"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.

Quick Note

Well this week has been crazy! Bitter-Sweet. Tyler is progressing amazingly. He attended a baptism with us and loved it! He felt the spirit super strong! He asked about the simplicity. After that we found out an investigator was admitted into the hospital because she couldn't breathe. Then we checked up on another investigator to find out she passed away Tuesday. We then tried another investigator and was dropped. Then we found out Saturday night that Tyler wouldn't be able to make it to church due to his 13 yr old sister trying to kill their mother. She is now in a psychiatric hospital. Stress was very abundant this week. On the bright side; I have been able to resolve the problem with the sisters in my district. We were able to help Tyler understand that among trial the best place to turn is heaven. He told us he doesn't want anything to impede us continuing to meet with us. We have a lesson with him tonight. It is going to be on the Word of Wisdom, then we are going over the baptism interview questions.



























 

Focus on the GOOD!

Tyler is doing amazing! He wasn't at church (along with half the ward) because he was out of town with his father, who he doesn't get to see often. But he's been doing great. He has consistently been reading a chapter from the Book of Mormon daily. He read 2 on Sunday because he felt bad for missing church, it was cute. We have another appointment with him Wednesday. Elder Buhler is doing great! His birthday was yesterday. We did work but it was all kind of depressing. I felt bad for him. We made a plan to contact a lot of less active/part-member families. All claimed they were not Mormon and wanted nothing to do with us. But he was a trooper. We were able to focus on the good! We were biking and stopped a lady who was walking and I think we kind of caught her off guard. She whispered under her breath "I can't believe I ran into you." I don't think She wanted us to hear it, but I did. So I explored that route. I testified of divine intervention and how coincidences don't just happen. She started to cry, and then she got all paranoid and kept saying "I can't talk to you right now, I can't talk to you right now." I have a feeling she is in an abusive relationship. We were able to exchange info and she told us she really want s to meet with us but it will have to be when she calls us. This lady named Kassy needs the gospel in her life! I instantly developed a love for her as she said "I cant believe I ran into you." It was an amazing experience that left both of us in awe. I love how the Lord works. We have done our part, now the desire needs to work in her.

 

The 4th was great! We had the booth, which I convinced President to let Elders run as well. It was super successful! Like if we were to equate the effectiveness of the booth to tracting hours it would be like thousands of hours of tracting! I also got a nice tan! We were there from setup to close. 9:00 am- 10:00 pm. We then went with Bro. Lusk to watch fireworks. Oh speaking of that, He has agreed to take me to find a suit this week. Will you please make sure enough funds are in my account? Thanks!

 

...

 

So I had a rude awaking this week. I had exchanges with my Zone Leader and he relayed some information that devastated me! He started off by asking me how my relationship with the district was. I thought it was pretty solid....... apparently not. A sisters companionship in my district thinks that I am a very prideful leader, who focuses too much on numbers. When I heard this my heart just sunk! If there was anything I knew I did not want to be known as, it was this. I couldn't believe it! I thought I had done all I could to serve my district. It was time for some major reflection and evaluation. I re-read a talk by Ezra Taft Benson called "Beware of Pride". It's probably my most marked up/read talk I own a copy of. It was time to pull it out again. I came to realize that one aspect of pride is withholding praise and gratitude. I rededicated myself to taking more time to be thankful for my district. The only thing the companionship could give the Zone Leader was that when I call in on Sundays for collecting numbers for the week, that's all I focus on. They said I don't try to create a relationship with my district members. My initial reaction was impulsive and wrong. I got all defensive and gave a handful of legit reasons why I do it so quickly. But again I was slapped by the spirit while reading this talk and it clearly states defensiveness is used by the prideful. I am doing all I can to become a servant-leader. I want to resolve this and make it right. Also it makes it difficult because of the limitations between Elders and Sisters. It's been a stressful week! But stress means you're alive.

 

I love you all so much! Thank you for all you do! I got the dress shirts but no garments yet. I'll be looking for them.

