December 12, 2011

This past week we attended a zone conference.  We arrived quite early, so we went over to Lake Ontario to take a few pictures.

Time is ticking. Wayyy too quick. I don't want to be over halfway done. It makes me feel sick a little bit-literally. I wish I could trade places with one of these fresh, new, young missionaries. But at the same time, I'm so glad I've done what I should with the time I've been given. I have held nothing from the Lord. I have reserved nothing.

Some recent thoughts I've had....

Things like old hobbies, girlfriends, bad habits, and doing what you want when you want are among the easiest things to give up. Anybody can give those things up if they want to. Time simply passing can cause you to give those things up.

Another level of dedication is full of giving up truly meaningful things like family, close friendships, and genuine constructive things. They may even be spiritually healthy things like studying the gospel topics that you want to, or focusing on how you can progress in life. They are all good things, and they can only be given up if you have a true testimony. If you know this is God's work, and if you have a true desire to play a part in it.

There is yet another level of consecration. It is the kind of consecration that involves giving up your entire self. Every last fiber of your own will need to be surrendered to the Lord. It is not only accepting the calling to do missionary work, but focusing on it with your mind and your heart, and well as your might and your strength. It is giving up all of your energy as you pray for the investigators that you love with a pure and genuine love, it is giving up literally all personal time to help other missionaries who are struggling around you, it is focusing throughout the day on nothing that doesn't build spiritually and help people progress towards the Savior. It is the kind of focus that Jesus Christ had and the only way to obtain it is through being transformed by the power of the Atonement. I testify that the work of the Master brings greater happiness than anything else. Seeing the Atonement transform people and watching their desire to live a Christ-like life grow brings more lasting and genuine happiness than anything I have experienced. The scriptures are indeed true yet again, saying "he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." I know the gospel is the way. I know it through the power of the Holy Ghost.

I love my mission. I've talking a little bit about Celine. She is 21, from Germany here learning English, and she is the most wonderful and heavenly investigator I have worked with my entire mission. This last week we have been teaching her the last things she needs to know before baptism. We taught her the Law of Tithing. She has had lots of bad experiences in Germany with giving money to apostate churches and them not using it for good things, hence, she had some major concerns. She wanted to see the church in Germany to make sure it is the same as it is here. She thought the church programs were too good to be true. In the past, she has had powerful experiences praying to know the truth. Knowing the Book of Mormon is true, knowing Joseph Smith was a prophet, and knowing that baptism is something that Heavenly Father wanted her to do were all obtained through praying. We committed her to pray and ponder about tithing and baptism again. My companion and I both fasted and prayed earnestly for her to receive an answer. I don't think I've ever been more focused during a fast my entire life. She was humble enough, and had enough "real intent" that God answered her prayers. She wants to be baptized this coming Sunday! She is so great, and she will be a valuable kingdom builder. I'm so grateful I get to witness prayers being answered and see testimonies grow. This work is the Lords and we are privileged to be a part of it.

-Elder Porter

December 5, 2011

Goooood morning!!! We sure have been blessed here in Toronto with astoundingly warm weather for December! Currently it's around 10C and raining. This time last year when I was here we had nearly 4 feet of snow. We've been blessed, but the warm spell is sure to come to a screeching halt pretty soon here...

Week one of having my new assignments has been great! My new companion's name is Elder Montana Welch! He is a great and humble kid from Monticello, Utah! He comes from a town of only 1,500. He's grown up in the church his whole life and has a great big family-9 kids! He wants to show his faith by being a missionary, and wants to develop the skills, talents, and testimony that we are capable of obtaining if we apply ourselves. Normal apprehensions regarding speaking to strangers still exist, but they did for me at this time too-no big deal. Here is a picture with my trainer, Elder Lee, and Elder Welch.

Elder Welch and I have had a great week...extremely hectic getting settled, finding time for all I have to do, meeting members and investigators, and getting the hang of things together, but still great nonetheless. We had some great lessons with investigators...Elder Welch taught a great part of a lesson about baptism to an investigator who has turned down the invitation to be baptized, and the spirit taught us all and softened the investigators heart. Elder Welch is a great teacher, and we've had some great spiritual experiences so far, with many, many more to come over the next few months.

I'm part of the sweetest District in the world. 2 Farsi companionships and 2 English. All 4 companionships have trainees with their first companion still-it's incredible. So much greenie faith!! They are teachable and want to learn, so it makes my job a lot easier. I planned and conducted my first District Meeting this past Thursday-it was a great learning experience! It went well, and we focused on our missionary purpose. The spirit was felt and important truths were learned. It was a great experience.

Things are still chugging along....I cringe and feel nauseous when I realize my 13 month mark is just around the corner...I don't enjoy talking about or thinking about how long I've been out and how long I have left. These new missionaries are so lucky they have so much time left, and I would trade them spots if I could. I love this work and know the gospel in its fullness has been restored through Joseph Smith. I know the Book of Mormon is true and this pathway will make us happier than anything else!

-Elder Porter

November 28, 2011

Exciting week! First things first....yesterday we had a baptism! There was a less-active family who had fallen away from the church a few years ago, and they have recently made their way back. One of their sons was 11 and really wanted to be baptized! So we have been working with them for about a month or so, such a wonderful, wonderful family. It’s amazing to see how the gospel lightens people’s loads and put smiles on! It helps us be our best selves. It turned out to be a very nice service with a remarkable feeling.

 

We have been working with an exceptional young woman from Germany for a month or so now, and she is excited to be baptized on Christmas! This week we worked towards setting her with a baptismal goal, and she is so excited! We met her on her first day here in Canada, and she has embraced the gospel and its teachings beautifully. After teaching her many of the missionary lessons, we challenged her to start praying about baptism. She wouldn't commit to a date and said she would keep studying and pray about it. We went for almost a good week without seeing her, and at our next appointment the first thing she said was she decided she wanted to be baptized! Her answer came in an interesting way....we had been seeing her nearly every day for a few weeks, and when she didn't see us, and when she wasn’t at church or talking about the gospel with members for a period of time, she sensed that something was "missing". There was a hole that she didn't realize was there before. When she came to realize that the thing was missing was learning about the gospel she immediately decided she needed to be baptized! She is awesome and is progressing wonderfully. Her baptism is officially set for December 25-Christmas day.

