant when he was serving in Japan, and felt obligation to care for his child and the child's mother. They have no foundation, and barely understand/speak to each other. Apparently there was a pregnancy scare, and so when we showed up she was frantic and going all crazy Asian on us. She wanted us to do the abortion right there, she wanted us to get lawyers there, and she wanted us to basically kill James for her, so she doesn't have to deal with him anymore. It was crazy. In the end we convinced her to seek out the Army Chaplain and counsel with him. (Her husband is a major in the Army) She also agreed to meet with a marriage counselor. I was very glad our member was able to talk her through how marriages take work and faith. It was intense. After all of this we actually got her to pray, as a child. She repeated every word Bro. Melling said. Then she committed to read from her Tagalog and English Book of Mormon everyday! We are still waiting to see what happens. While all this was going on Sis. Melling was finishing up a Home Study so they can adopt two Russian girls. The Mellings are troopers! I'm going to make brownies or something for them!

Attached pics: Beau (Recent Convert) and Monica (Excommunicated Member)

Chad Bolton (Recent Convert)

 

 

 

Pictures from the City

Here's some pictures from the city. Aaron Gates, the man I escorted through the temple, and was a witness for his sealing.

 

 

Another Baptism

It has been another good week! We ended it with another baptism! We were teaching him in secret so his member wife would have a great surprise on the day of his baptism, but he couldn't hold out, he felt like he was deceiving his wife and told her two days before the baptism! Pansy! Just kidding! I thought that was very impressive he felt that way. They will have a long and happy marriage! 

I'm really bad with these picture things, I keep forgetting to bring my cable to get the pictures off the camera. I promise they will come soon.

Bro. Chavez...... Yeah he's a character. Elder Chavez was in my district when I served up in Ponca City. He kind of looked to me as a mentor because him and his trainer did not mesh too well. I did my best to turn him back to his trainer but at the time pride was a big factor in all parties. I also had many occasions to counsel with him about staying out in the mission field. He was belittled quite often by his trainer about being an 18 year old immature missionary. It started getting to him and he began to believe that he wasn't capable/worthy to serve. Those were some counseling sessions I never wanted, but will never forget! We grew to be good friends and he was the kid that will be wrestling collegiate. He is being looked at by Purdue. His father works for a company named Brute. They deal a lot with wrestling gear and since OSU has a pretty decent wrestling team he sent Elder Chavez and myself gear. I thanked him a lot, and told him it was very unnecessary but he insisted. I feel they think I did something a lot more spectacular than I did, I just helped him understand the atonement and Doctrine of Christ just little more. If I wasn't there someone else would have done the same. But I'm glad they see me as a friend. He kind of has become a little mission brother and I try and look out for the kid. He has a lot of potential, last time I chatted with him, he has trained, been a DL, and is now a Zone Leader! 

Well, I love ya! Look for a letter in the mail! Don't open it until Thanksgiving!

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham 

Saturday

This week has been great! I don't have much time due to Zone P-day and Zone conference today. 

This Saturday was the most fulfilling moment of the Mish yet! Saturday Morning like this

8:00- Breakfast on Post and Post missionary correlation

9:00- Exchange report with my Zone Leader

9:45- Head to the temple for Aaron Gates' sealing. (He is the member I escorted through the temple)

12:15- Sealing

12:45- Pictures

1:00- Head back to Lawton

3:00- Civil marriage for investigator

3:30- Baptism for same investigator

4:30- visit Less Active who just went through a nasty divorce and was thinking of committing suicide. But did not, because of the visit.

5:30- Ward Halloween party, tons of investigators and Less actives showed up! The attendance was around 300!!!!!!!!!!

7:30- joint ward correlation! 

8:30- Resolved conflict between a Zone Leader and a sister in my district. 

9:00- Plan

10:00- SLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was great! This Saturday we have another baptism for a kid who has been keeping it from his member wife. The plan is on Saturday he and his father in law will leave early to the church and the mother in law will say they need to go to the church for the kids activity or whatever. When his wife walks in the church doors she will see him dressed in white ready to be baptized! It's going to be sweet! They have been married for 5 years and she has always wanted him to take the lessons, now he has and the change has been phenomenal! I love this man to death! He's Polynesian too!!!!! CRAZY! I love their family!

Yes I got the package. I actually gave some of the Almonds to Bro. Aaron Gates as a wedding gift ;) He said it was one of his favorites, because it's hard to eat diaper :) (I don't get this. Does anyone else?) I love him to death! He would fit right in with our family! But he is family just like you stated in your email! 

