Updates from Elder Butler

Hi All:

Things have been going great for Elder Butler.  These letters are from his emails home.  We have enjoyed hearing from him.  He has also sent 2 letters; to Kimball and Jim for birthday's and his first box arrived last week with notes informing us NOT TO OPEN UNTIL MAR 2012.  He is loving his mission and is serving his Lord as he serves the people he is with.  We are so proud of him.  He would enjoy letters or special notes from all his friends and family as the holidays are near.  

11-8

Thanks for the letters this week. Elder L and I are loving our service together, and continue to find hidden blessings as we serve the Lord. Yesterday we went back to contact a referral. The woman had been studying and researching various churches on her own, and had some deep doctrine questions about the LDS church and wanted answers. So she invited us in and we tried to help her as best we can. She had come to some conclusions on her own that were very obscure and did not have much validity. So we'd go back and forth asking questions, reading scriptures trying to help with the confusion, keep in mind that she had never read the Book of Mormon. Plus along with all of this mumbo-jumbo, I had this tremendous feeling that the adversary was in that room. I could not feel the Holy Ghost at all, and when that sort of thing happens I shut down. I could do nothing but just sit and listen to my companion and her debating about subjects that had no relevancy to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in my mind at least. And so through this whole situation I felt powerless and weak. And that's when I had a prompting to sing in my head the primary song "I Am a Child of God."  And had I only got done with the first verse when i had this sense of calmness come over me, and it made me feel sooooooo much better. Needless to say we aren't planning on going back over again anytime soon. She didn't accept any of the commitments we left her (church, baptism). But once we left the house and got back into the car, I offered a silent prayer to Heavenly Father thanking him for the Holy Ghost and the feelings I felt. I'm so happy for that special feeling i get when I'm doing what’s right. I hope I can always live to be worthy of it.

10-25

First of all I'll just tell you that my new comp is amazing. His name is Elder L. He's from Monroe Utah, and has an older sister. His parents are not members. He got baptized when he was 12 and his sister followed. His reason for becoming a member was the friends he had in Utah. They always invited him out to activities, and were always happy and welcoming to him. He is a great example of what can become of constant fellowship outside of church. I know if we can do this then the lord will bless us in our efforts of bringing his children into the fold.

Anyways, thank you guys for everything always keep the missionary work in your prayers :)

10-18

WOW!!!!! This week has had so much going on. I'll try to fit it in the email.

So 1st things 1st, I'm training. I don't know who he is yet, but I will tomorrow. Pres called me Saturday and asked me if I was up to the challenge. I told him that there were a lot better missionaries fit for the job, but I accepted. I'll email back about him next week.

This is Elder H's last week. I’ve learned a lot from him. I’ve learned how important it is to finish strong, in whatever we do. When we do, the Lord will bless us with strength to do so.

I had the privilege to listen and study a talk given to a group of LDS young adults. It was titled the Belief Window. It was given by a man named Hyrum W. Smith. Brother Smith talks about many different ideas and topics but the most important thing he states is that, the most important thing that we can have as a child of God, is our self worth. He goes on to explain a model that we can use in our lives to understand our self worth, and control how we act. I'd explain, but i don't have my notes and if i tried right now it wouldn't make sense. You should listen to it.

9-20

So this week has been pretty bland. My comp and I are building up the area here. It’s a bunch of farm land so we drive a lot. What’s weird though is that I bump into a lot of people from my last area. I'm technically I’m in a bordering area, there's just a big river between them. My Comp Elder H goes home in 5 weeks. So he's a gray hair missionary. He's very obedient; has been his whole mission. It's a big change of pace cause my first 2 companions were different. But we have fun. He graduated high school at 16, and is starting medical school when he gets home. He's very smart, and knows it. It gets hard to study some time when he starts going off on tangents about some random doctrinal topic.

We only cover 1 ward now. It's called the Elliott Lake Ward.  We are trying hard to gain the trust of the members. We have a great Bishop, and good auxiliary leaders that are willing to help. We just have to show them what missionary work is. I will keep you in touch about this situation.