 

Not a second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Buhler's Day Off

I'm sorry for the sad letter last week! This week was great! I am now serving with Elder Buhler, and yes the movie is based off of his father. Crazy right? Well, he and I get along quite well. He's been out about 10 months now and is loving the mish! He is from Portland Oregon area. We have seen some great miracles this week! A recent convert who I helped baptize my first transfer here who went less active almost immediately, has committed to read the Book of Mormon with us. He admitted to me that the previous missionaries that were here before me pressured him into baptism. We are beginning the journey of conversion! Jonathan is a good kid, just very rebellious. He doesn't have a father figure in his life. In fact his father has been just the opposite of a hero. His parents have attempted to kill him when he was younger, he was blamed for their poor circumstances. He has major trust issues. I realized this more fully this weekend while remembering my own hero! My father. I know he can change is he allows his Heavenly Father back into his life. He has pushed all good influences out of his life! The second miracle is an investigator who has been in CA since my first transfer here is back and willing to meet again! He even gave a Book of Mormon to his cousin while in CA. Well, I love you all so very much! Thank you for all you do! Y'all have kept me going! Stay out of trouble!

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Hard to not think of Home

Well..................... This is awkward. I didn't think it would be weird. But I kind of feel........ weird. I don't know. I'm not gonna lie, this weekend was hard. But I knew what needed to be done so I dragged my companion behind me. He wasn't too happy with how hard I wanted to work this weekend. I think he finally understood when he caught me staring at my picture of the Oakland Temple. I was able to keep my mind off home by working, it's really the only cure for me. I was able to go help a Baptist preacher cut down a behemoth of a tree! It's massive. I didn't get any pictures because it was supposed to rain, but never did. We then biked more than I ever had in one day. I think that's what Elder McGlothlin didn't appreciate. We have ended our drought of no lessons. We found and taught a 17 year old kid named Tyler who is amazing! We taught him with Bro. Lusk and it went great! We taught the restoration and after we relayed the story of Joseph Smith his mother walked in. He asked her if she had ever heard the story of Joseph, she began to tell the story of Joseph in Egypt. He stopped her and said "NO not that one!" He then told the story of Joseph Smith in great detail! It was a beautiful moment! Never have I taught someone who comprehended and listened as intently as he did! He had questions that had been troubling his soul, that his preacher mother couldn't answer, that we answered from the Book of Mormon. He committed to reading and praying, and before we left he prayed very sincerely to know of the truth. It was a tender moment. Well, transfers are happening Wednesday. I have survived another one. I will be staying here. My companion is going to my first area, Ada. He's not too happy. I will be serving with Elder Bueller. The rumor is that the movie Ferris Bueller's day off is based on his father. We shall see. So since I have been doing a lot of biking, I think it's time fore a bike tune-up. Do you think I have enough money to pay for one? I believe it's about $50-$60 Unless there is a problem found, which there will be. My bike wont let me go to my highest gear. So I don't know the cost of that. Will you please make sure I have enough to pay for this? Thanks you're the bestest! Well, I love you all so very much! Thanks you for the prayers! I hope the family can relax a little now that all the "festivities" are over. Yes I did get the packages, I appreciate them soooo much!

Here's a picture of my district. (minus the zone leaders)

 

Need your Prayers!

Sounds like you had a full week! I wish I could say the same! The drought continues, but we are working harder than ever! We had an opportunity to have interviews with President and we received some great counsel! We were instructed to work more with the youth. It took me by surprise because, President knows our youth and knows they have no desire to work along side us. Obviously that's why we need to work with them! It was a "duh" moment for me! Also President told me that in the next 2 transfers we will be getting 6 new Zone Leaders, y'all should pray I don't become one. I don't want to leave this area! This is like home to me! I feel I a am able to do so much work here, I feel like my work isn't completed! But the Lord's ways are higher than my ways, the Lord's thoughts are higher than mine! So speaking of a package, Do I have permission to purchase a new camera, or would you send one out in the package? I am in need of one. I don't want to add anything to your list, so if you give me the go ahead I can do it out here. Well, I'm having the time of my life! I love the work! I love being dead-tired everyday! It's killing me, but it is reinforcing my knowledge that I'm not wasting a second of the Lord's time! It's been raining this past week, and I have a new found love! Drenched-Tracting! The rain has been warm, and we just go out and get soaked and talk to anyone and everyone! And we smile while we do it, because we know the Gospel is true! I love you all! Thank you for the prayers! Y'all are in mine as well!