Well I love y'all! Stay out of too much trouble!

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

P.S. I forgot to tell Dad, that no we are not getting very much rain here in Lawton. We had one day that was pretty decent, but that's really it.

Hold on and Believe in Him

As I was reading this letter a quote from Elder D. Todd Christofferson popped into my mind. He said something along the lines of the definition of being a leader is: "Putting on public display your weaknesses and then working to overcome them." 

...

Life is just as crazy as ever. We had stake conference this weekend, and it was great! Our stake president is the man! He is super missionary minded and we are going to see great things happen! We had a missionary panel and I was to lead it out, because of the leadership position I'm in. It was so fun and helpful for us. We have gained so much trust with the members out here! We have a baptism this Saturday! He, Beau, is a true example of the Atonement working wonders in someone's life. He used to be a crack addict, alcoholic, chain smoker, gang-banger, and addicted to mountain dew. He has/had a bunch of tattoos and earrings. He is now preparing to be baptized, and get married to his girlfriend. The plan is that he will get the priesthood and then baptize his wife. His wife is an excommunicated member who is wanting to get back into the church. It's a great story! I'll send pictures next week!

I love you all so very much! I haven't received the package yet, but I will be looking for it. 

Just out of curiosity, do we have any relatives still in OK? Chickasha is an area for missionaries to serve in. I may be able to request it if I have non-member relatives still. ;) That would be sweet!

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

"Be assured that if you but hold on, believe in Him, and remain faithful in keeping the commandments, one day you will experience for yourselves the promise revealed to the Apostle Paul: Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Keep Praying for Me

First off. I love you!

I don't like it when you make me cry in the library! This letter was certainly full of emotion. Behind all the words typed, was a knowledge of the restored truths. Thank you for bearing your testimony. It strengthens me to hear how much my mother truly loves, understands, and trusts the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you.

I am so glad to hear about the wonderful temple experience. It took me back to when I escorted Aaron Gates, and when I was a witness for the Carrillos. I actually just received an email from Aaron Gates asking me to be his witness for his sealing. He was married civilly Saturday, so family could be a part. They will be sealed the 25th I believe. That is the 1 year mark of his brides baptism! I am so humbled and honored to participate in these monumental moments in the lives of my eternal family! There I go crying again! 

I am sad to hear of Bro. McCall's passing. That was a family who I had a funny indirect relationship with, but truly loved. They were always there to encourage and support. I will keep them in my prayers. Just curious, what are the Benjamin boys up to? I worry about the boys that I was in YM's with. I wish I could do more. I am always more and more impressed with my little sister! I love her so much! She is truly becoming a beautiful woman! I love being able to see her testimony bud and flower like it has! I miss her.

I am shocked about Tiffany. I will admit, in my last area, I remember having a very strong impression to reach out to her. I don't remember why I didn't act. I probably got busy with all the other affairs of mission life. It's no excuse. I will definitely write my testimony and attempt to restrict any preachyness. I would ask that you proof read it and ok it. I would love to be able to return home and resume the friendship I had with her previously. If there is anything else I can do to help let me know.

This week we found out about transfers and E. Holbrook and I are staying. This transfer will be a weird one. It will be only 5 weeks, due to the holiday season. The next one will be 7 weeks. It's weird to think of how little time I actually have. I have determined I don't want to become a stone cold missionary who kills himself the last 2 or so transfers because of fear. I am going to enjoy and make these last months the best! I have accepted the end, and I am embracing it as well as I can. I am pretty sure I will die a DL so that should help out a lot. We are still seeing success. We have stake conference this weekend, a baptism in 2 weeks, then 3 baptisms the 1st of Nov. We sure are busy.

I love you all! Keep praying for me, I need it! 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Wonderful Conference Weekend

Our weekend was definitely wonderful! We are seeing so many miracles! I'm so thankful for the Lord's hand in all this! 

So the fatigue, I feel its probably a combination of both. I just feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish a sufficient amount of work. I definitely have rededicated myself to exercising more effectively. And I've been doing pretty well with keeping that up. However, I do feel I am not doing enough. I told my companion we will start running in the morning, but he has been fighting a cold and now I am getting one. I will see how much this sickness will let me do (exercise wise). I definitely haven't been eating very healthily. I don't eat out, but out here in biking areas, It's just so hard to have a meal. Since it takes a longer time traveling place to place, we cut our meal times shorter to compensate. So that leads to buying quick things that aren't the most healthy. I'm trying to buy more fresh snacks, but when all I eat is a handful here and a handful there I don't think I'm getting the energy I need. I know I need to sit down and budget and set a meal plan, but I don't really know where to start. I know I need to eat more veggies and fruits, but how many, and what about the cost. It's not that I can't it's that it's hard for me to find time to do so. I know that's a lame excuse, but I'm working on it. 

