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