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Dry Spell

Holy Cow! Y'all have had quite the weekend. Sounds like y'all are having fun being with family. A disco party? I didn't see that one coming. That reminds me of the time uncle John let me try on those crazy pants a while back. Do you remember that? I think there was a picture of it on your phone. Anyway, well I would be lying if I said this week was outstanding. We have had quite a few struggles. We have seen miracles all around, but we are in a drought. We haven't been able to teach a lesson all week, except for dinner messages at members homes. I think I have come to realize one of the many roles I am to play in this ministerial experience. It seems all of my companions have told me that up until they served with me, they have seen loads and loads of success and baptisms. At first that was a hard thing to swallow. At the surface I started to question my abilities and my worthiness. Which neither is healthy to do. I then realized I was still happy and felt good about the work I was doing. I focused too much on the negative, I completely missed the positive. Along with this message there was a little comment that was expressed from each of my companions; "how do you do it?" It makes me smile and laugh now. How do I do it? Well I don't! It is not me at all! If I did it, I would be the one saying "Why don't I see as much success as the next missionary?" But I don't care what the "next" missionary has under his belt. All I care about is what the Lord sees fit for me to accomplish in the part of the vineyard he has allotted to me. Some do major remodeling in that vineyard, some do trimming and weeding. Some get to harvest the "fruits of labors" I believe I have the opportunity to help those I work with to understand it doesn't matter the title of the "labor" we perform, whether it's harvesting or pruning, what matters is that we put our heart and soul into the work. If I do all I can to labor in the field I have been assigned, then I can expect the Lord to pour out those blessings where needed. I was able to train on D.I.R.T this week. The Anti-Nephi-Lehi's buried their weapons of war, we need to bury our fears. Putting the weapons/fears in the hole was a noble desire, but they could still get to the weapons if attacked, they needed to truly bury them. We bury them with D.I.R.T.

 

Dependence on the Lord

Immaculate obedience

Repentance

Testifying boldly and often.

 

As missionaries we experience lots of uncomfortable situations that can make us fearful. When we come to understand that Fear is the antithesis of Faith, we can set ourselves on a path to rely on the Lord. May we all be able to make mighty mounds of dirt is my hope for my district and all those I come in contact with! The dirt or dust of the earth is the basis of all creation, let it be the basis of our lives! I love you all so much thank you for the support you all end! Let's go get dirty!!!!!

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Baptisms and Staying in the City