ANYWHO! I loved Elder Robbin's talk on "which way do you face?" I also really enjoyed Elder Oak's talk. I received some revelation there with how I need to change. I will studying more on being meek and mild, and how I can apply that in my life. Jorg Klebingat called me fat so I'm going to run more. I really enjoyed Elder Cook's talk as well! I loved Elder Uchtdorf's talk on asking ourselves first "Lord is it I?" Then I really enjoyed Elder Godoy's talk! Then last of all I loved Elder Bednar's. I think I will be using Pres. Uchtdor'f testimony talk and Elder Bednar's talk a lot when teaching. they were perfect for missionary work!

Speaking of the Lemmos, do you hear anything about Freddy? If you see him at the temple, make sure you give him a hug for me! Tell him his cousin is doing well out here. In fact I barely missed being her DL. When I came to Lawton she went into my last district. 

So we are preparing to meet with our bishop soon. He has been pretty rough to work with. We don't know his vision, and we don't know him! We are working on unifying our vision with the Lawton vision. We are going in with the What, How, and Why of unity. We are focusing on the what and the why, and we will counsel with him the how. We just feel so separated from any of the Auxiliaries. We are seeing miracles but it is not with our leaders so there really isn't any trust. We are trying our best to be like Ammon and begin through service, but he hasn't let us, and he doesn't acknowledge it when it happens. We are working hard.

Well I love you! I will certainly keep Sara in my prayers. 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Tracting and tired

That was a really long letter to read, but I enjoyed it! I'm glad you were able to have such a wonderful time! Y'all did a great job of keeping me from this knowledge of the cruise. Sara is the one that spilled the beans last week! I'm glad to see Sara writing more. I really do enjoy getting emails from my family. This week has been a trying week. We have had lots of appointments fall through, and we have resorted to a lot of tracting. We have done our best to fill up our time with meaningful activities, but every time we tried to be creative and clever a road block was thrown in our way. So we finally took a hint from God and went door to door. We didn't find much success that way either. But the Lord will always provide. We had 3 awesome miracles pop up out of nowhere. One kid ran up to us while we were walking last P-day and asked for a prayer and how he can get baptized. Oh boy did we get excited about that! We told him we MIGHT be able to help him out with that! :) We also had a member introduce us to his son-in-law who told us he wants to be baptized, but to keep it on the down low, because it's going to be a surprise for his wife. He is going to take the lessons secretly and attend church on base then on the day of his baptism he will ask her to meet him at the church and he is going to be dressed in all white! It's going to be sweet! Then the third is a Part-member family that has truly been prepared by the Lord! They have no nasty habits! They are a young family, and the father(member) wants to get back into church, he hasn't been in years. It's going to be great to see this family united through his act under the priesthood.

 

So I was talking with President the other day and he volunteered some info to me. He basically told me that this will be my last area, and that I have been here to clean up the army base. Apparently this special opportunity has been taken very lightly and has become sloppy. He wants me to go in straighten things up and report on the situation. He told me that Ft. Sill has been affecting the missionaries pretty bad, and quite a few of them have been having what he called mental breakdowns. He did a dang good job at peaking my interest, and I have to wait 3 more weeks to even begin my position on base. I am interested to find out how I can learn and grow from this situation. I also found out that Ft. Sill apparently isn't part of the Oklahoma Oklahoma City Mission. I guess all military bases are separate and under the head military relation guy in Salt Lake or wherever he is. So I guess that means I'm serving in 2 missions just like Sean! Coolio!

 

Well I'm feeling old! I have never experienced this kind of fatigue in my life! Sometimes I don't know how it's even possible that I continue to move. It's truly a miracle. 

 

I'm super excited for Conference! I love Conference so much! 