9-13

Greetings from Kennewick...

So, this is a lot different than Pasco. We're in a very rural area and we drive a lot. Plus we're building up the area. We're trying hard but times get discouraging. It’s very fun though.

The first day we were there we did a lot of getting moved in. Because we got doubled in (two new missionaries transferred into the area), we did a lot of getting to know the area. Luckily we were having dinner with a really cool member because I really had the dear in the headlights thing going on. And after dinner we figured we'd go try and see some potentials the other missionaries left for us in the area book. We pull up to this trailer, and the address belongs to a R M. The name seemed familiar, but I didn't know who it could've been. So we knock the door and this little 8 year old kid answers the door. It was P, I taught his family back in Pasco. His mom was a recent convert back in 4th ward, and I guess her grandma lives in my new ward. What was even cooler was that we had taught her mom a couple times back in Pasco, so I already knew her. The missionaries before us never we're able to meet with her. I guess she was just busy or something. I was just glad to see the Lord's hand in our work. This week has been hard, but Elder H and I are going to make the best of it here.

8-30

Wow!!!!!! This Friday I will have been out 6 months. That shouldn't be happening. It's definitely true when they say "the days in the mission are long but the weeks are very short."

This last week has been full of great things. We had interviews with Pres. Greer on Thursday. During the interview Pres. asked if there was anything that He could help me with. I told Pres. that I was striving to be more humble. I felt like I needed to be more teachable to the Spirit. Pres. told me about right before I came in there were a lot of stud missionaries leaving. Pres said he was worried for the mission. So he prayed, and asked Heavenly Father for answers to his questions. Pres. said that Heavenly Father assured him that new missionaries were coming to take the place of those great missionaries from the past. He feels like I am one of them. I never saw myself as an example. But Pres. was serious. He said that  soon I will be needed.

Next week is transfers so I will get to find out if I'm staying or leaving. Everyone says I’ll leave. I’ve been here 6 months. So I’ll tell you guys next week if I'm leaving or staying.

8-23

Ups and downs...

Well first off I will tell you that L. Tom Perry is a man among boys. He is someone I wish to be like. He was very nice, enthusiastic and gentle. He really has a love for the gospel. He talked about an experience he had on his mission. He spoke about a companion he had. When they were first put together neither of them had been out for more than 2 months. He (Perry) had just come from the MTC. So they had little to no experience. But, they did know how to work. So that’s what they did. They followed the rules and they were hard working and strictly obedient. They ended up serving for 10 1/2 months and had many successes. Even after their missions they stayed together. They both had joined the marines, and were blessed to stay together. For almost 50 years they served together, and not once did they forget to have some sort of companionship study. I know when we follow what God wants us to do He will bless us. Because of this I want to re-commit myself to the work. On Saturday, when Josh was supposed to be baptized, we were informed that Josh's Dad wouldn't sign the baptism form. So Josh never got baptized. :( But, he still wants to. So He came to church the next day, and we are planning to go back over to his Dad's house and figure out his concerns. I will keep you informed on that.  

Love you all. Elder Butler

Pedal!

This week Elder Butler shares with us a story he read and liked.  We share it here with you.  Have a wonderful week.

At first I saw God as my observer my judge keeping track of the things I did wrong. He was kind of like a U.S. President. I recognized his picture when I saw him but I didn’t really know him.

But when I met Christ, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.

I don’t know just when it was that he suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control it was rather boring but predictable. The shortest distance between two points. But when he took the lead, he knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on. Even though it looked like madness, he said “PEDAL!” I was worried and anxious and I asked, “Where are you taking me?” He laughed and didn’t answer, and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I said, “I am scared” He’d lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. The people gave me gifts to take on my journey.

And we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away--extra baggage--too much weight.” So I gave the gifts away to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust him in control of my life, I thought he’d wreck it! But He knows the bike’s secrets. He knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners. He knows how to jump to clear high rocks and knows how to fly through scary passages. I am learning to shut up and pedal. I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face and my delightful companion--Jesus Christ.