Sorry I didn't get an email out yesterday. My companion and I were helping the office missionaries move some sisters. We have practically become office elders, and the office couple said they would be talking to President Walkenhorst to see if we could become permanent. I'm not sure how I feel about this, I love to help and serve but it will be taking away from our proselyting time. My comp. is very excited, he would rather be in at a desk doing inventory, then moving missionaries than teaching. Maybe I can convince 'em to make us office elders after I leave, which I don't want to do! I love this area! We'll see. I'm glad Utah was an exciting memorable experience! Oh so her name is Melissa? That's more than Sean would tell me! But I probably know some things y'all don't know ;) Us brothas got to stick together! Have you heard from them while they are in the Holy Lands? I'm so jealous! Well transfers are this week, and Elder McGlothlin and I are staying put. My trainer goes home Wednesday. I'm going to miss that man! He has definitely become one of my best friends! He will be attending BYU-I. President Walkenhorst sent us this email to all missionaries- "There have been several requests to Skype for Mother's Day. We will allow it as a test. I do have concerns about it being a burden and a problem for members to accommodate. You may Skype, but make sure that you do not create problems for members." So, what time will you be wanting me to Skype? the member we will be going over to, has apple face-time as well. Let me know your account info or whatever is needed to call you, the member's name is Aaron Gates. I don't know if that helps. I don't remember how Skype works. Well, we were supposed to have a baptism next week, but the Zone Leaders from another zone might have screwed it up. Our investigator wont respond to us. Her daughters live in the Zone Leader's area and were preparing for baptism with their mother, our investigator. Well, I guess they had a lesson all together up in the Zone Leaders area, and now she wont respond. The ZL's told us that the lesson was "ripped to shreds... blown up... straight up ridiculousness... we think she's mad at us..." So I don't know if that's still going to go through. However, I will be up in Ponca City that day for a baptism. I will be baptizing a 14 year old girl I taught up there. We baptized her mother and now she has decided to be baptized! I did get the package, thank you very much! I was able to give a baptism interview last night! I really enjoy that opportunity! It's a little nerve racking being the one to determine the worthiness/preparedness of an individual for baptism, but it's one of the more sacred experiences I get to participate in on the mission! His name was Jim Clinton, his wife and kids are members, and he was Baptist! He has struggled with Chewing tobacco since he was 9 years old. He's 42. He has had some marvelous experiences with God. He says he has seen God and Jesus Christ. He was a truck driver and he had a real nasty accident. His little girl was in the truck and he said he saw them protect her and deflect any debris. He received major injuries and has had multiple neck surgeries, which have all failed. He can't look down or up, and very little to either side. His daughter came out with a bruise on her shoulder and that's it. He was baptized shortly after being released from the hospital, into the Baptist church. He was telling all of this to me last night. He had a marvelous experience and has all the worldly reason to stay in attendance at "his" church. But..... there's always a big but.... He knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet! He knows the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's kingdom on the earth! He is being baptized the 3rd of may. I am excited to attend that baptism. I love baptisms! Oh speaking of which, the sisters in our ward had a baptism on Saturday. I was asked to speak on baptism. Her name was Sue Wilson. Her husband has been a member since his early twenties. He was baptized in Salt Lake, while stationed there for the Air Force. He then went inactive because his bishop wouldn't shake his hand but did an elbow bump, because the bishop had a newborn and didn't want to bring any germs home. He was offended and vowed never to return. Well until he met the OKC 2nd missionaries at the library on a P-day. :) He now holds the Aaronic Priesthood and baptized his wife. He passed the Sacrament for the first time on Sunday, and next week will bless the Sacrament! They are like my Okie Grandparents! I love 'em so much! Well I love y'all! Thanks for everything you do! I'm looking forward to this next transfer! I have high hopes for it!