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Good Uncle/Elder Ryan

Dearest Mother,

I'm glad you had lots of opportunity to play with the little people. I miss them. I wish we would have random people show up at our building! We did have one of our investigators come though! He has been coming regularly for the past month, but is struggling to understand the need for a second baptism under proper authority. humph. We started a stop smoking workshop with him and we are excited to see his end results! This man could use all the prayers in the world right now! Good for Brianne! Now if she would just write me :) I thought I told Sara to stay away from boys! I love treats! especially chocolate! :) We have a whopping 3 youth! WOOT WOOT!! Its crazy over here on Wednesdays! Only one of them is active though. We are in the process of reactivating the others. The one who is active is named Sophia Landers and she is the model that Disney used to draw lilo for lilo and stitch. Crazy right? The whole branch here could use boosts! Have the babes confound the wise and learned! I have not run into any Futrells. I was told by another missionary that he thinks he might have met some in the Chickasha area. But who knows. Nope no new leadership! :( I finally got fed up and threw a temper-tantrum! I called Pres. Walkenhorst and told him all that was going on (or the lack there of) he told me he would be calling the stake president to discuss of branch in depth. So Elder B2 might have become a thorn in some peoples sides! I like it! ;) muahahaha. I love you all so very much!

 As for my little Repunzel, I love you a whole bunch! I have a picture of you right next to my desk so every morning I see you and your brother and sisters faces! It makes me super happy every time I look at it! You are getting to be super cute, smart, and big! I hope you have the bestest bithday ever! Have grandpa give you a big ol' kiss for me! Then give your baby sister a kiss for me too! I love you!

Uncle Ryan.

I mean Elder Burnham(B2)

Not a Second Wasted. :)

GOOD WEEK??

I guess I will start off with the questions;

So my companion and I are the "Post Missionaries." That is what we have been called to. However, we still cover part of the Lawton 1st ward. So due to weird circumstances and technicalities one missionary from the (each of the) four companionship's go onto base on Sundays to teach. They do not teach with a companion. So in the morning Elder Winterton, Sis. Law, Sis. Taylor, and I go to the stake center. We hang around for the other wards correlation meeting and first half of sacrament meeting. Sis. Law and I then leave sacrament and head to correlation with our ward mission leader, which we just got a new one, and then to P.E.C or Ward Council. We then go to sacrament meeting together and wait for our companions to get back from Ft. Sill. They usually show up during the second hour. So the missionary who goes to "post" is the missionary who has been in Lawton longer. So since I was transferred to Lawton I am the ward missionary and E. Holbrook is the "Post missionary." Once E. Holbrook leaves I will then serve on base. E. Holbrook has been in lawton for 6 months so I can expect to be on base next transfer.

So apparently being from Modesto California is not an okay thing. It's been rather weird and hard on us as missionaries. I've had my fair share of odd opposition, but being neglected and avoided because of geographic location is a new one. Honestly, one member told me that we are not to call him to come out with us, because I'm from Modesto and he will avoid me like Eboli, or whatever that plague is that's going around. 

The man from the Library did show up again, and I found out his true intent. He is a pastor who just graduated seminary and was just looking for a bash session. He kept saying things like "I forgot my material", "I should have brought my notes." "I left the big guns in the car." I just quietly bore testimony then jumped on the computer. It was ridiculous. He wanted to show me some film from YouTube that shows some Apologia Pastor bashing with Elders, then discuss it with him. I told him no, and it was probably one of the funniest reactions yet. He was so caught off guard. It took all I had not to laugh. Anywho. That is a no go. 

Thanks for the reminder about Claire.

So this last Tuesday we had a mission conference with Elder Foster of the 2nd quorum of the 70. It was awesome! What was great was he asked to speak with all the District Leaders specifically. It was a wonderful experience to literally sit at the feet of a general authority and council with him on how to further our Heavenly Father's vision! I received some great instruction and how to be a facilitator of action and growth. I'm so excited to implement it! Tomorrow we have Zone Conference. We received a letter from President Walkenhorst stating that I-pads will be here before the end of the year.

Not a second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham


MORE from RYAN

Either the best or the ones who talk a lot and tend to dominate teaching situations ;) Maybe a combination of both. Elder Winterton is an elder in the other ward. Lawton 2nd. He and sister Taylor become companions until their companions return. I'm not entirely sure, I think it has very little to do with security, but we do know that that is going to be improved with all (the recent) middle east stuff. I think it is more along the lines of being informed and working closely with church leaders. If both missionaries went relations would be more slim than they already are. It's just all weird to me. I feel disobedient, but I've also received confirmation from President that this is the way it works best. It's a weird situation. Ft. Sill is also the highest baptizing area in the mission. We had four 2 weeks ago, 1 yesterday and 5 more scheduled for next week. BUT, Apparently it's not considered part of our mission. I guess each military base is it's own mission. Our numbers are reported separately than all others. It's a major morale boost area :) hahaha. Elder Holbrook travels with the other three missionaries that go to "post" another elder and 2 sisters. 

