Monday, April 25, 2011

Why Seek Ye the Living Among the Dead?

He is Risen. I love Easter so much and wish we all celebrated and were as serious about it around the world like the Romanians celebrate it. I love the Easter holidays and people's openness more to their Savior Jesus Christ. I love it so much. Centru here in Timosoara was all decked out and really beautiful with all the flowers starting to come in. I like it a lot and love the Spring time. It was a great week.

Lipova was awesome on Monday to see the Zone. Cities of Arad - past companions Elder Bateman and Betteridge and the Sisters Soras Mudge and Ausen. I know Mudge from Brasov. And from Deva - Elders Lee, Fonnesbeck, Newton, and Laherty. I love all these missionaries and get along with all of them. It was so fun to explore the ruins of the "cetate" and just take pictures and enjoy the scenery. I loved it. And then we played frisbee, oh man, I am so out of shape but I still have the throwing skills and as good as ever, don't you worry, Grant. :) We met a shepherd that sold staffs for 10 bucks! 30 lei! Met his sheep! And a Hungarian Orthodox Priest too. It was really fun. Got some sun and enjoyed it a lot.

For transfers this week, it is crazy. I can't believe I am already in my 5th transfer. I am still senior and going DISTRICT LEADER. My new companion will be Elder Eaton who is a boboc. It will be his second transfer! We will be learning a lot of Romanian again. I learned so so much with Elder Durand my 3rd. Elder Bruner my 4th and it will be the same case for my 5th. YIKES! I hope to keep the same investigators but also for the new companions Elders Cooper and Hyatt. They are getting white-washed?! So I'll be helping them again getting used to it and telling them about their investigators that I will leave them.

Ah! Sorry this is so short. I really have no time and want to be obedient. I hope to write more to you next week. I simply have my work cut out for me. Teach Elder Eaton and perfect being a missionary. Being the best I can and bringing others closer to Christ, hoping for the baptism best case scenerio. BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD. I love this work and love all of you. Thank you all for your support and prayers and letters. Getting letters from the New Elders coming in this Wednesday night. Thank you Mom and Dad so much. Marissa I love you so much. Don't give up because you are loved. You have a mission for the rest of your life and eternity - building the kingdom of God. Never let anything separate you from the Holy Ghost and love of God. I know he loves you so much. I love you so much. Everything happens for a reason. I pray for you everyday. I miss you and I love you. Study each day. It's the small and simple things that matter at the end of each day. Small and simple.


Follow the teaching of Christ.
Look unto me in every bthought; cdoubt not, fear not.

"The future is as bright as your faith." --Pres. Monson

I love you all. Mom, Dad, Shelbs, Josh, Aubs, Garr, Kristi, Brodie, Elsie, Millie, Marissa, Chase, Grant, Caleb, and T. Thank you so much for your e-mails. I love you.

Love,

Elder Schroedter


Monday, April 18, 2011

No One Is Alone

Hello!

So....Saturday night, I get a call from a member calling me and basically said, Can you call the Branch President for me? I have had guests at my house all day today and yesterday and haven't had anytime at all to write a talk for church tomorrow. I call President and just tell him....eh I'll give it. Then called the member back and told her everything was alright. So yesterday I gave a talk. Barely prepared at all but I thought I did a good job. About 15-20 minutes. I used the talk from two years ago April 2009 - Elder Holland. Nimeni nu a fost cu El. No one was with Him. One of my favorite talks and very comforting. Giving my talk I didn't really want to but I read a lot from the talk just because it puts it so well. All that Christ did for us. I can't even imagine what it must have been like. but everyday I am more and more grateful for that amazing, miraculous, and infinite, atoning, sacrifice. The Atonement means so much to me and I have seen it change lives in the course of my life. It is truly an amazing thing. Even though while on the cross Jesus felt that absence of His Father, that spiritual death, we will never have to go through that, IF we make the right choices and are smart. We can always have Heavenly Father with us through the Holy Ghost. I know that to be true.

I can't believe next week is transfers!!!!!!!!! Where does time go sometiems?! This transfer I think I have worked the hardest and I have never been happier. It's been tough with a little bit of a cold but I am getting better. Working even more, takes a while to get better, but honestly I am fine. We are going to a city of LIPOVA in a hour from right now. And hence, this e-mail is shorter than the rest. IERTATI-MA! This transfer and last transfer I have worked so hard. I love Elder Bruner. I am grateful for him. He pushes me and encourages me to talk to that person or that person. I am grateful for our friendship and companionship unity; we have had some really great lessons with our investigators and less active members. I hope to serve another one with him, but I have a feeling I am leaving Timi. But we will see next week!

Investigators:
Titus-havent been able to meet with him! I think he is moving in a couple weeks to Italy. He is so close to accepting and being baptized. I know it. We are good friends-us three and regardless that friendship will last.

Caruntu-still reading and says he will get baptized. He finds out today when he can move here to Timi. Now lives about 25 km out of Timi and comes in every weekday for school and out there for the weekends...so coming to church is a problem for him, but he knows it is true and he WILL get baptized. I know it. And his friend...

Razvan is so awesome and progressing. Reads really fast and about to pass up Caruntu. Not sure where he will go, but he wants to learn more and likes to meet with us. Speaks English with a British accent. And speaks English very well.

Irina, whose daughter is a member. Comes to church every now and again. Still reading the BOM. She says it is true. Her other daughter is Catholic and against us, which is holding her back.

From English Class, that ended this week and I thought it was really fun. I finished a class with Betteridge, Started one with Bateman, and finished with Durand, and now started AND finished with Bruner. It went well and I think our class really enjoyed it. The only way you can learn a language is to speak. The thing I love about this transfer is outside the apartment and even inside the apartment we speak ROMANIAN! I have learned so much and am progressing tons. I love Romanian and am nearly fluent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not really but getting there. Have met some awesome people and given out about 15 BOM through English and working with Bianca, Marian, and Marius. They are all doing well and at the curious stage and learning more about us.

Ciprian, have a lesson tonight and that should go really well. He just needs to pray with that real intent. He knows all our doctrine and beliefs.

And we are working with others, but just kinda gliding along. Hope to get a couple baptismal dates set up for next transfer. Timisoara needs YOUTH!

Yesterday, it was great to meet Elder Norris...now Brother Norris that served here in 2004-2006 with FRATELE IRION! He has a job here. He was here last year starting it up. And now here for two weeks. I remember hearing his voice while in the MTC when we listened to General Conference - he translated! I hope to be that good someday! VOM VEDEA.

We are off to LIPOVA now!. Hope you have a great week. Read your scriptures everyday. Pray everyday. Church every week. It really is the small and simple things that matter. And find comfort that you are never alone. Count how many times in the Bible, BoM, and D&C. MANA MEA ESTE INCA INTINSA. He is always with us, for better or for worse. I know he loves each and everyone of us.

I love you and hope you have a great week.

GRANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! And Nicolas Ross! Happy Birthday. Hey. You both need to meet me halfway. Watch out for Pablo. :)

Love,

Elder Schroedter


Monday, April 11, 2011

Nothing Can!!

Ciao din nou! va iubesc pe voi toti!

It was a good week here in Timisoara and I hope you are all doing well. This past week got first sunburn, played basketball, had lunch ONE time at the apartment, English class, probably one of the best lessons ever, getting cancelled multiple times, having fun doing the work of the Lord, interviews with President Lundberg for the last time, and perfecting Romanian.

I love this message we have. I have learned so much in such a little time it seems. I love the Bible and Book of Mormon and words of the prophets. Preach My Gospel study is going great. This morning I read about finding people. And I find myself quick to judge a person, but I have gotten better. I don't really hear their words but I try to hear their heart. Their true desires and what they want and what they need. I know everybody that doesn't have this message needs it, but I do know that everybody has their time and plan in life. That exact moment when they hear some exact word and begin to accept. I know the field is white already to harvest, but some days, I don't do the harvesting, but simply make it more white for a missionary down the road to reap the benefits of my work. I am working hard and expecting to reap what the Lord has in plan for me. I have already reaped so much happiness in the actions of others and simply knowing I tried my best and extended their invitation. Everyone needs this gospel. We never know what we say, do, or show where someone, hears, watches, or observes and our example has an impact. We never know who will accept or deny our message. We invite all. I invite all.

A great scripture I want to share is found in Romans 8:35-39

35
Who shall separate us from the alove of Christ? shall btribulation, or distress, or cpersecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36As it is written, For thy sake we are akilled all the day long; we are accounted as bsheep for the slaughter.

37Nay, in all these things we are amore than bconquerors through him that loved us.

38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to aseparate us from the blove of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


Last night (it seems like all great things happen Sunday night, when we don't have any lessons planned and we meet someone amazing!!!) But we meet Florin. Bloc knocking and I talk to him about our message and he just stops and says in perfect English, just like uh, yeah, you guys are, he knows all about us and is a super nice guy. He says, I'd like to let you in but it's really dirty and what not and said that a couple times. He knows about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon and everything. We go in and just have a chat and he asks us a lot of questions. And he said that his parents were one of the first people contacted in Timisoara when missionaries were sent here from Bucuresti. He is about 30 years old. Lost his job a couple years ago. Lives with his girlfriend. Hasn't been to church for a while and wants to change. He feels guilt for his sins in the past and wants to be clean. It was so perfect! We talked about Isa 1:18; Rom 8:38-39; Matt 7:7 and other scrips. Probably the 2nd favorite lesson of the week. He has never been to America or any english speaking country but speaks English with an Eastern coast accent flawlessy. I hope he goes somewhere. I know HE needs our message.


Monday: was fun, we played some basketball together with Elder Frandsen and Eaton and with a couple of our investigators - Caruntu, Razvan and Deju and couple of their friends from school. We played for about hour and a half or so. That's where I got sunburned, but nothing too bad. Then in the evening had a interesting lesson with an Ana, in a tough situation and it was our last lesson with her until she calls us. I think she is leaving the country with her sister and she is taken care of. For 3 years she lost her house, her husband died, doesn't have any children and I think that same sister totally rejected her and didn't help her out at all. She doesn't have a pension or a job at all. Then after her we made some phone calls - that huge list of 45 people we received from a member to call and invite to investigate our church. Wheat from the tares. None of them were very interested but most people are nice about it. I have been hung up on a lot, calling former investigators and people past missionaries have talked to.

Tuesday: Good day. APRIL 5, 2011. I will never forget that awesome lesson with Caruntu. It went perfect and he simply bore his testimony at the end and it was so so good. I love Caruntu and can't wait to meet with him on Tuesday. He can't come to church right now because he lives about 25 km outside of Timi but he is trying and think he has a place to move here in Timi. Hope it all works out. Best lesson ever. Then had a good lesson with Marius - english student. He is beginning to read and slowly progress. Then long chat with Ciprian, if you remember me talking about him. He is an eternal investigator wants to learn more and HAVE THE PROOF that the Book of Mormon is true, that things are missing from the bible, he loves to learn and meet with us, but he just won't pray! I like Ciprian a lot though. He would make such an awesome next Branch Pres. here in Timi.

Wednesday: Cancellation day. Sheesh. Hate it when people don't show up or cancel but it happens. I forgive and forget. I get over it. Had lesson with old guy Petru. Not interested right now in his life. Then lesson with Irina (daughter going to byu and member) she will come from time to time to church and I thought it was a good lesson about faith and Christ. Then lesson in the evening with Titus. Old investigator and loves to meet up. Had super in depth Plan of Salvation lesson and he really liked it and ate it up.

Thursday: Marius in the morning. Park contacting here and there. Then interviews with President Lundberg and talking to the Asstistents Elder Mathis and Bennett. Then went home for lunch/dinner already time. Then calls, then visited Adi and Cipri at the magazine playing table/backgammon.

Friday: Good lesson with Caruntu and Razvan. They are both just so awesome and reading and progressing. Caruntu knows it is true. He knows it! Lesson about the gospel of Jesus Christ - the 5 steps. Then had a good lesson with Cori, a referrel from a member, chatted about him and first visit with him, had been to church but not too interested. Then went to Sora Gabi for a meal and good chat and lesson about the branch and what we need to do. She is such a solid member and wants it to be better.