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Happy Birthday Elder

My heart is very full this Easter week! I have seen so many miracles! I hope I have enough time to share them all! First off, I am so glad this holiday was so successful and heart-felt for y'all. Well, the miracles I witnessed this week started, this Friday. We have found a new investigator who is absolutely prepared! She has a very intriguing background. She was very anti, due to an abusive father who was a member. She hated Mormons! She was the type to chase us off the porch. and if we left anything at her door, she would track us down and return it. However, last Saturday her 19 year old son was baptized! This was the beginning of a great softening. She finally let us teach her what her son was being taught. We taught her everything! She knew it was true, but something was holding her back. (my suspicions; her father.) However, We had a secret weapon! President Walkenhorst!!!!!!!! We took him out teaching with us for the first time, and wam bam thank you mam! She is getting baptized May 10th! That man is 7 feet tall. HE is a giant in height and Spirit. It was amazing! After we had our lesson, I looked at Tamy and asked "Tamy, when are you getting baptized" She just had a giant smile and said "May 10th" It was beautiful! Hazzah! This Saturday, we had a Easter concert performed by the "Central Saints" an interfaith group created by...... LDS members. They performed the "Lamb of God" It was amazing! Tamy was there and just was balling! Well that's not special, because everyone was! It was amazing! My Easter Sabbath was great. We spent it with a family who has a daughter serving in Helsinki Finland, so we were taken care of pretty well. We went hunting for eggs, we had a fun Easter message prepared which E. McGlothlin's mother sent him. (the ol' Easter story y'all did). We even were able to make some great progress with their other less-active daughter. Over all it was great! We love going over to their home! She even cooks similar to you mom! It was fantastic! Well, my last and final miracle, has no relation to my area. It regards my past area, Ponca City. We went up for one of E. McGlothlin's inv. baptism. While we were there I was able to text an investigator I taught While there, and basically do those missionaries work for them, they are disobedient, and the ward dislikes them. Anywho, I committed her to read and pray that night for an answer, well she did and the next morning she texted the missionaries saying "I need to be baptized!" It was amazing! She wants me to come back up and baptize her! I'm so excited. Her name is Shelby, she is the daughter of Dana, who we baptized while I was there. Dana is the one in the picture I sent home then. Guess what else I found out, Freddy Lemmo's cousin enters the mission field this transfer. She is coming here. It's a small world. I love you all so very much! Thank you for all the birthday wishes! I am striving to live up to my heritage! I am proud to be An Elder Burnham! (jamon-quemado) I thank you for all you have done to shape and mold me into the un-relenting brat I am! It has helped a bunch in missionary work! I am striving to recognize God's hand more in my life, by writing a miracle I saw everyday. I challenge you to do the same! Forever Strong! In PMG I studied Ch. 3 and loved every piece of it! our message is beautiful and flawless! Onward to victory!

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Mission Bunny?

Well our Palm Sunday was a little hectic. First off we had tornado watches all day and luckily none came. We did get hail, rain, and strong winds. Second, we drove all the way up to Ponca City (my last area) for a baptism. Elder McGlothlin taught him, I did as well, but on exchanges. It was about a 2 hour drive. The baptism went well, with the exception of the water being freezing. Poor guy. Then the weather really hit, and we got stuck up there for an extra hour and a half. Then we drove back down and my navigator(comp.) got us lost, so I had to work my way through downtown OKC and find a familiar path. We did, and luckily the family who we had dinner with, was super understanding and postponed dinner and their fast until we got there around 7! They are amazing! talk about making us feel bad, but so thankful! They told us they were fasting for missionary experiences, and that they felt they could fast longer for us. I love this ward! I heard Elder Tortellini was back. Jenni sent a postcard informing me. Hopefully he's not trunky. If he is kick him in the butt! Trunky elders are no bueno! Ok, come on we all know even if Sister Walker had the time allotted her/assigned her she would go over. :) She's just that great of a teacher! That's a cool object lesson. I might steal the idea of drawing the scenes, and use it during a dinner appointment or something. Easter is a big deal around here! We are certainly taking advantage of the holiday, to talk of Christ. Well Hey, my studies from PMG have directed me to Ch. 6 "Humility" I also have been pairing it with the talk by Pres. Benson "Beware of Pride" What have your studies consisted of? Speaking of PMG; look on page 107 and you'll find Bishop Eitlegeorge and pg. 159 to find Sis. Eitlegeorge. If that's how you spell it?

 