And when I think I just can’t do it anymore, he just smiles, touches my hand and says—“Pedal.

5 Months so far...

Hello Everyone:
Wow this is crazy to think that. Elder Hopkins and I are doing great and we had a exciting week. We found out that Elder L. Tom Perry is coming to our mission the third week in August. So we'll get to meet him and everything. It was very out of the blue. The week before at zone conference Pres. Greer told us the we would have some Seventy's coming in the later end of the year. But in leadership training he was talking about one thing then just switched to how Elder Perry would be coming in 3 weeks. So something big is going down. :) Also Elder Hopkins and I had some cool experiences too.

On Saturday, we got to go over to Ben Gentry's house and see his twins. It was sooo cool to see him hold his son. He wanted to bless them on Sunday. But, because he isn't a member he can't. When we told him he was very disappointed. You could see the desire in his eyes. So that will help him want to get baptized. Plus Bishop told us that it would only take about 2 months for him to get the priesthood if he got baptized. So he might get it done in the next couple weeks.

And yesterday, we taught our new investigator Chris. We had Brother Pruneda who is a stellar dude. He never served a mission so he loves to come out with us. We had a great lesson and Chris is gonna read and pray about the Book of Mormon. We teach him again on Monday.

And we also taught a Russian woman and her children. She has loved in Pasco for about 9 years. She moved in from Moldova. She speaks good English but can't read very well. So it's hard. But, we have a member that severed his mission over in Moscow coming with us next week. so we'll be able to get to her better. This week seems to have lots of promise. :)

Love you all

ELDER BUTLER

Another week in Pasco, WA.

Hello followers of Elder Butler's blog.  This is his mom writing this week to update you on what is happening with our missionary.
Last week he sent a short email out to the family about personal stuff and letting us know that they had moved to another house just down the road.  The host family that they had been staying with is having an elderly family member who needs to move in.  So after packing and pulling up the old carpet the Elders are trying to settle into their new home.  I am assuming they are with other members on the same street. 
Elder Butler had his 20th birthday, 1st in the mission field, last week.  His family sent him 2 boxes inside one larger box.  We sent him 20 cookies,  chocolate chip, a California flag (something he asked for), his favorite cereal, cards, cash, etc.  He said he had a wonderful day and appreciate all the kind words and cards.
This week was transfers again in the mission but Elder Butler is staying put with Elder Hopkins in Pasco.  He will have been here for a quarter of his mission.  From Elder Butler, "We're having alot of fun together". He also said, "We have a 93 year old women set to be baptized for August 6th. She has a granddaughter that's a member, so she has seen what the church does to people and wants it for her self. I just hope I'm hear for it. Also, we found out that L. Tom Perry is coming to our mission August 17th. Another thing I hope I'm here for."
Closing words from our missionary son, "Any ways I love you guys, stay safe and cool. Tell everyone I love them."

It has been fun sharing these emails with all of you.  I know Elder Butler would like to thank all of you who support him in various ways as he serves our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Washington Kennewick Mission.

"No habla ingles!"

This week was good. Pedro was baptized, but no pictures this week.

We've been working with this family from the Marshall islands. The father has 3 kids that are already members of the church. (don't ask me how, we don't know)  But, there's the dad, mom, youngest daughter (8), grandma, grandpa, brother in law, and sister. THEY ALL WANT TO BE BAPTIZED!!!! It's crazy, but there are a couple complications. There is a definite language barrier. We are trying to do our best to help this family.  We hope they make the right choices. We are trying to do the right thing for them. We will see what happens in the future with them.

Love you guys,
Elder Butler

Elder Salmon and I at the Temple

Here I am on California Drive. Almost like home.

Still loving the game.

Random investigator - not just a horse.

Go Game? We Do!

Fun toy car at member's home.

My trainer Elder Salmon 1 year shirt.

On top of Badger Mountain.

Two by Two - even at the Temple.

