Bounour a tous!
Sorry I am a bit late, but I had Zone Conference in Bordeaux yesterday! It was an awesome day, and I learned so much. We had a member of the Seventy come, and he had some really awesome insights that are going to make me such a better missionary.
We had a busy week, it all kindof seems like a blur to me. We taught our ami JP again, and he really liked everything that we had to say. He is such an honest, loving man. He came to our first ever english class that was just him and our eternal ami named J who is Jewish, but is married to a member. It was a lot of fun.
One of the highlights of my week was an exchange that I got to do with Elder Roberts, my MTC companion. A lot of it was unfortunately spent riding trains, but it was so good to catch up with him.
Other than that, it was just a lot of regular stuff. It was a good, productive week, and I am happy.
My little thought comes from Matthew chapter 6 verse 21 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also"
This came up in my studies, and it really hit me hard. It made me think about all of the things that I "treasure" in my life. A lot of them were really great things such as my Family, my mission, the gospel, friends, etc. But then I also kinda thought of some of the things that I treasure that maybe I shouldnt. One of these things for me is sleep. Oh how I love sleep. It is sometimes the best part of the day. But I came to the realization that when I treasure these kinds of things, that is where my heart is. And that is not where it needs to be. I want to invite you all to think of the "treasures" in your lives, and try to treasure the good things in life.
I love you all, and hope that all goes well.
Elder Duckworth
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Rabbits in a beret.....
Ok, first one is the old chapel literally next door to our apartment.
Second one is me holding baby rabbits in a beret......
Second one is me holding baby rabbits in a beret......
Temples are important
Bonjour mes amis!
It has been an amazing week here in Limoges!!!!
we had zone training on Thursday, and I got to see lot of my friends from the MTC there. I talked a lot with my good friends Elder Smith And Elder Roberts(my old companion) It was so good to see them and see how far everyone has come. Im in the same district as Elder Roberts, and we get to do an exchange this week i am sooo excited!
We had 5 whole lessons this week! Which has just about doubled my mission total. It has been great. We taught JP who I mêntioned earlier, and he took everything really well. We were teaching the Restoration, and when we got to the end, I challenged him to read and pray about the Book of Mormon, and when I did he got mad. I was really worried, but then he said it was because he already knew the truth of our message and didnt like the fact that I had doubted him :) It was a cool lesson.
Other than that, I really dont have all to much to report. But I have been really busy, and that makes me happy.
This week I learned about the importance of Temples. I was studying about the lives of the Pioneers. I came across a statistic that said that at a time there were something like 30000 members of the church in the United Kingdom, and about 10000 in the United States. That made me wonder why everyone had to leave. But then I came across the fact that it was because Utah was where the Temple was. And it kinda clicked after that. The temple is so important to God, that he would have his people go through such great lengths to receive its blessings.
Anyways, I love you all, and hope all is well.
Have a fantastic week
Elder Duckworth
It has been an amazing week here in Limoges!!!!
we had zone training on Thursday, and I got to see lot of my friends from the MTC there. I talked a lot with my good friends Elder Smith And Elder Roberts(my old companion) It was so good to see them and see how far everyone has come. Im in the same district as Elder Roberts, and we get to do an exchange this week i am sooo excited!
We had 5 whole lessons this week! Which has just about doubled my mission total. It has been great. We taught JP who I mêntioned earlier, and he took everything really well. We were teaching the Restoration, and when we got to the end, I challenged him to read and pray about the Book of Mormon, and when I did he got mad. I was really worried, but then he said it was because he already knew the truth of our message and didnt like the fact that I had doubted him :) It was a cool lesson.
Other than that, I really dont have all to much to report. But I have been really busy, and that makes me happy.
This week I learned about the importance of Temples. I was studying about the lives of the Pioneers. I came across a statistic that said that at a time there were something like 30000 members of the church in the United Kingdom, and about 10000 in the United States. That made me wonder why everyone had to leave. But then I came across the fact that it was because Utah was where the Temple was. And it kinda clicked after that. The temple is so important to God, that he would have his people go through such great lengths to receive its blessings.
Anyways, I love you all, and hope all is well.
Have a fantastic week
Elder Duckworth
Monday, March 10, 2014
Miracles
Bonjour!
I had an awesome first week here in the beautiful city of Limoges! We spent a lot of time this week here working with people in the ward here (we have an awesome ward here by the way). On Saturday the ward did an "international night" where everybody brought foods from where they are from. Needless to say I struggled with that being the picky eater that I am. Some people also did really cool presentations on the countries that they are from. A lady did a presentation on the Philippiens, and taught us how to sing a song in Tagolog. Our Relief Society president here is Tahitian, and had a group of Musicians come which was really cool. It was an awesome night, and what was even better, is that one of the less active members and one of our amis came!
Their names are M__ and J__ and they are both from the Congo. Apparently they had both kinda fallen off of the face of the planet for a while, and it was the first time in like over a month we had seen them. But they came, and even brought an African Dish called Saka Saka (It was sooo nice of them, but it straight up made me gag). The ward here was so good too, and immediately greeted them and made them feel welcome. They had a great time, and I got talking with M__ the Less active, and he kinda told me his story. It was so cool. He has been through some serious stuff in his life, especially with the wars that are going on in Africa. His story is awesome, and I dont have enough time to do it justice, but long story short he had a Joseph Smith-like story where he tried all of the christian churches, but none of them "convinced him :)". Then he knew of someone who was "Mormon", and was a colonel in the Army there. He was in a position of power that is normally very corrupted in his country, but this man did not abuse his power and take advantage of the people. Then he moved here to France, kinda stalked down our church, and was baptized in 2002! After I talked to him for a bit, HE invited US to his house this Wednesday (miracle) and his friend wanted to talk Sunday.
Fast forward to Sunday. It was a great Sunday. M__ came, participated and was immediately welcomed back by the members as if he had never left. J__ had to work, so he didnt come, but we worked something out kinda sorta where we would come pray at his house after church some time. After church, we tried passing some people, and it didn't really work out, and then we missed our bus, which are like every half hour here on Sundays. So we had to wait, and then finally we were able to make it over towards J__ house. As we were approaching the address, I look out the window and see J__, M__, and another friend walking down the street. I got really excited, and all I could get out was "....STOP". So we hurried and got off of the bus and went and talked to them. Its hard to explain, but I cant stress enough that if we were either a minute earlier or later we would have missed them (another miracle). They were kinda off guard but invited us into J__'s house. We talked for a bit, and met their other friend, a woman named N__. She was very curious about who the heck we were, and how they were friends with us. She was very impressed, and got really sparked when we told her that we are going to start an English class here soon. Then we had M__ share his story about how he met the church which was even better a second time around :). Then we did a quick presentation of the Book of Mormon/Restoration to their friend N__. She was kindof unsure about it, but then J__ (who we weren't sure if he had read) Pulls out his, and basically tells this woman that she needs to read it! (miracle miracle miracle). It was an awesome experience, and it showed me how much God is in control. Everything works out for a reason :)
This week, I've studied a lot about Jesus Christ. I have learned a lot, and I just want you guys to know that He loves you :). He did so much for us, and all he wants from us is to follow him. It has been amazing as I have really started to learn about him, and how much really went into the Atonement. I testify that he died for us, and through him, we are going to be able to live again! This good news makes me happy, and I get to share it with everybody! This Gospel is a Gospel of happiness, and I challenge you to find somebody this week, and make them happy :)
Love you all, have a great week
Elder Duckworth
I had an awesome first week here in the beautiful city of Limoges! We spent a lot of time this week here working with people in the ward here (we have an awesome ward here by the way). On Saturday the ward did an "international night" where everybody brought foods from where they are from. Needless to say I struggled with that being the picky eater that I am. Some people also did really cool presentations on the countries that they are from. A lady did a presentation on the Philippiens, and taught us how to sing a song in Tagolog. Our Relief Society president here is Tahitian, and had a group of Musicians come which was really cool. It was an awesome night, and what was even better, is that one of the less active members and one of our amis came!
Their names are M__ and J__ and they are both from the Congo. Apparently they had both kinda fallen off of the face of the planet for a while, and it was the first time in like over a month we had seen them. But they came, and even brought an African Dish called Saka Saka (It was sooo nice of them, but it straight up made me gag). The ward here was so good too, and immediately greeted them and made them feel welcome. They had a great time, and I got talking with M__ the Less active, and he kinda told me his story. It was so cool. He has been through some serious stuff in his life, especially with the wars that are going on in Africa. His story is awesome, and I dont have enough time to do it justice, but long story short he had a Joseph Smith-like story where he tried all of the christian churches, but none of them "convinced him :)". Then he knew of someone who was "Mormon", and was a colonel in the Army there. He was in a position of power that is normally very corrupted in his country, but this man did not abuse his power and take advantage of the people. Then he moved here to France, kinda stalked down our church, and was baptized in 2002! After I talked to him for a bit, HE invited US to his house this Wednesday (miracle) and his friend wanted to talk Sunday.
Fast forward to Sunday. It was a great Sunday. M__ came, participated and was immediately welcomed back by the members as if he had never left. J__ had to work, so he didnt come, but we worked something out kinda sorta where we would come pray at his house after church some time. After church, we tried passing some people, and it didn't really work out, and then we missed our bus, which are like every half hour here on Sundays. So we had to wait, and then finally we were able to make it over towards J__ house. As we were approaching the address, I look out the window and see J__, M__, and another friend walking down the street. I got really excited, and all I could get out was "....STOP". So we hurried and got off of the bus and went and talked to them. Its hard to explain, but I cant stress enough that if we were either a minute earlier or later we would have missed them (another miracle). They were kinda off guard but invited us into J__'s house. We talked for a bit, and met their other friend, a woman named N__. She was very curious about who the heck we were, and how they were friends with us. She was very impressed, and got really sparked when we told her that we are going to start an English class here soon. Then we had M__ share his story about how he met the church which was even better a second time around :). Then we did a quick presentation of the Book of Mormon/Restoration to their friend N__. She was kindof unsure about it, but then J__ (who we weren't sure if he had read) Pulls out his, and basically tells this woman that she needs to read it! (miracle miracle miracle). It was an awesome experience, and it showed me how much God is in control. Everything works out for a reason :)
This week, I've studied a lot about Jesus Christ. I have learned a lot, and I just want you guys to know that He loves you :). He did so much for us, and all he wants from us is to follow him. It has been amazing as I have really started to learn about him, and how much really went into the Atonement. I testify that he died for us, and through him, we are going to be able to live again! This good news makes me happy, and I get to share it with everybody! This Gospel is a Gospel of happiness, and I challenge you to find somebody this week, and make them happy :)
Love you all, have a great week
Elder Duckworth
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
First Transfer
Sorry, I dont have much time today. I spent all day yesterday riding trains!!!! yahoo!
I had a great last week in Annecy. We taught a lot, and served a lot. I felt very fulfilled in my work. I left Annecy feeling like i accomplished a lot. I was blessed with a great trainer, and an awesome branch that will always be considered family to me.
I got transferred to the beautiful town of Limoges! My new companion is named Elder Lehmitz, and I think we will do some serious wurk here!
I got to go, but love you all you are great!!!
Avec Amour
Elder Duckworth
Monday, March 3, 2014
Message for Jaysen's Talk
Jaysen was asked to speak a couple of weeks ago and to include how the gospel has changed his brothers life who is serving a mission. This was Kyle's response when asked.