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Conference

All is well in OKC. I'm sure that was neat that Elder Walker and soon to be Hermana Hawkins got to see each other. We weren't able to get any investigators to conference, but we were able to get a Recent convert who just got the Priesthood to all sessions. He's 15. He is a great kid! His name is Percy! We got to watch the Saturday sessions at church and then the Sunday Morning session we watched at Bro. Gates a single man who is one of our best member missionaries! He is great! Then for the afternoon session we went to Bro. Lusks. He is like my OKC dad out here! I love that man so much! He is a great Ward Mission Leader! So because he is a photographer, we have recruited him numerous times to help us out with visuals and all that jazz. We are some high-tech Missionaries! We have a booth at the local community college and we have banners, TV's, surveys, and all kinds of displays we use. We are also going to be starting an interview thingy, where we are going to go to the YMCA and setup a very professional looking set and ask random people if we can ask them a few questions while filming, such as who is Joseph Smith? What are Mormons? Things you would see from the New York Times or something. It's going to be fun. Then we will give them a card and tell them that they can find out all the answers to the questions through the info on those cards. It's going to be fun! Well My favorite things from conference was Hollands, Rasbands,... shoot I can't select any one. They were all great! I just Love conference! I remember the days when I would lay on the floor under the foot rest so you couldn't see whether or not I was sleeping, which I always was. Now it's better than Christmas! It's absolutely amazing! I can't wait for the Ensign so I can re-read them hundreds of times! Sounds like y'all have a busy schedule coming up. I'll pray for ya. In addition to memorizing part of the living Christ, maybe the first vision. You could "ask the missionaries" for a restoration pamphlet, or I could send some out. It is a very powerful passage. In fact this past week we taught a 71 yr. old lady named Sharon who told us that while we related Joseph's vision her own vision cleared as she looked upon the picture of Joseph's experience. We were able to help her recognize the Spirit and she softly committed to baptism. She is a funny old lady. I find it funny that I can love someone without knowing a lick about them. I am thankful for the knowledge of being a Child of God! This identity I know. This is how I can love without knowledge. I know Sharon is my sister, I can have 1 of 2 conversations with my sisters and brothers in the hereafter. First, "Why didn't you tell me?" I do not want to experience this one! The second is two pronged. Either, "Thank you, for telling me and bringing me back to the fold." or "Thank you, thank you for trying. I'm sorry I rejected, but thank you for trying your best." This is what I try and relate to the members we work with. It's a very thought provoking concept, which hopefully will lead to action. I know that's what it's all about! Action is key! I pray that we may all act in righteousness. I love you all so much! Thank you Dad for looking through your mission memoirs. Bro. Lusk has a website full of Bolivia. I think it's from his visits back. I'll get it from him and give it to you. I feel like I'm at home listening to my father recount his mission experiences when I talk with Bro. Lusk. It humbles me and encourages me to be a man/missionary my son will be proud of. Thank you for your example. What you have done for me, cannot be put into earthly words. I am Elder Burnham! I have the honor of wearing that tag all day, I know what it means, I will let everyone know as well! I also bear Jesus Christ on my heart! There is no better place than this. I am so thankful for my Savior! I am currently studying the words of Christ in the New Testament. They bring so much solace and comfort to my soul! I love Him! My favorite part of Conference was Pres. Packer, I believe, Who recounted the testimony that said they have seen the Lord, then he in turn said "their words are mine." That was an awe-inspiring moment for me! I am an appendage of the 12, they are special witnesses of Christ. I have the sacred opportunity to bear my testimony of Christ. I will not miss a moment to do so! I cannot afford it! My brothers and sisters cannot afford it! I love you all so much! "Carry on, Carry on, Carry on!"

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham (a representative of Jesus Christ)

 

PS: I hope the font is large enough.