I don't know about Modesto. It's the weirdest thing ever. It was depressing the first minute I heard it all, now it just makes me laugh and amazes me. They talk a lot about Lacy Peterson, and gang violence. 

New Area

402 NW Sheridan Rd. #503

Lawton, OK 73505

I don't have much time to write, because I was just about to sign on when a man asked me not to and to sit down with him. Well I was able to teach the restoration, and right as I was thinking it was going well, he gave me a look that I have seen many times. He then pulled out a packet of anti material that was absolutely ridiculous! It frightened me a little, how someone who I had felt inspired to invite to be baptized could have such a 180 degree flip and contend so harshly. I am so glad the Spirit was there. I realized that the Lord allowed me to teach a powerful lesson not necessarily for him to feel, but for me to know that God was with me and would sustain me. And he did! I have never had a bash session go so well. I don't if I can say that, but that's how I feel. My companion was already on the computer so I was a lone soldier, but I had the companionship of the Spirit. I love the Gospel. I love the book of Mormon. The man, left promising me he would read the Book of Mormon and study it. He said he was going to "pick it apart" but hey at least he will be reading it. This may be an opportunity. I was committed by him to read some chapters from the NT and to watch some you tube videos. You know, sometimes I love not being able to watch videos ;) Well, Lawton is great! I'm enjoying the hard work we have in front of us. So I have not been hitting it off well with the members, which has never happened. This area has some interesting things in store for Elder Burnham, I just know it! My companion is great. We get a long really well. We sometimes get along to well. We have to tone down our fun sometimes. The whole "The right time and place" concept. :) His name is E. Hollbrook. He's from Pacen, UT. My district needs to be unified, so that is my main focus right now. We need to build areas up! Thanks for taking care of all the logistics. I appreciate it! So I'm not actually teaching on base. My companion does and I'm a companion with a Sister for Sundays, it's really weird! I'll try to explain next week, when I have more time. For now, just know that it's approved by President. I'm in a bike area. I'll probably end my mission here as well.

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Transfer: Lawton OK

Well, I'll just get to the good stuff. Yes, I am getting transferred. I am headed down to serve on an Army base. I'm headed to Lawton OK. The base is Ft. Sill. I am still a district leader. I have been one for over a year now. There is only one other elder who has been a district leader as long as me, and he came out one transfer before me. I enjoy the leadership service, and the opportunity I have to work so closely with missionaries, but preparing a training for every Friday is getting to be not so fun. It envelops a lot of my studies during the week, so I don't get to study everything I want to. Frankly I think this will be my last area. I only have less than 6 months left and President has told the mission to expect to be in areas longer than usual. I will truly miss OKC! This has been the refining point of my mission! I feel I have family here! It is always hard to leave family!

 

Saturday was great! It was awesome having the perspective of the witnesses. Being able to sign there sealing document was a wonderful spiritual experience. I thought it was just going to be some paperwork, but when I realized what I was signing it hit me! This is eternal! As I sat in the sealing room at the head with the sealer I felt so honored. I had opportunity to contemplate my own eternal family. I love and miss y'all! I am so thankful for the covenant that you and dad performed with each other and Heavenly Father! I am thankful for the knowledge of being a forever family! It brings so much peace. I'm glad Utah has been a good experience! Sometimes I feel like I'm getting left behind with all these monumental check points in our family's lives, but then I remember I'm on a mission and I just smile and say, nah nah ne nah nah! This is the greatest experience thus far in my life! I am loving it! I wouldn't replace it for anything! I hope that doesn't disturb or offend any, but It's how I feel. Nothing could turn me from this course! I WILL finish strong! I will be obedient to Father's commission! It's tough, it's exhausting, it's painful! BUT, It's salvation, It's love, it's my family! They deserve my all! They deserve the spirit! They deserve a chance! One of the thoughts that keeps me going on hard days is this; There are a few conversations we can have after this life with our siblings. The first is: Thank you, thank you for bringing the gospel to my life. You kept your promise! OR, It can be the more painful, Why didn't you come to me? You promised you would come and find me! I was right there! If you would have just knocked one more door, or called one more person I would have been there willing! It motivates me! It helps me keep an eternal perspective on things! I re-realized that pride has been affecting me again, so I committed myself to always keep an eternal perspective! If I see others as God sees them, then I wont exalt myself above them! Rather, I will desire there exaltation above my own!

 

So I recently had an opportunity to have an interview with President Walkenhorst and he asked me a question that was very routine to him, but it helped me out a lot. He asked "what has the Spirit been teaching you Elder Burnham?" I thought about it and reflected a little, and I answered in a way I thought contrary to missionary work in general. I said "I have been taught to slow down." I realized I have been frantically trying to cram my days full with "good finding activities." because the realization of lack of time is setting in! I am scared of the reality of time flying! These two years are not enough! I remember praying for more energy to move quicker and do more! I was rebuked by the Spirit. I was taught in a simple way through studying the scriptures: D&C 61:3. I realized I couldn't work harder, I was working myself to death! I also can't work longer, we have a set schedule. All I can do is work smarter. I am beginning to comprehend the art of prioritizing. I have never really been proficient at this, and I am training myself to be so. It is too easy to stay busy doing good things. It is a whole different ball-game when it comes to being busy with the most effective activity. "Good, Better, Best!"

 

Well, I love you all! Thank you for the support and encouragement! I feel it every day!

 

P.S. I will be in a biking area again :/

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Ford Burnham

"Strongest steal is forged in the hottest fires"

So first off I love the theme of "the strongest steal is forged in the hottest fires". It reminds me of an analogy I use for down and out missionaries. It's the process of refining silver. When you refine Silver you heat it in those "hottest fires" and then you bring it out and beat and bend and hammer the impurities out of it. The climax of the example is used in a story of a boy asking his father, who is a silversmith, "how he knows when it's done?" The response is: "That's easy son, I know it's done when I can see my reflection in it." We are constantly being refined and shaped, and molded, until the Savior can look at us and see his reflection. Once we are able to personify and develop the Christ-like attributes spoken of in PMG Ch. 6 then we know we are acceptable before God. I love that imagery.

 

So this week wasn't the most successful key indicator wise, but we definitely saw miracles! The Donelsons, a part-member family that we are teaching and that has a baptism date for Sept 6th is finally reading and praying as a couple every night! They have received a witness of the truth and have spoken often of the absence of depression and temptation this week. They have also told us they are seeing the great support all around them! We had a chance to sit down with Bishop Gillespie and counsel about them. He is very supportive and loves them to death. He had a meeting with them this past Wednesday and taught more on repentance because Shane, the member husband, hasn't used his priesthood in 3 years due to "things." When we had this meeting with Bishop he told us that we can proceed forward with the baptism as scheduled. So a young man who has been out of activity is so repentant and humble that in just 3 weeks of preparation he has been cleared by the bishop to baptize his wife!!!! It is amazing!

 

So another miracle we saw was we have been asked to be witnesses to a sealing of a recent convert family! We get to go to the Temple again!!!!!! This Saturday.

 

The low point is transfers is coming up next Wednesday, and I've been here for 7 and 1/2 months. It is highly possible that I leave :( Sad day!

 

Hey if you haven't sent those letters to Sister Dupape, there is no more need. Thanks though.

 

Well I love you all so much! I hope all is well.

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

 

P.S. Did y'all feel the earthquake. Bro. Gates called me up and was all worried about y'all, he was going to call and see how you were. I assured him y'all were ok and far enough away that no damage would be done. Presidents home is standing but nothing inside of it is. He used it to teach all on how material substance is nothing compared to the security the Gospel brings. It was great. I love that man! He is so inspired!

Elder Burnham is Special...

 I don't even know what to say about these photos??? You are a special spirit Elder Ryan Burnham

Temple Escort

I'm glad they had a great time at the temple! So did I! If you remember I had been asked to be Bro. Aaron Gates escort. I was so excited! It was a wonderful experience! It gave me the opportunity to reflect on the day I went through for myself. I really enjoyed the training given by the 2nd counselor of the temple presidency. He really emphasized the point that this is the only time in his life that he will go through the temple for himself. All other times will be proxy. (Well I guess when he gets sealed in October it will be for him) But it was a real cool thing to really realize. I had never really paid attention to that point before. All went well and he did great! I only had to help a couple of times. He was a little overwhelmed, but he was expecting it. I am so glad we have the opportunity as missionaries to attend a temple! IT is just 25 minutes from where I am serving! It is a small temple, but it is still the house of the Lord! I feel the same in it as I do any other.