Saturday: English went well. Only 2 more classes this coming week (Tues. and Sat.) Then met with a student, Marian, he seems really cool. Going to college here in Timi, lives in Arad and commutes usually every weekend back and forth. Then had a shoarma (4th one in Romania) I like them but they are not my favorite. Met cool guy from Germany that knew all about our church and he talked a lot! English very little and I think just 5 other languages. Then met with Nicolae in the park, good lesson and invited him to church and he came! Then contacting and met with Titus again. Good lesson about his readings and watched the Restoration movie.

Sunday: Church went well. Playing the piano is going just great. Good talks from Sora Negriu, Popescu, and Nedelcu. Then Investigator/Recent Convert class was good. Nicolae participated and argued a little bit. Exodus 20:3-5 Talked about prayer and he has a problem with "icoane" icons! We'll talk to him about that. Then Priesthood. We continued our lesson on Christ - I taught it and thought it went really well. After went to Sora Negriu for a meal and talked with less active son, Niki. Then to the church. Then parks. House for phone calls and pick up some materials. Then blocs where we had a really quick lesson with Manuel and then met Florin.


Overall. It was an awesome week and I love being busy and effective. "Don't confuse busyness with effectiveness." Don't worry. I don't. I hope you all had a great week. Things are going great in Timisoara and I meet so many people everyday. Every and each one of us - a child of God. Each with a purpose in life. Be true to the faith.


I love my family. Mum and Dad! Shelby, Garrett, Marissa, Grant and Caleb. And no more less, but maybe more ;) Josh, Aubrey, Kristi, Brodie, Elsie, Millie, Chase and Taryn. I love you.


Elder Schroedter


Tuesday, April 5, 2011

ROBOT

Ciao!

This past week was really awesome. I wish I could just put everything in my mind and my thoughts and just put it into words and e-mail. Oh well. I'll try anyways.

First, I hope all of you were able to see CONFERENCE! I am excited to receive the magazine. Unfortunately I was only able to see a couple talks. The Saturday Morning Session. Perry. Stevens. Gonzalez. Richards. Cook. And Eyring. And then only the beginning of Uchtdorf's "your Road to Damascus" Sunday morning. The other Elders had an investigator that brought her laptop to the church and we met there with one of our investigators. And we watched it live! It showed here at 7PM to 9PM and we didn't stay up to watch at 11PM to 1AM and then the Priesthood at 3AM. We have to wait for the magazine, but I am willing. I wish I got more out of it, but I was instead trying to TRANSLATE for our investigator. It was tough to do word for word, because they stinkin' talk so fast, but I was able to get the gist across to him and I think he liked it. I thought I heard ROMANIA in Sister Stevens talk, but I think it was Armenia instead. Close kinda...Great talks. Hope you all can watch it. Lds.org!

Yesterday, we made our weekly visit to a store to where a lot of old guys just play backgammon, drink and smoke. The owner of the store-Gabriela, she was interested in the Book of Mormon and she has a copy, but works everyday and hasn't been able to get off for church and I don't think she is interested but we keep inviting. Through this little store we have given out many Books of Mormon to her customers and friends. But anyways last night we went there, just down the street from our apartment and had a good chat about why we are here. Actually our neighbor in our apartment complex/bloc lives a floor above us was there. Name is Cipri and he is a very interesting character. He asks us questions about our religion and we talked about the Book of Mormon. He was born Orthodox but is not practicing. He said, "I respect you, because you believe something." Another neighbor, Sandu was there and other guy, Eujen. But Cipri was the most curious and was the first time I have seen him and talked to him. It was hard for him to understand why we do what we do as missionaries. All the rules and restrictions. It was the point he called us 'robots' - Brainwashed is what I got from it. Having so many rules. We are so young. Why do we "waste" our time doing what we do? We are at the prime in our lives...etc. My answer for him and you who are wondering why I would "use" two of my years to do this mission. Because, I know something very simple and true. Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ. I know this church is true. I know other churches are great and have a part of the truth, but our church is THE ONLY true church on the Earth. You probably won't believe me and think I am just saying that like every other church. "We are the only true church." But it is true! Simply pray to know and read the Book of Mormon and you will know what I know. This church has brought me the greatest happiness in my life. And I want so badly to share this message with others. People all over the world are searching for the truth and only kept from it because they know not where to find it. PEOPLE NEED OUR MESSAGE. I want others to see the light, know the truth, and be happy. Therefore, I am here. I can leave today, but I don't want to. My choice. I choose to stay and bless the lives of others. An invitation for all. People reject us and say they "know" all about us. I think if they truly knew all about us, they would be members...just my opinion though. Could be wrong. ;)

I love this church.

Studies this past week have been going well. Still in 3 Nephi reading in Romanian and loving it. Tough, but I learn everyday. Finished Chapter 20 today and hope to finish soon. In Preach My Gospel I finished up to Chapter 6 -Christlike Attributes and learning a lot and finding great scriptures for me and for investigators I want to use.

Monday last week...Went and had lunch at Pizza Hut at the mall. Then came back into Centru to go to a museum about the Revolution in 1989. That actually started right here in Timisoara. I didn't even realize I walk right by that exact place every single day. In centru and right by our church, Piata Maria. The museum was different. Had some pretty gruesome pictures about victims and casualties. I want to learn more about for sure when I return to the States. The only Communist country that overthrew Soviets with violence. I forget the phrase....Today Timisoara? Tomorrow Romania! Watched a couple videos about it and what not. After that, went shopping then home. Then went and gave a younger mom a Book of Mormon. Her child just passed away about 6 months ago and she said we could come back, but she wasnt home so we left it at her door. With a note and our number. Then went and visited another potential, but wasn't home. Finished night with the blocs.

Tuesday: Morning, District Meeting was awesome as usual. After had good lesson with Caruntu. Friend from the park. He is progressing and reading. Lives outside of Timisoara so it's tough for him to come to church, hopefully he can find a way. Working on him for next Sunday. I feel really good about him and he is our best investigator right now. Then met old guy in the park and he came up to me, Nicolae, had discussion about Restoration and Joseph Smith, set up for later next week. Then had a sandwich at a little stand by the park. Then had English class. It went well. I love teaching English so much. It really is a lot of fun. I try to keep it light and make them learn. About 25 students today. Then Spiritul thought. After, short lesson with Titus. Old investigator from last year. He is nice younger guy and interested in learning. Then we went and visited some potentials.

Wednesday: Good day some lessons didn't happen but that's ok. Some good contacting in the park and calling people from the area book. Old and potential investigators. Then lesson in the park with a younger girl whose parents investigated the church two years ago. She was really nice and said she would read and pray. Then lesson with a less active who actually gave us about 45 referrels!!!!!!!!!!!!! Usually we get about one a week and he gives us a huge list of friends, acquantences, family, colleagues, everybody! We called through them this week and set up with about 8 of them! for next/this coming week.

Thursday: Awesome day today. Planned a lot and accomplished it all. Morning. Good lesson with Irina. She thinks our church is true and also her church the Orthodox. She reads and prays. But just doesn't know it yet. After her, good lesson with English student-Marius, nice guy and in college. Then with Ana, struggling and always says she is like Job. Husband died a few years ago and doesnt' have a house. Sister rejects her. Has no one basically. Really nice lady. Then lunch at home. Then went to Nicolae who I met in the park. Talked about the Book of Mormon and he said he would read. Then met with up Titus again in Piata Unirii and had a good chat about Book of Mormon and all his questions.

Friday: Morning, visited Branch President Valcaneantu. Nice family. Served us hot dog-like meat and kinda like meatloaf but Romanian version. Had good lesson about being united as a branch. Then lesson with Caruntu in the park. Still reading and says he likes it. Then we went to the church for a little bit. Then park contacting. Home for weekly planning and made some phone calls for all our refferels!

Saturday: English went well. Then went to Maria and had a good lesson with her. Just a nice lady but not too interested. Then Lesson in the parcul botanic. Then again met with Titus and went to the church, watched conference and tried to translate, then home

Sunday: Church was ok. Testimony meeting was crazy. Played the piano. Taught the Priesthood lesson again. After had a lesson with Titus. Then home for lunch. Then went and contacted in the park and to the church. Then contacting in the parks.

It was a great week here in Timisoara. Probably one of my best yet in my mission. Hope you all have a great week. Watch conference and tell me your favorite talk. Love you.

Love,

Elder Schroedter