Info

Dearest Mother,

Sorry for the lack of info I have been giving. My companion is Elder McGlothlin he is from Fremont California, he has been out about 10 months now. He has 3 sisters and 1 brother. He is the 2nd oldest. His family is very supportive. I did get an email from Brianne this week, thanks for pushing her to do so. Sara emailed me as well! I love getting her emails they are so innocent and cute! I love my baby sister! She always has great questions for me as well! That is so funny the munchkins are watching things in Spanish. Buddy, Uncle Sean, and Grandpa are going to have to have a Spanish night! So My area has been in a drought, but I've got to say the weather change has been a big blessing! It is warm and sunny! We are getting more referrals, and we are now teaching more! We were able to set up a church tour for this coming Saturday in between sessions. We are super excited about that. As a DL I get to set a vision for the District and I've got to say Heavenly Father has some big plans for our district. Some things I have as a district goal are; A church tour every week. Pray for and teach a family. Never let an opportunity to bear your testimony pass. And our district is to have 10 baptisms a transfer. I was very skeptical of the last, but it was confirmed over and over again! The lord is hastening His work and we need to hasten as well! We need to step up our game! I have this renewed sense of urgency that I am thrilled to have! I just want to go out and talk to everyone and baptize 'em right on the spot! We have been hitting Family Mission Plans hard lately, and we haven't seen too much headway, but it is becoming more and more a forefront thought for most. I love the work so much! I love the leadership that is serving over me right now! They are so inspired and I have grown so much by being under their stewardship! I am sooooooo excited for Conference! It's better than Christmas! I can't wait to hear the words of the Lord! We are going to be watching it in a members home with some recent converts and investigators! We are so excited! Well Thank you for all that you do! I have hit the point where I think P-day's are a waste of the Lord's time. I just want to go out and teach. The missionaries of old did it, I should be able to consecrate my time and efforts to the Lord and He will provide right? Well My companion isn't to thrilled for that. We are growing together! I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Not a Second Wasted

Elder Ryan Burnham

Good Morning

So Sean told ya the details aye? I don't know if you remember when I was up in Ponc City and I told you of a companionship that was having major struggles well I am now serving with the one who created the problems. I don't know if it's President keeping him close or we are to be companions to learn and grow from each other. I personally think it's both. We are in the ghetto of OKC. It's a lot of rundown, sketchy places. No sidewalks, so we get to bike amidst the crazy Okie drivers. We are in a bike area, so we try very hard to members out with us, which hasn't been the best lately but it's growing. From experience I figured the ghetto would be a lot more prepared and humble, but our faith is truly being tested. We have been struggling to get into homes to teach. We have so many tools at our disposal that it almost seems impossible that we could be struggling so. I have not been to the bombing memorial, but Bro. Lusk might be willing to take us. He has already taken us to other tourist attractions. Like Pops and the Round Barn. Bro. Lusk is great, we always get into conversations about Dad and Bolivia, He told me to ask Dad about Elder Kempton. Also I'm going to ask both of y'all to send out mission stories! Where did you serve? Conversion stories? Miracles? I would love to hear those, besides you need to pull out your mission stuff and enjoy those memories! Well shoot! Brianne still hasn't written me! I'm gonna beat her with the stick of Judah if she don't write me! Sounds like you had a great time with the girls! Well, ask dad why he sent me a bunch of stamp rollers? What is he expecting me to do with 'em? I admit I have tried diligently to find a missionary use, object lesson, hanger.... something! I'm stumped. I really appreciated the package though! It was fantastic! I love you so much! I have been studying a lot about Charity recently. I took Moroni 7:45 and took each individual characteristic and found a specific scripture that applied to each. You should take some time to do the same.

Thanks for all you do! Your prayers are felt and needed each day!

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Come to Church!

You always make me cry in the library! I love it! It actually invites missionary opportunity, I just had a lady walk up to me ask me if everything was alright and I got to bear my testimony of the gospel and eternal families! Thank you for being a missionary! Well it's been a busy week, now hasn't it? I'm glad to hear about all the crazy stuff going on! I love miracles! Pertaining to the church tours, remember me telling you about the head of the MTC training that came and gave us "tools" well one was we need to start using church Tours more! It has been at the forefront of my mind and we have seen some cool miracles from it! It brings a special spirit. They told us the top 3 reasons why people don't come to church

1. They aren't familiar with our buildings

2. They don't have a friend.

3. They are afraid they will be called on randomly to do something.

 

The church tour gets rid of these fears! I think that's a super easy low key thing to invite a friend to do. We are encouraging this more and more with our members. Well I'm assuming the "thing" you did with Brianne is wedding dress shop or ring shop! I already know this is going to happen! It just needs to be sooner rather than later! I love you. I don't have much time, But I want to express that you have kept me going! I am going to need a lot of positivity this coming transfer. I need lots of miracles shared. So please each email share one miracle you have seen this past week! I love you sooo very much!

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham