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