"Hmmmm how the gospel has changed my life. I think since my short time here in France, I think the biggest thing is what it really means to have the restored gospel. Now that I am somewhere where lots of people haven't really heard about us, I get to see people's reactions to when we tell them things like there is a living prophet today, just like Moses, or how we have another book of scripture, that contains the fullness of the gospel of Christ. Its awesome to feel the spirit that is felt as I testify of the first vision, and how a humble 14 year old boy saw God and Jésus-Christ. I get to see the hope in people's eyes when we tell them that they can live with their families forever. The claims we make are bold, but they are true. I have grown immensly grateful for the knowledge of the restored gospel, and the peace it brings to my soul. And with this knowledge, comes a burning desire to share it with anyone who will listen. At times it is hard, but it is sooo worth it :)"
"Hmmmm how the gospel has changed my life. I think since my short time here in France, I think the biggest thing is what it really means to have the restored gospel. Now that I am somewhere where lots of people haven't really heard about us, I get to see people's reactions to when we tell them things like there is a living prophet today, just like Moses, or how we have another book of scripture, that contains the fullness of the gospel of Christ. Its awesome to feel the spirit that is felt as I testify of the first vision, and how a humble 14 year old boy saw God and Jésus-Christ. I get to see the hope in people's eyes when we tell them that they can live with their families forever. The claims we make are bold, but they are true. I have grown immensly grateful for the knowledge of the restored gospel, and the peace it brings to my soul. And with this knowledge, comes a burning desire to share it with anyone who will listen. At times it is hard, but it is sooo worth it :)"
Missionary March Message
Missionary life is really awesome. We follow the normal schedule, so lots of studies in the morning. Then we get to fill the rest of the day however we want. We try to teach as much as possible. Whether that is through people we have found through our contacting efforts, less active members, or active families, Everybody needs to hear the beautiful message of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. When we dont have people to teach, we are looking for people to teach. We try to talk to everybody we come in contact with on the street, as well as we do the whole door to door thing. It can be hard at times, and it's definately not easy to talk to strangers. I am by nature a kind of shy person, and fear rejection from others. But I can tell you that I love being a missionary, and that includes doing door to door and street contacting! And that is thanks to the spirit. I feel the spirit the strongest as I am out giving all of my effort to try and bring others closer to Christ. We also get to do service a lot, which I love. It is one of the best ways to introduce people to the church. When people see us living what we teach, they become interested in what we have to say. We teach English class every thursday at the church, and we also volunteer at the French Equivelant of DI every week. There is never a dull moment. I cant even begin to tell you how much I laugh every day. This gospel is a gospel of happiness. I seriously love being a missionary, and even though it gets hard at times, I would not trade it for anything in the whole world... not even a Jetpack.
Now as for what you could do to prepare for a mission, there are a zillion different things that I could tell you, but you will probably forget everything, so I narrowed it down a bit. The first thing is to read Preach my Gospel. I know that it's not very original, and youve heard it a thousand times, but its true. It was written by inspired men of God, and it is basically the guidebook to be a perfect missionary. The other thing that I feel is important, is to just strengthen your testimony as much as possible. Your testimony is the most powerfull thing a missionary can use. I have talked to people who think that they have everything figured out, and that they don't need God in their lives. And they use modern day "facts" to try and disprove what I know to be true. But as I bear testimony, the spirit comes, and there is no arguing with that. So I guess I just invite you to continue what you're doing. Stay active in the church, go to seminary, participate in youth activities, you know the list. It sounds simple, but if you arrive at your mission already having a firm testimony, there is seriously nothing that can stop you.
Now as for what you could do to prepare for a mission, there are a zillion different things that I could tell you, but you will probably forget everything, so I narrowed it down a bit. The first thing is to read Preach my Gospel. I know that it's not very original, and youve heard it a thousand times, but its true. It was written by inspired men of God, and it is basically the guidebook to be a perfect missionary. The other thing that I feel is important, is to just strengthen your testimony as much as possible. Your testimony is the most powerfull thing a missionary can use. I have talked to people who think that they have everything figured out, and that they don't need God in their lives. And they use modern day "facts" to try and disprove what I know to be true. But as I bear testimony, the spirit comes, and there is no arguing with that. So I guess I just invite you to continue what you're doing. Stay active in the church, go to seminary, participate in youth activities, you know the list. It sounds simple, but if you arrive at your mission already having a firm testimony, there is seriously nothing that can stop you.
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