Well I'm glad the wedding was good. I'm glad you had some fantastic potato salad. I'm beginning to miss my momma's cookin'. Speaking of which, I was thinking; do you still have all those dehydrated snacks? Those would be perfect for a missionary who is on the go all the time! Also the powdered milk saved me a lot of moolah.

So this week I am making the "Burnham Christmas Breakfast" I would love it if you could send me the recipe for the sticky buns!

Well, an update on our area: We are super excited for a Part-Member family! She has accepted a baptism date for the 6th of Sept. and he has setup an appointment to meet with the Bishop this Wednesday to discuss what needs to happen so he can be in full fellowship and use his priesthood to baptize his wife! We are so excited for the opportunity to have started them on the path! We get the privilege of being there every step of the way as well! They are amazing! Probably one of the most humbly prepared people I've met on my mission thus far! Which by the way will be 18 months this Wednesday..... But I don't want to talk about it! ;)

I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had to grow! I am thankful for the influence of the spirit in my life! I have never been so happy in my life! Now that I think about it, I've never been so heart-broken, frustrated, and disappointed as well! Funny how there is "opposition in all things!" But the "sweet" rocks the socks off the bitter for sure!!!!!!!!!

Well I love you a ton! I know where I am at, and I am focused! I love this work and know the divinity of it's origin! I am Sooooo thankful for the opportunity to be employed in the Lord's occupation!

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Ford Burnham

Ryan's New Suit

 Ryan thought he looked SO good in his new suit he had to send us some pictures! I do have to agree!

 Miss you handsome Brother

Ryan is Awesome

Ryan sent this picture a while ago and made us all smile!!!

Roller Coaster Week

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.............. my sanity!

 

It's been a roller coaster of a week. We have seen far more miracles than anything, but it's been crazy! So we had an amazing FHE at Bro. Gates home with Tyler and his sister. We watched "Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration" The one shown in the Joseph Smith memorial building. It was amazing! Not only did it help Tyler understand the story of Joseph a little better, it increased my testimony so much! I'm my daddy's son, I balled in front of everyone! It was a powerful experience! After that experience, Bro. Gates thanked me for the opportunity to host the FHE then he asked me to be his escort through the temple! It was amazing! I'm a little nervous to be an escort, but I'm soooo excited for him! He goes through for the first time next Saturday. I have truly come feel like a little brother to this man. HE is getting married October 25th and I have also been invited to that sealing!

 

Next miracle: Martha, She is a next door neighbor to a member. She is wanting to quit smoking and so she asked the member if the "elders of her church" could give her a blessing. We sure did! We gave her more than just a blessing! We gave her an opportunity to come to Jesus, through learning of the Restoration. She is accepting and open. We are very excited! After that lesson we went to a members home for dinner, and they had invited a friend over top hear the first discussion. He is probably one of the most prepared individuals I've ever met on my mission! He has studied almost every religion and read all holy books except the Book of Mormon. Which he is reading now! It was awesome to tangibly see the cogs all fit together for him. It was so apparent on his countenance! It was great! He stopped us mid lesson and said "I've learned something" (we were teaching of the apostasy) He said "So Jesus' church was lost in it's entirety, and it is now again on the earth as the Latter-Day Saints, It makes sense. I've always wondered what happened to Christ's original church." I couldn't contain myself any longer! I just started smiling and getting all giddy! I don't know how many times I told him how awesome and amazing he was! We invited him to be baptized, but he gave a sincere response that he would like to receive more knowledge and read more before he committed. He understands the magnitude of baptism and isn't taking it lightly. So of course we settled with a soft commitment.

 

Next miracle: A recent convert's daughter just turned 8 and is getting baptized! They came to us wanting know how to put together a program. It was cute. He has the priesthood and will baptize her! It's awesome!

 

I got to go to the temple Friday night with another recent convert. We did baptisms for her parents, and daughter. It was beautiful! Elder Buhler and I actually got to go and do initiatorys beforehand. that was an awesome experience!