June 21, 2011

Elder Hopkins and I are doing great together (Elder Salmon was transferred last week). We really do have a common love for missionary work. This past week, we've been riding bikes a lot because of our lack of miles left over for the rest of the month. It's been a great experience to ride. We've had more opportunities to talk with people and proclaim the gospel to them. My companion has gotten 3 flat tires so far. We both can see the adversary working against us, and trying to keep us from helping with the lords work.

On Sunday, we had a couple lessons planned after church. The first one was on the east side of the freeway. Sadly the appointment feel through. Plus the member that was supposed to pick us up and drive us to the next appointment had to leave so we we're left on one side of Pasco, needing to get to the other side of town for our next appointment. The thought of canceling the next appointment came to my mind. the man we were meeting had canceled with us before and didn't seem to promising. But, thankfully Elder Hopkins counseled that we "needed" to go to this next appointment so we did. We biked all the way across town, and knocked the man's door. He said he had a tattoo appointment in 15 minutes. But, he still let us in. Once we had our opening prayer, his younger brother walked in. He also had to leave but thought he could listen for a while. Long story short, we taught the restoration to both of them, they wanted to meet again, and so we set up another appointment for next Sunday. Both the man and his younger brother we're very eager to read form the Book of Mormon, and Elder Hopkins and I are both very happy we decided to bike across town. :)

Elder Butler

June 14, 2011

So I'm glad you got the letters and pic's. Thanks for sending the stuff back so fast.
Elder Salmon is getting transferred. I will be staying here, and Elder Hopkins will be taking his place. Elder Hopkins served with me in the MTC. He's a great missionary with a stellar testimony. I can't wait to get back with him.

Last week I ended up having a couple of accidents. The first happened on my bike. I ended up crashing and ripping one pair of my suit pants. I was able to get them sewed up good as new, but it set me back about 23$. The second happened on p-day, I rolled my ankle pretty bad. It was all black and blue. My whole foot was about the size of a melon. But im alot better :) I ended up needing to buy an ankle brace as well. It has helped ALOT. If possible, i would love to have some re embursment for those costs.

I have a fathers day present all ready to send of the Columbia River Temple for his office at work. 

 

I guess cant tell you guys enough how much i love hearing from you, please take care. I Love you mommy.

 

Elder Butler

"This Week has been Weird"

Dear friends and family,

This week has been weird, and its had its ups and downs. Sunday, I had my appendix taken out.

So Saturday night we had dinner at a member’s house. During and after the dinner my stomach was hurting.  So we came in early and I tried to sleep it off. But, after not being able to sleep for a couple hours I said a prayer. In the prayer I asked Heavenly Father to help me get through the night so I would be able to rest up for Monday. Sadly once I closed the prayer I had a strong urge to through up. So I did. After doing so I could sleep, but only in small bursts. So the next morning, I woke up and threw up again. this time it was just dry heaves.( cause I threw up my whole stomach the first time.) So I called Sister Greer and told her what had been going on. After speaking with the mission doctor we concluded that my appendix might be in question. So our host members rushed me to the hospital. So long story short I got my appendix taken out on Mother’s day. hahaha. But, I'm doing fine, if it wasn't for the 9 staples in my stomach i might be playing b-ball today :)

Yesterday we had a specialized training.  We missed the first session with the rest of our zone cause Sister Greer made me sleep in. Plus president told the whole mission during the first session about what had happened to me, so once we got to the church building everyone already knew about it. But, at the training we watched a talk by Elder Jefferey R. Holland which he gave at the MTC in Jan '11 so. He talked about the blessing we have as missionaries to serve a mission and how we need to be converted to the Gospel before we can teach it. The main line was the question "Do you love me?" I'm sure you all know where that question can be found. Jesus asked Peter that exact same question. And after answering him yes 3 times, Christ said "feed my sheep"

As missionaries we need to Love the Lord. And feeding his sheep is how we can do that. But, the only way we can do that is by being converted to the gospel ourselves. And we do that by planning better, studying better, and being strictly obedient to the commandments given to us. So, when we do that we can become the best teacher God wants us to be. "And when we "feed his sheep" with a testimony of the truthfulness of His gospel we can bring people into the fold of the good Sheppard." I pray and hope to be able to teach to the potential my Heavenly Father has for me. And, I know that when I plan, study, and obey, I will be able to.

I love you guys and thank you for all your prayers.

Elder Butler

Mother's Day Call from the ER

Today while in church we received two phone calls and one text message.  After reading the text we realized that Taft's mission president was trying to contact us.
Taft was in the ER because of abdominal pain.  After tests and consults results showed his appendix needed to be removed.  When we called he was waiting to go into surgery.  He wished me Happy Mother's, said he will be going home later tonight and then wanted to know about his cousins Josh and Gil. I told him Josh received his call to San Deigo, CA ASL June 1 report date.  Taft was excited.

After he went into surgery Sister Greer called me back.  He got sick the night before after eating a member's house and had Costco hot dogs.  He became really sick and couldn't keep anything including water down. Then he called Sister Greer Sunday morning and after discussion with medical professionals he was told to go to the ER.

President and Sister Greer, Bro and Sis. Richardson (where they live) and all of the missionaries from his Zone came to the hospital.  After about 1 hour he came out of surgery and 1 hour later Taft called and talked with me again when he was admitted to the hospital.  The doctors said he would be able to come home later.

Sister Greer said he could call and Skype us later in the week. 

So grateful the Lord has a watchful eye on his missionaries.  I know that because the Lord is in control that Elder Butler will heal fast and will soon be walking and talking with people about the gospel.  He is doing what he loves and he will not let something like this stop him from his work.

May 3, 2011

Hey, so we finally had the baptism. We baptized a Mom and her 11 year old daughter. I'll send you some pics. We had a really fun time and it was very spiritual. Regarding the package, just send it to my house I'm here for another 6 weeks :). Also I'm wondering if you'll be putting that money in my account. I need it for some small office supplies and such.

The week has gone by kinda fast. We have been teaching a lot of the same people, except for last night. We were referred by the bishop to come teach their neighbor's. And now we have some new investigators :) But it's just crazy to think that the first 2 months are gone. I'm getting to see what they meant by the mission goes by so fast ha ha. But, I've started writing in my journal now so i can look back on the past. Any way I cant wait to Skype you.
Love YOU,
Elder Butler

April 22, 2011

Received letter by snail mail.  It was great.  Here's what he said.

Got your package for Easter.
They live in the home of a family in their ward, the Richardson's.  Not related to our family. He got Aunt Sue's letter and pictures she sent.  He was very happy to receive them.

In his letter to Alyssa he told her that he hurt his hand playing basketball but she was not to tell us, mom and dad.  But he later told us that he didn't break his hand but it still hurts.

He is in a car area but sometimes use their bikes to keep their miles down.

We have a baptism scheduled for a mother and daughter.

President Greer talked to us about keeping a journal and so I have started doing so.  Journals are like our own personal Golden Plates.  Someday our own kids may read them to help them.

Happy Easter, Elder Butler

Two Weeks of Emails

April 11, 2011

Hi:
We had zone conference yesterday, so p-day was on Wednesday this week. We have a bbq planned later today, then we'll play bball also. (most of the missionaries aren't very good haha)
We've been teaching a couple new families this last week and we're hoping to get them on date for baptism soon :) we have a baptism this Saturday planned for the guys I talked about a couple weeks ago he's really excited to finally get it done. I guess his parents didn’t want him to at first but now they are fine with it.
I hope you guys have a fun Easter :) take care

April 4, 2011

Hey Dad,
That's way cool about the woman wanting to get baptized. I hope all is going well at home, Alyssa says that you guys are doing some legit landscaping haha I'm glad i don't have to help with that. Anyways, Conference was great, i really like elder Oak's talk about priorities, it really stuck out to me regarding missionary work. He said "priorities dictate decisions, decisions dictate choices, and choices make us who we are." i just really liked that a lot. we had a less active bring her kids and mother with her to the last session of conference, it was a really good learning experience for them. The mom seemed to really like the talks, we have a return appointment with her this week. It’s a tough area, i think we are teaching 6 single moms right now, but they seem to be really determined to learn about the gospel. Thank you so much for the email, I'm probably gonna write the siblings this week so could you tell them that for me??? LOVE YOU GUYS