Another bit of exciting news! Transfer calls yet again...my dear time with my good companion Elder Tomsik is spent. He is getting moved back to Spanish work further south in the city, and I have received a new assignment to be District Leader and to train a new missionary again. Last time I was really nervous, and I am a bit this time too, but I'm very excited for the new challenges that this will bring and the possibilities I now have to learn and grow even more!

Mortality is all about learning lessons required for progression! I'm glad Heavenly Father lets us keep learning.

E. Porter

November 21, 2011

Well, something exciting happened this week. It snowed. Not a lot, and it didn't stick, but it snowed.

Don Valley ward is doing well. Our District is very unique. 4 Farsi Elders and 4 English Elders. The Farsi Elders stay in the same ward their whole mission. They all stick around so we get to know them very well.

Elder Tomsik and I have been together for 11 weeks...and transfer calls are next Sunday. I've decided it’s worthless to try to guess what will happen because the Lord usually has a very different idea than you do about what is best. We'll leave it up to him, but there could be a potential change coming up.

We are working with a really awesome YSA girl named Celine-she is from Germany! We talked to her on her first day in Canada, and she's doing awesome. She's been to church all 3 weeks she's been here, and she's read a huge chunk of the Book of Mormon. We've had some great lessons with her. She even taught the family she is staying with the Plan of Salvation! We'll help her understand what the spirit is telling her and set her with a baptismal date soon.

I am grateful for the way the gospel allows relationships to be strengthened way beyond what they could be without it. The love of God is the mending power that holds everything together!

This week my thoughts have found a certain subject. I know that our weaknesses can be transformed and made into strengths. I have changed a lot over the past while, but I'm still the same person I was when I left. I'm just a better same person. That’s all. Jesus helps us be our best selves, it’s really that simple!

I love this work and am so happy I have this opportunity to labor for my Master!

November 6, 2011

I'm feeling at home serving in the city finally. It took a long time to adjust from the "small-town/country" attitude to the "city" attitude. The differences in missionary work styles are so different. Both are great and both are inspired.

Great experience this past week-we were contacting last Tuesday and we ran into a girl named Celinne. She is YSA age and from Germany, we talked to her on her FIRST day in Canada. She is awesome! Super open to learning and receptive to the truth. We met with her twice over the week and got to know her a bit and taught her about the Restored gospel of Jesus Christ. She came to church yesterday and liked it a lot. In Relief Society I guess they were having a discussion and D&C9:7-8 came up. It talks about finding answers to prayers through a "burning" or "peaceful" feeling. Right after church Celinne was so excited to find us and tell us that she already knew about that! That is how she has been making decisions and praying to God most of her life. It was a big faith booster for her to be able to learn that in a church her first day. She had never really learned anything of value at a church before, and she loved what was talked about this past Sunday. She is doing great and hopefully will continue to progress in the gospel!

The past 2 months have been the toughest of my mission. I feel as if I've been stretched in every way possible. However, I am so grateful for the lessons that I have learned and the experiences I have obtained. They are the most valuable of my life because they have been purchased with the highest price. Heavenly Father gives us just what we need when we need it. My growth has been hard, but it has been so, so worth it.

A mission is the greatest thing ever.

-Elder Porter

October 24, 2011

So last week with transfer calls they split our proselyting area in half! We worked hard and got things done, and they thought 2 companionships should work on what we were doing. With the split, we moved apartments into an old Sisters apartment...which was weird. It was cleaner than a typical old Elders apartment which was great!

Last week we had a baptism! Jackie Outridge from Guyana was baptized. It was a great service and had a special spirit. We saw Jackie at Stake Conference yesterday and she had loved hearing our mission President and Stake President speak. She is awesome and loves the church. Baptism and feeling the spirit through the complete, restored, church of the Lord changes people. It’s amazing to see.

At Stake Conference, the Toronto Stake President, President Wong, spoke. He had a great message about being grateful and thankful for what we have. I'm not as eloquent or powerful as he is, but the message was that we have so many things! We can afford food, we have two feet, eyes, ears, a voice, and a quick and sharp mind to aid us through life. We have families, and we have the gospel!

Later in the day, I had a humbling experience that built off what I was taught earlier in the day. We were tracting in an old ghetto-ish part of the city. In this rundown apartment building we knocked on a door and we were let in. We sat down at the table, and started to get to know the people who had let us in.....The boy who opened the door for us is named Alex. He is 16, he is actually homeless, he was just visiting and staying with his friend (the apartment owner) for the weekend. His dad is abuse and his mom kicked him out his home about 6 months ago. He's been living on the streets of Toronto since then. He has been running from violent people from his past, and dealing with many drug and alcohol related addictive behaviors. He is on the run with Veronica, the other person in the apartment. She is 17, and she is 6 months pregnant. She ran away from home after suffering abuse most of her life. She has been in and out of pregnancy homes for the past few months, and struggles to have enough food. She is staying with Alex to stay safe. Neither of them have a home, and neither of them have anybody in their life who loves or cares about them. They have so many obstacles to overcome, starting with themselves, before they can progress. And they aren't the only ones. There are many who are in similar situations as them. As we are teaching about prayer and Jesus Christ, I survey the scene and see open alcohol bottles and a bag of weed sitting on the table. I take in the environment that I am in and I realize how truly blessed I am. I was born into a wealthy country. I have two great parents who love me very much, they work for my well being. I have wonderful siblings who I have great relationships with. I've always had enough money and live in a nice, beautiful, clean, and safe part of the world. I've been blessed to have the gospel and on top of that I've been blessed with a testimony that it is true. I get to be a missionary and share this with others. What more could I ask for? How can I ever complain about my circumstances ever again? The feelings that came into my heart during this experience can't be explained. And they can't be conveyed through an email either. Simply put-we are blessed. We don't even realize how blessed we are. Heavenly Father loves us. He micro manages our lives beyond what we give credit for. He wants us to be happy and all we need to do is listen to the spirit.

I know the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored through Joseph Smith. It teaches us how to be happy. I'm happy for hard experiences. That is really why we came here. To grow through painful and difficult adversity. It’s part of the plan! It prepares us to be better in the future. Enduring with humility is the key!

Keep moving forward with steadfast faith in Christ!

Elder Porter

October 11, 2011

The work in Toronto city is moving as it always is! Some exciting news...a dear sweet lady from Guyana we've been seeing for the past 6 weeks is getting baptized this coming Sunday! No amazing stories or noteworthy lessons, but it’s been great to simply feel the sweet spirit of peace that comes when people accept the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Her name is Jackie, and she's been a long time great Christian. She's accepted nearly everything without hesitation, and she's loved coming to church and to General Conference a few weeks ago. She'll make a great member and we're so excited and happy for her!

The weather has been unusually warm here. It’s been in the high 70's all week, but it should drop soon and start snowing before we know it. Canadian weather is unpredictable.

The great Canadian Thanksgiving was yesterday!! As missionaries we got a sweet deal....we've had awesome Thanksgiving dinners for the past 3 days! Turkey and everything. It was like a little slice of home at every gathering, so it was real nice. The ward members really like the missionaries...and they really rely on us too. The ward is extremely multicultural. There aren't a lot of "Canadian born" members in the city anymore, so the ward dynamics are very interesting. Two of our Thanksgiving dinners were with Phillipino families! Phillipino parties are crazy...lots of food and lots of people. Its rude not to eat everything they give you so we've been dying the past few days.

Yesterday we had interviews with President Scott. He's a great guy and he'll be a great leader for this magnificent mission. His leadership is just what we need here. There were slight unintentional hints dropped during my interview that my companion and I will probably be staying together for another transfer. There is always a lot of growth that comes during those last 6 weeks, so it will be a blessing with the increased unity that is sure to come.

In the past months my testimony of the Book of Mormon has grown so much. I wish I could be an institute teacher or something-to be able to give so much more time to the scriptures. They give us specific instruction in our lives of what we need to do be become better people. More refined, more Christ-like. I can't thank my Father in Heaven enough for the blessings that have come from my gospel study in the scriptures.

The work of the Lord moves on! I'm excited for this Sunday when I'll be able to fulfill my purpose as a missionary!

-E. PORTER

September 26, 2011

I don't have much to say this week. Mission life is a roller coaster. Tough times are the only way to progress-the only way to learn the next required lesson of mortality is to be stretched. The Lord allows us to struggle to be lead by the spirit in all things because it helps us grow stronger.

I had a great personal experience this past week. It felt as though Satan was buffeting me all week-implanting doubts and questions into my mind. At the end of one of the days, I got home, we planned, and I started in with my personal routine of writing in my journal, getting ready for bed, and praying. When it came time to pray, I was so overwhelmed I didn't even know what to say. It came down to the fact that I was in a situation or a state of mind where I could not go any further by myself. I couldn't. I was at a point where it was necessary that I either quit, or received divine support, enabling power, or what people sometimes call "grace". At the height of my plea for support I felt a very subtle particle of peace in my heart. It grew until my spirit could taste it. As Joseph Smith has taught, we as God's children can know when we are receiving divine truth, support, or knowledge because our soul can taste it in a similar way that our tongue would taste a piece of fruit. Our soul and spirit recognize the touch of Divinity, and can know of its reality when we experience it. It is tangible. It is real. The peace grew until it spread and gave me a new-found sense of direction and peace that I sometimes need in the frail uncelestial state of development I am struggling to progress through.

It is a small and simple lesson. I must bear my testimony. I know Heavenly Father answers prayers. I know that His love is far reaching, and as we do all we can, "grace", divine support, or enabling power will carry us the rest of the way.

On another note, city life in Toronto is still pretty intense. We are teaching all day every day. Except for the hours that we spend in the car. Its ridiculous. Still trying to solve the puzzle of being 100% effective. We're working with some great investigators. One has a solid baptismal date of October 16! Her name is Jackie-she's from Guyana. We're also working with a Japanese YSA girl named Yoko. She is here alone working in Toronto doing an internship of some sort. She was found through the chruch's ESl program that we teach at. She is progressing and will be baptized sooner than later if we can help the spirit touch her heart in the right way. The work is exciting! Its the greatest thing I've ever done, and I will miss it dearly, more than words can express, when I can't put on my tag every morning. I treasure this time I have to serve the Lord with all my energy.

I love and support all who I have known throughout my life that have helped me become who I am today.

-E. PORTER

September 16, 2011

Finally an update on my new life in the city!

Just 2 weeks ago I was in Brampton with the missionary that I was training-Elder Wendt. We had a great time together and learned lots of good lessons. Brampton treated me well. A perfect ward, a perfect area, and lots of success. Fantastic way to learn about the joys of missionary work. I got my transfer call to the Don Valley ward in the city, and that’s where I've been for the past 2 weeks.

I was transferred to serve with Elder Ondre Tomsik! He is 20, and he's from the Czech Republic. He is only 1 of 3 missionaries from the whole country. He was baptized 2 years ago and left a life of worldly pursuits and crime for the higher lifestyle of following the gospel of Jesus Christ. His story of accepting the gospel and being converted to the high law is truly an amazing one. Elder Tomsik is a big man. He is taller than me by about a half an inch, but is a lot heavier. He is actually assigned to be a Spanish missionary, but he's also doing Czech work and English work-so he's a trilingual missionary. Pretty intense.

Our area is just north of the "city" city of Toronto. It consists of almost solid high-rise buildings and heavy commercial areas. There are always people no matter where you go-lots different than in either of my past areas. With the city being different than the towns, the work is also different. I haven't knocked a door since I've been here. We've been teaching, and doing other forms of finding such as hosting activities at the church like sport nights, F.H.E., and teaching English. I am an ESL (English second language) teacher, which is awesome. I love it! We've had 2 new investigators in the past two weeks from it, so whatever is effective is worth doing I guess....

Our area is really unique, because just a few weeks ago it was two areas that were combined into one. We have 2 area books, 2 sets of lists of investigators, we had 2 phones for a while...it was crazy. There is so much to do there honestly isn't time to "find" in the traditional way. It’s nice but a little different as well. Rush hour is our worst enemy so we've needed to learn new ways to be effective, it’s been interesting.

The ward is nice...lots of great and humble people. The ward is VERY unique...there are 6 missionaries in the ward. 2 English, and 4 FARSI! There are only 4 Farsi speaking missionaries in the world, and they are all in our ward. The ward is about 50% Persian (Iranian, Afganastanian, middle-eastern). It’s crazy! Lots of Phillipino as well. The Caucasian people are definitely the minority, so it’s a little different. The Farsi missionaries teach mostly Muslims, and actually baptize more than any other missionary companionships in the whole mission. It’s a really interesting situation.

A great principle that I have the privilege of learning in this area is simply that there is always a lesson we can learn! No matter what situation or circumstance you are in, the Lord always has given it to you to learn. Isn't it great? Everything we deal with is for our benefit, even if we cannot immediately see so or see how. Just as 2Nephi2:2 teaches us, "[we know] the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate [our] afflictions for [our] gain"! Think about what an amazing promise we have received from a loving God. If we obey the gospel and keep the commandments, no matter how bad things get, 100% of the time everything will end up being for our gain. I know this principle is true. I myself often get discouraged or have moments of doubt or fear, but I know that if you push forward, endure just a little longer, be diligent a little longer, then the promised progression and blessings will come. God always keeps His promises. I know that to be true.

Continue to pray for the missionaries around the world. We are crippled without heavens support.

-E. PORTER

September 6, 2011

There is a time and a season for everything I suppose! My time in Brampton city is finally up. It’s been a good 5+ months. I've seen people change and accept the gospel. I've seen miracles in small ways throughout my time here. I've had the privilege of teaching by the spirit and feeling the undeniable power that comes along with it. But the greatest thing I've seen in a clear sight are the many blessings that I've been blessed with. I didn't even realize until the morning after I got my transfer call. The Lord has blessed me SO much. He knows who I am and knows what I need to progress. It’s easy to forget who you are-as a rep of Jesus Christ I mean. The world can dim your own view of your calling sometimes. But it’s so, so true and so important to remember that the Lord will carry your actions and words further than you can imagine. Your labors are magnified to those around you because of the spirit of the Lord. I know this to be true by the power of the Holy Ghost.

I am leaving my trainee after 2 transfers...quite typical. I've been here for 4 transfers, which is also quite typical. I've loved my time here, and I'm happy and excited to be going to DOWNTOWN TORONTO. Yeah. I'll be serving in one of the four downtown areas. The Don Valley ward is what it called. My ward has 3 companionships of missionaries. 1 English, 2 Farsi. The only 4 Farsi missionaries in the world as a matter of fact. I will have a bus pass, a subway pass, and a car. Luckily. My area is huge and has more than 500,000 people in it. Lots of people to find and baptize I suppose, eh? I'm excited, and also nervous. Downtown "on your toes work" is something that isn't my strength. Guess I'll have to be changed yet again to be what the Lord wants. My new companions name is Elder Tomsik! He came out with my trainee, Elder Wendt. He's been on his mission for about 3 months. He has been a member for about a year and a half, and is from Czech Republic. He is about 3 inches taller than me and he has lots of muscles. Which will be nice because we have lots of scary places and gang violence in our area apparently. But also a lot of nice areas, and amazingly humble and prepared people in both without a doubt. I'm headed out for the switch on Wednesday.

The gospel is sooo true. So true. The Book of Mormon helps us feel the spirit. I know it does. My testimony of the gospel has come through the Book of Mormon even stronger as a missionary. Lots of memorable experiences in the quiet hours of study time where my prayers have been answered or my concerns have been resolved. Heavenly Father loves us so much.

Keep it up! Chose the right.

E. PORTER

August 29, 2011

Summer is fleeing quickly. The snow is coming back to good old Canada sooner than later. The weather is really cooling off. Not many hot days anymore. Perfectly pleasant with chilly evenings, nights, and mornings. It’s only a matter of time till its winter again. My last winter in Canada. Weird.

This week was fantastic. Lots of teaching. Member referrals. New investigators. Spiritually powerful lessons. A week where you can come home and say 'I fulfilled my purpose." It feels nice.

Something amazing about your mission is that you are blessed with a testimony. A testimony that the Lord is going before us in all things. ALL things. We'll pass from this life someday and see how much He was involved in all that has happened and we will be humbled. I heard in a district meeting from an old experienced missionary that when you find somebody to teach, it is because they asked the Lord for you to come. It’s not because of chance. Its because they asked God for answers. They asked Him for direction. They asked Him for more peace. They pleaded for Him to answer their prayers and fill in many missing pieces in their lives. And when you point out to these people you've only known 30 minutes that THEY asked God to send you, it’s a powerful moment when you see them realize that you are right. The spirit will work with people as you testify of true things. The work of the Lord is pretty simple. God has a will for everything and we get to help Him accomplish it. What a blessing.

Transfer calls are next Sunday. My time in Brampton has been much too quick. I was just arriving here a few weeks ago it feels like. When you are connected to your purpose, it doesn't matter if you are leaving an area in 5 months, or in a week. You want to work and lift where you stand to fulfill the will of our Father. It’s how I feel. And I couldn't have gotten to this point without the Atonement.

I love my mission. I love the gospel. I love the Atonement. I love my Savior. I love His church.

Make this week a great week.

E. PORTER

August 22, 2011

To put my recent feelings into words, I want to bring out a scripture. I don't have them with me right now but I believe it is in Alma13:27-29. It brings us straight into the middle of Alma's experience as High Priest of the Church of God. Alma had experienced a HUGE change of heart throughout his life. Not just of heart, but desires, thoughts, actions, and beliefs. He says something to the extent of "I wish from the innermost part of my soul, even with great anxiety unto pain....." that the people he was preaching to would cast off their sins and become followers of Christ. He has such URGENCY. And it is a blessing too. Months ago I wondered how I could feel the same urgency. It truly does come through the power of the Atonement of Christ. Think about the hymn More Holiness Give Me...

 "More holiness give me, more strivings within, more patience in suffering, more sorrow for sin, more faith in my Savior, more sense of His care, more joy in His service, more purpose in prayer. More gratitude give me, more trust in the Lord, more pride in His glory, more hope in His word, more tears for His sorrows, more pain at His grief, more meekness in trial, more praise for relief. More purity give me, more strength to overcome, more freedom from earth-stains, more longing for home, more fit for the kingdom, more use would I be, more blessed and holy, more Savior like Thee."

Nearly all of those aspects this beautiful hymn talks about are aspects that can only come through the redeeming power of His Atonement! It is the source of all spiritual progression! I bear testimony that it is real! I can testify of its reality and divinity because I have experienced a similar change that Alma experienced through his own missionary service. I know what it feels like to have my nature molded to include aspects from this beautiful song. It is so painful. Because it takes true and sincere repentance. Repentance hurts. Your spiritual matter is refined through repenting and partaking of the sacrament. It is a process that can bring you your darkest hours, but at the end awaits more love, light, glory, understanding and truth than you have yet experienced. The promise missionaries receive in their mission calls and in Preach my Gospel...that "more happiness awaits you than you have yet experience as you labor among His children" is so real. Father loves us so much. The gospel is true.

Just as in any chapter of mortal life, a mission will prove to be a refiner’s fire. Dark and lonely moments of learning and understanding are transformed into moments of inspiration, testimony building experiences, and growing love. It’s been a little tougher lately. Everything has a purpose, and leads to greater blessings and light in the end, but it is definitely hard along the way. It is a blessing. Just as the church of God in Alma and King Noah's time, the Lord seeeth fit to chasten His people, because He loves them. Lessons are required as we climb the latter leading to salvation. Required circumstances and favored reactions bring progression and more Christ-like conduct. Such a blessing! (EH?)

I am grateful to serve as a representative of Christ. He is my Savior. His act of love allows us to progress toward more peace and happiness. Living the gospel refines people. It is true. Progression comes in small and simple ways that are so easy to miss. Search for them. Our Father in Heaven loves us very much. I know these things to be true.

E. PORTER

August 8, 2011

The weeks and months are like days in the mission field. Ever-increasing time passing scares me. It makes (as it should) any competent missionary stop and think. Am I doing the right things for the right reasons? Am I learning all I must? Am I keeping my covenants? Am I being transformed from social, to honorable, to sacred? Am I acting in the way the Savior would? Is the Atonement taking an active role and spot in my day to day life?

The answers to these questions don't come from anything except counsel and conversation between you and our Father. Only the medium of the spirit can teach us these truths, thus allowing us to return from our assignments with honor and peace. Peace is what everybody wants.

The past weeks have been interesting. Lots of stretching, learning, and growing. The spirit has taught me much. The keys of the Priesthood are real.

We had a great week. On Tuesday, we set up an appointment with our investigator, Chander, who is progressing from Hinduism. We had lessons with her at her fellowshipers home. It was a very powerful lesson-we were able to review the importance of the Restoration, and create an environment where the spirit could teach all of us, including her, what we must to do find answers and eventually return Home. Chander accepted a baptismal date on September 4th. The spirit was powerful, and you could see the influence of the Lord working and cranking the spiritual cogs and gears inside her soul as she was taught what steps must be taken. There is lots and lots of progression to happen before then-but September 4th is the goal we're working towards. Exciting evening. The members who we worked with obviously had not had a spirit filled lesson for quite a while. They are more than enthusiastic every time they spot us and invite us to bring investigators or to come for dinner every time we chat. The key to getting missionary work moving is member work. There is nothing more powerful than a sincere member's testimony. Good evening.

We're still working to find people to teach, but my testimony is every increasing of inspired planning. Having 15 minutes to find you can still find people to teach, set up appointments, and fulfill your purpose.

I'm continuing to learn and grow. We had a big zone conference this week-4 zones were included. My trainer is now a zone leader of a neighboring zone, so it was good to see and meet with him. Every time we have a big zone conference or mission conference, it really is like Alma and the 4 sons of Mosiah meeting up again. So joyous and happy. Beyond what I've felt before my mission. The gospel and the spirit creates bridges and relationships that nothing else could. On a sad note, President Brower leaves on August 29. I will miss and love that man for the rest of my life. Truly.

All in all, great week. Still working hard. I've got 4 weeks left in Brampton (probably). I'll be sad to go. But in the mean time I'll keep working hard and relying on the Lord.

E. PORTER

August 2, 2011

More times of character, mental, and spiritual growth here on the dandy mission. The Lord stretches you just how he knows you won't like it, haha! Just where you're weak is where he tugs at.

I'm continually learning the importance and how much of a blessing having the gospel knowledge is to us. It really is a great thing. Not many people have it. You go finding and get an unfavorable welcome by the world that lasts the whole time you're outside, then you come back to the car and turn on some hymns and you feel the spirit so strongly lifting you back up and helping you feel how great this really is. It helps you keep your purpose in mind.

One of the fruits from the spirit is learning from your own instruction. I had the experience yesterday teaching a less-active member. I was giving instruction and at the end of my sentence I felt I learned something I didn't know before. It was something that has and is helping me in my current assignment as a missionary. The Lord works in so many small and simple ways it is very easy to miss if you aren't constantly searching for the lesson you are supposed to learn or the personal obstacle you are to overcome.

We're helping a recent convert finish off his smoking habit. He's waiting to get the Aaronic Priesthood, Patriarchal Blessing, and do baptisms for the dead until he can kick the habit. He is one of the most sincere church members I have ever met, and he has the strongest testimony of nearly all people I know. We had a powerhouse lesson with him and helped him see it was possible to overcome the habit. We gave the "stop smoking lesson", gave him a blessing, and left. It was pretty much a spiritual bomb and we were out. He is doing great. The gospel is true.

Love, E. Porter

July 24, 2011

The short, 4 week transfer is over already. I cannot believe how quickly time goes. It is horrifying to see how quickly and frequently the alarm clock goes off every morning. It seems like every few minutes is the beginning of a new day. It feels like I'm constantly coming home from a day of hard work. Constantly writing in my journal and planning. Constantly crawling into bed. It is all a giant blur. It is scary that it's already been 8+ months.

There are 10+ new missionaries coming out later this week. A big group. As I've had the chance to reflect on the experiences of the past month, it is amazing to see how the Lord pulls and stretches you in the exact spots that you are weak in. He always tugs at your weaknesses. It is a blessing...in the long run. The past weeks have been the hardest of my life-without a doubt. What great growth and progression we are able to have after and during trying times.

We had some blessings at church this Sunday. We had 6. That is a lot. The ward loves it when they see us bringing so many people to church we can't handle them all ourselves. We love it too.

We're still teaching our Hindi family. Progression has been slow due to crazy work schedules and unkept commitments. We'll see how things go over the next few weeks. Awesome family, but just like anybody else, you've got to act to progress or gain a testimony. Staying where you are won't benefit anybody but the adversary.

Still working closely with another Indian woman. A deeply rooted Hindu as well. Her name is Chander. It is so great to watch her learn and grow because she is so ridiculously sensitive to the spirit. She keeps commenting over and over about how "beautifully simple" Christianity and the gospel is Jesus Christ are. This coming week we'll be teaching her the Plan of Salvation with members of the ward. If she can be sensitive enough to the spirit to recognize truth, it will be a huge building block on her progression. We have had some sacred experiences with her, helping her learn to pray in the name of Jesus Christ. The spirit is always so strong with a sincere person that first time they pray. It’s just more evidence that what we're doing is real and right.

Thank you for setting the example for me. Please keep doing the small and simple things with the family that will create a strong foundation for them.  I appreciate your parenting every day! I'll attach a picture of my missionary tag with this email if I remember-I've got a picture of the family on the back. You'll like it.

Elder Wendt and I are working hard! Trying our best to work in diligence and fulfill our purpose as missionaries. Keep the prayers coming-we need all we can get.

Love,

E. PORTER

July 18, 2011

The work continues to push forward in the great city of Brampton. As we do ALL that is required of us we are blessed with miracles.

The week was full of finding once again. I have truly come to have a testimony that the Lord leads His missionaries in their efforts. It is impossible to find people who are prepared off chance or by yourself. But if you ask the Lord to lead you to them, it works out a lot better. You can see the hand of the Lord guiding you as you focus on inspired planning...truly trying to go where the spirit tells you. You are lead to those who are interested in the church. Pretty amazing.

I had a great experience this week. It’s happened a few times on my mission. A few too many times to simply be a coincidence. We were planning and looking at the map to find the next street we should work. You pick a street and try to feel in your heart if somebody is waiting for you there. Sometimes you feel nothing, so you move on. But after a few tries, just as D&C teaches us, your heart will burn if you are on the right path. You feel the spirit after you have picked where you need to go. This particular experience we only had a 20 minute random chunk of time to go finding. That is not a lot. We had to be precise and go straight to where somebody needed us with the time we had. After studying the map I felt that we should go to a particular spot at the end of a street. On the top left part of the cul-de-sac to be precise. Well guess what? We went there, knocked 3 houses around where we felt we should and we found someone who wants us back. Coincidence? I think not.

Earlier this week we also decided to take the bikes up into the country again and knock off some clusters of homes that have not seen missionaries in the past 20+ years. Long country lanes and beautiful farm land in southern Ontario. Absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately with long country lanes and farm land comes mean, angry, people-eating dogs. We were pulling out of a lady's driveway and a dog started chasing us! Classic missionary moment. Unfortunately, my bike was meant for a 12 year old, so it wasn't very fast. The dog was quick, and apparently it thought I would be tasty because it bit my right ankle! It actually hurt pretty badly. It caught up to us again and came back for round two. But I was prepared this time. As it jumped to get me again I kicked it right in the mouth. It stopped chasing us. The blood was definitely pounding after that, and the rest of the day continued without any interference. Exciting, eh?

Other than those exciting moments the missionary work is coming along. I have one more experience I would like to share. Last week my MTC companion and I went on exchanges for the day. It was so fun and great to get to work hard with him. We haven't worked together since the MTC, so it was a real treat. We found a Hindu lady, and we taught her and her daughter the message of the restoration. The spirit was present, and they both understood what we taught. At the end of the lesson I had the mother (Chander) offer a kneeling prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Most people have never prayed legitimately how they are supposed to before. And it is one of my favorite things to do with people. During the kneeling prayer, the spirit was very strong. And everybody in the room recognized it. She came to church and had a great experience and will come next week.

Later in the week she called on the phone and wanted me to say a prayer so she could write it down and repeat it. I taught prayer and knowing spiritual truths through the Holy Ghost again, and had her offer a kneeling prayer with me over the phone. I haven't felt the spirit stronger many times on my mission. Directly after the prayer I asked her how she felt, and she responded..."I feel lots of heat inside me! Inside my heart...it’s warm. It feels lovely. It is like lots of love. So much that it doesn't fit right. I like it..." After having experiences like this, your testimony grows so much. I had a similar experience with another investigator this week as well. It is so humbling to truly understand how great of a calling and blessing missionaries have at this part of their lives. I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to sacrifice for the good of God. I love my Father in Heaven and have a strong testimony that this is His work.

July 11, 2011

Week 2 of training-complete. Training is a very interesting assignment. When you first find out you are training, you think to yourself "Hey! I must be doing something right, eh?" A day or two later you realize how little you know and how little of an impact or success you can have on your own. You need divine help that only comes through humility. You are stretched to your limit day after day spiritually and mentally. You don't think you can do any more or go any further. But you do anyways. You might not have any visible success (number-wise), but you can come home and feel a spiritual confirmation that you did you best. You kept your covenants and you served as a sacred servant of the Lord should.

Something that has been in my mind the past few weeks is the need for spiritual power. You can be ridiculously eloquent, well taught and practiced, and the most confident missionary in the mission, but without spiritual power, you won't convert anybody. At best you may convince a few people. Spiritual power is the force behind anybody's conversion or any missionary's success. Miracles happen with that power. It is something that everybody needs to do everything they possibly can to get. Whether you are a missionary or not.

I have seen some remarkable things happen inside me the past months. After serving with Elder Hancock (who is amazing), and after having the assignment of training a missionary I have witnessed my nature begin to change. You develop a desire to talk to people not because it is your duty, but because you love them and know how important what you share is. You think back to what it must have been like in the Councils of Heaven, when we were all gathered together as spirit brothers and sisters. The great Plan of Happiness was presented to us and we all shouted and leaped for joy. All of our brothers and sisters were rejoicing right next to us. We were instructed more about the plan, and we all understood that some would fail. Some would fall short, be deceived, and not receive the happiness and peace that would have come from returning to our Father in Heaven's presence. Everybody understood this. But did the people we are searching for as missionaries ever think it would be them that would be lost..? As your understanding of the gospel increases your desire to share it expands as well. I am starting to feel it rather than just know it in my head. It is an amazing experience to be a part of. Having a brand new, untainted, faith-filled new missionary trusting me to train him right makes you put things in a proper perspective.

Elder Wendt is just great. He has strong faith and has a desire to work all day. We're working on improving teaching and finding skills mostly, as any new missionary would work on. Most people in our teaching pool have recently been baptized, so we're working on finding quite a bit lately. Going straight back to the basics instead of getting ahead of myself has been a good thing for me and my skills and development as well. We are doing a pilot-program to help the new missionaries learn the "Fundamentals" of missionary work. Focusing on different aspects of missionary understanding, work, teaching skills, etc. It’s a great review for me as well.

This past transfer our district boundaries were switched around, so my MTC companion (Elder Nash) is in my district now. We got to go on exchanges for the first time together this past week. It was one of the greatest days of my mission, to see how we have both learned and grown through our own trials and assignments. It was so great to work with him. We had a full day of finding and taught a few lessons out of it and found a really great Hindu lady who came to church this past week. She is very Hindu and quite rooted, but she is very receptive to the spirit, and she wants to keep coming and continue to learn. You never know what the spirit can do to people’s hearts and natures over time.

I am happy to be here training at this time. It’s really tough, but I'm growing and learning lots. Everything will work together for the better in the end.

-E. PORTER

Here is pic of Brampton Zone Conference

June 27, 2011: President Monson!

This past week we have received so many blessings. It’s been the most packed week of my mission. So many changes, so many exciting and happy things coming our way.

During this past week-

-We found the most prepared, most amazing lady who will be baptized on July 24th.

-We got to listen to President Monson speak at a sacrament meeting! We had investigators there. Awesome.

-We concluded yesterday with 2 baptisms, both of which were amazing!

-We got transfer calls...and I am training a new missionary right from the MTC!

Last Tuesday we had an appointment that nobody showed up for. Whenever someone doesn't come to an appointment, the first thing you need to ask yourself is "Why did the Lord bring me here?" We contacted around the neighborhood, and talked to a lady who was raking her yard. Her name is Laureen, and she is from Jamaica. She is a very smart mother, has a successful life, and has a young son. We talked to her for a few minutes and scheduled a return appointment. We came back and had a very spiritually charged lesson about the Restoration. She accepted everything, no questions asked. We asked her why she didn't have any concerns, she simply responded "I know that you are servants of the Lord, you are His representatives. I shouldn't question anything you tell me or have me do." She proceeded to tell us she had already downloaded the Book of Mormon onto her iPhone and onto her computer at work so she could start reading. She'd spend hours picking apart the websites from the church, and had all her questions answered on there. She said things like "The Lord has been preparing me through the course of my life to hear your message". It was as easy as a practice teaching situation at the MTC. So amazing. She accepted to prepare for baptism on July 24. The date could very well be switched around before then, but that is the standing plan. Amazing day.

The week went along as normal, filled with hard work. President Monson came to Ontario to dedicate the new church camp in Peterbourough. He decided to come speak at the Mississauga Stake Center for one of their sacrament meetings. We as missionaries had a heads up and we got permission to go if we brought investigators. We brought some people, and we got to listen to a prophet speak to us! He is such a nice, sweet man. He talked about love, service, and faith. Very inspiring. He shook everybody's hand on the way out. Great experience.

Later that same day, we finished off the transfer with 2 baptisms!

Damine, who has been investigating for over 7 months finally decided to get baptized. His wife is very Hindu, but is very supportive. At the baptism, she bore her testimony about how the things the missionaries have shared with Damine have changed him to be a new person. It was a very spiritually packed service. It was a great sight to see him in the water.

Annie was baptized later that day. She is 11, and came to live with a family in the ward after her life was shattered from the earthquake in Haiti where she lived until a year or so ago. The baptism was great, and lots of the ward members attended.

With all the news and exciting things happening, we almost forgot that transfer calls were the same night. We got a call from President Brower, who asked for Elder Hancock first. Everybody in the whole zone figured he was going zone leader somewhere, he is an amazing missionary. After Elder Hancock talked to him, he handed me the phone and said he wanted to talk to me, I was surprised, and didn't know why. President Brower went on to tell me that I will be training a new missionary straight from the MTC. I am going senior companion and training in Brampton Heart Lake where I currently am. Elder Roberts is moving on, so I've got the area all to myself. The new Elder is from Germany, and that’s all I know. I'm very excited and also very nervous. I hope I can handle the highest performing area in the mission with a brand new missionary. I figure if I work as hard as I can, remain humble and never forget where our blessings and power comes from I'll make it through okay.

All in all debatably the most exciting week of my life. I've been out 7.5 months, and there are probably only 10 missionaries younger than me in the whole mission and I am training. It caught me off guard but it will be a great experience. I love being a missionary and know the work I am doing is for the Lord!

Ps. Did you know about the Canadian mail strike? I think its been almost 4 weeks now...no letters have gone in or out of the country at all. Or moved around inside. It is beginning to create a huge problem with rent and bills and stuff. It could get crazy if it continues. Huge inconvenience. Especially for missionaries.

-E. PORTER

June 20, 2011

A mission is full of ups and downs. Crazy ups and crazy downs. Satan is real, but so is the power of the Lord. The first part of the week was really tough. Spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally. The latter-days of the week were full of miracles and awesome finding situations. We found 4 new investigators this week, with quite a few set up for next week. We also have two baptisms scheduled to happen this coming Sunday. Our very hard work is paying off, and we're about to see some visible results.

We're teaching very close to our weekly goals of 20 lessons in all. We're achieving our goals for finding hours as well. Our tripanionship is working in unity as we're entering the final week of the transfer. We've only got another week together-there is no way our tripanionship will stay together. Elder Hancock is going somewhere else for sure, and nobody can guess what will happen with Elder Roberts and myself.  Here is my tan line from my watch.  Unfortunately, it will only get worse!

As I'm now PAST my 7 month mark, I am starting to become more and more comfortable in my role as a missionary. I can be asked just about any question and be able to "pull the gun" and answer anything just off the top of my head. As a young missionary I looked forward to the day when I could do the things I am doing right now. But now that I "know many of the answers", I understand missionary work (and life in general) on a whole new level. It is NOT about knowing all the answers, or being eloquent or quick or smart or cunning. Everything a real missionary does completely boils down to having spiritual power. A very real, almost tangible influence and power that flows straight from the divinity of the Godhead through yourself. If you don't have that you are nothing. If you have that, you have everything. Baptisms are handed to you as you are always trying to improve your skill set, as you are obedient, and as you truly purify yourself and work in diligence. Everything about using the power of your calling as a missionary comes down to having, using, and exercising the POWER you are blessed to be endowed with. In my farewell talk I mentioned a scripture in D&C43..."Sanctify yourself, and ye shall be endowed with power...” At that time, I thought I knew what it meant, I really didn't, but I thought I did. I feel like I understand now. I've been a witness of people who have sanctified themselves, and they have been endowed with the power the Godhead has trusted all of us with as we earn the right to use it.

There is always another step you can take. Life isn't entirely about jobs, or schooling, or random activities...it comes down to having spiritual power, and keeping the covenants you've made with God. Elder Ballard challenged us to rise to a new sense of competency and commitment as we understand the true significance of the Baptism, Priesthood, and Temple Covenants that we have entered into. The final line from an apostle of the Lord is...Take the next step, and you will be very, very blessed.

May we all have the strength to take another step in a proper direction. Myself as a missionary, and you, in whatever assignment you are currently serving in. It doesn't matter.

 

This coming Sunday, we have got 2 baptisms scheduled!

The first is a man named Damine. He is part Jamaican, but has lived in all his life as far as I can remember. He has always grown up with a Christian background, and has been investigating the church for over 6 months now. We looked at all the teaching records (nearly filling the 3rd now) and he has been visited nearly 40 times. Crazy. Long. Conversion. Some people it just takes longer. We're gone through all the lessons more than once with him, and we've been doing our best to help him recognize the spirit and truly see the spiritual growth that he has made since reading the Book of Mormon and since meeting with us and coming to church. It has been a long, long road, but a few weeks ago he committed to a baptismal date. He is finally feeling ready. The solution was not crazy complicated and cross-referenced lesson plans. It was simply coming to him home, and reading the Book of Mormon with him for 30 minutes. We've had some spiritual-powerhouse lessons from simply reading the Book of Mormon. It is the pure vehicle for the spirit to flow through, because it is the pure word of God. He is progressing continually and will be baptized next Sunday (according to plans.)

The second is an 11 year old girl named Annie. She is Haitian, and she came to Canada when the really bad earthquake hit her country a few years ago. Her life was shattered from the disaster, so she came to live with her aunt and uncles family who was at the time investigating the church (in Brampton). Her aunt and uncles family was baptized into our ward, but she was not because her mother was still in Haiti, and was an active member of another church. We went through the long process of teaching her with a Creole/French translator so she could understand. Her English is not well. We've gone through everything, and she's read most of a children's Book of Mormon. She has CRAZY amazing understanding of Christian doctrine and principles. She was active in her mother’s church growing up. The reason she wasn't baptized earlier was she needed permission from her mother. After many weeks of fasting and diplomatic reasoning, she has permission to be baptized, and her service will be held this coming Sunday.

Hopefully all goes as planned!

Next week should be an eventful week! I'll fill you in next Monday.

With much love,

-E. PORTER

June 13, 2011

This last Saturday we were able to be a part of a very special experience! The whole Canada Toronto West Mission and the whole Canada Toronto East Missions were joined for a day in a conference directed by the one and only Elder Ballard. Over 200 missionaries were in a single room! Simply walking through the crowd of missionaries you could feel something special and powerful. What a blessing to be a part of such a great work as this.

One of my personal highlights was that I was able to spend some time with Elder Tanner Wheadon from back home! He's been out about 3 months longer than I. He has been serving in the East mission. It was so strange, but so nice to see somebody from home right in the middle of my whole mission experience. Pretty crazy. He's the only person I've seen in 7 months that I knew previous to leaving home. Blast from the past. It is possible that we will get the chance to serve with one another once the missions combine this coming July. You never know, right?

Something interesting that I experienced was the joy of seeing past missionary companions and friends during this conference! As I look back over the past 7 months, it doesn't seem like it’s been all that long-but SO much has happened. I've done so much work, made so many changes in myself, and grown a lot. The joy of seeing missionaries I worked around in the past was so great! Every time you turned around you walked into somebody who you dearly miss and want to spend a few minutes with again simply remembering good times together. I realized how many amazing relationships I have made while I've been here, and how much they all truly do mean to me. It makes you think about what Heaven will be like! Rejoining with family and loved ones will be such a special time. Even seeing Elder Wheadon for the first time since high school...we weren't close friends. We knew each other and would say hello...but since we've both experienced a similar transformation that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we've both instituted that foundation into our lives, I can honest say that I love him and everybody I've ever known so incredibly much more than I did before I went through this experience. I can't wait for the time where I come home from my mission, and get to rebuild my relationships with others. The gospel brings so many blessings. We are so blessed to have this in our lives.

Besides the amazing reunions and instruction, and the baptism a week ago, things are in a bit of a rough patch still. The work has been slower than normal, and we're doing our best to get to the root of the problem instead of poking at the symptoms. It helps you remember that no matter how good or bad things are-there will always be opposition in everything.

We've still got a baptism of a man who has been investigating for much too long-his name is Damine. He is quite a character.  I've loved working with him and watching him progress to the point he is at now with having a desire to be baptized. His scheduled baptismal date is June 26.

The Indian family we've been seeing is moving very slowly-but still in a positive direction. Their baptismal date of June 26 will need to be moved back until we can help them have solid testimonies of Jesus Christ and of the Sabbath day.

I have loved the time I've spent as a missionary. We have 2 weeks left of this transfer, and some big changes will be happening in my life. My companion has been here for 7.5 months, which is much longer than normal. He's gone for sure. The TRIpanionship will almost for sure be split up. It will be very interesting and exciting to see what happens. You never know with President Brower and the Lord. They make quite a team.

Love,

E. PORTER

Note:  Here are some additional pictures Matt sent:
Baptism of 8 year old and 9 year old brothers.  The Bishop baptized them and Matt confirmed them.  They have been teaching their family.

Matt and his Sikh friends

Matt and companions with the Lau Family in the Heartlake Ward