 

So this past week I did exchanges with the Zone Leaders and man was that tough. Satan was working pretty hard that day. We had some great lessons and committed some okies to be baptized and all, but I was attacked with an unrelenting barrage of critical thoughts. It was a very depressing day. I don't know what it was. It may have been me subconsciously fretting teaching with my leader, or not wanting to be judged or something. I don't know. All I know is it was horrible. I broke down. Lots of tissues used. I just kind of vented out to my leader. I shared the struggles of my mission, what I've always been worried about etc. What really stressed me out was the next morning I had to train my district. How could an emotional mess train? Well I have a testimony of prayer! He somehow made it possible for me to give a decent training. Then that night we attended the temple and I've never looked back. It's like it has never happened. I have gained a stronger testimony of the temple. I don't think it's going to be possible to live in the world today without attending the temple as frequently as possible! It was much needed!

 

Well I love you all, the weather hasn't been too crazy in OKC. We have gotten some earthquakes, all the Okies talk about these earthquakes like they are more devastating than the tornadoes they have. It's quite amusing. I'd take an earthquake over a tornado anyday!

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham 

 

 

This is the OKC 2nd ward Quad at "Pops", there are thousands of different flavors of Sodas and Bro. Lusk took us.

 

 

INFO

There is a lot of info here, but these are the responses from the bishops and Ward Mission Leaders (excluding Bro. Lusk)

The Training went great! We all left with a renewed sense of motivation to work with the Ward Council. It was great! I was so relieved! Well Transfers happened and I am staying for another transfer. This will be 7 1/2 months here! I'm so excited! Tyler came to church this week!

It was awesome! We are working harder then ever! We have rededicated ourselves to finding people to teach! We are lacking that, since we have put so much emphasis on Tyler. We realized we were at a loss when we weren't teaching Tyler. We had an amazing FHE last night a the High-Priest Group Leader's home. Tyler really felt the spirit and admitted he finally understand what a testimony is! I love seeing the progress he is making! Well, thank you for all the input on my training, it helped a lot! I am training this coming Friday on effective follow-up with the Ward-Council Members.

 

 

When was the last time you were handed a progress record? Last Sunday.  Do you wish to receive them?  Yes, for several reasons.  1.  They are a record of accountability and either increase or decrease my confidence in the companionship.  2.  Receiving the progress record creates a basic connection between missionaries, the work they are doing, and me.  3.  I get an update of the full-time missionary work that is happening in the ward in a concise format. 

·        How often do the full-time missionaries communicate with you?  Not often enough.  I would prefer some interaction at least several times per week.  Text, phone call, in person communication is all important.

·        Do you feel the Ward Council members know how to utilize the Missionaries to their full extent?  Some are better than others but I would say it is not part of our culture.

·        What are effective ways for the missionaries to facilitate direction in the Ward Council, and then motivate the council members to act?  Effective planning is vital; starting with the companionship planning what to discuss ahead of time in missionary coordination meeting, and planning ahead of time what to share in ward council.  Time is limited in these meetings so prioritizing discussion topics and presenting in a way that engenders input from the council and ultimately ends with a commitment for someone to act is crucial.  The format should follow the pattern: discuss, delegate, act, account.  Repeat as necessary.  Inspired discussion should lead to assignments, then actions, then return and report.  Commitments lead to covenant making and covenant keeping by both members and investigators.

·        How often would you expect the missionaries to follow up on action items? depends on the task but I would give a deadline with each action item which should include a weekly update.  Do the missionaries do this well?  Always room for improvement.

·        Do you feel the auxiliaries are taking action and responsibility with the action items developed in Ward Council?  Always room for improvement.

·        What would you constitute as an effective use of the time allotted to the full-time missionaries during Ward council? If this is not being demonstrated what would you suggest be improved upon?  Use the format on the Progress Record to concisely develop actions.

·        As a Bishop what do you need from your full-time missionaries? I need the missionaries to feel united in the work with the ward council and the ward.  If you feel you are working alone, we are doing something wrong.  "If we're united we all things can do..."  Strengthen newly baptized, visit less active, help with VT/HT.  Are they meeting this need? 
Always room for improvement.

·        What are your priorities at this time:

o   Youth, Recent-Concerts, Less-Active Families, Investigators, Active Members, Prospective-Elders, Un-Endowed Members

·        How often is the Ward Mission Plan discussed?  Not very often right now.

·        Are there any other improvements the missionaries serving in your ward could make to aid you in your calling or bless the lives of others?  Work more closely with me.  Prioritize teaching in members homes or with members present.  Set a high goal of teaching discussions each week.  Focus on teaching these discussions to less active/part member families.

·        What do you appreciate about the missionaries serving in your ward?  We have a great legacy of hard working, righteous, service-oriented, dedicated missionaries working in our ward.  Keep and build upon this high standard.