Elder Butler

My house address is:

 4607 Hilltop Drive, Pasco WA 99301

April 4, 2011

Hey Mom,

I took out money is for the bike I bought from a missionary. It was originally 500 but the guy's gonna leave it here when he goes home, and the church will sell it for more and he really doesn't care so I bought it I’ll send some pics of it later.
I'm trying to make smart choices in what I buy, luckily there's a super Wal-Mart here so I don't spend much on things. The sheets are great as well, I really like them, my companion's are quite jealous.
Conference was great, I really liked priesthood session. President Monson was really funny when he spoke, same with President Uctdorff. They really are inspired men, with a sacred calling. Which talk stuck out to you??? I want to look over the talks and cross reference them and stuff.
Anyways thank you so much for writing me, I Love hearing from you. Take Care.
Love,
Elder Butler

March 29, 2011 - PASCO, Washington

Hey guys,

I’m doing great here. Right now I’m in Pasco. I serve in the Pasco 2nd and 4th wards in the Pasco stake. My comps name is Elder Salmon, he’s from Willard, Utah.  I have my first baptism next week. He's a tennis player named Marco, he's 18 and has a strong conviction to the gospel. He seems so willing to do what the lord wants him to do.

The 2 wards I’m serving in are great also. They just split the Stake so everyone is getting used to each other. My companion and I are the first missionaries to serve here so we are all in the same boat. My mission president has asked us to make sure we are diligent in our work. When we follow the lords will we can be blessed in ways we never would have imagined.

I love it here in Wazu. I can’t wait to hear from you guys, thanks for the emails. Please keep missionary work in your prayers. Love you

Elder Butler

President and Sister Greer

Leonard Dare Greer, 55, and Julie Neville Greer, four children, Washington Kennewick Mission, Gilbert 6th Ward, Gilbert Arizona Highland Stake. Brother Greer serves as a stake president and is a former counselor in a stake presidency, bishop and counselor, ward Young Men president and missionary in the Canada Toronto Mission. Attorney/Shareholder, Raymond, Greer & Sassaman, P.C. Born in Mesa, Ariz., to Menlo Dare and Barbara Fernanda Turley Greer.
Sister Greer serves as the stake music chairman and has formerly served as a ward Relief Society president, Young Women adviser, stake and ward Primary music leader and gospel doctrine teacher. Born in Rapid City, S.D., to Robert Taylor and Maxine Burton Neville.
(From the Church News)

Combined emails and letters from: March 11- 17

Things are going great here, I've learned a lot also. My companion's name is Elder Clark. He's from Orange County. He goes to Cal State Long Beach majoring in biology. He's going to Jamaica. I have 6 elders in my district; 24 in our Zone. I am learning that "when and where will never matter, as long as why and how we do it is true, we will succeed" - Jimmy Hendrix

I have 2 teachers. their names are Bro. Murray and Gonzalez. Bro. Murray was teaching us how to teach with the spirit. He had us extend a baptism commitment and the investigator was supposed to say no. After the “investo” said no to the invite, we were supposed to just sit there and wait for the spirit to tell us what to say. I honestly waited for 5 minutes, staring into his eyes waiting for something to come to me. It felt so awkward sitting there but after I stopped thinking about it the answer came to me. After I just sat, mouth hanging open, I was so surprise. I didn’t think that the spirit would come to me like that. I'm just so grateful that God has blessed me with the intuition and ability to understand the spirit as well as I can.

Wow, I can’t believe it’s been 2 weeks already.  Elder Clark and I got to welcome the new Elders in our Zone last Wednesday. And this Wednesday we will welcome 7 new this week. I love being able to serve my zone this way. The pictures are from when we went on a walk around the Provo temple grounds.

{Taft will leave the MTC on Tuesday March 22 and will fly in to Kennewick, Washington.  All mail after March 22 should be send to the mission office.}